Region 10 will be competitive as always.  While we have a (relatively) clear-cut favorite, a handful of teams can go deep in the postseason and represent the tenth at Rupp, and there are at least eight more that will beat up on each other all season long.  There is a lot of parity in spots 6 or 7 through 14.  Without further ado...

Region 10 Team Rankings for 2021

1.  Clark County. 28-7, 40th District and 10th Region champion, head coach Josh Cook, .62691 RPI.   Key losses - Lincoln Bush, 14.1/13.6; KJ Rucker, 11.1ppg. 

The Cardinals have to feel like they have some unfinished business from last year; as they never got to play a game in Rupp Arena.  Coach Cook's squad is primed for a repeat with projected all-region performers 6,3" off-guard Jerone Morton and 6'4" shooting forward Jared Wellman leading the way; and will likely enter the season as the region's only state-ranked team, falling somewhere between 10 and 20.  Morton is the 8th leading returning scorer in the 10th; averaging 16.4 points along with 5 boards per game; while Wellman chipped in 15.5 and 5.6 from the small forward spot.  Key returnees include junior wingmen Jeremiah Mundy-Lloyd and Trent Edwards.  Look for Danville transfer Aden Slone to be the Cards' primary ball-handler; forming the region's top backcourt combo.   Cook is expecting multiple players to fill the rebounding void left by Lincoln Bush, including contributions from the guard positions.  GRC should enter the regional tournament battle-tested, with late-season matchups against Madison Central, Lexington Catholic, Henry Clay and Ashland.

2.  Montgomery County.  22-13, 40th District runnerup, 10th Region tournament runnerup, head coach Steve Wright, .57802 RPI.  Key losses - Zach Benton (8.6/4.3), Preston Adams, Trey Ishmael, Austin Eichenberger (8.6/3.6). 

The Indians peaked at the right time last year, upsetting regional favorite Bourbon County in the first round of the district tournament and taking Clark County to the limit before falling 53-50 in the regional championship game.  The loss of big man Zach Benton will give Montgomery a slightly smaller lineup this season, but key returnees and top two scorers Hagan Harrison (a breakout season with 17.2 ppg and 48% from the field and Rickey Lovette (13.4 ppg and 60% from the field) with Brandon Dyer chipping in 8.5 for good measure will help ensure that continuity for the Indians won't be an issue.  Coach Wright's team may have the best chance in the region to knock the Cardinals off the throne. The final seven games of the season will be outside the 10th, including a pair of games hosting Madison Central and Lexington Catholic.

3.  Robertson County.  24-6, 38th District champion, lost in first round of regional tournament to Bishop Brossart, head coach Patrick Kelsch, .56494 RPI.  Key losses - Ross Becker, 9.3 points and 6.6 boards per contest. 

Kelch's squad is poised to take the next step in 2021.  Last season featured a pair of 10+ game win streaks, but Bishop Brossart was the Black Devils' poison with wins in the 10th Region All-A and the regional tourney.  Coach Kelsch has been preaching 32 minutes of focused basketball during the preseason; pointing to a brief lapse against the Mustangs in the regional tourney as an object lesson.  Returning are seven seniors as well as junior all-region performer Justin Becker, who leads all region returnees at 25.4 points and nine rebounds per game.  Starters Sebastian Dixon, Brandon Dice (68.9% FG percentage) and Eli Dotson added 11.4, 10.1 and 9.3 points per contest, and big man Tanner Horn shot an eye-opening 79.1% from the floor in limited action.  I've been touting this class for three years - one that doesn't come around all that often in a school this size; and the Devils' #3 ranking is not out of line.  A January 18 date against last year's unbeaten Ashland Tomcats should be a great early measuring stick.

4.  Campbell County. 18-15, 37th District champion, lost in regional semis to Montgomery County, head coach Aric Russell, .54008.  Key losses - Jordan Gross; 15.5/7.1.

The Camels turned some heads late last season, making a run all the way to the regional semis; which was a bit unexpected considering the graduation losses from the 2019 state final four squad.  This year features four returning seniors and quite a bit more height and size than the 2020 squad.  Garrett Beiting (9.3 ppg) will be the Camels' primary ball handler; with forwards Dane Hegyi and Aydan Hamilton adding 15.8 and 12.6 points per game.  Coach Russell will ask the core group of seniors to step in and step up to fill the void left by Gross.  All but one of the last ten games on the schedule are "Northern Kentucky" games; featuring the likes of a home-and-home with Beechwood and a March 4 trip to Highlands.

