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Just wondering what you guys think about the 8th region. I think it should be a pretty fun an competitive year. Here is my two cents for what it is worth. 29th - I think this is probably the toughest district in the region this year. Oldham and South both return a lot of talent from last year. South also returns some key guys from injury. I think the winner of the region could come from those two. I know North Returns talent and is always solid. I just think they lost too much pitching off last years team. 30th - Another tough district that I think is wide open this year. All 4 teams are capable of winning that district. I think Anderson and Collins are a little down from the past few year but will still be very solid. Collins probably has the best number 1 in the district with McDonald. I think Shelby maybe the team to beat in the district this year. They have a lot of talent returning off of a very solid team last year. Spencer also returns a lot of talent and could be a tough out in the first round with Lambdin on the heel. 31st - This district is interesting to me. They are typically the weakest in the region but have some good players and teams returning. Owen is probably the favorite this year with the addition of Dunaway from Trimble which gives them another good arm to add to everyone returning. Henry has pretty much their whole team back from a team that nearly shocked South in the first round of the region last year. Carroll has been the best in the district the last couple of years. They lost one of their big pitchers but returns the other one a long with a lot of talent. Gallatin has a new coach and pretty much returns their whole team. 32nd - I think this is Simon's to lose. They lost talent to graduation but do return some pitching and have a lot of young talent to choose from. They also have experience from two previous deep regions runs. Grant lost their stud from last year. Walton Verona has some returners back but I am not sure there pitching is there to be a legit region contender. Williamstown had their best season in a while last year and were fairly young. Your thoughts?

Louisville Central (District 25 Champs) vs Ballard (District 28 Runner-up): Central has had an up and down year, marred by injuries, and a key player becoming ineligible after the break. Coach Bibby seems to have them clicking now at the right time. They breezed through their district tourney, blowing out Portland Christian and Manual. They started the Manual game slow and was down 7 at the half, and them limited Manual to 1 field goal in the entire second half to win by 19. Ballard has surprised and been Ballard again all year. They had a big year winning the LIT, and have been in the top 4 in the region the entire second half of the season. Ballard started slow against Christian Academy, and was down after the 1st quarter, and only led by 3 at the half. However, they turned it on in the 3rd and took a big lead, and won that game by 16. They got down early to Eastern in the district championship game, and eventually got down 25. They stormed back again, but this proved too little too late. Prediction: I'm going to have my first upset of the week and pick Central over Ballard this game. Central is at home, and yes Ballard blew Central out a few weeks ago at home. I don't see the same focus in Ballard that I saw at tourney time last year. With the news of junior guard Antoine Darby being suspended for this game (6th man who plays a key role offensively and defensively for Ballard), and the way Ballard has been playing, I see them dropping this game close by 5 at Central. Trinity (27th District Champs) vs. Male (26th District Runner-Ups) Trinity lost starting junior guard Lucas Burkman to injury for the season a couple of weeks ago, but haven't lost since. They beat Atherton handily in the district semis, and then played Waggener in a very exciting back and forth affair that ended on a running game winning buzzer beater by Gabe Schmidt. Male surprised everyone, and has been the #1 team in the 7th region for about the past month. Male killed Brown in the semis, and probably played one of the most thrilling and exciting games in the post-season so far in their championship game against St. X. They played a back and forth game through regulation, and it came down to the end, and they ultimately lost in OT to the host Tigers. Prediction:This game really could go either way. Both teams are playing well, and this could be the best first round regional game in the state. I'm going to go with Trinity at home though. I think the shooting prowess of this team with ultimately prove too much, in a 3 point win. St. Xavier (26th District Champs) vs Waggener (27th District Runner Ups) St. X has surpassed everyone's preseason