Regular Season: Day Four

Only four games were played last night, but one is worth mentioning...

--On Tuesday, it was Manual defeating one of the 6th region's finest in Doss. Last night, the 6th region returned the favor as the DeSales Colts upset Male 57-54 on the road. Perhaps this result proves the two regions are closer together than first discussed. Or perhaps DeSales is just a better team than Doss. Or Manual might have a chance to beat Male (which is no small achievement these days). Time will tell what these two results will mean to Louisville high school basketball.

Now, what does Thursday have in store?

--The Marshall County Hoop Fest kicks off with two games on tonight's schedule. First region foes Graves County and Heath will tangle after the opening game, which will feature host Marshall County playing Vienna, IL. Over the weekend, look for Paducah Tilghman, St. Mary and Lexington Catholic to also compete in the Hoop Fest.

--Speaking of Lexington Catholic, the Knights return to action with a district game on the road at Dunbar. Both teams played Covington schools on Tuesday, with the Knights winning and the Bulldogs losing.

--The 12th region is wide open, and two of those teams expected to compete for district and regional championships will be on display tonight as Pulaski County visits McCreary Central.

--The southwestern side of the state will see a good one tonight as well, as the Russellville Panthers travel west to the Hopkinsville area to battle Fort Campbell. Here's another chance for the 4th region to gain ground, as Greenwood has already smoked highly regarded Ohio County.

Regular Season: Day Three

The first Tuesday of the season brought some interesting results...

Courier-Journal summaries
Herald-Leader summaries

--Perhaps most notably was Manual's win over highly-ranked Doss. The 7th region really flexed its muscle through this result, and the Dragons' loss proves they might have a tough time with PRP and company in the 6th region.

--Meanwhile, Lexington won their challenge with the Covington area 2-1. Covington Catholic was too much for Dunbar, but Lexington Catholic and Tates Creek picked up nice wins over Covington Holy Cross and Ryle, respectively.

--In south central Kentucky, the Greenwood Gators showed their strength with a very impressive win over Ohio County. With the win, Greenwood must be considered as a player in the western side of the state, even though top-5 ranked Warren Central resides in their region.

--My state champion prediction Elizabethtown didn't really light the world on fire last night, as the Panthers escaped Adair County with a 53-49 win. Perhaps I should rethink my pick...

--Simon Kenton, arguably the favorite in the 8th region, played the part well with a good 16-point win over St. Henry last night. Expect Simon Kenton and Shelby County to be the favorites in the 8th region, but keep an eye on Gallatin County.

--Finally, Holmes sent a message to the 9th region last night with a nice 73-42 win over Pendleton County, a solid (but certainly not as good as last year's edition) team from the 10th region.

As for tonight, not much is going on...

--Male will welcome DeSales, and likely once again prove the 7th region's superiority to their neighboring region to the west.

--St. Henry is back in action with a home game against Trimble County.

--June Buchanan, my pick to win the 14th region, will open their season at home against Jenkins.

Regular Season: Day Two

A couple of things from last night...

--Graves County scored a tough win over Fulton County 46-40. Even though the Pilots could not pull out the win, watch for them during the regular season to make some noise in the 1st region.

--University Heights was beaten soundly by Clarksville (TN) 76-61, but expect the Blazers to contend for a regional championship in the 2nd region.

--Other solid winners included Anderson County, McCreary Central and Perry County Central.

Now, on tonight's schedule...

Consider it the Lexington vs. Northern Kentucky Challenge.

--Covington Catholic, one of the three favorites in the 9th region, welcomes Paul Dunbar, a team looking to rebound from a difficult season in which the Bulldogs only won nine games.

--Another favorite in the 9th region, Covington Holy Cross, makes the trip south to battle Lexington Catholic. The Knights are favored to win the five-team 43rd district over Dunbar, Lafayette and Tates Creek.

--Speaking of Tates Creek, the Commodores will be looking for a quality non-region win when they host the Ryle Raiders. Ryle plays for a state football championship this weekend, so it will be interesting to see if the Raiders are on top of the game.

But some other games that are worth mentioning...

--One of the 8th region's best, Simon Kenton, will play host to a St. Henry, a solid team from the neighboring 9th.

--Ohio County and its big man Josh Clemons welcomes star center Sean Clark and the rest of the Greenwood Gators. This matchup should give us an idea whether the 3rd region or the 4th region has supremecy in Western Kentucky.

--Defending 11th region champ Madison Central heads to Berea to tackle rival Madison Southern.

--While their two regional rivals will be in action against Lexington teams, Covington Holmes will battle 10th region power Pendleton County. Can the Wildcats challenge Mason County this year in the 10th? This game will be a telling indicator.

--Best matchup in the Louisville area tonight? It should be the Manual Crimsons on the road at one the best teams in the state, the Doss Dragons.

Regular Season: Day One

The regular season kicks off tonight, but there aren't many games on the schedule for this evening that are getting me truly excited.

