11th Region Boys Basketball Preview

[Carl Spackler]

Traditionally, the 11th Region has multiple teams that are true contenders for a State Championship.  This season will be no different.  2023-24 saw 8 of the 18 teams win at least 20 games.  The top 2 teams in the Region, Great Crossing and Lexington Catholic, both eclipsed 30.  The two teams fought a battle down to the wire in the Regional Finals, with Great Crossing hitting two 3 pointers in the last 35 seconds to squeak out a 56-53 win.  That win propelled the Warhawks to the semi-finals of the Sweet Sixteen, where they fell to Travis Perry, and eventual champion, Lyon County 58-49.  Coach Steve Page returns all but 2 players from that team, including University of Kentucky commit, Malachi Moreno.  The Warhawks are hoping to push things one game further, and play for the State Championship on Saturday night.  But to do so they will have to navigate a gauntlet of teams hoping to dethrone them as 11th Region Champions.  Lexington Catholic graduated 9 seniors from their team, that took Great Crossing to the wire in the Regional Finals, and might not be at the same level this season.  But Bryan Station, Henry Clay and Frederick Douglass return strong clubs that will be looking to claim the 11th Region's spot in Rupp Arena in the Sweet Sixteen.  So, without further ado, let's see how the 11th Region stacks up going into opening night on December 2nd. 

PRESEASON TEAM RANKINGS (2023-24 Record, Postseason)

1. Great Crossing (36-2, Lost in State Semi-Finals to Lyon County)

 The Warhawks had a stellar campaign in 2023-24 that saw them go 36-2.  The only loss that they suffered to a Kentucky school was the loss eventual State Champion Lyon County, led by Mr. Basketball Travis Perry,  in the semi-finals of the Sweet Sixteen.  Coach Steve Page returns to lead Great Crossing.  Returning for the Warhawks are 3 starters, all seniors, and all but 12.2 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game from last season's roster.  Great Crossing will be led again by 7-1 Malachi Moreno.  The UK committed Moreno comes into the season ranked as a top 5 center, and top 40 overall recruit by everyone.  Moreno averaged 16 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4 blocks per game last season, and Coach Page expects those numbers to improve this season.  Moreno should be the favorite to win Mr. Basketball, and could end up a McDonald's All-American.  As good as Moreno is, he didn't actually lead the team in scoring.  6-6 senior guard Vince Dawson, a Morehead State commit, led the Warhawks in scoring with 17.8 points per game.  He also stuffed the stat sheet with 5.1 boards and 4 assists, while shooting 53% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 76% from the line.  Fellow senior Junius Burrell returns after contributing 11.1 points per game last season.  Joining those 3 seniors in the rotation will be Sophomore LJ Holman, Junior Travanti Cooper, Senior Jamari Mason and Freshman Brady Orem. It might be difficult to duplicate last season's 36 wins, as Great Crossing plays a brutal schedule.  In addition to the other top teams in the 11th Region, the Warhawks play in the City of Palms Classic against Miami's Christopher Columbus where they will take on the Duke committed Boozer twins.  The schedule also features the Beachball Classic in Myrtle Beach, a matchup with Indianapolis Cathedral in the Highland Optimist Shootout, one with Bellaire High School out of Texas, which features Duke commit Shelton Henderson, and a loaded field in their own Billy Hicks Classic.  The Warhawks expect to compete for a State Championship this season, Coach Page, "We expect to compete for a District, Region, and State Championship. But we know nothing will be given to us and we are going to have to play with urgency every game. Our regions will be extremely tough, just like every year. Last year, we had to claw and fight to beat Bryan Station in the first round of region, and of course needed 2 3's in the last 35 seconds in the Regional Final against Catholic. We fully expect the same this year but we will be ready." 

