15th Region District's Preview / Final Rankings / Season Awards

15th Region Overview: The 15th Region has played out as many would have predicted this season. Lawrence County is top dog and undefeated in the region. Magoffin County is solid but the loss of their senior big man may be pivotal during the post season. Johnson Central is always Johnson Central and will be a tough out in the tournament with scoring machine Mason Blair and super athlete Cole Crace in the back court. Pikeville, Shelby Valley, East Ridge, Pike Central, and South Floyd have had up and down years but are capable of knocking anyone off on a given night. Outside of Lawrence County, this region is wide open. Can anyone make a run at the Bulldogs? As post season play begins we look back at our preseason rankings, final rankings, season awards, and district tournament previews with matchups and notes on every game. This should be a very balanced and competitive post season for the 15th Region. A number of teams could are more than capable this year!

 

2015-2016 Preseason Rankings (Released in November):

1. Lawrence County

2. Johnson Central

3. Pikeville

4. Pike Central

5. Shelby Valley

6. Magoffin County

7. South Floyd

8. Paintsville

9. Belfry

10. East Ridge

11. Sheldon Clark

12. Betsy Layne

13. Allen Central

14. Prestonsburg

15. Phelps

16. Piarist

 

2015-2016 Final Regular Season Rankings (Record):

1. Lawrence County (24-4)

2. Magoffin County (20-7)

3. Johnson Central (16-12)

4. Pikeville (16-14)

5. Shelby Valley (17-11)

6. South Floyd (15-12)

7. East Ridge (19-11)

8. Pike Central (12-18)

9. Belfry (11-16)

10. Sheldon Clark (9-21)

11. Allen Central (16-14)

12. Paintsville (8-16)

13. Betsy Layne (12-18)

14. Prestonsburg (7-21)

15. Phelps (6-23)

16. Piarist (0-24)

 

Awards (Based solely on author opinion):

Player of the Year: Hunter Swindall – Shelby Valley

Coach of the Year: Robbie Russell – Magoffin County

 

All Region 1st Team (Regardless of Position):

Timmy Dalton – Lawrence County

Hunter Swindall – Shelby Valley

Mason Blair – Johnson Central

Trenton Russell – Magoffin County

Robert Dalton – Lawrence County

 

All Region 2nd Team (Regardless of Position):

Andrew Tackett – South Floyd

Jaren Lovely – Magoffin County

Lamont Wright – Shelby Valley

Austin Chaffins – Lawrence County

Wyatt Battaile – Pikeville

 

All Region 3rd Team (Regardless of Position):

Brandon Richardson – Lawrence County

Cole Crace – Johnson Central

Teddy Smith – Pike Central

Dalton Frasure – Prestonsburg

Garrett Fannin - Belfry

 

Honorable Mention: Tyler Pack (Johnson Central), Jacob Isaac (Magoffin County), Grant Kiser (Lawrence County), Michael Conn (East Ridge), Seth Hall (Allen Central), Scott Stapleton (Prestonsburg), Darren Morris (Paintsville), Cole Bentley (Belfry), Ryan Eads (Pike Central), Blaine May (Pikeville), Andrew Hamilton (Betsy Layne), Dave Cantrell (Sheldon Clark), Bradley Dalton (Sheldon Clark), Clifton “Papa” Trammell (South Floyd), Matt Miller (East Ridge), Tyler Burnett (Pike Central), Trey Little (East Ridge), Christian Mounts (Phelps)

 

 

The 57th District breaks down as follows:

Tournament Location: Paintsville High School

Defending Champion: Sheldon Clark

 

Schedule:

Johnson Central (1 seed) vs. Sheldon Clark (4 seed) Tuesday 7:00 PM

Magoffin County (2 seed) vs. Paintsville (3 seed) Wednesday 7:00 PM

District Championship (Friday 7:00 PM)

 

Match-Up #1 (Johnson Central [16-12: 5-1 in Districts] vs. Sheldon Clark [9-21: 0-6 in Districts])

Johnson Central defeated Sheldon Clark twice during the regular season. In the first meeting, the Golden Eagles led by 18 entering the 4th Quarter before winning by a final of 73-59. Game 1 saw JC put three players in double figures (Cole Crace [14], Jacob Rice [13], and Mason Blair [12]) and SC also put three players in double figures (Bradley Dalton [16], Trent Vanover [13], and David Cantrell [11]). Game 2 was much different however, as JC escaped with a 1 point overtime victory by the final of 76-75. In game 2 (played at Sheldon Clark), David Cantrell missed a 15 foot wing jump shot to win as time expired in regulation and Ethan Osborne miss a contested block layup as the overtime horn sounded. In game 2 JC was led by Cole Crace (25 points), Luke Vance (16 points), and Mason Blair (13 points). Sheldon Clark got big performances from Bradley Dalton (25 points – 7/10 3FG – did not get a shot off in 4th quarter and OT), David Cantrell (19 points, 11 rebounds) and Ethan Osborne (15 points, 11 rebounds).

