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8th Region Review (Week 3)

Adrian Woj Burner
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Adrian Woj Burner

Adrian Woj Burner

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8th Region Weeks 1-3 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner

A Small Review

With there not being any write ups since the pre-season, I figured I would do a little recap on the first couple weeks of the season.

Individually, there have been some players on an absolute tear to begin the season. Some were expected, and others are a little surprising.

-   The returning coaches’ vote player of the year Teagan Moore has not had any problem starting exactly where he left off. Not Including the game Friday against Carroll County, Moore has averaged 30.3 ppg, while grabbing 8.8 rpg. He is shooting an impressive 67% from the field, and a very solid 47% from behind the arc.

-   Grant County senior forward Dylan Hammonds through 8 games has averaged 26.3 ppg, and 14.3 rpg. Hammonds could be a potential front runner for POTY.

-   Junior guard Max Green of Oldham County has put up an impressive 24.7 ppg against a very tough schedule to begin the season.

-   One surprising name is James Thomas Wilcoxson. After averaging 16.6 ppg last season, he has drastically improved his numbers to begin this season. Through the first 8 games, Wilcoxson has averaged 25.7 ppg, while grabbing 8.3 rpg, and shooting 60% from the field.

Some other things to note:

-   Walton Verona’s recent 3-point shooting squads continue, as they have averaged 84 ppg, while shooting 40% from behind the arc to begin the season

-   Coach Gaither continues to have one of the best defensive teams in the region each year, with Collins only allowing an average of 48 ppg.

Now the review…

The review took a good amount of time, as I had to practically start from phase one. I have been to a ton of games in the first 3 weeks of the season but have not had the opportunity to catch every team yet.

1 – Collins Titans (8-0)

After a heartbreak loss to North Oldham in the regional semi-finals, Collins has started the 2022-23 season on fire.

The titans are currently 4-0 in the region, with 3 of the 4 being blowout wins over Gallatin County, Owen County, and Walton-Verona. Their 4th win in the region was a 7-point win over their inter-county rival Shelby County.

Their out of region wins include Madison Southern, LaRue County, Bullitt East, and Scott County.

Collins has seemed to of found a dynamic trio in Kenyon Goodin, Isiah Cochran, and Quintin Simmons. Through 8 games this trio combines for an average of 44 points a game and grabbing an average of 17.4 rebounds a game.

This week they will travel to #19 Madison Central on Tuesday, and welcome #9 in the state Ballard to their house on Thursday.

2 – North Oldham Mustangs (6-3)

The reigning 8th Region champions have had a solid start to the season. They started off the season with 4 straight wins, but then falling in 3 straight contests. After this, they went on to win back-to-back games against Walton-Verona and Trinity.

After 4 impressive, wins the Mustangs travelled to Simon Kenton, where they were upset by the Pioneers 48-56. While losing this game, they played without star guard Dallas Roberts.

The day after losing to Simon Kenton, they travelled to Henry County to face a very solid team in Taft out of Ohio where they lost 58-64. They turned around the next day and visited SPIRE Institute in Ohio, where they lost by 2 points.

North Oldham then went on to beat a good Walton-Verona team by 23 points and defeating #7 Trinity Saturday night.

David Levitch’s Bears are competing in the King of the Bluegrass along with Spencer County and Woodford County, so their schedule is unknown.

3 – Spencer County Bears (5-2)

Spencer County has started off the season 5-2, with losses to Seneca and #4 in the state Great Crossing.

They have only faced a couple 8th region teams in the first 3 weeks, with a 2-point win over Oldham County, and a 34-point win against the Demons of Williamstown.

Their 3 out of region wins include Campbellsville, North Bullitt, and Bullitt East.

After missing the first 3 games Luke Erhardt has come out on fire by scoring 26 points in his first game, going 5-11 from 3.

The Bears have 3 players averaging double figures, with Luke Erhardt averaging 22 ppg, Camden Cox with 16 ppg, and Jack Armstrong with 10 ppg.