2. Bryan Station (23-8, Lost in first round of Region to Great Crossing)

Coach Champ Ligon returns a ton of experience and talent from a team that went 23-8 last year and pushed Great Crossing in the first round of the Region, before falling by 8 points, 69-61.  The Defenders offense will be keyed by Junior point guard Amari Owens.  The 5'11 Owens is a dynamic player that can hurt you in a lot of ways.  Last season, Owens averaged 22.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.5 assists, while shooting 50.6% from the floor.  He can be an even bigger scorer if he can improve on last season's 54.5% shooting from the line. Owens already holds an offer from Eastern Kentucky, and has gained the attention of some other Division 1 schools. Fellow Junior Taeshawn Adams joined Owens as a double digit scorer last season.  He finished with 11.1 points, 6.3 boards, 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.  The Defenders dynamic duo of juniors will be backed by 7 seniors, led by Justin Richmond and Rashaad Faulkner who averaged 4.3 and 5.2 points per game respectively.  

3. Henry Clay (24-7, Lost in first round of District to Frederick Douglass)

The Blue Devils return 4 starters from last season's 24-7 team.  Coach Daniel Brown figures to lean heavily on their talent and experience to guide them through a brutal 42nd District that also contains Regional contenders Bryan Station, Frederick Douglass, and Sayre.  Henry Clay featured balanced scoring last season with 4 players who averaged in double figures, led by Jackson Stephan who averaged 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.  Stephan teamed with Kayson Brown to hit 134 3's last season.  Overall Brown averaged 11.3 points and 4 assists.  Also expected to start are Senior Hassan Bush (10 ppg, 5.9 rpg), and . .  Junior AJ Dixon (8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg).  Those 4 returning starters should be joined by forward Kaden Hilander.  Hilander transferred in from Bourbon County after leading the Colonels in scoring (11.9 ppg), and rebounding (5.8 ppg).  Seniors Noah Jones and Trevor Evans will add experience and energy off of the bench.  With 6 of the top 7 players being seniors, this is a very experienced, balanced and dangerous team. 

4. Sayre (21-9, lost in District semi-finals to Bryan Station)

The Spartans had a fine season last year, with 21 wins overall, and an All-A Regional Championship.  This year, however, Coach Rob Goodman and Sayre are looking to advance to the Regional Tournament and make some noise there.  To get there they count on their backcourt, led by All-Region Guard Brock Coffman.  The senior is the Spartans leading returning scorer at 17.4 ppg, and leading rebounder at 7.4 rpg.  Fellow Seniors Chase Parker (7.0 ppg), Kenji Berger (4.0 ppg), Luke Pennington, Kemonte Braxton, and John Palumbo all return to give the Spartans a very experienced roster.  Sayre also brings back a pair of 6'6" players who missed last season with injuries in Sayvion Staley and Jaxson Howard.  That size down low could be crucial to what the Spartans hope to accomplish this season. 

 

5. Frederick Douglass (21-13, Lost in semi-finals of Region to Lexington Catholic)

The Broncos feature a new coach in Murray Garvin, who formerly coached Paul Laurence Dunbar, as well as South Carolina State.  Coach Garvin returns several players that played key roles for Douglass last season.  One big name that he is missing, however, is Armelo Boone.  Boone took his 20.8 points, and 6.4 rebounds to Versailles, where he will suit up for the Woodford County Yellowjackets this season.  In addition, it appears as though Aveion Chenault, who has signed to play football for Western Michigan, will enroll there in January and will not play basketball.  Chenault averaged 12.5 points and 6.4 boards for the Broncos last season. The cupboard is far from bare at "The Farm" however.  Junior DeMarcus Surratt figures to be a big piece of the puzzle after averaging 13.6 points and 5.1 rebounds last season.  Logan Busson returns for his senior season after averaging 8.9 points and 5.8 rebounds in 23-24.  Terry Cayson, Dakari Talbert, and Christopher Wright also return after being part of the rotation last season.   

