article 2015 10th Region Tournament Preview

[Randy Parker]

2015 10th Region Region Tournament Preview

 

Mason County's historic Fieldhouse is again the site for the 10th Region Tournament. Aric Russell's Campbell County Camels claimed last year's crown and could very well cut the nets again, but judging by regular season standards, the favorite is host Mason County.The Royals largely plowed through the 10th Region from the season's outset until now, earning 15 wins and a big fat zilch in the loss department. Paris and Pendleton County enter as the most surprising District champions out of the 40th and 38th Districts, respectively. Harrison County has experienced some semblance of success in the last two tournaments, while Scott is in the field for the 9th time in 10 years. Augusta overcame tremendous adversity to reach this point, and Nick Sosby's Bourbon County squad is this year's most surprising team with a single digit win total (9). The 10th Region has been full of surprises thus far in the post season, so get your tickets, munch on a bag or two or eleventy billion of Fieldhouse popcorn, and enjoy the show.

 

The Pairings

 

Wednesday, March 4th (6:00 pm) - Campbell County vs. Bourbon County

Wednesday, March 4th (7:30 pm) - Pendleton County vs. Augusta

 

Thursday, March 5th (6:00 pm) - Mason County vs. Harrison County

Thursday, March 5th (7:30 pm)​ - Paris vs. Scott

 

Monday, March 9th (6:00 pm) - Semi-Final #1

Monday, March 9th (7:30 pm) - Semi-Final #2

 

Tuesday, March 10th (7:00 pm)​ - Championship Game

 

​The Teams

 

Campbell County Camels

Head Coach: Aric Russell

Record: 22-9 (37th District Champions)

Probable Starters: Trent McGovney - 5'11" Jr./ Blake Losey - 6'0 Sr./ Matt Wilson - 6'9" Jr./ Deondre Jackson - 6'2" Sr./ Jake Franzen - 6'2" Sr.

The defending 10th Region champions ran roughshod over the 37th District last week, overpowering Bishop Brossart in the semifinals before demolishing Scott in the championship game. Big man Matt Wilson seems to be healthy now after having missed 6 games with an ankle sprain. Wilson averages a double-double of 14.5 ppg & 10.8 rpg. Deondre Jackson, a 6'2" senior, leads the team in scoring at 17.2 ppg. The Kentucky State commit is smooth on the offensive end, gifted on the perimeter and in driving to the basket. Blake Losey, a 6'0 senior, scores 12.7 ppg and the guard came on strong in the second half of the season. Junior guard Trent McGovney runs the point for the Camels and brings a gritty style of play, the importance of which cannot always be measured by statistics. If Campbell can continue the strong play it generated in the District, they are a serious threat to repeat.

 

Bourbon County Colonels

Head Coach: Nick Sosby

Record: 9-19 (40th District Runner-Up)

Probable Starters: Landon Sexton - 5'11" Sr./ Ameryon Blackburn - 5'11" Soph./ Billy Orcutt - 6'5" Jr./ Austin Jones - 6'2" Sr./Stephon Williams - 6'0 Sr.

 

The Colonels have won the fewest games of any teams in the tourney field, and they stunned everyone with their upset of #1 seed Montgomery County in the 40th District semifinals. The upset and eventual runner-up finish earned the program its first 10th Region Tournament appearance since 2005. Nick Sosby's squad is led by 5'11" senior guard Landon Sexton, who averaged 17.5 ppg in the District Tournament and 15 ppg for the year. Sophomore guard Ameryon Blackburn is second on the team in scoring at 10.3 ppg and one other guard, senior Michael Baker, comes off the bench to average just under double figures at 9.2 ppg. Bourbon County likes to shoot the trey, having hit just under 200 3's on the season. Whether Sosby's kids have another upset in them remains to be seen, but either way, the club has successfully surpassed expectations.

 

Pendleton County Wildcats

Head Coach: Keaton Belcher

Record: 14-16 (38th District Champions)

Probable Starters: Hunter Wood - 5'9" Jr./ Michael Antrobus - 6'0 Soph./ Hunter Lea - 6'3" Sr./ Dontaie Allen - 6'2" 8th./ Wade Browning - 6'1" Jr.