This week, Spencer County is playing in the King of the Bluegrass early on so their schedule is TBD, but Thursday they will travel to Boyle County.

4 – Woodford County Yellow Jackets (3-4)

Jaron Brown’s team has had some struggles early in the season but haven’t been fully healthy in a game yet.

Murray State commit John McCrear is yet to play a game this season, I am not sure of the reasoning. He is still on the roster, so assuming it is an injury. Another D1 prospect Jasper Johnson did not play in the first round of the KOB with a concussion. It is rumored that he will be out for the entirety of the tournament.

Woodford dropped their first 3 games to Lexington Christian, Oldham County, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. After, they won their next 3 contests with wins over Anderson County, Male, and Bourbon County.

In the overtime win over Male, Jasper Johnson scored an extremely impressive 41 points, while going 6/11 from behind the arc. Throughout the first 6 games, Johnson is averaging 20.8 ppg, and shooting 44.4% from 3.

Woodford is also playing in the KOB, so their schedule is not determined this week.

5 – Simon Kenton Pioneers (5-2)

Coach Steiner’s Pioneers move up the rankings 3 spots, after winning all 3 of their games last week.

The Pioneers have 2 losses on the season, both being top 10 teams in the state. They lost their first game of the season to #3 Covington Catholic 44-67, and then fell to #10 DeSales 49-62.

Their early wins on the year include Dixie Heights, Holmes, North Oldham (without Roberts), Cooper, South Oldham, and Anderson County

7-footer Gabe Dynes has been incredibly efficient early in the season, averaging 13.9 ppg, and 9.1 rpg, and shooting an impressive 64.9% from the field.

As a team, they are shooting 39% from behind the arc, led by Isaac Gabbard (45.8%) and Travis Krohman (42.6%).

The Pioneers have the week off but return to action on Dec. 28 against Ashland Blazer.

6 – Grant County Braves (7-1)

Coach Utter’s squad has started the season hot, winning 7 of their first 8 battles. Their only loss has come to Owen County, which was by a surprising 16 points.

Grant County has played 5 games within the 8th region, going 4-1. They defeated South Oldham (85-62), Anderson County (63-47), Oldham County (88-53), and Williamstown (53-34).

The Braves have had multiple impressive wins in this young season, including Lexington Christian by 2 and Oldham County by 35.

As mentioned earlier, Dylan Hammonds has been on an absolute tear to start the year. In their first 2 games of the season, he averaged 30.5 ppg, and 19.5 rpg. This past week, he averaged 28.3 ppg, and 10 rpg. He is on pace to average a double-double for his third straight season, while breaking multiple school records.

This experienced squad has started off well, and you could see their name a lot more in future weeks.

Next week, they travel to Gatlinburg to play in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic, games are TBA.

7 – Walton-Verona Bearcats (7-2)

As mentioned before, Coach Hester seems to have his Bearcats playing offense at the highest level. Through 9 games, they have clipped the 100-point milestone 2 times, while also scoring over 85 points in 5 other games.

The Bearcats have 5 players averaging over 12 ppg, led by Julian Dixon (17.4), Carter Krohman (16.8) and Aaron Gutman (15.4).

This was a team with a few question marks heading into the season, losing almost 40 ppg in Cameron Christy and Brant Smithers, but so far, they have seemed to found players to fill these roles, and have not lost much offense at all.  

Walton-Verona had a very impressive win in Week 1 with a 102-100 win over #13 Evangel Christian (no, this is not a typo).

On Monday, the hosted Scott, where they won 107-104 in overtime (no, this isn’t a typo either). Their two other games this week included a 23-point loss to North Oldham, and a 41-point win against Trimble County.

The only question mark on this team would be their ability to beat some higher ranked teams in the region. In their two games against teams ranked higher than them, they have lost by an average of 21 points.

This week they will partake in the Capital City Classic Holiday Tournament, and games are TBA.

8 – Owen County Rebels (5-2)

After a little shaky start to a very rough schedule, the Rebels have found their stride winning their last 4 games. After defeating Western Hills in their season opener, they fell to #5 North Laurel, and #20 Collins.

