Basketball Jones

No word yet, sir. In a bit of an oddity, WEB Dubois has a team but not a region. On the other hand, Piarist and Riverside Christian don't have teams but they've been placed in regions. Stay tuned. Current Basketball Alignment | Kentucky High School Athletic Association (khsaa.org)

Some final individual scrimmage numbers for Pleasure Ridge Park vs. Ballard: Keith Robinson 35 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal Jakob Dixon 19 points Malachi Hamilton 11 points Greg Cole 5 points Shawn Irvin 4 points Nai Quan Williams 3 points Nolan Haley 2 points (Robinson recently had an unofficial visit at Austin Peay University.)

Bath County's Zack Otis had 77 points in his first two scrimmages (38.5 ppg). Yikes. He's ready for a big year. He was 37th in the state in scoring last season with 21.8 points per game and 21st in points scored with 697. According to KHSAA stats, he has 1,738 career points (697 as a junior, 562 as a sophomore, 479 as a freshman) so the 2,500-point milestone is definitely on his radar.

6th Region rankings by The Cats' Pause. Top 10 Teams 1. Western 2. Evangel Christian 3. Pleasure Ridge Park 4. Iroquois 5. DeSales 6. Jeffersontown 7. Fern Creek 8. Bullitt East 9. Fairdale 10. Moore Top 10 Players 1. Cyr Malonga, Evangel Sr. C 2. Trent Hinkle, Western Sr. G 3. Keith Robinson, Pleasure Ridge Park Sr. F 4. Julius Edmonds, Western So. F 5. Kyran Tilley, Evangel Jr. G 6. Will Gibson, DeSales Jr. C 7. Greg Cole, Pleasure Ridge Park Sr. G 8. Nolan Davenport, Bullitt East Sr. G 9. Jacob Hand, Holy Cross Jr. F 10. Jordan Williamson, Iroquois Sr. G

Four teams from the 6th Region are in the top 25 ranking put out on Wednesday by the Lexington Herald-Leader. What the newspaper wrote: 9. Western (23-5): The Warriors return their leading scorer and leading rebounder from a year ago in 5-11 senior Trent Hinkle (15.1 ppg) and 6-8 sophomore Jayden Miles (8.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg). They also have tremendous length for a high school team with 6-6 sophomore Julius Edmonds, 6-8 junior Jaylen Ellis and 6-6 sophomore Elijah Clinton. “Our biggest strength will be our defense,” Coach Brandon Britt said. “A concern is our youth, but we have a shot at making a run in our loaded district and region.” 12. Evangel Christian (22-11): Cyr Malonga (10.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg), a 6-10 East Carolina commit, returns for another run at the 6th Region and All “A” Classic titles. 18. DeSales (14-14): The maturing of Will Gibson (15.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg), a 6-6 junior committed to Liberty, and brother Crew Gibson (10.7 ppg, 8 rpg), a 6-7 senior, have expectations raised. 25. Jeffersontown (24-9): The defending 6th Region champions return starters Brandon Gatewood and Lukus McDaniels, but lost standout Drae Vasser to transfer.

Four teams from the 11th Region are in that top 25 ranking at the Lexington Herald-Leader that was put out on Wednesday. Actually, four from the region are in the top 16! What the paper wrote: 7. Great Crossing (27-7): Malachi Moreno (11.9 ppg, 12 rpg), a 6-11 sophomore center, already has a slew of Division I offers (Iowa, Indiana, Ohio State, etc). He’s joined by fellow sophomores 6-3 guard Vince Dawson III (15.6 ppg), 5-9 guard Junius Burrell (10.9 ppg) and 6-4 guard Gage Richardson (8.3 ppg). Add 6-7 junior forward Jeremiah Godfrey and senior transfer DeJohn Blunt (11.7 ppg), a 6-3 guard from Bourbon County and you have a favorite for the 11th Region crown and a serious threat for even more glory. 11. Lexington Catholic (26-6): The defending 43rd District champs have suffered stunning 11th Region exits each of the last two years. Reece Potter, their 7-foot center, just signed with Miami (Ohio). 14. Madison Central (20-12): The Indians have transfer Hagan Harrison (24.4 ppg at Montgomery County in 2021-22) to go with the lights-out shooting of Jaylen Davis (17.6 ppg). 16. Frederick Douglass (19-15): Interim coach Wes Scarberry has 6-1 senior Kai Simpson (12.9 ppg) back to lead the three-time defending 42nd District champions. With three-fourths of the roster still playing football, it might take time to gel.

