10TH REGION: OVERVIEW

Buddy Biggs returned to the 10th Region in 2015-16 and eventually made a huge splash, as he led the Mason County Royals back to the mountain top of the 10th Region. The Royals used a last second shot in the Region Quarterfinals, then mounted a furious comeback in the Semifinals, and avenged a District Tournament loss in the Finals, earning the right to play in Rupp.

 

You can likely expect Mason County to be in the hunt for another championship, but even more so, you can be sure 2016-17 will have as much balance as last year. Aric Russell's Campbell County Camels seem primed to contend for a title, despite losing player of the year Matt Wilson. Steve Fromeyer replaces Brad Carr at Scott and inherits a talented roster. Terence Brooks will lead another loaded Paris team. Biggs' Royals, in addition to his former team coached by a former player, Pendleton County, should be in the thick of things. Montgomery County, George Rogers Clark, and Bracken County could also sneak into the discussion when tournament time hits.

 

When tourney time does arrive, Mason County's illustrious Fieldhouse will be the site for the annual 10th Region Tournament. Eight programs will earn the right to play for the coveted title, but only one will cut down the nets. We can't wait for the journey and we know you feel the same.

 

10TH REGION: TEAM RANKINGS

#1 - Campbell County Camels

Head Coach: Aric Russell

2015-16 Record: 19-13 (10th Region Quarterfinalist; 37th District Champion)

 

Not a lot of high school programs can lose a Player of the Year/Division 1 talent, and then return as the #1 team in the Region the following season, but that is the case with Aric Russell and the Campbell County Camels. Gone is stud center Matt Wilson, but returning is a cupboard full of talent that might make the Camels the team to beat in the 10th for 2016-17. "We are very deep this year at every position," Russell told BGP. "We have very good size, quickness, good shooters, strong defenders, and great team chemistry," he added.

 

The team leader will be 6'4" senior Cole Hegyi, Russell's nephew, who was second on the team in scoring last year (12.5 ppg). "Cole is a very strong player who can play and defend every position. He can score inside and outside and has gotten much stronger physically. I look for him to have a great senior season," Russell opined. Another 6'4" senior swingman is Garren Bertsch, a left-handed sharpshooter who averaged 11 ppg as a junior, connecting on 43.9% of his long-range bombs. Russell calls Bertsch a "strong shooter and rebounder who had a great off season." Tanner Clos is a 6'1" junior who defends and rebounds well, while also being a reliable 3-point shooter. 5'10" junior Joel Day is likely to be the guy who fills the sneakers of long-time reliable point guard Trent McGovney. 6'9" senior Brad Geiman may not be the dominant force that Wilson was, but the big man has improved his game from last year to this. Also count on contributions from Jesse Russell (6'1" Jr.), Reid Jolly (6'3" Soph.), Drew Wilson (6'0 Soph.), and Tanner Lawrence (6'4" Soph.).

 

Russell acknowledges that his team will have much to replace in Wilson, particularly in the rebounding department. And he admits that a talented sophomore group will have to grow during the season to be ready by tournament time, but he likes his team, saying the club will "play up-tempo when needed, but slow it down when needed." He believes the Camels will score a lot of points, and if the defense can improve, the sky is the limit in Alexandria. The 37th District will be its usual slugfest, but Campbell County has all the ingredients to remain the top dog.

 

#2 - Scott Eagles

Head Coach: Steve Fromeyer

2015-16 Record: 13-17 (10th Region Quarterfinalst; 37th District Runner-Up)

 

The Eagles again found themselves surviving as the 37th District runner-up a year ago, but were then upended 72-71 in a 10th Region Quarterfinal thriller versus Augusta. A lot comes back for Scott in 2016-17, but one notable difference will be the man on the sidelines. Gone is the fiery Brad Carr, who has been replaced by long-time Eagles staffer Steve Fromeyer, and the first-year head man inherits a roster with the pieces to make a Rupp run.

 

The leading returnee is one of the 10th's top overall talents in 6'0 senior Jake Ohmer. The strong, stocky guard averaged 26.3 ppg last year and made a living at the free throw line, connecting on 229 of his 270 attempts (84.8%). Already the school's leading scorer, Ohmer is deadly with the ball in his hands, and especially tough at crunch time. The team's #2 scorer last year was Vinnie Duimlao, who averaged 8.9 ppg and the 6'0 senior consistently plays bigger than his size. 5'11" junior Nelson Perrin will shoulder much more responsibility, as will sophomore Chad Ohmer, who played very well as a freshman. Andrew Dixon, a 6'2" senior, gives Scott a little bit of front court size, while 5'10" senior Tim Jolley will help in the back court.

 

Fromeyer's club will struggle a bit in the size department, but there is experienced talent on the roster that will have the Eagles in the thick of things all season long. As always, the Eagles face a daunting schedule, including trips to Covington Catholic, Lexington Catholic's Traditional Bank Holiday Classic, North Laurel's Legacy Nissan Holiday Classic, and a home battle with Cooper. The difficult slate may result in a number of losses, but it will also prepare this team for postseason success.

