As the basketball season starts tomorrow, eager eyes turn towards the hardwood in the 12th Region. Competition always runs deep in the 12^th, though this year two teams look to separate themselves from the pack with what may be superior talent. These two teams also highlight the most competitive district in the region.

 

Team Rankings

 

1.      Lincoln County – The Patriots won the battle of the 45^th district but lost the war in the 12^th against Boyle County. The Patriots lose Baylor Mattingly and Brady Weaver to graduation but return leading scorer Jaxon Smith and leading rebounder and second leading scorer Tramane Alcorn. They have also added Southwestern transfer Evan Smith and Rockcastle transfer Will Bishop. Clayton Davis and Colton Ralston also return from last year’s major minute-getters.

 

2.      Boyle County – The reigning regional champion returns their superstar, Luke Imfeld. Whether their workhorse Jagger Gillis joins him is yet to be finalized. Guards Hagan Webb & Owen Barnes established themselves as threats last year and hope to continue the steady improvement of the Boyle backcourt.

 

3.      Pulaski County – Though KJ Combs is gone, the Maroons make the best case for a team outside of Boyle and Lincoln to win the region with returners Barek Williams and Zach Travis leading the way. Both average 15 points per game, accounting for nearly half of Pulaski’s points on any given night. Junior forward Cayden Lancaster is the other double-digit average scorer returning.

 

4.      West Jessamine – Damon Kelley’s Colts are now two years removed from their trip to Rupp Arena that never happened. DeAjuan Stepp is gone but Gavin Salva and Daniel Waters lead a one-two-punch that will give opposing defenses fits.

 

5.      Danville – Danville didn’t wow many people last year and it could be argued they are  over-ranked here. However, Dante Hayden is back and will contend for player of the year honors. Also back are Jarius Bryan and Jalen Dunn.

 

6.      Rockcastle County – Daniel Mullins returns after putting up 21.5 points per game last year. Fellow double digit scorer Jonathan Hopkins makes up the Rockets’ 1-2 punch. Also keep an eye on Jake Sanders to be one of the more dominant big men inside.

 

7.      McCreary Central – Kyle Stephens and Noah Loudermilk return to lead the reigning 48^th district champs. The Raiders have their eyes set on a repeat and possibly an even deeper run in the regional tournament.

 

8.      Wayne County – Coach Rodney Woods’ Cardinals are lead by Mason Burchett, who averaged over 17 points per game last year. Kendall Phillips also returns as well as Gage Gregory.

 

9.      Garrard County – Montavin Quisenberry and Ethan Cooper lead the charge for the Golden Lions. This makes 4 teams in the top ten from the 45^th district. Garrard has their work cut out for them to make the region, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a backcourt with a higher ceiling.

 

10.  Danville Christian – The wildcard of the group, they are the 5^th team from the 45^th district to crack the top ten. They feature phenomenal freshman Titus Boyd as well Noah Imfeld and several transfers.

 

11.  East Jessamine

 

12.  Southwestern

 

13.  Mercer County

 

14.  Somerset

 

15.  Casey County

 

16.  Somerset Christian

 

17.  Burgin

 

 

Top Ten Players

 

1.      Jaxon Smith – Lincoln County

2.      Luke Imfeld – Boyle County

3.      Dante Hayden – Danville

4.      Evan Smith – Lincoln County

5.      Zach Travis – Pulaski

6.      Daniel Mullins – Rockcastle

7.      Montavin Quisenberry – Garrard County

8.      Ethan Cooper – Garrard County

9.      Kyle Stephens – McCreary Central

10.  Gavin Salva – West Jessamine

Owen Barnes from Boyle County is out for the season with a torn ACL. Pulaski County getting tranfer Gavin Stevens from Somerset will make PC a whole lot better. 

Hate that for Barnes he is a player. Lincoln is favorite with Pulaski and Boyle as close second. I keep waiting for McCreary Central to make the turn but it may be Rockcastle this year with that senior group that may make a run. Basketball season is here!