2nd and Goal

Looking like the Christian County Tigers will be ready roll in August of 2026. However, at this point, I would not be shocked if it doesn’t happen at all.

Pre-Season All-2nd Region 1st Team 1. Travis Perry (Lyon County) 2. Jackson Shoulders (Lyon County) 3. Darrell Bateman (Christian County) 4. Antonio Williams (Christian County) 5. Jack Reddick (Lyon County) Pre-Season All-2nd Region 2nd Team 1. Deshawn Murphy (Webster County) 2. Cooper Davenport (Henderson County) 3. Drake Skeen (Hopkins County Central) 4. Jhaden Vaughn (Trigg County) 5. Gavin Grubbs (UHA) Pre-Season All-2nd Region 3rd Team 1. Elijah Walton (UHA) 2. Travis Champion (Crittenden County) 3. Lacon McKinney (Henderson County) 4. Lemontae Ratcliff (Madisonville) 5. Trevahn Jones (Hopkins County Central)

New to the BGP community, I’m excited about the upcoming basketball season across KY and particularly excited about the opportunity to share basketball news and views with the rest of the state from Western Kentucky’s 2nd region. It’s been 12 seasons since Kerry Stovall’s Christian County Colonels, led by Mr. Basketball Anthony Hickey, brought a state title back to the 2nd Region. However, if things fall right for Lyon County, that drought could end this year. Led by a trio of elite players, Lyon County won its second straight region title in 22/23, reaching the elite 8 before falling to eventual runner-up GRC. The Lions return 4 starters from that team, including Kentucky’s new all-time career-leading scorer Travis Perry. Far from a one-man show, however, the Lions return 6’5 forward Brady Shoulders, an inside-outside threat and an above-average passing forward who recently committed to play D1 basketball at UT Martin. The other member of Lyon County’s Big 3, Jack Reddick, is a quick guard who hits timely shots and makes teams pay for focusing too much defensive attention on Perry and Shoulders. Though Lyon is a small school without a rich basketball tradition at the state level, the 2023/2024 Lions are legit contenders for a state title. Team Rankings Lyon County Coach: Ryan Perry (5th Season) Key Losses: Bradin Nelson (5.5) Lyon County went 31-6 last season. They have dominated this traditionally balanced district recently. The Lion’s closest district contest in the 22/23 season was a 41-point win over Trigg County in the 5th district championship. The last time any team other than Lyon County won the 5th district title was Crittenden County in 2018. This year should be no different in the district. Against region competition, UHA pulled the upset over the Lions last year in the Class A regional tournament. Since then, no region team played them close other than Hopkinsville in the region championship. Though winning the 5th District, and likely, the 2nd Region title seems like a foregone conclusion, questions linger about Lyon’s ability to compete against the best teams in the state. First, will their supporting cast outside the big 3 of Perry, Shoulders, and Redick provide enough production to compete with other top-tier teams? It may not matter considering that trio combined for nearly 69 points per game last season. Secondly, will their aggressive defense and up-tempo style of play translate on the biggest stage where grind-it-out slugfests are common at Rupp Arena in March? It seems likely that Lyon County and coach Ryan Perry will get one more shot to answer those questions this postseason. Christian County Coach: Toby Miles (4th Season) Key Losses: George Sanders (7.7), Breland Morrison (11.3) Christian County’s Senior Darrell Bateman will look to lead the Colonels back to regional prominence after averaging 17.5 ppg and 10rpg as a Junior. He won’t be alone, however, as the Colonels return their second-leading scorer in senior Jordan Miles (11 ppg). The Colonel’s defensive prowess and rebounding ability make them one of the toughest teams in the region. If the Colonels can improve their perimeter shooting efficiency and capitalize at the free-throw line, they can make a deep post-season run. Rumors that Breland Morrison, last season's second-leading scorer, transferred in the offseason may cause some to temper expectations however, Christian County always plays one of the toughest schedules in the state, helping them arrive at post-season play battle-tested. Additionally, Toby Miles has developed this senior class