After all the preseason noise, Ashland Blazer is ranked No. 8 in a top 25 ranking at the Lexington Herald-Leader published on Wednesday, Nov. 25. What they said: 8. Ashland Blazer (26-6): Zander Carter (10.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg), a 6-5 sophomore, and Tucker Conway (8.2 ppg), a 6-3 senior, will lead a team that lost more than 4,700 points from a year ago and had longtime head coach Jason Mays dismissed amid recruiting allegations just a few weeks before the season starts. Interim coach Ryan Bonner takes over and will try to keep the Tomcats’ four-year streak of 16th Region championships alive. He’ll have newcomer Rheyce Deboard (16 ppg), a 6-1 senior transfer from Boyd County. James Mayor, a 6-10 junior, could be ready for a breakout season. The complete list... KY’s top 25 boys’ high school basketball teams for 2022-23 | Lexington Herald Leader (kentucky.com)

16th Region rankings from The Cats' Pause. Preseason Top 10 1. Ashland 2. Boyd County 3. Rowan County 4. Fleming County 5. Bath County 6. Russell 7. Morgan County 8. Lewis County 9. East Carter 10. Raceland Top 10 Players 1. Zack Otis, Bath County Sr. 2. Rheyce Deboard, Ashland Sr. 3. Zander Carter, Ashland So. 4. Jacob Spurlock, Boyd County Fr. 5. Trey Gerike, Lewis County Sr. 6. Jason Ellis, Boyd County Jr. 7. Colby Wilburn, Rowan County Jr. 8. Gatlin Griffith, Morgan County Jr. 9. Adam Hargett, Fleming County Jr. 10. Cole Hicks, Boyd County So. Happy Thanksgiving!

Top 2 seniors in the 16th Region, according to Prep Hoops: KY Rank/Player/Height/Position/High School ----------------------------------------------------- 47 Zack Otis 6'0" G Bath County 150 Rheyce DeBoard 6'1" G Ashland Blazer They are the only seniors from the region on the list. Other seniors currently listed on KHSAA official rosters who were not named that are poised to be top 10-caliber this season include: Trey Gerike, G Lewis County Tanner Johnson, G Fairview Tucker Conway, G Ashland Blazer Jacob Gauze, C Raceland Carson Wireman, G Greenup County Isaac Boggs, F East Carter Landyn Newman G Raceland Just Nzungize P Bath County

It didn't change quickly. I accidentally omitted some players in the first post due to a cut-and-paste error, discovered the mistake, and then updated it so it was accurate...

Top 10 seniors in the 6th Region, according to Prep Hoops: KY Rank/Player/Height/Position/High School ----------------------------------------------------- 8 Cyr Malonga 6'10" C Evangel Christian 22 Crew Gibson 6'8" PF DeSales 30 Keith Robinson 6'5" PF Pleasure Ridge Park 32 Trent Hinkle 5'11" PG Western 40 Ondre Wicks 6'5" SF Western 59 Marcus Barker 5'10" PG Doss 63 Jamal Chambers 6'2" PG Fern Creek 79 Xavier Price 6'4" SF Jeffersontown 85 Jordan Blythe 5'11" PG Moore 88 Greg Cole 5'10" SG Pleasure Ridge Park

UPDATED... Top 10 seniors in the 11th Region, according to Prep Hoops: KY Rank/Player/Height/Position/High School ----------------------------------------------------- 2 Reece Potter, 7'0" C Lexington Catholic 16 Jaylen Davis, 6'5" F Madison Central 21 Robby Todd 6'8" PF Madison Central 25 Nick Spalding, 6'0" G Paul Laurence Dunbar 27 Kai Simpson 6'3" PG Frederick Douglass 31 Walter Campbell 6'5" PF Western Hills 41 Jaden Biggers 6'6" PF Bryan Station 49 Hudson Sparks 6'5" SF Lexington Catholic 51 DeJohn Blunt 6'4" CG Great Crossing 64 Eric Hackett 6'1" SG Tates Creek

Top 10 seniors in the 11th Region, according to Prep Hoops: KY Rank/Player/Height/Position/High School ----------------------------------------------------- 2 Reece Potter, 7'0" C Lexington Catholic 16 Jaylen Davis, 6'5" F Madison Central 25 Nick Spalding, 6'0" G Paul Laurence Dunbar 27 Kai Simpson 6'3" PG Frederick Douglass 31 Walter Campbell 6'5" PF Western Hills 41 Jaden Biggers 6'6" PF Bryan Station 49 Hudson Sparks 6'5" SF Lexington Catholic 67 Hagan Harrison 6'1" CG Madison Central 87 Davis Miller 6'4" SF Sayre 94 Brett Erslan 6'6" C Madison Southern