5.  Bishop Brossart.  25-7, 37th District runnerup, lost in regional semis to Clark County, head coach Scott Code,  .60150 RPI.  Key losses - Ethan Eilerman, 19.9 points per game, Blake Kreymer, 4.7ppg.

10th Region veteran Scott Code takes over from brother Mike; who coached the Mustangs for the past 16 years.  Gone is leading scorer Ethan Eilerman; but the 'stangs return a solid nucleus of starters.  Senior guard Carson Schirmer averaged 14.5 per game last season, and running mate Stephen Verst; also a senior this year, was the sharpshooter of the squad, averaging a dozen points per contest, and shooting 42.5% from distance and nearly 90% from the line.  Manning the post will be 6'5" David Govan; who will be asked to help offset the loss of Eilerman's inside presence; as Coach Code notes that the district is not only rich in guard talent but boasts excellent post players as well.  A solid group of sophs and juniors who haven't had a lot of varsity experience will also contribute.  The Mustangs play a typical NKY-heavy 37th District schedule; with Beechwood, Highlands, St. Henry, NewCath and others.

6.  Scott.  6-22, eliminated in 37th District semis by Bishop Brossart, head coach Steve Fromeyer, .43036 RPI.  Key losses - Andrew Sipple, 4.4 ppg.  So how does a 6-win team from a year ago work their way into this year's top six?

The Eagles took their lumps last season, posting an uncharacteristic 6-22 record while fielding a very young team; but improved greatly down the stretch and came within an eyelash of taking down Brossart (who had last year's third-highest RPI in the 10th) in the district semis; falling 59-56.  Only two seniors depart this time around, and Scott returns a bunch of experience.  The top three scorers (Grant Profitt, 19.9; Kyle Huelsman, 13.9 and Cameron Patterson, 11) were also the top three rebounders last season; with 5.8, 7.6 and 3.3 respectively.  Coach Fromeyer isn't shy about detailing his team's strengths, weaknesses and expectations.  Increased leadership at the PG position is high on his list.  Fromeyer notes that this is probably the biggest Scott team he's had, and is happy that teaching the ABCs won't consume much of the preseason and early season as it did last year with such an inexperienced squad.  Papa's bold prediction - look for Scott to double their win total from last year.  As always, Scott plays most of their games outside the 10th; with only 10 of 28 games scheduled within the region.

The next group of teams are pretty much interchangeable in terms of rankings; with little separation among them.  Some were hit hard by graduation, while others were extraordinarily young last season.  Don't be surprised to see numbers 7 through 14 bouncing all over the place as the season progresses.

7.  Bourbon County.  24-6,  eliminated in district semis by Montgomery County, head coach Lamont Campbell, .66006 RPI (highest in region).  Key losses - almost everyone.  The "Three Joyces" accounted for over 30 points per game, Bryan Collins pitched in 12.7/4.7; and Nathan Mack added 7.7/6.1.  Along with Mason County, the Colonels lost as much to graduation as anyone in the 10th.

Coach Campbell believes that the team has as much team speed as last even though many on the roster are not as "basketball-ready" as they were a year ago.  Jack Huckabay is the lone returning starter at just under 7 points per game.  Jeremiah Jones, a transfer from Mason County, will be asked to take over many of the duties at the point.  Elijah Williams, a 6'5" transfer from Georgia will provide size up front, and look for sophomore Todd Dumphord to get quality minutes in the backcourt.  The schedule is beefy, with Ashland, Scott County, Madison Central and 12th region favorite West Jessamine on tap in addition to the yearly 40th District gauntlet.

8.  Mason County.  18-12, 39th District champion, lost to Montgomery County in opening Regional tournament round, head coach Brian Kirk, .54917 RPI.  Key losses - see Bourbon County.  Seven seniors and a transfer; including big men Alex Schalch (18 and 8.1) and Xylon Frey (11/5.6) and a host of guards.

Last season was frustrating for the Royals.  The were good enough to defeat Clark County and Campbell County, and get into overtime with 16th Region powers Ashland and Rowan County, but ultimately couldn't find a way to get by a talented Montgomery County team.

By the thinnest of margins; I'm calling Mason County the preseason 39th District favorite, if for no other reason than the Royals’ historical ability to run a few more bodies out onto the floor than the smaller district teams.  The cupboard isn't completely bare, with the return of Terrell Henry (7.3 ppg and 4 rpg), Mason Butler, AP Perry (who along with Evan Schumacher are the lone seniors this season) and Nate Mitchell.  However, Henry is the only one of the quartet that saw extended varsity action last season.  St. Patrick transfers Donivan Bandalon (7.8/2.2) and Lamar Connor (9.1/2.0) provide some additional experience.  Kirk believes that the Royals can go from 10 to 12 deep if necessary, and will employ much more defensive (and offensive) pressure with this season's smaller lineup.  Mason County will be staying closer to home this time around, with a Scott County home tilt highlighting the schedule along with the usual 10th Region suspects.

