8th Region Week 4 Review

[Adrian Woj Burner]

8th Region Week 4 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner 

 

First, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Also, I pray that all of you avoided the brutal winter weather we had this holiday weekend. 

 

King of the Bluegrass

Last week, we had 3 teams compete in what is known as the most competitive Christmas tournament in the state, the KOB. Competitors in the 8th region included North Oldham, Woodford County, and Spencer County.

North Oldham performed very well, advancing to the semi-final that included some of the top teams in the state, and some highly ranked out-of-state teams. They ended up losing in the semi-final to BGP #1 Warren Central. 2 players from the Mustangs were named to the all-tournament team. Dallas Roberts in the 4 games averaged 16 ppg, while shooting 43% from 3 and 89% from the line. The 2nd with the honor was Ian Higdon, who averaged 10 ppg and 10 rpg.

Spencer County struggled against the tough competition, going 0-3

Woodford County went 0-2 but were without D1 prospect Jasper Johnson (concussion).

 

Other Christmas Tournaments

Around Christmas time of the season, most teams travel to different Christmas tournaments, and do not play many inter-regional games. In these tournaments, some of these teams represented the 8th extremely well. Grant County went 3-0 in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic, winning their bracket. Simon Kenton had a very nice win over a talented Elder team in the Scott Winter Classic, holding them to 29 points. South Oldham went 2-0 in the Swauger Holiday Classic with wins over Bellevue and Beechwood.

 

Rankings

With close to no matchups in the region, there was not a ton of movement this week. Some teams performed well against weaker competition, and others struggled against highly ranked teams in the state. The good news is the beginning of 2023 brings loads of excitement, with the All ‘A’ Tournament, and multiple good matchups in the region.

 

1 – North Oldham Mustangs (8-4)

Coach Levitch and the Mustangs seem to be finding their stride, going 3-1 in the KOB with their only loss coming to #1 in the state Warrant Central. In the 4-game stretch, they had impressive wins over #9 Trinity, Sagemont, Fl (MaxPreps #5 in Florida), and #13 Lyon County.

The Mustangs had 2 very close games to start the tournament, beating Trinity 50-48, and Sagemont, FL 73-49. Following back-to-back wins, they lost to Warren Central 57-71, and blew out the #13 team in the state Lyon County 107-73. This is the first time the Mustangs reached the century mark on the year, but I do not see it being the last.

As mentioned before, Dallas Roberts and Ian Higdon performed well. Roberts averaged 16 ppg, while going an impressive 16/18 from the line. Higdon averaged a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Jack Scales also had a very good week at the KOB, scoring 26 against Sagemont, FL and 17 against Lyon County. Scales is now shooting 48% from 3 on the season.

Next week, North Oldham continues their gruesome Christmas Break schedule attending the loaded WGM Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic, opponents are TBA.

 

2 – Collins Titans (9-1)

Collins had a very tough 2-game slate this week, facing #19 Madison Central and #11 Ballard.

The Titans went 1-1 on the week, beating Madison Central 62-51, and losing to Ballard 57-65.

Stats are not in for their win on Madison Central, if anyone attended or has details, please reply with them.

Thursday in their loss to Ballard, the big 3 continued to fuel Collins. Quintin Simmons and Kenyon Goodin led the Titans with 16 points, while Isiah Cochran followed with 13. Collins struggled from 3, going 4/17. Simmons led the team with 8 rebounds, and Cochran tagged along with 6.

This week, they travel to Ashland to play in the Ashland Invitational Tournament, and will start off against Blue Ridge, VA (MaxPreps #7 in VA). Games after that are TBA.

 

3 – Spencer County Bears (5-4)

Last week the Bears attended the KOB, where they struggled. They faced #3 Great Crossing, Male, and Fairdale and fell to all 3 opponents. While falling to 3 tough opponents, Spencer County kept all games within single digits.

In their first game against #3 Great Crossing, they lost 67-78 Luke Erhardt led the Bears with 17, followed by Keaton Baird with 15.

The next day they faced Male, falling 77-82 in overtime. Erhardt once against led the bears with 24 points, and Baird followed with 19.

