8th Region Week 9 Review

[Adrian Woj Burner]

8th Region Week 9 Review

 

By: Adrian Woj Burner

 

District Standings

Here is an updated layout of each district standings. After this week, both the 29th and 30th District were set, and no more games were to be played anymore. In the 31st no one has clinched any spot, but it is looking for certain that Owen County will have the #1 seed, but they have not technically clinched it yet. In the 32nd, Simon Kenton has clinched the #1 seed, and Williamstown has obtained the #4 seed. So, it will be Simon Kenton vs Williamstown, and Grant County vs Walton-Verona in the 1st round of their district tournament. However, Grant County and Walton-Verona will play within these last couple weeks of the season to determine who gets the #2 seed (it will not affect the first-round matchups).

 

*= Clinched

29th District

1: North Oldham (2-0) *

2: Oldham County (1-1) *

3: South Oldham (0-2) *

 

30th District

1: Spencer County (3-1) *

2: Woodford County (3-1) *

3: Anderson County (2-2) *

4: Collins (2-2) *

5: Shelby County (0-4) *

 

31st District

1: Owen County (7-0)

2: Eminence (4-3)

3: Trimble County (3-4)

4: Gallatin County (3-4)

5: Carroll County (3-4)

6: Henry County (1-6)

 

32nd District

1: Simon Kenton (3-0) *

2: Walton-Verona (1-1)

3: Grant County (1-1)

4: Williamstown (0-3) *

 

 

Player of the Week

I figured I would add a neat little segment into the review, the 8th region player of the week. This week will be Spencer County guard Luke Erhardt. Although stats aren’t in for their win against Anderson County on Friday night, Erhardt put in a school record 45 points in a win against Doss. In the game he was 16-22 from the field and 5/10 from 3. He was also 8/9 from the free throw line.

 

Rankings

After a few surprising losses to some of the better teams in the region to begin the week, I predicted that this week would be crazy, and boy was I right. With a ton of huge rivalry games with massive district-seeding implications on the line this week, there were a ton of incredible games. With this, there were some unexpected upsets, and other upsets that were not as much of a shock. I am sure that this will continue this week with yet another action-packed slate of games.

Note: I was time restrained today, so I will only be breaking down the top 10 teams in the region in depth.

 

1 – North Oldham Mustangs (18-5)

Another week of rankings, and yet another week with the Mustangs on top of them. Since Christmas, it has been no doubt who the best team in the region is, and they left no doubts again this week.

North Oldham only had one game this week, but it was expected to be a big one. They traveled across Oldham County to face off against rival South Oldham, in what many thought would be a close game. However, this was not the case. Coach Levitch’s squad dominated all aspects of the game and wound up defeating the Dragons 67-38. Dallas Roberts led the team with 21 points, Grant Neal assisted with 18 of his own, and Luke Anderson scored 16.

They only have 5 games left on their schedule, and not even one of them look like an easy win. They will probably be the most battle tested team coming into tournament time.

This Week: 1/31 vs DeSales 2/3 at Grant County

 

2 – Collins Titans (18-3)

After losing to Anderson County a couple weeks ago, the Titans seemed to have guided themselves back on track and had 2 more games this week to prove that.

They started off the week against Boyle County and came out on top winning 63-34. Kenyon Goodin led with 20, and his younger brother Kade Goodin put in 15.

On Friday night, they had a huge matchup against Woodford County. With a win, they would have put themselves in good position to obtain the all-important #1 seed in the toughest district in the region. They could not pull it off and lost 56-62. Stats are not posted for the game. With this loss, the Titans now have locked in the 4 seed (loses tiebreaker to Anderson County based off head-to-head). They will now have to face Shelby County in round 1 of the 30th District Tournament, and if they win that one, they will face Spencer County for a bid to the 8th Region Tournament.

This Week: 1/31 at Oldham County (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network) 2/3 vs Shelby County 2/4 vs Ohio County (@Owensboro SportsCenter, 3:15)

 

3 – Simon Kenton Pioneers (15-7)

The Pioneers have still been a tough team to truly figure out, with their offensive struggles. With this, their defense is probably the best in the region. Recently, they have showed that they can compete with every other top team in the region and beat almost everyone under them.

They started off the week losing a close one to Conner, 71-72. This was a very high-scoring game for Simon Kenton, and they have only won 1 game this season where their opponent scores more than 55 points. Travis Krohman led the squad with 27 points, going 8/12 from the field and 5/8 from deep. The team was 9/16 from behind the arc.