expectations by far. They are the one team that is hard to evaluate. They can beat anyone in the state on any given night, but can also lose to anyone on any given night. St. X breezed past Collegiate in their district semis, and then beat Male in an instant classic OT game for the district championship. Waggener was the preseason #1 in the region, and hasn't been close to living up to those expectations, but their talent was on full display last week. They breezed past host Seneca in their semi-final game, and then played Trinity down to the wire in the championship game. Trinity had an outstanding shooting night against contested shots, and a buzzer beater to win. I think this Wildcats squad will be dangerous this week. Prediction: I'm going with Waggener by 8. With starting junior guard Jacquess Hobbs' (albeit not 100%) return from injury, and the progressing play of guard Isaiah Knight, I see them pushing the ball in transition being too much for the Tigers. That combined with Waggener's size to limit second shot opportunities leads me to leaning with the Wildcats. St. X will need another 30 point effort from McKim to beat them. Eastern (28th District Champs) vs DuPont Manual (25th District Runner-Ups) The Eagles had an up and down week, and had the surprise upset of the week in the 7th. They started their district tourney by holding on in the end behind Chance Moore's clutch free throw shooting to secure a 5 point win against KCD. They then stormed out to a big lead on Ballard in the first half in the championship game. Ballard went on a huge run and got within 1 point after being down 25, but then Eastern held on in the end to secure the district championship. Manual killed Shawnee in their district semis round, but then lost big to Central in the championship game. Sr. guard Marcus McClendon was hobbled in this game with a badly sprained ankle (he sat out of the Shawnee game), so his health will be vital to their chances of winning tomorrow night. Prediction: These teams have played two thrillers, with their last match-up ending on a game winning buzzer beater put back by junior guard Javen Rushin in the LIT. They say it's hard to beat a team 3 times, and if this were on a neutral floor I may lean with the Crimsons, but I'm going to pick Eastern by 11 on their home floor. Favorites: Everyone. Will be like winning the power ball picking this region. I'm going to pick Trinity, but my gut wants me to go with a Central/Waggener final (everyone's preseason #1 and #2). I'm just excited to watch it unfold. Players to Watch in the 7th Region Tourney: 1. Connor McKim - St. X 2. Alex Cook - Male 3. Jacob King - Trinity 4. Jamil Wilson - Ballard 5. Chance Moore - Eastern 6. Dai'Von Thompson - Central 7. Brandon Wells - Central 8. Clivonte Patterson - Ballard 9. Gabe Schmidt - Trinity 10. Jalaam Hill - Waggener Regular Season Awards: Coach of the Year - Willie Feldhaus - Male Player of the Year - Connor McKim - St. X My All Region picks: 1st Team 1. Connor McKim - St. X 2. Alex Cook - Male 3. Jacob King - Trinity 4. Jamil Wilson - Ballard 5. Dai'Von Thompson - Central 2nd Team 1. JR Mathis - KCD 2. Gabe Schmidt - Trinity 3. Clivonte Patterson - Ballard 4. Brandon Wells - Central 5. Chance Moore - Eastern 3rd Team 1. Caleb Williams - Eastern 2. Devin Firman - Central 3. Kevin Kirby - Waggener 4. Jalaam Hill - Waggener 5. Parker Jones - CAL

Of the 8 teams that took part in the 2015 10th Region Tournament, 7 of them return for a chance at the title in 2016. The one newcomer just so happens to be this year's host, as Montgomery County takes its third turn as the site for the 10th's annual March showdown. Two-time defending champion Campbell County is back, joining the Indians as one of the favorites. The two schools have won the last 3 tournaments. 40th District champion Paris is another favorite, as the Greyhounds have won a Region-leading 23 games thus far. Augusta is arguably the hottest team in the 10th, winners of 9 straight contests. Last year's runner-up Scott is back again and looks to win one more game than it did last year. Pendleton County is perhaps playing its best ball of the season right now, while Mason County will be hungry to rectify the disappointing ending to the 39th District Tournament. Harrison County enters as the field's greatest underdog, but the Thorobreds provided plenty of shock value last season. The Pairings Wednesday, March 2nd (6:00 pm) - Campbell County vs. Mason County Wednesday, March 2nd (7:45 pm) - Paris vs. Harrison County Thursday, March 3rd (6:00 pm) - Pendleton County vs. Montgomery County Thursday, March 3rd (7:45 pm)​ - Augusta vs. Scott Monday, March 7th (6:00 pm) - Semi-Final #1 Monday, March 7th (7:45 pm) - Semi-Final #2 Tuesday, March 8th (7:00 pm)​ - Championship Game The Teams Campbell County Camels Head