Continuing On...

Before we review regions 5-8, let's see a few scores from last night that may be considered important...

--Apollo d. Grayson County 58-37
--Christian County d. University Heights 80-67
--Muhlenberg South d. Muhlenberg North 57-55
--Russell County d. Greenwood 59-54
--Scott County d. Henry Clay 87-72

And scores from the Louisville Invitational Tournament...

--Eastern d. Central 55-47
--Jeffersontown d. St. Xavier 51-36
--Doss d. Caldwell County 76-58
--Warren Central d. DeSales 79-64

And now...

5th Region
If you expected another John Hardin vs. Elizabethtown grudge match, then you're probably one disappointed basketball fan. It's been Central Hardin that has stolen the show early, running up a 14-1 record with an unblemished 8-0 regional mark. Hart County, Bethlehem and Bardstown have also been impressive. John Hardin has also played well early, but E-town has struggled mightily. The Panthers are 8-6 with a 4-3 regional record. Not too good for the team I picked to win not only the region, but the state as well. Oops.

6th Region
Perhaps the most unappreciated and underrated region, the sixth will be a fun one to watch throughout the remainder of the season. As expected, Doss and PRP headline the region, but Iroquois, Fairdale and Western are not to be ignored. But how about DeSales? The Colts are the best 3-8 team in modern sports history, considering their schedule. They've played Doss twice, Warren Central twice, PRP, Male, Fairdale, George Rogers Clark, etc. Don't look at the record here; the Colts will be a factor the rest of the way.

7th Region
What figured to be a three-way race to the regional title is shaping up nicely in the seventh. Ballard, Male and defending regional and state champion Jeffersontown are collectively 37-7 and 17-2 in region play (Jeffersontown lost to Male, Male to Ballard). Eastern, though, played Ballard tough during December and shouldn't be forgotten when postseason play rolls around. Also, Trinity is sure to be a factor again with their defense, regarded by many as one of the best in the state.

8th Region
Another underrated region, the eighth looks to be a good one to watch throughout the year. Many point to Shelby County and Simon Kenton as the definitive favorites, and both have proven their standing so far this season. But many other teams may crash the party. Gallatin County (13-2, 8-2) was my Cinderella pick to win the region. Oldham County and Owen County have both also started the season well. Henry County might serve as a "dark" darkhorse in March too.