over the last four years in preparation for them to make a run as seniors. Christian County will be a force to reckon with down the stretch. Henderson County Coach: Tyler Smithhart (12th Season) Key Losses: Gerard Thomas (18.1), Jake Ridout (8.3) Henderson County won 22 games last season and its 3rd straight 6th district title. The Colonels came up short to the red-hot Hopkinsville Tigers in the region semifinals. Though Henderson County is returning plenty of experienced players, replacing the production of leading scorer and rebounder Gerard Thomas who signed with JUCO powerhouse Vincennes University, will be a tall task. Thomas, a KY All-Star and Co 2nd Region Player of the Year averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds for the Colonels. Junior guard Cooper Davenport (12.3) will look to take the next step and lead the Colonels this season. A dangerous 3-point threat, Davenport showed in last year’s region tournament that he is a well-rounded ball player, capable of doing it all for his team. Junior slasher Lacon McKinney (10.1) brings back his double-digit scoring average and a high level of efficiency shooting 63% from the field. Senior Alec Satterfield, a 3 year starting point guard returns as the Colonel floor general. Junior forward Trajdon Davis and junior guard Dwaine Moss both return with plenty of varsity experience. Though Henderson County has not had much size in recent years the 23/24 Colonels could boast a more formidable frontcourt with the emergence of 6’5 junior center Elijah Suggs, a high-motored athlete who plays above the rim, and 6’4 senior Max Thompson who stars on the football field for the Colonels. Webster County Coach: Corey Garrard (1st Season) Key Losses: Markus Austin (7.1) If you ask coaches in Western Kentucky to list the toughest places to play on the road, most would include Webster County on their list. This year’s version of the Trojans will be a handful for anyone heading up to Dixon. Returning 4 starters from last year’s team 17-13 team, and 90 percent of their point production, the Trojans will make a run at a 6th district championship and be a tough draw for opponents in the region tournament. Shifty, strong senior guard Deshawn Murphy (17.5 ppg) returns to lead the Trojans but he will have plenty of help from returning sharpshooters Evan Mickalek (14 ppg) and Micah Austin (10.7 ppg). Part-time starters Jarvis Starks-Scott (7.5 ppg) and Luke Garrard (5.4) give Webster County tons of experience and more returning chemistry than anyone in the region outside of Lyon County. However, the loss of the 2nd Region Coaches Association Coach of the Year Ryan Haile will be felt early by the Trojans. Haile departed in the off-season joining the coaching staff at his alma mater Henderson County. 1st-year coach Corey Garrard has the players to be extremely competitive right from the jump. Developing depth will be Coach Garrard and the Trojan’s greatest challenge as they navigate the 2nd region this year University Heights Academy Coach: Terry Hayes (1st Season) Key Losses: Lemar Northington (16.6), Preston Thomas (4.9), Javion Brown (4.2), Cameron Brown (3.7) After UHA shocked the 2nd Region last season by pulling off the upset of Lyon County in the All-A tournament, the Blazers season fizzled down the stretch losing 3 of their final 4 games including their opening-round district matchup against Hoptown. Heights lost their leading scorer in Lemar Northington, the 2nd region KABC Coach of the Year in Melvin Brown, and a handful of key players. However, folks may be sleeping on this year’s edition of the Blazers. Back from his summer playing with Lyon County, senior lockdown defender and slasher Gavin Grubbs (8.9) returns to lead UHA along with versatile junior wing Elijah Walton (9.7). Additionally, senior guard Quentin Quarles emerged as a tough cover shooting 42% from 3 last season. Sophomore Tylin George has emerged as potentially the best player in his class in the 2nd region and I expect he will be a major contributor to this team. Additionally, veteran coach Terry Hayes returns to the sidelines this season. A familiar face over many years in the 2nd region, Coach Hayes energy and experience will surely have this talented squad ready to play a spoiler role again in 23/24. Hopkinsville Coach: Anthony Babb (3rd Season) Key Losses: Bubba Leavell (14.9), KeiMarion