On Friday night they traveled down to Warsaw to face Gallatin County. They dominated from the tip and came out winning 56-31. Stats are not posted for the game.

It is certain that this team will make it out of their district and have another chance at making a run towards Rupp Arena. Majority of tournament games are close and low-scoring, and the Pioneers seem to fare well in these sorts of games, setting them up perfect for a run in the postseason.

This Week: 1/31 vs Lloyd Memorial 2/3 at Oldham County (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network)

 

4 – Owen County Rebels (16-7)

After playing 1 game earlier this week, the Rebels attended the All ‘A’ State Tournament this week at Eastern Kentucky University, and their projections going into the tournament were uncertain. However, they made an impressive run, winning 2 games and advancing to the semifinals.

They started off traveling to their bordering county Grant County. After missing a couple games, Teagan Moore returned in this game and was limited. Moore missed a 3-point shot at the buzzer, and they lost 58-61. Moore led the team with 25 points, and Micah Shelton added in 15.

In the first round of the tournament, they faced Louisville Collegiate. Moore (19) and Brax Ward (12) combined for 31 of the teams 42 points in a 42-37 win.

Their quarterfinal matchup was against Washington County. They won 55-45, and almost all of it was thanks to Moore and Ward. Moore (27) and Ward (22) combined for 49 of Owen Counties 55 points and grabbed 30 of their 38 rebounds.

The only thing between them and an appearance in the All ‘A’ State Championship was Evangel Christian, a tough squad that was heavily favored to win the entire tournament. The Rebels battled all game but wound up losing 46-55. This game was all Teagan Moore. He scored 35 of the teams 46 and was in control of the offense every time down the floor.

Moore had a phenomenal week, and it is only going to get better. While leading his team to a semifinal appearance in the tournament, Moore broke to school scoring record. This was not an easy feat, as former WKU forward Carson Williams held it before him. Moore is now at 2,980 points and is expected to reach the unheard of 3,000-point mark in his next game.

This Week: 1/30 at Carroll County 2/2 vs Eminence 2/3 at Walton-Verona

 

5 – Spencer County Bears (15-6)

The Bears had a successful week, and in the middle of doing so they obtained the 1 seed in the tremendous 30th District. The only downfall with this is that they will now have to defeat Collins (if Collins defeats Shelby County in round 1) to get into the regional tournament.

On the 24th they hosted Doss, and Spencer County reached the 100-point mark for the first time this season, and majority of it was because of 8th region player of the week Luke Erhardt. In the 101-87 win over Doss, Erhardt scored a school record 45 points. Even though the team put up 101 points, they surprisingly only went 11/25 from 3.

Friday night they locked up the #1 seed in a 54-47 win over Anderson County. Stats are not posted for the game.

This Week: 1/31 at South Oldham 2/3 vs North Hardin 2/4 vs Gallatin County (5:30)

 

6 – Woodford County Yellow Jackets (11-9)

I have been waiting for this team to find their groove, and they seem to of finally hit it. The Yellow Jackets are now on a 6-game winning streak and picked up 3 of those this week, including a huge upset for them.

They started off the week Wednesday traveling to face Scott County. They won 67-55.

On Friday, they hosted #2 in the region and #14 in the state Collins. They pulled off the huge upset winning 62-56, giving them the 2 seed in the 30th District tournament and putting them up against Anderson County in the semifinals.

The next day they traveled to Cincinnati to face Indian Hill, picking up another win 70-50.

Stats are not posted for all 3 games, and this seems to be a common occurrence for this team.

In my opinion, Woodford County is still the biggest threat to reigning 8th Region Champions North Oldham, and I will predict that they will see each other at some point in the regional tournament.

This Week: 1/31 at Evangel Christian 2/2 vs Henry Clay     2/4 vs Elizabethtown (@KSU Exum Center)

 

7 – Oldham County Colonels (12-9)

Many people are not very high on this team, but after watching them multiple times I am certain that they have every piece they need to compete against any team in the region. After a tough loss to begin the week, they bounced back and won their next 2.

On Monday they traveled to face Lexington Christian, surprisingly losing 56-81. They had 4 players in double figures but struggled from the field going 19/51.

After the loss, they bounced back 2 days later defeating Seneca 74-67. Luke Amburgey led with 26 points, and Max Green assisted with 21 of his own.

To end the week, they traveled to face a sneaky Shelby County team, and won in blowout fashion 70-49. Stats are not posted for this game.

This group has probably one of the hardest schedules possible this week and will really let us know how legit this team is.

