#1 - Scott County

#2 - Holmes

Throw the rest in a hat. They are all chasing those two.

I am sure when filling out a top 10 list that the people are feeling like what they think should be their top 10 list and not what others think. Need not to worry abut the defending state champion Mason County Royals, they will be in the mix of things when it is all said and done. Tradition Never Graduates!

 

I believe the topic is 08-09. Time to move on from 07-08. "Tradition" may not graduate, but I believe Mr Miller did. Prognostication for 08-09: solid team - yes; top 10 - doubtful; regional champion - 1 in 4 chance.

People are WAAAYYYY overestimating Holmes. Yes, they are loaded and last year started several underclassmen. But in noy way will they be able to repeat last year. This team was very undisciplined, and the glue (and coach on the floor) was Arez Henderson. Not enough was publicized of what he meant to this team This is more of a loss than Mason losing Darius.

 

They are by far, IMO, the most talented and most atheltic team in the state. They always play solid defense so they will always been in the game and they use the athleticism of theirs to score.

 

We'll have to see what happens when the season gets underway but for the moment you have to just look at what they have now. You may be right but it is too early to judge especially when the season hasn't even started yet.

If I had to take a stab at it, I'd have my top 10 something like this:

 

1. Scott Co

2. Holmes

3. GRC

4. J'town

5. Manual

6. Elliot Co

7. Dunbar

8. Hazard

9. Ballard

10. Franklin Co/Lexcath/North Hardin

 

I think your rankings are really close. Giving it a shot with my own and a little on each team.

 

1. Scott County - most talent and most depth. If they gel, they are the legit top team. Phares, Guyn, Jackson, and Euton bring the top line in the state and will be the most versatile team around. Phares, a top five player in the state, will provide the leadership and experience necessary to point the loaded team in the right direction. When playing the Cardinals its "pick your poison" time.

 

2. Holmes - Led by Rico Johnson who many feel is the state's #1 junior. Athletic starting five and some great experience not to mention one of the best coaches around. May end up having one of the stingiest defenses in the state to go along with uptempo game. A ton of balance with Pittman in the lane and Riley at the top of the key to compliment Johnson. A trip back to Rupp seems definate.

 

3. GRC - I am more or less going on the assumption that Zollo provides the inside presence that catapults this team to a serious state contender. A very balanced and talented team and as everyone knows has a rising star with Robbie Stenzil. Robert Hatton will provide a boost offensively as one of the state's best marksmen. GRC is poised to win the 10th region.

 

4. Jeffersontown - Everybody back but Gagel and throw in one of the state's top juniors in phenom Aaron Cosby and the Chargers are repeat favorites in the 7th. No one can match the speed of the Chargers. The four returning starters are now more experienced and they will have depth.

 

5. North Hardin - If everybody is there, this could be the best team by season end. Senior Greg Johnson is arguably the top player in the region and everybody in the 5th is holding their breath to see him added to NH's roster. Add Bramblett and King along with some other talented players and you got the recipe for a surprise title team.

 

6. Manual - Has the #2 player in the state overall in Jacob Jenkins who will be the main contender against Hood for Mr. Basketball. The loss of Kimbro will hurt but Manual did learn to play without him over the summer and did well. Manual has some talent and speed to go along with those shooters. They are legit contender for the 7th behind the Chargers.

 

7. Warren Central - Young and talented is the theme for coach Riley's squad this year and its suits them fine. Young guns in Jordan Shanklin and George Fant Jr. gives WC some offensive firepower to score against the talented teams in the 4th region. They have a very solid group of complimetary players surounding them and should be one of the state's higher scoring teams.

 

8. Elliott County - No team has more experienced veterans than EC. Twins, Ferguson have been there and want to go back once again for their senior send-off. Timothy Knipp will be the talented complimentary player in the starting line-up and EC will look to dominate the 16th region leaving no doubt they belong at Rupp.

 

9. Bardstown - Hickman was not the go-to guy last year for a talented Bardstown squad. That changes this year as Hickman will be relied on to lead the team in the 5th region which has become one the top tier regions in the state this season. Questions still remain if DeMarco Phillips will return to the court after sustaining a football injury. Still, the Tiger's will be competitive against the likes of NH, Taylor County, Adair, and more.

 

10. Franklin County - I do not know this team as well as others but have seen them play a few times last year and over the summer and do know the possess one of the best players in the 11th region in Andy Donavon. They will have a solid starting five that can compete with anyone in the region and anyone in the state. Depth might be a concern though they could build on that as the season goes making them a legit contender to undermine Scott County's plans of going to Rupp.

I think your rankings are really close. Giving it a shot with my own and a little on each team.

 

1. Scott County - most talent and most depth. If they gel, they are the legit top team. Phares, Guyn, Jackson, and Euton bring the top line in the state and will be the most versatile team around. Phares, a top five player in the state, will provide the leadership and experience necessary to point the loaded team in the right direction. When playing the Cardinals its "pick your poison" time.

