8th Region Warrior

Once again something in place that is uniform for the entire state. When it comes to post season it should be the same for all schools. Indiana has complete control over there post season as they should in my opinion.

I will agree that when it comes to post season, everyone should be on the same playing field. I was discussing this very thing with some other coaches. Point differential in district seed games is good, I also like points allowed in district seed games. Just ridiculous how some are done now. The argument in some of the districts playing twice is how bad the other teams are in the district compared to a power house team that wins all other 6 games by 30 plus. The power house team wants to go out and use those 3 games against big time competition. The flip side the other way is a bad team goes to region based on a draw/flip and another team gets a gimme game in regional first round, making path easier to finals of region.

Thank you Spindoc, just trying to get out the info :ylsuper:

Last week of the regular season...What a ride thus far and with our region we have some great match ups in district play. Valentines day this week could mean heart break for teams heading into tournament play. Let us not overlook some games that we have this upcoming week. Most of the coaches like a challenging game this week to sharpen the saw to say, while others may like to slide into district play. My hopes are that all players stay healthy this last week, and others get healthy as we make the push for the regional tourney at the Roy. We had a wild week in the 8th region that saw some of our top teams stumble a bit, but as I said earlier, hard to gauge certain losses because of injury's or sickness to players. Some like to compare scores and that will do nothing but give you a head ache. High school kids day to day, come with a lot of uncertainty :no: This weeks ranking are based on who is hot right now, I am not concerned with what happened in December or even January for the most part, and I know that will spark some interest :popcorn: 1. Oldham County Colonels- (23-5) Oldham went on the road and beat a much improved Desales team in a hard fought game, lost to CAL, then the next day thumped Meade County by 30. What a week for the Colonels. They have been challenged on the road the last week or so. Some may see it as a bump in the road or the Colonels are vulnerable.. you see what I think, they are still #1 in my rankings. Close games prepare you for March. The colonels have 1 game this week, Owen County on Thursday. A good week to get better and get some needed rest for a stretch run. 2. South Oldham Dragons- (22-4) The Dragons seem to be hitting their stride as they destroyed Eminence, and then they went to the dreaded 5th region and Central Hardin beat the Dragons. The Dragons responded by defeating Owen County to round out the week. The Dragons round out this week by playing Walton Verona and Williamstown. Jo Griffin was watched by Coach Pitino this past week, it is awesome to see a kid that has worked as hard as Jo has to get some attention, and as I have said before I could see him walking on there next year. Coach Pitino loves Kentucky kids and they have always made an impact for him. 3. Walton Verona Bearcats- (22-5) Take notice 8th region, this team is dangerous because of their style of play, a very good coach, kids who understand their roles. They are 15-1 in their last 16 games, yes it is a weaker schedule than most team in the 8th, but they have taken care of business none the less. The Bearcats defeated Lloyd Memorial, Henry County and St. Henry this week. A big game against the South Oldham boys this week will gauge where this team really is. Throw in Augusta and Carroll County this week and they are going to be busy. The Bearcats will play Simon Kenton in the district tourney so a HOT team will be going home early. 4. North Oldham Mustangs-(17-10) This is another team that is dangerous to folks in the region. They are 10-1 in their last 11 games with a loss coming at South Oldham, a game that they were in until about 2 minutes left. They have some talented guards that can flat play, and guards win tournament games. The Mustangs defeated Owen and Meade County this week. A big game to see where they are this week against Collins. They also have Henry and go to Desales to end the week, so they will be tested for sure. 5. Collins Titans- (19-9) This Collins team hopes they can get healthy, get some chemistry back and make a run to win this region. As I said earlier this team in my opinion when healthy, and firing on all cylinders is the best team in the region, but right now they are off a little bit, and that all can change in a flash. The Titans lost both games this week to Desales and St. Xavier, both really good teams. They have a busy upcoming week with North Oldham and CAL, both who are red hot. I am hearing that the Titans got Fort back from injury, it will take some time to get rust off, but still are missing Feltner. When both were out that is 23 points per game the Titans were missing. 