 

#3 - Paris Greyhounds

Head Coach: Terence Brooks

2015-16 Record: 24-6 (10th Region Semifinalist; 40th District Champion)

 

The Greyhounds captured their second consecutive 40th District title last year and advanced to the 10th Region semifinals for the first time in nearly three decades. Terence Brooks' club finished with the highest winning percentage in the Region at 24-6, but the fourth-year Paris coach does not want his team to be content with recent success. "We need to keep working hard and doing the things that can get us a Regional championship," Brooks told us. "Now that the bar has been raised, we just need to keep working hard to be successful. We've come too far to go back!"

 

The Hounds will have to replace All-Region performer and four-year starter Koebe Garrard, but they still return a star in 6'3" senior swingman Jekobi Wells. Wells averaged 12.4 ppg a year ago while shooting 53.8% from the floor. One of the 10th's elite slashers, the bouncy Wells can play well under the basket and excels at getting to the rim off the dribble. Brooks also expects big things from 6'0 junior wing Eric Johnson, who averaged 9.8 ppg a season ago. Brooks believes Johnson will be "the sleeper of the region" in 2016-17. Also returning is the team's point guard, 5'8" junior Marcus Ashford (6.9 ppg), who will again be counted upon the run the team in the back court. Three other seniors, all guards, will provide experience, depth, and leadership: Tayjin Cunningham (6.5 ppg), Ryan Davis (5.2 ppg), and Jordan Davis (4.2 ppg).

 

Brooks says he loves his group's overall team speed and quickness. There is again talent galore, and in fact, the Hounds might have the most talent from top to bottom in the entire Region. However, Brooks knows his team needs to make improvements in a handful of areas. "We need to get tougher on the defensive end and get better at scoring around the basket," Brooks commented. "We missed too many layups last season and it really cost us a few wins." If Brooks can get his club to correct some of the mistakes, the Hounds could easily punch their ticket to Rupp.

 

#4 - Mason County Royals

Head Coach: Buddy Biggs

2015-16 Record: 23-11 (10th Region Champion; 39th District Runner-Up)

 

The return of Buddy Biggs to the 10th Region was a memorable one in 2015-16, as the veteran coach led the storied Mason County program to the 10th Region championship as the 39th District Runner-Up. The Royals lost a heartbreaker in the 39th District title game to Augusta, only to come back a week-and-a-half later to upend the Panthers in the 10th Region title game, thereby earning a trip to Rupp Arena. The Royals lost to 5th Region power Taylor County, but the accomplishment still speaks for itself.

 

Despite losing All-Region performer Pig Williams, the team's leading scorer last year, plenty of talent returns and folks in Maysville are hoping for a repeat. Junior guard Isiah Garrison returns at the top scorer (13.1 ppg) and overall team leader. Garrison netted a team-high 18 points in the State Tournament game last year, and will most certainly be a Top 10 performer in the Region. Fellow junior Levi Dunaway joins Garrison to form a strong back court, while sophomore Jaylen Lofton returns after starting during his freshman campaign. The x-factor for the Royals could be the play of 6'8" junior Dalton Perkins. The long and lanky big man can be a menace on the defensive end due to his length, giving Biggs a valuable weapon not possessed by most squads.

 

Even though the four players mentioned all started in the State Tournament game, Biggs told BGP that his team is "a work in progress." While we do not doubt his words, the second-year Royals coach has to feel good about the talent that he has coming back. Add into the mix that Mason County and its delicious popcorn hosts both the 39th District and 10th Region Tournaments...well, that can't hurt either. Regardless, you can expect Biggs to have his club primed and ready for a repeat 10th Region run.

 

#5 - Pendleton County Wildcats

Head Coach: Keaton Belcher

2015-16 Record: 16-17 (10th Region Quarterfinalist; 38th District Champion)

 

Keaton Belcher enters his third season at the helm of his alma mater, and his Wildcats will not only look to maintain their dominance of the 38th District, but also make a deep run in the 10th Region Tournament. The Cats return their top two scorers from a season ago, including one of the state's top young players in 6'6" sophomore Dontaie Allen. Allen averaged 22.1 ppg and 9.2 rpg as a freshman and has drawn interest from several Division 1 schools, specifically Kentucky and Cincinnati. Allen's talents are easy to spot when watching him play, but Belcher highlights what most do not see. "I have never seen a 15-year-old work this hard before," Belcher told us. "Dontaie has dedicated this off-season to improving every area of his game." The versatile Allen led the team in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and drained 41% of his 3-point attempts on 2015-16.