A lot of opinions and a lot of lists out there. Here's one: Prep Hoops Kentucky 2026 Rankings 1 Jayden Johnson 6'5" SF Trinity 2 James Turner 6'6" SF Newport 3 Gabe Weis 6'6" PF Washington County 4 DeAaron Watkins 6'8" C Madisonville-North Hopkins 5 Taylen Kinney 5'11" PG Newport 6 Max Meagher 6'6" SF Lexington Catholic 7 Jordan Bender 6'6" PF DeSales 8 Luke Fawns 6'5" SF Montgomery County 9 DeMarcus Surratt 6'1" PG Lafayette 10 Walker Craig 6'6" SF Rockcastle County 11 Cole Edelen 5'11" CG Male 12 Bryten Close 6'6" C Taylor County High 13 Carson Fraley 6'1" PG Pulaski County 14 Jeremiah Jackson 6'3" SF St. Xavier 15 Jordan Rawlings 6'3" SG North Laurel 16 Jacob Spurlock 6'2" SG Boyd County 17 Simon King 6'4" SF Lexington Christian 18 Kendall Phillips 6'5" PF Wayne County 19 Jackson Klope 6'6" C McCracken County 20 Ethan Bell 6'3" PF St. Xavier

Somebody must have changed their mind... Mays says God led him to remain at Ashland | Sports | herald-dispatch.com

