It's only May, but it's never too early to look ahead to the season in the 8th. Simon Kenton looks to continue to dominate the region and should have a relatively clear path towards Rupp. Here are my two cents- looking forward to being able to catch a few of these teams this summer and see any roster movement. This is annually the Simon-Kenton Invitational, and will be very curious how close other teams can get this year. A single-digit loss may be the true definition of a moral victory. 

1) Simon Kenton- Pernell has to be the leader in the clubhouse for RPOY. She will look to put an exclamation point on her senior season. Coach Stowers is the Region Coach of the Year for a reason and I look forward to seeing the developement of Kabeya as well as she enters High School. She has a chance to be special and ease the graduation of Welch and Webb.

2) Anderson County- In what many considered a "building" year for Coach Birdwhistell, ended up ending in a Regional Championship game and District Championship. I look forward to the continued development of their young core and watching Jarrard build on her impressive sophomore season. She may be the premier big in the region and if she can continue to develop her outside shot, watch out. They return everything across the board and look to close what is a large gap between them and Simon. Don't put anything pasts Coach Birdshistell.

3) Walton-Verona- Another team, just like Anderson County, that returns literally everything from last year. Their youth movement is now older guards and sharpshooter Logue looks to leave on a high note. Can they close the gap to Simon Kenton and compete in their District? Time will tell. They've never had a problem scoring the basketball and with some youth guards with a year of experience under their belt, the ceiling on this group is high.

4) Spencer County- Coach Howie figures is out, as last year was a testament to that. I will be curious the impact of the shot clock coming in next season and how that impacts their style, but that's a year off. Hughes and the Keefes form a tough combination and should be able to compete for their first ever District Championship and be a team no one wants to play.

5) South Oldham- Losing RPOY Madison Young hurts a lot, she did everything for them. But having Brickey helps, a lot. Will be by far the best player in the district and should lead them to another District Championship. Can the supporting cast develop will be their question as they head into their post-Young world. 

6) Woodford County- Another team that lost a lot with Gordon. Had some younger talent playing well. 

7) Owen County- All they do is figure out ways to compete and win. Losing Steffen is going to hurt but they always figure it out in Owenton with Coach Wesselman. 

8- Gallatin County- I want to put them ahead of Owen County, and I truly think if they are ever going to beat them, this has to be the year.. but show me first. Owen has had their number when it matters and after getting upset by Eminence in the Districts last season, can this group get over the hump? The youth movement is now older and the clock is ticking. 

9) Grant County- New coach with Coach West departing for Great Crossing, but having one of the best guards in the region in Ginn helps. She is good enough to bump this team up quite a bit and push Walton-Verona for that 2nd spot in their district.

10) Eminence- Showing love to this group for getting into the regional tournament last year, upsetting Gallatin County. Have a great combo in Smith and Spiegel that could easily with their district. The ceiling for this team is high!

11) Collins- My boots on the ground tell me they have a freshman that is going to be very good. Time will tell. They played a weak schedule last year and played a lot of Middle Schoolers. Will be very curious if they can close the gap in a very competitive district.

12) Trimble County- Returning a lot on a competitive team. I think this group can overachieve and return to the Regional Tournament. 

13) Oldham County- Lost one senior but returns everything else. Good young core that can compete and can return to the Regional Tournament in a three-team district. 

 

SK Freshman Angela Kabeya received a scholarship offer from NKU after going to their basketball camp!

I am not shocked- she is going to be a great player for SK for years to come and should continue what they have done.

3 hours ago, LLS10 said:

I am not shocked- she is going to be a great player for SK for years to come and should continue what they have done.

The Lady Pioneers are loaded with talent!

After talking to my sources and some boots-on-the-ground folks who watched the summer games across the 8th Region, here’s an updated look at the teams heading into the fall.

I’m only going to give a top five, but I’m sure I’m forgetting someone—and there are probably another 5–6 teams that could easily work their way into this group. That’s what makes this region so much fun.

1) Simon Kenton — Pernell should be an easy RPOY candidate and could lead the Pioneers back to Rupp. Really excited to see Kabeya's development. I think she is a future RPOY and has a very high ceiling. Pernell is a prime time guard.

2) Anderson County — They return virtually everything, including Jarrard, who is as dominant of a post player as you’ll find in the region. I’ve also heard she had a great summer. Excited to see what Coach Birdwhistell has in store.

3) Walton-Verona — Another team that brings back just about everyone from a group that was a split second away from knocking off Anderson County at Henry County last year. I’m looking forward to watching senior guard Logue—heck of a shooter. Their other guard, Hargett, is going to be a really nice player as well and reportedly had a great summer. This team can SCORE, and they should be a fun one to watch this year.

4) Grant County — New coach with Coach West moving on to Great Crossing, but it certainly helps to have one of the premier scorers in the region in Ginn. I’ll be curious to see what they put around her and whether she can help get them back to the regional tournament

5) North Oldham — Returns virtually everything from a 20-win surprise team a year ago. I'll sneak them in at 5. I’m hearing they also have a very skilled exchange student enrolled who could make a big impact alongside an experienced core.

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