Coach: Aric Russell Record: 19-12 (37th District Champions) Key Players: Matt Wilson - 6'9" Sr. (19.9 ppg & 11.9 rpg), Cole Hegyi - 6'3" Jr. (12.2 ppg), Trent McGovney - 5'11" Sr. (8.2 ppg) The Camels are the 2-time defending 10th Region Champions and for a third straight year, Aric Russell's club will play the tournament's first game. The team leader is undoubtedly senior big man Matt Wilson, an Army signee, who has averaged a double-double for three consecutive seasons. Fellow senior Trent McGovney has been running the point for 3 seasons now, and brings plenty of experience and leadership to the table, while junior swingman Cole Hegyi is the team's #2 scorer. Lanky junior forward Garren Bertsch leads Campbell in 3-pointers made (57) and had an outstanding District Tournament. The Camels have won 11 of their last 12 games and seem primed to make another run at the Regional crown. Mason County Royals Head Coach: Buddy Biggs Record: 20-10 (39th District Runner-Up) Key Players: Antwavon "Pig" Williams - 6'0 Sr. (19.6 ppg), Conner Sweeney 6'6" Sr. (14.7 ppg & 6.8 rpg), Isiah Garrison 6'0 Soph. (12.9 ppg & 47.8% FG's) First-year Royals coach Buddy Biggs brings his squad into the 10th Region Tournament with somewhat of a limp. Mason County lost 3 of its last 5 regular season games, including a heartbreaking loss to Augusta in the 39th District finals. Pig Williams is a sensational point guard who leads the team in scoring and is one of the 10th's top overall defensive performers. Sophomore Isiah Garrison joins Williams to form an excellent back court. The duo combined to score 40 of the team's 61 points in the District championship. Conner Sweeney and Darren Williams, a pair of 6'6" seniors, give the Royals some versatility and size in the front court. It will be interesting to see how Mason responds to the District loss, but if this team is clicking, watch out. Paris Greyhounds Head Coach: Terence Brooks Record: 23-5 (40th District Champions) Key Players: Koebe Garrard - 6'3" Sr. (16.8 ppg & 7.7 rpg), Jekobi Wells - 6'3" Jr. (12.3 ppg & 53.2% FG's), James Clark - 5'10" Sr. (8.9 ppg) The Greyhounds claimed their 2nd straight 40th District crown by beating Montgomery County for an impressive third time this year, and now the team that won the most regular season games will play the team in the field that won the fewest games: Harrison County. Terence Brooks' team is likely the deepest in the entire Region, but senior Koebe Garrard is the roster's unquestioned leader. Garrard is the #1 scorer and #2 rebounder for the Hounds, while junior wing Jekobi Wells is the #2 scorer and #1 rebounder. Sophomore guard Eric Johnson has had a strong season at 9.4 ppg, while the back court tandem of James Clark (5'10" Sr.) and Marcus Ashford (5'7" Soph.) will frustrate opposing guards. Paris came up just shy in its goal of winning the 10th Region Class "A", but hopes to reach the mountaintop this time around. Harrison County Thorobreds Head Coach: Larry Kendall Record: 12-17 (38th District Runner-Up) Key Players: Zack Pulliam - 6'4" Sr. (12.5 ppg), Jovon Williams - 6'2" Sr. (10.8 ppg), Spencer Free - 6'2" Fr. (7.8 ppg & 78.1% FT's) Larry Kendall's Thorobreds enter the Regional Tournament in a bit of a slump, owning a 2-7 record since the start of February. The Breds gave Pendleton County a battle, but eventually finished runner-up in the 38th for a second straight season. Long, agile forward Zack Pulliam is the team's scoring leader, while Jovon Williams is the team's #2 scorer. Williams is also one of the 10th's most elite defenders. The Breds have an experienced senior running the point in Brock Jenkins, but the youth movement is strong as well with freshman wing Spencer Free. The Thorobreds pulled a stunner in last year's opening round by defeating favorite Mason County, but they will have their work cut out for them in duplicating that this year. Pendleton County Wildcats Head Coach: Keaton Belcher Record: 16-16 (38th District Champions) Key Players: Dontaie Allen - 6'5" Fr. (22.4 ppg & 9.4 rpg), Hunter Wood - 5'9" Sr. (7.6 ppg), Mason Dennie - 6'0 Jr. (8.7 ppg & 47.4% FG's) Belcher's Bombers cut down the 38th District nets for a second straight season, but even before the post-season success, the Wildcats were playing as well as most 10th Region squads. Of their final 4 regular season wins, the Cats won at Campbell County, at Paris, and at Mason County. While Belcher's bunch has some experienced talent, it is led by fantastic freshman wing Dontaie Allen, who is one of the 10th's top individual players. Savvy point guard Hunter Wood is the senior catalyst running the point, and junior wing Mason Dennie has come on strong in the second half of the season. Pendleton isn't the perimeter power it was last year, but the club isn't far off either. When the Cats are hitting