2014-15 Region 8 Boys’ Basketball Preview

 

by: Colonel Mike

 

In the nine seasons since the KHSAA re-districted the state’s sixteen basketball regions, Oldham County and Shelby County have been the most successful of the seventeen 8th Region teams, with both schools winning three region titles during that time span. If the coaches are right, one of those two schools – the two winningest programs in 8th Region history – will pull off the feat again next March.

 

The Colonels and the Rockets have been the region’s premier programs for a long time. Since Oldham County won the first of its 15 titles in 1954, the Colonels and Rockets (17 titles) have won 32 of the last 61 championships. And the two programs have been consistent contenders over the decades, combining to win between 3 and 8 titles in every decade from the 1960s to today.

 

Although there is a strong consensus that those two programs are the favorites this year, though, it appears that this year’s race to hoist the trophy in New Castle will be pretty wide-open, as Simon Kenton, Grant County, Owen County, Collins, and two-time defending champion South Oldham all enter the season with reasonable expectations of challenging.

 

It all should lead to an exciting region tournament, as – if the pre-season predictions are right – the top seven teams are distributed across the four districts, meaning all seven could make the region tourney.

 

All have questions to answer before we meet at Henry County HS….

 

1. Oldham County Colonels (last year: 23-7, District 29 champs, lost in 8th region semi-finals to Simon Kenton) - There’s a lot to like about Oldham County. Under first-year coach Coy Zerhusen last year, the Colonels finished the regular season strong, winning 10 of 11, then swept to the 29th District crown, upending South Oldham in the title game. But tournament injuries hit the Colonels hard, contributing heavily to a three-point loss to Simon Kenton in the semis of the region. The team looks poised to make another run at the region, though, as three starters return, and seven of the top nine players, including most of Oldham’s point production in 2013-14. Returning starters include senior guards Hayden Hawes (6-0 senior, 11.6 ppg) and Conner Hicks (6-2 senior, 11.5 ppg). Both can shoot the three (Hawes 37%) and are capable ball-handlers; both have also served as Oldham’s point guard at some point over the past two years, giving the Colonels depth at that position. On the front line are two versatile forwards in 6-4 junior Jacob Bates (6.3 ppg) and 6-2 junior Griffin McClarty (4 ppg). Both are mobile and have a nice touch on the offensive end of the court; Bates hit 53.7% of his shots last year. Both started last year on the bench; McClarty ended the season as a starter. Oldham will also bring three seasoned vets off the bench in 6-0 senior guard Darrius Taylor, 5-10 junior guard, Clayton Wirth, and 6-1 senior forward Kyle Eldridge. Zerhusen’s team pushed the tempo last year, finishing third in the region in points scored per game at 66.3 ppg. Expect much the same this year, as well as an aggressive, pressing defense that held opponents to just 58.4 ppg last season. Although perimeter shooting is not the Colonels’ forte, Oldham shoots the ball well enough from the outside to open up the lane for Hawes and Hicks to penetrate. Both are excellent finishers in the lane, passers, and free throw shooters. If the Colonels are to win their third title in five years, though, they will have to be able to overcome the significant size advantages that Shelby County and Simon Kenton, in particular, will have. If they can do that, and avoid key injuries, the Colonels just might be back in Rupp Arena. Early season games against sixth region power DeSales, 8th region contenders Grant County and South Oldham, and former 8th Region rival Scott County will tell much about Oldham.

 

2. Shelby County Rockets (last year 16-15, District 30 champs, lost round 1 of the 8th Region tournament to Simon Kenton) Don’t let the Rockets’ record deceive. Shelby started the 2013-14 campaign by losing eight straight; when New Year’s 2014 arrived, they were just 2-10. Jason Couch’s team was playing a brutal schedule, though, and didn’t have leading scorer James Gordon in five of those games. When 2014 arrived, the Rockets took off, going 14-5 the rest of the way before losing to Simon Kenton in the first round of the 8th Region tournament. Don’t expect a similar slow start in 2014-15; the Rockets graduated just two seniors – only one starter – and return a wealth of size, speed, and experience. 6-5 junior James Gordon led the Rockets in scoring (12.9 ppg), rebounding, and blocked shots last year, and is a big, strong inside presence who hasn’t yet reached his full potential. 5-9 junior sparkplug Malik Manica (8.4 ppg) seems to be everywhere at once on both ends of the floor; his speed and passing skills create defensive nightmares. Keenan Cochran (6-3 senior, 9.4 ppg) and Kyler Dugle (5-11 senior, 9.3 ppg) are both capable scorers that came into their own last season and who make it impossible to key on Gordon. Last year’s sixth man, Kemar Mason (6-3 senior, 4.9 ppg), adds size and athleticism and may be this season’s breakout player in the region. Senior guards Jacob Gowin and Zander Weeks provide depth and experience. Shelby looks like a team that has the personnel to play different ways – uptempo like Oldham County, or “big” like Simon Kenton. If the Rockets can avoid foul trouble and hit enough outside shots to open up the inside for their bigs, then they can make a serious run at their 18th title. A big concern: Manica is out until probably February with a knee injury. Without him at 100%, the Rockets’ hopes take a big hit.

