The Scribe

I hear his wife is from the Bell County area and that they threw a lot of money at him. Christian County is a good job for next year but there will be a drop off after next year.

I'm guessing less than 50% of the schools are reporting their stats. The KHSAA made the announcement on the first day of the season about syncing stats with GameChanger and MaxPreps. It took our coach two weeks to set up a MaxPreps account. And not every coach uses GameChanger. It can take up to 30 minutes to manually enter a game's stats on MaxPreps. Great idea. Execution, including waiting until the season starts to announce how to track and submit the stats, not so much.

Lawson is out with an ACL. Her best sport was softball so a big blow to the athletic program

Fort Campbell was 4-18 the past two seasons but showed improvement as this season progressed. He made the announcement at the conclusion of the team's banquet tonight. Here is the story on McKillip stepping down

I wonder if the Manual players that gave up the seven points will run extra today at practice

I think Calloway is a great compliment to Ware in that lineup. Several coaches I've talked to said Henderson could be a sleeper in the region if any of the 8th District teams have a hiccup.

Trigg junior guard Devron Triplet scored 37 points and added 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Fulton County got 12 points and 14 rebounds from Davis Major.

Caldwell County led by at one points. The Lyons scored the last 11 points of the game.

Detorrion Ware had 19 points and Coastal Carolina signee Jaylen Sebree added 18 for the Colonels.

