8th Region Week 6 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner

During the holiday season, we didn’t get to see many regional opponents square off, but we are finally starting to see them match up and is making my rankings a lot less time consuming. lol.

 

All ‘A’ Tournament

After a fun week of basketball between the small schools, Owen County came out victorious in the championship vs Walton Verona. Congratulations to Owen County, they will play in the All ‘A’ State Tournament at EKU later in the season.

 

Stat Leaders

Here is a little description of each player in the top 25 of any stat categories according to KHSAA:

PPG- 2. Teagan Moore- Owen County (32.3)

         10. Dylan Hammonds- Grant County (28.7)

         16. Max Green- Oldham County (24.8)

FG%- 1. Eli Newman- Gallatin County (77.8)

          2. Luke Anderson- North Oldham (69.2)

         10. Gabe Dynes- Simon Kenton (67)

         17. Teagan Moore- Owen County (65.8)

FT%- 3. Max Green- Oldham County (90.7)

          11. Dallas Roberts- North Oldham (86.7)

          25. Teagan Moore- Owen County (84.3)

3p/PG- 6. Carter Krohman- Walton Verona (3.8)

             17. Calvin Ruble- Anderson County (3.3)

             20. Dillon Richey- Shelby County (3.2)

             22. Dallas Roberts- North Oldham (3.2)

RPG- 2. Dylan Hammonds- Grant County (14.1)

         17. Teagan Moore- Owen County (11.1)

 

Onto the rankings…

 

1 – North Oldham Mustangs (13-5)

The Mustangs, as expected are at the top of the region. With a grueling schedule during Christmas break, North Oldham has been on fire, and as their schedule slightly eases up, I only expect them to get hotter.

North Oldham did not have any games this week against any regional opponents, however they faced a sneaky team in Seneca, and Lloyd Memorial who has 2 D1 prospects.

They squeezed out a win against Seneca, winning 65-64. The Mustangs had 3 players in double figures, led by Dallas Roberts (29), and followed by Luke Anderson (12) and Grant Neal (11). They went a solid 6/9 from 3, and only 7/12 from the line.

On Saturday, they hosted a solid Lloyd team, defeating them 60-56. They yet again had 3 players in double figures, Jack Fischer (16), Roberts (15), and Ian Higdon (13). Higdon also added on 12 rebounds to give him a double-double.

This Week: 1/10 vs Dixie Heights (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network)   1/13 vs Meade County

 

2 – Collins Titans (13-1)

The Titans have been hot since the beginning, of the season and haven’t slowed down. They are the favorite in the 30th District and could be a very big 2nd option to win the region. They are currently undefeated against 8th Region opponents with 6 wins, and have won their only district matchup vs Shelby County

They only had one game this week and defeated South Oldham in a somewhat surprising close game, 66-59. Stats are not posted for the game.

This Week: 1/10 @ Bardstown 1/13 @ Anderson County 1/14 vs Grant County (4:30)

 

3 – Grant County Braves (15-1)

Grant County is having a historical year. After losing to Owen County in the 5th game of the season, the Braves are on a 10-game win streak, the longest streak in the region. They have played some good teams and have blown some of them out. Dylan Hammonds has been on a tear, averaging 28.7 ppg and 14.1 rebounds per game. He is top 10 in the state in both. This week, they played Henry County and Cooper.

In their game against Henry County, they ended up winning by 25 after surprisingly trailing at halftime. Hammonds led the Braves with 19 points and 17 rebounds. He was followed by Micah Willis with 10 and Spencer Breeden with 10.

They went on to face Cooper on Saturday, winning 53-40. Hammonds once again led with 27 points and 17 rebounds and was assisted by Willis with 10.

This Week: 1/11 @ Boone County 1/14 @ Collins (4:30)

 

4 – Spencer County Bears (10-4)

After struggling in the KOB, the Bears are on a 5-game winning streak. They will not have an easy path to the regional tournament, as they are in the toughest or 2nd toughest district.

This week, they faced Henry County and Woodford County.

Against a 64-37 win over Henry County, they were led by Luke Erhardt with 32 points. Erhardt has missed a few games but is now averaging 23.2 ppg. While doing this though, he is only shooting 38.7% from the field.

In their last game of the week, they played in a double overtime thriller against Woodford County. Thanks to a game winner by Camden Cox, they routed them 80-77. They were again led by Erhardt with 28 points, only going 2/10 from behind the arc. He was assisted by Cox (15) and Jonathan Combs with 14.

They will be battle tested this week, playing another district seeding game, and then faces a tough Owen County team.

This Week: 1/13 @ Shelby County 1/14 vs Owen County (5:30)

 

5 – Simon Kenton Pioneers (11-4)

SK has performed well this season with their stifling defense, getting them to an 11-4 record with some very impressive wins.