This Week: 1/31 vs Collins (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network) 2/3 vs Simon Kenton (PSN-Pegasus Sports Network) 2/4 at Lloyd Memorial (5:30)

 

8 – Grant County Braves (19-4)

The Braves have had some recent struggles, however they put those aside this week and won both of their contests.

They started off against one of the best teams in the region, Owen County. Side note: Teagan Moore was limited. The Braves came out in top in a close one, winning 61-58. Spencer Breeden led the team with 24 points, and Dylan Hammonds scored 20 points while grabbing 13 rebounds. Dylan Hammonds reached 2,500 points in this game and is inching closer to the school rebounding record as well.

Friday, they traveled to their inter-county rival Williamstown. They wound up winning 65-47. Hammonds led with 25 points and 18 rebounds, and Breeden added in 20.

Grant County has seemed to of found a second scoring option in Spencer Breeden, can this help shrink their margin against some of the top teams in the region?

This Week: 1/30 vs Ryle 2/3 vs North Oldham 2/4 vs Great Crossing (4:30)

 

9 – Walton-Verona Bearcats (15-7)

With Simon Kenton going 3-0 in district play they locked up the #1 seed. This means that Walton-Verona will face Grant County in the first round of the district tournament, and we will get a preview of that game within the next couple weeks.

They started off the week against Campbell County and lost 60-65. Julian Dixon had 17 points, Carter Krohman had 16, and Aaron Gutman had 13.

Next, they traveled to face Dixie Heights losing 59-51.

On Saturday they hosted a good team in Cooper and defeated them 72-64.

Stats are not posted for either of the last 2 games.

The Bearcats have been up and down all season, and with a tough schedule to close out the season we will be able to tell where this squad is going into tournament time.

This Week: 1/31 at Mason County 2/3 vs Owen County 2/4 vs Holy Cross (Covington)

 

10 – Anderson County Bearcats (17-6)

After being hot all season and coming into the week on an 11-game winning streak, Anderson County seemed to have cooled down and came back to Earth a little bit.

They started off the week traveling to Trimble County in what seemed to of been a sure win for them, however that was not the case. They lost the game 42-48.

On Friday they played in a huge game against Spencer County with huge district seeding game. They competed well but wound up losing 47-54. With this loss, they are locked in at the 3 seed in their district and will face Woodford County in the semifinals with a shot at the regional tournament.

The Bearcats turned around the next day and hosted a struggling Gallatin County team. It was yet another surprisingly close game, and they ended up winning 66-63.

Stats are not posted for any game.

Anderson County only has 1 more game this season against a regional opponent, and it is against Owen County. Can they play well against these out of region opponents and find their groove again before the postseason?

This Week: 1/31 vs Thomas Nelson     2/3 at Western Hills

 

11 – South Oldham Dragons (10-10)

Last week, they lost to North Oldham 38-67. Julian Miles scored 19 points.

This Week: 1/31 vs Spencer County 2/1 vs Kentucky Country Day 2/4 vs Trimble County

 

12 – Shelby County Rockets (9-12)

Lost to Oldham County 49-70, and Bourbon County 68-69.

This Week: 2/3 at Collins 2/4 at Lafayette (2:30)

 

13 – Eminence Warriors (12-9)

Defeated Brown 67-30, Valley 64-35, and Eminence (IN) 59-33.

This Week: 1/31 at Henry County 2/2 at Owen County    

 

14 – Williamstown Demons (10-11)

Defeated Holmes 84-57. Lost to Grant County 47-65 and Dixie Heights 61-62.

This Week: 1/30 at Bellevue 2/2 at Boone County 2/4 vs Sayre (2:30)

 

15 – Gallatin County Wildcats (8-13)

Lost to Ryle 63-72, Simon Kenton 31-56, and Anderson County 63-66.

This Week: 1/30 vs Trimble County 2/2 at Carroll County 2/4 at Spencer County (5:30)

 

16 – Trimble County Raiders (11-10)

Defeated Anderson County 48-42.

This Week: 1/30 at Gallatin County 2/2 vs Henry County 2/4 at South Oldham (5:30)

 

17 – Carroll County Panthers (5-14)

Defeated Cornerstone Christian 71-54.

This Week: 1/30 vs Owen County 2/2 vs Gallatin County 2/4 vs Villa Madonna (2:30)

 

18 – Henry County Wildcats (3-19)

Lost to Bullitt Central 54-68, defeated Model 54-43.