South Oldham goes up 38-21 right before half

Still scoreless in the second quarter

South Oldham adds a score. Now 31-21

Tied 7-7 at halftime

13-0 Hazard at the half

Pulaski scores again. 24-21 South Oldham

Jackson had 168 rushing yards in the first quarter

Justice with a 10-yard TD run for Beechwood. 14-0

South Oldham leads 24-14 with 10 left in 2Q

Walker Wood throws a TD. Scott County leads 20-13 early in 2Q

John Hardin still up 7-0 with 9:00 left in first half

Scott County leads 20-7 late in 1Q

Still 13-0 Hazard late in 1Q

17-7 South Oldham, late in 1Q

Central had first and goal at the 5 but were turned back by E-town. No score. 1Q

Second Region Preview Stop me if you have heard this before, but the road to the Second Region basketball title runs through the Eighth District. Hopkinsville, University Heights, and defending champion Christian County are all ranked in the top 20 statewide, with only two of them able to advance to the region tourney and keep alive a streak that has seen an Eighth District school win every region title since 2001. Christian County has won seven region titles, Hopkinsville has won five, and UHA three region titles since Madisonville won the 2001 title. Despite losing the region player of the year Tyrik Edwards to graduation, the Colonels appear to have the horses to repeat as region champs in 2017. Hopkinsville also returns several starters from last year’s squad that lost to Christian County in both the district and region championship game. UHA has two of the top scorers in the state and could surprise some teams if they find some depth. Henderson County has suffered the most at the hands of the Eighth District, losing nine straight region championship game appearances since their last trip to the Sweet 16 in 1999. The Colonels expect to run more this year and could be the dark horse in the region. Most of the smaller schools in the region graduated their top players and aren’t expected to challenge the top four teams. 1. Hopkinsville (20-13) – Hoptown only lost four games inside the region last year – all to Christian County. The Tigers graduated just one starter from last year, guard Kourtney Ware, who is having a standout season at Dodge City Community College. Hoptown has the size to match Christian County and may actually have the advantage in the backcourt. Diminutive guard Stephen Cager turned up his game in the postseason last year and returns after averaging 12.4 points as a sophomore. Seniors Donaterius Parker and Josiah Patton along with junior Brandon Govan, a transfer from Christian County, team with Cager to give the Tigers a solid backcourt. The frontline features 6-2 junior Jalen Johnson (16 ppg., 3.7 rpg.) and 6-3 senior CJ Henangan (10 ppg., 5.9 rpg.), which is perhaps the most athletic in the region. 6-4 sophomore James Nicholas has battled injuries but could be the difference maker the Tigers need to get back to Rupp Arena after a one-year absence. As always, head coach Tim Haworth has put together a top-tier schedule to battle-test his team. The Tigers will make appearances in the Marshall County Hoop Fest, the Paducah Tilghman Christmas Tournament, the Next Level Hoops Fest in Nashville, and one day shootouts against Fern Creek and Warren Central. 2. Christian County (29-3) – The Colonels roared though the region with a perfect 17-0 record against other Second Region schools last year. Frankie Smith’s first season as head coach saw the Colonels get back to Rupp Arena for the first time since their 2011 state title run before they were unceremoniously bounced from the Sweet 16 in the first round by South Laurel. Christian County lost two key members of their backcourt with the graduation of Roland Butler and region player of the year Tyrik Edwards. Butler averaged seven points a game and was one of the Colonels’ top defenders. Edwards, who is a freshman at Jacksonville State University, scored 16.3 points and was another lockdown defender for the Colonels. The Colonels return an explosive front line in senior Jaylen Sebree and junior Detorrion Ware. The 6-5 Sebree, who has signed to play at Coastal Carolina, averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and shot 50-percent from the field. Ware is a 6-4 wingman who has unlimited range. He averaged 18 points a game and hit 81 three-pointers last year while shooting 51-percent from the field. Senior T’Aivey Mason (9.5 ppg.) is expected to run the point for the Colonels Cory Trice and JaQuon Long could also crash the starting lineup. Christian County will give fans around the state chances to see them play. The Colonels will play Graves County at the Marshall County Hoop Fest in December, Warren Central at the Wes Strader Schoolboy Shootout in February, and will make a trip to the King of the Bluegrass. If the Colonels can replace fill the backcourt void from last year, they could make a return visit to Rupp in March 3. University Heights (12-17) – The Blazers feature the top scoring tandem in the state, but a lack of contributors saw them go just 7-8 against region teams last year and fall to Hopkinsville in the district semifinals. Senior Tray Hollowell averaged 25.7 points on 28 shots per game last year. He led the region with 91 three-pointers made. The 6-2 slashing guard has offers from nearly a dozen schools, including St. Louis, Oklahoma State, Eastern Kentucky, Ohio, and East Tennessee State among others. Sophomore Kyky Tandy scored 26.4 points a game off nearly 26 shots per contest. His ability to get to the basket has seen the guard’s interest pick up over the summer. Oklahoma offered Tandy a scholarship offer in July, joining Western Kentucky and New Mexico State, where is father played basketball for two seasons. For the Blazers to have a shot at knocking off either Christian County or Hopkinsville in the district, they need big seasons from sophomores Traquan Hollowell and Drew McGowan. Hollowell averaged 8.2 points a game, while McGowan averaged 8.1 points. Malik Lovan, a 6-1 junior, and Jaylen Brown, a 5-8 sophomore, will also see their roles expand in 2017. If the Blazers can’t find consistent play from their fifth starter or their bench, they will miss out on the region tournament for the second straight season. 