 

3. Grant County (15-14, district 32 champs; lost round 1 of the 8th Region to Collins) Grant County last won the 8th region in 1979, but this might be the year the Braves make another serious run. Brandon Grammer’s first Grant County squad last year won 15 games and captured the school’s first district title in 11 seasons, upsetting Simon Kenton in the finals. Led by 10 seniors, this year’s squad has the size, shooting ability, and experience to contend, led by Seth Adkins, a 6-2 senior guard who averaged 12 ppg and 5 rebounds in 2013-14. Adkins is joined by three other returning starters from last season, including Jordan Saylor, a 6-4 senior forward who is a matchup problem on the outside, where he hit nearly 43% of his threes last year en route to 9 ppg and 6 rebounds. Austin Johnson is a well-rounded senior guard who averaged 8 ppg, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in 2013-14. Rounding out the returning starters is 6-5 senior forward Austin Schneider. Grammer’s squad is quickly earning a reputation as a hard-nosed team with an uptempo style of play. In addition, their height should cause offensive and defensive headaches for their opponents. The Braves should be a decent shooting team, including from long range, and they will likely be one of the region’s better free throw shooting squads. Expect Grant to continue to be one of the region’s top scoring units (65.9 ppg in 2013-14); the defense will have to improve, though, after surrendering 66.7 ppg (15th in region 8) last year.

 

4. Simon Kenton (15-14 district 32 runner-ups; lost region 8 finals to South Oldham)– In an informal poll of region 8 coaches, Simon Kenton was one of only two region teams ranked in the top 5 on every ballot (Oldham County was the other). Despite a disappointing record, overall, last year, the Pioneers went 11-3 against 8th Region competition and hit their stride late, advancing all the way to the region finals for the third time since joining the 8th region in the 2005-6 season. Trent Steiner perhaps put together one of his best coaching jobs as the Pioneers held off Shelby County in the first round and then upset Oldham County in round two before losing in the finals to South Oldham in overtime. A lot of talent is gone via graduation: Gone is star swingman Taylor Morrison (20 ppg), talented shooter Alex Childers (8 ppg; 49% three point field goals), and shot-blocker Brenan Kuntz (7 ppg / 4 blocks per game). Morrison and Childers were simply two of the best outside shooters in the 8th Region. The Pioneers, however, return a talented floor general in Noah Robinson (10 ppg / 4 assists) and perhaps the most powerful big men in the region. Matt Mullins is poised to average a double-double this year after registering 8 ppg and 7 rebounds in 2013-14. And Grant Vercheak has the potential to take over games on the inside. Senior guard Jaeger Pracht joins Mullins and Robinson as one of three returning starters. Despite the size and experience, SK has some question marks. Who will step up as a perimeter shooter? Can the Pioneers avoid the fouls and turnovers that frequently plagued the squad last year? And can the team extend its success in District 32 to the rest of the region? (SK is 65-7 against District 32 competition since joining the 8th region in the 2005-6 season, but just 20-21 against the rest of the region 8 teams). A frequent bridesmaid, the Pioneers hope to take the next step this year.

 

5. Collins (last year; 25-5, district 30 runner-ups; lost 8th Region semi-finals to South Oldham) Collins was all but handed the 8th region title last season during the pre-season predictions. And the Titans did nothing to discourage their fans, racing through the season with the best record in the region, and winning 12 of their last 13 regular season games. Led by Ralphie Stone (18.9 ppg / 6.8 rebounds), the Titans appeared a sure-thing. But the Titans fell in the district finals to Shelby County, struggled in overtime to get by Grant County in the first round of the 8th region tourney, then lost to eventual champion South Oldham in overtime in the semi-finals. This year’s Titans squad will build around senior point guard Brent Kidwell (11.1 ppg) and senior guard Deion Cochran (8.5 ppg). Kidwell is a veteran, savvy floor general who is equally adept at distributing the ball and scoring with it. Cochran – who averaged 14 ppg in the Titans’ two region tourney games last year – is a dynamic player who is capable of taking games over. The Titans’ two best outside shooters last year, Kidwell hit 39% of his threes and Cochran 42.1%. Mark Sorrells is a senior who started 6 games last year for the Titans; he will be called upon for leadership and more offensive contributions this year. As the Titans look for players who can contribute on the offensive end of the floor, it will be important for them to continue the defensive play that made them the top scoring defense in the region last year, giving up just 50.4 ppg. Collins’ ability to challenge the top teams will depend upon the coaching staff’s ability to get contributions from other, as-yet unproven players.