Perhaps the best matchup will be out west, as Fulton County travels to Graves County in a game that will test how serious a contender the Pilots can be in the 1st region.

McCreary Central, one of the sleepers in the 12th region, has a tough out-of-state test at home against Knoxville Christian (TN).

If there's a team in the 5th region that can challenge the Big Three in the 17th District, it might be Caverna. The Colonels are at Fort Knox tonight.

Finally, University Heights starts their season south of the border as they travel to Clarksville (TN) for a stiff opening test.

Tuesday has some interesting matchups in store, including several good Lexington vs. Covington-area matchups.

State Tournament Predictions

First Round Exit: Paducah Tilghman, Christian County, Gallatin County, Covington Catholic, Southwestern, June Buchanan, Paintsville, Russell

Quarterfinalists: Ohio County, Doss, Jeffersontown, Mason County

Semifinalists: Warren Central, South Laurel

Runner-Up: Scott County

STATE CHAMPION: Elizabethtown

Regional Tournament Predictions

These do not necessarily match up with my top ranked team in the regional previews. Crazy things happen in March...

1st Region: Paducah Tilghman
The Blue Tornado cash in this season, as they pull away from the pack and take the 1st region title over Marshall County.

2nd Region: Christian County
Loss in district tournament motivates Colonels to upset Henderson County in semis and win rematch over University Heights in the final.

3rd Region: Ohio County
In a region with little height, the Eagles ride big man Josh Clemons to their second regional title in three seasons.

4th Region: Warren Central
The streak reaches six for the Dragons, as Central romps through the regional tournament capped with a big regional final win over Allen County-Scottsville.

5th Region: Elizabethtown
Much like Christian County, the Panthers rally from a district tournament loss to John Hardin and win the rematch when it really counts.

6th Region: Doss
Jeff Brooks and Davin Anderson give the Dragons a 1-2 punch that PRP cannot overcome in the regional final...first region for Doss since 1987.

7th Region: Jeffersontown
The champions of 2006 become the champions of 2007 when they defeat Ballard in a classic 7th regional final.

8th Region: Gallatin County
With all the talk centering on Shelby County and Simon Kenton, it is the Wildcats that come from the pack and trigger the biggest upset in regional tournament play.

9th Region: Covington Catholic
After outlasting Holmes for the district championship, the Colonels capatilize on Holmes losing early at region and take down Highlands for the regional championship.

10th Region: Mason County
It's a walk for the Royals, as they earn their fifth trip to Rupp from the last six years. Darius Miller also hears the whispers from the UK boosters during the state tournament.

11th Region: Scott County
Upset at district by Henry Clay, the Cardinals recover and defeat the defending regional champion Madison Central Indians to claim the 2007 crown.

12th Region: Southwestern
In a wide open race, Southwestern defeats Lincoln County in double overtime to win the 12th region title.

13th Region: South Laurel
No suspense this season, as the Cardinals roll over Bell County to return to Rupp.

14th Region: June Buchanan
Everyone wishes for a Hazard-Perry Central rematch, but the Crusaders upset Hazard in the semis and then defeat the Commodores for the title to earn the school's first regional championship.

15th Region: Paintsville
There will be no repeat championship for Johnson Central, as the Tigers return to state for the first time since four consecutive trips in the mid-90s, which included a state championship in 1996.

16th Region: Russell
Jonathan VanHoose and company return to the state tournament after defeating Ashland Blazer in a close regional title game.

District Tournament Predictions

Here are my predicted champions from the 64 District Tournaments...

1st Region
1) Fulton County
2) Paducah Tilghman
3) Graves County
4) Calloway County

2nd Region
5) Trigg County
6) Henderson County
7) Caldwell County
8) University Heights Academy

3rd Region
9) Owensboro
10) Ohio County
11) Meade County
12) Grayson County

4th Region
13) Russellville
14) Warren Central
15) Allen County-Scottsville
16) Metcalfe County

5th Region
17) John Hardin
18) Caverna
19) Bardstown
20) Taylor County

6th Region
21) Pleasure Ridge Park
22) Doss
23) Central
24) Bullitt East

7th Region
25) Male
26) Fern Creek
27) Ballard
28) Jeffersontown

8th Region
29) North Oldham
30) Shelby County
31) Gallatin County
32) Simon Kenton

9th Region
33) St. Henry
34) Dixie Heights
35) Covington Catholic
36) Highlands

10th Region
37) Bishop Brossart
38) Harrison County
39) Mason County
40) George Rogers Clark

11th Region
41) Woodford County
42) Henry Clay
43) Lexington Catholic
44) Madison Central

12th Region
45) Lincoln County
46) East Jessamine
47) Somerset
48) Southwestern

13th Region
49) Jackson County
50) South Laurel
51) Pineville
52) Bell County

14th Region
53) June Buchanan
54) Hazard
55) Jackson City
56) Powell County

15th Region
57) Johnson Central
58) Betsy Layne
59) Shelby Valley
60) Pikeville

16th Region
61) Rowan County
62) Elliott County
63) Russell
64) Rose Hill

Regional tournament winners will come tomorrow or Friday...