BluegrassPreps.com 16th Region Boys Basketball Preview A REGION ENGULFED IN INTRIGUE If the KHSAA makes a final determination before the season starts about self-reported recruiting violations by Ashland Blazer, the offseason in the 16th Region may prove to be just as newsworthy as the season itself. The KHSAA investigation is ongoing but moving toward an announcement as this is being written. Even before a conclusion, the region already is dealing with high turnover. More than a third of the region made head coaching changes, most of the notable variety, especially at Bath County, Fairview and Morgan County. Several intriguing transfers hit some interesting landing spots. There's a handful of really good young players whose growth will be interesting to watch, if they stick around. All that aside, Ashland Blazer is still considered the favorite to win a fifth straight regional title and 36th overall. The top challenger is, who else, Boyd County, which has played Ashland Blazer 14 times in the regional final, advanced to the semis seven straight years and made an appearance in the final three times in the last five years with a title in 2018. Teams that could make some noise include a fortified Bath County, 63rd District stalwart Russell, overhauled Morgan County and improving Fleming County. Rowan County, East Carter, Racelend and Fairview could surprise. A lot of people will be rooting for Fairview. Read on to see why. 1. Ashland Blazer (26-6): There's some uncertainty here just two weeks before the start of the season after the school self-reported violations related to impermissible contact made by head coach Jason Mays, who has won four regional titles in four years at Ashland. On the hardwood, the Tomcats lost three very productive seniors but holdovers Zander Carter (10.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg), Tucker Conway (8.2 ppg) and Asher Adkins (6.4 ppg) are expected back. Conway hit 72 of 130 3-point shots for a whopping 55.4 percent. They will be joined by some key transfers, including point guard Rheyce Deboard from Boyd County. 2. Boyd County (23-8): Over half the regular playing rotation is back for a young squad that could really use the experienced Deboard at the point. The holdovers should include freshman Jacob Spurlock (12.2 ppg), junior Jason Ellis (11.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg), sophomore Cole Hicks (8.4 ppg), sophomore Griffin Taylor (4.2 ppg) and senior Ace Taylor (3.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Ellis was the rebounding leader by a wide margin and hit 58 percent of his field goal attempts. 3. Bath County (27-5): Senior Zack Otis (21.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and junior Taylan Sorrell (9.1 ppg) are back for the Wildcats, who set a program record for wins and advanced to the regional semifinals while losing just three games to regional opponents. They are the only returnees with significant playing experience so a large portion of the starting lineup will be new. Transfers rumored to be on the way will likely change the complexion of the starting lineup and provide the offense more balance. New coach Steve Wright, who won a state championship at South Laurel, has more than 700 career wins. He's going to love Otis who had 43 points in a recent scrimmage. 4. Russell (19-8): Carson Patrick (7.8 ppg) and Damon Charles (3.8 ppg) are two of about a half dozen seniors for the Red Devils, who won the 63rd District title for the first time in 10 years. They were the only team other than Ashland Blazer to go unbeaten against district opponents (8-0). In fact, Russell handed Ashland Blazer its only regional loss, ending the Tomcats' 43-game winning streak against the region. Russell also beat Bath County once in three tries. Replacing 16th Region player of the year Brady Bell's 25.4 points per game will be a collective effort. The future could be now for eighth-grader Caleb Rimmer, who is regarded as one of the top players in his class both in Kentucky and nationally. 5. Morgan County (2-22): A lot of people are simply flip-flopping Morgan County and Elliott County in preseason rankings after the hiring of new head coach Reece Griffith. His brothers, Gatlin Griffith (14.3 ppg) and Eli Griffith (10.3 ppg), and third-leading scorer Cameron Adams (12.5 ppg), all from Elliott County, followed him to Morgan County. Elliott County clearly suffers but it remains to be seen how many teams Morgan County leapfrogs after adding to a group that includes double-digit scorers Preston Hoskins (14.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg), Allen Justice (11.4 ppg) and Logan Spencer (10.5 ppg). 6. Fleming County (20-9): The future looks good for the Panthers, who may roster just one senior. Three of the top five scorers return. They also happen to be three of last season's top four rebounders. The trio includes Adam Hargett (13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Seth Hickerson (12 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Lucas Jolly (9.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg). 7. Rowan County (17-17): The leading scorer and rebounder for the regional semifinalist graduated but a handful of regulars should be back, led by Colby Wilburn (11 ppg). Other likely returnees for the reigning eight-year champion of the 61st District include Jayson Ingles (7.1 pg), Weston Maxey (4.2 ppg) and Braiden Hammond (3.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg), who would be the top returning rebounder. 8. East Carter (11-15): The second, third, and fourth-leading scorers are all back. They are Blake Hall (10.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg), Evan Goodman (9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Isaac Boggs (6.4 ppg, 6 rpg). The bottom line: The Raiders need to shoot better. Their numbers last season: 36.4% FG, 25.9% 3FG, 57.7%. FT. 9. Raceland (12-17): The Rams are junior-heavy after losing their top two scorers. But their leading returning scorer, Jacob Gauze (9 ppg), is a senior. Gauze is a solid rebounder (8.3 rpg) and a good shooter (62% FG). He'll be joined by Ohio transfer Brayden Webb and a host of players who will need to mesh in a hurry. 10. Fairview (11-19): The top scorer and head coach are gone but this has all the makings of a feel-good story at Fairview, which hasn't had a winning season in a while. The new head coach is Clarence Thompson, Fairview's all-time leading scorer (class of 1986). He once had 41 points and 31 rebounds in a game. He was a 1,000-point scorer at Oral Roberts, was drafted by the Continental Basketball Association and played in three pro leagues where he also coached. In 2004, he was hit by a truck while trying to help a stranded motorist on a New Jersey Turnpike exit. His injuries, including a broken neck, back and leg, required 11 surgeries and 17 blood transfusions. He was in a coma for 16 days and temporarily forced into a wheelchair. Fast forward to this year. Friends told him about the open job at Fairview. Thompson applied and got it. It's a great story that can get even better if top players Steven Day (12.8, 5.6 rpg) and Tanner Johnson (11.9, 4 rpg) get some scoring and rebounding help. 11. Lewis County (6-21): Leading scorer Logan Liles (18.2 ppg) graduated, leaving a bunch of points on the table for second-leading scorer Trey Gerike (16.3 ppg) and leading rebounder Drew Noble (7.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg), both of whom return. 12. Menifee County (17-14): The Wildcats were on the young side last season and lost every district game with just two seniors. But they boast at least five seniors this season. What they need are point producers after leading scorer Eli Johnson transferred and second-leading scorer Trey Abner graduated. Sophomore guard Brevon Ricker (14.1 ppg) hit 74 percent of his free throws and 36 percent from 3-point range. Jameson Williams (4.3 ppg) is the only other returnee who averaged more than 4 points per game. 13. West Carter (11-16): The Comets lost a lot of firepower and need to replace four starters and five of the top six scorers. The leading returning scorer is guard Brett Dailey (6.6 ppg), one of three juniors. There's a chance that no seniors will be on the roster, so more than a half-dozen sophomores will have to grow up in a hurry. 14. Greenup County (10-17): Kind of a mystery team. Most of the top scorers are gone and a new coach is implementing a fresh system with a lot of inexperienced players. Carson Wireman (10.6 ppg), one of just two seniors, and junior Eli Adkins (6.4 ppg) did not have strong rebounding numbers so the Musketeers are also looking for some guys who can crash the boards. 15. Elliott County (18-9): The 62nd District champ had five double-digit scorers last season but none of them will be back, thanks to graduation and transfer. The Lions will be virtually starting from scratch under a new coach. Nathan Sturgill (4.4 ppg) is the leading returning scorer. Nobody else on the roster scored more than 50 points. 16. Rose Hill Christian (4-26): The only team to go winless against the region last season (0-12), the Royals obviously yearn for better days. However, the loss of both Penningtons (Chase and Luke) removes 22 points and 11 rebounds per game. Key holdovers are Christian Blevins (11.3 ppg), Collin Wilburn (6 ppg, 4/7 rpg) and Benton Rucker (3.7 rpg). Top Six Players 1. Zach Otis, Bath County, 5-10 Sr. G 2. Rheyce Deboard, Ashland Blazer, 6-0 Sr. G 3. Zander Carter, Ashland Blazer, 6-4 So. G 4. Trey Gerike, Lewis County, 6-2 Sr. G 5. Jason Ellis, Boyd County, 6-4, Jr. G/F 6. Jacob Spurlock, Boyd County, 6-2, Fr. G/F

Boy, I sure do know more about the 4th Region than I did! Thank you.