 

In both contest, Sheldon Clark played a box and chaser against Mason Blair that frustrated him at times and led to poor shot selection. Sheldon Clark was also able to handle the pressure JC brings in game 2 much better than game 1. If the Cardinals can handle the pressure and control tempo on offense they will have a chance to win late. If JC can get up and down the floor, dictating pace, and contest the outstanding long distance shooting of Sheldon Clark they could win. This will be an interesting match-up in the first round of districts on Tuesday night. It should be a great game regardless of outcome.

 

Notes:

(1) JC has won 4 consecutive 15th Region titles. The last team to do that was Paintsville and their streak ended in the first round of the district tournament at Paintsville, the same place districts will be held this season. Can history repeat its self?

(2) Sheldon Clark center Michael Patrick quit the team late in the season, leaving SC with no seniors on the roster. With the anticipated return of Dylan James from Mercer County and his 6’8’’ 7th grade brother Trey James, the Cardinals will be a force next season for sure.

(3) J.J. James enters his first district tournament as a Head Coach for Sheldon Clark. He learned from current Christian County Head Coach Frankie Smith, however, as he sit on the bench with him for 3 season’s

(4) Johnson Central looks to break a tie with Paintsville for the most 57th District Titles in history. Both Schools have 17!

(5) No Head Coach in the 15th Region holds a winning or even record against Johnson Central Head Coach Tommy McKenzie. He has dominated the region since his first year in 2008.

(6) Mason Blair is 5 3FG away from setting the mark for most made in a season in school history. Mason has made 98 this season (record 103 by Robby O’bryan in 1993: Mason made 102 last season). Mason also reached 1,000 points this season and enters the game with 1,199 in his career (on pace to break schools all time record of 1,880 held by Timbo Branham)

 

 

Prediction:

Johnson Central 72 Sheldon Clark 69

 

Match-Up #2 (Magoffin County [20-7: 5-1 in Districts] vs. Paintsville [8-16: 2-4 in Districts])

In their two meetings this season Magoffin County defeated Paintsville by a final of 74-52 (at Paintsville) and 92-67 (at Magoffin). In the first meeting Magoffin was led by Jaren Lovely with 20 points and Jacob Isaac with 16 points and 10 rebounds (Trenton Russell had 17 points). In the first meeting Paintsville was led by Darren Morris with 18 points and Roger Maynard with 10 points. Magoffin handled the Tigers pressure on the road and was able to get easy transition baskets. Paintsville had no answer for Jacob Isaac down low. In the second meeting between the two, Magoffin saw junior standout Trenton Russell go off for a career high 45 points and Jaren Lovely pour in 27 on top of that. The game was over very early as Magoffin imposed its will on the offensive and defensive boards (Jacob Isaac had another 10 rebounds in the game). No stats were available for Paintsville in the second game as they have not posted data to the KHSAA for several games.

 

This game will be different in that Magoffin big man Jacob Isaac is out for the season with a torn ACL and ruptured meniscus. This will affect Magoffin’s ability to score in the post and rebound, but they still have Russell and Lovely in the backcourt. Magoffin closed strong on the season winning 20 games and Paintsville limped into the playoffs with 16 losses on the year. This game should be close early as home court advantage does make a difference, but the Hornets should put the game away late.

 

Notes:

(1) Paintsville has not been out of the district tournament since 2008. Magoffin County has not been out of the district since 2007. Outside of Piarist who has never defeated a 15th region opponent in the history of their school, these two teams have the longest drought of regional tournament appearances. One streak will be broken and the other will continue.

(2) Magoffin will be strong next season as well as Whitaker, Russell, Lovely, and Peters all return for their senior season.

(3) Next season the district tournament will be held at Magoffin County in their new facility.