State tournament predictions come Friday...

Sixteenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Elliott County
2. Russell
3. Ashland Blazer
4. Rose Hill
5. Greenup County
6. Morgan County
7. Rowan County
8. Boyd County
9. East Carter
10. Raceland
11. Bath County
12. Fairview
13. West Carter
14. Menifee County
15. Lewis County
16. Fleming County

Three Things To Watch...
--Five regional champions the last five seasons: only the 1st region can claim that along with the 16th. In a region once dominanted by only Boyd County and Ashland, five different teams (Russell, Rowan County, Morgan County, Rose Hill, Ashland) have represented the 16th region in Rupp the last five seasons. This year, don't be surprised if it becomes six different teams for the last six seasons, as Elliott County, Greenup County and Boyd County all pose serious threats to the regional champion Russell's repeat quest.

--Once upon a time, a 8th grader by the name of O.J. Mayo led the Rose Hill Royals to the state tournament. But since that 2003, it's been nothing like roses for Rose Hill, but this season, hope seems to be on the way courtesy of two young freshman: guard Chad Jackson and forward Dakotah Euton. If Rose Hill can mature quickly, watch out for this team as they look to make a return trip to the Sweet 16 and stamp themselves as a regional contender for years to come.

--Ashland Blazer will have a new coach roaming the sidelines this season, as Mike Flynn stepped down after 10 seasons as coach. The new coach, Buddy Biggs, comes from Pendleton County and promises to let the Tomcats play more up-tempo. That should be good news for top players Drew McDavid and Matt Thomas, whose size and athleticism will be key in a faster-paced game. Perhaps the Tomcats have the most potential of any team in the region despite not reaching .500 only a season ago.

Five Early Games I'd See...
December 2nd: Rose Hill vs. Southwestern (at Somerset)
December 8th: Greenup County @ Russell
December 8th: Rowan County @ Raceland
December 12th: Elliott County @ Boyd County
December 12th: Ashland Blazer @ Mason County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Russell
Regional Runner-Up: Elliott County
Regional Semifinalists: Greenup County, Fairview

Fifteenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Paintsville
2. Johnson Central
3. Belfry
4. Shelby Valley
5. Pike County Central
6. Pikeville
7. East Ridge
8. Betsy Layne
9. Phelps
10. Allen Central
11. Magoffin County
12. Lawrence County
13. South Floyd
14. Prestonsburg
15. Sheldon Clark
16. Piarist
17. David School

Three Things To Watch...
--The old rivalry, Paintsville and Johnson Central, should be alive and well again. Last season, Johnson Central won its first regional championship since 2000. The Golden Eagles, with Mark Starns back for his second year at the helm, will return much of their firepower and will add junior guard Jaryd Crym, who transferred from Sheldon Clark. Paintsville will be led by an exceptional junior class of guard Landon Slone and big men J.D. VanHoose and Shane Grimm. If the 15th region fans enjoy seeing the Tigers and the Golden Eagles fight it out until the end, this should be a good year to watch.

--Which teams can challenge the top two in this region? Football powers Belfry and Pikeville have been mentioned as possible contenders, along with Shelby Valley and Pike County Central. Throughout this season, watch how these teams do against each other, and possibly one of them can position themselves as a darkhorse for the 15th Region Tournament.

--Prestonsburg, which has reached the regional semifinals three of the last four seasons, will be attempting to rebuild this season. The Blackcats do have some talent returning in seniors Trevor Patton and Lincoln Slone, but much of the skill from last season has graduated. This opens the door in the 58th District for Betsy Layne, South Floyd and even Allen Central, a team which only scored five wins last season.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--November 28th: Betsy Layne @ Shelby Valley
--December 2nd: Paintsville vs. Henry Clay
--December 8th: Pike County Central @ Phelps
--December 12th: Paintsville @ Pikeville
--December 15th: Shelby Valley @ Prestonsburg

Last Year:
Regional Champion: Johnson Central
Regional Runner-Up: Shelby Valley
Regional Semifinalists: Betsy Layne, Belfry

Fourteenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Hazard
2. June Buchanan
3. Lee County
4. Perry County Central
5. Powell County
6. Cordia
7. Letcher County Central
8. Leslie County
9. Jackson City
10. Buckhorn
11. Breathitt County
12. Estill County
13. Knott County Central
14. Wolfe County
15. Owsley County
16. Jenkins
17. Riverside Christian

Three Things To Watch...
--Many regions are interesting to watch, but I can't think of another region in the state of Kentucky that is more fun to follow than the 14th region. Just consider some of the storylines that developed at the end of last season: defending regional champion Perry County Central, despite a brilliant 21-5 campaign, fell to Hazard in the first round of district, sending them home early. The win propelled Hazard to a regional championship, their first since 2001. On the way there, they beat rising power June Buchanan in the regional semifinals 66-63 in double overtime. Once they reached the finals, they met a Jackson City team which had lost their last four regular season games, but had rallied to win the 55th district and beat Leslie County in the other regional semi in overtime as well. When the smoke cleared, Hazard took it on the chin at state, but not before some fun was had. Expect the same competitive nature this season.