This Week: 1/31 vs Eminence 2/2 at Trimble County

[Adrian Woj Burner]

Sorry for the shorter review this week, had some things to deal with this morning, and the big football game on tonight. Who dey!

[Hoopstars]

Fun read and provocative. Your list must be most likely to win region- not a season to date performance ranking- correct?

[Adrian Woj Burner]

1 minute ago, Hoopstars said:

Fun read and provocative. Your list must be most likely to win region- not a season to date performance ranking- correct?

It is a little bit of both to be honest. Who are referring to?

[Hoopstars]

Grant. Any rankings all inclusive of won-loss, SOS, common opponents, head to head, margins etc would surely have to have them above Woodford and Oldham.  I don’t argue that maybe Oldham and Woodford have a better chance to make and win the region. But there is absolutely no way they can be ranked ahead of grant based on what’s happened this season to date. 

[Runcible Owl]

"Abbreviated," and still great work. Featured player and District seeding update, +/+. Thanks for all you do @Adrian Woj Burner.

[Adrian Woj Burner]

27 minutes ago, Hoopstars said:

Grant. Any rankings all inclusive of won-loss, SOS, common opponents, head to head, margins etc would surely have to have them above Woodford and Oldham.  I don’t argue that maybe Oldham and Woodford have a better chance to make and win the region. But there is absolutely no way they can be ranked ahead of grant based on what’s happened this season to date. 

I get what you are saying, the reason for their lower ranking is their loss-margin against higher seeded opponents. Other than the last couple games against teams ranked higher than them, they were blown-out by all the top teams in the region. I have been back and forth with them all year, and to be honest I am still not 100% sure where they should be in these rankings. 

[4 Quarters]

34 minutes ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

I get what you are saying, the reason for their lower ranking is their loss-margin against higher seeded opponents. Other than the last couple games against teams ranked higher than them, they were blown-out by all the top teams in the region. I have been back and forth with them all year, and to be honest I am still not 100% sure where they should be in these rankings. 

I like the ranking.

[ConverseAllStar]

1 hour ago, Hoopstars said:

Grant. Any rankings all inclusive of won-loss, SOS, common opponents, head to head, margins etc would surely have to have them above Woodford and Oldham.  I don’t argue that maybe Oldham and Woodford have a better chance to make and win the region. But there is absolutely no way they can be ranked ahead of grant based on what’s happened this season to date. 

This is a good week for Grant to prove some doubters wrong!

[Deaconjim]

At this point I don't think some would change their mind. Whenever they have a good win it's always a fluke. And when they lose it's like I told you so. Even had one on here a month ago predict they wouldn't`t finish over five hundred.

 

[Adrian Woj Burner]

1 minute ago, Deaconjim said:

At this point I don't think some would change their mind. Whenever they have a good win it's always a fluke. And when they lose it's like I told you so. Even had one on here a month ago predict they wouldn't`t finish over five hundred.

 

What is their good wins that moves them above anyone ahead of them?

[Hoopstars]

Just now, Deaconjim said:

At this point I don't think some would change their mind. Whenever they have a good win it's always a fluke. And when they lose it's like I told you so. Even had one on here a month ago predict they wouldn't`t finish over five hundred.

 

I’d have to agree. There is no actual possible justification for Oldham being ahead of grant. That doesn’t mean I think grant has a better chance to win the region, but pure resume a huge insult to grant. 

[Adrian Woj Burner]

1 minute ago, Hoopstars said:

I’d have to agree. There is no actual possible justification for Oldham being ahead of grant. That doesn’t mean I think grant has a better chance to win the region, but pure resume a huge insult to grant. 

I have watched both teams multiple times, and in my opinion Oldham County is better than Grant County. 
Oldham has competed with the best in the region.

[Deaconjim]

Grant beat Oldham by 35. Lexington Christian beats Oldham by 25 and Grant beats Lexington Christian. I realize how hard it is to rank teams. I appreciate you taking time to do it. Not that it matters but I could see a case where Grant would be ranked ahead Of Oldham.

[Adrian Woj Burner]

22 minutes ago, Deaconjim said:

Grant beat Oldham by 35. Lexington Christian beats Oldham by 25 and Grant beats Lexington Christian. I realize how hard it is to rank teams. I appreciate you taking time to do it. Not that it matters but I could see a case where Grant would be ranked ahead Of Oldham.

I get 100% where you’re coming from, however that 30 point win was early in the season. That same Oldham County team lost to Doss who hadn’t won a game all season before. However, since then they are 9-3 and send the #1 team in the region and #4 in the state to OT on North Oldhams home court.