Big Congrats to Boyle County on the huge region win, very well deserved! Going into this year's regional tournament i had it narrowed to Lincoln, Boyle, and Wayne so it wasn't a surprise to see a rematch of the always heated, always intense power-houses of the 45th district! So much can be said about Boyle County and Lincoln County, their players, and the fantastic seasons they have had, but I'm gonna leave that to you 45th gurus while I look toward the future. It's never to early to set the stage for the 2015-2016 while this year's 12th region season is still fresh in our minds! Top 5 12th region basketball!

 

1. Wayne County- Wayne is losing a key piece that has been in their puzzle for the past 4 years in Peyton Woods, make no mistake however, as they will still have 2 studs in Trey Blevins and Corey Stearns. Im giving them my pre-pre-pre-season number 1 simply because they've been there, they've done that, and they seem to always find a way to win. Will be interesting to see just exactly how Coach Rodney Woods fills in the 20+ppg gap left by his son, but I feel as though he'll make it happen.

 

2. Mercer County- I felt like the Titans made a great impression against Southwestern in the tournament, as well as their season in general, but left a little to be desired when playing Lincoln in the semi-finals. Coach Josh Cook seems to know how to run a team, and the roster will be loaded with seniors next year, including one of my favorite players in the 12th, Will Hager. Malik Dow and Treyvon Faulkner, are also sure to be valuable assets for next seasons success.

 

3. Southwestern- Southwestern's season was somewhat of an enigma to me, with them beating teams like Knott County Central, Hopkinsville, and Wayne County. Just when you thought they had established themselves as a 12th region contender, they'd change your mind. Overall they had a exceptional season, however i never felt like they were in a position to beat someone like Boyle or Lincoln, when the time came. They lose, in my opinion, the best scoring big man in the region in Dylan Gaskins, as well as a tough senior guard in Adam Isaacs. If the Warriors from Southwestern want a legitimate chance at the title next year, Peyton Gover, Steven Fitzgerald, and Danny Butt will have to make it happen. Giving them 3rd on the pre-pre-pre-season rankings by a splitting hair over Casey County.

 

4. Casey County- Walked away a bit stunned with what the Rebels of Casey County managed to do against Lincoln County the other night, and if you would have told me it was gonna be a 2 point game in the 4th quarter, i would have called you crazy! I really feel like this time next year coach Maze Stallworth will have claimed a 47th district championship, as well as have a great chance at making big noise in the Regional Tournament. Casey County loses a few role players, but overall keeps their core in DJ White, Jacob Smith, and Collin Miller.

 

5. Boyle County/Danville/West Jessamine- This 5th spot was particularly hard to narrow down, but I figure when in doubt, go with the champs. Even though they are losing 2 of the best players in the region, and numerous role players, they are keeping my favorite 12th region big man in Colton Elkins. Colton Elkins is a stud on the defensive end, and creates a tough situation for players looking to drive and score. If Coach Steve Adams can surround him with a balanced offense, and make teams play at their pace, look for Boyle to emerge as the 45th district champs once again. This spot is up for debate though, as I can also see arguments related to Danville or West Jessamine being in the talk as well. Really enjoy Ed McKinney's intense coaching style, not to mention the Admirals return some quality talent. West Jessamine's coach Damon Kelly, also knows what it takes to get his boys to play at a high level, and the Colts return some younger talent of their own.

Mercer County gets the #1 spot for me. They return pretty much their whole team and they have region tourney experience. This will be a hungry and talented team next season.

Southwestern with Gover, Butt and Fitzgerald will be no joke. Their JV team was the best JV team I saw all year as well. They'll be right up there with Mercer County battling for 12th Region supremacy. Not to take away anything from Wayne County and Blevins and Stearns but it is hard for two talented players to beat three talented players consistently.

West Jessamine will be good again next year and Casey County is going to be a problem for folks.

Garrard County will be much better next year. They will contend for the title in the 45th District next season.

Pulaski County will be talented as well. Danville will have some talent also. Lincoln County is Lincoln County. They'll be good as well. I expect it to be competitive in the 12th next year. This year has been a special kind of year though. So much talent in the region this year.

Pp92 I've wayched your post all year long you have great insight and commend you on what you do!

 

I think that looks like the right order of things. This year was a year of transfers. I'm eager to see if that happens again. I'm Casey County bias and think next year they will definitely have something to say come tourney time. 12th won't be as tough as this year but it sure will be exciting to watch again. I fully believe Boyle Co will make it to the final four. The 12th will

Be well represented

Purty good job for your first post, Bounce! I am going to copy it and put it in my 12 region folder for future reference. I sure hope you are right about the Casey Rebels impending district championship!

Pp92 I've wayched your post all year long you have great insight and commend you on what you do!

 

I think that looks like the right order of things. This year was a year of transfers. I'm eager to see if that happens again. I'm Casey County bias and think next year they will definitely have something to say come tourney time. 12th won't be as tough as this year but it sure will be exciting to watch again. I fully believe Boyle Co will make it to the final four. The 12th will

Be well represented

 

From what I have seen, I second your Pp92 compliment. And I hope you are right about Boyle and the final 4. That will give Elkins valuable extra experienced against top talent and probably players more his size. If he plays well, the exposure will help his future immensely. Maybe he will become the monster I initially thought him to be!

Wasn't sold on Mercer County the other night, I mean they scored 34 points against a mild Lincoln Defense for peat sake, while also showing virtually no sign of life from the perimeter. Simply put, i feel like Mercer's size will hinder them next season if it comes down to a dual between them and wayne. Timmy Taylor chewed up their defense the other night. Trey Blevins would do the same, with an even greater 3pt shooting threat, and that could be dangerous against Mercer. Southwestern without a 15 ppg center next year will not beat Wayne County. I like their young guard talent, but they can't hold a candle right now to 2 guys who are consistently good, and have 2 regional championships to their name. I am interested to see what Garrard County will have in store for us next season!

You seriously think SW wont have a big man? lol

I like a top 3 of Wayne, Mercer and Southwestern.

I would expect Baker to have a big year for Wayne next season.

I like a top 3 of Wayne, Mercer and Southwestern.

I would expect Baker to have a big year for Wayne next season.

 

He's going to have a good career at Wayne County. Gillespie will be back also and I was very impressed with his play this weekend. Especially in the West Jessamine game. They don't win that game without Gillespie.

Peyton Gover, Steven Fitzgerald, Danny Butt, Hunter Cromer and big man on the way. Logan Dykes, Austin Clark Hunter Stevens and Peyton Cundiff all getting minutes. SW will be ok. I am hearing that coach Wright told the players that he is evaluating rather he will be back next season.

I fully expect movement amongst the coaching ranks in the 12th before next year.

 

I also expect more transfers into the region.