--Hazard should be considered the favorite, but June Buchanan is the team to watch in the 14th region. The Crusaders scored 23 wins last season, and this summer finished runner-up in a state AAU tournament. Led by junior point guard Clark Stepp and freshman guard Tate Cox, June Buchanan has the individual talent that can help them challenge for a regional championship, something the school has never accomplished.

--Given all the postseason chaos of a year ago, it's no surprise that there was plenty of coaching turnover in the 14th region. The regional champions themselves have a new coach, in a way. Lewis Morris returns to the bench for the Bulldogs, as he coached Hazard in the 1990's. Other schools with new men at the helm include Knott County Central, Powell County and Owsley County.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 7th: Lee County @ Jackson City
--December 12th: Hazard @ Perry County Central
--December 14th: Cordia @ Perry County Central
--December 15th: June Buchanan vs. Mason County (Perry County Central Classic)
--December 16th: Holmes @ Hazard

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Hazard
Regional Runner-up: Jackson City
Regional Semifinalists: June Buchanan, Leslie County

Thirteenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. South Laurel
2. Bell County
3. Jackson County
4. Pineville
5. Corbin
6. Cumberland
7. Clay County
8. Harlan
9. North Laurel
10. Barbourville
11. Cawood
12. Knox Central
13. Middlesboro
14. Oneida Baptist
15. Lynn Camp
16. Whitley County
17. Williamsburg
18. Red Bird
19. Evarts

Three Things To Watch...
--Everyone makes a huge case about how South Laurel has this region under their belt already, but I'm not quite so sure. Remember, Barbourville came within a point last year of defeating the Cardinals in the regional championship. And with Mr. Basketball Walt Allen gone, people shouldn't write in South Laurel for the Sweet 16 just quite yet. Of course, the guard combo of Ty Proffitt (heading to Notre Dame) and Jordan Hammonds will be difficult to stop, but I've seen stranger things happen.

--Two teams seem to be worthy challengers of South Laurel at the preseason stage, or, at least, don't seem to be automatic 30-point wins in the eyes of the Cardinals. Bell County, after a solid 22-8 season, will look to a pair of Whitakers, senior Ryan and freshman Josh, to challenge South Laurel for regional supremacy. Also, keep an eye on Jackson County, but not only for this season. The Generals boast five juniors who can play, led by big man Nick Brumback. If Jackson County doesn't challenge might South Laurel this season, then perhaps they will next.

--Barbourville, which came oh so close last season to upsetting South Laurel and making the state tournament, will have to regroup after losing over 50 ppg to graduation. It may be a down year for the Tigers, but expect their performance at the end of last season to only build their confidence as they gain experience this year.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 7th: Bell County @ Corbin
--December 8th: North Laurel @ South Laurel
--December 8th: Pineville @ Cawood
--December 12th: Cumberland @ Harlan
--December 15th: South Laurel @ Corbin

Last Year...
Regional Champion: South Laurel
Regional Runner-Up: Barbourville
Regional Semi-Finalists: North Laurel, Clay County

Twelfth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Southwestern
2. East Jessamine
3. Lincoln County
4. Boyle County
5. Mercer County
6. Somerset
7. McCreary Central
8. Pulaski County
9. Danville
10. West Jessamine
11. Casey County
12. Garrard County
13. Wayne County
14. Rockcastle County
15. Monticello
16. Burgin
17. Kentucky School f/t Deaf

Three Things To Watch...
--No region, yes, NO region, is as crazy wide open as the 12th region will be this season. This shouldn't be considered a big change from last year when as many as eight teams were considered possible contenders for the regional tournament championship. We should see the same formula for this season; half the region can lay claim to a chance at going to Rupp Arena in late March.

--We saw (and are seeing) in football what a merged Mercer County-Harrodsburg can do. The Titans are terrorizing Central Kentucky on the gridiron; what will happen on the court? No one is predicting the same type domination, but don't be surprised to see the Titans among the top regional contenders, even after a disappointing 11-15 season. There is no team that will run away from the pack in the 12th region this year, but Mercer County, I believe, has the most potential of any of the teams. If they find the right combination of players, look out.

