Defending Region 2 Champions: University Heights Academy

Best Regular Season Region 2 Record: University Heights (15-2)

 

Last year was a down year for Region 2 basketball. Both Hopkinsville and Christian County has huge expectations as some of the top players in their programs were seniors. Johnson, Cager, and Ware were going to battle for the Region 2 championship and do some major damage at the Sweet 16. That never happened. Hopkinsville struggled with injuries and off the court issues. Christian County couldn't seem to kick in the killer instinct. Because of that, UHA rose to the occasion and swept Hopkinsville on the season and defeated Christian County for the District and Region Title.

 

Gone are those top players and both Hoptown and Christian County are rebuilding, however, the Tigers have the potential to make a very quick turn around. UHA brings back the same team that won last year, so expectations will be high looking for a repeat and more. But lurking just behind them, is Madisonville. A team looking to knock the 8th district from it's pedestal. They have the talent and coaching to make a run to break the streak. There are just a few teams that have a legit chance at winning the region, should be an exciting year.

 

1. University Heights - Coach Grant Shouse

2017-18 record: 23-8

Key Losses: Malik Lovin

Key Returners: Dekeyvan (KyKy) Tandy (30.5 ppg, 5 rpg), Taquan Hollowell (11.5 ppg), Drew McGowan (11.2 ppg)

 

The Blazers took advantage of injuries and poor play from the other District 8 teams to win Region 1 and move on to Rupp. This year, everyone is looking up at them. They return their top 4 scorers this season including Mr. Basketball contender KyKy Tandy who has recently committed to Xavier. Tandy will once again be a pleasure to watch and he is virtually unstoppable. UHA also returns Taquan Hollowell and Drew McGowan. Both can shoot from the outside and off the dribble. Taquan while not a true big man can hold his own in the front court. So matchups will be interesting because big men will have to move a lot to defend him while still worrying about Tandy driving the middle.

 

The fact that the Blazers can spread the floor and score from anywhere will make them dangerous against anyone they play. However their achilles heel from last year was their defense. They allowed 66 ppg to opponents last year which is an improvement over the previous seasons, however when playing higher quality teams, that number goes up significantly. This is the area that UHA will have to improve most if they want to be considered an elite team in the State.

 

UHA should begin the year as a BGP top 20 team and they could stay there the entire year. The schedule this season will help them be better prepared for the end of the year run. They are playing in the King of the Bluegrass tournament, Traditional Bank Classic and the All A State tournament. The quality of talent they will face at those tournaments will tell a lot about what kind of team they could be come the region tournament and the Sweet 16. An interesting game will be Jan 12 against Mayfield, the other top West Ky team Region 1 favorites.

 

2. Madisonville North Hopkins - Coach Matt Beshear

2017-18 record: 21-10

Key Losses: none

Key Returners: Cade Cunningham (13.2 ppg), Ksuan Casey (16 ppg, 9.3 rpg), Kenny White (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg)

 

Last year was a big growing year for the Maroons. They had an up and down first part of the season as their young team gained experience and maturity. The had a few really big blowout losses to some really good teams, and some good wins. The big moment of the season came when they defeated preseason favorite Hopkinsville by 20 pts. It was the first time they beat the Tigers since the 2010 region tournament. From that point on they played much better as a team and looked ready to compete. But it wasn't to be. They took a difficult loss to Christian County in the region tournament.

 

Madisonville will be led by Seniors Cade Cunningham and Juniors Ksuan Casey and Kenny White. Cade Cunningham while not dominant from the outside, can shoot the ball and get hot. He is a good ball handler and sees the floor well, which starts everything on offense for the Maroons. Casey and White are great around the basketball and fantastic on the boards. Casey has a great chance of averaging a double/double this season, and if arguably the best player in KY didn't play in region 2, he could have a shot at POY.

 

Look for Madisonville to be a much improved team this season. In a year where 3 of the big 4 teams in region 2 are rebuilding, they have a great chance of overcoming district 8's stranglehold on the region championship. The last team to win Region 2 that did not come from district 8 was 2001, when Madisonville won it. The next two seasons will be Madisonville's window to do so.