Owen County picked up a very impressive win over Grant County, defeating them 60-44. Teagan Moore seemed to dominate the game, scoring 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while going 10/12 from the line, and 12/17 from the field.

Western Kentucky commit Teagan Moore is already pleading his case for another Player of the Year, averaging 30.3 ppg, and 8.8 rpg. He is shooting an impressive clip from all levels, going 67.4% from the field, 47.6% from 3, and 82.8% from the line. While leading the team, he has also had some major help from Brax ward averaging 12 ppg and 9 rpg, along with Micah Shelton averaging 10.8 ppg.

Owen County could have potential to make a run in the region, but they will need to prove that they can compete against some of the top teams.

Next week they play in the Legacy Nissan Dribble Drive Challenge, and games are TBA.  

9 – Oldham County Colonels (3-3)

Oldham County had a lot of questions coming into the season losing head coach Coy Zerhusen who had been there for 9 years, and a lot of key contributors.

After the first few weeks, the Colonels are still a big question mark. They have some very impressive wins in the early season including North Hardin and Woodford County, but a 35-point blowout loss to Grant County shows that they still are exactly where they need to be yet to compete for the region.

One thing that is not a question so far this season is the performance of Jr. guard Max Green. Through 7 games Green is averaging 24.7 ppg, while shooting 38% from behind the arc, and a very impressive 16/17 from the line.

Green has some help this season, with Abram Stinebruner averaging 15.3 ppg, and Luke Amburgey averaging 13.3 ppg.

The big question is who is going to step-up into the other roles? Outside of these 3, the Colonels do not have anyone else on the team averaging over 4 points. If they can a few players to step into these roles, the Colonels could be back at The Roy, making noise like they do every year.

Tonight, they face Taylor County in the MAC’s Holiday Classic, and have the remainder of the week off.

10 – Shelby County Rockets (4-3)

After heating up towards the end of last season, Coach Traylor is looking to have a better outcome to his 2nd season than he did his first.

The Rockets 2 of their 3 losses have come from current powerhouses in the region, North Oldham and Collins. They were defeated in the 2nd game of the season by North Oldham is blowout fashion, losing 32-74. However, a week later they Hosted their inter-county rival, undefeated Collins and wound up losing a very tight game by 7 points.

Shelby County is led by Omauri Downs, who has had a very impressive start to the season. Through 7 games, Downs has averaged 18.5 ppg, while going 8/13 from 3.

They have 4 wins on the season, including a blowout win in their opener against Eminence, a 19-point win against Bullitt Central, and a couple 2-point wins over Iroquois and Gallatin County.

The Rockets still have a couple things to figure out, but with a close game against Collins they showed that they could shake up the 29th district when tournament time rolls around.

11 – Williamstown Demons (5-3)

Coach Cheeseman seems to have finally found his groove as head coach in his fourth year, starting off the season 5-3.

They began the season winning 3 straight over Gallatin County, Villa Madonna, and Model. Following this, they have lost 3 of their last 5, including blowout losses to Spencer County and their rival Grant County. Their 3rd loss was a surprising 9-point defeat to the Warriors of Eminence.

This team has found a very solid trio in Colton Feagan (18.2 ppg), Gunner Feagan (16.1 ppg), and Honore Yangoua (15.4 ppg).

The big ? for this team is their surrounding cast. Through 8 games, all 3 of these players have scored of 120 points apiece. The rest of the team does not even add up to 100. Can Williamstown find the pieces to pull off an upset in the 32nd?

On Wednesday, they travel to Bellevue to face Newport Central Catholic, and have the week off other than that.

12 – Anderson County Bearcats (5-4)

The Bearcats were ranked second to last in the pre-season, and following a 6-20 record in 2021-22, the Bearcats are showing major improvement early in the season. Anderson County is only 1 win away from tying their number of wins from last year.

Coach Hyatt and his squad have played in five 8th Region contests early going 2-3, with wins Against Henry County and Trimble County. Other wins include Burgin, Bethlehem, and Bellevue.