6. Western Hills (8-25, Lost in first round of Region to Lexington Catholic)

The Wolverines were bitten by the injury bug last season, losing Junior Elijah Thompson, and Senior Jake Dicken for a large chunk of the season.  Western Hills struggled during the season, and headed into the post season with a 7-23 record.  Once they got there, they pulled an improbable upset of crosstown rival Franklin County, a team that had beaten them twice in the regular season.  Coach Geoff Cody brings back the bulk of his team, including 6'6 Senior Javeon Campbell.  Campbell, who averaged 22.1 points, on 63.6% shooting to go along with 10.2 rebounds per game, is a load to handle He is already the all-time leading scorer at Western Hills, and should go over 1000 rebounds in his career this season.  He'll be joined by a healthy Elijah Thompson. Although not completely healthy while trying to play through a shoulder injury, that ended his season in January, Thompson still averaged 13.1 points per game.  Coach Cody calls Thompson the "x factor" for the Wolverines.  He can play in the 1-4 spots, and has a high baskeball IQ.  Having the 6'5" senior back on the court will be huge for Western Hills.  With the injuries, players such as Cole McDonald, Cam Higgins, Cam Flynn, Noah Morris, and Calen Higgins all logged time as starters at different points of the season, and bring that experience into this season.  Coach Cody has high expectations for his squad after surviving a "trial by fire" last season, and expects to be back in the Regional Tournament, with a better record.  

7. Madison Central (10-23, lost in first round of Region to Frederick Douglass)

Madison Central had an extremely young roster last season with only 2 Seniors, and 2 Juniors.  Their youth was reflected in the 10-23 record.  Coach Allen Feldhaus will still have a young roster this season, with only 2 seniors in Cody Morrison, and Landon Ray.  Morrison led the Indians in scoring with 15.8 points per game.  Ray chipped in with 6.1 ppg.  In addition to those 2 seniors, Coach Feldhaus will be depending on Junior Luke Asher (6.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Sophomore Ricky Goatley (5.5 ppg.), and Juniors Cameron Steele, Christian Lawson, and Will Richardson.  Central also picked up a big transfer when Jake Feldhaus made the move from Mason County to Madison Central.  Feldhaus averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds for the Royals last season, and at 6'7" will give the Indians a significant inside presence.  Look for Coach Feldhaus squad to improve as they continue to gain experience and be the team to beat in the 44th District.

8. Lexington Catholic (32-3, lost in Regional Final to Great Crossing)

Coach Brandon Salsman's Knights had a stellar season in 2023-34.  The finished with a 32-3 record, with the losses to State Champion Lyon County, and a pair of defeats at the hands of Great Crossing.  The 2nd loss to Great Crossing, in the Regional Final, was a heartbreaker that saw the Warhawks sink two 3 pointers in the final 35 seconds of the game to pull out a 3 point win.  That was last season, however.  Gone from that team are 9 Seniors.  The Knights only returning player that saw significant time was Ryan Harward, who averaged 4.4 points per game.  The roster is extremely young this season with the only seniors being C Harward and Carson Witajewski.  It will be hard to get a read on the Knights until we get a look at Coach Salsman's squad, and how the underclassmen adjust to playing key roles.  However, as one rival coach said when interviewed, "Catholic will always be Catholic."  

9. Scott County (8-22, lost in first round of District to Sayre)

Scott County will have a new coach, and a new arena this season.  The coach, although new to the boy's team, is a familiar face for the Cardinals. Coach Steve Helton, who is in his 25th year at Scott County, will be bringing his 479-243 record as Head Coach of the Scott County Girl's team over to the Boy's side.  He will have a new arena for his Cardinals to play in.  Billy Hicks Gymnasium, named for the legendary coach, who passed away last December, will see its first regular season game when Scott County hosts Lafayette.  On the court, Coach Helton will welcome back 6 Seniors.  Leading the way will be Senior Tristian Christopher who led the Cardinals in scoring with 14.3 ppg.  He'll be joined by Senior forward Ben Glenn, who averaged 11.4 points, and 3.8 rebounds.  Fellow Seniors Xyler Wray (8.5 ppg), Preston Luckett, Greg Skinner (7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and Rayshawn Bryant will be expected to be key players in the rotation.  In addition, Sophomore Colton Helton, the son of Coach Helton, brings the basketball IQ of someone raised in a gym, along with a 6'4" body to create mismatches at guard.  Underclassmen Phillip Grimes, Montae Washburn, Anderson Owens, Reed Rutledge, Ryder Horn and Cody Gayhart will add depth, if not experience. Coach Helton will need that depth to instill his "32 minutes of Red Heat" style which looks for a full court press, and pressure defense to force tempo and lead to fast break points.  This is a team that could be hard to play once they gain varsity experience, and get their combinations down. 

