With school almost out, it's not to early to start thinking about who might be the front-runners for next season. Lots of things to consider like transfers, coaching changes and graduations.

Without having given a long look at what everyone has coming back next season, I think Taylor County will be among the top teams. I know that Cooper Stone, the next-year sophomore from Green County has already enrolled at Taylor. Have also heard that a player from Larue County will be returning to Taylor County. There's also quite a bit of speculation that 2-3 players from Caverna could end up at Taylor. Those 2-3 players have also been rumored to be heading to Green County and Campbellsville.

Caverna is a team that should return everyone. If they do, they will be at the top of the list of region contenders. The biggest question about Caverna right now, other than will the 2-3 players return, is will their coach return? A video that was posted on social media earlier this week that has gone viral, has the coach in a tough spot and I'm not sure he will be able to keep his job.

North Hardin was a very senior heavy team this season, so how will back-to-back coach of the year in the 5th Region, Michael Baffour do in what is likely a rebuilding year?

Green County has a new man at the helm. Montrelle Irvin takes over for Jordan Gilbert. But Green loses all-time leading scorer Hayden Blakeman, senior Jayden Marr, Houston Hodges and Tanner Willis. All 4 were crucial to the building of last year's team. They also have already lost starting point guard, Cooper Stone. I'm told junior guard Eric James Jr. will not return and that junior Modibo Kouyate will have to go to prep school because of eligibility issues.  

Adair County will be in a rebuilding year, losing 8 seniors, including Connor Loy, Isaiah Cochran and Brayton Coomer. Dawson Gilbert will be the lone returning starter. They'll also have to do it with a new coach, Jordan Brangers who replaces Deron Breeze.

I have lots of questions about Larue County. I've heard so many different rumors about their team that who knows what is actually true. I'm told that almost all of Larue's starters will be transferring to other schools including Taylor Co, Grayson Co, Washington Co, and Elizabethtown or Central Hardin. Who knows if any of that is actually true. 

New Coaches
Green County- Montrelle Irvin
Adair County- Jordan Brangers
Nelson County- TBD
 

So who's your top 5? Mine in no particular order I think would be based on what we know for sure right now: Caverna, Taylor County, Larue County, Central Hardin and maybe Bethlehem. I feel like this season will have 2-3 strong teams and then everyone else. What do you think?

So here's intel I have heard. 

Have heard one of Larues key players is rumored to Taylor, Green and Adair

Another 2 of their starters rumored to Grayson County for one of them and Meade County.

3 of the Caverna players have been rumored to both Bowling Green and Taylor County.

Another rumor is kid from Taylor who would be their lead returning scorer could be headed the prep school route.

1 hour ago, ACfan4 said:

So here's intel I have heard. 

Have heard one of Larues key players is rumored to Taylor, Green and Adair

Another 2 of their starters rumored to Grayson County for one of them and Meade County.

3 of the Caverna players have been rumored to both Bowling Green and Taylor County.

Another rumor is kid from Taylor who would be their lead returning scorer could be headed the prep school route.

Sounds like we talk to similar people. Could be lots of shake-up over the summer.

Caverna will need a new coach. He has been arrested and charged with official misconduct, criminal abuse and wanton endangerment. 

Any further discussion of the arrest will need to take place here:

Hearing the twins from Caverna have enrolled at Taylor County. 

2 hours ago, ACfan4 said:

Hearing the twins from Caverna have enrolled at Taylor County. 

I can tell you that as of this exact moment, they have not enrolled. Not saying they won't or that they aren't in the process, but they have not enrolled officially, yet....

Jordan Gilbert appears to be the front runner for Nelson Co. job. 

2 hours ago, 5thregionbasketball said:

I can tell you that as of this exact moment, they have not enrolled. Not saying they won't or that they aren't in the process, but they have not enrolled officially, yet....

Well, that changed quickly. Can confirm the Caverna twins have enrolled at Taylor County. Hearing that Jaylin Craine won't be far behind. 

2 hours ago, LethalPG said:

Jordan Gilbert appears to be the front runner for Nelson Co. job. 

That makes a lot of sense to me. Would be a great hire for the Cardinals. 

I hate hearing good things about Taylor County.  Oh well.

The twins from Caverna have left Taylor and re-enrolled back at Caverna.

15 hours ago, ACfan4 said:

The twins from Caverna have left Taylor and re-enrolled back at Caverna.

Correct. Was hearing that Deron Breeze was considering taking the head coaching job but has apparently backed out. Still uncertain as to where Craine will land. Have heard that he's at Taylor, heard that he's going to Bowling Green as well. Also hearing that recent transfer Cooper Stone might not be staying. Chemistry could be an issue for Taylor County. 

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2026 6'6 Landon Blakey has enrolled at Adair County from Larue County.