Hager was the most important player on the best team in the 12th region. Blevins had higher scoring totals but was out played when they went head to head at Wayne with Mercer coming away with an easy W. I wish they decided after the region tournament as that would be a big factor.

 

It all boiled down to scoring - 21 PPG vs 15 PPG. There is no other explanation if you look at team and individual stats. Hager's PPG have gone a down each of the last 2 years. Obviously, the talent around him and his role as PG are the reasons, but ultimately that's what the everyone sees. Also, assists aren't a KHSAA published stat. If they were, that would have helped Hager's case.

 

These are two players that couldn't be more different in every regard. The coaches chose Blevins's approach over Hager's.

 

Then there is Stearns. I'm a big fan of his. Very smart, talented and efficient.

IMO team stats should have absolutely nothing to do with POY. The POY award is based on the best player in that region...not the best player on the best team.

Region 1 - James Boone - Murray

Region 2 - Tyrik Edwards - Christian County

Region 3 - Stewart Currie - Davies County

Region 4 - Wade Coomer - Barren County

Region 5 - Quentin Goodin - Taylor County

Mason Faulkner - Caverna

Region 6 - Tyler Sharpe - Bullitt East

Region 7 - Alex Cook - Male

Region 8 - Carson Williams - Owen County

Region 9 - Ben Weyer - Newport Central Catholic

Region 10 - Matt Wilson - Campbell County

Region 11 - Darius Williams - Paul Laurence Dunbar

Isaiah "Pun" Tisdale - Henry Clay

Region 12 - Trey Blevins - Wayne County

Region 13 - Caleb Taylor - South Laurel

Region 14 - Conner Hoskins - Buckhorn

Region 15 - Hunter Swindall - Shelby Valley

Region 16 - Jordan Perry - Morgan County

Congrats to all these players as they are also now finalist for Mr. Basketball. As always, to win KABC Region Player of the Year the athlete must be a senior.

 

Have had the pleasure of seeing all the bolded in action, I have no doubt they were their regions best. Congrats to them and all the others.

The voting for these awards are done by head and assistant coaches in each region who are members of the KABC. Only rules are you can't vote for a player from your own team and they have to be a senior. If you don't agree with the voting then look no further then you're region coaches. Not the KABC.