4. Henderson County (12-17) – The Colonels suffered through a rare losing season last year and was bounced from the region tournament by Christian County in the first round. However, the Colonels return six of their top seven scorers from last year. With just one senior on their roster, Henderson County could be poised to make a strong region run starting this year. The Colonels are expected to push the tempo more this season, led by junior guard DeAngelo Ware, who averaged 13.5 points and five rebounds last year. Ware’s athleticism could see him also lead the team in rebounds as well. Senior Rob Dawson (8.7 ppg.) and 6-6 sophomore D.J. Mitchell (8.7 ppg.) provide experience in the front court. Henderson County should also get a boost from junior guard Taye Calloway, who did not play last year but has looked impressive in the preseason. Junior Kordell Rollins (5.2 ppg.) gives Henderson a perimeter threat. Henderson averaged just 56 points a game last year, but could see a return to their glory days of the late 1990s when they pushed the tempo and scored in the 70s and 80s. Any success the Colonels enjoy this year sets them up for a breakout season in 2017-18. 5. Madisonville (22-8) – The Maroons return a wealth in the backcourt but will feature one of their smaller teams in recent memory. All-Region guard Javieon Eaves graduated and is now playing at Evansville. The Maroons also lost inside player Joseph Singleton and his 10 rebounds a game to graduation. Senior guard Noah Cunningham will be expected to shoulder more of the scoring load this year after scoring nearly five points a game last year. The 6-0 guard has already picked up offers from Transylvania, Centre, and Brescia. Conner Cline and Dylan Ashby both return after scoring four points a game last year. Key Hobgood should have an expanded role in the offense this year, and 6-4 Christian Fields provides some size inside. The Maroons may experience some growing pains early, but should have enough to repeat as district champions. 6. Union County (13-16) – The Braves lost a pair of playmakers from last year’s team but return enough workable parts to return to the region tournament for the first time in three seasons. 6-4 Junior Logan Thomas (11.8 ppg., 6.7 rpg.) is the top returning scorer for the Braves and gives them an inside presence the Sixth District lacks this year. Another 6-4 junior expected to contribute is Josh Girten, who averaged 4.6 ppg., 5.2 reb.). Sophomores Lincoln Sisk (2.2 ppg.) and Elex Dunford (5.2 ppg.) should also start the season as starters for first-year coach Shane Smith If Union County builds depth early in the season, they could challenge Henderson County for the district title. 7. Livingston Central (7-21) – Finishing will be the theme for a Livingston Central team that returns four starters from a team that lost six games by five or fewer points. The Cardinals need to find consistency from their starters, who are all capable of scoring in double figures when their game is clicking. 6-4 junior Seth Hosick is primed to have a breakout season for Livingston after averaging 8.9 points and 4.6 rebounds. Junior Cameron Dean led the team in scoring last year at 10.6 points a game and feasts inside on smaller teams. Sophomore point guard Cameron Head may prove to be the key to how far Livingston Central goes. He averaged 5.8 points a game but had trouble solving pressing teams. Junior Braxton Bebout and sophomore T-Roy Ringstaff give the Cardinals some returning depth. The next two seasons have been the ones fans in Smithland have been waiting for since their middle school days. With no seniors on the roster, this season could prove to be a nice-table setter for high expectations next year. 8. Hopkins County Central (8-17) – There weren’t many teams in the region more mercurial last year than the Storm. Hopkins Central returns three double-digit scorers from last year’s team and could be a surprise challenger in the Seventh District. Few teams could stop guard Damontae Barnhill, whose ability to slash to the basket saw him score 20.4 points per game, thanks to 117 free throw attempts and 127 field goal attempts. Mason Burgett (11.3 ppg.) and Jackson Porter (10.6 ppg.) give the Storm a fast backcourt than can press effectively. 6-4 Austin James (4.9 ppg.) is the only player taller than 6-2 on the roster, but expect the Storm to push the tempo with the number of guards on their roster. 9. Caldwell County (11-17) – The Tigers lost their big man Elijah Anderson to graduation but return just about everyone else from last year’s team that faded in the final three minutes of their region tourney loss to Trigg County. Senior guard Josh Wilkerson averaged 11.3 points last year and could be joined in the backcourt by a trifecta of Rileys. Trel Riley (5.7 ppg.), Javonte Riley (4.8 ppg.), and Jameer Riley (2.2 ppg.) will be interchanged in the Tiger lineup and provide quickness and athleticism. Senior Russel Brandon (6.5 ppg., 6.5 reb.) and sophomore Derrin Boyd (6.0 ppg., 2.0 reb.) both play taller than their size, but it could be enough for Caldwell considering their district is vertically challenged this year. If head coach Daniel Kukahiko can keep his roster intact and healthy, the Tigers could challenge both Madisonville and Hopkins County Central for a district title. 10. Lyon County (13-17) – The Lyons return four starters from last year’s team that took Trigg County to overtime in the district title game. While David Ray’s scoring will be missed, the Lyons are expecting sophomore Gabe Board (7.3 ppg.) and junior Max Wadlington (5.0 ppg., 5.0 reb.) to step into bigger scoring roles in 2017. 