from beyond the arc, they're capable of beating anyone. Montgomery County Indians Head Coach: Matt Daniel Record: 20-11 (40th District Runner-Up) Key Players: Caswell Fuller - 5'10" Sr. (13 ppg & 50.3% FG's), Art Walker - 6'3" Sr. (14.5 ppg & 41.8% 3pt. FG's), Jerryd Jones - 6'4" Jr. (14 ppg & 59.7% FG's) The host Indians put their disappointing 2015 post-season behind them and finished runner-up in the 40th District Tournament. Matt Daniel's squad is the most lethal from beyond the arc, draining 227 treys on the year. Senior Caswell Fuller leads a balanced attack from the point guard position as an able scorer and superior distributor. His senior back court mate Art Walker is one of the deadliest perimeter shooters in the 10th and versatile forward Jerryd Jones is an efficient scorer at nearly 60% field goal shooting. Freshman forward Brennan Canada has been impressive despite his youth, while senior Cody Parsley can both score and defend well. 6'7" senior center Shelby Combs rounds out Daniel's usual 6-man rotation at 7.2 ppg and 6.2 rpg. With above average talent and playing at home, Montgomery is among the favorites to reach Rupp. Augusta Panthers Head Coach: Brian Kirk Record: 22-6 (39th District Champions) Key Players: Connor Maddox - 5'11" Sr. (22.1 ppg), Camryn Snapp - 6'3" Sr. (11.8), Owens Crawford - 6'1" Sr. (10.7 ppg) In his first year as the head coach of his alma mater, Brian Kirk continued the post-season magic of his predecessor. The Panthers scored an improbable come-from-behind victory over Mason County to claim their 3rd 39th District crown in 4 years. The senior trio of Connor Maddox, Camryn Snapp, and Owens Crawford have been through the battles, cut down the nets, and they are looking forward to adding the big title to their large collection of hardware. Junior Jared Shoemaker is a crafty left-hander who has enjoyed a fine season and senior transfer Tanner Pugh hit the shot of his life to win the 39th. What Augusta lacks in depth it makes up for with grit and a never-say-die attitude, and Kirk's kids hope to turn their current 9-game winning streak into 12 by tourney's end. Scott Eagles Head Coach: Brad Carr Record: 13-16 (37th District Runner-Up) Key Players: Jake Ohmer - 6'0 Jr. (26.3 ppg & 85.5% FT's), Vinnie Duimlao - 6'0 Jr. (9 ppg), Andrew Trame - 6'1" Sr. (7.6 ppg) In the 11 years that Scott has participated in the 10th Region, the program has qualified for the 10th Region Tournament in every year but one (2014). The Eagles have never cut down the nets, but Brad Carr has led his group to runner-up finishes in 2 of the last 3 tournaments. Jake Ohmer is the field's top overall scorer, and does a lot of his damage at the free throw line, where he scores about 30% of his points. Vinnie Duimlao plays bigger than his size, and is second on the team in scoring. Senior Andrew Trame wears a lot of hats for the Eagles and 6'4" senior forward C.J. Seay played well enough to earn All-Tournament honors in the 37th District Tournament. Scott is very much a guard-driven club that plays with tremendous tenacity. And it seems that regardless of his personnel, Carr always has his squad ready for post-season success. The Predictions Papa's peerless predictions: Campbell County - Mason County. Do the Royals have any answers for the 10th's POY Matt Wilson? Royals are reeling at the wrong time, losing 3 of their last 5, with the only wins in that stretch coming after a sluggish first half against a woeful Fleming County squad and a close one over a feisty Polar Bears team missing a starter. I'd like to see a different outcome, but the 2-time regional champion Camels prevail. 70-58, purple jerseys. Paris - Harrison County. Paris has been hitting on all cylinders - excepting the senior night hiccup against Pendleton County - since Garrard's return. Hounds won this matchup in Cynthiana a week ago and I expect more of the same. 65-52, Greyhounds. Pendleton County - Montgomery County. Wildcats need a typical Dontaie Allen game and major contributions from the likes of Wood, Dennie and Browning to hang with the Indians - the one district loser than nobody wanted to draw in the first round. In the end, too much Art Walker, Jerryd Jones, Caswell Fuller and company. Tribe 72, Cats 65. Scott - Augusta. The most intriguing matchup in the opening round. Augusta handled the Eagles in the middle of the season, and seem to be a team of destiny. Jake Ohmer goes off for 35+, but I'll take the Panthers in a nail-biter; 70-69. Campbell County - Paris. This would be the first meeting of the season for the Camels and the Hounds. Paris will have the crowd behind them in what could be a game talked about in 10th Region circles for a month of Sundays. Paris 80, Campbell County 77 in double overtime. Montgomery County - Augusta. It's been a wild ride for the little town on the river, but the Indians use their size advantage to pound the rock inside to wear down the Panthers. 