 

3. Hopkinsville - Coach Larry Miller

2017-18 record: 13-14

Key Losses: Stephen Cager (22.4 ppg), Jalen Johnson (17.5 ppg)

Key Returners: James Nicholas (12.5 ppg), Jacarius Burks (11 ppg), Jamarion Sharp

 

The Haworth era is over after taking the Tigers to five Sweet 16s and one of the records in the state. He has moved on to Louisville Male after his first losing season at Hopkinsville. It was a very rough year for the Tigers. Injuries and suspensions wreaked havoc on the season. There wasn't a player on the team that played in all 27 games. In the end, all the preseason hype didn't matter. Now, former assistant coach, now head coach Larry Miller will take the lead and try to continue the tradition of very good Hopkinsville teams.

 

The advantage of all the injuries last year, is the amount of experience younger players received. Freshman Alijah Watts showed that he has the talent to play at a high level when he can stay in control. Jacarius Burks played well for the Tigers last year and will need to step even bigger this year. The two biggest factors for the success of this team will be James Nicholas and Jamarion Sharp. Nicholas has been touted as a future star for Hopkinsville, but he has only had flashes of that talent. This is the year he needs to put the team on his back and take control. The play of 7'1" Jamarion Sharp will be a big question mark. He got some game experience last year and worked hard over the summer. If he can just rebound and protect the rim, then the Tigers will have another great season.

 

The Tigers have the biggest and best front court in region 2. If they can get the backcourt to stay in control and not force the ball, the Tigers may return to Rupp. If not, it may be another disappointing season for Hopkinsville.

 

4. Christian County - Coach Kerry Stovall

2017-18 record: 28-7

Key Losses: Detorrion Ware (32.2 ppg), Cory Trice (11.2 ppg), JaQuan Long

Key Returners: Fred Tandy, Eric Brody, Damikeon Mathis

 

Christian County had a great season and a chance to win the region. They won the regular season district 8, but lost to University Heights both in the district final and the region final. It was a tough loss for the Colonels. The off season was even tougher as they lose the region 1 POY Detorrion Ware. He was a huge reason for the Colonels success. If teams could stop him, then Christian County most likely lost. Not only do they lose him, but some very important role players in Trice, Long, and Langhi.

 

The Colonels will have to have a different game plan this season. Coach Stovall is a great coach and will have that plan in place come game 1. The team has some experience and talent. Tandy, Brody, and Mathis all averaged around 8 ppg last season.

They will all need to step up and really improve their game for them to have any chance in the region this season. Where the Colonels will really hurt is in the front court.

The top 4 rebounders on the team have moved on and that is a big hole to fill.

 

The Colonels talent alone should keep them as one of the better teams in the region. However don't think that this will be the same team as the past few years. They will look very different and will probably win more than they lose. They will figure out very fast what kind of team they are. They open the year against McCracken Co., then Hopkinsville, then Doss, then Owensboro. They also play Madison Central, Paducah Tilghman, Dunbar, Dupont Manual, and UHA 2x. That is a tough schedule.

 

 

5. Caldwell County - Coach Daniel Kukahiko

2017-18 record: 14-14

Key Losses: none

Key Returners: Derrin Boyd (23.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg), Jameer Riley (10 ppg), John Davis (10 ppg), Cayden Fraliex (10 ppg).

 

Caldwell County is a another team who had a really rough start to the season losing 7 of their first 12 games. Things looked much better after the holidays as the team chemistry improved. Even when the team lost they played well and continue to improve. This is great news for this season as Coach Kukahiko didn't lose any of his starters. In fact the Tigers return their top 8 players. If Caldwell is ever going to make some noise in the region, this is the year to do it.

 

The Tigers will be led by Senior Derrin Boyd who showed an excellent ability to get the basket and score last season. He also led the team in rebounding. The team will look to him again as the leader on the floor. Davis will run the point, Fraliex will be the guy going after every loose ball, and Riley will be the all around role player. These four guys average 54 ppg between them and that could easily rise to 60 to 65 ppg or more.