Looking at their stats, it seems that they are struggling to find their key scorer. No one on their team is averaging over 12 ppg, however that might not be a bad thing. This could create a very balanced team, which is always hard to guard.

Can the Bearcats come from behind in the powerhouse 29th district and make some noise?

This week, they host Highlands Latin on Monday, and Gallatin County on Wednesday.

13 – South Oldham Dragons (2-5)

After starting last season 2-5, the most tenured coach in the region Steve Simpson is right where he was last year.

Their record does not show everything, as they have started off with an absolute grueling schedule. 3 of their 5 losses were within single digits including Walton-Verona, Eastern, and CAL.

Both of their wins on the season have been by 50+ points, something that you do not see very often.

After getting some valuable minutes his freshman year, sophomore guard Julian Miles has blasted onto the scene in this young season. Through 7 games, Miles is averaging 18.9 ppg and shooting 35% from behind the arc. Miles has 2 full years after this, and I have a feeling you will be hearing his name more and more withing the next couple years.

The Dragons are playing in the Swauger Holiday Classic this week and teams are TBA.

15 – Eminence Warriors (4-3)

In Coach Gabbards’ first season in the head coaches’ seat, the Warriors have had a decent start to the season. Eminence has started the season 4-3, with a big win over Williamstown in the first week of the season.

The tide might be shifting in their inter-county rival of Henry County, as they have won 2 of the last 3 matchups.

The Warriors are led by Elijiah League (14 ppg) and Josh Ruzanka (13.4 ppg), and are looking to be in a good spot in the 31st as they have started off district play going 2-1.

This week Eminence will host Ludlow on the 21st before preparing for the All ‘A’ Tournament.

15 – Gallatin County Wildcats (1-6)

This young, inexperienced team that Coach Sullivan obtained in his 2nd year was a very big wild card. After only returning 1 starter, Sullivan would have to do some digging to find his new group. As expected with their challenging schedule to begin the season, they have struggled.

Falling to 1-6, the Wildcats seem to still be finding themselves, and finding some pieces to make them successful.

Gallatin has 3 players averaging 16 ppg in Kellen Dossett, Matthew Griffin, and Andrew Brinker. Eli Newman has been incredibly efficient early on, averaging 9.6 in both points and rebounds, while shooting a ridiculous 88% from the field on 25 attempts.

Following a couple close losses, their schedule seems to ease up, and you might find them catching a groove.

This week they host Holmes on Monday, and travel to Anderson County on Wednesday.

16 – Trimble County Raiders (4-4)

Coach Welty has had a solid start to his first Varsity coaching position, starting 4-4. The Raiders also had a big win over Gallatin County, beating them for only the 2nd time since 2015.

Their last 5 matchups have all been against 8th region teams, going 2-3 in these games with wins against Carroll and Gallatin County, and losses to Anderson, Eminence, and Walton-Verona.

Trimble has found a dynamic duo in James Thomas Wilcoxson and Ethan Horn, combining for an average of 45 ppg, and shooting 110 of their 153 free throws. There is no doubt this duo is coming to play, but can they find a few players to step up and contribute night in and night out?

This week they play in the Jefferson County Invitational Tournament, and games are TBA.

17 – Henry County Wildcats (2-5)

After losing majority of their offense in Kevin Wix and Samuel Royalty, the Wildcats are still struggling to find their key contributors.

Their 2 wins on the year are against Highlands Latin, and last ranked Carroll County.

Henry County only has one player averaging double figures, with Jerred Slone averaging 10 ppg. Can they find some guys to step-up and turn their season around?

This week they will attend the Gateway Holiday Classic, and teams are TBA.

18 – Carroll County Panthers (1-7)

Carroll County has only reached 10 wins in 1 of their last 3 seasons and are not on pace to do it again this year. The Panthers have had a different coach 3 straight seasons now and are still yet to see much improvement.

The bright side is they are competing in games, only losing to Henry County by 5, and a solid Williamstown squad by 7.