Smith (12.8), Isaiah Manning (7.4), Jacob Gavin (5.6), Hopkinsville played its best basketball at the right time last season. They arrived at postseason play with a record of 12-15, earning the #3 seed in the always-tough 8th district tournament. Behind outstanding guard play and dominance on the glass, Hopkinsville made a run to the regional championship and stood toe to toe with Lyon County until the waning minutes of the game. Returning for Hopkinsville is high-flying Antonio Williams, possibly the best athlete in the region. He has flashed dominance on both ends of the floor over the last couple of seasons and will be heavily relied upon as this young Hopkinsville team finds its stride. William's college stock has really risen in recent months and those in Hopkinsville say he has grown to 6’7 this off-season. Similar to Madisonville however, Hoptown replaces most of its starting lineup and will rely on the development of its sophomores and juniors to help replace the talent and physicality they lost. Madisonville North Hopkins Coach: Caleb Nelson (1st Season) Key Losses: Marcus Eaves (20.0), Chris Watkins (11.4), Brayden Butler (5.3), Javion Martin (5.3), Destin Cheirs (3.7), Tre Carney (3.4), Lajuan McAdoo (3.2), Danye Frazier (3.2) Madisonville has more players and production to replace than anyone in the 2nd region. They graduated Co-2nd Region Player of the Year Marcus Eaves. They had a large senior class with the majority of those players in their rotation. They also lost the services of last year’s freshmen phenom 6’9 center Chris Watkins, who transferred to Daviess County in the off-season. Lastly, they will have to replace the leadership of a 2nd Region veteran on the sidelines as Jon Newton resigned from his position as the Maroon’s head coach after the 22/23 season. However, Madisonville has dominated the 7th district since the 09/10 season winning the last 13 district championships. Thus, the cupboard is never bare in Madisonville. Lemontae Ratcliff (4ppg), an ultra-quick on-ball defender who plays with an edge, will lead the Maroons backcourt. The Maroons will rely on the development of their strong sophomore and freshmen classes to become region contenders by season’s end. Should Muhlenberg County transfer Kanyon Johnson, a star quarterback for the Maroons football team, decide to suit up on the hardwood, Madisonville will be dangerous from the jump. 1st Year Coach Caleb Nelson has a great basketball pedigree and will likely have his team playing with a high-intensity and high-paced brand of basketball this season. Hopkins County Central Coach: Michael Fraliex (5th Season) Key Losses: Trevor Weldon (10.2), Namari Hall (7.6) Hopkins County Central struggled down the stretch last season losing 6 of its last 7 games. They did earn a birth in the 2nd Region Tournament but drew the short straw, facing Lyon County right out of the gate. While the Storm struggled to replace the loss of Marcus Eaves to Madisonville for much of last season, they return some really strong players who are capable of breaking Madisonville’s district championship streak in 23/24. Senior Drake Skeen (16.3 ppg) is one of the best 3-point shooters in the state of Kentucky. His “in the gym” range makes him a really tough cover and stretches the floor for his team. Senior Trevahn Jones (16.3 ppg) and sophomore Devonyae Butcher (9.5 ppg), both capable of high-scoring nights and long-range shooting, also return for a program that has become known for its offensive prowess. Coach Michael Fraleix is one of the region's most experienced coaches and his teams are always prepared to take away their opponent's biggest strengths. Trigg County Coach: Mason Burgett (2nd Season) Key Losses: Luke Washer (13.1), Hunter Reynolds (8.7), Aquarius Gude (7.9) Trigg County was 15-17 last season, earning a trip to the 2nd Region Tournament before falling to Henderson County in the opening round. Trigg County will be very competitive against any team in the region due to the presence of 6’5 senior guard Jhaden Vaughn. Vaughn’s ability to both, create plays off the dribble for his teammates and create his own scoring opportunities can be difficult for teams to stop. Coach Burgett’s team is comfortable playing multiple defenses to keep opponents off balance and out of rhythm. However, the loss of three starters from last year’s team means that