In last year’s preseason preview, I argued that Lyon County would be a legit contender for a state title. With Mr. Basketball Travis Perry on the Lions roster, I was hardly out on a limb in taking that stance.   However, the tiny school from Western Kentucky did more than contend as they cut down the nets at Rupp Arena and brought a state championship back to the 2nd region for the first time since Christian County in 2011.  

However, between that Saturday night in March and today,  the landscape of the 2nd region has shifted significantly.  Kentucky’s all-time leading scorer Travis Perry graduated and moved on to the University of Kentucky, while teammates Jack Reddick and Brady Shoulders headed to Florida Gulf Coast and Mercer respectively.  Additionally, word around Eddyville is that returning center Lukas Breedlove has decided to step away from the team.  2nd region runner-up Henderson County graduated 3-year point guard Alec Satterfield who set school records for season and career assists.  Additionally, the Colonels graduated frontcourt size and physicality with the loss of Max Thompson, Yusef Sonogo-Kendrick, and Nick Belle. The other two region semifinalists Madisonville and University Heights also saw significant losses.  The Maroons didn’t lose much to graduation but with the transfer of Nolan Coffman to Lyon County, and an ACL injury to starting guard Lemontae Radcliff, the Maroons will have to rely even more on All-Region guard Kanyon Johnson for production. UHA graduated all-region guards Gavin Grubbs and Quentin Quarles as well as a key big man Kyler Baker and shooter Matthew Hauret.  On top of that, perennial powers Hopkinsville and Christian County graduated Kentucky All-Stars Antonio Williams and Darrell Bateman from their respective rosters.  With the exodus of top-tier talent, the 2nd region will be a wide-open race with no clear-cut favorite.  

However, the last 4 teams standing from a season ago, look like the top tier teams as we start the 2024/2025 season. Henderson County gave Lyon County a fight last year and with the Colonels returning 4 of the top 5 scorers from a season ago, Henderson County can make a legit argument as the preseason favorite.  Additionally, Madisonville, UHA, and Lyon County all return at least two key starters from last season.  It would not be a shock to see any of those 3 as the last team standing at season’s end. 

 

Team Rankings

 

1. Henderson County (26-7) – 2nd Region Runner-Up  – Coach Tyler Smithhart

The Colonels went undefeated in the 2nd region during regular season play but came up short in the region finals to the eventual state champion Lyon County.  A healthy Jack Reddick made the difference between the Lion’s early February loss to the Colonels and the regional championship game.  

Back for the Colonels is leading scorer and all-region guard Cooper Davenport who averaged nearly 14 ppg and 41% 3FG.  Davenport will have plenty of help from an experienced supporting cast as seniors Lacon McKinney (8 ppg), Elijah Suggs (7 ppg) return and Dwaine Moss (6 ppg) return. Suggs who led the state in field goal percentage last season at 69.7% is a force in the paint, while Moss and McKinney are both 3-level scorers. The Colonels will look to senior Cole Branson and standout sophomore guards Xavion Johnson, and Amare Stewart to provide depth and length to the Colonel roster.  

 

2. University Heights (24-7) – 2nd Region Semi-Finalist  – Coach Terry Hayes

UHA was one of the hottest teams down the stretch last season as they won 13 of their last 15 before falling to Henderson County in the region sem-finals.  Back for the Blazers is the highly talented junior Tylin George.  Averaging 15 points per game and shooting 48% from 3, George missed a good portion of the Blazers' stretch run with a collarbone injury that sidelined him for the latter part of the season.  George is a 3-level scorer and D1 talent who will be counted on heavily to replace the loss of Grubbs, Quarles, and Hauret in the backcourt.  Additionally, the Blazers return senior forward Elijah Walton (13 ppg, 9 rpg).  Walton’s length and athleticism make him a matchup problem for most in the 2nd region.  George and Walton's star power will make UHA a contender. The development of returning varsity players Bryson Northington and Frank Pollard could help the Blazers return to Rupp for the first time since 2021. 