 

Mason Dennie, a 6'1" senior, joins Allen as a top returnee. Dennie was second on the team in scoring a season ago (8.8 ppg) and is a deadly long-range bomber, draining 44% of his shots from beyond the arc. "Mason's biggest strength is that he can score in a variety of ways," Belcher stated. "He can take people off the bounce, he can post up and score, and he was our best 3-point shooter last year." Junior Grant Walsh also returns for Pendleton. The 6'1" guard is an excellent defender and Belcher says "is our most consistent player on both ends of the floor." Walsh started 30 games as a sophomore, but will undoubtedly play an even bigger role in 2016-17. Two other juniors, Adam Antrobus and Jacob Yelton, will likely see a lot of action. Senior forward Billy Kirby is expected to contribute, as is sophomore Cody Sullivan.

 

To no one's surprise, Belcher states that the offense will go through Allen, as the Wildcats will hope to get him a touch on every possession that he is in the game. The splendid sophomore can make plays for himself, as well as create for his teammates. Expect Pendleton to rely heavily on the long-ball again. The Cats drained 219 3's a season ago and 255 in 2014-15. Says Belcher, "We return guys with championship experience. We have won our District the last two seasons and we have guys back that played key roles in that. We have figured out how to win close games. We have weaknesses, no doubt, but we are improving daily."

 

 

#6 - Montgomery County Indians

Head Coach: Matthew Daniel

2015-16 Record: 21-12 (10th Region Semifinalist; 40th District Runner-Up)

 

The Indians spent some time as the 10th's top overall team in the rankings last season before finishing 2nd in the 40th District Tournament and falling in the semifinals of the 10th Region tourney. As Matt Daniel prepares for his third season in Mt. Sterling, he has a lot to replace but enough talent returning to be in the mix yet again.

 

Montgomery's top returning player is one of the Region's best in 6'4" senior forward Jerryd Jones. A stellar athlete, Jones was the team's leading scorer last year at 14.1 ppg and was second in rebounding at 5.6 rpg. Jones is one of the most efficient offensive players in the 10th, hitting 58.6% of his field goal attempts. He'll be joined in the front court by 6'4" sophomore forward Brennan Canada, who started for Daniel as a freshman, playing in all 32 games and averaging 7.2 ppg and 3.8 rpg. Junior forward Hayden Chism played in half the team's games a year ago, and fellow junior Tucker Norris saw action in 11 outings, but both will be expected to produce significantly more this year. Two more juniors, guard Paul Wise and forward Evan King, will see action. Then two other seniors, guards Cam Smith and Landen Barber, are players Daniel will look to for back court experience.

 

Daniel knows he has a lot of new parts to go with Jones and Canada, but he feels optimistic about his squad. "Adjusting to the new faces on our team and determining how we want to play will take some time," Daniel observed. "But we will play as hard as we possibly can, hopefully to become the best team we can by the end of the season and compete for a District and Regional championship."

 

#7 - George Rogers Clark Cardinals

Head Coach: Josh Cook

2015-16 Record: 15-15

 

Josh Cook makes his fourth head coaching stop as he replaces Scott Humphrey at George Rogers Clark. Cook had 3 successful stints at Mercer County, Lawrence County, and June Buchanan and he hopes to experience much of the same in Winchester. The roster Cook inherits is composed entirely of juniors and sophomores, but is talented enough to make some noise in both the District and Region.

 

GRC will have to replace all 3 of its double-digit scorers from a season ago, and Cook will likely look to 6'3" junior wing Ryan Cooper (7.6 ppg) to help fill the void. Cooper played in all but one game in 2015-16 and connected on 49.1% of his FG attempts and 43.2% of his 3-point attempts. Jordan Graham, a 6'3" sophomore, is a player Cook believes to be "one of the most talented kids in the region." Cook praises Graham's jumpshot, defense, and the effort the youngster has put in to improve his game on both ends of the floor. Will Philpott is a 6'4" junior who will provide the Cardinals with solid play in the paint. Described as a "workhorse" by Cook, Philpott is a ferocious rebounder who can also run the floor and finish at the rim. Anticipate Chase Taylor, a 6'2" junior, to be the catalyst at the point guard position. Cook says that Taylor possesses a "very high basketball IQ" and is skilled at making his teammates better. 5'10" junior P.J. Williams will add back court depth as an efficient shooter and scorer, while 6'2" junior J.J. Johnson "plays as hard as any kid I have ever coached," Cook stated.

 

Cook says his squad will play a fast and exciting brand of basketball. "We will adjust if needed but we want to get up and down the floor, looking to make plays and trapping the basketball all over the floor," he told BGP. We want to use our athleticism to our advantage by giving our kids the opportunity to gain extra possessions. It's a fun style that you will see the kids enjoy." While the first-year Cardinals coach has concerns with experience, he is looking forward to leading this hard-working group of young men.

 

 

#8 - Bracken County Polar Bears

Head Coach: Jason Hinson

2015-16 Record: 15-12

 

Jason Hinson begins his second season at the school where he graduated in 1995, and he hopes to build off the improvement made in 2015-16. The Polar Bears went from 5 games under .500 in 2014-15 to 3 games over it in 2015-16, and a solid senior nucleus returns this season, hoping to continue the upward trajectory. "We bring back a strong group of kids," Hinson told us with confidence. "At one time I counted 13 guys who could all see significant minutes. That's a good problem to have," he added.

