1. McCreary Central

Key Returners: Aaron Watts (Sr.), Zack Roark (Sr.), Ben Wright (Sr.), Jacob Dixon (Jr.)

Outlook: The Raiders were one basket away from a Regional championship in 2009, they return almost the entire cast and will be adding incoming freshmen big man Tyson Williams to the mix. They are the clear frontrunner next season.

2. West Jessamine

Key Returners: Jarrod Polson (Sr.), Kyle Mefford (Sr.), Keston Bartholomew (Sr.), Jeff Zieman (So.), Dylan Pohl (Jr.)

Outlook: The Colts will look to repeat their 12th region championship behind point guard sensation Jarrod Polson, they lost 3 major contributors off the State semifinalist team but look to have people in place to fill the gaps. Should McCreary stubble don’t be surprised to see them back in Rupp again.

3. Wayne County

Key Returners: Kyle Hopper (Jr.), Ryan Hopper (Jr.), Austin Shearer (Jr.), Gavin Dunagan (Jr.), Dagan Shelton (Fr.)

Outlook: The Cardinals return virtually the entire roster that took them to the semi-finals of the region, they have all been major contributors on the varsity since they were in middle school and this looks to be the year where they are ready to compete for a regional title.

4. Rockcastle County

Key Returners: Jamie Todd (Sr.), Dustin Reynolds (Sr.), Matt Bullens (Sr.), Derrick Thacker (Sr.)

Outlook: I know ranking the Rockets this high will raise some eyebrows but the 48th district champs return 4 starters, they are senior dominated and have good size. Experience matters just like with Garrard County last year. In order to compete with the big boys their guard play will have to improve.

5. Danville

Key Returners: Duran Elmore (Sr.), Will Dunn (Jr.), Tevin Raines (Jr.) Jacody Taylor (Jr.), Cameron Burgess (Jr.)

Outlook: The Ads return a loaded Jr. class that looks ready to bring Danville back to the top of the region. Lead by sharp shooter Jacody Taylor and lighting quick Duran Elmore they will need to develop bench depth but successful freshmen teams the last two years should provide that.

6. Mercer County

Key Returners: Jamel Taylor (Sr.) Clay Cinnamon (Jr.)

Outlook: The Titan’s seem to be a team in transition, Taylor and Cinnamon could form a great nucleus but they will need to fold some nice young players into the mix. Who the coach is and how that transition goes will determine how successful they will be.

7. Lincoln Co.

Key Returners: Zack Hill (Jr.), Colby Long (Sr.), Dylan Allison (Sr.)

Outlook: The Patriots where hit hard by graduation and easily could be ranked lower, but a Jeff Jackson coached team never seems to sink too low. Look for some youth to develop during the season and this team to over achieve.

8. Boyle Co.

Key Returners: Conner Givhan (Sr.), Rees MacShara (Sr.), Logan Tritapoe (Sr.), Cory Jones (Sr.),

Ben Carmen (Sr.)

Outlook: Last season the Rebels never seemed to gel and struggled under a new system. They seem to have lots of good players and no great ones returning, I look for some improvement but if the football team has a long playoff run they may struggle again.

9. Somerset

Key Returners: DJ Townsend (So.), JP Henderlight (Jr.), Josh Troxtle (Sr.), Taylor Gover (Fr.), Clayton Stringer (Jr.)

Outlook: The Jumpers overachieved under new coach Don Daniel last season but still will be extremely young again. They look to be at least a year away from being back at the top of the region but look for Townsend to have a breakout sophomore season.

10. Southwestern

Key Returners: Tyler Mayer (Sr.), Cody Epperson (So.), Justin Epperson (So.), Zack Fowler (Jr.)

Outlook: The Warriors graduated their starting 5 but return a strong bench, while they will be young they have the talent to be much higher on this list. Post play could be a weakness but skill and court savvy will be a strength.

11. Pulaski County

Key Returners: Chris Muse (Sr.) Tyler Jenkins (Sr.), Alex Abner (Jr.), Zach Eastham (Jr.)

Outlook: The Maroons were a bit of a disappointment last season and will look to hire a new coach after Mark Flynn stepped down after only 3 ½ years. Expect some growing pains but the cupboard isn’t completely bare, Tyler Jenkins should have an outstanding senior year and Chris Muse gives them an experienced point guard.

12. East Jessamine

Key Returners: Kyle Lamb (Sr.) Jordan Redd (Jr.)

Outlook: Coach O’Bryan and the Jaguars graduated 6 seniors off last years high powered team and will go through some rebuilding this season. A strong JV team should provided the needed replacements but seasoning will be needed.

13. Casey County

Key returners: Kyle Jeffries (Jr.), Jordan Spagnoletti (Sr.), Brad Jeffries (Jr.) Tyler Johnson (Jr.), Jordan Ellison (Jr.).

Outlook: The Rebels made their first trip to the regional tournament in recent memory but the loss of the entire front line makes a repeat seem unlikely. Look for them to play a 4 guard lineup and shoot the 3 point shot a lot.

14. Garrard County

Key Returners: Trent Prather (Jr.)

