article 2014-15 Kentucky High School Basketball Preview - 16th Region

16th Region Preview and Rankings

1. Rowan County - Coach Shawn Thacker has his Vikings primed for another run to Rupp Arena. A very experienced backcourt trio of Ryan Callihan, Justin Braham, and Larry Whelan will lead this talented squad. The play of Justin Moore in the paint could be the key to a region title. Plus the advantage of the region at MSU right in their backyard.

2. Boyd County - The Lions have steadily improved under Coach Randy Anderson and this season could be their year. Bobby Anderson, son of Randy, is jet quick and very experienced. Conner Guaze is a talented post player who will benefit from Fairview transfer Logan Thovsen presence in the paint. This team will be high scoring and fun to watch.

3. Greenup County - The Musketeers post season run a year ago have the folks in Lloyd excited. Jair Jackson is an athletic shot blocker that is a terror on the offensive glass. Jherrell Jackson and Gage Hughes are a talented young backcourt. A couple transfers could also keep Coach Harold Tackett smiling this winter as well.

4. Ashland - Heavy losses to graduation have the Tomcats in an unfamiliar position this season: out of the preseason top 3. Coach Buddy Biggs will lean heavily on the regions best player Nick Miller and sharp-shooting guards Christian Villers to provide scoring and leadership. A group of players from the junior varsity level will be thrust into major roles this season. Their development will be vital.

5. Elliot County - The Lions, fresh off an appearance in the regional tournament, return four starters for Coach Greg Adkins. Twin guards Landon and Reese Griffith provide stability in the backcourt. Twin towers Collin Howell and Hunter Holbrook are physical post players that will cause opponents problems. Look for the Lions to make some noise.

6. East Carter - The defending 62nd District champion Raiders return some talent. Connor Greene can score in bunches and sophomore Cameron Sparks is a skilled combo guards. Donald Damron is a capable scorer but the key for a region title run might lie with post player Evan Brooks for Coach Brandon Baker.

7. Fairview - The Eagles look to make improvement behind talented big man Tanner Roy and speedy point guard Antwan Washington. Coach Derek Cooksey hopes the emergence of other talented youngsters can help them compete in the tough 63rd district.

8. Raceland - Coach Bob Trimble's Rams posted their first winning season in six years in 2013. Jacob Blair will lead the Rams along with sharpshooter Tyler Morris. A key for the Rams could be the return of some gridiron athletes to the squad. A return to the regional tourney would be a boost to the Ram progam.

9. Morgan County - Coach Matt Perry won't have to look far to see the key to the Cougars success. Son Jordan Perry can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. The question is who can help him?

10. Lewis County - Mr. March Joe Hampton will have to replace a great group of seniors that led the Lions to the region semis a year ago. Another blow was the loss of Isaac Weddington his best returning post player due to a torn ACL. Trenton Walker and Jake Parker provide experience for the Lion squad.

11. West Carter - Coach Jeremy Webb hopes the youth he played a season ago matures this season. 6'8" sophomore Ben Jordan and fellow post player Hayden Rowe will control the paint for the Comets. Athletic cousins Braden and Dustin Brown will man the backcourt.

12. Fleming County - First year coach Lamont Taylor inherits a depleted roster for the two-time defending region champion Panthers. One bright spot is talented big man Wilder Williams a double-double machine.

13. Russell - The Devils, under Coach Merle Kidwell, are probably a year away from returning to contention. Three-point specialist Ethan Raby returns along with some talented young players.

14. Menifee County - Coach Tim Swartz will try to get the Wildcats back to the regional tournament. A talented group of seniors led by Thomas Chaney will lead the way.

15. Bath County - First year coach Sean Noble will try to resurrect the Wildcat program. It will be an uphill battle.

16. Rose Hill - The days of OJ Mayo and Bill Walker are long gone. New coach Jacob Wells will try to get the Royals to a competitive level.

TOP 10 PLAYERS

1. Nick Miller - Ashland - Miller is a dual threat that plays in the post and can knock down the three.

2. Larry Whalen - Rowan - An athletic point guard with great size and passing skills.

3. Ryan Callahan - Rowan - This kid can score in bunches for the Vikings.

4. Jair Jackson - Greenup - A shot blocking machine that will increase his scoring this season.

5. Jordan Perry - Morgan - This do-it-all guard will light up the scoreboard for the Cougars.

6. Bobby Anderson -Boyd - The consummate point guard who can score when needed.

7. Wilder Williams -Fleming - This big man was a major factor in last years 16th region tourney.

8. Conner Guaze -Boyd - An underrated post that will be an anchor for the Lions this season.

9. Connor Greene -East Carter - A long range shooter with excellent quicks.

10. Jacob Blair -Raceland - Look for a breakout year for the Rams senior point guard.

Well done preview. Looking forward to tip off.

Great info. The 16th region will always hold a special place in my heart because that is the region I grew up in. I look forward to the notebook updates during the season.

Some of what this preview says is fine, but it is obvious that whoever wrote it doesn't know what they are talking about with Rowan County. The only name he got right was Larry Whelan (and imagine that, he is ranked #2). Braham? Justin Moore? Ryan? If you are going to be an expert...at least get the names right.

I will correct myself...he was 0 for 4 with Rowan County names. Whalen instead of Whelan!

Some of what this preview says is fine, but it is obvious that whoever wrote it doesn't know what they are talking about with Rowan County. The only name he got right was Larry Whelan (and imagine that, he is ranked #2). Braham? Justin Moore? Ryan? If you are going to be an expert...at least get the names right.

When are you posting yours? Can't wait to read that gem.

I've only seen 1 of the top 4 players. BUT if there are 4 players in that region better than Jordan Perry, then that region must be stronger than advertised.

Some of what this preview says is fine, but it is obvious that whoever wrote it doesn't know what they are talking about with Rowan County. The only name he got right was Larry Whelan (and imagine that, he is ranked #2). Braham? Justin Moore? Ryan? If you are going to be an expert...at least get the names right.

Graham was a typo. Callihan? Moore?

The top 10 teams I agree with but I would change the players a little bit. Miller, Callahan, Jackson, Perry, and Anderson are my top 5.

Just to be clear. Pretty decent preview. We all have our own order of top players...no big deal. My only point is that the boys bust their back sides to play this game and they do deserve to have their names spelled right. Just simply a courtesy. I see the typo with Graham. But it is Brandon Moore, Ryne Callahan and Larry Whelan. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

Sorry for the names. All three are fine players.

I've only seen 1 of the top 4 players. BUT if there are 4 players in that region better than Jordan Perry, then that region must be stronger than advertised.

This right here I completely agree with. I disagree with Miller being better than Perry. If Morgan benefits from an overseas import then they will be tough.

This right here I completely agree with. I disagree with Miller being better than Perry. If Morgan benefits from an overseas import then they will be tough.

I disagree.

I've only seen 1 of the top 4 players. BUT if there are 4 players in that region better than Jordan Perry, then that region must be stronger than advertised.

I agree. Jordan Perry is very good. No way there are 4 players in the region better.

Connor Messer, will he be playing basketball this year?