A wide-open race will mean lots of surprises this season
Can’t imagine another season in which so many teams might play an important role in deciding which team represents the 5th Region in the KHSAA State Tournament, but this could be it as so many favorites from last season could be brought down to earth allowing other teams an opportunity to make their moves.
John Hardin Bulldogs (25-10)
Last season, new coach Austin Jones took over a veteran squad which fulfilled their destiny winning another 5th Region crown and making another State tournament appearance, however this time around graduation gutted that team of their top five scorers meaning guys like Jake Owens and Taj Douglas will have expended roles along with several others. Jones ability to mesh these new parts will decide how long it takes for the Bulldogs to become a contender.
Elizabethtown Panthers (16-14)
After losing nearly everyone from their State Runner-up team the previous season, Elizabethtown took advantage of a fifth-year returnee and the inside scoring of transfer Ayden Evans to stay competitive and once again reach the Region Final again. With Alandre Murphy gone, Evans, his brother Alex and Trey Durbin will shoulder the load. The Panthers will get a big lift with brothers Jujuan and JQuan Williams transferring in as well.
Central Hardin Bruins (16-10)
The Bruins always seem to have a competitive team and this season should be no surprise as head coach Matt Nickell will return one of the top guards in the Region in junior Brett Decker and forward Jakob Fredrickson along with Ace Jagger from last season. Central Hardin will most likely have a new location for their home games with the new gym under construction as well.
North Hardin Trojans (9-17)
The Trojans have had only three different coaches in nearly 45-years and this time they had to hit a home run with the departure of head coach Mike Cofer. With last season ending in such an abrupt way with the team taken out of the District Tournament and with multiple transfers as well, Micheal Baffour will take over a team which has struggled in recent seasons, but he will have a couple of returnees in junior Taveon Smith and all purpose athlete Shaun Boykins.
LaRue County Hawks (24-7)
Coach Paul Childress may have lost one of his top scorers, but he will still return four of the top five in Carson Childress, Daniel Allen, Jaxson Thomas and Luke Trumbo and should be just as competitive this season after winning another 18th District Championship. Childress was the top three point shooter and scorer and Allen the top rebounder and should have great seasons.
Hart County Raiders (11-18)
The Raiders reached another 5th Region Tournament under Justin Line and although they will be undersized will return plenty of scoring power with Clark Rexroat, Jaxson Shoulders and Jordan Bradley. Rexroat led the team in scoring and Shoulders in rebounding and both look to have another great season.
Washington County Commanders (12-16)
Last season, the Commanders made a big move to the next level and were competitive for the most part. Coach Stephen Woodson will return of the top scorers in the area in junior Beau Baker and Noah Reynolds along with Kamar Phillips. Although the Commanders lost top rebounder Jakobie Hughes, the team’s top three scorers (Baker, Reynolds and Phillips are all juniors.
Bardstown Tigers (17-12)
James Brewer has had the Tigers near or at the top in the Region since he came to Bardstown and this season probably won’t be any different even though he has lost plenty of scoring and rebounding from last year’s team. Brewer will lean on Grant Bowling and Jay Trell Curtsinger and will have plenty of support from other players like Avery Bell.
Taylor County Cardinals (19-12)
Head coach Montrelle Irvin helped return the Cardinals to the Region Tournament and although their stay was short, they should be experienced enough to make another run as Taylor County returns their top four scorers. Senior Mason Guffey led the team in scoring, three point shooting and rebounding and will be followed by sophomore Layken Lyons and junior Keeton Clements. Jackson Wise is the fourth scorer and leads the team in free throw shooting efficiency.
Campbellsville Eagles (23-10)
Under coach Keith Adkins, the Eagles had a great season winning 23-games and reaching the Final Four of the Region Tournament and although they did lose leading scorer and rebounder Jay Milburn, they will still return several scorers from last season and could make another run. Second leading scorer Landon Colvin and top three point shooter will be back as will Deondre Weathers and Chase Hord.