6. Simon Kenton Pioneers- (14-12) This Pioneers team is playing better. Went to Campbell County and won this week, and beat Anderson County also. They are peeking at the right time, and that is all that matters come tournament time. After this weekend records are 0-0, I would not want to play them right now. They got contributions from Andrew Robinson and Neice this week, and as I said earlier that is what they needed to get over the hump. The Pioneers have Cov Cath and Holmes this week, so we will see if they stay hot. Simon plays a brutal schedule and does not get any credit for that, possibly 2 state tournament teams in the last 2 weeks of the season, not to bad. 7. Spencer County Bears- (18-8) The Bears dropped a couple spots, not because they are playing bad but because others are playing better. They defeated Shelby County and Louisville Collegiate this week, however lost to Rock Creek Indiana. The Bears have Bethlehem and Bullitt Central this week before heading into districts. Be careful travelling to the 5th region Bears, tough to win there. The Bears are young, so Coach Burns job this week is to regain focus and attention to detail, and he will. Do not look a head to Anderson County just yet. 8. Anderson County Bearcats- (15-11) The Bearcats may have started top of the region this pre-season, but they have fallen to #8 this week, however that does not change the fact that they can get hot and play for a regional championship. No one can predict transfers, sickness, injury, etc. Too much good coaching, and Cobe Penny is not going away come tourney time. The Bearcats beat Carroll, Owen County, and lost to Simon in Independence. They have Western Hills and Franklin County this week. If the Bearcats can find someone else to score they will be a hard out. 9. Gallatin County Wildcats- (16-11) The Wildcats and Coach Jones have put together a nice season, but if I know Jon Jones, he is eyeing a district championship and a regional run. The Wildcats stumbled a bit but it was because Wilson was out with an injury, he is slowly coming back as he played against Trimble County. Rassman starting to heat up gives them a 1-2 punch. The Wildcats defeated Trimble and Villa Madonna this week, they host Beechwood, and Shelby County this week. 10. Williamstown Demons- (15-13) The Demons have an injury to Stanley, and it set them back this week, I hope he gets healthy as this Demon team can make the regional tourney in my opinion. The Demons lost to Pendleton, Bracken and Carroll County this week. The Bracken game was an Double OT thriller. They have Owen County and South Oldham this week, but their man objective get Stanley healthy. 11. Grant County Braves- (13-15) The schedule for the Braves got a little difficult these last 2 weeks, as they lost to Scott County, Boone County, and Conner. I think playing hard teams may make the Braves a hard out come district tourney time. The Braves have Owen County and Beechwood this week, as they get ready for Williamstown in the district tournament. 12. Shelby County Rockets- (6-20) The Rockets just have not been able to put it together this season. They have lots of seniors but they have not had any chemistry all year. They have talent to win, and I know that has to worry the Titans as it is a rival game in the district tournament. The Rockets defeated Henry County in a hard fought game this week, but lost to Spencer making them the #4 seed. They have Desales and Gallatin this week, both will be tough, as they travel to Warsaw and face the Wildcats. 13. Henry County Wildcats-(9-18) This team has been so close yet so far away, just not consistent. However they will host the district and will play the #14 team in my rankings, it is a rival game so throw it up in the air, who knows. The Wildcats lost to Shelby County, and Walton Verona this week making it 5 straight losses. They play Trimble and North Oldham this week. The Hinkle kid deserves to be on the all region team, I hope he gets some votes. 14. Eminence Warriors- (13-12) The Warriors lost this week badly to South Oldham, but finished out the year with a win over Trimble. The warriors are idle this whole week, no games at all, so they can either get rusty or put in some wrinkles for the Wildcats next week. 15. Owen County Rebetls- (6-20) Been a tough year for the Rebels, they have lost some close games all season. They have lost 11 in a row, losing to North Oldham, Anderson and South Oldham this week. The Rebels have Grant County, Williamstown and Oldham this week. Another long, and tough week. 16. Carroll County Panthers- (6-20) The Panthers got 2 wins this week over Bellevue and Williamstown and lost to Anderson County. They will face Owen County in the play in 4/5 game for the right to play Gallatin County in the tournament. 17. Trimble County Raiders- (3-22) The Raiders lost to Gallatin and Eminence this week, and have Thomas Nelson, Henry County this week to round up the season. The Raiders will face Oldham County in the district tourney. Player of the Week: Zach Kelch of Simon Kenton Zach averages 12.8ppg, and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, and led the Pioneers to some big wins this week. Zach posted 19 points against Campbell County in the win over the top team from the 10th region. Games to Watch this week: Covington Catholic @ Simon Kenton 2/14 7:30 Walton Verona @ South Oldham 2/13 7:30 Collins @ North Oldham 2/14 7:30

