article BluegrassPreps.com 16th Region Boys Basketball Preview

[Cubster]

BluegrassPreps.com 16th Region Boys Basketball Preview

 

Boyd County ended an 18 year drought and claimed the region crown in 2018. The Lions defeated arch rival Ashland in the regional finals to return to Rupp Arena. This season appears to have a clear favorite in Elliott County followed closely by Morgan County and Ashland. A group of eight to ten squads will be closely bunched behind the top three teams. All are capable of pulling an upset in the postseason. Let's take a look at the 2018-19 16th Region teams:

 

1. ELLIOTT COUNTY Coach Greg Adkins certainly knows the way to Rupp Arena. His Lions claimed the region title for three consecutive years from 2015-17. The return of senior guard Korbin Spencer will make the path back to Rupp much easier. Prior to spending his junior season at Hargrave Academy, the versatile guard scored 1,396 points during the Lions' three-year championship run. The Lions also boast three returning starters in sharpshooter Gage Evans, Tanner Dickerson, and crafty point guard Kole Whitley. Throw in talented 8th grader Collin Porter and you have a Warriors type high school lineup that can spread a defense out and score in bunches. It should be a fun year in Sandy Hook.

 

2. MORGAN COUNTY The Cougars, under veteran coach Matthew Perry, are coming off an impressive 25-6 season a year ago. A heart-wrenching loss to Ashland in the first round of the regional tournament should fuel this year's squad. Blake Evans, the region's best three-point shooter, leads the Cougar returnees. Scoring point guard Garrett Adkins and athletic big man Jake Helton round out the Cougars' Big Three. If the Cougars can find some complimentary players by the postseason, this team could cut nets in Morehead.

 

3. ASHLAND The Tomcats came close to ending their region championship drought but fell to Boyd County in the region finals. Jason Mays, who has been an assistant in the college ranks, will lead the Tomcats in his first season coaching high school hoops. Devaunte Robinson, the region's most athletic player, leads a talented group of returning Tomcats. The silky left-hander, has made a living at scoring at the rim the past two seasons. Senior Hunter Mays showed some offensive firepower last season. A talented junior class led by Ethan Hudson and Justin Bradley will be relied upon heavily this season. The key to the Tomcats season may lie with the health of freshman Cole Villers. Villers, who started as an eighth-grader, suffered a knee injury over ths summer and will hopefully return by mid-January. Is this the year the region title returns to Blazer Blvd?

 

4. ROWAN COUNTY The Vikings were the most improved team in the region in 2018. Coach Shawn Thacker thought it would be a rebuilding year but the Vikings had different ideas as they advanced to the 16th Region semifinals. Brady Madden became Mr.Double-Double over the latter of the season. The Vikings also got an unexpected addition to the team in Paintsville transfer Mason Moore. Moore, a talented sophomore, averaged 17.4 points a game as a frosh for the Tigers. This dynamic duo could make Rowan County a tough out in March.

 

5. BOYD COUNTY The Randy Anderson rebuilding project at Boyd County reached its pinnacle with a regional championship in 2018. Now he has the task of replacing a senior class that featured region MVP Gunner Short and other key contributors. Blake Stewart, a heady point guard, will have to shoulder more of the scoring load this season. Senior Talbott Taylor can score inside and on the perimeter. These two will need help from an inexperienced core of players that will need seasoning if the Lions can make another postseason run.

 

6. LEWIS COUNTY Coach Joe Hampton, known as Mr. March in these parts, pulled off another district upset last year to advance to the regional tournament. He will have to replace All-Region player Tay Offutt, who did a myriad of things for the Lions. Junior Sam O'Keefe, who has grown to 6'4'', returns after a breakout sophomore season. Seniors Seth Wright and Cameron Ruckel will provide scoring and leadership for the Lions. Inside play may be the key to another run to the region. An added plus for the Lions is hosting the district tournament in Vanceburg at the Lions' Den.

 

7. RACELAND Coach Bob Trimble and his Rams had quite the year in 2018. The boys from Worthington won the All A region along with the 63rd District Tournament. They lost a tough region semifinal game to Ashland. The loss of Travis Weaver, Rylie Potter, and Octavious Hall will be tough to overcome but the cupboard isn't bare. Kirk Pence is poised for breakout season from his guard position. Greg Mershon is a versatile perimeter player that can be relied on this season. The Rams will also be bolstered by Ironton transfer Kyle Adkins. This team could be a sleeper this winter.

 

8.WEST CARTER Coach Jeremy Webb and his Comets experienced the normal growing pains that come with a young, inexperienced basketball team. This year could be different as double figure scorers Ethan Adkins and Rodney Evans lead a large group of returnees. Junior Trace Tackett can also provide some offensive firepower to bolster this squad. The toughest obstacle for the Comets is the region's top two teams reside in their district.

