Another basketball season is almost upon us in what continues to be one of, if not the most, competitive regions in the state. That phrase can be hammered on even more when you talk about districts as district as the 45th features the past two regional champions in Boyle County and Lincoln County and legitimately 4 teams that have what it takes to make the regional title game when you include Danville and Danville Christian Academy. The district also features some of the best individual talent in the region, including the hands-down best returner in the region in Lincoln County's Tramane Alcorn. 

Outside the 45th we also have perennial contenders West Jessamine and Pulaski County as well as a handful of insurgent teams such as Somerset, Wayne County, McCreary County and Mercer County. Without further ado, let's jump in to the preseason rankings:

1. Lincoln County - Though Jaxon and Evan Smith are both gone as well as Clayton Davis, the Patriot front court returns in its entirety and the back court is buoyed by the leadership of Tramane Alcorn. Alcorn was the leading scorer last year for Lincoln and the runner-up in rebounds per game. He is by all accounts the best all around performer returning in the region. He is complemented by long-range shooting extraordinaire Colton Ralston and Will Bishop in the post. Jackson Sims and Connor Davis round out the returning core for the Patriots.

2. Boyle County - Powerhouse Luke Imfeld is gone as well as Hagan Webb. However, with one of the bigger transfers in the region, Montavian Quisenberry joins the Rebels after a stellar start to his career at Garrard County. Kason Meyers and Jakei Tarter will complement the new addition but the Rebels will have to find depth out of some newcomers as the also lost Owen Barnes to rival Danville.

3. West Jessamine - Damon Kelley's Colts might be the most well-rounded team in the region. They return their four top scorers from last year in Daniel Waters, Drew Marshall, Gavin Salva, and Brett Bush, all of whom are now seniors. Their schedule is an absolute who's-who of Central Kentucky as they play the best the 11th and 12th have to offer as well as holiday tournaments at Lexington Christian and Lexington Catholic.

4. Pulaski County - Zach Travis and Gavin Stevens, the dynamic duo from Pulaski's 30-3 21/22 campaign, are gone. Cayden Lancaster must now step up and take control of this team and with his versatility that should be a challenge he's ready to meet. Carson Fraley, now a freshman, will command the point and Jace Frye should prove to be a dangerous target if teams over-focus on Lancaster.

5. Danville Christian - The reigning All A regional champs proved last year they can compete in one of the toughest districts in the state. Powered by sophomore standout Titus Boyd, DCA will look to recreate some of the magic from last year and extend their run into the regional tournament.

6. Somerset - Juniors Indrid Whitaker and Ben Godby lead a Briarjumpers squad that loses just one player to graduation. They are probably a year out from a big regional run, but look for this team to be much improved from last year.

7. Danville - Owen Barnes, Jarius Bryant and Jalen Dunn look to achieve more consistency this year as the 21/22 Admirals struggled to string together wins. They have a soft December schedule before they launch into heavier competition in January.

8. McCreary County Central - It's the Kyle Stephens show as the Raiders lost their next three leading scorers to graduation. Whether or not he can take the intense focus opposing defenses will give him is yet to be seen but the ability is certainly there.

9. Wayne County - Never count out Coach Woods and the Cardinals. Mason Burchett, Kendall Phillips, and  Antajuan Dumphord all return from last year and the possibility of a district title is definitely in play. 

10. Mercer County - Evan Hart and Trevor Ellis lead the Titans into a 22/23 campaign that features a harder schedule from last year and sets them up to again compete for the 46th district title though they will still have to contend with the Colts of West Jessamine.

11. Garrard County - Though Quisenberry is gone, Ethan Cooper remains and has Mason Sulla in the post to bring some versatility to the Golden Lion offense.

12. Casey County - Ethan Willoughby should continue to make a splash scoring wise for Casey.

13. Rockcastle County - It will be a total rebuild for the Rockets, but they are in good hands with Coach Cash and look to Skyler Durham and Broedy Dunaway to be the core of this year's group.

14. East Jessamine - Hayden Frazier is the leading scorer amongst returners for the Jaguars and looks to bring them back to a competitive level.

15. Southwestern - Winless in the region last year, the Warriors look to Eli Meece to spark some success this year.

16. Somerset Christian - Noah Brummett and Braydon Moore return for the Cougars who continue to look to establish themselves among the smaller schools in the region.

17. Burgin - Todd Claunch takes the helm for the Burgin Bulldogs and looks to improve on their 3 wins from last year.

West Jessamine has two tough games to start their season at home vs. Great Crossing and at home vs. Pulaski Co.

Bump.

Pulaski County had a tough win against a talented Madison Central team.  
 

Barek Williams led Maroons with 29 but was impressed with their team on both sides of floor. 
 

Jace Frye is currently injured for the Maroons. 

45th district will be extremely competitive this year.  Where is that district tournament held at? 

2 hours ago, catfan09 said:

45th district will be extremely competitive this year.  Where is that district tournament held at? 

Garrard County.

It looks like KSD is back and playing so you can add them to your rankings.  Good to see them back after not playing for 2.5 years!