My pre-season rankings:

 

1) Mercer - Hager, Faulkner, Dow, Davis and Mink- their top 5 players return. In Hager and Faulkner, there's the potential to have two "first team" 12th region players. Likewise for Wayne, but I don't think they have anyone like Dow, another probable all region performer. Davis stayed healthy towards the end of the year and was the X factor as to why they played their best ball at the end of the year (ignoring the Lincoln game). Depth is a concern as they will go 6 to 8 deep depending on development. Outside shooting is a concern as well. As the year progressed, Hager seemed to go away from his mid-range jumper. The extent to which he takes that shot will determine how well they fare against zones.

 

2) Wayne - I give them the edge over Southwest. They lost their BEST PLAYER in Woods. I wouldn't have said that 2 years ago but he became much more well rounded. They are better when Blevins shoots a few less shots; when he lets the game come to him. Gillespie is the X factor for them as he will be the second tallest kid in the region. The intangible for Wayne is their tradition which can't be overlooked.

 

3) Southwest - they lost their 2 most important players. The good news is they have a ton of depth which is their biggest advantage. Fitzgerald is a very nice player and will continue to get better. I see him as their leader for the next 3 years and a can't miss all region player next year. I would expect Gover to make it as well.

 

IF rosters stay the same, I think those 3 should be above the rest. Beyond those 3, I expect Danville, Casey, West in some order. Curious to watch Boyle's development and to see how Garrard does. Then maybe Pulaski, Lincoln and Rockcastle.

 

I would agree with these rankings. Mercer should be a strong team and will only get better as they continue to play together. Will Dow/Hager be on the same AAU team?

 

Southwestern has a ton of talent once again, but, I like Wayne to get the nod over them. Seems like SW has struggled to get over the hump when it comes to beating Wayne in the big game.

 

Casey returns their strong core. White is a stud. Lincoln's JV played very similar to their Varsity, a lot of shooters, but going to be very hard to replace that talent/leadership.

 

There's a lot of good coaching in the 12th region and for that reason it'll most likely be once again very competitive..

I would expect Pulaski to be just fine. They return two key starters that will be two of the better players in the region.. The 47th district should once again be a battle.

 

The only battling going on in the 47th next year will be for district runner-up between Pulaski, Somerset, and Rockcastle, because personally i think Casey County owns that district next season. DJ white will be an even stronger force down in the post on offense and defense, while Jacob Smith will be one of the better players in the region. Throw in another flashy guard in Collin Miller and you have one heck of a big 3 down in Liberty, who I could very well see contending for the 12th region crown next season. Not saying Pulaski can't string something together come next year, but eyeing their roster 'as it is now', I just don't see it happening. I heavily credit Shaun Ross and Blake Burton for their success this season. Mighty fine players!