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