Outlook: The Golden Lions enjoyed their most successful season in years but lose the starting 5 to graduation. 6th man Tent Prather will be what they rebuild around but expect it a slow process.

15. Monticello

Key Returners: Derrick Peyton (Sr.), Aaron Dishman (Sr.)

Outlook: The good news is the Trojans return virtually their entire roster, the bad news they were only competitive in a handful of games last season. Derrick Peyton is one of the top players in the region but he will need more help if they are going to be successful.

16. Burgin

Key Returners: Timothy Riddle (Sr.), Logan Hill (Sr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs were the feel good story of the region last season, but the lose of 3 starters will leave them rebuilding rather than reloading.

Looks good to me, this is about exactly how I would rank them.

Looks good to me, this is about exactly how I would rank them.

 

Thanks, its not an exact science several teams at the bottom could be exchanged. I think the 12th will be stronger overall next year, next years senior class is far better than this past year.

Thanks, its not an exact science several teams at the bottom could be exchanged. I think the 12th will be stronger overall next year, next years senior class is far better than this past year.

 

 

I think West, McCreary, and Wayne will be the favorites.

 

My darkhorse is the Danville Admirals, I feel like they will have the best backcourt in the region and plenty of experience.

 

Lincoln will be down quite a bit. They will be very young, and I still think they will be competitive. Just not upper tier like they've been. It's hard to replace 4 1000 point scorers, even for Jeff Jackson.:thumb:

 

They have a lot of young talent in the system though, they won't be down for long.

I think West, McCreary, and Wayne will be the favorites.

 

My darkhorse is the Danville Admirals, I feel like they will have the best backcourt in the region and plenty of experience.

 

Lincoln will be down quite a bit. They will be very young, and I still think they will be competitive. Just not upper tier like they've been. It's hard to replace 4 1000 point scorers, even for Jeff Jackson.:thumb:

 

They have a lot of young talent in the system though, they won't be down for long.

Lincoln's incoming frosh are top notch.:thumb:

I think Mercer should be ahead of Danville. Their junior class will surprise some people next year. That class has lost less than 10 games since the 6th grade I believe and now they get to add Jamel Taylor to the mix. Did Mercer fire their coach or something? I know their head coach was in a car wreck and that Tatum took over, but I thought it was still pretty much the same group of coaches that have been there.

 

 

I have heard rumblings that Aaron Watts might not play next year, can anyone confirm or deny that?

 

I also have heard things around town that Duran Elmore isn't playing basketball next year to focus on baseball. Can anyone confirm that?

 

 

 

The 12th region tourney will be another great tourney, I am looking forward to it already.

I think Mercer should be ahead of Danville. Their junior class will surprise some people next year. That class has lost less than 10 games since the 6th grade I believe and now they get to add Jamel Taylor to the mix. Did Mercer fire their coach or something? I know their head coach was in a car wreck and that Tatum took over, but I thought it was still pretty much the same group of coaches that have been there.

 

 

I have heard rumblings that Aaron Watts might not play next year, can anyone confirm or deny that?

 

I also have heard things around town that Duran Elmore isn't playing basketball next year to focus on baseball. Can anyone confirm that?

 

 

 

The 12th region tourney will be another great tourney, I am looking forward to it already.

To my knowledge, they have not fired their coach. However, rumblings are that it may not be a firing but that Nelson Cundiff will not be back next year. The Peanut Gallery (which includes me) is hoping that they will do a clean sweep of the bench and start over.

This is a great list. I would definatly not have Rockcastle that high on my list, and Lincoln Co. will surprise some teams next season.

 

I think Jarrod Polson & West Jessamine have to be the #1 team for pre-season rankings in the 12th. They should win their District.

 

McCreary Central will be 1A (2) as long as Aaron Watts returns next season. MC should be their District's Winner.

 

I don't think the next wave of teams have nearly the shot at contending for the 12th Region title that the top two schools do...

 

Wayne Co. Should be 3 with Gavin Dunagan pacing them. Wayne Co. should be their District's Runner-up.

 

Danville 4 being lead by Jacody Taylor should the the 45th District Champs.

 

Then I like Lincoln Co. to be 5. Lincoln returns 2 starters and their 6th man from last years team (Long, Allison, & Hill) They also will start Trent Edgington (Soph.) at the point. Trent will be taking over for his brother Trevor Edgington who graduates this year. Also, Lincoln brings in a Strong Freshman Class that dominated for several years. That should bode well for the future. I know Lincoln loses the 12th Region Player of the year in Ethan Spurlin, but they lost three 1,000 point scorers the prior season and several had them counted out. They managed to get to the semi-finals of the 12th Region tourney in a loss by 3 to MC. Lincoln should be the 45th District Runner-up.

 

I think Mercer Co. is a strong 6. Their Junior Class is strong with Clay Cinnamon leading them. Mercer should be a district Runner-up.

 

Rockcastle Co. would be my 7th team. They got a taste of 12th Region Tournament games this season, and should be poised to make another apearance this year due to their lack of strength in the district. Rockcastle should be a District Winner going into the tournament.

 

My 8th Team in the Rankings go to Casey Co. Mainly because they should return to the 12th Region Touranment next year (see comments on Rockcastle for why). They return several starters. They should be a District Runner-up going into the tournament.

