2017-2018 Season Preview: 16th Region
October 15th is a holiday in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. High school basketball season is officially underway in the Bluegrass state. The excitement that comes with a new season will soon be replaced by the grind of the season but every school in the state starts the season with the same goal. Everyone wants to get to Rupp Arena in March. In our season preview series, we break down the favorites to make it to the KHSAA state tournament out of each region. Our previews continue here the 16th Region
THE CONTENDERS:
SCHOOL NAME (overall record, region record from last season)
Ashland Blazer (13-19, 10-10)
Ashland returns talented junior guard Devaunte Robinson, who averaged just under 13 points per game and senior guard Chase Villers, the Tomcats returning leading scorer at 16.3 points per game. It’ll take some work, but on the backs of Villers and Robinson, Ashland could make some noise this year.
Boyd County (26-7, 16-5)
Boyd returns three key players from last year’s team that won 26 games. Reese Robinson averaged 10.4 points per game last season and will be looked upon to lead this team alongside Taylor Smith and Blake Stewart.
Fleming County (8-24, 7-14)
A new coach and a new culture could prove successful for Fleming County. Chris Stapleton took over at Fleming County this off-season, bringing a ton of experience and success as an assistant coach in the 10th Region and head coach on the AAU circuit with him. Zac Alexander returns brings back his 15.7 points per game and is considered one of the top players in the region.
Elliott County (26-4, 20-1)
Junior Korbin Spencer transferred to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, leaving the defending regional champions along with senior Chase Porter who know plays at Kentucky Christian. Elliott County will rely on Tanner Dickerson, Gage Evans, and Kole Whitley to pick up the load.