--Most of the region's top talent this season will be seniors, but youth will be served at McCreary Central. Freshman Aaron Watts is considered by some to be the region's best player, and after averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds a game as an 8th grader, we can see why. Watts will also benefit again by playing with steady point guard Josh Bartley, who also is considered to be a top-ten player in Region 12. Will the freshman and the senior have enough to topple (my) regional favorite Southwestern in the 48th District? Only time will tell.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--November 30th: Pulaski County @ McCreary Central
--December 1st: Boyle County @ East Jessamine
--December 8th: Lincoln County vs. Mason County (at Bourbon County)
--December 9th: Somerset @ Southwestern
--December 12th: East Jessamine @ Lincoln County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Boyle County
Regional Runner-Up: Southwestern
Regional Semi-Finalists: East Jessamine, McCreary Central

Eleventh Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Scott County
2. Madison Central
3. Lexington Catholic
4. Bryan Station
5. Henry Clay
6. Tates Creek
7. Lafayette
8. Dunbar
9. Franklin County
10. Woodford County
11. Frankfort
12. Madison Southern
13. Western Hills
14. Sayre
15. Lexington Christian
16. Berea
17. Model

Three Things To Watch...
--Scott County would have been hands down the 11th region favorite, but Rodney Haddix's suspension makes things a bit more interesting at the top. Still, the Cardinals will be led by arguably the best players in the senior and junior classes respectively: Matt Walls and Bud Mackey, who recently committed to play for Kelvin Sampson at IU. But with Haddix out, the question will be if Scott County can get enough frontcourt play to hang with the defending regional champion - Madison Central.

--While many are watching a school from Georgetown (Scott County) and a school from Richmond (Madison Central), one should never take their eyes of the Big Five - Henry Clay, Tates Creek, Dunbar, Lafayette and Lexington Catholic. The quintet of Lexington city schools will once again play huge factors in the district and regional races. Last season, Dunbar struggled to a 9-20 record, but the Bulldogs are expected to climb back into the thick of things.

--Watch out for the young talent in the 11th region. The Cats' Pause Top Ten Players for the 11th region gives seven positions to underclassmen (all juniors), which is the most among all regions in the state. The senior exceptions are Scott County's Walls, Bryan Station's Jaron Jones and Madison Central's Duane Fields. Many schools graduated a lot of talent, but the young guns in the 11th region are all over the place, and with this and next year to build experience, you can almost write in a state champion from this region over the next few years.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--November 28th: Scott County @ Lafayette
--November 28th: Dunbar @ Covington Catholic
--December 1st: Ballard @ Scott County
--December 8th: Lexington Catholic @ Madison Central
--December 12th: Bryan Station @ Henry Clay

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Madison Central
Regional Runner-Up: Scott County
Regional Semifinalists: Lexington Catholic, Woodford County

Tenth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Mason County
2. George Rogers Clark
3. Bishop Brossart
4. Harrison County
5. Pendleton County
6. Scott
7. Montgomery County
8. Augusta
9. St. Patrick
10. Bourbon County
11. Silver Grove
12. Campbell County
13. Paris
14. Deming
15. Bracken County
16. Calvary Christian

Three Things To Watch...
--Darius Miller. Is he Chris Lofton good, or better? We'll find out this season as college teams begin to swarm Maysville again, and I feel they will be a more attentive this time than they were with Lofton. With Pendleton County sliding back in the pack, Mason County becomes the clear favorite in the 10th region, and the possibility of Miller getting more star time in Rupp Arena is probable. But by then, will his recruitment be over and done with? And will it have a distraction on the Royals?

--Pendleton County seemed poised to knock Mason County off its perch last season, but the Wildcats were upset in the regional semifinals by George Rogers Clark. Now Pendleton County must take a step back, as six players graduated and head coach James "Buddy" Biggs left for Ashland. For the Wildcats to challenge for a regional championship, they must depend heavily only senior center Kane Belcher, but perhaps stepping back up to the plate against Mason County this soon is a little much to ask.

--But there are several other teams in the running to perhaps challenge Mason County for regional supremacy. George Rogers Clark seems like the obvious choice to be #2 at this point. The Cardinals made it to the regional finals last year before falling to the Royals by only three points. Bishop Brossart, Harrison County and Montgomery County are also being mentioned as teams that could cause disruption in the 10th region this season.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--November 28th: Pendleton County @ Holmes
--December 5th: Madison Central @ George Rogers Clark
--December 8th: Augusta @ Montgomery County
--December 12th: Harrison County @ Bishop Brossart
--December 12th: Ashland Blazer @ Mason County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Mason County
Regional Runner-up: George Rogers Clark
Regional Semifinalists: Pendleton County, Bishop Brossart

Ninth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Holmes
2. Covington Catholic
3. Covington Holy Cross
4. Newport Central Catholic
5. Highlands
6. Dixie Heights
7. Ryle
8. St. Henry
9. Beechwood
10. Conner
11. Boone County
12. Bellevue
13. Newport
14. Ludlow
15. Villa Madonna
16. Heritage Academy
17. Lloyd Memorial
18. Dayton
19. Covington Latin

Three Things To Watch...
--Like so many regions across the state, the 9th region figures to be a three-team breakaway. However, what is so compelling about this chase is that two of the three (Covington Catholic and Covington Holy Cross) play a totally opposite style than of the regional favorite (Holmes). And what adds more intrigue to the pot is that all three reside in the same district, which creates the situation that one will not advance to region and the remaining two will most certainly meet in the regional final.