10. Berea (21-9, lost in first round of District to Madison Southern)

Coach Eric Fields welcomes back a squad that returns all but 2 seniors from last seasons 21-9 team.  This year's team will only feature one Senior, Tommie Banderman.  But he led the Pirates in both scoring (12.2 ppg), and rebounding (9.6rpg).  And he will be backed by a roster that features 10 Juniors.  That group of Juniors feature returning mainstays Jack Hemenway (11.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Finley Blevins (8.8 ppg, 47.9% 3pt), Liam Brewer (7.8 ppg), and Jake Mills (4.9 ppg).  Depth will come from fellow Juniors Jesse Benton, Brayden Eversole, Aiden Houston, Nathan Proffitt, Javen Randall and Wiley Reed. 

11. Lafayette (9-22, lost in District Semi-Finals to Lexington Catholic)

The Generals were young last season, and struggled to a 9-22 record.  Coach Vince Sanford will have a young roster again this season, with 8 Sophomores.  That group of Sophomores will see plenty of playing time this season and will give Lafayette a deep rotation.  Coach Sanford said that it will be a fluid lineup, with playing time coming down to who steps up and develops as the season progresses.  He stresses a defensive minded system.  While it remains to be seen which of the Sophomores earns their way into the rotation, he should be able to count on 6'6" Junior Tyler Hunt (6.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Junior  marksman Clay Noble (7.6 ppg, 43.5 3pt%), and Seniors Eli Steele (8.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg), and Ishmael Thomas (8.2 ppg), as well as Junior KJ Jones (6.2 ppg).  Coach Sanford expects his team to continue to improve this season, push for a District title, and make it to the Regional Tournament. 

12. Lexington Christian (15-16, lost in first round of Region to Madison Southern)

Coach Ted Hall will be looking to Senior, and returning four year starter Saxton Howard to lead his group of Eagles this season.  That's a good place to look as Howard averaged 18.3 points per game and knocked down 75 3pointers at a 38.1% clip.  The Eagles also return Seniors Andrew Maggard and Walker Owens, who both lost last season to injuries.  Their production could be key with a young, inexperienced group behind them. 

13. Madison Southern (23-10, lost in Region semi-finals to Great Crossing)

Veteran Coach Steve Wright returns only one of his top 5 scorers, and top 5 rebounders from last season.  Seniors Casen Nobbe (13.1 ppg, 46.4 3pt %), Mason Davis, Micah Whitaker, and Braxton Arnett will be the most experienced returnees for the Eagles.  Juniors Zach Adams, Landon Adams, and Brayden Hall will be expected in expand their roles from last season to help lead this young group of Eagles for Coach Wright. 

14. Franklin County (18-10, lost in first round of District to Western Hills)

The Flyers will feature a new coach this season in Nate Smith.  Coach Smith will have to build a completely new rotation as six seniors, including 5 of the top 6 scorers, were lost to graduation.  Senior Tyler Broyles, (8.9 ppg, 45 3pointers) will be the most experienced returnee for Coach Smith.  The Flyers will have Seniors Andre Chenault, Dashawn Davis and Broderick Redden to lead a young Franklin County team.  

15. Frankfort (6-21, lost in first round of District to Great Crossing)

The Panthers scuffled their way to a 6-21 record last season with a young roster that only featured 2 Seniors.  They did improve down the stretch, winning 3 of their last 4 games.  In steps veteran Coach Ed McKinney, who ran a very competitive program, at another small school,  for years at Danville.  Coach McKinney  hopes to build off of the experience gained by the young players, who were forced into major roles last season.  He'll lean on Junior Zavian Knuckles, who returns after averaging 10.4 points and 3.6 rebounds while running the point for the Panthers.  Senior Max Jones also returns after averaging 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds last season. They also return Teagan Crowdus, who was a starter last year, as well as Gavin Proffitt.  Proffitt is a good perimeter shooter, who lost all of last season to injury.  Coach McKinney also adds Franklin County transfer Kiyas White, who averaged 6 ppg for the Flyers.  A surprise contributor could come in the form of Cameron Crocker, a 6'3" 8th grader, who is expected to see varsity minutes. 