No way, McCreary Central should be pre-season No. 1. Give it to West Jessamine.

West Jess. beat McCreary by a single possession in the finals and returns much more of that squad.

 

At least to begin the season you would think that McCreary would be ahead of them as West incorporates new players into the system. That may change as the season rolls along.

This is a great list. I would definatly not have Rockcastle that high on my list, and Lincoln Co. will surprise some teams next season.

 

I think Jarrod Polson & West Jessamine have to be the #1 team for pre-season rankings in the 12th. They should win their District.

 

McCreary Central will be 1A (2) as long as Aaron Watts returns next season. MC should be their District's Winner.

 

I don't think the next wave of teams have nearly the shot at contending for the 12th Region title that the top two schools do...

 

Wayne Co. Should be 3 with Gavin Dunagan pacing them. Wayne Co. should be their District's Runner-up.

 

Danville 4 being lead by Jacody Taylor should the the 45th District Champs.

 

Then I like Lincoln Co. to be 5. Lincoln returns 2 starters and their 6th man from last years team (Long, Allison, & Hill) They also will start Trent Edgington (Soph.) at the point. Trent will be taking over for his brother Trevor Edgington who graduates this year. Also, Lincoln brings in a Strong Freshman Class that dominated for several years. That should bode well for the future. I know Lincoln loses the 12th Region Player of the year in Ethan Spurlin, but they lost three 1,000 point scorers the prior season and several had them counted out. They managed to get to the semi-finals of the 12th Region tourney in a loss by 3 to MC. Lincoln should be the 45th District Runner-up.

 

I think Mercer Co. is a strong 6. Their Junior Class is strong with Clay Cinnamon leading them. Mercer should be a district Runner-up.

 

Rockcastle Co. would be my 7th team. They got a taste of 12th Region Tournament games this season, and should be poised to make another apearance this year due to their lack of strength in the district. Rockcastle should be a District Winner going into the tournament.

 

My 8th Team in the Rankings go to Casey Co. Mainly because they should return to the 12th Region Touranment next year (see comments on Rockcastle for why). They return several starters. They should be a District Runner-up going into the tournament.

 

 

I am biased, but I agree with your assessment of Casey County. Coach Todd Carman will be in his third year and is doing a lot of little things to make the program better (weight lifting, improving feeder programs, etc.). The Rebels do lose Elliot Cannon and Josh Morgan, but will be solid if they play hard like they did last year. Several kids (Kyle and Brad Jeffries, Jordan Spagnoletti, and Jordan Ellison) have intangibles that don't show up in the boxscore. If this team can figure out how to score 60 per game, they will return to the regional tourney next year.:ylsuper:

I am biased, but I agree with your assessment of Casey County. Coach Todd Carman will be in his third year and is doing a lot of little things to make the program better (weight lifting, improving feeder programs, etc.). The Rebels do lose Elliot Cannon and Josh Morgan, but will be solid if they play hard like they did last year. Several kids (Kyle and Brad Jeffries, Jordan Spagnoletti, and Jordan Ellison) have intangibles that don't show up in the boxscore. If this team can figure out how to score 60 per game, they will return to the regional tourney next year.:ylsuper:

 

Those Jeffries boys are superb shooters. I was very impressed with them last year, Casey probably played as hard as any team I watched all year.

This is my take:

 

1) West Jessamine is the team to beat in the region. They have the best point guard in the region. They proved the 12th region was stronger than what everybody in the state gave it credit to be with their run in the sweet sixteen. Jarrod Polson (Sr) is the best point guard and maybe player in the region.

 

2) Wayne County has all those Juniors returning who have played varsity ball, for what seems like forever. Gavin Dunagan (Jr) (6'4") is the best power forward/big man in the region. The Hopper twins are great hustle players.

 

3) McCreary Central has too many rumors on who will play next season or I would probably have them tied for the #1 spot. Aaron Watts (Sr)(6'3") is the best athlete in the region and best all around player. Roark (Sr) is a nice player also.

 

4) Rockcastle should win the 48th District championship again next year and make the semi-finals in the region tournament after an early exit last year. They have one of their top scorers returning in sharp shooting guard Jamie Todd (Sr), who is dangerous from the three point line. They also have two good rebounders returning with Derrik Thacker (Sr)(6'6") and Bullens(Sr).

 

5) Danville gets my 5 spot because they are very athletic. Good scorer in Jacob Taylor. They have plenty of speed and very solid junior class. That will be enough to get them back in the region tournament.

 

6) Lincoln County shouldn't be ranked this high, but with the programs recent success in this region you can't count them out. Great Coaching!

 

7) Somerset and Mercer

I have not heard any of the rumors about Watts not returning. From what I know this group is looking forward to, and already working for next year.

Edited April 11, 200917 yr by Ram
Rule 13

I have not heard any of the rumors about Watts not returning. From what i know this group is looking forward to, and already working for next year.

 

Good to hear. I have seen it more than once that he might not play next year but when I have sent pm's to people asking why he wouldn't no one has responded. Based on your handle I would think you would know a little about the situation if it was true.