72 - 66, Indians. Paris - Montgomery County. Ol' papa picked the Indians to cut down the nets in the contest, so there's no backing down now. Fourth time's a charm. Tribe 60, Hounds 56 in another classic. Julius Randle's on-again-off-again-girlfriend's predictions: Mason County defeats Campbell County Paris defeats Harrison County Montgomery County defeats Pendleton County Scott defeats Augusta Paris defeats Mason County Montgomery County defeats Scott Montgomery County defeats Paris Randy's Kiss Of Death Predictions: Campbell County 61 Mason County 58 Paris 60 Harrison County 46 Montgomery County 66 Pendleton County 58 Scott 62 Augusta 59 Campbell County 64 Paris 63 (OT) Montgomery County 70 Scott 64 Montgomery County 63 Campbell County 59

12th Region Tournament Preview The 12th Region tournament is set to begin tomorrow night at Pulaski County. Lincoln County and Southwestern kickoff the tournament and Mercer County takes on Rockcastle in the 7:45 game. Thursday brings two more good games with Wayne County versus Boyle County and Casey County versus West Jessamine. Eight teams remain with all vying for the 12th Region crown and the opportunity to play in Rupp Arena. Which teams will survive to play another game? Who has what it takes to win 3 games and cut down the nets next Tuesday? Let’s all enjoy this week of basketball because we will be seeing seven good teams play for the last time as their season will come to an end. Good luck to all teams. Lincoln County Patriots (19-11) vs Southwestern Warriors (23-6) Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 6:00 Lincoln County 2016 45th District Champions Southwestern 2016 48th District runner-up Last Played: February 1, 2016, Southwestern 67 Lincoln County 59 (at SWHS) Last playoff meeting: 2014 12th Region semifinals Southwestern 66 Lincoln Co. 60 The Warriors and Patriots have played each other four times in past region tournaments with Southwestern leading the series 3-1. Even though the Patriots are the district champions this year they will be considered the underdog in this first round game with Southwestern. The Warriors better not be looking ahead to the potential semifinal matchup or they will find themselves ending their season early. Mercer County Titans (30-1) vs Rockcastle County Rockets (19-12) Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 7:45 Mercer County 2016 46th District Champions Rockcastle County 2016 47th District Runner-up Last Played: December 8, 2016, Mercer Co. 85 Rockcastle Co. 51 (at RCHS) Last Playoff meeting: Have never played each other in the postseason. Mercer County is the top team in the 12th region and will be heavily favored in the game versus Rockcastle County. The Rockets will need a lot of things to go their way if they plan on making this a game. Win or lose, the Rockets have had a great season. But, anything can happen in a game where someone’s season will come to an end. That’s why they play the game. Casey County Rebels (14-17) vs West Jessamine Colts (18-13) Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 7:45 Casey County 2016 47th District Champions West Jessamine 2016 46th District Runner-up Last Played: January 16, 2016, West Jessamine 81 Casey Co. 74 (at West) Last Playoff meeting: Have never played each other in the postseason. The Casey County Rebels are riding a wave of momentum coming into the 12th Region tournament. They won the district tournament for the first time since 1994 and are looking to win their first 12th Region game since 1994 also. West Jessamine has been in the 12th Region tournament every year since they joined the region except 2011. They won the region in 2009 and 2010 and the Colts feel like the path is there for them to make it to the championship game this year. This could be the best first round game in the region. Wayne County Cardinals (18-10) vs Boyle County Rebels (14-11) Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 6:00 Wayne county 2016 48th District Champions Boyle County 2016 45th District Runner-up Last Played: Last year in the 12th Region semifinals, Boyle Co. 63 Wayne Co. 56 In 1966 the Cardinals and Rebels met for the first time in the 12th Region tournament and fifty years later they meet once again. This is actually a fairly common occurrence as they have met nine other times in the postseason with Wayne County leading in region meetings 6-4. Boyle beat Wayne last year in the semifinals and went on to take the 12th Region crown. This ended the Cardinals chance for a three-peat as they had won the region in 2013 and 2014. The Cardinals have not forgotten and are seeking to avenge last year’s loss. This has the potential to be a great first round game Thursday night.