 

The Wildcats have relied on the 3-ball all season long, and it was no different in last Friday's District championship game, as Keaton Belcher's team drained a whopping 16 treys in a thrilling win over rival Harrison County. Sophomore guard Michael Antrobus is the team's top shooter and scorer, having hit a school record 86 3's this year while averaging 16 ppg. 8th grader Dontaie Allen (13.8 ppg) returned from injury just in time for the District Tournament and scored 34 points in the semifinals. Senior center Hunter Lea has been a solid post presence all season (10.2 ppg & 8.6 rpg), and junior guard Hunter Wood is a steadying hand as the team's floor general. If Belcher's Bombers can continue the hot shooting, this will be a very tough team to knock off, especially if they have the fan following the program is known for in the post season.

 

Augusta Panthers

Head Coach: Jason Hinson

Record: 17-10 (39th District Runner-Up)

Probable Starters: Owens Crawford - 6'1 Jr./ Connor Maddox - 5'11" Jr./ David Tucker - 6'4" Sr./ Nathan Shrader - 6'1" Sr./ Jared Shoemaker - 6'0 Soph.

 

The Panthers once again overcame difficult odds to earn a spot in the 10th Region field. Jason Hinson's squad suffered the loss of junior forward Camryn Snapp, arguably the team's top player, in January during the Class "A" State Tournament. But in typical Augusta fashion, the team regrouped to take out Bracken County in the 39th District semifinals before falling to Mason County in the championship game. A pair of junior guards, Connor Maddox (18.3 ppg) and Owens Crawford (11 ppg), shoulder most of the scoring load for the refurbished Panthers. Forward Nathan Shrader, at times, has been a deadly perimeter shooter. What Augusta lacks in depth it makes up for with grit and tenacity. It may not be realistic to expect a run similar to last year's tourney, but history screams that it would be a mistake to take Hinson and his kids lightly.

 

Mason County Royals

Head Coach: Chris O'Hearn

Record: 27-2 (39th District Champions)

Probable Starters: Antwavon "Pig" Williams - 6'0 Jr./ Ryan Johnson - 5'7" Sr./ Daerius Johnson - 5'7" Sr./ Dorian Henry - 6'6" Sr./ Jake O'Mara - 6'4" Sr.

 

The Royals return to the 10th Region Tournament after an unusual two year hiatus and Chris O'Hearn's club will carry the flag of tourney favorite. Ranked #13 in the BGP Top 20, Mason County is led by superstar forward Dorian Henry (21.1 ppg), the unquestioned top player in the 10th during 2014-15. The 6'6" senior led the entire state in Field Goal percentage and is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Antwavon "Pig" Williams is the only junior in the starting lineup, but the point guard was outstanding in the 39th District Tournament. Ryan and Daerius Johnson join Williams in the back court, while Jake O'Mara rounds out a formidable starting unit. The Royals can and will go deep into the bench, but their starters do most of the damage on the offensive end.

 

Harrison County Thorobreds

Head Coach: Larry Kendall

Record: 15-14 (38th District Runner-Up)

Probable Starters: Brock Jenkins - 6'0 Jr./ D.J. Jenkins - 6'3" Sr./ Trenton Thompson - 6'5" Jr./ Zack Pulliam - 6'4" Jr. / Robbie Stroub - 6'3" Sr.

 

Larry Kendall's team was denied a third straight District title, but the Breds remain one of the 10th's most talented squads. Trenton Thompson, a 6'5 senior forward, leads the team in both scoring (22.3 ppg) and rebounding (7.4 ppg), and has been one of the Region's top players in 2014-15. D.J. Jenkins returned to the school in mid-January and has averaged 14.1 ppg. Junior forward Zack Pulliam (10.9 ppg) is the team's second tallest player but prefers hanging around the perimeter, as evidenced by his team-high 49 3's on the year. Robbie Stroub is an energy guy who does a lot of things for Harrison. Kendall's bunch has made consecutive Regional semifinals, but his Breds will have their work cut out for them this year, having to face tourney favorite Mason County in their opening round game.

