The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

Players and coaches come and go, but tradition truly never graduates at Ashland and Boyd County. 

Or is it Boyd County and Ashland?

Last season, it was the Tomcats first. For that matter, Blazer was first the previous four years, as well. On paper, the order may swing in favor of the Lions in '23-'24.

If you're tired of the dance this spirited rivalry has engaged in, seemingly since the dawn of time, look away now. They sit atop the 16th once again, as we embark on another journey from pre-season speculation to "last one out shuts off the lights" at Ellis T. Johnson Arena in Morehead. 

There are flickers of hope in Flemingsburg and West Liberty that may grow into bonfires by March. Until then, the benefit of the doubt holds steady in the northeastern corner of the commonwealth. 

 

The Top Ten

1. Boyd County Lions

Coach: Randy Anderson (14th Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 27-6 | Champions of the 64th District | 16th Region Runner-up 

'23-'24 Outlook: Last season carried with it a great deal of promise before nose diving in the region finals. The Lions had won 16 of 17, including a district championship win over Ashland, before the Tomcats blitzed them in the first period and finished strong to extend their chokehold on the 16th. 

Boyd County shot an astonishingly poor 1/25 from behind the arc that day. We're unlikely to see a repeat of that performance this season, as everyone of consequence is back in Cannonsburg from the state's #2 scoring offense. 

The backcourt duo of Jacob Spurlock (So./20 ppg) and Cole Hicks (Jr./18 ppg) headlines the returning Lions. Spurlock led the team in scoring and ranked fifth in the state with 120 made threes, outpacing Hicks, who connected on 95 treys. 

Six-five Jason Ellis (Sr./12 ppg/8 rpg) will be relied upon to work the boards, protect the rim, and provide offense in the paint as the reliable #3 scorer. Juniors Rhett Holbrook and Griffin Taylor were each a bucket from averaging double figures themselves. 

Bottom line: This team is built to get to Rupp Arena, and they have a coach who knows how to get there. It's a matter of overcoming… 

 

2. Ashland Tomcats

Coach: Ryan Bonner (2nd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 23-12 | Champions of the 16th Region | Lost in the Elite 8 to State Champion Warren Central

'23-'24 Outlook: The temptation was strong to put the Tomcats at #1. They've raised five consecutive regional championship banners and return the 16th's top individual talent. Junior Zander Carter (22 ppg/6 rpg) is long, athletic, skilled, and can shoot. He's a matchup problem for even the best post and perimeter defenders in the region.

So why are the Tomcats #2? 

Finding a scorer or two to compliment Carter may take time to come into focus. Boyd County transfer Rheyce Deboard was an invaluable pick-up last season to fill that role. No such gift has fallen into their lap this year. Scorers #3 and #4 have also departed. 

Athletic guards Asher Adkins (Sr./6'3") and Tyson Lalonde (Jr./6'2") are the likely candidates to pick up where Deboard left off. 

Senior Nate Frieze (6'5", 235 lbs) brings some size on the interior and muscle on the boards. James Mayor (Sr./6'10") may be the region's ultimate x-factor. How much has he improved and how does he fit into Ashland's puzzle board?

The coaching, the standard, and Carter keep Ashland near the top, but there are currently more questions than answers.

 

3. Morgan County Cougars

Coach: Reece Griffith (2nd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 22-8 | Champions of the 62nd District | Lost to Ashland in the region tournament first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: The Cougars leapt from 2 wins in '21-22 to 22 wins in Reece Griffith's first year at the helm, thanks in part to strong familial ties. You don't often see a +20 win differential from one season to the next. They should improve again on their win total after returning nearly all of their offensive and rebounding production.

Junior Preston Hoskins (15 ppg/6'5") led the team in scoring, finishing second in the region in made threes with 99. He's one of four returning players that averaged 5-6 rebounds per game

But what really earns Morgan County the nod at #3 is the wealth of experience they'll put on the floor. They should have no fewer than five seniors in the rotation, including brothers Gatlin (14 ppg) and Eli (almost 10 ppg) Griffith, Cameron Adams  (14 ppg), and Logan Spencer (8 ppg).