 

The unquestioned leader for Bracken County is do-it-all senior Austin Crawford. The 6'3" guard is called upon to wear a lot of hats for the Polar Bears, and he has answered the call extremely well thus far in his career. Crawford was among the top scorers in a state last year, netting 26.6 ppg while also grabbing 10.4 rpg. "When you have a player like Austin Crawford, he makes everyone around him better," Hinson said of the superb senior. Two other seniors will certainly join Crawford. 6'3" forward Brady Jones has a world of potential in the post, while 6'4" Cooper Engnes is a versatile wing who was third on the team in scoring last year at 7.4 ppg. Junior guard Tanner Fisher and younger brother Tad Fisher both saw minutes last year and will see more this year. Senior guard Caleb Rigg did not play last year, but is suiting up in 2016-17 and he "has been a big help" according to Hinson. Junior guard Griffin Appleman, a Pendleton County transfer, will add more depth to an already crowded back court. What will hurt the Polar Bears most is the loss of Jacob Hamilton, the team's #2 scorer last year (13.3 ppg) and a potential all-Region player. A fantastic cross-country competitor, Hamilton is not expected to return to the hardwood for his senior season.

 

Regardless, Hinson firmly believes he has the talent to help the Polar Bears reach three lofty goals: the 10th Region Class "A" championship, the 39th District championship, and the big hardware of the 10th Region championship. "The guys have been coming in at 5:00 am to shoot and get work in," Hinson stated. "Nobody is telling them to do that; they're doing it on their own." He adds, "Our school has had tremendous success this year in football, cross country, and volleyball...now it's our turn to make some noise and the guys are working extremely hard to reach our goals."

#9 - Bourbon County Colonels

Head Coach: Nick Sosby

2015-16 Record: 8-21

 

Until mid-January a season ago, Nick Sosby and the Colonels struggled to get wins. The team notched just two victories from the season's outset through January 15th. But from there, the Colonels started clicking a bit and finished their last 11 games with a 6-5 record, wrapping things up with an 11-point loss to rival Paris in the 40th District semifinals.

 

There is hope on the horizon for Sosby's club as a new season approaches, thanks in large part to the return of outstanding guard Ameryon Blackburn. The 6'0 senior led the team in scoring last year with 17.4 ppg, while draining 75 3's and hitting 80% from the charity stripe. Blackburn proved himself one of the deadliest perimeter shooters a year ago and will not fly under the radar in his senior campaign. Junior guard Titus Ransom will be a steady back court mate for Blackburn. Ransom averaged 9.4 ppg in 2015-16, but you can expect an increase in his numbers this year. A pair of senior forwards, Hunter Johnson and Cameron Wilson, will have to help fill the void left behind by graduated big man Billy Orcutt. Senior guard Kamron Stout is also back, and will need to increase his 3.2 ppg production from last season.

 

While Sosby and the Colonels may be ranked at the bottom of the 40th District, they still might be a Top 10 team in the Region. This is a club with all the tools necessary to compete with Paris, Montgomery, and Clark, but also the rest of the 10th's top teams. Although five of the team's first six games will be played at home, all are tough tests, but should serve as preparation for success come late February and early March.

 

#10 - Bishop Brossart Mustangs

Head Coach: Mike Code

2015-16 Record: 19-8

 

The Mustangs reclaimed the 10th Region Class "A" hardware last year, but Mike Code's club was on the outside looking in during the 10th Region Tournament. Brossart was ousted by Scott in a regular season game that left the 37th District with a 3-way tie for first place. The draw to determine seeding again matched the 'Stangs with Scott, and the squad fell short in a 58-52 season-ending defeat. Few 10th Region programs, save for perhaps Augusta, were as decimated by graduation as Bishop Brossart. "We lost seven starters who did most of our playing," Code observed. Gone is All-Region performer Jackson Crawford. Gone is Joey Hickman. Gone is Jacob Zai. Gone are a handful of others.

 

The top returning player is Bryce Kremer, who played in all 27 of Brossart's games last year, averaging 3.9 ppg. The 6'1" senior was also one of team's top perimeter shooters. Aaron Bell, a 6'3" junior big man, saw action in 20 games a season ago and will help anchor the front court for Code's bunch. 6'0 junior guard Bryce Donnelly averaged 2 ppg in 11 games played last season and will help lead with back court duties. Another junior, 6'1" Zach Hamberg, played in 10 games a year ago and averaged 1.4 ppg. Code also mentions Bryan Duffy, a 5'11" sophomore, as another player that the team will look to early and often for production.

 

Though much remains a mystery for Bishop Brossart, there are certain characteristics that nearly every Mike Code-coached team exhibits: defensive tenacity, an above-average work ethic, and a disciplined style of play at both ends of the floor. "We're small, inexperienced, and only have two seniors," Code laments, but look for Brossart to again be in the thick of things when the Class "A" tournament rolls around, and don't make the mistake of counting them out of the ever-difficult 37th District.

