Elite 8: 8th Region
We are only 2 and a half weeks from the start of the KHSAA Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena. Half the schools in Kentucky have been eliminated from the postseason and by Thursday night, that number will dip to 64 teams remaining. The games get started on Tuesday night in the 6th and 7th regions before the rest of the state starts regional play on Wednesday night. We’re going to take a look at the 8 top players remaining in each region and take a shot at power ranking the remaining teams. The 8th region starts play on Wednesday night. All regional games take place at Henry County High School. Here’s a breakdown of the 8th region tournament and the top individual players still playing.
Elite 8 Players (in no order):
Cobe Penny, Anderson County – Signed to Bellarmine, the guard is wired to score. The new All-Time leading scorer in Anderson history, Penny will be looking to get back to the title game and win it this time.
Brennan Stanley, Walton-Verona – Stanley is a 2,000 point scorer for his career. After taking a while to settle in at Walton after transferring in, Stanley found his footing and became their best scorer.
Devin Young, South Oldham – Averaging 21 points per game and pulling down 8 rebounds per contest, Young is a 6’6 wing who is wired to score.
Dayvion McKnight, Collins- One of the top sophomores in the state, McKnight is the engine that makes the Titans run. A strong finisher, McKnight can be the difference in a return to Rupp Arena or an early exit.
Jacob Feltner, Collins – Perhaps the best shooter in the state, Feltner is lights out from 3 and capable of getting to the rim when he wants.
Kelly Niece, Simon Kenton – Only a freshman, the guard is a big time scorer and the go to guy for Simon Kenton. Niece is going to find himself high up our 2021 rankings when they are updated again.
Travis Henderson, Oldham County – The MVP of what is possibly the favorite to win the 8th, Henderson does everything for Oldham and has shown ability to score the ball from all over.
Zach Kelch, Simon Kenton – Kelch is the lone D1 signee in the 2018 class in the 8th region. Standing 6’9″, Kelch is a matchup problem for opposing teams when he actually gets a post touch.
Power Rankings
1. Oldham County – The Colonels should be the favorites to win the region but any of 4-6 teams could win it.
2. Walton-Verona – Despite losing Dieonte Miles midway through the year, W-V has kept rolling along. They’re a threat to win the region and get to Rupp.
3. Simon Kenton – The Pioneers have several nice pieces and are capable of making a run to the Sweet Sixteen.
4. Collins – The Reigning and defending regional champs have a tough path back to the Sweet Sixteen but they can get there.
5. Gallatin County – Despite being a district champion and having a very successful season, Simon Kenton in the opener is a tough draw.
6. South Oldham – The Dragons are capable of knocking off Walton-Verona and they will get their chance on Wednesday.
7. Anderson County – After a very underwhelming season, they are finally playing their best basketball at the right time.
8. Henry County – Likely the only team that I cannot see winning the region. But they are capable of winning a game or two.