Trigg County will have to get more production from senior guard Landon Stewart, the team’s third-leading scorer from a year ago if they plan to be in the mix when regional tournament time rolls around. Union County Coach: Quaid Girten (4th Season) Key Losses: Izaiah Manuel (20.9), Kris Hughes (15.4), Moses Hancock (5.2) Union County relied heavily on its senior trio of Manuel, Hughes, and Hancock last season. But the return of the sophomore point guard Daishawn Curry (7.4) who stepped away from the team late last season should ease the transition for the next group of Braves. Also back is 3-point threat Landon Jones who connected on 36% of his 3’s last season and forward Cameron Miller who averaged 5 points and 5 rebounds for Union County. The return of football star Jarren Johnson to the hardwood after sitting out last season due to injury could be the x-factor that makes Union County a legit contender in the 6th district. The Rest of the Region: Crittenden County Coach: Matt Fraliex (1st Season) Key Losses: Preston Morgeson (14.9), Case Gobin (4.0), Seth Guess (3.3) First-year coach Matt Fraliex will rely heavily on senior guard Travis Champion (24.3) to carry the load for the Rockets this season. Champion probably doesn't get the praise he deserves as one of the region’s top players but if the Rockets can get past Trigg County in the 5th district and back to the 2nd Region tournament, it will be Champion carrying the load. Dawson Springs Coach: Mickey Blue (3rd Season) Key Losses: Robert Bullock (1.6) Third-year head coach Mickey Blue has been building the Panthers over the past few seasons and has a chance to play Cinderella in the All-A region tournament over the next couple of seasons with their young roster. The return of leading scorers Montgomery Johnson (16.2), Rex Blue (13.5), and Jayden Plunkette (13.0) will make Dawson Springs one of the more seasoned small schools in the region. It has been a while since the Panthers won double-digit games in a season and they pulled that feat off last year. This group could make things interesting for their opponents for the next couple of seasons. Caldwell County Coach: Chuck Mitchell (1st Season) Key Losses: Xavier Bumphus (13.7) First-year coach Chuck Mitchell will lean on JayDarius Wilson (14.0 ppg) and Colin Whittington (9.8 ppg) to lead the Tigers. Caldwell County has had some strong teams over the past 11 years under coach Daniel Kukahiko and has produced some excellent college level players. Time will tell if there are any more diamonds in the rough in Princeton for Coach Mitchell to work with. Livingston County Coach: Matthew Hargrove (2nd Season) Key Losses: Will Orr (8.3), Josh Turney (4.2), Casen Render (3.9), Jude Ferrell (3.3) Coach Matthew Hargrove took over the rebuilding process at Livingston County last season. This season he returns some exciting young players in Logan Wring (16.8 ppg) and Mason Hargrove (5.8 ppg) for a program looking to make its way back to the region tournament. Ft. Campbell Coach: Kevin Lehde (1st Season) Key Losses: Eric Blaszkowski (15.2), Daniel Castro (6.6) First-year coach Kevin Lehde will have the tall task of replacing leading scorer Eric Blaszkowski for a team that finished at the bottom of the 2nd Region standings last season. Heritage Christian Coach: Matt McGowan (6th Season) Key Losses: Carlos Robles (14.4), Trentin Fowler (5.4), Trevor Gibson (3.7) New to the 2nd Region this season, Heritage Christian is eligible for post-season play. However, they will have their hands full competing in the 8th district with the likes perennial 2nd Region powers like Christian County, Hoptown and UHA.

Henderson Chevrolet GMC Classic @Henderson County High December 28, 29 & 30 Dec. 28 South Warren vs. Ballard Memorial 12:30pm Union County vs. Mayfield 2:00pm Owensboro vs. Henry Clay 3:30pm Mountain Brook (AL) vs. Male 5:00pm Henderson County vs. Muhlenberg County 6:30pm Webster County vs. Central Hardin 8:00pm Dec. 29 Mt. Vernon (IN) vs. Mayfield 12:30pm South Warren vs. Union county 2:00pm Ballard Memorial vs. Owensboro 3:30pm Central Hardin vs. Male 5:00pm Henderson County vs. Mountain Brook (AL) 6:30pm Henry Clay vs. Webster County 8:00pm Dec. 30 Henry Clay vs. Union County 12:00pm Mountain Brook (AL) vs. Webster County 1:30pm Henderson County vs. Ballard Memorial 3:00pm Evansville Memorial (IN) vs. Owensboro 4:30pm