6-3 junior Hayden Murphy (4.4 ppg., 4.5 reb.) and 6-3 senior Josh Mincey (6.0 ppg., 4.6 reb.) give Lyon County decent size to match up in the Fifth District race. Senior guard Jack Rooyaker (6.0 ppg.) has started since his sophomore season but was plagued by inconsistent play last year. The Lyons have the shooters to compete with Livingston Central and Trigg County in the district. If they can play effectively within head coach Jeff Embrey’s system, they could bring home a district title. 11. Dawson Springs (8-21) – The Panthers return one of the top scorers in the region in 6-2 senior guard Dylan Simpson (20.7 ppg., 6.6 reb.). While he was the only double-digit scorer last year, the Panthers return virtually everyone from last year’s squad that was consistently overmatched. That shouldn’t be the issue this season with the return of 6-7 Justin Putman (9.9 ppg., 6.2 reb.) and Hunter Dyer (4.9 ppg., 3.0 reb.). Junior Kevin Brooks (7.4 ppg.) returns to run the point with Tanner Adams (4.9 ppg., 5.6 reb.) and Austin Clark (4.8 ppg.) also seeking more floor time. 6-4 freshman Braxton Cotton and 6-4 sophomore Cole Cunningham could give the Panthers a chance to use a taller lineup against certain opponents but will need to develop quickly. Last year, teams knew they could let Simpson get his and just shut everyone else down. That may not be as easy this year which could result in Dawson Springs approaching the .500 mark for the season. 12. Trigg County (21-8) – The Wildcats lost 52 points to graduation and return just one player who scored more than four points a game last year. The Wildcats’ roster is guard-heavy and does not feature the size that has carried them to four straight district titles – the last three under head coach Payton Croft. Junior guard Devron Triplet (9.9 ppg., 3.8 reb.) will be expected to take on a larger scoring role this year. He has a nice inside-outside game and could double his scoring output from last year. Senior Haydon Daniel (2.5 ppg., 2.5 reb.) is a three-year starter who will also be expected to score more for the Wildcats. Junior Tyson Bush (1.0 ppg., 1.0 reb.) will also see more floor time. The Wildcats were dealt a big blow when junior guard Kirome Bingham (3.4 ppg.) suffered a knee injury in the preseason and could miss most of the season. Juniors Connor Barnes, Nick Ahart, and Micah Brown will try and fill the void with the loss of Bingham. Croft has been pleased with the progression of his team throughout the summer into the fall. However, they lack serious size to match up with the bigger teams in the region. The Wildcats will need a big developmental jump if they are to win their fifth straight district title. 13. Webster County (25-5) – No coach in the region does more with less than Jon Newton. That theory will be put to the test as the long-time Trojan coach must replace seven seniors that were the nucleus of one of the school’s most successful runs. Junior guard Chatman Ellis (8.2 ppg.) is the only returning player who scored more than two points a game last year. The Trojan roster features several seniors who saw limited or no playing time last year as well as several sophomores and freshmen that will see extended time as Newton builds for the future. 14. Crittenden County (5-24) – The Rockets look to swap a grinding style for a more up-tempo offense this year. Crittenden doesn’t have much size and will look to sophomore Gavin Dickerson (7.4 ppg., 3.7 reb.) and junior Logan Belt (5.8 ppg.) to do their dirty work although Belt will miss some time early with a hand injury. Sophomore Devon Nesbitt and senior Will Tolley (4.8 ppg.) will see expanded roles in the backcourt. 15. Fort Campbell (1-22) – Fort Campbell basketball is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you are going to get. Such is life on a military installation where players can come and go. Senior guard Kevin Moon was the Falcons’ leading scorer last year and should get help from juniors Denoris Buchanan and Julian Roberts. Fort Campbell is the victim of playing in the toughest district in the state. They are also too big to play in the All-A Classic so any chances of any tournament success are slim to none. Top Players in the Region Kyky Tandy (University Heights) – Already has several D1 offers and is expected to have an even bigger sophomore season – if that is possible. Jaylen Sebree (Christian County) – May see some more time on the wing facing the basket after signing with Coastal Carolina. Tray Hollowell (University Heights) -- The senior guard still hasn’t signed with a college but should have another huge year for UHA. Detorrion Ware (Christian County) – The 6-4 wing is in range as soon as he steps foot in the gym. CJ Henangan (Hopkinsville) – Had a nice breakout season last year and could average a double-double this year. Jalen Johnson (Hopkinsville) – Maybe the best all-around athlete in the region. Hoptown goes as he goes. DeAngelo Ware (Henderson County) – Could be the most improved player in the region and will likely lead Henderson in both scoring and rebounding this year. Stephen Cager (Hopkinsville) – Saw his stock rise in postseason play as a spark plug, then scorer. Wreaks havoc in the press. Dylan Simpson (Dawson Springs) – Best player on a bad team last year. With an improved supporting cast, how will that affect his game? Damontae Barnhill (Hopkins County Central) – His ability to get to the basket and finish makes him one of the best guards in the region. Devron Triplet (Trigg County) – Like Ware from Henderson, his improvement will be on display this year. Noah Cunningham (Madisonville) – Heady player that will see a much expanded role this year. Logan Thomas (Union County) – Hard worker in the paint that is poised to have a breakout season. Seth Hosick (Livingston Central) – Has a nice touch in the paint and a nose for rebounds. Cameron Head (Livingston Central) – Compliments teammate Seth Hosick well and should lead the Fifth District in scoring.