This week they hosted both Ryle and Bryan Station, winning both.

In their first game against Ryle, they won a close one in yet another low scoring game 46-41. They were led by Gabe Dynes with 12 and Jay Bilton with 10.

In their second game vs Bryan Station, they won in blowout fashion, winning 76-46. Stats are not posted for the game.

They have a tough schedule this week, and we will be able to tell the true level of this team once the week is over.

This Week: 1/10 @ Highlands 1/13 vs Walton-Verona

 

6 – Owen County Rebels (9-4)

After not appearing at the All ‘A’ State Tournament for over 6 years, the Rebels are back this year. This week they played in the All ‘A’ Regional Tournament, winning the championship. They won all the games in blowout fashion, winning by an average of 22.3 points. Teagan Moore had an incredible tournament, averaging 36.6 ppg and 14 rpg.

In round 1 they defeated Carroll County 67-35. Moore led with 36, and Brax Ward assisted with 12.

Their semifinal opponent was Gallatin County, winning 87-70. Moore had 35, Ward had 18, and Micah Shelton added in 10.

In the championship they faced Walton-Verona and wound up with the championship, winning 68-50. Moore once again led with 39, majority of them in the first, half. Ward had 11.

This Week: 1/10 @ Eminence 1/13 vs Trimble County 1/14 @ Spencer County (5:30)

 

7 – Walton-Verona Bearcats (10-4)

As expected, the Bearcats made it to the championship of the All ‘A’, but it was not as easy as everyone thought.

In the 1st round they faced Williamstown. This was the game of the tournament, sending the game to OT after trailing for the majority, and winning 74-71 thanks to a shot at the buzzer from Carter Krohman. He led the team with 23.

Their second matchup was Eminence, winning easily 86-47. Krohman and Aaron Gutman both had 22, and Dixon put in 12.

On Saturday, they faced Owen County in the championship, and were beat from what seemed like the tip. Owen got out to quick lead thanks to Teagan Moore, and never looked back. They lost 50-68, and stats are not posted.

Walton-Verona will kick off their district seeding games with 2 of them coming in the next week.

This Week: 1/10 vs Williamstown 1/13 @ Simon Kenton 1/14 @ Ryle (3:00)

 

8 – Anderson County Bearcats (11-4)

Coach Hyatt and his squad have the biggest move up in the standings this week, and it is well deserved. Last week, they faced 2 teams in the region and won both games, moving their win streak to 6 games. The only question is how they match up with the big dogs of the region, playing 2 teams ranked above them, and losing by double digits in both games.

Their first game this week was at South Oldham, winning 59-49. Joey Frasure put in 21 points and was helped by Carson Sutherland with 25 and Matt King with 10. 

4 days later, they went on to defeat Shelby County 48-39, and stats are not posted for the game.

They will have a big game coming up, as they face the favorite in their district, who is also the #2 team in the region.

This Week: 1/10 vs Rockcastle County 1/13 vs Collins

 

9 – Oldham County Colonels (7-7)

Last week, the Colonels went 1-1 and are starting to warm up as they have won 4 of their last 5 games, thanks majorly to Max Green. He is scoring 25.4 ppg, shooting 38.8% from 3, and an insane 90.3% from the line.

On the 6th they faced Eastern, losing 56-59. Green led with 29 and was assisted by Logan Slechter with 12.

The next day they went on to face McLean County winning 65-59. Green again led the Colonels with 28 points, and Abram Stinebruner helped lead Oldham County to the win with 19.

We will get the real feel of this team in the coming weeks, playing both of their district seeding games.

This Week: 1/13 vs South Oldham (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network)    

 

10 – Woodford County Yellow Jackets (6-9)

Woodford County is a tough team to figure out, as they have a lot of talent and a huge upside, but are struggling to win games, coming into the week at 6-9. They are a tough team to judge as they only play 5 regional games all year, with only 2 of them left. While they are ranked this low, I could still see them making a run if they are healthy and click at the right time.

This week they played Spencer County in the best game of the week, losing 77-80 in doubt overtime on a game winning shot. D1 prospect Jasper Johnson led them with 31 points, going 4/6 from 3. Makhi Smith followed with 17.

Next, they traveled to play Bryan Station, winning big 90-64. Stats are not posted for this game.

This Week: No games

 

11 – South Oldham Dragons (7-8)

The Dragons had a busy week, playing in 3 games. All 3 were games within the region, and 2 of them were on the road.

On the 2nd they hosted Anderson County and fell 49-59. Standout guard Julian Miles led the team with 23 going 10/16 from the field. He also had 10 rebounds giving him a double-double.

