Top Five Preview: Fourteenth Region
With the season starting, we are wrapping up our season previews. Here’s a look at the 14th region, where Knott County looks to reign behind a solid Junior class. Top Five Regional Title Contenders: Hazard – The Bulldogs graduated a…
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Continue ReadingWith the season starting, we are wrapping up our season previews. Here’s a look at the 14th region, where Knott County looks to reign behind a solid Junior class.
Top Five Regional Title Contenders:
Hazard – The Bulldogs graduated a lot of experience but return leading scorers Wade Pelphrey, Logan Hall and Reece Fletcher. Eighth grader Rydge Beverly could be a factor this year also. They could lose in the district or win the region but you can say that for most of the 14th this season.
Knott County Central – The Patriots bring back 2 of their top 3 scorers off their All A regional title team as Colby Napier and Josh McGuire are leaders in their Junior seasons. Past that, the KCC roster is a mystery. Many of last year’s main contributors have moved on after graduation. Coach BB King is a legend for a reason and will have his team in the mix by the postseason.
Perry County Central – The reigning regional champs are without Noah Back after a high school career that seemed to last a decade. The Commodore roster is always a work in progress and it’s entirely in the realm of possibility that they’ll have multiple new players by the time postseason arrives.
Wolfe County – By contrast, Wolfe County brings back their entire roster from last season. The Wolves have a strong back court with Jaz Johnson and Sawyer Thompson returning and rising 8th grader Skylar Ritchie will man the post after spending all summer starting at the center spot.
Buckhorn – After winning 21 games last season, Buckhorn hopes to cross the 20 win threshold again this year. Kobe Bowling is only a Junior and averaged over 20 points per contest last year. Coach Corey Hoskins has his work cut out for him to escape the district and get to the region but if they can get to the region, these Wildcats are capable of going on a run.
Top 5 College Prospects:
Josh McGuire, Knott County Central – A big bodied post with some stretch to his game, McGuire is a bruising post player who can play at the next level.
Kobe Bowling, Buckhorn – A big time scorer, I fully expect Kobe to end up as a college player once his years are done at Buckhorn.
Jaz Johnson, Wolfe County – One of the better scorers in the region, Jaz can play either guard spot and scores the ball at every level.
Colby Napier, Knott County Central – One of the standouts at our Top 250 expo in August, Napier has a baseball offer but could play basketball at the next level.
Joe Benton, Estill County – Benton would be an NAIA or better caliber scholarship player in basketball if he weren’t already planning to pursue a future on the golf course.
Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:
Joe Benton, Estill County
Predicted Regional Champion:
Knott County Central