 

Paris Greyhounds

Head Coach: Terence Brooks

Record: 18-9 (40th District Champions)

Probable Starters: James Clark - 5'10" Jr./ Marcus Ashford - 5'10" Fr./ Koebe Garrard - 6'3" Jr./ Jekobi Wells - 6'2" Soph./ Wan Dumphord - 6'0 Jr.

 

Terence Brooks' Greyhounds earned one of the 10th's most surprising District Tournament wins in a 68-49 semifinal round trouncing of George Rogers Clark, and the Hounds eventually cut down the nets by defeating county rival Bourbon County. Koebe Garrard is the team leader in points (19 ppg) and rebounds (8 ppg), and the junior forward is one of the 10th's strongest, most athletic performers. Sophomore swingman Jekobi Wells (13.8 ppg) is one of the Region's most elite young players and scored a team-high 19 points in the District finals. James Clark and Wan Dumphord, both juniors, bring ample experience and production to the table. There are no seniors in the starting lineup, and only 2 on the roster, but Brooks' young team has claimed the school's first District title since 2001 and they hope to reach even greater heights this post season.

 

Scott Eagles

Head Coach: Brad Carr

Record: 16-13 (37th District Runner-Up)

Probable Starters: Jake Ohmer - 5'11" Soph./ Blake Schneider - 5'11" Sr./ Brenton Hughes - 6'1" Sr./ Darian Witherspoon - 6'1" Sr./ Andrew Trame - 6'0 Jr.

 

The Eagles return to the Regional Tournament after missing it last year for the first time since they moved to the 10th in 2005-06. Brad Carr's team is limping a bit, having lost 3 of their last 4 games by an average of 30 points. Historically, though, Carr's teams thrive in March. The Eagles are small, fast, like to shoot the 3, and are led by a trio of guards. Sophomore Jake Ohmer had arguably the best season of any back court player in the 10th, leading the team with 22.2 ppg. Blake Schneider again had a season where he battled injuries, but the 5'11" senior averaged 14.8 ppg. Junior Andrew Trame (11 ppg) rounds out the group and leads the team in 3-pointers made (56). The Eagles lack in the size department, but they try to compensate for that with an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play.

 

Our Predictions

gold sunrise's picks:

Campbell County 70

Bourbon County 60

Pendleton County 60

Augusta 53

 

Harrison County 60

Mason County 55

 

Paris 65

Scott 60

 

Campbell County 70

Pendleton County 58

 

Harrison County 65

Paris 58

 

 

Campbell County 72

Harrison County 65

 

mcpapa's picks:

 

Camels have too much firepower for Coach Sosby's Colonels, and in the words of Bull Durham's Nuke Laloosh - announce their presence with authority. Campbell County 72, Bourbon County 47.

 

Pendleton County can't fall into the trap of allowing the district final to define their season. They've proven that they can play with the region's powers, and while Jason Hinson always gets the most out of his Panther squad, Belcher's Bombers prevail in a trey-fest. Pendleton County 69, Augusta 64.

 

Royals won in Cynthiana in a close one three weeks ago. Pulliam could be the X-factor for the 'Breds, but Mason County gradually pulls away in the final stanza. Mason County 63, Harrison County 56.

 

Who knows? Paris tends to hang around NKY and Scott gravitates to the north. This will be the first Greyhounds-Eagles tilt since the Clinton administration - a 76-67 Paris win. Coach Carr's squad has taken a few haymakers lately but are dangerous in the post-season. However, Garrard and Wells keep their magical run alive. I'll go with recent history. Paris 76, Scott 67.

 

 

 

Campbell County has the guard play to offset the Wildcats' 3-point barrage, and Matt Wilson in the middle to boot. Pendleton keeps it respectable, but the Camels march on to the final. Campbell County 78, Pendleton County 68.

 

Mason County handled Paris easily in January, but Coach O'Hearn respects the Greyhounds' talent. Paris will need a third scoring option to step up against the Royals' vaunted defense; currently ranked 13th and allowing 50.6 points per game. Look for the result to be a bit closer than the first contest, but Dorian Henry leads Mason County to the win. Mason County 68, Paris 60.