 

6. Owen County (last season: 18-10, district 31 champs; lost round 1 of the 8th Region tournament to South Oldham) – The Rebels have the consensus 8th Region pre-season player-of-the-year in junior forward Carson Williams, and he led them to the district 31 crown last year while averaging 24 ppg, grabbing 13.8 rebounds, and hitting over 70% of his shots from the floor. Williams – who reached 1,000 career points last year - is surrounded by role players, but all are capable scorers. Nolan Tackett, a sophomore forward (4.5 ppg in 2014-15) and Vince Toftness (4.0 ppg, 43.8% three point %), a junior guard will both be looked upon for more offensive production this year. Head coach Devin Duvall is in his 9th season in Owenton, and the Rebels have taken off under his tutelage: under his leadership, the Rebels have won four district crowns and finished as runner-up twice. Duvall’s 2011-12 and 2012-13 teams both won over 20 games, the first time Owen County had posted back-to-back 20-win seasons. Depth is a concern in 2014-15; more than any other team in the top six, Owen County cannot afford an injury to their star.

 

7. South Oldham (last season: 22-5, district 31 runner-ups; 8th region champions) – Steve Simpson is one of the region’s longest-running coaches at his school, starting his 15th season at South. Along the way, his Dragons have won the past two region 8 titles, along with three district titles, and recorded the four best records in South Oldham history. Four of the last five South teams have won 20 or more games – and the fifth won nineteen games. Last year’s squad, despite losing six seniors from the previous team, showed veteran moxie in the region tournament, winning three games by a combined 11 points, including an overtime win over favored Collins. This year, the Dragons will have to overcome the loss of nine players to graduation, including the entire starting five and nearly all the offensive point production and rebounding. Key returning players are guards Isaac Fields (3.8 ppg) and Grant Williams. Look for Simpson to maintain his philosophy of uptempo basketball, with a lot of threes going up. Last year’s team threw up 656. Both Fields and Williams, as well as promising point guard Joe Griffin, are adept outside shooters. Last year, South averaged a whopping 75.3 ppg, best in the region. Defensively, South will try to atone for its lack of size with a myriad of half-court and full-court defenses.

 

8. North Oldham (last year: 11-17, lost in the first round of the 29th district tourney) – First year coach Rob Burton is already attracting a lot of new faces to the Mustang program, but it’s unclear as to how quickly the new players can turn around a program that struggled through injuries trying to find its identity last year. Dealing with several injuries and an anemic offense that averaged just 58.6 ppg last year, the Mustangs ended the 2013-14 season by losing 9 of their last 12 games, including a round 1 defeat in the district tournament to Oldham County. Last year’s leading scorer, senior guard Jon Jon Henry (15.4 ppg), returns to lead the Mustangs, along with sometime-starters Taylor Heckenberg and Chris Burton, both senior guards. 6-3 junior forward Seth Hagan and 6-1 sophomore swingman Zach Wheeler, mainstays of last year’s JV squad, will be counted on heavily, but it may be two newcomers who have the capacity to make the most impact on the Mustangs’ fortune. Sophomore guard Jalen Henry – Jon Jon’s younger brother – is a high-octane dynamo with an incredibly quick first step, a strong move to the basket, and a deft touch with the basketball. He’s a special – though unpolished – talent, and will likely be one of the Mustangs’ top scorers. 6-5 senior Travis Brown gives the Mustangs a key element that was missing last year – a powerful inside player who’s energetic on the glass. Last year’s Mustangs averaged just 22.7 rebounds per game; though raw, Brown looks to have the talent to be a double-double threat every game this year. Burton’s choice of rotation will be interesting; North’s depth and experience is at guard, but the Mustangs do feature four players on the varsity roster from 6-5 to 6-9.