Last year was the first for that group playing together after the Griffith's and Adams came over from Elliott County.

By season's end, they rolled to a district championship and came out swinging against Ashland in the region tournament, staggering the eventual champs before the Tomcats found their footing.

Imagine what another off-season will do to enhance cohesiveness. Expect Morgan County to take the next step. Maybe even a couple. 

 

4. Fleming County Panthers

Coach: Buddy Biggs (4th Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 22-9 | Champions of the 61st District | Lost to Russell in the region tournament first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: The Panthers are prowling from the western fringes of the 16th, eyeing the favorites from afar.

Here's the first thing to know about Fleming County: All five starters return from a 22 win team. In fact, there were no seniors on the roster last year. 

But they're placement here is just as much about quality as it is quantity.

Adam Hargett (Sr./16 ppg/6'5") is one of the region's best all-around players. The other high impact senior is Isaac Frye, the region's leading rebounder last year and one of only two players in the area to average a double-double (11 pts/11 rebs.).

Seth Hickerson (Jr./6'3") gets third mention here, but he actually led the team in scoring at 19 ppg.

A healthy Lucas Jolly (14 ppg) would close the gap on Morgan County. He's one of the region's top ball handlers and facilitators, but a health scare earlier this year leaves his status uncertain at this time.

Jolly, Hickerson, and Hargett would all be three year starters this season. Add Frye to the mix, and that quartet shot 52% from the field last year.

If everyone is a go, the Panthers have the tools to contend in Morehead, but they'll have their hands full defending the district from their rival below.

 

 

5. Rowan County Vikings

Coach: Shawn Thacker (16th Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 13-16 | Lost to Bath County in the first round of the 61st District tournament 

'23-'24 Outlook: The Vikings should trend back toward their winning ways after their worst season in a generation. They missed out on the regional tournament for the first time since 2000 and endured their first losing season since Shawn Thacker's rookie year on the bench in '08-'09.

Rowan returns three double figure scorers in Colby Wilburn (14 ppg), Dashawn Watson (11 ppg), and Jayson Ingles (10 ppg).

Lexington Christian Academy transfer Brayden Mirus (Sr.) should bolster the line-up after averaging nearly 7 ppg last season. He's a guard with a good mid range game and finishes at the rim. He shot 58% last year inside the arc.

Ingles - team leader in threes with 72 - will be looked upon to stretch the floor.

Rowan features a guard heavy lineup. The question marks revolve around a potential lack of size in the post.

This is historically one of the strongest programs in the region. The Vikings aren't down often, and when they are, they quickly get to their feet. Look for a bounce back season in Morehead. 

 

 

6. East Carter Raiders

Coach: Cole Brammer (3rd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 19-11 | 62nd District Runner-up | Lost to Boyd County in the region tournament first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: Reece Griffith isn't the only 20-something coach making waves in the 16th Region. In his second season, Cole Brammer delivered East Carter's highest win total in thirteen years. 

The Raiders bring back three double digit scorers, all seniors. Evan Goodman and Blake Hall both averaged 15 ppg. Ty Scott was the #3 option, offensively, averaging 11 ppg. 

Hall was one of the region's top rebounders at nearly 9 per game with Goodman grabbing almost 6 a night. East excelled at crashing the boards, ranking just behind Boyd County for the region lead in team rebounding.

A hungry young coach and a veteran nucleus should make East Carter a tough out for anyone this season.

 

7. Raceland Rams

Coach: Joe Bryan (3rd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 13-18 | Lost to Russell in the 63rd District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: Year three for Joe Bryan finds the Rams inching their way back toward the top half of the region after a couple of losing seasons.

Raceland started well in '22-'23 before the wheels came off in the back half of the schedule. 