 

 

Heart:

 

An instant classic. Mason County 70, Campbell County 69.

 

Head:

 

An instant classic. Campbell County 70, Mason County 69.

 

 

Randy Parker's picks:

 

Campbell County 75

Bourbon County 59

 

Pendleton County 60

Augusta 53

 

Mason County 69

Harrison County 59

 

Scott 70

Paris 69

 

 

Campbell County 62

Pendleton County 56

 

Mason County 73

Scott 50

 

 

Mason County 64

Campbell County 62

Edited March 2, 2015 by Randy Parker

[afi100guy]

Excellent work as always team.

 

I also predict a Mason-Campbell final. Camels by 3 in an overtime thriller.

[Randy Parker]

Camels by 3 in an overtime thriller.

 

98% of this preview was ready to go yesterday. What I had originally picked in the title game is not what I ended up picking when I posted this.

 

The whole tournament, compared to previous years, is really tough to predict.

[RoyalWildcat]

Great job RP and shout out to Papa for thoroughly explaining your predictions. Hopefully Papa's heart and RP are correct!

[polarbear98]

Campbell 75

Bourbon 58

 

Pendleton 60

Augusta 58

 

Harrison 72

Mason 69

 

Paris 57

Scott 50

 

 

Pendleton 70

Campbell 66

 

Harrison 66

Paris 60

 

Pendleton 70

Harrison 64

 

Been the yr of the upset. Why not.

[Randy Parker]

Campbell 75

Bourbon 58

 

Pendleton 60

Augusta 58

 

Harrison 72

Mason 69

 

Paris 57

Scott 50

 

 

Pendleton 70

Campbell 66

 

Harrison 66

Paris 60

 

Pendleton 70

Harrison 64

 

Been the yr of the upset. Why not.

 

If it happened that way, Falmouth would never recover from the celebration. :lol2:

[sumoroyal]

I can not believe none of you guys believe in Mason.:irked::irked::irked:

[LCDAWGS19]

If it happened that way, Falmouth would never recover from the celebration. :lol2:

 

Couldn't even begin to tell you how big that party would be!

[gchs_uk9]

I can not believe none of you guys believe in Mason.:irked::irked::irked:

 

Same here. I think this looks like Mason's to lose with only Campbell County as a possible threat.

[LCDAWGS19]

I can not believe none of you guys believe in Mason.:irked::irked::irked:

 

Wishful thinking on their part.

[Randy Parker]

I believe Mason is the best team in the field, but at the same time, we're only a year removed from Montgomery County appearing to be the prohibitive favorite, yet they went home without the hardware.

 

Strange things sometimes happen in post season play. The best team doesn't always win.

[bigblueinsanity]

GS picks Mason County to lose in round 1. What a shocker!:lol2::facepalm:

[polarbear98]

If it happened that way, Falmouth would never recover from the celebration. :lol2:

 

Couldn't even begin to tell you how big that party would be!

 

Anything is possible.....unlikely, but possible. My head says its Mason Co tournament to loose, but what fun would a prediction thread be if everybody goes chalk??

 

I always cheer for the underdogs. If my home school not involved.....:thumb:

 

Whos the biggest underdog in this field? One could say with the up and down season its Pendleton so thats who I am backing along with Augusta.Just a shame they have to play each other in the opening round.

 

Dawgs if they win it i want an invite to the celebration.....

[mcpapa]

Anything is possible.....unlikely, but possible. My head says its Mason Co tournament to loose, but what fun would a prediction thread be if everybody goes chalk??

 

I always cheer for the underdogs. If my home school not involved.....:thumb:

 

Whos the biggest underdog in this field? One could say with the up and down season its Pendleton so thats who I am backing along with Augusta.Just a shame they have to play each other in the opening round.

 

Dawgs if they win it i want an invite to the celebration.....

 

I would say Bourbon County.

[hoops5]

Excellent! A+++ on your paper, Randy. Better than Ralphie's!