 

Prediction:

Magoffin County 75 Paintsville 67

 

Tournament Location: Allen Central High School

Defending Champion: South Floyd

 

Schedule:

South Floyd (1 seed) vs. Prestonsburg (4 seed) Tuesday 7:30 PM

Allen Central (2 seed) vs. Betsy Layne (3 seed) Wednesday 7:30 PM

District Championship (Friday 7:30 PM)

 

Match-Up #1 (South Floyd [15-12: 5-1 in Districts] vs. Prestonsburg [7-21: 1-5 in Districts])

South Floyd swept Prestonsburg in district play this season in two very competitive games. Midway through December, the Raiders were able to get a win at home by a final of 79-72. In the game South Floyd senior stud Andrew Tackett poured in 36 points and Raider big man Brady Conn had 17 points and 18 rebounds. Despite the big performances, the Blackcats were able to stay close with Dalton Frasure putting up 22 points and 10 rebounds and Scott Stapleton netting 18 points on 4 made triples. The second game was even closer as both teams had a chance to win the game late. In a back and forth affair, Prestonsburg was down by 2 with just 20s left. Out of a timeout, Scott Stapleton nailed a 3FG to give Prestonsburg the lead. Racing down the floor, Andrew Tackett was able to get a bucket for the Raiders to retake the lead on a 10 foot floater with 11s to play. Prestonsburg got to the rim and drew the foul with under 10s to play down one, but was unable to make either FT. South Floyd got the rebound, was fouled, hit 1/2 FT’s, and gave Prestonsburg one last chance. A deep 3 was off the mark and the final score was South Floyd 54 Prestonsburg 52. In the second game, Prestonsburg was again led by Dalton Frasure with 25 points and 14 rebounds. South Floyd was led by Clifton “Poppa” Trammell with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 blocks (Andrew Tackett held to 5 points on 2/11 shooting).

 

Prestonsburg has struggled this season to close out tough games and South Floyd has been right in the mix of things in the region all year long. Looking at records you would think South Floyd would win easily, but these two teams matchup very well against each other for some reason. Look for another close game, with FT’s sealing the deal late for the Raiders. Dalton Frasure should have another great game capping off an enormous career, but it likely won’t be enough unless the Blackcats can shoot a high percentage from deep.

 

Notes:

(1) Dalton Frasure has scored over 2,000 points and grabbed over 1,500 rebounds in his career at Prestonsburg.

(2) Roger Tackett for South Floyd played the last 10 games after returning from knee surgery prior to the start of the season. He is getting stronger every game and will make a huge difference late for the Raiders.

(3) Prestonsburg is one of 4 teams in the 15th Region with 20 plus losses.

 

Prediction:

South Floyd 70 Prestonsburg 58

 

Match-Up #2 (Allen Central [16-14: 4-2 in Districts] vs. Betsy Layne [12-18: 2-4 in Districts])

Allen Central defeated Betsy Layne 61-58 in OT early in December (played at Allen Central) then traveled to Betsy Layne and picked up the win 56-50. In the first game, Allen Central put four players in double figures (Cameron Blevins 17, Brett Sammons 15, Dylan Caudill 12, Bailey Wright 10) while Betsy Layne got a double double from Zach Hamilton (14 points and 13 rebounds) and a big scoring performance from Jackob Ariaz with 19 points (hitting clutch FT’s late). Game two saw the return of Allen Central’s standout guard Seth Hall (knee surgery in the summer) and he poured in 31 points (Dylan Caudill had 11 rebounds in the game for the Rebels). For Betsy Layne, Zach Hamilton scored 18 points and Kyle Watkins added 14 points but it was not enough even though they kept it close late.

 

In both seeded games, the contest could have went either way late. Allen Central is trending up despite suspect competition of late and Betsy Layne is somewhat trending down after a dismantling loss to Johnson Central. This game should be a dandy with late FT’s deciding the outcome.

 

Notes:

(1) This is the last time Allen Central will ever host the 58th district tournament with Floyd County Central scheduled to open in two years.

(2) Seth Hall crossed the 1,000 point mark in his career this season after returning from injury.

(3) Betsy Layne is very young and should be much improved next season.

