8th Region Week 5 Review

 

By: Adrian Woj Burner

 

Happy new year! It is now January, and we are officially over a month into the season. There have been some very big surprises, whether it is a team performing better than expected, or maybe even worse.

 

Surprises

Going into the season, we were expected to have an obvious 2-man race in the region. With North Oldham and Woodford County both returning almost everyone in their rotations, there was no doubt it would be between the two teams come tournament time in The Roy. However, within the first month things have really changed.

Collins has been aflame the first month of the season, only losing one game. While going 12-1 they are currently undefeated (5-0) in the region and have won their only District game against Shelby County.

Grant County has been just as hot. Led by Dylan Hammonds, the Braves are currently sitting at 13-1, and are on a 9-game win streak.

Simon Kenton has been a team full of defensive beasts, not allowing a single team on their schedule to score their average and are sitting at 9-4. 1 of their wins was against #1 in the region North Oldham.

Pre-Season #2 in the region Woodford County has struggled. This team has been plagued with injuries and are currently 4-7.

 

All ‘A’ Tournament

Tomorrow, the All ‘A’ 8th Region tournament begins at Gallatin County. I will be posting a preview to the tournament in a few hours once complete, but it is looking like a 2-headed race between Owen County and Walton-Verona.

 

Onto the rankings….

 

1 – North Oldham Mustangs (11-5)

In the last 2 weeks, the Mustangs have faced one of the toughest schedules imaginable. They have faced 6 teams that were ranked top-25 on BGP, and the #5 team in Florida. In this 8-game stretch, they have only lost 2 games. Their 2 losses have been to #1 Warrant Central, and #7 Lexington Catholic. They have competed in the King of the Bluegrass and the WGM Holiday Classic, arguably the 2 most competitive Christmas tournaments in the state and have been runners-up in both.

This week they started off the WGM Holiday Classic with a 72-54 win over West Jessamine. In the game, they had 4 people in double figures and 2 other players with 8 points.

In the 2nd round, they faced #5 North Laurel led by Kentucky commit Reed Sheppard. They beat them 81-67. In this game, they had 5 players in double figured, led by Dallas Roberts with 30. The Mustangs went an impressive 11/20 from behind the arc, and 16/19 from the line.

Their next game in the tournament was against undefeated #16 Mason County. They also won this game by 14 points (65-51). They were led by Dallas Roberts (17) and Luke Anderson (16).

North Oldham’s final game of the week was the championship, against the hosting school #7 Lexington Catholic. They lost the championship 47-55 but were led again by Dallas Roberts who had 24 points.

This week: 1/3 vs Seneca (PSN – Pegasus Sports Network)     1/7 vs Lloyd Memorial (6:00 tip-off) (PSN – Pegasus Sports Network)

 

2 – Collins Titans (12-1)

The Titans attended the Ashland Invitational Tournament this week, and went 3-0 in a tough tournament.

Collins 1st game was against MaxPreps #13 in Virginia Blue Ridge. They won the game 57-53, led by Kenyon Goodin with 26 points.

In game #2 they squared off against Lincoln County and came out victorious, winning 62-47. The Titan’s scoring was more spread out, with Isiah Cochran (16), Cole Harbin (14), and Kenyon Goodin (13).

Their final matchup was an interesting one, against Simon Kenton. SK was a wild card going into the season, but have asserted their dominance on defense all year, while Collins has been arguably the best defensive team in the 8th Region for years. The Titans came out on top, winning 55-48, and were again led by Kenyon Goodin with 29.

This week: 1/7 vs South Oldham (2:30 tip-off)

 

3 – Grant County Braves (13-1)

After their early season loss to Owen County, the Braves have been the hottest team in the region. In the last 2 weeks, they have traveled to Gatlinburg for a 3-game tournament, and Henry County for another 3-game tournament. While attending these tournaments, they have gone 6-0, and won both championships.  

Game 1 this week was against KCD, winning 56-48. Dylan Hammonds (21) and Spencer Breeden (19) led the Braves.

Their 2ns matchup was against Frankfort and won in blowout fashion 80-56. Hammonds had another monster game, scoring 35 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

Their championship game was against Beth Haven, where they defeated them 62-42. Hammonds once again led the Braves with 37 points and 16 rebounds.

This week: 1/6 @ Henry County     1/7 vs Cooper (1:30 tip-off)

 

4 – Spencer County Bears (8-4)

After losing all 3 games in the KOB last week, they traveled to Florida to play in the Suncoast Classic and won all 3 games.

Their first game was against Keswick Christian (FL), and they won by a ridiculous 60 points (74-14). The Bears had 3 players in doubles figures with Keaton Baird (14), Andrew Barron (13), and Camden Cox (12). Luke Erhardt DNP, could anyone of my Spencer County folks fill me in with some insight on him?

Their next game was against Canterbury (FL) and won 69-60, and their final matchup was against Umatilla (FL) and won 77-50. Stats are not posted for either game.