 

3. Lyon County (36-3) – 2nd Region Champions, KY State Champions – Coach Ryan Perry 

If rumors of Breedlove’s absence are true, Lyon County returns one starter from its state championship roster. However, that starter poses significant matchup problems for opponents.  Junior guard Bray Kirk, a physical slasher who shot the ball particularly well from 3 during the Lion’s postseason run will lead the new-look Lyon County roster.  Additionally, the Lions return Isaac Defew and Carson Collins who provided valuable minutes off the bench last season.  6’5 forward Nolan Coffman transferred to Lyon County late this summer and should provide the Lions with multiple scorers who can play inside and out.  

 

4. Madisonville North Hopkins (18-16) – 2nd Region Semi-Finalist  – Coach Caleb Nelson

Madisonville has dominated the 7th district since the 09/10 season winning the last 14 district championships. This season, look for more of the same as the Maroons' depth, experience and athleticism will have them right back in the hunt as a legit title contender.   Though Madisonville lost a key returner in Lemontae Ratcliff for the season to an ACL injury, the return of Kanyon Johnson, a star quarterback for the Maroons football team, solidifies their status as the preseason favorite in the 7th district. Johnson’s backcourt mate Landen Smith (10.8 ppg) is the team-leading 3-point threat, while seniors Ryan Bryant (7.5 ppg) and Aaron Richardson (7.1 ppg) will shore up a strong starting five. 

 

5. Caldwell County (19-14) - 2nd Region Quarter-Finalist - Coach: Chuck Mitchell

The Tigers are ranked here for two reasons.  Returning forward JayDarius Wilson is a matchup nightmare for every team in the 2nd region.  Averaging nearly 21 points and 11 rebounds last season, Wilson’s 6’7 presence in the paint will make Caldwell County a contender in the 7th district.  Additionally, Coach Chuck Mitchell showed in his first season as head coach that he could lead his guys to the regional tournament.  With the return of starters Colin Whittington (8.2 ppg) and Luke Parker (4.8 ppg), the Tigers have enough experience to make their way back to the regional tournament. 

 

6. Hopkinsville (11-17) - Coach: Anthony Babb

Coach Babb will rely on the experience of guards Deavery Ramey (7.8 ppg), Jonathan Hart (4.4 ppg), and forward Bradley James (4.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) to lead this season’s team.  Coach Babb’s teams are known for their toughness on the glass and their pressure defense.  I expect this year’s version of the Tigers to be no different.  Additionally, Coach Babb’s teams seem to improve significantly during the regular season, often due to an influx of football players in late November.  Because of their backcourt experience and speed, Hoptown will be able to make a lot of teams uncomfortable, and in an uptempo game, the Tigers will come out ahead more often than not.

 

7. Dawson Springs (18-13) – Coach Mickey Blue

The Panthers of Dawson Springs return their best team in over a decade, as all five starters return. All-Region guard Rex Blue (18 ppg) and Montgomery Johnston (20.3 ppg) will lead the Panthers, who averaged over 7 made 3s a game last season.  Blue also led the Panthers with nearly 10 rebounds a game last season. Jayden Plunkette (11.1) also adds scoring and is a physical presence for the Panthers.  The lack of depth on the roster will be an issue for the small school. Though Dawson didn’t make it out of district play last season, they return enough firepower that if shots fall, the Panthers could make their first trip to the 2nd region tournament since 2017.  

 

8. Union County (13-18) – 2nd Region Quarter-Finalist  – Coach Quaid Girten

   Another dangerous team returning all of its starters from last year’s team, Union County will push Henderson County for the 6th district title.  Though they were streaky much of last season, the Braves showed flashes of being a contender.  Back for UC are junior guards Daishawn Curry (13.9 ppg), and Cale Johnson (10.0 ppg).  In the frontcourt seniors Cameron Miller (11.0 ppg) and Jaidyn Wilson (8.3 ppg) will be counted on.  The Braves have the pieces and athleticism to knock off anyone in the postseason. 

