The regular season came to an end on Friday with North Hardin making the case that they are the best team in the region. The Trojans went 4-0 this week with a statement win over 2x defending regional champion Adair County, a dominating win over defending 4^th region champion Bowling Green, and then a win in a very competitive game against Nelson County to end the season.

Below you’ll find week 12’s rankings and then a breakdown for each district tournament.

1.  North Hardin 22-6 Results: Adair Co. 81-73, Spencer Co. 67-57, Bowling Green 84-63, Nelson Co. 86-82. Current Streak: W6, Last 10 Games: 9-1

2. Caverna 21-7, Results: Adair County 77-53, Metcalfe Co. 74-57, St. X. 52-54. Current Streak: L1, Last 10 Games: 8-2

3. Taylor County 21-9, Results: Barren Co. 69-67, Burgin 70-26, Thomas Nelson 74-49. Current Streak: W5: Last 10 Games: 8-2

4. Larue County 18-9, Results: Warren Central 52-65, Boyle Co. 77-76 (overtime). Current Streak: W1. Last 10 Games: 5-5

5. Adair County 18:11, Results: North Hardin 73-81, Caverna 53-77, John Hardin 69-63 (overtime). Current Streak: W1. Last 10 Games:  4-6

6. Marion County 16-11, Results: Thomas Nelson 82-62, Bullitt Central 55-57, Danville 56-59. Current Streak: L2, Last 10 Games: 5-5

7. Nelson County 19-9, Results: Thomas Nelson 59-72, Hart Co. 58-59, North Hardin 82-86. Current Streak: L3. Last 10 Games: 5-5

8. Green County 11-14, Results: Bardstown 65-57, Cumberland Co. 74-52, Mercer Co. 69-41. Current Streak W6. Last 10 Games: 8-2

9. Bardstown 12-14, Results: Campbellsville 49-65, Green Co. 57-65, Spencer Co. 69-67. Current Streak W1. Last 10 Games: 6-4

10. Central Hardin 14-13, Results: Apollo 67-83, Meade Co. 76-71 (overtime). Current Streak: W1. Last 10 Games: 4-6

11. Thomas Nelson 14-14, Results: Nelson Co. 72-59, Marion Co. 62-82, Taylor Co. 49-74. Current Streak L2. Last 10 Games: 5-5

12. Washington County 13-15, Results: John Hardin 72-67, Southern 70-42. Current Streak: W3. Last 10 Games: 7-3

13. Hart County 12-16. Results: Bethlehem 66-58, Nelson Co. 59-58, Butler Co. 59-45. Current Streak: W5. Last 10 Games: 5-5

14. Elizabethtown 10-15, Results: Central 65-45, Campbellsville 72-69 (overtime). Current Streak W2. Last 10 Games: 4-6.

15. Campbellsville 10-18. Results: Bardstown 65-49, Bethlehem 64-57, Etown 69-72 (overtime). Current Streak L1. Last 10 Games: 6-4

16. Bethlehem 9-15. Results: Hart County 58-66, Campbellsville 57-64, Collegiate 68-53. Current Streak: W1. Last 10 Games: 3-7

17. John Hardin 6-23. Results: Washington Co. 67-72, Adair Co. 63-69 (overtime). Current Streak: L5. Last 10 Games 1-9

18. Fort Knox 3-16. Results: Portland Christian 50-61. Current Streak: L6, Last 10 Games: 1-9

 

17^th District: at Elizabethtown

 North Hardin (1) vs. John Hardin (4)

North is clearly the best team in the region and they matchup in the first round against John Hardin, who has spent most of the season at the bottom of the region. The Trojans won both games against the Bulldogs in the regular season by a score of 84-45 and then a much closer game at John Hardin 74-64. John Hardin, while still coming up on the wrong side of the scoreboard, they have played much better and been much more competitive. If they were playing anyone else in the 17^th district besides North, I’d say they have a puncher’s chance, but the Trojans are just too strong.

Prediction: North Hardin

Etown (2) vs. Central Hardin (3)

Central Hardin has been ranked much higher than Etown all season, but coming into the district, thanks to Etown’s win against the Bruins in early January, the Panthers will be the home team and the 2 seed. In the regular season, the Bruins won the first game at Etown by a score of 80-69, but the Panthers won game 2 at Central Hardin by a score of 71-65. Neither team is playing particularly well at the moment. Central Hardin was without Cam Hogan for about 2 weeks that really hurt them when it came to ballhandling. For me, the key in this game will be Robert Bertolucci for Central Hardin. When he shoots the ball well, it creates one more scoring threat and stretches the defense even more. He plays well, and the Bruins win.