A major building block for success this year is the return of their top three scorers. Christian Large (Sr.15 ppg) and Connor Thacker (Jr./10 ppg/7 rpg) will be joined by one of the region's top freshmen, Jonah Arnett (8 ppg).

There's a large hole to fill in the paint, with the loss of big bodied post man Jacob Gauze. Six-seven Conner Sutton (Sr.) could occupy that void.

The 63rd District, per usual, is there for the taking. The Rams have as good a shot as anyone to grab it.

 

8. Russell Red Devils

Coach: Derek Cooksey (3rd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 26-7 | 63rd District Runner-up | Lost to Ashland in the region semifinals 

'23-'24 Outlook: There were a lot of positives to take away from last season. Damon Charles had a star turn, averaging 16 and 10, the region's preeminent package of physicality and finesse around the rim. The youngsters showed great promise, with 8th graders Caleb Rimmer and Elijah Neel playing beyond their years. Russell's 26 wins and region semifinal appearance were the program's best result in a decade. 

Now for a bucket of cold water… Once they reached the semis in Morehead, they got worked by Ashland, not yet ready for that opponent on that stage. And Charles is a freshman at Shawnee State University, leaving behind Rimmer (10 ppg/7 rpg/6'4") and Neel to fend for themselves.

Approaching last year's win total and a better postseason showing is asking too much. This year is about building for the future.

Rimmer, in particular, is a star in the making. He's poised for a breakout year as Russell's go-to point producer and best all-around player at both ends.

The Red Devils are at least a year away from being a problem, but should have enough in the tank this year to hang around the middle of the region if the upperclassmen - namely Tatum Fleming and Noah Quinn - provide a safety net for the freshmen.

 

9. Lewis County Lions

Coach: Scott Tackett (3rd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 12-19 | Champions of the 63rd District | Lost to Boyd County in the 16th Region semifinals 

'23-'24 Outlook: One indicator of a good coach is how much their team improves over the course of a season. Joe Hampton qualified. Three years ago, he handed the baton to Scott Tackett, who is joining his predecessor as maybe the region's most underrated coach.

The Lions are not a team you want to see when the postseason gets underway. They came on strong last year to win the 63rd district again, their fourth title in five years, before pushing Boyd County to overtime in the region semifinals.

Trey Gerike was the catalyst for that run, averaging 21 ppg in districts and regionals. With him gone, the next man up looks to be junior Drew Noble (13 ppg/8 rpg), while senior Xavier Prater (6 ppg/6 rpg) will take on an expanded role.

A weak spot for Lewis County last year was perimeter shooting, and it may be again this year. The returning roster only accounted for 33 made threes on 20% shooting from long distance. 

 

10. Bath County Wildcats

Coach: Matthew Perry (1st Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 16-14 | 61st District Runner-up | Lost to Lewis County in the 16th Region tournament first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: Long time Morgan County bench boss Matthew Perry steps in to run the show in Owingsville. He inherits a team that may be the region's most difficult to read.

Zachary Otis, Bath County's all-time leading scorer, is gone and took his 2,500 career points with him.

There was no one else in double figures last year, but a couple were close and scorers #2-#4 are all back. Montana Brashear, Jayce Smith, and Taylan Sorrell were Otis' supporting cast. At least one needs to embrace a leading role.

There were whispers of players transferring in that would elevate the Wildcats a few notches, but at least one of those seems to have fallen through.

There's a wait and see vibe around the Wildcats. For now, clinging to the back end of the top ten feels about right.

 

The Only Way Is Up: The Rest Of The Region

11. Greenup County Musketeers

Coach: Corey Allison (2nd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 11-18 | Lost to Lewis County in the 63rd District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: One of the 16th Region's most respected programs is currently in the midst of a six year absence from Morehead. 

The Musketeers need stability at the top after a whirlwind of coaching changes in the last twenty years. 

Second year man Corey Allison got off to a rocky start, going 3-12 in his first fifteen games as a head coach. Whether he acclimated to the team or the players acclimated to him, Greenup picked it up down the stretch, winning seven of ten at one point late in the season. That run included snapping rival Russell's region best sixteen game win streak.