 

9. Hopkins County Central (10-18) - Coach: Mason Burgett

Coach Mason Burgett left Trigg in the spring for Hopkins County Central.  The Storm return some intriguing young players who gained valuable experience during a rocky 23/24 season.  Junior guard Devonyae Butcher (16 ppg) and sophomore guard Lake Sumner (12.2 ppg) return.  The Storm backcourt was known for letting it fly from 3 last season as they attempted over 30 3’s a game as a team.  Additionally, junior forwards Sylas Guhn and Cohl Hoard give the Storm a couple of blue-collar rebounders who play their role well close to the basket.  

 

10. Christian County (15-18) - 2nd Region Quarter-Finalist - Coach: Dior Curtis

Christian County is certainly the biggest question mark on this list.  The Colonels lost 5 starters and brought in a new head coach, Dior Curtis, who established himself as one of the best coaches in the first region during his time at Murray High.  With only Kamren Williams (3.7 ppg) and Darren Bigbee (1.3 ppg) having played more than 20 varsity games last season, Coach Curtis will start with a relatively blank canvas. However, the Colonels still found their way into my top 10 because of tradition and coaching.  Expectations are always high for the teams in the 8th district and Coach Curtis will likely have this group of young Colonels ready to make noise by season’s end. 

 

11. Livingston Central (9-20) - Coach: Matthew Hargrove

Livingston Central is my pick to get out of the 5th District with Lyon County and make the 2nd Region Tournament.  Junior big man Logan Wring will return averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds a game. 

 

12. Webster County (15-13) - Coach: Cory Garrard 

Senior guard Micah Austin returns averaging 12 points per game.  The Trojans will have to rely on the development of their young players to have a shot at competing for a spot in the region tournament. 

 

13. Trigg County (12-20) - Coach: Michael Fraleix 

Davaree Gude (10.3 ppg) and Caleb Fogle (6.7 ppg) will lead the way for the new-look Wildcats led by long-time 2nd region head coach, Michael Fraleix. 

 

14. Heritage Christian (16-15) - Coach: Matt McGowan

Senior Jason Leek returns with a 25 ppg scoring average and a ton of game experience to lead Coach McGowan’s Warriors into their second season of eligibility for KHSAA postseason play. 

 

15. Crittenden County (3-25) - Coach: Matt Fraliex 

Junior guard Bryson Walker (19 ppg) returns to lead the Rockets.  Matt Fraliex will rely on additional contributions from forward Jonah Reddick and guard Camron Belcher to help improve on their 3 win season from a year ago. 

 

16. Ft. Campbell (6-15) - Coach: Orlando King

Sophomore guard Lasheed Smiley (8 ppg), and junior guard Eric Greene (7.7 ppg) will return for the Falcons as coach King looks to build on the program’s 6 wins from a year ago. 

 

All 2nd Region Pre-Season First Team

1. Tylin George - UHA

2. Cooper Davenport - Henderson County

3. Bray Kirk - Lyon County

4. Kanyon Johnson - Madisonville North Hopkins

5. JayDarius Wilson - Caldwell County

 

All 2nd Region Pre-Season Second Team

1. Elijah Walton - UHA

2. Elijah Suggs - Henderson County

3. Daishawn Curry - Union County

4. Rex Blue - Dawson Springs

5. Logan Wring - Livingston Central

 

All 2nd Region Pre-Season Third Team

1. Montgomery Johnson - Dawson Springs

2. Landen Smith - Madisonville North Hopkins

3. Devonyae Butcher - Hopkins County Central

4. Lacon McKinney - Henderson County

5. Dwain Moss - Henderson County

 

Honorable Mention

• Deavery Ramey - Hopkinsville

• Micah Austin - Webster County

• Cameron Miller - Union County

• Duvaree Gude - Trigg County

• Bryson Walker - Crittenden County

Bump.

Saw today that Henderson County, Senior Guard Cooper Davenport committed to Samford University. 

Davenport is the school's all-time leader in 3-point field goal makes and games played.  He is also a 1,000 point scorer headed into his senior season with the Colonels.