 

9. BATH COUNTY Bath County got just what it wanted when they hired Bart Williams. In year 2, he led the Wildcats back to the regional tournament after a nine-year absence. Spencer Pergram brings his 14.4 points a game back to the Wildcats. 6'5' Jake Porter can play all five positions on the floor. Austin Reed and Chandler Otis are two seniors who can provide experience and leadership. Look for the Wildcats to be back in Morehead this season.

 

10. EAST CARTER One thing you can always count on in Grayson is a tough, disciplined team coached by Brandon Baker. Jordan Brooks, a talented post player, returns this year to lead the Raiders. Point guard Josh Damron can score and distribute the ball well on the perimeter. Micah Adams and Hunter Binion will need to have bigger roles this year for East to have success. The Raiders are always dangerous to pull off an upset in the talent-laden 62nd District.

 

11. FAIRVIEW The Eagles were a pleasant surprise under Derek Cooksey last season.They were competitive and recorded some nice wins throughout the 2018 campaign. They also have their version of the Big Three in forward Garrett Greene, sharp shooting Terrick Smith, and athletic wing Noah King. The addition of 6'5" sophomore Jack Roy will give the Eagles much-needed help on the inside. This team could move up the rankings by season's end.

 

12. GREENUP COUNTY Who will replace the scoring of Gage Hughes is the question in Lloyd. New head coach Robert Amis inherits four of the Musketeers top seven players from a year ago, but very little points and rebounds return. Junior Brady Nelson and senior Brecken Thomas will be leaned on heavily for scoring and rebounding. Logan Robinson could provide perimeter shooting and Eli Raby is a strong defender. Look for 7th grader Zander Carter to have an impact this season.

 

13. RUSSELL Coach Bryan Groves has the daunting task of replacing a talented senior class from last season. Tristan Miller will look to shoulder much of the scoring load from his shooting guard position. Sophomore point guard Charlie Jachimczuk got valuable experience last year as a frosh. An athletic junior class will help the Devil cause. Look for 6'3" freshman Brady Bell to emerge as an impact player.

 

14. FLEMING COUNTY Coach Chris Stapleton hopes to sing a healthier song after an injury-plagued first season at Fleming County. Caleb Flannery, a crafty guard, returns with his 10.9 points per game. Cole Saunders will provide some offensive punch for the Panthers as well. Stapleton will rely on an aggressive defense to notch some wins in 2018.

 

15. MENIFEE COUNTY The Wildcats will have to replace KABC POY Dalton Barnett. He did tit all for the Wildcats a year ago. Coach Tim Swartz will have a strong backcourt of Travis Trimble, a 12.7 points per game scorer a year ago, and Drake Jenkins. The Wildcats hope to improve as the season wears on.

 

16. ROSE HILL The Royals of Rose Hill made strides last year by winning nine games. A trio of juniors will lead the way. Kenny Wilburn, Trey Phelps, and Stephen Barker are all coming off fine sophomore campaigns. Coach Johnny Bush is hoping for continued improvement from his team this season.

 

TOP 10 PLAYERS

 

1. Korbin Spencer Elliott County This silky smooth guard hopes to make a triumphant return to the region and collect his fourth region title.

2. Devaunte Robinson Ashland DRob can score at will at the rim and hopes to end the Tomcats region title drought.

3. Blake Stewart Boyd County A natural leader turned some heads at Rupp last season.

4. Jake Helton Morgan County An athletic beast on the glass that could be the region's most underrated player.

5. Mason Moore Rowan County Paintsville transfer can flat fill it up.

6. Kirk Pence Raceland This year could be a coming out party for the talented sophomore.

7. Kole Whitley Elliott County He has the best handles in the region.

8. Blake Evans Morgan County The region's best three-point shooter commands respect from any defense.

9. Brady Madden Rowan County Just call him Mr Double Double.

10. Sam O'Keefe Lewis County Smooth lefty that can go inside or out.

[camelman]

Nice job on the preview!

[DevilMayCare]

2. MORGAN COUNTY The Cougars, under veteran coach Matthew Perry, are coming off an impressive 25-6 season a year ago. A heart-wrenching loss to Ashland in the first round of the regional tournament should fuel this year's squad. Blake Evans, the region's best three-point shooter, leads the Cougar returnees. Scoring point guard Garrett Adkins and athletic big man Jake Helton round out the Cougars' Big Three. If the Cougars can find some complimentary players by the postseason, this team could cut nets in Morehead.

 

Russell's Tristan Miller might have something to say about that as the season goes on. He can stroke it from distance.

 

Great job on the preview, CP.

[OBC2018]

Pergrem and Porter for Bath are good. Trimble for Menifee looked good at the MSU team camp.

[Wireman]

I've been hearing some good things about Bath County. I'm interested to check out what they are working on this season.