Prediction: Central Hardin 

18^th District: at Caverna

Caverna (1) vs. Hart County (4)

The 18^th district feels the least competitive to me as far as first round matchups go. Primarily because I just don’t see anyway Caverna loses to Hart County. In the regular season Caverna swept the Raiders by scores of 67-53, and 71-47. Hart County is coming into tournament play on a 5-game winning streak, but I just don’t think it will matter. The Colonels will defend home court and have a chance to play in the district finals and then regional tournament.  

Prediction: Caverna

Larue County (2) vs. Green County (3)

At the beginning of the season, this would have been a game that I think everyone would have been excited to see in the district. And honestly, I think I would have thought the seeding would have been flipped. But it has not been the season the Dragons have hoped for or thought they would have with key players leaving the program. Having said that, the Dragons are playing better in the last 2 weeks of the season than they have played all year. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and come in on a 6-game winning streak. However, they are playing a Larue County team that has surprised many. Paul Childress has shown why he is one of the best coaches in the region and was rewarded with coach of the year honors. The Hawks have been able to not only be competitive but be a top team in the region in a year, where they were not really expected to do more than be a middle of the pack team. Larue swept the regular season meetings, with a 9-point win at home and a dominating win on the road. The last time Green County lost this season was that loss to Larue County.

 Prediction: Larue County (but much closer than most would have thought)

19^th District: at Nelson County

Nelson County (2) vs. Thomas Nelson (3)

Nelson comes into the district on a 3-game losing streak, the biggest of the season for the Cardinals, however they looked much better against North Hardin on Friday night than they did against Thomas Nelson and Hart County. Thomas Nelson defeated Nelson County a week ago by 13 points in a game that was marred by controversy surrounding an official. I don’t think the outcome would have changed, but Nelson County will have to show much more discipline in the post-season. Thomas Nelson has played better this year, I just don’t think they are there yet.  

Prediction: Nelson County

Bethlehem (4) vs. Washington County (5)

The Eagles and Commanders play in the 4/5 play-in game with the winner getting to play Bardstown. These are two teams trending in different directions. Bethlehem is 3-7 in their last 10 games, while Washington County is 7-3. The loss of Jack Bradley for the Eagles just crushes them. I think this game goes to the Commanders. So, Washington will get to play another day, but I think that’s all they will get to play. You could rename the 19^th district tournament over the last decade and a half “The Boo Brewer Invitational.” The Tigers are a staple in the finals of the 19^th district tournament and I think they are just much more athletic than either Washington County or Bethlehem 

Prediction: Washington County, then Bardstown

 20^th District: at Campbellsville

 Taylor County (1) vs Campbellsville (4)

 Taylor County comes into postseason play, playing very well, winners of 5 in a row and having won 8 of their last 10 games. Bryten Close is back for the Cardinals which poses a matchup problem for everyone else. Campbellsville is playing better as of recent games and I think playing at home will help them, just not enough. Taylor won both games in the regular season by more than 20 points. I think this game is closer, but the Cards pull it out. 

Prediction: Taylor County 

Adair County (2) vs. Marion County (3) 

If there’s a team that should be on upset alert it’s the 2x defending regional champions Adair County. Adair has seemingly been a step off in the past 2 weeks, while the Knights have been playing very well. During the regular season Adair County won both games, the first by 14 points and the second game just by 1 point. If Marion can contain one of the three scorers (George, Blakey, Gilbert) and the magic in the air hits just right, I think the Knights can pull it off. I might be wrong, but who doesn’t love an underdog story, so give me the Knights in a major upset. 

Prediction: Marion County

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

		Current Streak	Last 10
		W6	(9-1)

 

8 teams that make the region :

E-town, North Hardin, Green County , Caverna , Marion , Taylor, Washington, Thomas Nelson  

I just don't see Marion beating Adair, but I do look forward to seeing how Marion's coach attempts to slow down the big 3 from Adair.

 

The possible 3peat lives for another day! 

 

19th District final comes down to Thomas Nelson vs Bardstown!

Both games were a war!

Hats off to the Generals for making the 5th region tourney for only the 3rd time in history!

1 hour ago, IndianAlum81 said:

The possible 3peat lives for another day! 

 

Gotta give the Indians credit, they survive and advance. Friday night should be a fun one with round 4 of Adair and Taylor.