 

 

#11 - Harrison County Thorobreds

Head Coach: Larry Kendall

2015-16 Record: 12-18 (10th Region Quarterfinalist; 38th District Runner-Up)

 

The Breds took their lumps last season, but still managed a District runner-up, thereby earning a spot in the 10th Region Tournament where the team was ousted by Paris in the Quarterfinals. Larry Kendall loses his top two scorers from last year, but enough talent returns for Harrison County to be a threat to unseat rival Pendleton County in the 38th District. Spencer Free, a 6'3" sophomore, is the top returning scorer (7.8 ppg) and was an excellent contributor as a freshman last year. "Spencer is our best shooter and he needs to provide rebounding and defense for us to be successful," Kendall stated. 5'9" senior guard Keishon Gilkey also returns, and Kendall loves his senior's quickness and outstanding defensive ability. Gilkey will be joined in the back court by 6'0 sophomore Quenton Turley, whom Kendall says will run the point. "I can't wait for teams to see Quenton's imporovement from last year to this," Kendall said excitedly.

 

A trio of juniors will see frequent time: 6'4" Alex Midden sat out last season due to an ACL injury, but Kendall says "will be a surprise player in the post" this year. Nate Boyers, at 6'3", is an athletic slasher and defender, and Kendall asserts Boyers is his most improved player. Braden Bryant will add back court depth as a crafty 5'10" left-hander, solid jump-shooter, and excellent defender. 6'4" senior Reese Asher brings experience, length, and perimeter shooting to the table, while sophomores Tyler Harris (6'4") and Thomas Thompson (6'2") will also contribute. Kendall says Harris is a reliable perimeter shooter who can also get to the rim, and Thompson has "a tremendous motor and will provide depth for us."

 

Kendall says he has emphasized defensive toughness and playing harder at both ends when practicing with his squad, but he is optimistic that the Breds can get it done. "Our strength will be overall size, but our weakness will be scoring ability," Kendall commented. "But if we can develop some dependable scorers, we will surprise some of our opponents come tourney time."

 

 

#12 - Nicholas County Bluejackets

Head Coach: Matthew Botner

2015-16 Record: 8-20

 

Matthew Botner begins his second season at Nicholas County with a much more experienced, deeper team that hopes to make some waves in the 38th District and in the 10th Region Class "A." While the Bluejackets do bid farewell to last year's leading scorer, plenty of firepower returns for a successful 2016-17 campaign. Spencer Morris is the top returning scorer (10.5 ppg) and rebounder (5.6 rpg). The 6'2" forward can score from multiple spots and will be counted upon to be a key team leader. 6'0 senior guard Trent Letcher (8.9 ppg) was one of the 10th's top sharpshooters from 3-point land a season ago, nailing 45 treys as a junior. Joining him as an experienced hand in the back court will be 5'10" senior Logan Stafford (8.1 ppg). Botner calls Stafford "a quick point guard who can lock you down defensively and get to the rim on the offensive end."

 

Expect a pair of 6'2" juniors to provide needed front court presence. Sam Hamilton is a versatile player who can aptly fill numerous positions on the floor, while Drew Davis adds rebounding and an ability to run the floor as a big man. 6'0 senior guard Wes Sapp will be counted upon to add back court depth and experience as as a capable shooter from the perimeter.

 

Concerning his team's strengths, in addition to the aforementioned year of additional experience and depth, Botner stated, "We should have the ability to score at multiple positions and in the open court." As for weaknesses, the second-year Jackets head coach said, "We are not a big team. Our half court defense still needs work and we need to improve our ability at guarding the ball. Limiting second-chance points will be a key to our success as well." For those who enjoy an up-tempo style of offense, Nicholas County will be a team to watch, as Botner says he wants his kids to "get out and run when we can," attacking the basket with abandon and not settling for anything. The Bluejackets will begin the season playing 5 of their first 6 games in Carlisle, kicking things off with 16th Region foe Bath County on November 28th.

 

 

#13 - St. Patrick Saints

Head Coach: John Kirkpatrick

2015-16 Record: 14-15

 

John Kirkpatrick was hired in late July to take over the Saints program after Matthew Taylor left for nearby Fleming County. Kirkpatrick comes to the small, private school in Maysville from Whitesville Trinity. The first-year coach will have a decent crop or returnees in order to compete in the Class "A" and the 39th District.

 

Number-two scorer and leading rebounder Jakaar Frey has graduated, but the Saints return their leading scorer and second best rebounder in junior forward Ben Swolsky (15.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 54% FG's). Swolksy, a potential All Region performer, shined in his sophomore campaign and will no doubt assume an even larger role in 2016-17. Senior guard Chase Burton (6 ppg) also returns and was last year's leader in 3-pointers made. Burton will be joined in the back court by juniors Baylen Bauer and Brevin Jones. Helping Swolsky in the paint will be 6'5" senior Josh Walton, who averaged 5.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 2015-16. And the Saints may get production from freshman swingman Jake Swolsky.

