16 Difference Makers: KHSAA State Tournament
Tomorrow afternoon begins the 2019 KHSAA State Tournament. As we know, our state is represented evenly since one team from each region will have a chance to play at Rupp Arena. Yesterday, I did a write up (you can check…
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Continue ReadingTomorrow afternoon begins the 2019 KHSAA State Tournament. As we know, our state is represented evenly since one team from each region will have a chance to play at Rupp Arena. Yesterday, I did a write up (you can check on my articles page) about the preview for this years tournament, along with some of the best players those teams bring to the table. Now we will take a look at some hidden difference makers on each of those teams that might not get the same recognition as the stars/top players.
DaSean Jones, Mayfield Cardinals (1st Region): as we all know the Guthrie brothers who get most of the attention around Paducah. Jones looking to boast his tall athletic body frame to add a depth to their team in Lexington. He is their primary big man on the court, he is also their third leading scorer (12.8 points per game & 3.6 rebounds per game). He adds a nice touch to a team who has the ability to make a nice run in the state tournament. He scores primarily from the paint, but can shoot the three ball if given the opportunity.
JD Gilbert, Madisonville-North Hopkins (2nd Region): JD serves as their primary point guard. Madisonville is one of the only teams in the state that runs a true 5 man system (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) and his role is floor general for the Maroons. He scores 10.4 ppg, which is 4th on their team. His shooting numbers are also very high, 53% FG – 33% 3PT – 60% FT. After beating UHA in the region championship, MNH looks to made a deep run in the sweet sixteen.
Gavin Wimsatt, Owensboro (3rd Region): Gavin, only being a freshman, is scoring high numbers this year. Although he is usually in the shadows of his brother Darrion, in the next few years Gavin will begin to make a name for himself. He kinda slides into a Wing role for the Red Devils, averaging 10.3 points per game and leading their team in rebounds (6.7). Gavin shoots 50% from the floor, I would guess thats so because he shoots all his shots from inside of the arch, meaning he hasn’t taken a 3pt shot all year. Owensboro has an easier first round matchup at state, which can give them momentum to potentially be a upset-caliber team.
Tayshaun Bibb, Warren Central (4th Region): Bibb serves a different purpose for the Dragons than the two well known stars on their team. Listed as a guard on their team page, I think he slides into a wing role like Wimsatt listed above. He is third on his team in scoring (8.8 ppg) and second on his team in rebounding (7.4 rpg). Warren Central who are back to back 4th Region Champions, they are looking to improve from their final four exit in last years sweet sixteen.
Aaron Scott, John Hardin (5th Region): we all know about John Hardins’ undefeated record so far (35-0). They hope their story-book season doesnt come to an end tomorrow at Rupp. In order for that to happen, Scott will have to step up his game just a few more times for the Bulldogs to pull off their goal. He serves as their primary guard and is their second leading scorer (14.1 points per game). We know that his teammates Alex Matthews and Trevon Harris will be ready to play. If Scott also shows up, John Hardin will be a force to be reckoned with.
Cameron Underwood, Butler (6th Region): Underwood is a special player who is under-the-radar player on one of the best teams in Louisville. He leads the Bears in rebounding (5.5 per game) and is arguably the best pure shooter on their team. He leads the Bears in 3pt shooting (41%) and FG shooting (53%), and hopes to get a hot hand in Lexington. Butler has a matchup nightmare against their first round opponent Perry County Central, hopefully Underwood can lift his team up to advance at state.
Kolton Rice, Trinity (7th Region): the Shamrocks are led by G David Johnson who is a D1 player and Mr. Basketball candidate. But Rice is a high volume shooter who Trinity will need to play well in order to have a chance of winning this years tournament. He averages 7.7 points per game and is the second leading 3pt shooter on their team (36%). Trinity are favorites to advance to the final four, but their road isn’t easy.
Garrett Jones, Walton-Verona (8th Region): we all know about the height the Bearcats bring to the table, they have three players over 6’6 who lead their team in scoring and rebounding. But underneath all the height is the unsung hero of this team, Garrett Jones, who averages 10.3 points per game and shoots 72% from the charity stripe. WV has an interesting first round matchup, but this is their schools first sweet sixteen appearance since the 1940s, if anyone has the gut to make a run at Rupp, it’s the Bearcats.
Neil Green, Covington Catholic (9th Region): the Colonels once again return to defend their state championship from last year. But what is known as a “rebuilding” year by their coaching staff is potentially a scary sight. Cov Cath has a lot of dominant athletes on their team, but one of the role players is stepping up and being the scorer this team needs. Neil is only posting 8.5 points per game and is second of their team in shooting (66%). We impatiently wait the most anticipated first round matchup when they square off against favorites Scott County.
Tanner Lawrence, Campbell County (10th Region): a starter for the Camels, he helps his teammate Reid Jolly dominate teams in the paint. This 6’4 post player has the ability to turn games in Campbell County’s favor. He is averaging 9.3 points per game and is second on his team in rebounding. Lawrence will need to provide a lot of help in their opening round matchup if they want to defeat the currently undefeated Bulldogs.
Glenn Covington, Scott County (11th Region): Glenn is such an even scorer its almost impossible to stop him. Leading his team in three pointers made, this Scott County team is one of the best teams in KHSAA recent history. With a Mr. Basketball finalist and 4 other senior players who score over 10 points per game. It’ll be hard to stop the Cardinals when they get to Rupp Arena. Covington will need to shoot the three ball good at Rupp if the Cards want to reverse the tables and avenge their runner-up trophy from last year.
Jaxon Smith, Lincoln County (12th Region): this matchup will primarily be centered around post-play. So I believe in order for the Patriots to advance to the elite eight, they will need one of their best 3pt shooters to step up for them. Jaxon is shooting 43% from behing the arch and is second on their team in points per game (12.1). For Lincoln County to advance, shooting will be their key to victory.
Zach Patterson, Knox Central (13th Region): Knox has a wide variety of players who can score the ball, which is why this was a hard pick for me. Zach is a player who can help the Panthers who has unlimited range. Which this team might have to utilize in order to beat the ‘Monstars’ type of team their opponent Walton-Verona brings to Lexington.
Noah Caudill, Perry County Central (14th Region): the Commodores have the best “Noah” duo in the state. Besides their top guard Noah Back – Noah Caudill serves as their primary big man, which PCC will need in order to advance at Rupp. Caudill is the second leading scorer on this team and leads their team in rebounding as well (13 ppg – 11 rpg). If this team is to advance, both these players will need to have huge games.
Gabe Ferrell, Johnson Central (15th Region): only playing in 23 of their 34 games this season, he is posting quite impressive role player numbers – 10.6 ppg & 3.3 rpg. Johnson Central has had a great run this year and unfortunately drew one of the best teams in the state. But besides the Scott Co. v. Cov Cath, this game is my second favorite matchup in the first round. We will see what Johnson Central brings to Lexington tomorrow.
Hunter Mays, Ashland Blazer (16th Region): Ashland Blazer is one of the shocker teams in this tournament field. We will see how they fare against Owensboro tomorrow. They will need their leading 3pt scorer to step up. Hunter averages 10.5 ppg and shoots 39% from behind the arch. Hopefully, since in my rankings the Tomcats are 16th seed, I hope they can prove me wrong and be the underdog team Rupp Arena loves to cheer for.