9.  Augusta.  14-19, 39th District runnerup, lost to Clark County in opening round of the 10th Region tournament, head coach Jason Hinson, .46364 RPI.  Key losses - Sam Appleman (8.0 ppg and 7.1 rpg), Preston Philpot (12.4/5.5), Cameron White (11.2/3.9).

Returning are leading scorer and second-leading rebounder Kason Hinson (yes, they're related); who poured in 18.5 points per game as a soph as well as 4.2 assists.  Younger brother 6'4" Kylan looks to get dramatically more minutes this season.   St. Patrick transfer Riley Mastin (didn't play last season) has grown to 6'5"; and in a bit of 10th Region trivia, would have been the state's leading free-throw shooter with one more attempt as a 8th grader, going 79 for 83.  Conner Snapp returns from a season shooting over 45% from the arc.  Chase Archibald will likely fill out the starting lineup, looking to build on his 5.1 ppg 2019-20 year.  Coach Hinson reports that this Augusta team is his tallest (6'5", 6'4", 6'2" and 6'2") during his tenure at the school.  Papa's second bold prediction - no, Coach; you aren't at the bottom of a relatively weak 39th District.  In fact, by season's end you may be at the top of a wildly competitive threesome with Bracken and Mason County.

10.  Bracken County.  11-20,  lost in District 39 semis to Mason County, head coach Adam Reed, .43533 RPI.  Key losses - Jhace Cummins, 16.8ppg, Jared Zornes, 5.1ppg.

The Polar Bears return most of last year's team that took Mason County to the limit in the first round of last season’s district tournament opener. Dynamic freshman Blake Reed has already scored 1,000 points in his career (22.5 ppg and 70 3-pointers made last season); and has a shot at eclipsing Austin Crawford's school record when all is said and done. 6'3" senior Nate Jefferson (7.1/4.5) mans the post, and will get defensive help inside from 6'3" senior forward Skylar Burlew..  Expect Mason County sophomore transfer JuShod Commodore and 6'3" guard Charlie Schultz to pick up significant minutes, along with 8th grader Cayden Reed.  Coach Reed looks for improvement on the defensive end with emphasis on ball pressure, boxing out and rebounding (the Bears allowed 74 points per game last year, allowing 80 or more points eleven times and surrendering more points that any other 10th region team).  He is very complimentary of his squad's basketball IQ, reporting that "they're ahead of where I thought they'd be".  The schedule opens with a bang; the first four games are all at The Igloo with Augusta on opening night, Holmes, Paris and Tates Creek.

11.  Pendleton County.  12-20, 38th District runnerup, lost to Campbell County in regional first round, head coach Sam Elsbernd, .45143 RPI.  Key losses - Clay Monroe (9.7 ppg, 62 3-pt made, 84.7% FT).

While the loss of point guard Clay Monroe will be an obstacle ("point guard by committee" in the early season, according to Coach Elsbernd), the Wildcats return 15 of 19 junior varsity and varsity players from a year ago; led by senior shooting guard Tredyn Thomas (19.5ppg, 56.8% FG%).  Other key returnees include Noah Barnard, Ethan Caldwell and Mason Askren. Forward Braydon Kidwell returns from a knee injury that sidelined him last season.  Elsbernd is emphasizing increased overall scoring this season (if you're going to play with Robertson County, you have to find more points).  Early contests with Campbell County and Montgomery County should offer the opportunity to see how the Wildcats stack up with the top teams in the tenth.

12.  Paris.  11-18, lost in 40th District opening round to Clark County, first year head coach George Baker, .46145 RPI.  Key losses - six seniors including Caleb Johnson (10.8 points and a team-leading 7 boards .per game) and second-leading scorer Jamaun Clark's 13.9/4.7 per contest.

New Coach George "The Human Highlight Maker" Baker is no stranger to hoops in the Commonwealth  (Mr. Basketball runnerup at Dunbar, two years at Depaul and an All-NAIA selection at Georgetown College).  Only one starter returns, but he's a good one - senior point guard and floor general Ricqi Washington poured in nearly 18 points per game last season.  Expected to contribute quality minutes are Parker Atwood, Logan Reams and Isiaha Viller.  Coach Baker looks to implement a full-court pressing game.  The schedule starts the same way last season's ended - Clark County.