 

Perimeter shooting is something Kirkpatrick will likely look to improve. The Saints shot 23.5% from beyond the arc last season and will need to raise that number considerably. St. Patrick will start the season by hosting county rival, the mighty Mason County Royals on November 29th.

 

 

#14 - Calvary Christian Cougars

Head Coach: Ryan Neises

2015-16 Record: 16-15

 

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise in the 10th Region for 2015-16 was Ryan Neises and Calvary Christian. In his first season as the Cougars' head coach, Neises took his team from a 4-23 finish in 2014-15 to a 16-15 record a year ago. Neisis is well-aware of the difficulties of coaching at a program like Calvary, but he's thus far proven more than capable at overcoming the odds.

 

There is reason for continued optimism for Calvary, as the team's top two players from a year ago return. Senior guard Aikeem Riley averaged 18.5 ppg a season ago, and emerged as one of the 10th's most underrated players. "Aikeem has improved after a productive summer," Neisis stated. "We're planning on playing him off the ball more to start the offense this year," the coach added. In addition to leading the team is scoring, Riley was among the top 3-point shooters in the 10th, hitting 70 of 170 (41.2%) 3-point attempts in 2015-16. Classmate Justin Wade (15 ppg) joins Riley to form a high-scoring duo. A 3-year varsity starter, Neisis tells us that Wade "also got a lot better this summer, and he excels as an inside/outside scorer." Mason Rusch also emerged as a fine young player last year as an 8th grader, although he battled injuries. This season, Neisis expects the 5'8" freshman to shoulder a lot of the ball-handling responsibilities. Senior center Steven Wells started in about half the team's games last year and is a true post, who can also step out and hit a jumper. Another senior, Adonis Riley, the twin brother of Aikeem, is in his first year at Calvary and also in his first year of playing competitive, organized basketball. "Adonis is long and active and will be a good energy guy for us," Neisis stated.

 

Neisis believes guard play, shooting, and experience are the strengths for his team. "Our team is comprised mostly of guards and we will play 4 or even 5 guards at a time," the second-year coach commented. Neisis will not have the services of Danny McWhorter, a junior guard, who is not suiting up in 2016-17, but he asserts that his team is "light years ahead of where we were at this time last year, in terms of knowledge and understanding our system." The Cougars may not be able to make a huge dent in a vaunted 37th District, but this will be a fun, competitive team to watch--one that will likely build on the success of a season ago.

 

 

#15 - Augusta Panthers

Head Coach: Brian Kirk

2015-16 Record: 24-7 (10th Region Runner-Up; 39th District Champion)

 

The Panthers have been on an historic run in the last few years, beginning with the Brent Bach era and continued by the terrific trio of Camryn Snapp, Connor Maddox, and Owens Crawford. Augusta has captured 3 District titles, a Class "A" championship, and last year came just short of earning a trip to the Sweet 16.

 

But Brian Kirk has his work cut out for him in his second season as the Panthers' coach, as most of the talent from the last few seasons has departed. The only returning player with a lot of experience is 6'1" senior Jared Shoemaker. A crafty left-hander, Shoemaker found his niche a season ago, averaging just shy of 10 ppg on a solid roster. For Shoemaker to even be playing is remarkable, considering the young man was involved in a near-fatal car accident in late April. Doctors have cleared him, thankfully, and there is no question he will be the leader for Augusta in this new era. Senior forward Jack Laycock played in 19 games last year and averaged 0.9 ppg. Sophomore big man Stephen Cordle also showed signs of promise in the paint last year, playing in half the team's games. Also look for Camden Johnson, a senior guard, to step in and get plenty of minutes.

 

Inexperience and a lack of depth will be some of the issues Kirk will have to deal with early and often. Expect Shoemaker's point production to drastically improve, but it's uncertain where the rest of the much needed production will come from. With this being the team hit arguably the hardest by graduation, you can anticipate a significant drop off from what we've been accustomed to these last few years. That said, if there's anything this program has excelled at these last few years, it's proving the doubters wrong.

 

 

#16 - Robertson County Black Devils

Head Coach: Patrick Kelsch

2015-16 Record: 8-19

 

Being the head coach of a high school basketball team takes a special level of commitment and sacrifice. Being the head coach of two high school basketball teams is almost unheard of in our era, and yet that's the task facing Patrick Kelsch. After a highly successful run as the head coach of the Bracken County girls program, Kelsch now finds himself in the same position at Robertson County, but he has also replaced the departed John Brown as the Black Devils boys coach. It's not necessarily what he expected would happen after he left Brooksville, but it's a challenge Kelsch is ready and willing to embrace.