I'll nominate Kascyl McGillis for name of the year in the 9th. With a name like that, you don't need a nickname...

BluegrassPreps.com 11th Region Boys Basketball Preview SUPERSIZED BIGS BOLSTER THE FAVORITES With the emergence of Great Crossing and the resurgence at Lexington Catholic, the 11th Region is poised to crown a fourth different champion in four years after Scott County won the regional championship four straight seasons from 2017-20. But don't count out 2021 regional champ Madison Central, Madison Southern and 2022 regional finalist Frederick Douglass. Dark horses are Paul Laurence Dunbar, defending champion Henry Clay, Scott County and Lexington Christian. Big reasons why Great Crossing and Lexington Catholic are favorites is due in large part to their very tall stars, 7-foot Reece Potter for Lexington Catholic and 6-11 Malachi Moreno for Great Crossing. Both held numerous Division I college offers but Potter, ranked second in the Kentucky class of 2023 by Prep Hoops, recently committed to Miami University. Moreno is Prep Hoops' top-ranked player in the Kentucky class of 2025. Moreno's Great Crossing teammate Vince Dawson is ranked fifth in the class. Lexington Catholic and Great Crossing are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 28 at the Gary Moore Classic at Franklin County High School in Frankfort, a 90-minute car ride from Northern Kentucky. They did not meet last season. A look at the bigger picture reveals a solid junior class, a host of talented sophomores and some key transfers who could also sway the balance of power in the region. Here's a deeper look. Regional Rankings1. Great Crossing (27-7 last season): The Warhawks welcome back one of the finest collections of sophomores in the state, including all-region center Malachi Moreno (11.9 ppg, 12 rpg) and guards Vince Dawson (15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Junius Burrell (10.9 ppg) and Gage Richardson (7.9 ppg). Depth will be a strength for the 41st District champion and regional tournament semifinalist. Junior Jeremiah Godfrey (6 ppg) and sophomore Chris Martin are also back. Moreno, Dawson, Godfrey and Martin all shot better than 50 percent from the field. The Warhawks shot 48 percent as a team for 11th Region coach of the year Steve Page. Great Crossing also adds transfers Trey Skaggs from Madison Central and DeJohn Blunt from Bourbon County via Henry Clay.2. Lexington Catholic (26-6): Three of the top four scorers return for the junior-heavy Knights, who won the 43rd District title but were bounced in the first round of the regional by Henry Clay. The Knights are led by senior center Reece Potter (16.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg), who shot nearly 60 percent from the field, nearly 80 percent from the free throw line and was named to a passel of all-region and all-state teams. Also back are senior Hudson Parks (8.2 ppg) and junior John Reinhart (10.5 ppg). Transfer Tyler Doyle averaged 12 points last season as a sophomore at Woodford County.3. Madison Central (20-12): Just one senior departed from a team that defeated Great Crossing by 12, Lexington Catholic by 14 and Madison Southern by 15 during the regular season. Another player transferred but the losses are significant for the 44th District runner-up. Gone are leading scorer and regional player of the year Will Hardin and fourth-leading scorer Trey Skaggs. The top returnees are second-leading scorer and all-region pick Jaylen Davis (17.6 ppg), third-leading scorer Robby Todd (12.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and Jayden West (8.6 ppg in 11 games). Scoring help is on the way. Senior transfer Hagan Harrison averaged 24.4 points two seasons ago at Montgomery County.4. Madison Southern (21-12): The 44th District champ and regional semifinalist is in the midst of what could be a sustained run of success with just one significant senior on the roster. There are six juniors and six sophomores. Leading rebounder Brett Erslan (8.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg), a 6-foot-6, 300-pound center, is the key senior. Leading scorer and all-region selection Jay Rose (21.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and second-leading scorer Braden Hudson (11.2 ppg) are juniors as is Zach Hudson (11.6 ppg in just seven games). Casen Nobbe (4.4 ppg) is an emerging sophomore. 5. Frederick Douglass (19-15): Four of the top five scorers are back for the 42nd District champion including three in double-digits: Kai Simpson (12.9), Armelo Boone (10.1), Tylon Webb (10.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Aveion Chenualt (4.6 ppg). Simpson and Boone shoot a lot of 3-pointers but need to improve their efficiency after combining for 27 percent from behind the arc last season. 6. Paul Laurence Dunbar (14-13): There could be as many as seven seniors on the roster including the top two scorers, all-region pick Nick Spalding (20.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Max Van Dyke (12.