 

Versatility will be the strength of this Tiger team. The weakness will be the size. It is a guard dominated lineup that will have to stretch the floor. There are a lot of bigger lineups they will face this year, so quickness, crashing the boards, and solid fundamental play will be key to their success.

 

6. Hopkins County Central - Coach Lee James

2017-18 record: 16-14

Key Losses: none

Key Returners: Tylan Mann (17 ppg), Keyairreon Hobgood (12.3 ppg)

 

Hopkins County Central has a lot of good things to look forward to this year. First of all they had a very good season a year ago. The Storm had one of the more potent offenses in the region averaging over 73 ppg. This will be the same team this year, except one year older with one more year of experience.

 

Tyler Mann was the main scorer for the Storm leading them in scoring. However, any of the starters can put up a big game. Hobgood had 26 against UHA in the region tournament. Putty had 21 in a close game with Lyon Co. Blasin Moore had 19 against Logan Co. These guys know how to put the ball in the bucket. The downfall of the team was that other teams had no problem scoring on them.

 

This year, expect the scoring to still be high, but if Hopkins County Central wants to compete for that district crown, they will have to play better defense and box out. If they can get their defense under control, they can easily win 20 games this year.

 

7. Union County - Coach Shane Smith

2017-18 record: 15-16

Key Losses: Logan Thomas (18 ppg, 11 rpg), Marqualio King (9 ppg, 8 rpg)

Key Returners: Elex Dunford (15.2 ppg)

Key Additions: Kale Gaither (14.5 ppg)

 

Union had a solid season last year making it to the semi-finals of the region tournament. Logan Thomas and his double/double average was a big reason for that. The Braves lose their front court, and that will be very difficult to replace. However, Elex Dunford returns and has room to become a big time scorer. Another starter, Cade Duncan will need to step up and play a bigger role. But the big news of the off season is sophomore Kale Gaither transfering from Henderson Co. Gaither is one of the rising stars in the state of Ky. He has already been putting on a show in AAU this summer having multiple games of 30 points or more. He will be a welcome addition to this Union Co team. It will probably take some time for the team to gel together, but with the transfer being from an same district school, it's doubly nice, and most likely puts Union as the team to beat in the 6th district.

 

8. Webster County - Coach Jon Newton

-2017-18 record: 19-12

Key Losses: Ellis Chatman (20 ppg)

Key Returners: Tyler Camplin (12.6 ppg), Malachi Douglas (11.6 ppg)

 

Webster was one of the surprise teams last season. They only lost 4 games through the first half of the season, but then they hit the tougher part of the schedule and lost 7 of their last 12, including a first round exit in the district 6 tournament. The loss of Ellis Chatman is big for the Trojans. He was the leader of the team and the hole he leaves will be difficult to fill. Tyler Camplin and Malachi Douglas will be expected to take over the leadership void. They both had good year's last year, but played as a role player to Chatman. Coach Newton also will depend on the defensive leadership of Drew Skinner. He has been their best defender for the last two seasons and is expected to continue that role.

 

Size will be a strength for Webster this year. Coach Newton plans on playing a more physical game and making sure each player knows his role. If he can get the players to buy into the style of basketball he envisions, then this team will have some success. Especially after they get a few games under their belt. The toughest out of region games they play will be Paducah Tilghman, Russellville, and Owensboro Catholic.

 

9. Henderson County - Tyler Smithhart

2017-18 record: 15-14

Key Losses: Isaac Anglin (13.6 ppg), Dajuan Simpson (7.5 ppg), Kale Gaither (14.5 ppg)

Key Returners: Corey Stewart (7.5 ppg)

 

Last year was a rebuilding year for the Colonels. The plan was to build around the ultra talented freshman Kale Gaither. The beginning of the year was rough and they lost quite a few games. Things began to click after the holidays and the team really started to look good going on to win the 6th district and advance to the semi-finals region game. Things were looking pretty good for this season...then it wasn't.