16. Tates Creek (4-25, lost in first round of the District to Lafayette)

Tates Creek will also feature a new coach in the person of Keaton Belcher.  Coach Belcher takes over a young squad that suffered through a 4-25 season a year ago.  However, many of those youngsters gained valuable experience after playing major roles for the Commodores last season. Senior Center Latrell Jones-Miller (8 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Junior Guard Stephen Franklin (10.4 ppg), and Sophomore wing Tom Haubenreich (6.4 ppg) figure to lead the rotation for the Commodores.  

17. Paul Laurence Dunbar (11-20, lost in first round of District to Lexington Christian)

The Bulldogs are another 11th Region team that will feature a new coach this season.  Former Dunbar player George Baker returns home to lead the Bulldogs.  Baker will be overseeing a compete rebuild, as 6 seniors were lost from last season's squad.  Senior Clayton Hilt will be the leading returning scorer for Dunbar after averaging 10.3 points per game last season.  Hilt is a very dangerous shooter from three point range as he knocked down treys at a 40.2% rate last season. 

18. Model (10-21, lost in first round of District to Madison Central)

Coach Christopher Evans returns two big pieces from last season's team in Junior Riley Mollett (14.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg), and Senior Harrison Parkhurst (10.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg),  But behind those 2, this year's version of the Patriots will be extremely young.  The roster contains one other Senior, three 8th graders, a 7th grader, two Freshmen, and 2 Sophomores.  Sayre's success will hinge on how fast the youngsters can develop to support Mollett and Parkhurst. 

Top 10 Players

1. Malachi Moreno, Great Crossing

2. Vince Dawson III, Great Crossing

3. Amari Owens, Bryan Station

4. Demarcus Surratt, Frederick Douglass

5. Taeshawn Adams, Bryan Station

6. Brock Coffman, Sayre

7. Kayson Brown, Henry Clay

8. Saxton Howard, Lexington Christian

9. Javeon Campbell, Western Hills

10. Jackson Stephen, Henry Clay

   

[St. Matthews Boy]

Should be a highly competitive region once again. Great Crossing the clear favorite and Moreno is the clear favorite for Mr. Basketball coming into the season. 

I am very interested to see how things shake out for Bryan Station with all they have back and after challenging GC at the end like they did, as well as Fredrick Douglass with a new head coach and no Boone. Madison Central is a program I always expect to put up a challenge and they could be improved this season.

[Carl Spackler]

In my write up on Great Crossing, I left out a returning starter for the War Hawks.  Gage Richardson is a 6'5" shooting guard that averaged 7.8 points for Great Crossing last season.  He also knocked down 56 three point shots at a 42.7% clip.  He will be a big piece of the puzzle for Coach Page this season. 

[Carl Spackler]

Any scores/reports from any scrimmages that have been played so far? 

[TribeTime]

It is Great Crossing then everyone else. GC was going to count of a transfer from Woodford but he couldn’t get eligible and left shortly after arrival. Should still be at Rupp and the favorites to cut down the nets on Saturday night. 

[User147]

10 hours ago, TribeTime said:

It is Great Crossing then everyone else. GC was going to count of a transfer from Woodford but he couldn’t get eligible and left shortly after arrival. Should still be at Rupp and the favorites to cut down the nets on Saturday night. 

He actually was ruled eligible before he left but decided he wanted a different basketball journey and went to a prep school in Vegas. He is now in NJ.

[theguru]

Bump.

[Wildcat1993]

Any rankings of the best Senior, Junior, sophomore and Freshman in the 11th?