13.  Harrison County.  5-25, lost to Pendleton County in first round of 38th District tournament, first year head coach Terence Brooks, .38958 RPI.  Key losses - Casey Sledd, 11.6 ppg.; Gunner Cole, 5.1ppg.

Terence Brooks moves from Paris to Cynthiana to take over a young Thorobreds squad that will rely heavily on a talented group of freshmen to complement seniors Clay Carpenter (10.1/3.2), Richard Harris (7.8/2.6) and Ian Boland; with J.D. Kendall and 6'9" Will Furnish rounding out the starting lineup.  Brooks states that blending the upperclassmen with the new crop of players will be a big key to the 'breds' success, along with implementing his style of coaching and play in Cynthiana.  Lexington Catholic and Frederick Douglass highlight this season's out-of-region schedule.

14.  Nicholas County.  5-26, lost in first round of the 38th District tournament to Robertson County, head coach John-Michael Reitz, .33965 RPI.  Key losses - top two scorers Morgan Planck and Noah Gritton (15.2 and 13.6 ppg respectively).

2020 was something of a tumultuous year for the Blue Jackets, with several departures early in the season.  Continuity and player expectations of the coaching staff should be much improved this time around.  Brady Switzer brings double-digit points and a 51% field goal percentage back to the table.  Dalton Davenport scored ten a game last year, and Lincoln Morris shot 58% from the field.  Coach Reitz points to a number of narrow defeats last season as a point of emphasis - closing out games with defensive stops.  There aren't a lot of cupcakes on the schedule; and improving on last season's win total will be challenging but not impossible.

15  Calvary Christian.  15-15, lost in District 37 first round to Campbell County, head Coach Orlando Richardson, .47575 RPI  Key losses - four seniors including Cross Dugan (19.5 ppg, 48.5% 3-pt), Noah Herald (averaged a double-double at 14.3/13.3) and Josh Moran (8.7 ppg).

Coach Richardson (who Brossart coach Code says "does more with less than anybody does in the region") faces the tall task of replacing most of last year's 15-win squad.  Carter Hudson (6.2/4.4) is the lone returning starter.  Richardson is encouraged by the fact that increased interest in the program has allowed him to field freshman, JV and varsity teams - not always the case at CC.  A hustling guard-oriented defense will be the squad's strength, along with team unity carrying over from a very successful soccer season.

16.  St. Patrick.  5-26, lost in District 39 first round to Augusta, head coach Tony Moore, .32894 RPI.  Key losses - Jaylan Rigdon (17.5 ppg, transfer), Donivan Bandalon (7.8ppg, transfer), Lamar Connor (9.1ppg, transfer), Riley Mastin (DNP last season, transfer).  There's a pattern here.

Long-time assistant and first-year head coach Tony Moore will struggle to match last season's 5-win total (which was an improvement on the 2019 team's one win) with the departure of three of last year's four leading scorers via transfer.  Second-leading scorer and top rebounder Chase Walton (13.1/8.0, 57% FG) will anchor a very young and inexperienced squad (four players with varsity minutes) with six seventh and eighth graders on the roster.  Returnees Allen Briseno, Garrett Tesmer and Braxton Swanger are expected to start.  

This next section is always my least favorite; as I will invariably short-change or completely miss on a deserving player or two.  Nevertheless...

Region 10 Top Players for 2021

1.  Jared Wellman, F, Clark County, Senior

2.  Justin Becker, G/F, Robertson County, Junior

3.  Jerone Morton, G, Clark County, Junior

4.  Grant Profitt, G, Scott, Senior

5.  Rickey Lovette, F, Montgomery County, Senior

6.  Tredyn Thomas, G, Pendleton County, Senior

7.  Recqiece Washington, G, Paris, Senior

8.  Dane Hegyi, F, Campbell County, Senior

9.  Stephen Verst, G, Bishop Brossart, Senior

10. Hagan Harrison, G, Montgomery County, Junior

On the doorstep, in no particular order - Kayson Hinson, Blake Reed, Sebastian Dixon, Aden Slone, Aydan Hamiltion, Carson Schirmer, Kyle Huelsman, Brandon Dice. 

 

Ten Tenth Region Questions 

1.  Will GRC repeat as regional champs?  I have them as the favorite (as do many others).  Who has the best chance to get them in the postseason?  Montgomery just may have the horses (or the Indians).

