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