 

2. Holmes - Led by Rico Johnson who many feel is the state's #1 junior. Athletic starting five and some great experience not to mention one of the best coaches around. May end up having one of the stingiest defenses in the state to go along with uptempo game. A ton of balance with Pittman in the lane and Riley at the top of the key to compliment Johnson. A trip back to Rupp seems definate.

 

3. GRC - I am more or less going on the assumption that Zollo provides the inside presence that catapults this team to a serious state contender. A very balanced and talented team and as everyone knows has a rising star with Robbie Stenzil. Robert Hatton will provide a boost offensively as one of the state's best marksmen. GRC is poised to win the 10th region.

 

4. Jeffersontown - Everybody back but Gagel and throw in one of the state's top juniors in phenom Aaron Cosby and the Chargers are repeat favorites in the 7th. No one can match the speed of the Chargers. The four returning starters are now more experienced and they will have depth.

 

5. North Hardin - If everybody is there, this could be the best team by season end. Senior Greg Johnson is arguably the top player in the region and everybody in the 5th is holding their breath to see him added to NH's roster. Add Bramblett and King along with some other talented players and you got the recipe for a surprise title team.

 

6. Manual - Has the #2 player in the state overall in Jacob Jenkins who will be the main contender against Hood for Mr. Basketball. The loss of Kimbro will hurt but Manual did learn to play without him over the summer and did well. Manual has some talent and speed to go along with those shooters. They are legit contender for the 7th behind the Chargers.

 

7. Warren Central - Young and talented is the theme for coach Riley's squad this year and its suits them fine. Young guns in Jordan Shanklin and George Fant Jr. gives WC some offensive firepower to score against the talented teams in the 4th region. They have a very solid group of complimetary players surounding them and should be one of the state's higher scoring teams.

 

8. Elliott County - No team has more experienced veterans than EC. Twins, Ferguson have been there and want to go back once again for their senior send-off. Timothy Knipp will be the talented complimentary player in the starting line-up and EC will look to dominate the 16th region leaving no doubt they belong at Rupp.

 

9. Bardstown - Hickman was not the go-to guy last year for a talented Bardstown squad. That changes this year as Hickman will be relied on to lead the team in the 5th region which has become one the top tier regions in the state this season. Questions still remain if DeMarco Phillips will return to the court after sustaining a football injury. Still, the Tiger's will be competitive against the likes of NH, Taylor County, Adair, and more.

 

10. Franklin County - I do not know this team as well as others but have seen them play a few times last year and over the summer and do know the possess one of the best players in the 11th region in Andy Donavon. They will have a solid starting five that can compete with anyone in the region and anyone in the state. Depth might be a concern though they could build on that as the season goes making them a legit contender to undermine Scott County's plans of going to Rupp.

 

 

Very good run down on all of the teams you put in your top ten.

 

I don't know if Manual will be there with out Kimbro, though. That is a big loss to a program whether he played with them or not over the summer. No one on that team can make up for his game. Jenkins is arguably the best senior in the state, but it's alot to ask of a kid to put a team on his back night after night. They will need others to step up and take some heat off of Jenkins.

 

Seneca is the team that will end up in the top ten by years end. They played very well this summer without their three new additions to the team.

Very good run down on all of the teams you put in your top ten.

 

I don't know if Manual will be there with out Kimbro, though. That is a big loss to a program whether he played with them or not over the summer. No one on that team can make up for his game. Jenkins is arguably the best senior in the state, but it's alot to ask of a kid to put a team on his back night after night. They will need others to step up and take some heat off of Jenkins.

 

Seneca is the team that will end up in the top ten by years end. They played very well this summer without their three new additions to the team.

 

I'd have to disagree with you here. They played much of the summer without Kimbro and played I think around 10 games without him last year and were fine. I still like J'town to come out of the 7th though. Don't be surprised if Manual upsets them...with a player like Jenkins, you just can't count them out.

I'd have to disagree with you here. They played much of the summer without Kimbro and played I think around 10 games without him last year and were fine. I still like J'town to come out of the 7th though. Don't be surprised if Manual upsets them...with a player like Jenkins, you just can't count them out.

 

That is exactly why I have Manual there. You can't count them out. I saw them at the North Hardin Summer Shootout and watched them play in four or five games. Manual had some size, speed, and Jenkins had a sensational showing.

 

I put North Hardin in the top five. They are my sleeper pick to win the state. No one is really talking much about them except in our region. They have all the tools to be special. This is the most balance the 5th region has been in some time so I expect it to be a real challenge to win the region.

 

I nearly placed Holmes as the #1 team overall. The reason I wanted to was because between Scott County and Holmes, the Bulldogs have more returning starters and players from last year's team and will enter the season as a more cohesive unit. Scott County has the talent and depth on paper but has yet to play a regular season game as a full unit. Preseason you could make a case for Holmes being #1.