--But nothing is predictable in this region this year, as many teams recover from devastating graduation losses. Consider: Bellevue loses eight; Lloyd, Highlands and Villa Madonna all lose six; Newport and Beechwood lost their respective starting lineups. Seemingly everyone will try to patch the holes early in the season, which may lead to some surprising results. Don't be surprised to see a team that gels early get hot in December and become a major force in the regional race come March.

--It's sort of hard to believe, but no current 9th region team has ever won a state championship. Highlands lost to Eastern in '97 and Holmes dropped a tough one to Fairdale in '90, but besides that, the region that is Northern Kentucky has been a dud at state. Holmes seems to have the athleticism and skill to compete with the big dogs, but will they remain disciplined enough to keep their eyes on the prize?

Five Early Games I'd Watch...
--November 28th: Covington Holy Cross @ Lexington Catholic
--December 1st: Ryle @ Oldham County
--December 5th: Covington Catholic @ St. Henry
--December 5th: Holmes @ Simon Kenton
--December 12th: Covington Holy Cross @ Scott County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Covington Catholic
Regional Runner-Up: Newport Central Catholic
Regional Semifinalists: Dixie Heights, Highlands

Eighth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Simon Kenton
2. Shelby County
3. Gallatin County
4. South Oldham
5. Oldham County
6. Anderson County
7. North Oldham
8. Henry County
9. Spencer County
10. Grant County
11. Walton-Verona
12. Carroll County
13. Owen County
14. Eminence
15. Williamstown
16. Trimble County

Three Things To Watch...
--A.J. Slaughter takes his basketball skills from Shelbyville to Bowling Green to play for Western Kentucky University, but he leaves behind a Rocket program more than capable of winning another regional championship. However, there stands one large obstacle in the way. Many have annoited Simon Kenton, and their senior guard Mike Hester, as the team to beat in the 8th region. Shelby County will hope their can use their interior strength in Israel Chambers and Eugene Wade to overcome Simon Kenton.

--While most people will have their eyes on the Shelby County-Simon Kenton show, the 31st District may be brewing a team that can make a run at the regional title. Gallatin County, coming off a solid 19-10 season, returns seven of their top eight players. What's more, they welcome Covington Holmes transfer Nate Edmonson, who some believe might become the best player on the team. However, a lack of size in the paint might prevent Gallatin County from seriously challenging Shelby and Simon, but there's little doubt that this region will be an exclusive two-horse race.

--Farther back in the pack is literally the entire 29th District, or the Oldham County schools. North Oldham, South Oldham and Oldham County will all be contenders in the 8th region, and all should have a legitimate chance at winning the 29th District. What this means is that regular season district games will be crucial, as one of the three teams will get Trimble County in the first round, while the other two will have to fight for a spot in the regional tournament.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 1st: Madison Central @ Shelby County
--December 1st: Oldham County @ Ryle
--December 5th: Holmes @ Simon Kenton
--December 8th: Gallatin County @ Henry County
--December 12th: North Oldham @ South Oldham

Last Year...
Regional Champions: Shelby County
Regional Runners-up: Simon Kenton
Regional Semifinalists: North Oldham, Oldham County

Seventh Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Jeffersontown
2. Ballard
3. Male
4. Fern Creek
5. Trinity
6. Eastern
7. Moore
8. St. Xavier
9. Manual
10. Waggener
11. Seneca
12. Kentucky Country Day
13. Collegiate
14. Atherton
15. Christian Academy-Louisville
16. Whitefield Academy

Three Things To Watch...
--Jeffersontown escaped death on three seperate occasions in last year's 7th region tournament and then used that experience to roll through the state tournament at Rupp to claim the 7th region's first state title since 1999 when Ballard won. But will the Chargers even get the chance to defend their state title? Many would argue that the 7th region tournament is tougher than the state tournament itself, and with Ballard and Male both considered to be state championship contenders along with J-Town, it's easy to see why.

--While it seems there is are three teams that have seperated themselves from the pack, several other schools are in position to challenge for a regional title. Among them are Fern Creek, Eastern, Trinity and Moore. Perhaps Fern Creek is the team here that boasts the best chance, as the Tigers' center Chris Duncan should be a huge force in the region. Nevertheless, it will take a monster effort for one of these four teams to break out of this pack and join the three giants of Jeffersontown, Ballard and Male.

--Of course, the Louisville area will host some of the more premier in-season tournaments that the state of Kentucky has to offer. The King of the Bluegrass, which is held at the 6th region's Fairdale, will have Male, at the very least, representing the 7th region. Then the Louisville Invitational Tournament, which Eastern won last year, will attract the state's finest during the second weekend of January. Teams that are scheduled to compete include the 7th's Jeffersontown, Male and Manual, not to mention state championship contenders Elizabethtown and Warren Central.