 

Prediction:

Allen Central 62 Betsy Layne 58

 

Tournament Location: East Ridge High School

Defending Champion: Shelby Valley

 

Schedule:

Pikeville (1 seed) vs. Piarist (4 seed) Monday 8:30 PM

Shelby Valley (2 seed) vs. East Ridge (3 seed) Tuesday 8:30 PM

District Championship (Friday 8:30 PM)

 

Match-Up #1 (Pikeville [16-14: 5-2 in Districts] vs. Piarist [0-24: 0-6 in Districts])

Not a lot to say in the matchup as it should be over very quickly. In the first matchup between the two schools Pikeville won 120-46 and in the second matchup Pikeville won 65-37. Piarist has never defeated a 15th Region opponent and wont in this game as well. The Knights are very young and use basketball more as a fund raiser and club activity than a venue for competitive athletics. By virtue of winning the 59th District regular season number one seed, Pikeville will get what amounts to a defacto bye into the regional tournament and they will be entering on an upswing having defeated Johnson Central at home this past Friday 97-92. Pikeville shot and incredible 64% from the field for the game and failed to score on only 4 possessions in the 2nd half. It was not all lay-ups in the game either as Pikeville knocked down outside jumper after outside jumper, hitting 13 triples on 19 attempts. Johnson Central played well too, hitting 14 triples and only committing 5 turnovers (3 on offensive fouls). Needless to say, Pikeville has shown they have the firepower and coaching to make a deep run now that tournament time is upon us. Don’t look for the Panthers to be tested in the first round though as any of their players could name their numbers and the team could name the score.

 

Notes:

(1) Pikeville Head Coach Bart Williams in the longest tenured coach currently in the 15th Region (Bill Mike Runyon had a break at Paintsville before returning).

(2) Piarist relocated from Floyd to Johnson County prior to this school year, but remains in the 59th District and plays its games at the Sportsplex in Knott County.

 

Prediction:

Pikeville 88 Piarist 22

 

Match-Up #2 (Shelby Valley [17-11: 5-2 in Districts] vs. East Ridge [19-11: 4-4 in Districts])

This might be the game of the week in the 15th Region as both teams enter trending on very different paths. Shelby Valley has lost 5 in a row (not counting the win against Piarist) with their last win coming against East Ridge. East Ridge has won 6 in a row with their last loss coming to Shelby Valley. Needless to say the two teams are trending in different directions and East Ridge has shown the ability to win games late as evident vs. Sheldon Clark in the final week of the regular season. Trailing by 10 with 4:32 left to play in the game, the Warriors began pressing and was able to beat the Cardinals by 8, closing on a 20-2 run. This press might be the difference in the game should Randy McCoy chose to divert from his methodical style and go to it. Shelby Valley has been reeling since and overtime loss to Pikeville and subsequent extracurricular activities after the post-game handshake. Can the two time defending All-A regional champs with POY Hunter Swindall go into hostile territory at East Ridge and get a win? Let’s look at the early games these two have played.

 

East Ridge and Shelby Valley have met three times during the regular season. The first time was in the All-A regional finals and did not count toward district seeding. Shelby Valley came away with an impressive 63-50 victory led by Hunter Swindall’s 32 points and 13 rebounds. He was the only Wildcat in double figures. East Ridge saw Trey Little score 22 and Matt Miller drop in 13 to pace the Warriors. Shelby Valley controlled the tempo and never let East Ridge take control of the game.

 

The second contest was the next game for both teams and counted toward district seeding. In this contest Shelby Valley came away with a 52-50 on the road at East Ridge with Hunter Swindall again recording a double double and being the only Wildcat in double figures (29 points 10 rebounds). Like the first game, East Ridge was led by Trey Little and Matt Miller (16 points and 12 points respectively). The Warriors stayed close the entire game, but were unable to get over the hump late.

 

The final game between the two was played at Shelby Valley, counted for seeding, and went to the Wildcats by a final of 53-37 improving them to 3-0 over East Ridge on the season. Hunter Swindall dropped in 36 as the Warriors seem to have no answer for him. East Ridge saw Trey Little hit double figures with 10 points (all from the FT) but got very little production from everyone else. Based off the previous 3 meetings, this district tournament game should be a dandy! Can East Ridge stop Hunter Swindall? Can Shelby Valley right ship of late? We will find out soon enough.

 

Notes:

(1) East Ridge and Shelby Valley are both guard dominated and prefer the half-court game.

