Really nice write-up.

 

Only differemce of opinion on the team rankings is that I think East will fare better than that. And with the decision on Dow, I'd still leave Mercer in 5th because there are so many unknowns. Their talent is as good as anyone in the region. But they have a new coach; Dow is new; and Davis is back after a 2 year hiatus. He's the one kid no one is talking about. Started for them as an 8th grader. It's like Mercer got 2 significant transfers - just that there's one that no one knows about. It will be interesting to see what this team looks like come February.

 

On the players, I think Bell and Dow are the obvious unknowns. I'd move Conway up a spot ahead of Blevins. Otherwise, looks pretty good!

Just kind of curious how KHSAA ruled Dow eligible?? Hated it for the kid that he was ruled ineligible but why was it reversed

I'd put Dow about 6-7 I think. Should be hearing some news out of Casey County soon, too.

Just kind of curious how KHSAA ruled Dow eligible?? Hated it for the kid that he was ruled ineligible but why was it reversed

 

I would guess he was cleared to play by a court injunction and not by the KHSAA

Just kind of curious how KHSAA ruled Dow eligible?? Hated it for the kid that he was ruled ineligible but why was it reversed

 

IF it was appealed then additional evidence would have been brought forward for khsaa to review.

Malik Dow won the appeal. It never went to court.

This is going to be a really exciting year to watch 12th Region basketball!

 

1. Wayne County Cardinals

 

Rodney Woods is a name known all around the state when talking Kentucky high school basketball. He has won nine region titles and has been a state runner-up while coaching at Wayne County. This year’s team looks to be one of his best as Wayne County returns four starters on a team that went 31-1 last year and will be led by his son, senior Peyton Woods. Peyton was a scoring machine last year as he averaged 24.9 points a game and racked up 798 total points. The Cardinals also return junior point guard Trey Blevins. He is considered the heart and soul of this Cardinal team and averaged 18.2 points per game last season. Junior Corey Stearns is the 3rd piece of the Cardinal triad averaging 17.7 points per game. Look for senior Logan Gardner and junior Nick Gillespie to round out the starting five. The Cardinal bench is not deep but that has never been a problem for Coach Woods since he usually only goes six deep on any given night. Even though they look to have little depth, that will not stop them from running an up tempo offense that averaged 88.0 points per game last season. Is this once again the Cardinals year to play in Rupp Arena? Only time will tell. But, all other 12th Region teams know the road to Rupp will run through Wayne County.

 

The Cats Pause yearbook said some of guys from Wayne Co had decided to focus on other sports. Gardner is not listed on the KHSAA roster for Wayne Co. Is there any chance he isn't playing?

If not, they might be even thinner than last year.

 

I would think Baker might grab a spot in the rotation but I don't know if there are any others who could step in for them.

The Cats Pause yearbook said some of guys from Wayne Co had decided to focus on other sports. Gardner is not listed on the KHSAA roster for Wayne Co. Is there any chance he isn't playing?

If not, they might be even thinner than last year.

 

I would think Baker might grab a spot in the rotation but I don't know if there are any others who could step in for them.

 

Logan Gardner is on the roster on the KHSAA Scoreboard.

 

 

Scoreboard

I was told Gardner is not playing basketball this year.

Gardner is playing......unless he has changed his mind in a few short days.

Logan Gardner is on the roster on the KHSAA Scoreboard.

 

 

Scoreboard

 

He isn't on the one I got to through the KHSAA website, nor is Carson Staples. The one you linked also doesn't have classes for the players. Not sure what the source difference is.

 

Any idea who the players are that are focusing on other sports?

Malik Dow won the appeal. It never went to court.

I thought his appeal was denied a few weeks ago?? Glad the kid was cleared to play. If Davis actually does play this year along with Dow and the best player nobody talks about Mr And 1 Will Hager then Mercer will be very competitive in 12th region. Going to be a crazy year in the 12th. Vacation days at work are going to be used up before April!!!

I thought his appeal was denied a few weeks ago?? Glad the kid was cleared to play. If Davis actually does play this year along with Dow and the best player nobody talks about Mr And 1 Will Hager then Mercer will be very competitive in 12th region. Going to be a crazy year in the 12th. Vacation days at work are going to be used up before April!!!

 

A few weeks ago he was ruled ineligible and then that ruling was appealed. The way I understand it when a kid transfers there is an initial ruling of eligible or ineligible and Malik was initially ruled ineligible and then upon appeal he was granted eligibility.

 

Had the appeal been denied they would have ended up in court.

 

I'm glad he was cleared as well. It's been a long stressful journey for all of them.

I'm following a release of the top 25 teams in the state. Yesterday, the entity posted their "first 5 out." In other words, those just missing the top 25. One of those teams was Mercer, coming in a spot above Perry County Central. This obviously took into account the fact that Dow is now eligible.

 

I'm anxious to see the actual top 25 as it's rolled out. I'm confident Wayne, Boyle, Lincoln and Southwest will all make it - and I'm guessing in that order. Before it's all said and done, the 12th will have 5 teams in the top 25; perhaps even in the top 20.

 

Can't wait!