Top 5 Preview: Sixteenth Region
We made it. We’ve reached the last of our regional previews. We have been breaking down the top 5 teams and top 5 college prospects in each region for the last few weeks. We finish with the sixteenth region where Boyd County almost upset Fern Creek in the Sweet Sixteen in March but they will have to replace most of their offense this season if they want to get back there this season.
Top 5 Teams:
- Elliott County – This is all contingent in Korbin Spencer being cleared to play this season after returning from Hargrave Military Academy. Fellow Senior Tanner Dickerson should combine with Spencer to make a high scoring duo. Also watch out for 8th grade point guard Collin Porter who gets a lot of pub as one of the better young players in Kentucky.
- Morgan County – Coming off a 25-6 record a season ago, Morgan returns a strong core that is primed to make a run at the regional title. Garrett Adkins, Blake Evans and Jake Helton all return for Coach Matthew Perry’s squad. Of their six losses last season, 5 were by 4 or fewer points. Look for Morgan to get over the hump this year and get to Rupp Arena.
- Ashland Blazer – Ashland fell just 5 points short of getting to Rupp Arena in March and return Devaunte Robinson who should be the best player in the region as a Senior this season. They will need to replace the 20 points per game lost with the graduation of Chase Villers. The 16th is fairly wide open but Ashland starts with in the drivers seat.
- Rowan County – If Paintsville transfer Mason Moore can get eligible to play, they will be right in the thick of things in the region. Moore averaged 17 points per game as a freshman last year. Coach Thacker returns Senior Brady Madden who averaged double figures last year in addition to a 7 man Junior class that should form the bulk of the rotation for the Vikings.
- Bath County – Coach Bart Williams brings back a group of 7 Juniors and 5 seniors including Senior Spencer Pergrem who averaged over 14 points as a Junior and should see an uptick in production this season with a few more shots per game coming his way. Bath will have experienced depth and could compete for a regional title. Amazing how the program has turned around over the last few years.
Top 5 College Prospects:
- Korbin Spencer – Korbin is still awaiting KHSAA clearance (as far as I know) but if cleared he becomes the best Senior and college prospect in the region. Korbin averaged 22 points per game as a sophomore before he transferred to Hargrave for his Junior year. He also led Elliott to Rupp Arena two years ago.
- Devaunte Robinson – Robinson is a good athlete and slasher who has had some interest from Morehead State among others. He ultimately ends up at the D2 or NAIA level more than likely but with his athleticism and strong build he can be a really good player at that level. Expect him to end up averaging over 20 points per game after putting up 17 per contest as a Junior.
- Tanner Dickerson – Heading into his Senior year at Elliott, Tanner just picked up his first offer from Pikeville. Dickerson averaged 18 points per game as a Junior. His numbers could take a hit if Spencer is ruled eligible this season but the team success will definitely go up a notch. Look for Dickerson to improve his shooting percentages with more open looks if Spencer is back.
- Blake Evans – Evans has been at Morgan for what seems like a decade now. Blake has long been known for his shooting ability specifically. Blake hit for 44% from 3 last season while making nearly 3 shots from downtown per game.
- Mason Moore – Moore has been ruled ineligible initially bur if he can gain eligibility, he brings great positional size as a 6’4 scoring wing. Mason averaged 17 points per game at Paintsville last season. He ultimately has a brighter future in baseball but could be a college basketball player down the line if he chose to go that way.