 This week: 1/3 @ Henry County 1/6 vs Woodford County

 

5 – Simon Kenton Pioneers (9-4)

As mentioned last week, the Pioneers have not allowed a team to score their average ppg all season. They continued to play some stifling defense this week, but their streak came to an end, where they allowed Henry Clay to score 3 more than their average on the season. However, they went 2-1 on the week in the Ashland Invitational Tournament, with their only loss coming to #2 in the region Collins by 7 points.

They defeated Ashland Blazer 55-54 holding them to -6 of their average per game. In game 2 they defeated Henry Clay, while breaking their defensive streak. Their final game was a very big game for SK, but they cam just short. While they lost, the Pioneers showed that they can surely compete for an 8th region title. Stats are not posted for any game this week.

This week: 1/3 vs Ryle 1/6 vs Bryan Station

 

6 – Walton-Verona Bearcats (8-3)

Coach Hester’s squad took the week off, as they prepare for the All ‘A’ Tournament.

This week: 1/2 vs Williamston (@Gallatin County), games after are TBD

 

7 – Owen County Rebels (6-4)

Like Walton, Owen also took the week of before playing in the ‘A’.

This week: 1/2 vs Carroll County (@Gallatin County), games after are TBD

 

8 – Oldham County Colonels

The Colonels had a very successful week, winning all 3 of their games in the Campbellsville High School Holiday Classic.

Their 1st game was against a tough Danville Christian team, where they won 67-54. They were led by Max Green with 32, followed by Abram Stinebruner with 17.

Game #2 was against Elizabethtown, winning 63-60. They finished the week beating Franklin County 66-51. Stats are not posted for either game.

After losing 3 straight, the Colonels won 3 straight. Can they find their stride and outlast either South or North Oldham and appear at the 8th regional tournament like they always do, or give North Oldham a shot for the 30th district title?

This week: 1/6 @ Eastern 1/7 @ McLean County (2:00 tip-off)

 

9 – Woodford County Yellow Jackets (4-7)

In the KOB without star player Jasper Johnson the Yellow Jackets struggled and lost both games. This week in the MGM Holiday Classic they did not do any better, losing all 3 games. They lost to #12 DeSales (58-63), #11 Ballard (73-90), and West Jessamine (56-58). Stats are not in for any of the games played this week.

I am curious if Jasper Johnson played this week, can any confirm or deny? If he did not play, these losses are actually slightly impressive with the tough schedule and could impact their rankings in future weeks.

Once (or if) Woodford County is fully healthy in the season, they are still very capable of making a run in late February/early March.

This week: 1/6 @ Spencer County 1/7 @ Bryan Station (5:30 tip-off)

 

10 – Anderson County Bearcats (9-4)

Coach Hyatt’s squad is starting to get hot and is looking the best they have in the last few years.

This week they played in Phillip Wood Classic and won all 3.

Anderson county defeated Thomas Nelson (64-35), Fairview (90-74), and Robertson County (55-26). Stats are not in for any of the games

Although it hasn’t been the toughest teams, the Bearcats are now on a 4-game win streak going into 2 very winnable inter-regional games this week.

This week: 1/2 @ South Oldham 1/6 vs Shelby County

 

11 – Shelby County Rockets (7-5)

The Rockets also played in the Henry County Invitational Tournament this week along with many other teams in the region and came out winning 2 of their 3 matchups. In his 2nd year, coach Traylor is looking to bring Shelby County to their 1st winning record in 6 years.

Their 1st game of the tournament was against Frankfort, where they lost 58-66. Game #2 was against KCD, winning 73-60, and in their final game they squared up against Bullitt East, winning a nailbiter 55-54. Stats are not in for any games.

This week: 1/3 vs South Oldham 1/6 @ Anderson County 1/7 @ Carroll County (2:30 tip-off)

 

12 – South Oldham Dragons (6-6)

This week, the Dragons hosted the South Oldham Christmas Tournament. Coming off a 2-game win streak, the Dragons stayed hot, winning their first 2 games, then losing their championship game.

South Oldham’s 1st game was against East jessamine, winning 80-35. Julian Miles led the team with 19 points, shooting 7/9 from the field.

Next, they faced Iroquois and came out on top 78-57. They were once again led by Julian Miles with 24, followed by Christian Veirs (19) and Nathan Touro (14).

In the championship, they lost to McCracken County 42-55. Veirs had 17, and Tate Holbrook had 12. After shooting lights out in the first 2 games, the Dragons couldn’t find the ocean in the final matchup going 3/23 from 3.

After only playing 3 regional games this year, all 3 of their opponents this week are from the 8th Region.

This week: 1/2 vs Anderson County 1/3 @ Shelby County 1/7 @ Collins (2:40 tip-off)

 

13 – Williamstown Demons

The Demons traveled to Charleston, SC to play in the Carolina Invitational and they split the 2 games they played.

Their first opponent was Cardinal Gibbons (NC), they lost 64-80. Their big-3 led their squad, Gunner Feagan (20), Honore Yangoua (12), and Colton Feagan (10).

The next day they faced Charleston Math & Science (SC) and blew them out 74-34. The trio yet again led the Demons, C. Feagan (21), G. Feagan (15), Yangoua (14).