Oldham North Oldham South Oldham Trimble All No

Collins No Shelby No Anderson No Spencer No Henry Yes Owen No Eminence No Just some I know

Me too Tommy, BUT, I still think they are dangerous. There was no way of seeing the issues of their seasons. When we do these pre-season deals we have no idea of injury's, sickness, sometimes transfers etc. I am happy for our region as there will be some great games

I believe the last time that Garrard hosted it they cleared the gym and everyone paid to get back in. Lincoln and Pulaski are 2 good venues to host. Most regions except for 2-3 I believe play on a college floor and it helps them at Rupp in my opinion. I know here in the 8th region it is at Henry Co, and they host it fine.

Well first of all Johnny Bench as your screen saver makes you awesome, one of my favorites, but the 8th region is top heavy with 3 teams, and them 4-10 can beat anyone on a given night. There will be no gimmys 1. Oldham 2. South Oldham 3. Collins (if they are healthy I would put them #1) 4. Walton Verona 5. Spencer 6. Anderson 7. Simon Kenton (dangerous right now) 8. North Oldham 9. Williamstown 10. Gallatin

Let' say this, if Mercer brings A game, NO, if they don't play well, yes

Henry vs. Eminence Anderson vs. Spencer North vs. South Walton vs. Simon Grant vs. Williamstown Now that is some great first round games

Pitino was there last night, they played against Eminence, and Dale Brown who played for Coach Pitino at Ky, is the coach. As I said earlier, Coach Pitino always finds a kid like Jo Griffin aka David Levitch, and to be honest Griffin is better in high school than David was so, a nice walk on it would be in my opinion. I do think Simon is turning the corner, will be dangerous in Henry County, however they do have Williamstown first game of the district I believe at Williamstown, who beat them once. I just don't see Simon losing to them again.

As Lee Corso would say...."not so fast my friend". I would not count out a hall of fame coach, with alot of district championships, and regional titles, oh by the way the court is named after him. This will be the best first round game of the districts, should be a chess match for sure. Will come down to the last 1-2 minutes I imagine. Like both coaches a ton, hope the referee's allow the kids to decide.

Glad to see Coach Steiner and the Neers get this win, they have been playing better lately. Getting hot at the right time!! Good job players and coaches!

Calm down Papa I am not saying there is not talent in the county of Shelby, I am saying it is not close to being what it was, (1) regional title since the split, and that is for Collins, big upset in my opinion, Coach Gaither did a great job that tourney. Shelby has made regional tourney I think twice, this coming from a county that has 15-16 regional titles. However there are some good young kids in the system, keeping them in Shelby is harder than you think. Most go to Louisville for AAU basketball and never return. Yes they lost Rice and Hicks, I will even throw in Lionell Gaines he also went to Shelby West. But other schools lose kids to in the 8th region to Trinity, I know the Oldham's have lost several, heck Anderson lost a big piece this year. Now I will address your other stuff, they are not top 3 in the region without Cochran period. He is a top player in the region and has packed them at times this season, I would still think they are capable of winning the region as I think they have some good young kids coming up, but they wouldn't be a favorite. A state title with Hicks and Rice, I don't think so either, that is the year you got Dez Marshall, and (2) kids from Chicago if I recall, so it all works out in the wash. Players lost: Gaines, Conley, Rice, Hicks Players Gained: Cochran, Marshall (all time leading scorer), (2) kids from Chicago I think last name was smith, Jackson Test (Australia) Like I said all works out in the wash