Leading scorer Carson Wireman is the most significant loss.

Seniors Cohen Underwood and Eli Adkins both fell just shy of averaging double figures. Throw in sophomores Kasey Gammon and Bradley Adkins, both of whom scored about 6 ppg, and there are enough pieces to build around that the region tourney drought could see some rainfall this season in a wide open 63rd district. 

 

12. Fairview Eagles

Coach: Clarence Thompson (2nd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 15-16 | Lost to Boyd County in the 64th District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: The only senior on last year's roster was Tanner Johnson, one of the region's top scorers at 21 ppg. But if there's one end of the floor where the Eagles can absorb a loss, it's offense. Fairview ranked 20th in the state in points per game last season. Steven Day (Sr./18 ppg/8 rpg) becomes scoring option #1, with Tamel Smith (Sr./11 ppg) sliding up a spot to #2. They're both quality perimeter shooters, combining to make 44% of their 274 three point attempts.

Defense is another story. The Eagles were dead last in the region last season, allowing 72 ppg.

Realistically, Fairview's ceiling is 3rd in the district, with Ashland and Boyd County running a duopoly for the last several years.

 

13. Menifee County Wildcats

Coach: Derrick Robinson (2nd Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 10-20 | Lost to Fleming County in the 61st District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: It starts with Brevon Ricker, who averaged 24 ppg last year as a sophomore. He's a dynamic guard that can shoot and finish in transition. He'll be eyeing 2,000 career points this season. 

Ricker's not alone. Aiden Manley (Jr./13 ppg) and Jameson Williams (Sr./10 ppg) joined him in double figures.

The reality is, the Wildcats could improve immensely this season and still struggle to climb the ladder in this region. There are a lot of teams ahead of them that should also be better, starting near the top with district rivals Fleming and Rowan.

 

14. West Carter Comets

Coach: Jeremy Webb (18th Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 7-20 | Lost to Morgan County in the 62nd District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: The region's longest tenured coach will have to call on all of his experience to rebound the Comets from their worst season in 21 years.

Jeremy Webb has been at this a long time, riding the waves of winning and losing in Olive Hill. The wins were harder to come by than usual last season.

West looks primed to get a few Ws back with the return of their top four scorers.

Brett Dailey (Sr.) and Nathan Webb (So.) lead the way, averaging 11 ppg apiece. 

Ultimately though, the Comets should remain closer to the bottom of the region than the top for at least another year. District mate Morgan County and blood rival East Carter will help see to that. 

 

15. Elliott County Lions

Coach: Greg Adkins (15th Year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 3-25 | Lost to East Carter in the 62nd District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: The bottom fell out last year after being gutted by defections to Morgan County. The Lions plummeted from 18 wins in '21-'22 to three wins a season ago. 

Youth will again drive the team. Nine of the thirteen players on the roster are freshmen or younger.

Nathan Sturgill (Sr./11 ppg/5 rpg) will provide a splash of senior leadership. 

Freshman guards Lake Adkins (11 ppg) and Elijah Faulkner (8 ppg) gave Sandy Hook a glimpse of what's to come last season. We'll get a wider view this year.

The future is bright, but we're talking another year or two away. 

 

16. Rose Hill Royals

Coach: Ryan Whetsel (1st year)

'22-'23 Outcome: 7-23 | Lost to Ashland in the 64th District first round 

'23-'24 Outlook: It's been a minute since the Royals enjoyed a winning season. They may flirt with .500 or better this year after downgrading the schedule a bit. 

Leading scorer Christian Blevins (Sr./18 ppg) is back, as well as Collin Wilburn (Sr./14 ppg/6 rpg). The duo combined for 125 threes last year, but Rose Hill shot just 28% as a team from long range. 

Shooting, in general, needs to improve from last year's 33% clip.

The roster is thin and half of it is comprised of freshmen and eighth graders.