This week, they will also play in the 8th Regional All ‘A’ Tournament and could be a sleeper pick to make a run.

This week: 1/2 vs Walton-Verona (@Gallatin County), games after are TBD

 

14 – Eminence Warriors (7-5)

The Warriors played in the Burgin Holiday Tournament and won all 3 of their games.

They defeated Burgin (71-42), LKY home school (67-35), and LKY home school again (69-47). Stats are not in for all 3 games.

According to KHSAA, all 3 of their games were played on 12/30. If that is true, that is a lot of basketball in one day. They will play in the All ‘A’ Tournament this week, and I am curious if this could affect their stamina heading into it.

This week: 1st round bye in All ‘A’ Tournament, games TBD.

 

15 – Trimble County Raiders (8-6)

The Raiders played in the Ray Zellar Christmas Classic, winning all 3 games.

They played Francis Parker winning 56-36. James Thomas Wilcoxson had 22 points and 15 rebounds, Ethan Horn followed with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Next, they battled Villa Madonna and came out with a win (71-55). Horn had 23, and Wilcoxson had another double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

In their final game of the week, they faced Leslie County, and won a close one 55-51. Horn (23) and Wilcoxson (21) once again led the Raiders. Wilcoxson also had 15 rebounds, making it his 3rd double-double of the week.

This week: 1/2 @ Gallatin County (All ‘A’ Tournament), games after are TBD

 

16 – Gallatin County Wildcats (4-7)

For the first time this season, the Wildcats put away their early season struggles and won 2 of their 3 games at the Chain Rock Classic.

Their first game was against Thomas Walker (VA) winning 62-30. The Wildcats had 4 players in double figures.

Game 2 was against a solid Pineville squad, losing a close one 66-61. Matthew Griffin led the Cats with 24, and Kasen Baker followed with 20. The 2 went a combined 10/17 from 3.

Gallatin County’s final matchup was against Middlesboro winning 82-62. 3 players had double digits, in Kellen Dossett (18), Griffin (17) and Eli Newman (14).

This week: 1/2 vs Trimble County (All ‘A’ Tournament), games after are TBD.

 

17 – Henry County Wildcats (2-11)

The Wildcats have had a very disappointing start to the season, and that continued this week in their own tournament, losing all 3 games.

Game 1 was against Beth Haven losing 62-76, next they lost to Bullitt East (34-67), and then fell to Kentucky Country Day (50-66). Stats are not in for any of their games this week.

Their rough start is not looking like it is going to get any better this week, with a very tough 2-game stretch.

This week: 1/3 vs Spencer County 1/6 vs Grant County

 

18 – Carroll County Panthers (1-11)

The Panthers had one game this week @ Augusta and lost 69-88. Stats are not in for the game.

This week: 1/2 vs Owen County (@ Gallatin County), games after are TBD 1/7 vs Shelby County (2:30 tip-off)

 

 

 

 

Really well done. Hard to find areas of disagreement.  Still think Oldham is the wild card card with most room to improve as they get more comfortable executing new coach system and the 4 new starters continue to grow into their roles. North clear favorite…

44 minutes ago, Hoopstars said:

Really well done. Hard to find areas of disagreement.  Still think Oldham is the wild card card with most room to improve as they get more comfortable executing new coach system and the 4 new starters continue to grow into their roles. North clear favorite…

Absolutely, Oldham County and South Oldham could be an interesting matchup in the 30th District Tournament, assuming North takes the 1

Yes, I've see most of these teams play, and I don't see Grant as #3.  Just not convinced they get out of the 32nd.

2 hours ago, 4 Quarters said:

Yes, I've see most of these teams play, and I don't see Grant as #3.  Just not convinced they get out of the 32nd.

It is definitely possible, it’s a huge toss up in 3 teams, and Williamstown is capable of knocking one of them off. 

@Adrian Woj Burner is also on Twitter covering 8th Region Basketball.

 

2 hours ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

It is definitely possible, it’s a huge toss up in 3 teams, and Williamstown is capable of knocking one of them off. 

I agree with 4 quarters. I’m not sold on GC coming out of 32nd as champions. My gut tells me WV but not surprised if SK takes it. As for Williamstown, the BIG IF is if those three guys click at the same time and the coaches know and understand who butters their bread. If that happens, they could win. For sure. 

Good call on anderson being ranked ahead of south 

Anyone know the district sites? Thanks in advance.

Edited January 3, 20233 yr by theguru

2 hours ago, Down4theblue said:

Anyone know the district sites? Thanks in advance.

This is not official, but the 31st should be at Carroll County and the 30th should be at North Oldham. Not sure if I’m 100% right, but I believe that’s where they should be.

I though the 30th was Anderson, Spencer, Collins, Shelby, and Woodford?

That one should be a humdinger! 

54 minutes ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

This is not official, but the 31st should be at Carroll County and the 30th should be at North Oldham. Not sure if I’m 100% right, but I believe that’s where they should be.

Riherds lists Trimble County as 31st site

I'm pretty sure that the 32nd is at Simon Kenton.

30th is at Shelby County

SK hosts the 32nd.