To be honest they are some young good kids at both schools, but losing kids like a Daryl Hicks or a Conley will hurt any team. Collins had benefited from transfers, plain and simple, they have at least 5-6 in the last 5 years, Cochran this season. If he isn't there they are not in the conversation I think. Shelby lost Gordon last year and it killed them as well. I would say that basketball in general is not good in the county.

Where has this season gone? It seems as it has moved really quick or I am just getting older. Coaches are tired, players are tired, BUT anticipation of best part of the season is coming up. Everything teams have worked for will be dangling in front of them in two weeks. Throw records out the window, as a new season begins in the Bluegrass state. In the 8th region it is really hard to say who will be playing in Roy Winchester gymnasium. The #2, vs. #3 match-ups in all districts should be great games to watch. Any of those teams can make the journey to Henry County in a couple weeks.:popcorn: 1. Oldham County Colonels (21-4) The Colonels are the hottest team in our region. They are finding ways to win games, and that points to a team that is a favorite to represent the 8th at Rupp. The 29th district arguably has 3 of the 4 best teams in it right now. Colonels got wins over Simon Kenton, and Louisville Eastern and showed some toughness in both games. Simon gave them a scare as I thought they would if they could handle the pressure. The size of the Pioneers will be an issue for some teams moving forward. The Big 4 is what I call Jones, Jackson, Henderson and Larimore, the question "who to take away"? Will be a hard one to answer. Ryan Heelen is another kid that just makes plays when he has too. Colonels have Desales, and CAL this week. 2. South Oldham Dragons (20-3) It appears that the Dragons have righted the ship somewhat, but their schedule has let the benefit of getting back into a flow of knocking down 3's, making teammates better, and getting the transition points that make the Dragon's so good. The Dragon's got a big win over district rival North Oldham, a game that will see a rematch in a couple weeks, and a win over a beat up Gallatin County team. The Dragon's have 3 guys that can just go nuts if you let them in Griffin, Young, and Franklin. Griffin is my vote for POY if I had one. Does it all for the Dragon's. South has Eminence, Central Hardin and Owen this week. The Central Hardin game will be a test for the Dragon's. 5th region, all I have to say about that...:isurrender: 3. Collins Titans (19-7) One more win and the Titans have won 20 games yet again. Word on the street is they are getting close to be healthy and that bodes well for these Titans. The Titans beat Harrison and Owen County this week, and have a tough last 4 games of the season. We have mentioned the top 2 teams as having 3-4 kids that can hurt you, well this Titans team has 4-5 that can hurt you. Cochran and Turner get a lot of attention as they should, BUT Fort, Feltner, and McKnight all are capable of big nights. The loss of Fort and Feltner has allowed teams to get zoned more, and took away that paint area, when those 2 are back it will be tough on the 8th region teams. The Titans have Desales and St. Xavier this weekend. 4. Walton Verona Bearcats (19-5) The Bearcats are approaching the 20 win season mark, what a job Coach Brannen has done with this team. The Bearcats defeated Whitfield Academy, Grant County, and Trimble County this week. They played really well against Grant County and played awful the next day against Trimble. I worry about their team speed against these 3 teams ranked above them, but they have size and a style that wins them games. The Bearcats have Lloyd, St. Henry and Henry County. We will see what they are made of next week as they travel to Crestwood and play the Dragons. 