 

Kale Gaither who is considered one of the best sophomores in the state transferred to Union County. Coach Smithhart knew he was going to lose the seniors from the season, but losing Gaither hurts. Henderson will only return two players with significant playing time from last season. Corey Stewart is the most experienced player and will be expected to provide some leadership to the team. Daymian Dixon will also be relied upon to spread the offense and be a bigger playmaker from beyond the arc where he shot 42% from. From there, it will be gaining experience by getting new players out on the floor.

 

Even though they are young, Smithhart believes in his sophomore class, even without Gaither. They are expected to consistently grow and mature throughout the year. He is also prepared for some growing pains, especially through the beginning of the season. By the end of January, this team should be ready to fight for the district championship and be a tough out at regions.

 

10. Lyon County - Coach Jeff Embrey

2017-18 record: 8-19

Key Losses: Max Wallington (14.2 ppg)

Key Returners: Gabe Board (15.6 ppg), Jackson Shoulder (10 ppg)

 

Lyon County is one of those teams whose record doesn't reflect how good the team was. Being a small school, they held their own throughout the season, only being overmatched a few times. They pulled some big upsets including a 1st round win in the district tournament against Trigg County, lost by one in the district championship, and then playing Henderson Co uncomfortably close.

 

The Lyons do lose one of their top scorers in Max Wadlington, however returning is top scorer Gabe Board and starter Jackson Shoulder. These two will lead the team that will have higher expectations this year. Board is a 1000 pt scorer who could reach the 18-20 ppg level. Shoulders will be relied upon to play hard down low and get the tough baskets and rebounds. An interesting player who is projected to start in 7th grader Travis Perry, who is almost 6 ft tall. Keep an eye on his development.

 

Overall this is a young team that is building off last season’s growth and their expectations are to battle for the 5th district championship again this year.

 

11. Crittenden County - Coach Denis Hodge

2017-18 record: 7-20

Key Losses: Logan Belt (9.6 ppg)

Key Returners: Sawyer Towery (11 ppg), Preston Turley (10 ppg)

 

How does a team that wins 5 regular season games win the 5th district championship? Ask Crittenden County because that is what they accomplished last year. A true upset story, one of why to never give up and never surrender. The Rockets pulled out the biggest upset of the year in region 2 when they shocked Livingston Central in the first round of district play. They held on to win the 5th district by one point.

 

How will that influence this year's team. The only significant loss they have is Logan Belt. They return everyone else. Coach Hodge will still have his top two scorers to go along with a year experience from a host of young players. Turley will only be a sophomore, while this will be Towery's final year of play. Expect a better record from Crittenden this season, and watch out, they may win the 5th district again!

 

12. Trigg County - Coach Payton Croft

2017-18 record: 11-14

Key Losses: Devron Triplet (11 ppg), DeOvion Day (11 ppg)

Key Returners: Kendric Adams (9.2 ppg)

 

Trigg started off the year very promising. Playing every team close and winning more than losing. Things were looking really good and they were climbing in the region rankings. Things started to get a little rocky in January, and then it totally fell apart in February where they lost their last 7 games, including the opening district game.

 

The Wildcats lose their top two scorers in Triplet and Day and 4 of the 5 starters from last year. This team is very young and the best player on the team will be a freshman this season. Kendric Adams was an all district player as an 8th grader. Coach Croft has been impressed with his hard work and desire to improve over the off season. In fact he is excited how the entire team has worked hard to improve. Realistically this is a very young team with very limited experience. It could be a tough season, but the end goal is to continue to grow as a team and prepare for what can be in the future.

 

13. Livingston Central - Coach Chris Green

2017-18 record: 17-14

Key Losses: Cameron Dean (13.5 ppg), Seth Hosick (13.2 ppg)

Key Returners: Cameron Head (9.2 ppg)

 

This may have been the most up and down team of 2017-18. They lost the first 4 games, then won the next 15 of 20 including 6 in a row. Things were looking good and they climbed up the region 2 rankings. They had big wins against Webster Co and Carlisle Co. But then they lost to one of the worst teams in the region in the first round of the 5th district tournament...crushing end an otherwise good season.