(2) Randy McCoy has never had a losing season while at East Ridge

 

Prediction:

Shelby Valley 61 East Ridge 60

 

Tournament Location: Belfry High School

Defending Champion: Lawrence County

 

Schedule:

Lawrence County (1 seed) vs. Phelps (4 seed) Monday 8:15 PM

Belfry (2 seed) vs. Pike Central (3 seed) Tuesday 8:15 PM

District Championship (Thursday 8:15 PM)

 

Match-Up #1 (Lawrence County [24-4: 6-0 in Districts] vs. Phelps [6-23: 0-6 in Districts])

The Bulldogs of Lawrence County look to finish what they started nearly 5 years ago; win the regional tournament. To begin their quest they will face the Hornets of Phelps in what will be a David vs. Goliath contest. In the two meetings this season, Lawrence County won handily at home 81-37 and followed it up with a crushing 91-43 victory. The Bulldogs go into post season play on a 5 game win streak (winning by nearly 30 ppg) with their only test coming in the form of an overtime win at home vs. Johnson Central when trailing by 5 with 50s to play in regulation. Phelps limps into the post season losers of 5 in a row, but losing by only 5 to Allen Central and 1 to Betsy Layne (read into that as much as you want as it could be considered a positive). Phelps is young and will continue to get better, look for them to pick up a couple wins in the 60th district next year as they return all their main weapons. This year, however, belongs to Lawrence County. Expect another lopsided win for the Bulldogs and they are the heavy favorites. Starter name their stats and LC names the score in this one as they have the best player at every position.

 

Notes:

(1) All 5 starters for Lawrence County have scored 1,000 points or more (led by Robert Dalton who needs only 80 more for 2,000).

(2) Lawrence County Head Coach Travis York was named KABC COY for the 15th Region (Robbie Russell of Magoffin County won the award from BGP).

(3) Lawrence County has never won a regional crown in either the 15th or 16th region nor did the school before them (Louisa High School).

(4) Phelps Head Coach Brody Justice is in his first year of coaching at the varsity level.

Prediction:

Lawrence County 81 Phelps 50

 

Match-Up #2 (Belfry [11-16: 3-3 in Districts] vs. Pike Central [12-18: 3-3 in Districts])

The East Ridge and Shelby Valley game should be a war, but this matchup could be thermonuclear. The two teams split their regular season games with both winning on the others floor. In the first game Pike Central pulled out a 61-58 win putting 4 players in double figures (Tyler Burnett 15 points, Ryan Eads 13 points / 15 rebounds, Hunter Clark 13 points, and Teddy Smith 11 points). Belfry was led by Austin Woolum with 24 points (5 made 3FG) and Cole Bentley with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Belfry went cold late and Pike Central was able to close with a victory. The place was packed and the atmosphere was electric. The second game went to Belfry on Pike Central’s floor by a final of 64-57. The Pirates put two players in double figures with Koleston Blankenship scoring 22 points and Garrett Fannin scoring 20 points (Cole Bently had 9 points and 14 rebounds). Pike Central was led by Teddy Smith with 18 points and Hunter Clark with 11 points (Tyler Burnett added 9 points). Again the atmosphere was again great and Isiah Roblee scored 6 points for Pike Central (see notes below for the meaning behind this).

 

Pike Central Head Coach Keith May and Belfry Head Coach Mark Thompson are both well respected in the basketball community and do a great job coaching their teams. They are polite and carry themselves with respect and dignity both on and off the court and will dot the same regardless of the outcome of this game. Make no mistake, however, as these two do not like each other one bit between the lines. With the transfers between schools during the year and accusations of KHSAA violations between the two, both want this game very bad and it will reflect within their teams. Both closed out the season with losses on their home floor putting in game plans for each other and both with have their teams laser focused for this game. With a huge crowd expected what is a large gym, this might be the place to be for the first round of district action in the 15th Region. This should be a great team between two rival schools.

 

Notes:

(1) Isaiah Roblee transferred from Belfry midseason and is currently eligible to play for Pike Central (Bonafide change of residence). Seeing as the location of this game, this could be interesting.

(2) When Belfry Head Coach Mark Thompson has his full compliment of players, they are a scary team to defend.

(3) Pike Central is playing well of late since the return of Teddy Smith from Kidney illness. They have played one of the toughest schedules in the 15th Region and might be peaking at the right time.

(4) Garrett Fannin of Belfry looks to move into the top 10 all time for scoring at Belfry having nearly 1,400 career points

 

Prediction:

Belfry 61 Pike Central 60 (Home Court wins out)

 

District Championship Predictions:

57th - Johnson Central 79 Magoffin County 77

58th – South Floyd 70 Allen Central 65

59th - Pikeville 78 Shelby Valley 73

60th – Lawrence County 85 Belfry 73

 

Agree or Disagree on anything? Feel free to respond!

Look for the 15th Region Tournament Preview next week when the teams have been decided!