10th Region: Clark County still the team to beat

[gold sunrise]

10th Region: Clark County still the team to beat

 

Posted by Mike Fields on February 14, 2012

Clark County's Adam Fatkin has blossomed into a prime-time player. (Photo by Mark Cornelison)

 

 

 

As the regular season winds down, we’re taking a look at the boys’ favorites in each of the 16 regions:

After graduating high-profile players Robbie Stenzel, Vinny Zollo, Corey Rogers and Jaylen Daniel last year, defending 10th Region champion Clark County was expected to be in rebuilding mode this season.

 

Instead, Coach Scott Humphrey’s Cardinals quickly played their way into the the state rankings with a 17-game winning streak, and they’ve stayed there, even after a few bumps in the road recently. They’re currently No. 25 in Dave Cantrall’s state ratings.

Bopper Stenzel (Robbie’s brother) has been a catalyst for Clark County, a hard-nosed senior guard. Adam Fatkin, a 6-foot-7 senior, has developed into a strong low-post player and averages a double-double in points and rebounds. Charlie Rogers (Corey’s cousin) has also dramatically improved his game.

Montgomery County, under first-year coach Tony Wise, was the pre-season pick in the region and has played up to expectations. Omar Prewitt is the Indians’ go-to guy. The 6-6 junior is averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds. Jake Handshoe (12 ppg) and Brandon Fruth (10 ppg) have been reliable contributors, too.

Montgomery County will host the region tournament, so that’s to its advantage as it tries to reach the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 1995.

Bishop Brossart, No. 3 in the region, has a force in the middle in 6-foot-8 senior Joe Jennings.

 

And never count out Mason County, which won the region seven times in nine years starting in 2002. Tyler Black, who missed the first six weeks of the season with an injury, is back in the lineup and looking strong. Coach Chris O’Hearn has been through this before, getting the Royals on the winning track as tournament time approaches.

Dave Cantrall’s 10th Region top 5

1. Clark County (23-5)
   
2. Montgomery County (21-7)
   
3. Bishop Brossart (19-6)
   
4. Mason County (12-13)
   
5. Campbell County (14-12)
   

http://fieldsnotes.bloginky.com/

[D-Rob]

While they are the ones to beat, they have been beaten in this region before. Like the article says, playing in Mt. Sterling will be key.

[gold sunrise]

While they are the ones to beat, they have been beaten in this region before. Like the article says, playing in Mt. Sterling will be key.

 

 

I have always said that there was a home court advantage. Now Montgomery Co gets to enjoy it this year.

 

While GRC has one loss in the region by 2 points early in the season to Montgomery Co. Then GRC turned around and beat Montgomery Co by 17 in their second meeting.

 

These two teams could meet one or two more times in the post season.

[boonesp]

I think the winner will be either GRC, Montgomery or Mason. There are several other teams that on that one night can knock off any of these three teams. You can't overlook Pendleton, Campbell, Brossart, Harrison and maybe even Scott. But I have thought from the beginning that this is probably Montgomery's year with the home court during the regional.

[LCDAWGS19]

Some years home court advantage in the regional tournament doesn't matter... This year it does. Also, a HUGE factor is the draw. My projected district winner are: Campbell, Pendleton,Mason, and GRC. district losers are Scott, Nicholas, Augusta, and Montgomery.

[PRESSROW]

Best team wins- home court advantage yes, overrated yes, but there will be clean bathrooms there.

[Touch The Line]

Im hoping this regional tournament draws a lot of people to come watch because there is not one dominant team this year that every expects to win. Cant wait!

[Randy Parker]

Im hoping this regional tournament draws a lot of people to come watch because there is not one dominant team this year that every expects to win. Cant wait!

 

Agree. I think GRC is the narrow favorite. Montgomery has to be right there because they're talented & at home. But those two teams aren't heads & shoulders above everyone else. If the Pendleton/Harrison draw had turned out differently, there would be a lot of very, very good first round matchups. We don't get to see that often in the 10th...at least not in my memory.

[PRESSROW]

Im hoping this regional tournament draws a lot of people to come watch because there is not one dominant team this year that every expects to win. Cant wait!

 

I agree Touch The Line- wide open and should be a nice regional tournament. I would like to see the arena packed for semi finals and finals. I think your biggest draw would be if Montgomery and Clark made it to the the finals.

[MNCM]

Agree. I think GRC is the narrow favorite. Montgomery has to be right there because they're talented & at home. But those two teams aren't heads & shoulders above everyone else. If the Pendleton/Harrison draw had turned out differently, there would be a lot of very, very good first round matchups. We don't get to see that often in the 10th...at least not in my memory.

 

I think the gaps between all the teams has narrowed considerably and I am not convinced that there are any favorites. Certainly Mont Co will have an edge by playing on thier home floor, but given the scores of the regional match-ups over the past month (and the excitement and unpredictability of regional tournaments) - any team can walk away with this.

 

Plus Mont Co popcorn is awesome. :popcorn:

[gold sunrise]

Agree. I think GRC is the narrow favorite. Montgomery has to be right there because they're talented & at home. But those two teams aren't heads & shoulders above everyone else. If the Pendleton/Harrison draw had turned out differently, there would be a lot of very, very good first round matchups. We don't get to see that often in the 10th...at least not in my memory.

 

Agree with GRC the favorite, and who would have thought that with all GRC lost from last years team. Montgomery is right behind them IMO.

[Randy Parker]

Agree with GRC the favorite, and who would have thought that with all GRC lost from last years team. Montgomery is right behind them IMO.

 

I certainly never thought they'd be where they are. They have had teams in the past that were vastly superior IMO, but underachieved. What this year's squad has accomplished, regardless of postseason performance, has been incredibly impressive.

[mcraycraft]

I agree Touch The Line- wide open and should be a nice regional tournament. I would like to see the arena packed for semi finals and finals. I think your biggest draw would be if Montgomery and Clark made it to the the finals.

 

The only competition to the regional will be on Thursday night (opening night)when UK plays Georgia at 9:00pm.

[Waldo]

I certainly never thought they'd be where they are. They have had teams in the past that were vastly superior IMO, but underachieved. What this year's squad has accomplished, regardless of postseason performance, has been incredibly impressive.

 

I agree on that Randy Parker.

[Rainman11]

Agree with GRC the favorite, and who would have thought that with all GRC lost from last years team. Montgomery is right behind them IMO.

 

Anyone that was paying attention could see that GRC would be a lot better than advertised. My guess is that they would win 20. Very solid nucleus returning from last year. They won't be touched in the region. It is their's to lose IMO.