5. Spencer County Bears (16-7) The Bears remain in my 5 spot this week after beating Carroll and Henry County. I worry about their schedule that remains and if they are going to be challenged these last 5 games. As the season ends competition is very important as you see the Oldham, and Collins schedule above. Coke and Cannon lead this team in scoring, Wheeler, a senior is their leader, and the nucleus of young talent makes them dangerous. Coach Burns gets the most out of them, a trip to Roy extra important moving forward. The Bears have Shelby County, Rock Creek Indiana, and Louisville Collegiate this week. If the Bears win over Shelby County they are #2 seed and will face Anderson in the district tourney, however a loss and we have a 3 way tie for 2nd place. 6. North Oldham Mustangs (15-10) This teams is starting to put it together. They have been impressive since the return of Henry to the line-up. South and Oldham both beat the Mustangs, but were in a dog fight heading into the 4th quarter. They have won 8 of their last 9 games. The Mustangs lost to South and beat Carroll County this week. They have Owen and Meade this week. The Mustangs continue to be led by Henry and Wheeler, if they continue to get production from Yates it makes them better. Rebounding worry's me for this Mustang team. 7. Williamstown Demons (15-10) Speaking of teams that are putting it together, this Demon team has won 7 of 8 as well, with the only loss coming to Walton by 1 in Bearcat country. Coach Harden has done a great job with this team, they lost one of their best players (Cipillone) prior to the start of the season to Lloyd, and it took them a while to learn to play without him, and they are doing that well now. Demons with wins over Gallatin, Trimble and Ryle, impressive Demons! They have Pendleton, Bracken and Carroll this week. (2) 10th region teams that have Allen and Crawford, 2 D-1 players. Making this week challenging but preparing them for end of the month. Stanley, Jump and Good, are having good years for the Demons. 8. Anderson County Bearcats (13-10) I know some people assumed that the Bearcats would be heavy favorites this season, and they may get hot in a couple weeks and win the whole thing, after all they did get to the final last year and no one thought they would. Bearcats still have one of the best coaching staff's around and one of the best players in Penny, so you better not count them out. When you have distractions, and they have had their share starting with Gillis transferring to get it stared, it can be challenging to say the least. The Bearcats beat Gallatin County, and lost to Lincoln, and Frankfort. They went to Stanford and played well at times, but the Frankfort loss is a head scratcher. The Bearcats are looking for consistency on offense when Penny doesn't score. They have Carroll, Owen and Simon Kenton this week. 9. Simon Kenton Pioneers (12-12) The Pioneers are showing life, beating Owen County this week and being tied with Oldham under 1 minute left shows the Pioneers are not going away so easy. If the younger kids like Neice can play like they did vs. the Colonels they will be at the Roy in a couple weeks. If Neice is anything like his sister he is a competitor and will be a very good player for the Neers. The Neers have Campbell County and Anderson this week, 2 tough ones. The Pioneers play a brutal schedule, if they had some other's schedule would people still be complaining?? They are still led by Hawkins and Kelch, but as I have said all year, they need help. If they start getting it, look out. 10. Grant County Braves (13-12) This Braves team has been up and down this last week, but have a shot at getting to the Roy as they have defeated Willamstown and Simon this year. They lost (2) this week to Walton Verona and Mercer County. The Walton game was never close, a huge rival when those 2 play each other. The Braves have Conner, Scott County and Boone this week, so a hard week for sure. 11. Gallatin County Wildcats( 14-11) The Wildcats have had a tough week but when they do not have the services of Wilson an all region player that is hard to overcome. The Wildcats are also in the brutal stretch of their season as well. Hopefully they will get Mason back for post season play and be dangerous at the Roy. The Wildcats lost to Williamstown, Anderson, and South Oldham this week. They have Trimble and Villa Madonna this week, so Wilson may still be resting. 