Bardstown Tigers: 2021 Record 15-12
Last season, head coach James Brewer had to deal with pandemic issues and the loss of several important graduates after reaching the Region final and made another serious run with a different team. Bardstown had a five-point lead late in the fourth quarter of the Region Semi-finals against Elizabethtown and couldn’t hold on losing. Despite losing six seniors off that team, Brewer still has plenty of talent left to make another run at a state appearance.
The Tigers will be energized by the return of guard Anthony Mason, who like Bryce Riley was able to utilize the extra year option by the school district. Mason was the team’s leading scorer with 531-points, was tied for second with 37-made threes and led the team with 215-rebounds. Riley was the third leading scorer with 276-points, was tied with Mason for second with 37-made three’s and was second with 118-rebounds. Junior Grant Bowling will be back after scoring 149-points, had 34-made three’s and had 65-rebounds, while TJ Greenwell scored 131-points. Once again, Bardstown will have a very athletic team and should be favored to win the 19th district.
Bardstown Lady Tigers: 2021 Record 20-7
Last season, the 19th District was the focus of attention in the 5th Region Girls Basketball universe and both Bethlehem and Bardstown were quite a success story. While the Banshees made their second run in the State Tournament, the Lady Tigers were serving notice to be the next in line to the Regional crown. Coach Amber Courtney lost only two seniors on last year’s 20-win squad that made a Final Four run in the 5th Region Tournament. The Lady Tigers will return most of their scoring from last season and added a talented transfer. Freshman Leah Macy was the top scorer of Elizabethtown last season and her arrival at Bardstown will give Bardstown the height inside that they have solely missed. Senior guard Jaileyah Cotton will return as one of the most dynamic scorers in the state. After putting up 577-points against the best defenses in the area, Cotton is looking forward to an even bigger season. The top outside shooter, Kadence Walls is back and should be dangerous both on offense and defense. Sophomore Addison Riley was the fifth best scorer on last year’s team and should get plenty of playing time.