 

The roster Kelsch inherits lacks depth and experience, but it also contains a potential top 10 regional talent in junior Mason Burden. The 6'0 forward averaged a whopping 23.7 ppg last year and collected a team-high 8.1 rpg as well. "Mason is a hard-working player who improves every day and at the same time makes the other players around him better," Kelsch said of his star. "He can score in a variety of ways and will be a tough defensive assignment for opponents." Dakota Moore, a 6'1" senior, was the team's #2 scorer in 2015-16 (9.7 ppg) and will be the team's catalyst in the back court. Fellow senior Myles Murphy, at 6'1", has started since his freshman year, which was the last time the Black Devils advanced to the 10th Region Tournament. Murphy is the type of player who does a lot of little things well--whose accomplishments are not always on display in a box score or stat sheet. A third senior, 6'1" Austin Dugan, played in 25 games last year and will be counted upon to increase his production this season. And then expect improvement from 6'3" freshman Alex Schalch, who contributed mightily as an 8th grader last year, scoring 4.8 ppg and grabbing 4 rpg.

 

Kelsch points to three things when asked about team weaknesses: depth, shooting, and an overall lack of experience. What he likes about his team are the intangibles of cohesion, an outstanding team work ethic, and dedication to improvement. "This is a good group of young men who are going to give the best they have night in and night out," Kelsch observed. "I'm looking forward to coaching them and helping them develop into a solid team."

 

 

#17 - Silver Grove Big Trains

Head Coach: Brett Kies

2015-16 Record: 7-21

 

The Brett Kies era begins this season in Silver Grove with the departure of Howard Brownstein. The Big Trains struggled in 2015-16, winning just a third of their games, and the program overall has bid farewell to a quartet of 1,000 point scorers in the last two seasons. Kies is aware of his team's challenges, but is up to the task, saying, "I'm really looking forward to my first season as head coach at Silver Grove."

 

Senior guard Logan Taylor (4.9 ppg) will be one of two senior captains for the Trains, and Kies expects Taylor to handle the majority of the team's ball-handling responsibilities, but adds, "He will also be looked upon to score a lot." Austin Smith (4.4 ppg) was the team's top perimeter shooter in 2015-16 and Kies expects the sophomore guard to duplicate that success this season. Senior Nathan Doyle (5.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg) will be the team's top inside player. Says Kies, "Nathan will be looked upon to score more this year, while continuing to anchor our rebounding effort." Junior guard Elian Turcios is a player that Kies says "will be asked to play lots of roles this season." On the defensive end, Turcios is likely to draw the opposition's top player and the first-year coach believes his squad can generate a lot of offense from the junior's defense. Junior guard Nate Cox brings an above-average mid-range game to the Big Trains and will need to make a significantly larger impact on the team at both ends of the floor.

 

Kies knows that depth is going to be a potential hindrance for Silver Grove, with just nine players on the roster and only two over six feet tall. Still, the Big Trains plan to employ a fast and open style of play. "We will employ pressure defense that will allow us to generate offense," Kies said. At the same time, he is well-aware that style of play may have to be adjusted to be more conducive to the team's overall makeup. "But," Kies concludes, "all five of our starters have varsity experience, so they are used to playing at a varsity pace."

 

 

10TH REGION: PLAYER RANKINGS

 

1. Dontaie Allen - 6'6" Soph. (Pendleton County) - Extremely athletic, extremely long youngster is already garnering Division 1 interest. Terrific talent with an incredibly high ceiling.

 

2. Austin Crawford - 6'3" Sr. (Bracken County) - Electrifying guard became the Polar Bears all-time leading scorer as a sophomore and could well hit the 3,000 points scored mark as a senior.

 

3. Jake Ohmer - 6'0 Sr. (Scott) - Elite scorer and fiery tough competitor. Drains the 3, drives to the basket, and converts at the charity stripe like no other player in the 10th.

 

4. Jerryd Jones - 6'4" Sr. (Montgomery County) - Swingman is perhaps the 10th's finest athlete and one of the its most efficient scorers. Poised for a huge senior season in Mt. Sterling.

 

5. Cole Hegyi - 6'4" Sr. (Campbell County) - Versatile, high IQ wing who could emerge as a star in 2016-17 and lead the Camels back to Rupp.

6. Ameryon Blackburn - 6'0 Sr. (Bourbon County) - One of the 10th's most underappreciated performers in 2015-16 will not surprise anyone this year. Deadly shooter from beyond the arc.

7. Jekobi Wells - 6'3" Sr. (Paris) - Uber-athletic slasher is a force at driving to and scoring around the basket. Tough defensive assignment for most 10th Region swing players.

 

8. Isiah Garrison - 6'0 Jr. (Mason County) - Made significant progress all season long a year ago and should be the Royals' leader for the next two years. Solid performance at Sweet 16 in a losing effort.

 

9. Eric Johnson - 6'0 Jr. (Paris) - Gritty, tenacious guard might be the most surprising player in the 10th Region this season after a very nice sophomore campaign.

 

10. Garren Bertsch - 6'4" Sr. (Campbell County) - Lefty forward with a smooth stroke from the perimeter will join Hegyi to form quite a duo for the Camels.