Their final game in the KOB was a 78-82 loss to Fairdale. Erhardt scored a season-high 35 points, going 8/15 from 3. The Bears also shot an impressive 17/33 from 3, and 19/22 from the line.

Since Erhardt has entered the lineup, he is averaging 23.4 ppg, shooting 11 3pg at a 36% clip.

This week they travel to Florida to attend the Suncoast classic, their first game against Keswich Christian, FL. Games after are TBA.

 

4 – Grant County Braves (10-1)

Last week, Grant County traveled to Gatlinburg to compete in the Smoky Mountain Christmas Classic. All 3 of their games were against teams out of state, the first 2 being from TN, and the last being from FL. In the tournament, they went 3-0 to win their bracket.

Their first game was against Northeast, where they won 78-52. Dylan Hammonds continued his dominance scoring a season-high 38 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

Grant then went on to face McMinn County, winning 63-58. Hammonds scored 35 points, going 13/18 from the field.

Their championship game was against Southridge (MaxPreps #34 in Florida). Southridge was 11-2, who looks to be the toughest team on their early schedule. Grant County defeated them 75-60 to win the tournament. Hammonds scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Breeden followed Hammonds again with 17 points.

Dylan Hammonds dominated the tournament, averaging 35.6 ppg, 12.6 rpg, shooting 63% from the field and 75% from the line. He is now averaging 29.1 ppg, 13.5 rpg, shooting 58% from the field and 77% from the line. Could he give Teagan Moore a run for his money on the POTY ballots?

This week, they will play in the Henry County Invitational Tournament. Their first game is against Kentucky Country Day, and games after are TBA.

 

5 – Simon Kenton Pioneers (7-3)

Coach Steiner took his team to Scott High School to play in the Scott Winter Classic, where they faced Elder, OH and CAL. They split the 2 games beating Elder and losing to CAL

The Pioneers defense this year has been relentless. They are yet to allow an opponent to score their average. In the first 10 games, their opponents are scoring 17.3 points under their average. Everyone knows the old saying defense wins championships, and if that is the case, they could make some serious noise at the Roy in a few months.

In their 44-29 win against Elder the Pioneers were led by Travis Krohman with 18 points and assisted by Gabe Dynes with 11.

The next day, they faced CAL, and lost 52-61. Krohman again led SK with 18, going 4/11 from behind the arc.

This week, they also travel to Ashland to play in the Ashland Invitational Tournament. Their first game is against Ashland, and games after that are TBA.

 

6 – Woodford County Yellow Jackets (4-5)

Woodford County also traveled to the KOB, and like Spencer County they struggled. They only played 2 games in the tournament, against DuPont Manual and DeSales, and dropped both.

The Yellow Jackets played the tournament without Jasper Johnson, who was rumored to be out with a concussion.

They have not submitted stats for either game, so if anyone could provide details below, it would be greatly appreciated.

Their record may not be the prettiest, but Coach Brown still has the talent to make a run to Rupp. This team has struggled with injuries, the latest being Jasper Johnson mentioned earlier. Last week, I covered D1 prospect John McCrear not playing a game all season. I have been told that McCrear tore his ACL in the summer and is out for the season. Could anyone confirm this statement? Losing McCrear is a huge loss and could extremely impact their chances of winning a regional title.

This week, they attend the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic and teams are TBA.

 

7 – Walton-Verona Bearcats (8-3)

The Bearcats attended the Capital City Classic, where they faced Apollo and Eastern, winning one of the two games.

In their first game against Apollo, they continued to dominate the offensive end of the game, winning 88-45. The next day they faced Eastern, losing 62-76. Stats are not posted for either game, so there are no further details.

Walton-Verona will take this week off, as they prepare to defend their All ‘A’ Championship title the first week of the new year.

 

8 – Owen County Rebels (6-3)

Coach Duvall and his team traveled to South Laurel to play in the Legacy Nissan Dribble Drive Challenge, winning 1 of their 2 games.

In game 1, they faced Bell County winning 72-65. Teagan Moore continued to assert his dominance, scoring 36 points, going 10/11 from the field and an insane 15/15 from the line. Moore was also assisted by Brax Ward, who threw in 17 points and went 7/9 from the field.