 

9. Anderson County (last year: 13-9, lost in District 30 tourney) - Anderson County’s Glen Drury is the “dean” of 8th Region coaches, and his long tenure in Lawrenceburg has yielded some truly great teams, including the 2009 region champs. This year, though, Drury will have to work some tremendous magic to get the Bearcats to the top – or even to the region tourney. To get to New Castle, Anderson will have to knock off either #2 Shelby County or #5 Collins and that just seems unlikely. Austin Cummins, a 5-11 senior guard, will lead this group, but he’s the only returning starter from last year’s unit. Cummins is undeniably one of the best pure shooters in the 8th region, but he’s streaky. Drury will have to find other offensive contributors or Cummins is sure to find his path to the basket obscured by multiple defenders. Senior Josh Brown or junior Dillon Harper both are potential candidates, but both will need to find consistency. Over the years, Drury’s teams have excelled at defense, and that will likely need to be the case for this team to advance far. Without many offensive weapons, and featuring a lineup that is exceedingly short – nobody taller than 6-2 – the Bearcats will need to be determined, disciplined, and defensive to make it out of the 30th district.

 

10. Trimble County (last year: 11-15, lost round 1 of District 29 tourney) – Coach Johnny Leep is in his fourth season in Bedford, and has perhaps one of his better teams, with four returning starters. All four have the ability to score, led by 6-5 junior Michael Dunaway, who averaged a double-double last year (17 ppg / 10 rpg). Seniors Evan Long (14 ppg) and Dusty Wyssbrod (10.1 ppg) add scoring punch, and junior Josh Rexroat (8 ppg / 6.5 rpg) adds size at 6-4. Unlike past seasons, Trimble looks to be a bit more balanced this year, after relying heavily on the three point shot in the past. A good free throw shooting team at over 70%, the Raiders are more than capable of winning close games late.

 

11. Gallatin County (last year: 15-12, lost in the district 31 tournament) – Head coach Jon Jones is a veteran, heading into his 21st season at the Warsaw school where he is also the principal. Gallatin lost eight seniors to graduation but returns three starters from a team that struggled through injuries in 2013-14. Junior point guard Koby Carlton (8 ppg) returns at guard after an injury-riddled campaign last year, as does Kaleb Beckham (14 ppg) and Mason Wilson (5 ppg). Sophomore Noah McCubbin gives the Wildcats some size on the inside at 6-6. Jones expects the Wildcats to struggle early, but contend for a spot in the region tournament late. With a lot of sophomores expected to see playing time, Gallatin County’s record come tournament time may not reflect the team’s talent.

 

 

12. Henry County (last year: 20-11, lost in the first round of the 8th region tournament to Oldham County) – Henry County graduated eight seniors last season, which included all of their offense. Still, the Wildcats may simply be a work in progress. Enoch Welch, in his fourth season, has a solid Junior Varsity group of athletes coming up, and – like Gallatin County – the Wildcats may be a contender for a region berth at the end of the season. February – with games against contenders Grant County, Shelby County, and Simon Kenton – will tell a lot.

 

13. Spencer County (last year: 8-20, lost in first round of district 30 tourney) – Jason Burns starts his second year in Taylorsville after assisting Steve Simpson at South Oldham the previous four years. After working with an inexperienced Bear squad last year, he looks to have dramatic improvement this year, starting with John Smith, a 6-6 senior forward (8 ppg / 6 rpg) starting for the third straight season. Look for a balanced offense, with John Smith joined by Kynan Smith (8.6 ppg), one of the most athletic dunkers in the region, and Blake Lambdin (8.6 ppg). Overall, the Bears are a small team, but Burns feels that he has more depth this year and will seek to accelerate the pace of every game. Pressing, creating turnovers, and wearing down the other team will be crucial.

 

14. Walton-Verona (las41t1 year: 4-20, lost round 1 of the district 32 tournament) – The Bearcats lost 8 games last season after leading at the half. This year, the team returns four starters, led by Kyle Kinmon (12 ppg) and Zachary Townsend (11 ppg). Elliott Brooke provides size in the middle at 6-7, and the Cats will go 8-9 deep.

 

15. Eminence (last year: 7-21, lost in district 31 tournament) – This will be one of the deepest teams Chris Nethery has had at Eminence, but it will also be one of the shortest, with just one player over 6-2. Demarcus Bailey returns after averaging 9 ppg and 6 rebounds in 2013-14, along with Trevor Payton, a senior shooting guard (6 ppg). The Warriors will use their depth to push the tempo, and will utilize constantly switching defenses to confuse opponents.

 

16. Carroll County (Last year: 14-14, lost in the first round of district 31 tournament) – Carroll County largely beat the teams they should beat, and lost to the ones they should lose to, in a break-even 2013-14 campaign. The overwhelming bulk of the Carroll County offense is gone to graduation, though, leaving junior guard Isaiah Hogan (8.9 ppg) to lead the way in 2014-15. Hogan, who hit over 42% of his threes and 73% of his free throws, needs to find some offensive support for the Panthers to be successful.