 

Ten More to Watch (Listed in alphabetical order) - Marcus Ashford (Paris), Mason Burden (Robertson County), Brennan Canada (Montgomery County), Spencer Free (Harrison County), Jordan Graham (George Rogers Clark), Trent Letcher (Nicholas County), Dalton Perkins (Mason County), Aikeem Riley (Calvary Christian), Jared Shoemaker (Augusta), Ben Swolsky (St. Patrick)

 

 

10TH REGION: 10 PRESSING QUESTIONS

 

1. Buddy Biggs: Can the man in charge at Mason County lead his group to an encore performance at Rupp?

 

2. Campbell County: Can the Camels replace dynamite big man Matt Wilson and claim their 3rd title in 4 years?

 

3. Dontaie Allen: Will the super sophomore's supporting cast provide enough to push the Wildcats to a Regional run?

 

4. The 39th District: Hard feelings exist after feuding over drawing vs. seeding the District Tournament. Will there be a lot of February Fireworks at The Fieldhouse?

 

5. Terence Brooks: Can the veteran coach continue to improve the Greyhounds program and help them reach Rupp?

 

6. Bracken County: Excitement abounds in Brooksville, but can the Polar Bears find consistent scoring to supplement Austin Crawford?

 

7. Steve Fromeyer: Former Eagles assistant now the top man and he's got one of the top players. Will he help Scott claim a Region crown?

 

8. Montgomery County: Can the Indians surround Jerryd Jones with enough talent to reclaim the 40th District and perhaps the Region as a whole?

 

9. Josh Cook: Can the new GRC coach continue the success with the Cardinals that he's enjoyed for most of his career?

 

10. Bishop Brossart: Mustangs lose a lot, but that always seems the case. Can Code and company reload and contend for titles?

Edited November 22, 20169 yr by Randy Parker

I'm adopting the Paris bunch as my 10th Region team this year -- and they are too low!!! :bunny:

 

#GreyhoundsTakeTheTenth

Pretty solid preview!! A lot to look forward to this season. I think Bracken at 8 is a little low, but hey it's a preseason article and there will be plenty of time to prove ourselves this season :thumb:

Great job as always to our 10th region team.

Well done young man!

great write-up! I love learning about the regions outside of our playing area, although I think we will see a few of these teams this year as I look at the schedule.

 

Great work:thumb:

Great assessment as always RP. Can't pick game by game but big picture....... you're the guy. Lol. On an inside tip, watch Sam Appleman, Augusta Freshman........very solid and has good upside. He will come along quickly on the "short" Augusta bench.

Great job as always by Mr. Beatloaf.

 

It will be interesting to see how several of the region's top squads cope with the loss of senior point guard leadership.

Randy you did an outstanding job of writing up the preview as always. :thumb::thumb:

 

I would like to thank all the coaches and others that helped with the information. We have such great coaches in the 10th region that want to help us not just get information on their players but all players of the region. We are blessed to have such support for our 10 Region athletes.

Pretty solid preview!! A lot to look forward to this season. I think Bracken at 8 is a little low, but hey it's a preseason article and there will be plenty of time to prove ourselves this season :thumb:

 

Where would you put Bracken?

 

Anyone want to post how they would rank the teams? This could get interesting to see all the different combinations....:lol2:

Where would you put Bracken?

 

Anyone want to post how they would rank the teams? This could get interesting to see all the different combinations....:lol2:

 

I'd have Bracken at 4 or 5 no lower than 6. IMO Mason and Pendleton are too high on this list.

 

My preseason top 10

 

1 Campbell

2 Scott

3 Paris

4 Bracken

5 MoCo

6 Mason

7 Bourbon

8 Pendleton

9 GRC

10 Brossart

 

With very little separation from 1 all the way to 6 if any. 7-10 would be just a step behind but not a big step.

Players

 

1 Crawford

2 Ohmer

3 Allen

4 Hegyi

5 Jones

6 Wells

7 Blackburn

8 Garrison

9 Shoemaker

10 Burden

 

9 and 10 are merely because of what will be asked of them every night. They will have to fill the stat sheet for any team success. I can just as easily put Canada and Johnson or maybe Ashford in those spots.

I'll give it a shot:

 

1 Scott - because of Ohmer

2 Campbell - experienced

3 Paris - very athletic

4 Pendleton - And may be low if Allen can carry the team.

5 Bracken - Crawford's supporting cast will determine the season.

6 Montgomery Co. - Jones can play.

7 Mason County - Depth has to develop. And can Isaiah lead?

8 GRC - New Coach?

9 Harrison Co. - Has some returning talent.

10 Brossart - Always plays tough D.

 

I think it there is a lot of individual talent spread out on different teams. How well the teams gel or supporting casts develop will determine who wins this year.

I'm thinking Harrison Co will come out better than most expect

Excellent job as always! One thing to note, Eric Johnson of Paris is a junior and not a senior! The young man may be the best player on the team next to Wells!