2.  Who will be the "biggest impact transfer"?  I'm going with Aden Slone, the new GRC point guard.

3.  Will this be the year that Bracken County finally topples Mason (regular or post-season)?  It's been a while.

4.  Speaking of Mason, who comes out on top in the 39th?  No offense to St. Patrick, but I foresee a three-way dogfight between the Royals, Panthers and Polar Bears, and in one of the few districts that doesn’t seed, somebody’s gonna draw the green straw  

5.  Which is the toughest district - the 37th or 40th?  For the last several years, it comes down to one or the other; and both District tournaments are gauntlets.

6.  We have several first-year coaches.  Scott Code at Brossart, Terence Brooks at Harrison, George Baker at Paris and Tony Moore at St. Patrick.  Who (if any) faces the most difficult adjustment?  The easiest?

7.  Who have I missed as a potential breakout/top ten player?  There's always someone.

8.  Bourbon and Mason look to have had the most significant graduation losses.  Can either challenge the top echelon of 10th Region teams?

9.  They say that basketball is a guard's sport (well, I say it, anyway).  I think Clark has the most explosive/talented backcourt.  Can anyone else challenge?

10.  Two young but prolific scorers grace the 39th District in Blake Reed and Kayson Hinson.  Will they continue on their early trajectories?

11.  (Okay, I lied.  There are 11 questions.  Sue me).  How far can Coach Kelsch take this "generational team" from Mount Olivet?  I'm looking forward to watching this bunch one more time.

 

Source material for the vast majority of this preview - WFTM 10th Region Media Day (thanks Patrick, Travis, Evan, dr sports and everyone else who had a hand in making it happen under extenuating circumstances), Maysville Ledger-Independent Basketball Preview (thanks again Evan), Riherds Scoreboards.

 

Great preview! My 10th region preseason ? rankings are similar.
1. GRC
2. Montgomery
3. Robertson
4. Campbell
5. Brossart
6. Mason
7. Bourbon
8. Scott
9. Bracken
10. Paris
11. Pendleton
12. Harrison
13. Augusta
14. St. Pat
15. Calvary
16. Nicholas

I know he got an honorable mention, but like last year, I think we’re sleeping on Blake Reed here. He should have 3-4 1st team All-10ths on his resume before he leaves Brooksville. 

Nice write up!  Will say I’m shocked to see Harrison not listed higher on your list. No disrespect to any of these players.  Other than Wellman, Becker and Morton (You can throw Lovett in there as well) who did more to help lead their team to the 10th Region Championship game last season.  Over the course of the season he averaged nearly 18ppg, hit 64 Threes at 42% as the PG and was second on the team in rebounding at 5rpg.  All with him being the primary scorer and teams keying on him.  In the biggest elimination game of the season he dropped 38 to help his team knock off the #1 team in the region.  Just saying Kid should get a little more credit.   Him and all the other players will get their chance to prove themselves.  Again, no disrespect.  I wish good luck to all!

Solid preview.  Looks like someone has taken advantage of free time at the Nursing Home. 

Seems like a lot of balance within the districts, except maybe for the 38th.  I just hope everyone stays healthy and that the season runs its course. 

5 minutes ago, Randy Parker said:

Solid preview.  Looks like someone has taken advantage of free time at the Nursing Home. 

Seems like a lot of balance within the districts, except maybe for the 38th.  I just hope everyone stays healthy and that the season runs its course. 

20 hours ago, teeroy said:

Great preview! My 10th region preseason ? rankings are similar.
1. GRC
2. Montgomery
3. Robertson
4. Campbell
5. Brossart
6. Mason
7. Bourbon
8. Scott
9. Bracken
10. Paris
11. Pendleton
12. Harrison
13. Augusta
14. St. Pat
15. Calvary
16. Nicholas

Our rankings were similar.  Now I’m worried.  

LOL

Couple thoughts...

1. Bracken has to worry about beating Augusta before worrying about Mason County.

2. Terrell Henry not listed in THE TOP 18 PLAYERS IN THE REGION (w/ honorable mentions) is FRAUDULENT!!

58 minutes ago, GeneraLee said:

Couple thoughts...

1. Bracken has to worry about beating Augusta before worrying about Mason County.

2. Terrell Henry not listed in THE TOP 18 PLAYERS IN THE REGION (w/ honorable mentions) is FRAUDULENT!!

Terrell will get his chance this year for sure.   He averaged 7 and 4 on a senior-dominated team, and will probably be the go-to guy this time around.  I look forward to seeing how he stacks up against Reed and Hinson in the 39th.   One area where he needs to improve, and I’m sure you will agree, is free-throw shooting.