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg). They represent 54 percent of last season's point production. Spalding hit 85 percent of his free throws for the 43rd District runner-up. 7. Henry Clay (27-9): Three regularly playing seniors graduated including a pair of high scorers who took 50 percent of the offense with them, so there will be some new go-to guys this season for the defending champ. Top returnees are Konlin Brown (11 ppg), Mason Hawkins (5.5 ppg), Kyan Miller (4.4 ppg) and Henry Lynch (2.9 ppg)8. Scott County (10-18): If leading scorer Nick Mosby (17.9 pp) is back, three of the top four scorers would be returning for the Cardinals. Fellow seniors Micah Glenn (11.2 ppg) and JZ Middleton (9.5 ppg) are on Scott County's official roster at the KHSAA web site. Mosby, an excellent student, is not yet listed although his Twitter account says he's still at Scott County. Glenn, who played in just nine games due to injury, shot 50 percent (16-for-32) from 3-point range when he did play. If Mosby's back and Glenn is back to form, Scott County could surprise.9. Bryan Station (12-12): The Defenders welcome back a pair of starters, Trenton Cutwright (13.8 ppg) and Jaylen Biggers (11.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg), and a huge sophomore class. Biggers shot 58.2 percent from the field, but Cutwright shot just 35.8 percent.10. Lexington Christian (9-23): The Eagles could be on the rebound with a proven shooter in each class. The top three scorers are all back: senior Tyler Hall (14.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg), junior Brayden Mirus (10.4 ppg) and sophomore Anderson Green (9.8 ppg), who sank 50 of 57 free throws (87.7 percent). Hall hit 83 percent from the line. Mirus and Green both shot better than 45 percent from 3-point range. All three hit better than 48 percent from the field.11. Tates Creek (10-18): Five seniors and some proven scorers left the program. But as many as eight new seniors could return, including leading scorer Eric Hackett (16.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg), a threat to average 20 points. Promising guard Dawson Garth averaged 6 points as a freshman. 12. Western Hills (15-15): As many as four starters could be back for the Wolverines, including the top two scorers and rebounders: all-region pick Walter Campbell (18.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and sophomore brother Javeon Campbell (14.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg). Both averaged a double-double and shot better than 50 percent from the field. Emerging sophomore Elijah Thompson was next at 6.5 ppg for the 41st District runner-up. 13. Sayre (12-17): A pair of double-digit scorers are gone, leaving Davis Miller (10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) as the top threat. Grady Johnson (3.7 ppg) and Graham Johnson (5.4 ppg) are two more seniors who are expected back for the Spartans.14. Frankfort (13-17): The Panthers are senior heavy with as many as 10 but everything still goes through senior guards Jordan Blythe (21.9 [ppg) and Caleb Hack (21.2 ppg), who combined for 1,206 of Frankfort's 1,938 points last season, good for 62 percent of the scoring.15. Franklin County (9-20): Like the rest of the region's bottom quadrant, the Flyers are starved for local wins. They beat Frankfort and Frankfort Christian last season for a 2-10 mark against regional foes. Andrew Chenault may be the lone returning double-digit scorer (10.2 ppg) although Zach Claudio (6.1 ppg) and Kiyas White (4.3 ppg) are also expected back. 16. Lafayette (4-24): The Generals managed just one regional win, a three-point victory over Lexington Christian. Roster turnover claimed the top two scorers. Leading returnees are expected to be Jayd Huynh (7.8 ppg), Jack Ackerman (7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and DeMarcus Suratt (5.5 ppg). 17. Model (6-23): The Patriots beat Berea twice last season and Frankfort Christian once and that was it for regional wins, but they could better that this season. Virtually everybody's back including three of the top four scorers: Keshav Bhandari (12.6 ppg), Cale Vicars (11 ppg, 4 rpg) and Dylan Crockett (6.1). 18. Frankfort Christian (10-22): They Royals were winless in the region (0-9) and vs. the district (0-7). They lost to Model by 15 points. But they were 10-13 against everybody else. Returning scorers, senior Micah Sowders (15.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and junior Noah Sowders (18 ppg, 4.3 rpg), combined for 1,038 points, 53 percent of the offense. 19. Berea (6-21): The Pirates were also winless in the region (0-4), winless against district foes (0-3) and had the region's lowest scoring team (51.3 ppg). On top of that, their top three scorers may not be back. Regulars who remain include Cameron Puckett (7.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Cannon Cummins (5.8 ppg). Top Six PlayersReece Potter, Lexington Catholic, 7-0 Sr. CMalachi Moreno, Great Crossing, 6-11 So. CJaylen Davis, Madison Central, 6-5 Sr. FNick Spalding, Paul Laurence Dunbar, 6-0 Sr. GJay Rose, Madison Southern, 6-3 Jr. GVince Dawson, Great Crossing, 6-5 So. G

Thank you, fellas. I appreciate that.