In Rose Hill's case, more so than almost any other team in the region, it's all about the journey, because we already know the destination: a first round district mismatch against Ashland or Boyd County. 

Pre-season Player Of The Year Watchlist

Zander Carter (Ashland/Jr./6'5") - With his unmatched length, athleticism, and skill set, the Liberty University commit may border on unguardable within the region. Averaged 22 points and 6 boards a game. Shooting splits were just shy of 50/40/80.

'22-'23 Season Highlights

Zander Carter. Pic cred to Emma Hall for the Daily Independent.

 

Jacob Spurlock (Boyd County/So./6'3") - The 16th's premier long range sniper has a pure shooter's stroke. Don't take my word for it, ask Jason Mays. The only player in the state that attempted more threes while connecting on a higher percentage was Mr. Basketball favorite Travis Perry. 

Knockn'em down vs. Perry County Central

Jacob Spurlock. Pic cred to Brad Laux for the Daily Independent.

 

Adam Hargett (Fleming County/Sr./6'5") - Does it all: Scores at all levels, rebounds, distributes, and defends. Strong catch and release shooter and one of the best athletes in the region. Shooting splits were slightly better than Carter's.

'22-'23 Season Highlights

Adam Hargett. Pic cred to Matt Jones for the Daily Independent.

 

Gatlin Griffith (Morgan County/Sr./5'10") - A lefty point guard with a quick release and court vision. Fearless when pushing tempo and attacking the basket. Morgan's got some other dudes, but Griffith makes them go.

'22-'23 Season Highlights

Gatlin Griffith. Pic from Hudl.

 

Brevon Ricker (Menifee County/Jr./5'10") -  He's a bucket and the region's leading returning scorer, averaging 24 a game. He'll have the green light from Frenchburg to the Hoosier Gym and everywhere else the Wildcats play this year. 

'22-'23 Season Highlights

Brevon Ricker. Pic cred to Matt Jones for the Daily Independent.

 

Five More To Follow

Jason Ellis (Boyd County/Sr.)

Seth Hickerson (Fleming County/Jr.)

Cole Hicks (Boyd County/Jr.) 

Preston Hoskins (Morgan County/Jr.) 

Caleb Rimmer (Russell/Fr.)

Great work @DevilMayCare, thank you!

Love the use of highlights! Always nice to put a face and game to the name.

This article was very well written.  Very good preview.  I would have put the Tomcats at 1 for the team top 10 but this was a good read.  Thanks. 

Boyd should be #1 for what they return but it’s kinda like Kentucky with Tennessee… Can you pick them over the Tomcats until they actually beat them?

 

Many unknowns in the Top 10. Is Lucas Jolly going to be healthy? What does the Bath County roster look like? Can anyone beat Morgan when they are hot?

Agree.  You have to beat the man to be the man.  I’ll stay with the Tomcats at #1.  Returning 3 starters with a stacked JV team last year to fill the spots.  Boyd barely made the finals last year.  A lot of eyes on their coaching staff too.  Curious to see who will call the shots!  ?

Bump.

Season tips off tonight. 16th Region teams in action:

Elliott County at Fairview 

Greenup County at Montgomery County 

East Carter at Raceland 

Team and Player Top Tens from the Daily Independent Preview.

TEAM

1. Ashland 
2. Boyd County 
3. Fleming County 
4. Morgan County 
5. Rowan County 
6. East Carter 
7. Bath County
t8. Lewis County 
t8. Russell 
10. Raceland 

 

PLAYER

1. Zander Carter (Ashland)
2. Jacob Spurlock (Boyd County)
3. Cole Hicks (Boyd County)
4. Seth Hickerson (Fleming County)
5. Jason Ellis (Boyd County)
6. Gatlin Griffith (Morgan County)
t7. Drew Noble (Lewis County)
t7. Brevon Ricker (Menifee County)
t7. Colby Wilburn (Rowan County)
10. Preston Hoskins (Morgan County)