12. Henry County Wildcats (9-16) This Wildcats team just can not find consistency, BUT could find themselves playing in their own gym in a couple weeks at the regional tourney. Hinkle continues to have a good season for the Wildcats. Henry County will play Eminence in the #2, #3 slate at Henry County in the district tourney and should be a dandy. Henry lost to Grant County and Spencer this week. They have Walton and Shelby this week. They will have a chance to move up some spots in my rankings. 13. Eminence Warriors (12-11) Coach Brown has done a good job in his first season. The Warriors have one of the best players in the region in Jenkins, and have split the 2 meetings with Henry County, their opponent in the tourney in 2 weeks. The Warriors are up and down as most of the 6-15 teams are in the ranking. They lost to Lloyd, and Spencer but defeated Carroll County this week. The Warriors have South Oldham and Trimble this week. 14. Shelby County Rockets (5-19) Coach Cates has 7 seniors, and they just do not act like seniors should on the court. Loser's of 7 straight, and just not showing consistency for 4 quarters. The Rockets have some young kids that are developing and could be dangerous in a couple weeks. Armstrong continues to lead the Rockets, he is one senior that they have that will battle you for 32 minutes. TJ Robinson has a bright future for the Rockets. I believe that their JV won districts this week for the second year in a row. The Rockets lost to Atherton, Frankfort and Central Hardin this week. They have a big one at Spencer this week, and go to Henry County on Friday. 15. Owen County Rebels (6-17) The Rebels have lost 8 straight, and have 10 losses by 9 points or less, they have been in a lot of games all year, that they probably shouldn't, and that is a testament to Coach Duvall and his staff. This team can beat anyone in their district and if they can win the district, people throw record's out the window. They lost to Simon, Collins and Bourbon this week, a brutal stretch of 2 year contracts from last years team. They have North, South and Anderson this week, a tough stretch for sure. 16. Carroll County Panthers (4-19) The Panthers are loser of 14 straight, and that can take a toll on the coaching staff and the players, but they are still battling each night. The Panther lost to Spencer and North Oldham this past week, 2 of the better teams in the region. They have Anderson, Williamstown and Bellvue this upcoming week. The Panthers are led by McMahan 18.3 ppg, and considering he gets the best defender every night he has still managed around 450 points this season. 17. Trimble County (3-20) The Raiders have lost 20 games this season, and continue to fight every possession. They lost to Evangel Christian, Walton and Williamstown this week. They played Walton well this weekend only losing by 8. The Raiders have Gallatin and Eminence this week and hope to find another win. Player of the week: Cobe Penny from Anderson County. Penny averaged 22ppg in the last 3 games and continues to lead this Bearcat team. Anderson will have a chance in every game with him on the floor. Games of the Week: Shelby County @ Spencer County 2/7/17 7:30 (battle for seeding) Anderson County @ Simon Kenton 2/10/17 7:30 St. Xavier @ Collins 2/11/17 7:30 Pendleton @ Williamstwon 2/6/17 7:30 (come see D. Allen, one of the best young players in the state) Simon Kenton @ Campbell 2/7/17 7:30 Best team in the 10th region vs. 8th region