 

This season, they lose their two best scorers and not a whole lot to replace it. New Coach Christ Green will refocus the team and prepare them to play hard, scrappy basketball. Leadership of the team will be on Cameron Head, the top returning player with significant scoring experience. T'Roy Ringstaff will need to step up his game and the other returning starter. Max Downey will be relied upon to run point to get things going. This team will rely on outside shooting and quickness to make up for the lack of size, and only time will make up for lack of experience.

 

14. Dawson Springs - Coach Chad Burgett

2017-18 record: 10-20

Key Losses: Austin Clark (11.4 ppg), Braxton Cotton (14.8 ppg), Justin Putman (10 ppg)

Key Returners: none

 

Dawson Springs had a tough season under first year head coach Chad Burgett. Being a small school in a region with so much talent year in and year out is difficult. Add to that the loss of the team's top 3 scorers and the coach has his work is cut out for him.

 

The Panthers are going to be young and inexperienced this year. Their top player averaged 5.4 ppg in 2017-18. Their starters averaged less than 10 ppg last season. Despite the gloomy outlook, Coach Burgett has a positive take on the upcoming season. The goal will be to improve each and every game. The game plan is to control the tempo and exert pressure everywhere.

 

15. Fort Campbell - Coach Stacey Harrell

2017-18 record: 6-19

 

It is tough to have a basketball program where not only do you lose player consistently to graduation, but also to families being transferred. As of right now, Ft. Campbell doesn't have a roster listed on KHSAA, nor have we received any response from the coaches. However, according to last year's roster, they should return their top two scores, Junior Jorden Clark who averaged more that 17 ppg and Senior Cameron Johnson who added 13.5 ppg.

 

Top 10 Players to Watch

 

1. Dekeyvan (Kyky) Tandy, University Heights (Guard), Senior.

KyKy Tandy is without a doubt the best offensive player in Region 2. He already has committed to Xavier University. 247sports has Tandy ranked as the 5th best combo guard in the nation for the 2019 class, and as the 2nd best player in KY for the same class.

Tandy can score from anywhere on the floor. He is quick, versatile and knows how to finish at the rim. He can just as easily drive around you to score as he can just step back and launch a three. If you want to see how offense is played, make sure to catch a UHA game this year. Tandy averaged 30.5 ppg and he hits over 40% of his shots from three. Don’t be surprised if Tandy eclipses the 30 ppg mark again. He is no doubt a Mr. Basketball candidate for 2019. A place where Tandy needs to improve is his defense. It is mediocre at best. He will need to step up and lead on the defense end to be the complete player he wants to be.

Video -

 

2. Ksuan Casey, Madisonville North-Hopkins Senior

Casey exploded on the scene last year for the Maroons. He double his points per game and increased his average on the boards. Ksuan is one of the better forwards in region 2. He has the potential to take another big step this year. Casey has soft hands and pretty good vision for a big man. He can improve on enforcing his physical presence underneath. He won’t face many bigger than him in the region so he needs to assert himself. He has a great knack for rebounding and could average a double/double this season.

Video - Dawson Springs High - Ksuan Casey highlights - Hudl

 

3. Derrin Boyd, Caldwell County (Forward), Senior

Boyd was one of the top scorers in region 2 last year averaging 23 ppg. The southpaw can shoot from the outside or drive to the basket and finish. He has quick feet and handles the ball very well. His outside shot takes some time to develop, but it is effective. Boyd is a solid defender with good instincts. He is the leader of the team and does well to make others around him better. The team as a whole should be better, which in turn will help him succeed.

 

Video - Hudl: We Help Teams and Athletes Win

 

4. James Nicholas, Hopkinsville (Forward) Senior

Nicholas has never had the opportunity to be in the spotlight at Hopkinsville with all the talent that was ahead of him. Tim Haworth has always believe that Nicholas is one of the most talented players he’s coach. This will be the year to prove it. The spotlight is now on him. He is a quick forward with great hands and a great work ethic. He shoots over 50% from the floor and over 30% from 3 point range. He can jump out of the gym, but needs to hit the boards stronger and he can improve his post play. He prefers to play outside and drive to the basket, but the Tigers will need solid play down low to succeed this season.