That is exactly why I have Manual there. You can't count them out. I saw them at the North Hardin Summer Shootout and watched them play in four or five games. Manual had some size, speed, and Jenkins had a sensational showing.

 

I put North Hardin in the top five. They are my sleeper pick to win the state. No one is really talking much about them except in our region. They have all the tools to be special. This is the most balance the 5th region has been in some time so I expect it to be a real challenge to win the region.

 

I nearly placed Holmes as the #1 team overall. The reason I wanted to was because between Scott County and Holmes, the Bulldogs have more returning starters and players from last year's team and will enter the season as a more cohesive unit. Scott County has the talent and depth on paper but has yet to play a regular season game as a full unit. Preseason you could make a case for Holmes being #1.

 

My post was referenced to Passtheball...not you. But I agree with pretty much everything you've said. Very good run down of the teams and you made some great points pointing out the teams' strengths rather than weaknesses.

 

I agree with the SC/Holmes comparison. On paper SC probably has the better team but you could make a case for Holmes being #1 considering they have more returning players who not only started but played at the biggest stage in Kentucky last year in the state tournament. Should be a great game when those two meet up Dec. 14th at NKU.

That is exactly why I have Manual there. You can't count them out. I saw them at the North Hardin Summer Shootout and watched them play in four or five games. Manual had some size, speed, and Jenkins had a sensational showing.

 

I put North Hardin in the top five. They are my sleeper pick to win the state. No one is really talking much about them except in our region. They have all the tools to be special. This is the most balance the 5th region has been in some time so I expect it to be a real challenge to win the region.

 

I nearly placed Holmes as the #1 team overall. The reason I wanted to was because between Scott County and Holmes, the Bulldogs have more returning starters and players from last year's team and will enter the season as a more cohesive unit. Scott County has the talent and depth on paper but has yet to play a regular season game as a full unit. Preseason you could make a case for Holmes being #1.

 

I agree...I have my eye on them and think they could make some noise if they win thier region.:thumb:

I would have to think Shelby Valley for the 15th will be tough as well. All five starters listed in the 10 players in the region. They have size with two kids over 6-6 and a very solid PG getting D1 looks.

I would have to think Shelby Valley for the 15th will be tough as well. All five starters listed in the 10 players in the region. They have size with two kids over 6-6 and a very solid PG getting D1 looks.

 

I thought Shelby Valley looked very good. They participated in the North Hardin shootout and I recall they played Male tough and played Manual solidly before losing to them by 14 or 15 points. Very nice PG in Justice but they had a big kid in the post that played well too. Good size and fundamentals make SV a good call for the top 20.

That is exactly why I have Manual there. You can't count them out. I saw them at the North Hardin Summer Shootout and watched them play in four or five games. Manual had some size, speed, and Jenkins had a sensational showing.

I put North Hardin in the top five. They are my sleeper pick to win the state. No one is really talking much about them except in our region. They have all the tools to be special. This is the most balance the 5th region has been in some time so I expect it to be a real challenge to win the region.

 

I nearly placed Holmes as the #1 team overall. The reason I wanted to was because between Scott County and Holmes, the Bulldogs have more returning starters and players from last year's team and will enter the season as a more cohesive unit. Scott County has the talent and depth on paper but has yet to play a regular season game as a full unit. Preseason you could make a case for Holmes being #1.

Give us some details on how sensational Jenkins showing was.

Give us some details on how sensational Jenkins showing was.

 

Manual and North Hardin played each other and we ended up winning by around 12 points over Manual. The first half was close and ended North 27 and Manual 24. I don't think Jenkins missed a shot and he had 22 of their 24 to keep it close.

 

Second half we faced guarded Jenkins and tried to deny the ball but he still kept it close until he went out and we opened it up. Both teams were tired from playing earlier in the day but I was a believer after that game. Jenkins also had a great game against Shelby Valley when Manual beat them. Should be a great opener for North when the season starts.

 

Greg Johnson looked strong the whole shootout too. I think people are going to see North as a real threat once the season gets to January we get everyone back from football going.

Edited October 27, 200817 yr by SpeedyGonzales

It's tough to get a solid pre-season poll. Can't tell how on paper will translate to the court. On paper, GRC looks to be a serious threat to take the tall trophy, but who knows how this will play out?

 

I agree! Some teams could get 2 or 3 more transfers before the season actually starts.

People are WAAAYYYY overestimating Holmes. Yes, they are loaded and last year started several underclassmen. But in noy way will they be able to repeat last year. This team was very undisciplined, and the glue (and coach on the floor) was Arez Henderson. Not enough was publicized of what he meant to this team This is more of a loss than Mason losing Darius.

I thought for a Holmes team, they were one of the most disciplined that i've seen. They are certainly going to be very difficult to match up with.