 

17. Williamstown (last year: 10-20, lost in round 1 of the district 32 tourney) – The Demons’ 10 wins last year was the most for the program in six seasons, but gone is star David Jump, who averaged 28 ppg and is now playing for St. Catherine College. Also gone is leading rebounder Chaz Jordan and point guard J. J. Fernandez. The team will have to gain experience quickly; 14 of 18 roster spots are held by freshmen or sophomores. Rebounding will be a challenge; the team’s average height is just 5-8.

 

Top 10 Players (not in any particular order):

 

Carson Williams, Owen County – mobile big man with good shooting touch and strong rebounder. Nobody like him in the region. And he’s just a junior. Best player in the region, period.

 

Jordan Saylor, Grant County – matchup problem for perimeter players at 6’4”; shoots the three extremely well.

Malik Manica, Shelby County – this guy’s motor is going full-bore all the time. He’s always around the ball on defense, a dangerous penetrator on offense, and – despite his diminutive size – is unafraid to wade into the paint with the big boys and battle for loose balls. When he’s on the floor, everyone’s pulse quickens.

 

“Jon Jon” Henry, North Oldham – probably the best player you’ve never heard of, since North has missed the region 8 tournament for the last couple of years. Tremendous ball-handler and passer who is probably one of the top in the region at penetrating the defense and finishing at the rim. Can also hit the three.

 

James Gordon, Shelby County – One of the region’s best interior players. Big and strong. Scary part: He may not yet know how good he is. Has the ability to dominate the paint.

 

Brent Kidwell, Collins – savvy veteran who doesn’t make many mistakes. You can tell he’s the son of a former coach. Kidwell can do whatever his team needs – distribute the ball to others or shoot it himself.

 

Hayden Hawes, Oldham County – Human dynamo at both ends of the court, Hawes is especially dangerous with the ball in his hands. He is especially good at penetrating and dishing, but is a good jump shooter and also finishes strong at the basket, even against larger defenders. Excellent free throw shooter, he gets a lot of three-point play opportunities.

 

Deion Cochran, Collins – solid inside-outside player who should score a lot of points this year for the Titans.

 

Austin Cummins, Anderson County – Arguably one of the two or three best shooters in the region. Streaky shooter, when he’ “off”, he’s “off”, but perhaps the most likely player in the region other than Carson Williams to score 40 or more on any given night.

 

Michael Dunaway, Trimble County – blue-collar player does whatever is his team needs; averaged a double-double as a junior.

I believe Collins is a lot better than Shelby is at this time. I watched both scrimmage Jtown. Collins has more depth & experience with Brent running the show. Shelby has Gordon playing out of position at point guard because no one else seems to control the rock.

Splitting hairs here, but in the preview it states Anderson has no one in the lineup over 6'2. Pretty sure Dillon Harper is a good 6'4...or I have shrunk quite a bit in my old age. Good write up though. This is a region where the favorite right now could easily end up 5th or 6th before it all over with, and the 5th or 6th preseason favorite could win it. Nothing would surprise me.

Good stuff Mike. Thanks for that!

Splitting hairs here, but in the preview it states Anderson has no one in the lineup over 6'2. Pretty sure Dillon Harper is a good 6'4...or I have shrunk quite a bit in my old age. Good write up though. This is a region where the favorite right now could easily end up 5th or 6th before it all over with, and the 5th or 6th preseason favorite could win it. Nothing would surprise me.

You may be right, BigV. BGP needed me to write this up on short notice and - although I was able to get info from nearly all the coaches - a few did not respond in the time period allowed, including Glenn Drury at AC. I got my Anderson info, though, from one of the best sources I know of in the region, Anderson County News Sports Editor John Herndon. He was the one who told me nobody was over 6'2". And you are VERY right about 1 finishing 5th or vice-versa. Region isn't at its best, but it'll be very competitive and a lot of fun come region tourney time.

I believe Collins is a lot better than Shelby is at this time. I watched both scrimmage Jtown. Collins has more depth & experience with Brent running the show. Shelby has Gordon playing out of position at point guard because no one else seems to control the rock.

 

I think you are 100% right. I flipped a lot of coins arranging the top five...LOL...seriously, I think Collins is much better right now. But I wrote my preview with the idea of how I thought they would finish, not where I thought they were right now. If Manica returns in February as Shelby hopes, that changes everything. On the other hand, if Manica doesn't return, Shelby drops several spots.

Interesting developments already in week 1...

Interesting developments already in week 1...

 

Such as?

Such as?

 

Kobe Carlton at Gallatin County out for the season.

Kobe Carlton at Gallatin County out for the season.

 

Oldham County looked very good in all three wins. Many players contributing to the victories!