Who is hurt for Highland's?

Can Mason play against Anderson?

Hope Mason is ok, he is a good player.

Don't really think some kids were gelling with team. They lost Gillis and gained a couple, sometimes gaining kids can hurt your nucleus, and losing Gillis hurt them more than they realized. Gunner averaged around 8-10ppg, and 8-9 rebounds.

Can you say STUD, that is what she is, an absolute pleasure to watch. Congrats Ally!

February is here!! For most teams districts will start on or around the 20th, what teams are going to gel? Who will get hot and win the 8th region in 2017? There are 3-4 teams as of right now with the hot hand, that does not mean something can change in these last 3 weeks of the season. This month usually contains senior night as well for kids and maybe their last home game of their career, a reflection on some of our seniors in the 8th region and what they have meant to the region. Who is going to POY in the 8th region? How about COY? All are some questions that I will address in our summary before district play begins. I hope everyone stays healthy as the make "the run to Rupp". The DRAW for the state tourney is Feb 1st, lets hope we get a favorable draw for once. 1. Oldham County Colonels They are keeping the #1 spot, and with 19 wins going into February why not? Their schedule has been hard and should pay off down the stretch, keeping the Colonels focused is Coach Zerhusen's job rest the way. Their defense is stifling and just wears on you as the game goes on. How about Jackson Gibson? Maybe the best true PG in the region, he has to be an all region player, and in consideration for POY next season for sure. He gets teammates involved and scores when he has too. Colonels got wins vs. Shelby, KCD, and an OT win at Central Hardin. They play Louisville Eastern and Simon Kenton this week. 2. Collins Titans Getting healthy and doing it fast is what Coach Gaither hopes happens these last couple weeks. Some of the younger kids have played a lot the last 3-4 weeks and will do nothing but help the Titans moving forward. The Titans are led by Cochran and Turner, who are match up problems for the rest of the region, and a PG in McKnight that will be special for the next 3-4 years. They lost to Woodford by 1 on the road and got a big win vs. Anderson, which secured the #1 overall seed in the district. They have Male, Owen and Harrison this week. 3. South Oldham Dragons The Dragons appear to have got rid of team sickness and injury's as they got 3 wins over North Bullitt, Iroquios, and Carroll County this past week. Still being led by Griffin, Franklin, and Young in scoring, but others are starting to produce as well. The Dragons got North Oldham and Gallatin this week, and may not show alot of stuff to the Mustangs as they will play each other in the district tourney in a couple weeks. 4. Walton Verona Bearcats This team has played some good basketball the last couple weeks and represented our region well at the All A. They got a win over Danville in the opening round and went toe to toe with Lexington Christian for 27 minutes until losing by 15, that score was a lot closer than it ended up. They are led by Miles, but Clinkenbard has really stepped up lately to lead this young team. They also beat Williamstown in a thriller before the All A tourney started. They have Trimble, Whitfield Academy and Grant County this week. Will they have the All A let down? 5. Spencer County Bears The Bears are improving and hoping to make the regional tourney this year, especially for their younger kids, gaining that experience is ultra important. They do not know if they are the 2,3,4 seed right now, as they have a game left with Shelby County later on. However this team will be a hard out for anyone the rest of the way. They beat Eminence and got a huge win over Anderson, lost to CAL at the end of the week. They have Carroll and Henry County this week. 6. North Oldham Mustangs As I mentioned on several occasions, this team is dangerous and will be a hard out rest the way. Winners of 7 straight, and some impressive wins to say the least. Mustangs have 2 guards that can flat out beat you in Henry and Wheeler. They beat North Bullitt, and John Hardin this week. A big one with South Oldham this week and Carroll County. I contemplated moving them up to the 4/5 range, after this week they will have that chance. 7. Anderson County Bearcats Can we please take a famous word from Aaron Rodgers "Relax", the hard part is the Packers got hot late in the year, can the Bearcats do the same? They obviously have dealt with some internal stuff, made some decisions and are moving on. Can they have some younger kids step up? I do not see why not, as other teams are seeing the fruits of their freshmen/sophomores right now. Cobe Penny will need some help moving forward if they are going anywhere in the tourney. Garmon has to be more of a factor down the stretch. They lost to Spencer and Collins this week, and they too don't know what seed they are 2,3,4? The have Gallatin, Frankfort and Lincoln this week. I am anxious to see the Gallatin game results against a team that I think will be at the regional tourney. 