The next day they traveled to face Shelby County and came out with an impressive 68-50 win. Christian Veirs put in 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

On Saturday they squared up against #2 in the region Collins. South Oldham has been a tough team to figure out and this game proves why. After getting blown out by both Grant County and Simon Kenton, everyone assumed this would be a blowout as well. The Dragons were leading for majority of the first half but wound up losing 59-66. Miles scored 20 points and Veirs added in 19. They showed that they can compete with the best, but after losing to a couple teams not very highly ranked, they will need to show that they can beat these top-notch teams to move up some in the rankings.

This Week: 1/13 @ Oldham County (PSN- Pegasus Sports Network)

 

12 – Shelby County Rockets (8-7)

The Rockets have started the season well as Coach Traylor is trying to rebuild Shelby County into the powerhouse basketball school that they used to be; however they had a fairly rough week. They battled in 3 games, and all of them were teams in the region.

In game 1, they hosted South Oldham. The Rockets struggled and wound up losing 50-68. Their scoring was pretty spread out, led by Dillon Ritchey with 13.

Next, they traveled to Anderson County and lost 39-48. Omauri Downs scored 16 and Michael Jones added in 10.

On Saturday they traveled to Carroll County, who many say (including myself) is by far the worst team in the region. The Rockets ended up with a 67-47 win and stats are not posted for the game.

This Week: 1/10 @ Meade County 1/13 vs Spencer County

 

13 – Williamstown Demons (7-6)

The Demons only had one game this week in the All ‘A’ Tournament, but there was a lot to learn from that. For years Williamstown has been the bottom of the barrel in the 32nd district. Their last appearance in the regional tournament was in 2016, and I am not sure when the last was before that. This week in their game vs Walton-Verona they showed that they are here to make some noise when it comes tournament time.

Williamstown controlled majority of the game vs Walton but wound up losing in overtime on a last second shot by Carter Krohman to send them home. The Demons had 4 players in double figures led by Colton Feagan with 20, followed by Gunner Feagan (18) and Honore Yangoua (17).

They will have a busy week this week playing 3 games, 1 of them being a rematch of their All ‘A’ opponent.

This Week: 1/10 @ Walton-Verona 1/12 @ Heritage Academy 1/14 vs Henry County

 

14 – Gallatin County Wildcats (5-8)

After struggling with their tough schedule to begin the year, this young group seems to be finally figuring it out. After starting off 1-6, the Wildcats are not 4-2 in their last 6 games. They advanced to the semifinals of the All ‘A’ Tournament.

Game 1 was against Trimble County, whom they lost to earlier in the season. They wound up winning the high scoring affair 90-82. Gallatin had 3 players score over 20 points with Kellen Dossett (28), Matthew Griffin (23), and Andrew Brinker (20).

In the semifinals, they faced rival Owen County whom they also lost big to earlier in the season. They lost 70-87, but it was not as big of a loss as the score shows. Gallatin competed for majority of the game, and they had it in single digits in the 4th quarter. They had 3 players yet again with 20 points, led by Dossett with 23, Kasen Baker with 20 and Matthew Griffin with 20. The Wildcats shot 3’s and were successful on 16 of them.

They will play in 2 district-seeding games coming up this week, and 3 the week after that.

This Week: 1/10 vs Carroll County 1/13 @ Henry County

 

15 – Trimble County Raiders (8-7)

The Raiders had only 1 game this week, losing in the first round of the All ‘A’ Tournament.

They faced Gallatin County in the 1st round and lost 82-90. JT Wilcoxson led with 27 and Ethan horn put in 21. They also had some surprisingly extra support, with Brayden Wilson (20) and Coltin Humphreys (11).

While they drop below Gallatin County this week, these teams are extremely close, and I am sure they will see each other more coming up.

This Week: 1/10 @ Henry County 1/13 @ Owen County

 

16 – Eminence Warriors (7-6)

While their record is good, they have had a weak schedule. I have seen this team play multiple times, and outside of Josh Ruzanka they struggle to find a consistent second scoring option.

This week they faced Walton-Verona in the All ‘A’ Tournament. They lost 47-86 and were led by Ruzanka with 15. Bladin Malone assisted with 13.

This Week: 1/10 vs Owen County 1/13 @ Carroll County

 

17 – Henry County Wildcats (2-13)

After losing all their talent in the last couple years, the Wildcats are struggling to find their identity. They have now lost 9 games in a row.

On the 3rd they faced Spencer County. They wound up losing 37-64 and were led by Baylor Nolin with 10 points.

Friday night they faced Grant County. I was told that the Wildcats had the #3 team in the region down at halftime but ended up losing 31-56. They were again led in scoring my Nolin with 10 points.

This Week: 1/10 vs Trimble County 1/13 vs Gallatin County 1/14 @ Williamstown (4:00)

 

18 – Carroll County Panthers (1-13)

The Panthers past few years have been a struggle, and that did not change this week. They dropped both of their games.