7 teams have clinched a spot in the region tournament:

North Hardin, Etown, Caverna, Bardstown, Thomas Nelson, Taylor County, Adair County. Final spot between Green County and Larue County will be determined tonight. 

Larue clinches final spot in region. 3 district winners decided tonight in the 17th, 19th and 20th. 18th on Saturday night. 

First round is Wednesday and Thursday. Semis Monday, Finals Tuesday

Caverna vs Larue rematch in the finals? 

First Round Winners:

Taylor 

Caverna 

Larue

Adair

Semi Winners: 

Caverna

Adair

5th Region Champions:

CAVERNA 

I'm going to ride with Caverna.  I've been on them all season, and I think the tournament experience with the All A will benefit their run. 

I think North Hardin can come out of this region. In the past few weeks they have beaten Warren Central, Adair County and Bowling Green. They are peeking at the right time!

34 minutes ago, Hardin County Preps said:

I think North Hardin can come out of this region. In the past few weeks they have beaten Warren Central, Adair County and Bowling Green. They are peeking at the right time!

I agree with you. I see a North Hardin and Caverna final. 

There will be at least (2) upsets . 
 

Taylor Vs Thomas Nelson will be closer than what folks expect 

You never count out a James Haire team vs Caverna 

larue will make north play a slow style and coach Childress is one of the best coaches in the 5th. 
 

Adair Rolls over on bardstown , but that’s not an upset. 

Rating the teams in the field, I would rate them this way:

1. North Hardin
2. Caverna
3. Taylor County
4. Larue County
5. Adair County
6. Bardstown
7. Thomas Nelson
8. Elizabethtown

Looking at the bracket, here's my opinion:

Game 1- Taylor County vs. Thomas Nelson

Taylor should roll in this one. These two played in the last game of the regular season and Taylor won handedly 74-49. Thomas Nelson was a little shorthanded that night as several of their usuals played very limited minutes due to illness, but I just don't see this getting much better for Thomas Nelson. I'd take Taylor by double digits. 

Game 2- Caverna vs. Elizabethtown

These two teams have not played each other in more than a decade, the last game coming in the 2015 regional tournament. That game saw Etown win by 13 points, but Caverna is rolling and this is not the typical Etown regional tournament team. Caverna is just much more athletic and physical than Etown. Etown will have to play the perfect game to keep this game close, although I do expect Etown to slow it down and stretch out the zone, much like Larue has done the past 2 times they have played. That does expose Caverna's biggest weakness in my opinion, which is they don't shoot the ball particularly well from outside.  I think Caverna by double-digits  

Game 3- North Hardin vs. Larue County

This is the best game in the first round. Larue will likely employ the same strategy that they used against Caverna. Slow it down, stretch the zone out and collapse on the middle. The problem for Larue is that North Hardin shoots the ball much better than Caverna does. Larue defeated North Hardin in the very early part of the season by 18 points. But that was at Larue, and a very different North Hardin team. Since Kerwian Berry has become eligible the Trojans are 16-2 and have won their last 8 in a row. I think this is a good close game, but I see North Hardin advancing to the semifinals.

Game 4- Bardstown vs Adair County

I think this is the only game where the district winner likely loses but I wouldn't be surprised for Bardstown to win. These two met toward the end of the season and Bardstown pulled off the victory, 60-57. Adair has to shoot the ball well from the get go because they just give up too many points on defense. Adair wants to play fast paced but the team in this regional tournament that matches up with that the best is likely Bardstown. Bardstown is athletic, quick and physical. Bardstown is much better in an uptempo game. While North and Larue might be the best game in the first round, this one might be the most competitive. I'll take the Indians by 5.

Semi Finals

Taylor County vs. Caverna

This could have easily been the finals of the region. And outside of the finals, probably the game that I might most be looking forward too. Caverna knows it's now or never. They're loaded with seniors, so if they're going to go to Rupp, it has to be this year. But Taylor is right there in the mix. And this Cardinal group felt like they got shortchanged after a first round loss last year in the region. I'm not sure I can pick a winner in this one yet.

North Hardin vs. Adair County

This would be a rematch from last year's final that saw Adair win by a score of 62-48. I don't see a repeat of that happening right now. North defeated Adair in the last week of the regular season and I don't see this game being much different. I think the Trojans advance to the finals.

Finals

North Hardin vs. Taylor/Caverna Winner

Either of these matchups would be fun to see. It puts 2 of the top 3 teams for most of the season in the finals which is what you want to see in the final game. I think this is the year though that the Trojans return to Rupp Arena. It would be the first time since 2010 that North has been crowned regional champion.