That's a good question, but it looks like he's good to go after the transfer. He played in Saturday's Calloway County Jamboree, and started. Have a look: Lyons win pair of preseason scrimmages in Calloway Jamboree | Uncategorized | heraldledger.com

BluegrassPreps.com 6th Region Boys Basketball Preview A REGION IN TRANSITION IS UP FOR GRABS The Sixth Region is in transition. Nearly half the region, 10 of 19 teams, suffered heavy graduation losses. Additionally, three of the best players transferred out of the region. More than a quarter of the region underwent coaching changes as five new head coaches will be patrolling the sidelines. That said, some of the best players in Kentucky ply their craft here, including Mr. Basketball candidate Cyr Malonga, the No. 31 center in 247 Sports' composite national rankings for the class of 2023. Some very promising youngsters, including Jordan Bender and Elijah Clinton, are on the rise. The top five teams are pretty good and form a clear top tier: Western, Evangel Christian, Pleasure Ridge Park, DeSales and Iroquois. The regional tournament champion will probably come from that group as defending champ Jeffersontown likely lost too much to repeat. Western, with four college prospects, will open as the favorite despite getting bounced in last season's murderous 22nd District tournament and failing to make the regional. The 22nd District once again looks to be the class of the region. Doss, Fern Creek and Fairdale could surprise. Regional Rankings 1. Western (23-5 last season): Most of the top players are back including double-digit scorers Trent Hinkle (15.1 ppg), an all-region pick, and 6-foot-6 Julius Edmonds (13.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg) plus leading rebounder Jayden Miles (8.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg). All three have college offers. There's also Ondre Wicks (7.8 ppg), who shot better than 60 percent from the field. Hinkle and Myles hit better than 80 percent from the free throw line and 45 percent from 3-point range. Second-leading scorer Kaden Magwood transferred to Oak Hill Academy, but 6-foot-6 emerging sophomore Elijah Clinton made a lot of noise during summer ball and also began receiving college offers. 2. Evangel Christian (22-11): The 23rd District champion and regional tournament semifinalist lost some key contributors, but the top returnees are two of the best in the region: 6-11 senior post player Cyr Malonga, an East Carolina commit, and junior point guard Kyran Tilley. Malonga, who moved from Pointe Noire, Congo, in 2020 on the advice of a coach there, averaged 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and shot 68 percent from the field last season in just his third year playing the sport after concentrating on soccer in his youth. He has, shall we say, massive upside. Tilley (11 ppg), formerly at Male, had solid shooting percentages including 41.3 percent from long range. 3. Pleasure Ridge Park (23-7): Leading scorer Zee McCown transferred out of state, but the 21st District champ and returning regional semifinalist returns two double-digit point producers and three of its top five scorers. Names to know are all-region pick Keith Robinson (17 ppg, 5.9 rpg), Greg Cole (10.4 ppg) and Mali Hamilton (6.9 ppg, 4 rpg). They are part of a massive senior class. Robinson, who is beginning to receive small-school college offers, hit 80 percent of his free throws. Cole shot 54 percent from the field, Robinson 52 percent. Cole hit 41 percent of his 3-point shots. 4. DeSales (14-14): Three of the top five scorers and the top three rebounders are back including 6-6 Liberty commit Will Gibson (15.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg), Crew Gibson (10.7 ppg, 8 rpg) and shooter Brady Cummins (9.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Cummins put up excellent across-the-board percentages: 90 percent on free throws, 49 percent from 3-point range and 54 percent from the field. The Colts should be helped by some key transfers including Jordan Bender, a 6-6 freshman forward from Evangel Christian who's already attracting Division I interest. 5. Iroquois (22-6): The Raiders welcome back three productive starters and a slew of talented sophomores. The starters are Jordan Williamson (12.7 ppg 5 rpg), Jamir Ford (12.3 ppg, 5 rpg) and Alonzo Basemore (8.6 ppg). Williamson shot 44 percent from 3-point range, Basemore 41 percent. Williamson and Basemore both shot better than 50 percent from the field. The Raiders hit 50.3 percent as a team. 6. Jeffersontown (24-9): The defending 24th District and regional tournament champions lost five of their top seven scorers including leading scorer and rebounder Drae Vasser, who transferred to Trinity. That leaves seniors Xavier Price (8.