In the All ‘A’ Tournament, they squared up against the best team of the tournament in Owen County. The game was never close, and they lost 35-67. Austin Hicks led with 12 points.

On Saturday they hosted Shelby County and lost 47-67, stats are not posted.

This Week: 1/10 @ Gallatin County 1/13 vs Eminence 1/14 vs KCD (1:00)

The Grant County/Collins game this Saturday will tell us where Grant really stands.

Just now, 4 Quarters said:

The Grant County/Collins game this Saturday will tell us where Grant really stands.

Absolutely, looking forward to that one!

The BGP rankings are out and the 8th region has 3 teams in the Top-20 of the state:
#4 North Oldham

#12 Collins

#20 Simon Kenton

 

I have to say I’ve been a huge doubter of South Oldham and they have done far better than I had anticipated recently. They haven’t won any marquee games and have been blown out a few times but did play McCracken and Collins close. Be interesting to see if those were flukes or if they really aren’t that bad. 

24 minutes ago, Hoopstars said:

I have to say I’ve been a huge doubter of South Oldham and they have done far better than I had anticipated recently. They haven’t won any marquee games and have been blown out a few times but did play McCracken and Collins close. Be interesting to see if those were flukes or if they really aren’t that bad. 

Another interesting game to see if the rematch with WV and Williamstown. Was that last game a fluke? WV overhyped? Or Williamstown a lot better? 

39 minutes ago, StevnASmith said:

Another interesting game to see if the rematch with WV and Williamstown. Was that last game a fluke? WV overhyped? Or Williamstown a lot better? 

I think it will be the same kind of game, unless WV is hot from 3 land.  For WV to be effective they have to score a lot with the 3.  I stated before the season began that Williamstown would be somewhat better than some people might expect.

9 minutes ago, 4 Quarters said:

I think it will be the same kind of game, unless WV is hot from 3 land.  For WV to be effective they have to score a lot with the 3.  I stated before the season began that Williamstown would be somewhat better than some people might expect.

Yes I agree. They’re definitely not a cake walk this season. Tall guy in the middle can block shots and step out for the three. Honorable Youngway can get to the rim but struggles outside. The Fegan senior is dangerous outside and can drive for a nice mid range and then his brother can do it all. He’s probably much overlooked in the whole region. He’s a solid and nice player. 

1 hour ago, Hoopstars said:

I have to say I’ve been a huge doubter of South Oldham and they have done far better than I had anticipated recently. They haven’t won any marquee games and have been blown out a few times but did play McCracken and Collins close. Be interesting to see if those were flukes or if they really aren’t that bad. 

McCracken is a very solid basketball team. I don’t recall them playing Collins, but they are currently 14-0. Beat a very solid Highlands team in the same tournament they played South in. This game vs Oldham Co. Friday night will tell us more about which team will take the  the 2nd spot for the 29th (assuming north gets the 1 seed)  and have a good shot at making an appearance at the Roy come early March.

35 minutes ago, StevnASmith said:

Yes I agree. They’re definitely not a cake walk this season. Tall guy in the middle can block shots and step out for the three. Honorable Youngway can get to the rim but struggles outside. The Fegan senior is dangerous outside and can drive for a nice mid range and then his brother can do it all. He’s probably much overlooked in the whole region. He’s a solid and nice player. 

Agree with everything you said, but my gut is telling me WV by a lot this game. Not sure why lol, just got the feeling WV will shoot lights out in their own gymnasium and give Williamstown troubles. Doesn’t take anything away from the 32nd, it could very well be the most interesting district to watch come tournament time. 

Just now, Adrian Woj Burner said:

Agree with everything you said, but my gut is telling me WV by a lot this game. Not sure why lol, just got the feeling WV will shoot lights out in their own gymnasium and give Williamstown troubles. Doesn’t take anything away from the 32nd, it could very well be the most interesting district to watch come tournament time. 

You must be a WV alum lol. (I’m GC) 

Just now, StevnASmith said:

You must be a WV alum lol. (I’m GC) 

Negative on that lol. 

Just now, Adrian Woj Burner said:

Negative on that lol. 

You know your prediction is probably right. But I don’t think they will blow them out. Hard to beat a good team on their own floor. But my gut tells me it’s close and down to last possession again. 

18 minutes ago, StevnASmith said:

You know your prediction is probably right. But I don’t think they will blow them out. Hard to beat a good team on their own floor. But my gut tells me it’s close and down to last possession again. 

I could see it don’t get me wrong, but I’m just predicting WV shooting lights out at home like they always do.

12 minutes ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

I could see it don’t get me wrong, but I’m just predicting WV shooting lights out at home like they always do.

That’s why you get paid the big bucks!