Five Early Games I'd Watch...
--November 29th: DeSales @ Male
--December 1st: Male @ Jeffersontown
--December 5th: St. Xavier @ Jeffersontown
--December 5th: Eastern @ Fern Creek
--December 8th: Ballard @ Eastern

Last Year...
Regional Champions: Jeffersontown
Regional Runner-Up: Ballard
Regional Semifinalists: St. Xavier, Male

Sixth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Doss
2. Pleasure Ridge Park
3. DeSales
4. Central
5. Bullitt East
6. Butler
7. Fairdale
8. Bullitt Central
9. Western
10. Valley
11. Brown
12. Iroquois
13. Beth Haven
14. Shawnee
15. Holy Cross
16. North Bullitt
17. Southern
18. Portland Christian
19. Evangel
20. St. Francis

Three Things To Watch...
--Doss has not visited the Sweet Sixteen since 1987, but the Dragons have a wonderful opportunity this season to return to Rupp Arena. With Jeff Brooks in the paint and Davin Anderson patrolling the perimeter, Doss has a 1-2 punch that will rival any team's dynamic duo in the state. While Doss would be in good shape in most of the state's regions, the Dragons will have to go through PRP for the regional title. The defending regional champions are looking for their fourth straight regional title, and Doss looks to be the only team at preseason that could prevent them from returning to Rupp.

--DeSales, which advanced to the regional championship last season under coach Chris Stobaugh, will have a new man patrolling the sidelines this season. After Stobaugh resigned, the Colts hired Lance Hammond, a national champion at NCAA Division II Fort Hayes State in 1996. Hammond previously coached at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, so it will be interesting to see what Hammond can bring to the table for the Colts, a program that has established itself as one of the 6th region's elite.

--With Jeffersontown's state championship, the 7th Region grabbed their third state title in the last ten years. It's been 12 seasons since the 6th region won the state championship (Fairdale won in 1994 along with 1990 and 1991), and 11 since the 6th region sent a team to the state championship game (PRP in 1995). The 7th region appears to have retaken the lead in Louisville high school basketball. PRP was four points away last season from a state final appearance against Jeffersontown. Both the Panthers and the Dragons seemed poised for a state tournament run if they should return to Rupp.

Five Early Games I'd Watch...
--November 28th: Doss @ Manual
--November 29th: DeSales @ Male
--December 1st: Pleasure Ridge Park @ DeSales
--December 1st: Fairdale @ Central
--December 5th: Doss @ Pleasure Ridge Park

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Pleasure Ridge Park
Regional Runner-Up: DeSales
Regional Semifinalists: Western, Doss

Fifth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Elizabethtown
2. John Hardin
3. North Hardin
4. Caverna
5. Central Hardin
6. Adair County
7. Bardstown
8. Taylor County
9. Hart County
10. Fort Knox
11. Hart County
12. Campbellsville
13. Green County
14. Larue County
15. Nelson County
16. Marion County
17. Bethlehem

Three Things To Watch...
--Many say great things about the 42nd District, but the 17th District is pretty darn good too. For one, both Elizabethtown and John Hardin are among the state's elite. North Hardin and Central Hardin are both teams that could win a regional tournament or two around the state. And Fort Knox is led by standout senior forward Terry Walker. The odds are decent that the regional champion will come from this district, and perhaps even the regional championship game will be a 17th District Championship rematch.

--Caverna, only a few years removed from a state tournament run, returns this season with William Bradley back in the fold. After missing most of last season, the star guard will be looking to lead the Colonels back to the state tournament. It will be a hard task for them, but reaching the regional tournament from the weak 18th District shouldn't be a problem.

--Parity, parity, parity! When you take away the top two and perhaps even North Hardin, it's a free for all in the 5th region. There isn't much that will seperate a Caverna or a Central Hardin from a Hart County or a Marion County. What this means is that there will be much unpredictablity in the 5th this season. Expect a few upsets in the opening rounds of the district tournaments as well. So in other words, my preseason rankings in this region (outside 1-3) are pretty much useless.

Five Early Games I'd Watch...
--November 27th: Caverna @ Fort Knox
--November 28th: Adair County @ Elizabethtown
--December 8th: Central Hardin @ Elizabethtown
--December 12th: John Hardin @ Central Hardin
--December 14th: North Hardin @ John Hardin

Last Year...
Regional Champion: John Hardin
Regional Runner-Up: Elizabethtown
Regional Semi-Finalists: Bardstown, Nelson County

Fourth Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Warren Central
2. Greenwood
3. Allen County-Scottsville
4. Bowling Green
5. Russellville
6. Franklin-Simpson
7. Metcalfe County
8. Clinton County
9. Barren County
10. Warren East
11. Monroe County
12. Glasgow
13. Logan County
14. Russell County
15. Todd County Central
16. Cumberland County

Three Things To Watch...
--Well first, will anyone beat Warren Central in March? Last year, Bowling Green and Glasgow (?) upset the Dragons in January, and 4th region fans outside of Dragon Nation saw the light at the end of the tunnel. But as they have the last five seasons, Warren Central won when they needed to, and the Dragons returned to Rupp. It would seem that they would be on their way back again, as Jeremy Anderson and Nick Britt lead a senior class that hasn't not seen Rupp Arena.