 

Video - james nicholas 216-17 highlights - Coach nicholas highlights - Hudl

 

5. Taquan Hollowell, University Heights (Forward), Senior

Taquan has always had the skill and talent to be a great ball player. He just had to wait his turn. Hollowell can play bigger than his size for a forward and he is quick off the dribble. He anticipates the defense well in order to get to the basket. He is a good strong finisher and battles well on the inside. He could shoot better from the outside, but that isn’t his strength so he usually stays patient and waits for an opening to go. He averaged 11.5 ppg last year. Look for that to improve a few ppg this season.

Video -

 

6. Cody Cunningham, Madisonville North-Hopkins (Guard), Senior

Cunningham has come a long way as his game has continued to improve each year. He has good quickness and a good IQ for the game. He can score anywhere on the floor, but if can improve on his outside shooting, he can be a very good player. He shoots 43% from the floor and 33% from 3 point range. He has a knack for driving through defenses to get to the basket. Sometime he struggles to finish at the basket, but improvements will be made as he continues to lead.

 

Video -

 

7. Jacarius Burks, Hopkinsville (Guard) Senior

Burks will play the opposite side of Nicholas in the front court. He was forced into playing last season because of all the injuries the Tigers dealt with. He showed he can play averaging almost 12 ppg while shooting 61%. He is not a threat to shoot from the outside, and is a better post player than Nicholas. His breakout game was against Warrent Central where he led the Tigers with 22 points and 5 rebounds.

 

8. Tyler Mann, Hopkins County Central (Guard), Senior

Mann last year averaged almost 17 ppg while pulling down almost 6 rpg. While Mann doesn’t play with some of the talent as others on this list, he is a very good ball player. He can play inside or outside even against bigger opponents. He has a nice outside shot and gets to the rim well. Could do a little better job at finishing once at the rim. Overall he is a talented player and should improve and could get to 20 ppg this season.

 

9. Kale Gaither, Union County (Guard), Sophomore

Gaither led Henderson County last year as a freshman with almost 15 ppg. Look for him to improve on that after the transfer to Union County. He is a great ball handler that changes speeds well. He can drive to the bucket and finish at the rim. When he gets hot, he can shoot anywhere on the floor and hit, as reference in the video below. He had multiple 30 pt games in AAU this summer and has made top 10 player in multiple camps. He has a high ceiling. The question maybe will he stay at Union or even in KY through 2021.

Video - https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10300253/5a66db9d0660a70f747fb714

 

10. Gabe Board, Lyon County (Guard) Senior

Board averaged almost 16 ppg as a junior. He shot 40% from the field and 32% from 3 point range. Quickness is not his game, he is more of a set shooter, although he will drive and can finish. He struggles against quicker guards, however he passes the ball well and reads defenses well. Should lead the Lyons again this year in scoring.

Good stuff.

 

Rumor has it Dunford is not playing for Union this year, which drops them a place or two.

 

Caldwell County could be the X-factor with Boyd. Like the 8th District, a really good 7th District team will not make it to the region.

 

Former Falcon Robbie Townsend is the new coach at Fort Campbell. If Jorden Clark is back, he is one of the most underrated players in the region.

Kale started as an 8th grader at UCHS before transferring to Henderson. He has returned to Union County. Dunford is playing and appears to be improved in several areas of his game.

Madisonville now is in their 2-year window to break the streak of 8th district teams going to state. They have the talent to do it and if they improve they can contend with UHA.

 

A big thing to watch will be UHA trying to win their first All-A State Championship since 2008. When I was in school, we dominated and were a threat to win that tournament every year.

The only problem with that thought is that Madisonville has no real threat for consistent scoring other than Ksuan. All you need as a game plan to beat them are to use your big man to foul him out. (Which isn't easy because he isn't very aggressive. Prolly the softest kid his size in the state.) Or you just run them to death. He can't run the floor and they aren't a transition scoring team. To even think that Madisonville has the talent to compete with a team like UHA will bring is crazy.

 

Don't sleep on Christian Co. Just saying, Stovall is one of the best coaches in the state and no matter the roster, they are going to play hard. They may not be the best in their district but they will still make noise this year.