The next day, they battled Cooper losing a close game 44-48. Moore yet again led the team with 32 points, going 8/16 from the field and 16/18 from the line.

Moore had a very good week, averaging 34 ppg, shooting an extremely impressive 90% from the field. He also went 31/33 from the line, improving his FT percentage to 86% on the year.

The Rebels will also take the week off, preparing to battle for an appearance in the All ‘A’ State Tournament.

 

9 – Oldham County Colonels (3-6)

With a good start to the season losing to Spencer County by only 2, and upsetting Woodford County, the Colonels are struggling. Oldham County has lost 4 of their last 5 games, dropping 3 straight last week in the MAC’s Holiday Classic.

Their first game was against #17 Evangel Christian where they lost 62-84. They were led by Max Green with 22 and Luke Amburgey with 14.

They went on to face Taylor County, losing a heartbreaker 70-71. Green and Amburgey yet again led the Colonels with 23 by Amburgey and Green with 22.

Oldham Counties final game of the week was against Doss, losing 71-76. Like the first 2 games, they were led by Amburgey (24) and Green (23).

Luke Amburgey is starting to find his role as the 2nd scoring option in the offense, averaging 15.7 ppg in their first 9 games. After him is Stinebruner with 13.7 ppg. Outside of these 3, there is no one averaging more than 5 ppg. Can they find a few more key contributors and compete at the Roy like they are known to?

This week they play in the Campbellsville High School Holiday Classic. Their first game is against Danville Christian, and other games are TBA.

 

10 – Shelby County Rockets (5-4)

Shelby County also played in the Scott Winter Classic, going 1-1.

They played Conner, losing in blowout fashion 44-82. They then went on to beat Scott 75-65. Stats are not in for either game, so there is no more details.

This week they will travel to Henry County to play in the Henry County Invitational Tournament. They start off against Frankfort, and games after are TBA.

 

11 – Anderson County Bearcats (6-4)

Anderson County continues to have their best season in a few years, winning their one game of the week.

They won their solo game 70-52. The Bearcats were led by Carson Sutherland with 28 points, who went 13/18 from the field, and grabbed 6 rebounds. He was assisted by Joey Frasure with 13 and Calvin Ruble with 10.

This week, they face Thomas Nelson and Robertson County.

 

12 – South Oldham Dragons (4-5)

Coach Steve Simpsons’ squad has had a very interesting start to the season to say the least. Almost every game that they have played in has been in blowout fashion, whether it be a good blowout or a bad one. 6 of their 9 games have been decided by 20+ points, 4 of the 6 being wins.

This week in the Swauger Holiday Classic, they went 2-0 with wins over Bellevue and Beechwood.

In their 71-34 win over Bellevue, the Dragons were spread out in scoring. They had 4 players in double figures, with another scoring 9. No one on the team scored over 13 points, and they attempted 48 threes at a 31% clip.

The next day, they defeated Beechwood 76-55, led by Julian Miles with 23 points, and Nathan Touro with 11. The Dragons attempted 34 threes, making 12 of them.

Julian Miles is the only player on the team averaging double figures, coming in at 18.7 ppg.

This week they will play in their own South Oldham Christmas Tournament, games are TBA.

 

13 – Williamstown Demons (6-4)

Williamstown also attended the Swauger Holiday Classic, going 1-1.

Their 1st game was against Newport Central Catholic, where they lost 68-84. Next, they played Bellevue, winning 71-47. Stats are not in for either game.

This week, they travel to South Carolina to play in the Carolina Invitational. Their first game is against Cardinal Gibbons, with games after TBA.

 

14 – Eminence Warriors (4-5)

The Warriors are looking to still find their groove. They started off the season 1-3, after they went on to win 3 straight, and are now on a 2 game losing streak.

Last week, their only game was against Ludlow. They lost a close battle 76-78. Stats are not in for the game.

They will have the week off, as they prepare for the All ‘A’ Tournament the first week of 2023.

 

15 – Gallatin County Wildcats (2-6)

The young Gallatin County squad are still trying to find their identity but had a solid week winning their only game.

The Wildcats hosted Holmes, winning 57-44. They were led by Matthew Griffin with 20 points, Andrew Brinker followed with 11.