--Seniority will be the order of this region this year, as seemingly every top player is in his last go around this season. Warren Central, Russellville and Allen County-Scottsville are led by dynamic senior duos; Franklin-Simpson, Greenwood and Bowling Green have great senior leadership as well. Perhaps the team that can mix young talent with the senior leadership will be favored going into the postseason.

--While most of the premier teams have great experience back, the notable exception is Barren County, which stands to lose some ground on the regional leaders this season. For three years, the Trojans fought the Allen County-Scottsville Patriots tooth and nail in the 15th district, but ACS should put considerable distance between themselves and Barren County this season. However, don't be surprised if coach Steve Riley has the Trojans making noise in March.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 1st: Warren Central @ Christian County
--December 2nd: Greenwood @ John Hardin
--December 5th: Allen County-Scottsville @ Barren County
--December 8th: Metcalfe County @ Clinton County
--December 12th: Bowling Green @ Allen County-Scottsville

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Warren Central
Regional Runner-Up: Metcalfe County
Regional Semifinalists: Greenwood, Barren County

Third Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. Apollo
2. Ohio County
3. Muhlenberg North
4. Owensboro
5. Meade County
6. Muhlenberg South
7. Grayson County
8. Owensboro Catholic
9. Breckinridge County
10. Hancock County
11. McLean County
12. Daviess County
13. Butler County
14. Edmonson County
15. Cloverport
16. Whitesville Trinity

Three Things To Watch...
--In a guard-dominated region, the return of Ohio County big man Josh Clemons might be the biggest thing to watch this season in the third region. If Clemons can return to his form before a season-ending injury from a car accident last season, the Eagles have the edge over such teams as Apollo, Muhlenberg North and Owensboro.

--Last season, Apollo didn't exactly light up the world during the regular season but came from the pack to win the regional championship (and then went to the state finals before losing to J-Town). The Eagles weren't all that highly regarded last preseason, so the chances are there that another team (say a Grayson County or Meade County) could rally for a surprise state tournament berth.

--Owensboro Catholic will not look like themselves this season. The Aces lost eight seniors to graduation and their coach Mike Orr as well. New coach Perry Bailey will have his hands full getting the Aces back to the top of the third region, especially noting stiff competition in their own district from Apollo and Owensboro. However, don't be surprised to see the Aces make some noise in March.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--December 5th: Apollo @ Warren Central
--December 5th: Ohio County @ Muhlenberg North
--December 7th: Breckinridge County @ Meade County
--December 8th: Owensboro Catholic @ Owensboro
--December 8th: Muhlenberg South @ Grayson County

Last Year...
Regional Champion: Apollo
Regional Runner-up: Ohio County
Regional Semifinalists: Owensboro Catholic, Meade County

Second Region Preview

Preseason Rankings...
1. University Heights
2. Christian County
3. Henderson County
4. Caldwell County
5. Madisonville-North Hopkins
6. Trigg County
7. Fort Campbell
8. Union County
9. Webster County
10. Hopkins County Central
11. Hopkinsville
12. Livingston Central
13. Providence
14. Crittenden County
15. Dawson Springs
16. Lyon County

Three Things To Watch...
--Parity, parity, parity. Few regions around the state are as wide open as the 2nd region. This season, 4-6 teams can make a legitimite claim in the preseason that they could go to Rupp, and who knows what the regular season will bring us. Don't be surprised that during the course of the season a team gets a huge win on Tuesday and then flops on Friday.

-- Keep an eye all season on the 8th District. It is arguably the best district in the central time zone, sporting two teams that will battle for the regional crown, one team on the rise and one traditional power named Hopkinsville. The going will be tough in the 8th, but tough district games will prepare two of these four teams for the regional tournament.

--Trigg County has always been a power in the second region, but the Wildcats may dip down a bit this season. With no Russell Mackins in the middle (he moved back to Illinois last season), Trigg County will depend heavily on guard Rodney Davis to pilot them through the 5th district. However, it will be a tough chore for the Wildcats to battle for the regional title with the likes of Christian County, Henderson County and University Heights.

Five Early Games I'd See...
--November 28th: Hopkins County Central @ Union County
--December 1st: Warren Central @ Christian County
--December 2nd: Caldwell County @ University Heights
--December 9th: University Heights @ Scott County
--December 12th: Madisonville-North Hopkins @ Christian County

Last year...
Regional Champion: Christian County
Regional Runner-up: Henderson County
Regional Semifinalists: Trigg County, Madisonville-North Hopkins