Early in March this is how we had the 2nd Region ranked and of course the Sweet 16® Champion came out of the 2nd region.  What does the Region look like this coming year?

Ranking the Field

1. Lyon County (29-3)

2. Henderson County (24-6)

3. University Heights (23-6)

4. Christian County (15-17)

5. Madisonville North Hopkins (17-15)

6. Caldwell County (19-13)

7. Union County (13-17)

8. Trigg County (12-19)

Summer basketball may give us a better picture of things in the 2nd region but with the graduation of the big 3 at Lyon County, this year's region seems to be a wide-open affair. If I had to rank them today, here is what it would look like:

1A: Henderson County - The Colonels return 3 starters and 4 of their top 5 scorers from last year's region runner-up team.  Leading scorer and all-region guard Cooper Davenport (13.8) returns along with guards Lacon Mckinney (7.8 ppg) and Dwaine Moss (6.0 ppg).  The Colonels also return center Elijah Suggs (7.0 ppg) who exploded on the scene late in the season.  Suggs led the state in field goal percentage at 69.7% and set the school record for blocked shots at 99 on the season.  With this nucleus returning and several of Kentucky's top 2027 players ready to step into the fold, the Colonels will be considered one of the favorites in Region 2. 

1B: Madisonville North Hopkins - The Maroons return 4 starters and 4 of their top 5 leading scorers from last year's team that reached the region semifinal. The Maroons return all-region guard and leading scorer Kanyon Johnson (13.3 ppg).  Additionally, Madisonville brings back Lemontae Ratcliff (11.5 ppg), Landen Smith (10.8 ppg), and big man Ryan Bryant (7.5 ppg).  The Maroons return a solid, athletic core of players.  The X-factor for them will be the development and health of 2027 forward Nolan Coffman.  He proved to be one of the best freshmen in the region when healthy last season shooting the ball efficiently from 3 and leading the Maroons in rebounds.  

2. Lyon County - The Lyon's sit atop Kentucky High School Basketball as state champions. However, with the loss of Perry, Shoulders, and Reddick the Lyons have plenty of question marks on their returning roster. Guard Bray Kirk (9.4 ppg) is poised to take a big step and lead the Lyons.  Kirk hit big shots in both regional and state tournament play.  Additionally, forwards Isaac Defew (4.6 ppg) and Lukas Breedlove (4.4 ppg) will provide experience, size, and athleticism in the frontcourt.  Can the Lyons  find steady, playmaking guards to round out a region championship-level roster?  Guards Carson and Cooper Collins could certainly take the next step and put Lyon County back in the region championship next season. 

3: University Heights - Though the Blazers are losing significant production from all region guards Quentin Quarles and Gavin Grubbs, the return of star sophomore Tylin George will help provide enough firepower for the Blazers to be the 8th district favorite.  Before a scary injury that caused him to sit the final 1/3 of the regular season, George was on a tear averaging 15 ppg and shooting 48% from 3.  He is next in a long line of D1 players to come through UHA.  Additionally, the Blazers return athletic forward Elijah Walton, a 6'5 slasher with a very high basketball ceiling.  The off-season development of ultra-athletic Bryson Northington will be key for the Blazers to make a run at a region championship. 

4. Union County - The Braves return their entire roster from last season.  Union County had 3 players in double figures last season led by Daishawn Curry (13.9 ppg), Cameron Miller (11.0), and Cale Johnson (10.0).  Physical point guard Jarren Johnson returns to run the show and forwards Jaidyn Wilson and Cortayvion Rapier provide a strong post presence.  The Braves will surprise teams next season and will be a legitimate region contender. 

5. Dawson Springs - Tiny Dawson Springs High School completes my top 5.  They return their entire roster from a team that went 18-13 last season.  Though they did not make the regional tournament last season, the return of All-Region guard Rex Blue (17.7 ppg), and leading scorer Montgomery Johnson (20.3 ppg) make the Panthers a legit contender.  The starting 5 of Dawson Springs can compete with anyone in Region 2 next season, however, the lack of depth on the Panther roster will be a challenge for coach Mickey Blue's squad. 

6. Caldwell County - Caldwell County could very well switch spots with any of the 3 teams ranked above them because of the impact of forward JayDarius Wilson.  Wilson's 20.8 ppg, 61% FG shooting, and 10.8 rpg will give the Tigers enough production to compete with anyone in the region.  Long-time starting guard Colin Whittington provides leadership and a steady hand to help lead the team's backcourt. 

7. Hopkinsville - The backcourt tandem of Deavery Ramey (7.8 ppg) and Jonathan Hart (4.4 ppg) will have to take the lead for the Tigers.  This pick is largely based on the tradition of Hopkinsville and the style of play they will employ.  The Tigers run and jump press will keep them in contention against most teams in the 2nd region.  They will be a contender if they can find consistent production to help replace the huge loss of Kentucky All-Star Antonio Williams (26.1 ppg, 13.5 rpg). 

8. Christian County - Forwards Kamren Williams (3.7 ppg)  and Darren Bigbee (1.3 ppg) will have their work cut out for them in trying to lead this roster of inexperienced players.  However, the talent and athleticism are always there for the Colonels and I expect them to be in the hunt by season's end. 

 

 

 

Caldwell County could be a sleeper. New coach Dion Curtis at Christian County will have them playing well. UHA looked good at June summer hoops. I think Madisonville is a team to watch.

The word out of Eddyville is Nolan Coffman has transferred from Madisonville to Lyon County.  Coffman is a 6'5 sophomore who averaged a little over 5 points and 5 rebounds last season for Madisonville as a freshman.  Coffman is a top 20 player in Kentucky in the class of 2027 according to Prep Hoops Kentucky.  

Bump.