Coach Sullivan’s squad seems to be struggling to make shots, only shooting 41.6% from the field.

This week they will play in the Chain Rock Classic, and games are TBA.

 

16 – Trimble County Raiders (5-6)

After moving over to the 31st district a few years ago, this could be the best chance they have had at making the region in many, many years. Outside of Owen County, the second spot for of the 31st district in the 8th region tournament seems like a 3-headed race between Trimble County, Eminence, and Gallatin County. Eminence beat Trimble by 21, Gallatin beat Eminence by 10, and Trimble beat Gallatin by 7.

Last week they played in the Jefferson County Invitational Tournament, going 1-2.

Game 1 was against Switzerland County, IN where they lost 60-61. Ethan Horn led the Raiders with 24, and star player James Thomas Wilcoxson DNP.

Their 2nd game was against Madison Consolidated, IN and they lost 44-65. Brayden Wilson led the team with 15, and James Thomas Wilcoxson DNP again.

The next day, they played rival Carroll County, and won 64-56. Wilcoxson returned in this game and led the team with 26.

This week they will play in the Ray Zellar Christmas Classic and games are TBA.

 

17 – Henry County Wildcats (2-8)

Henry County continues to struggle this year, losing all 3 games in the Gateway Holiday Classic.

They lost their first game to Montgomery County 34-54.

The next day they lost to Wolfe County 61-69 and Knott County Central 45-41.

Stats are not in for all 3 games.

Can Coach Tingle turn this team’s season around and fight for a spot in their home gymnasium for the 8th region tournament?

This week they play in their own Henry County Invitational, games are TBA.

 

18 – Carroll County Panthers (1-10)

Even with a new coach, the Panthers look to be on pace for yet another losing record.

Last week, they played in the Jefferson County Invitational and lost all 3 games.

On the 21st, they played Southwestern and Shawe (both from IN). They lost to Southwestern 36-75, and Shawe Memorial 46-48.

The next day, they lost to rival Trimble County 56-64. The Panthers had 3 players in double figures, with Seth Franklin (15), Landon Groves (12), and Braden Stephenson (12).

Carroll County is struggling to shoot the ball on all levels. From the field they are 35%, 26% from 3, and 57% from the line.

They have one game this week, where they travel to play Augusta.

[Deaconjim]

Great job. Thanks for all your hard work.

[Hoopstars]

Great write up. Seems very reasonable. Looking forward to some of these teams playing each other- like SK and Walton Verona to get a more clear picture.  Same with owen back half of January when they play spencer and Oldham.

Edited December 26, 2022 by theguru

[Adrian Woj Burner]

52 minutes ago, Hoopstars said:

Great write up. Seems very reasonable. Looking forward to some of these teams playing each other- like SK and Walton Verona to get a more clear picture.  Same with owen back half of January when they play spencer and Oldham.

Thank you, I look forward to attending these games. Haven’t had the opportunity to see many teams ranked highly, and plan on getting to many of them in the next month. By the beginning of January we will see who the true competitors for the regional title are.

[ColonelMike]

Thanks for taking this over for me, Adrian!   Rankings look pretty reasonable to me.   I'll continue to toss in tidbits as I'll be seeing an awful lot of 8th Region basketball, as usual.

This week's coverage on Pegasus Sports is the 2022 Pegasus Sports / First National Bank South Oldham Christmas Tournament.....PSN will cover all three South Oldham games, beginning with Tuesday's (12/27) 7:15 pm game vs. East Jessamine.    Our first look at the Dragons this year.

CM

[Adrian Woj Burner]

1 hour ago, ColonelMike said:

Thanks for taking this over for me, Adrian!   Rankings look pretty reasonable to me.   I'll continue to toss in tidbits as I'll be seeing an awful lot of 8th Region basketball, as usual.

This week's coverage on Pegasus Sports is the 2022 Pegasus Sports / First National Bank South Oldham Christmas Tournament.....PSN will cover all three South Oldham games, beginning with Tuesday's (12/27) 7:15 pm game vs. East Jessamine.    Our first look at the Dragons this year.

CM

Had big shoes to fill CM! Pleased to take any input from you, and appreciate it! Hope all is well.