8. Gallatin County Wildcats The Wildcats are putting together a nice season. Jon has to be up for COY honors in my opinion, coming off 2 hard seasons, and putting this team in spots to win games. They are still being led by Mason Wilson who has to be an all region selection. The Wildcats defeated Henry County and Lloyd Memorial this week. They have a chance to prove themselves this week vs. Williamstown, Anderson County and South Oldham. A rough stretch for sure, but the Wildcats want to be tested late in the year, something Coach Jones has always done. 9. Williamstown Demons Playing better and have their eyes focused on making the regional tourney. I have been around this region for almost 20 years and can not recall the Demons being involved BUT they also was in a district with Scott County in the past. Some history guy "Calling Colonel Mike" can help maybe. The Demons lost Walton in a great game, and beat Henry County this week. They have Gallatin, Trimble and Ryle this upcoming week. 10. Grant County Braves The Braves are one of the good story's of our region this year, a pleasant surprise. They got a win over East Jessamine in OT, and lost to Scott High this week. They placed 4 guys in double figures in their win. They have Henry, Walton and a very good Mercer County team this week. 11. Simon Kenton Pioneers This team is needing someone to step up besides their big 2 in Kelch and Hawkins. They too can get hot and be dangerous in the tourney, with 2-3 weeks left in the season they better move it along. They got 2 wins over Harrison and Boone County, and lost a close one to Dixie Heights. They have Owen and Oldham this week. If Hawkins can handle the pressure of the Colonels that score might be interesting. 12. Eminence Warriors The up and down roller coaster that are the Warriors. They beat Carroll, and Owen this week, lost to Spencer County. They are led still by Jenkins around 28ppg, one of the tops in the state. They have Llyod Memorial this week, and only 2-3 games left for the year. They could get rusty or improve, either way they know they got Henry County first game of the district, those 2 split in regular season, districts are played in the ROY. 13. Shelby County Rockets Been a rough year for the Rockets, they have 7 seniors, and just do not seem to have that leader in the locker room. Can they be a threat here on out? I think yes, they have a new coach and that takes time to develop chemistry, they have some talent, but time is running out. The Rockets took a beat down to Oldham, and lost at Western Hills. They have a favorable schedule moving forward, they have Atherton, Frankfort and Central Hardin this week. 14. Henry County Wildcats These Wildcats are hard to figure out. They have beaten some teams ahead of them in my ranking and them they will lose to someone that makes you scratch your head. They lost to Gallatin, and Williamstown, and got a win over Owen. They have Grant County and Spencer this week, a chance to prove themselves. 15. Owen County Rebels I was so used to putting the Rebels at #1, #2 it just seems odd to put them down here. Being at a smaller school these things happen. But look for Coach Duvall to build and be back at some point. The Gallatin boys suffered through it the last couple seasons. They lost to Grant, Eminence and Henry this week, all within about 3-5 points, so they are close. They have shot I think at upsetting someone, so be careful with the Rebels. They have a hard schedule coming up, Simon Kenton, Bourbon and Collins. They made their schedule hard last year for that group and are paying the price this last month. 16. Carroll County Panthers The Panthers have lost 12 straight, Ryle, Eminence, and South Oldham this past week. They too are going through that small school cycle. They have Spencer and Norht Oldham this week so it does not get any easier. 17. Trimble County Raiders The Raiders lost to Western Hills, and Frederick Fraize BUT they got a win over Brown, and we are happy for the Raiders. They have Evangel, Williamstown and Walton Verona this week. Player of the Week: Jackson Gibson for Oldham County Colonels- Jackson averaged 15ppg in the Colonels 3 wins this week, and has led them to an undefeated record in the 8th region and a record of 19-4. His teammate Zack Larimore pumped in 38 points, 13 rebounds (16-20 FG) against KCD as well!! Games of the Week: North Oldham @ South Oldham Jan 31st Oldham @ Simon Kenton Feb 3rd Collins @ Male Jan 31st Grant County @ Walton Verona PART 2 Anderson @ Gallatin County Feb 1st

Both are special kids period. It is a shame that only one of them can get this award. They play on the EYBL Ky Premier team together and they shine as teammates, fun to watch. One is a scorer/shooter, one is a lock down defender score if she has to leader. I have watched Penn neutralize some of the best guard in the country, not just Ky. And I have watched Duvall score on just about anybody. I am going use the famous words of Radio "Radio want both"

Not happening Hoop Junkie, I have heard that before, Coach Burns will be at Spencer, loves his job and administration. Can not blame him.