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Brandon Gatewood (4.9 ppg). Senior shooter Genesis Nimely (4.1 ppg) and junior Lukus McDaniels (2.7 ppg) were also part of the regular rotation. 7. Doss (24-8): The defending 22nd District champ and regional runner-up is in transition with a new coach and several new players in the regular rotation after losing three of the top four scorers. A key holdover is Marcus Baker (10 ppg) an 80-percent free throw shooter who takes a lot of 3-point shots (55 for 152). LeeTwon Bray (6 ppg) hit 81 percent of his free throws in limited duty. 8. Fern Creek (11-16): The Tigers were decimated by graduation, losing 10 seniors and nine of their top 10 scorers. They also moved on to a new head coach, former Louisville center Ellis Myles, a starter on the 2004-05 Final Four Cardinals squad. The most productive returnee, senior Camren Trice, was fifth in scoring with 6.9 points per game and second in rebounding (4.6). 9. Fairdale (14-18): Top-heavy with juniors galore. The Bulldogs could have just two seniors. But they could also have a whopping nine juniors, including last season's top two scorers, Dalton Hicks (19 ppg) and Jacob Tucker (17.5), who generated 60 percent of the offense. 10. Bullitt East (17-14): Four of the top six scorers graduated, leaving the bulk of scoring duties to Nolan Davenport (13 ppg) and Camron Brogan (6.6 ppg). The top three rebounders also departed. Brogan was fourth in rebounding at 3.6 per game. 11. Butler (18-14): Seven of the top nine scorers have left. Top returnees are expected to be Dayton Williams (7.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg), the most active from 3-point range on 36-for-111 shooting, and Markel Meriwether (3.9 ppg), who made nearly 90 percent from the line. 12. Southern (13-14): Gone are six of the top eight in the playing rotation. Likely holdovers Tahj Meadows (8 ppg) and Myles Jones (7.8 ppg) would be the most experienced regulars. Both were high percentage shooters inside the arc, Meadows converting 64 percent and Jones 49 percent. 13. Bullitt Central (19-12): Eighty percent of the offense departed as the top four scorers and six of the top eight in the rotation graduated. Fifth-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder Nathaniel Craven (4.9 ppg, 5 rpg), an 80-percent free-throw shooter, is expected to be one of about a half dozen seniors along with Jacob Hess. 14. Beth Haven (22-7): Four of the top six scorers hit the exits. But second-leading scorer and rebounder Jordan Harris (14.7 ppg, 6.3 ppg) is back as is fellow junior Jeremy Gibson (3.6 ppg). And don't look now but here come the Stinnetts: Freshman Connor Stinnett, who didn't miss a free throw last season, and eighth-grader Michael Ray Stinnett, who hit 43 percent of his 3-point shots. 15. Holy Cross (15-16): The Cougars are in transition after losing seven seniors and making a coaching change. They will deploy a junior-laden roster with a whopping nine juniors plus a sophomore named Junior (forward Junior Skillman). Four seniors provide leadership, led by leading scorer and rebounder Jacob Hand (20.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg), who made 57.3 percent from the field and is receiving college interest. 16. Moore (6-22): Graduation losses resulted in eight departing seniors, including the top four scorers who took 77 percent of the offense with them. There's also a new coach. The most productive returnees are expected to be junior Jonathon Thomas (4.7 ppg, 4 rpg) who shot 43 percent from 3-point range, and senior Jacob Colvin, a 45-percent shooter overall. 17. North Bullitt (9-20): Led by Conner Boley, the Eagles' roster was junior-heavy last season so continuity should be a strength. Boley was second on the team in scoring (10.1 ppg) and rebounding (5.9). But watch out for the youngsters. Braxton Sievert (12.2 ppg) was last season's scoring leader as a freshman. Jayden Reissor (7.4 ppg) was fifth in scoring as a sophomore. 18. Valley (5-24): The Vikings lost the top four scorers from a team that had trouble scoring. They also made a coaching change. Among expected returnees who got into at least 14 games last season, seniors JaMarion Carter (7.4 ppg) and Caron Brumfield (3.5 ppg) were the most productive. 19. Whitefield Academy (8-20): The schedule is once again heavy on Christian, Latin and private schools. Top players are expected to be seniors Caleb McBroom (10 ppg, 4.2 rpg), Seivan Braffet (8.4 ppg) and Tyler Mosby (6.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Top Six Players 1. Cyr Malonga, Evangel Christian, 6-11 Sr. F 2. Keith Robinson, Pleasure Ridge Park, 6-4 Sr. F 3. Trent Hinkle, Western, 5-11 Sr. G 4. Julius Edmonds, Western, 6-6 So. F 5. Jayden Miles, Western, 6-8 So. F 6. Will Gibson, DeSales, 6-6 Jr. C