The Panthers are struggling to put the ball in the basket, shooting 36% from the field and only 24% from behind the arc.

This week they attend the Jefferson County Invitational, and games are TBA.

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  • theguru changed the title to 8th Region Review (Week 3)
Adrian Woj Burner

Adrian Woj Burner

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32 minutes ago, Nkybballfan23 said:

Appreciate you doing this review since we haven’t had any so far this season for the 8th region. But SK will be playing in the Scott Winter Classic this week and are taking on Elder in the first round this Wednesday.

Copy that, it is not showing up on their schedule. Thanks! 

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Hoopstars

Hoopstars

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1.  North clearly the best team. However they do have problems scoring at times and hard to predict when they will happen. Experience and continuity their biggest pluses. 
2.  Spencer- potent offensively but very small. Play really well together.  
3.  Woodford with Jasper. Most athletic team overall in region but very inconsistent.  
4. All bunched together. Grant, Collins, Owen and Oldham. Grant plays hard and has a guy who can take over. Collins- Keaton Baird would have made such a difference- huge loss. IMO they play a style that is very very hard to enjoy watching but keeps them in games. Just hard to see them winning 3 in a row in henry- if they make it. Owen- I don’t think there is any chance they win it but they did beat grant and have a guy who can takeover. Oldham- rough week but they have a new coach, and multiple new starters- still lots of potential to improve. Other teams more of a finished product. They also have a kid who can take over and are a lock to make Henry because south is dreadful. I guess throw walton Verona in there but again, can’t see any scenario where they win the region. 
 

 

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BBN_34

BBN_34

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I think you’re giving Oldham too much credit based on their past pedigree. With Coach Z I absolutely believe they could turn this season around but I just don’t see that toughness they usually employ on the court. It’s a little disrespectful to put them in a group with Grant who 40 pieced them in a head to head matchup.

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Hoopstars

Hoopstars

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My whole assessment is based on who can win the region.  I put Owen in same group and they beat grant by almost 20. I agree- Oldham in that group is the wild card based on their performance. But- they did beat Woodford with jasper Jonson. And they are a 100% lock to make the region tourney- collins, Woodford and Spencer  might be ranked higher but one can’t go to region .  They also couldn’t play north until the regional final.  Also- as I wrote, Oldham is the most unfinished product- they could get worse but also could get way better- new coach and new players. Grant, collins, north, etc are not going to get worse and probably not much better. 

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Adrian Woj Burner

Adrian Woj Burner

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18 minutes ago, ConverseAllStar said:

Collins really hasn’t been tested thus far and their 18-point win at Larue County is looking more impressive. We’ll learn a lot about them after this week’s games. 

I am interested to see how they perform this week, it will give us a better idea on how they match up with everyone else in the region. 

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Adrian Woj Burner

Adrian Woj Burner

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2 hours ago, Hoopstars said:

1.  North clearly the best team. However they do have problems scoring at times and hard to predict when they will happen. Experience and continuity their biggest pluses. 
2.  Spencer- potent offensively but very small. Play really well together.  
3.  Woodford with Jasper. Most athletic team overall in region but very inconsistent.  
4. All bunched together. Grant, Collins, Owen and Oldham. Grant plays hard and has a guy who can take over. Collins- Keaton Baird would have made such a difference- huge loss. IMO they play a style that is very very hard to enjoy watching but keeps them in games. Just hard to see them winning 3 in a row in henry- if they make it. Owen- I don’t think there is any chance they win it but they did beat grant and have a guy who can takeover. Oldham- rough week but they have a new coach, and multiple new starters- still lots of potential to improve. Other teams more of a finished product. They also have a kid who can take over and are a lock to make Henry because south is dreadful. I guess throw walton Verona in there but again, can’t see any scenario where they win the region. 
 

 

I can agree with most of this, the road back to Rupp for North Oldham seems to be a little more challenged than expected, as it looks like every team you listed could knock them off. It is still early in the season, so hard to judge.

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