This year’s version of the 17th District Tournament is a little less turbulant than the girls basketball’s as one clear cut favorite stands out. Last season, it was between the top two teams in John Hardin and Elizabethtown, but this season their are about three, but the names may have changed.
Elizabethtown looks to repeat as District Finalists and with that a trip to the 5th Region Tournament as well. Despite losing five seniors (many starters) from last season’s Region finalist, coach James Haire’s squad has retooled with the help of a couple of transfers and a possible POY in the District. Center Ayden Evans has been a force inside all season long with his rebounds and blocked shots and currently leads the team in scoring followed by another North Hardin transfer senior guard Jujuan Williams who is second in scoring and leads the team in three-point shooting. Senior transfer (Florida) Obian Howard has made the most of his opportunities and is third in scoring along with role players Trey Durbin, Alex Evans and Tyler Todd.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the emergence of North Hardin, who behind the coaching of first year guy Mike Baffour took a team which struggled the past several seasons and went 15-11 in the regular season. The Trojans have been led by junior Shaun Boykins, who leads the team in points scored and rebounds, while the other guard Taveon Smith has stepped up and led the team in three pointers. Trevion Ross has been a major contributor as have Jalen Alfonso, Miklos Melton and Javan Ditto.
Central Hardin looks to cause plenty of noise in the 17th district Tournament this season and with an 18-12 record, they have plenty of weapons to choose. Coach Matt Nickell has one of the best guards in the District (maybe the Region) in junior Brett Decker, who leads the team in scoring and made three pointers. Junior Ace Jagger has emerged as a fine guard and is second in scoring, while senior forward Jakob Frederickson is third in scoring and leads the team in rebounds. As shown during the regular season, the Bruins can be spoilers and most likely will be again.
John Hardin won the District and Region last season, but after graduating nearly seven seniors and all of their major scorers (except one), the Bulldogs have fallen hard this season winning just two games. Coach Austin Jones does have two seniors on this young team and one of them (Jake Owens) leads the team in scoring along with the other senior Taj Douglas and sophomore Andre Smith. The Bulldogs are very raw this season, but will get better with experience.
Fort Knox has been a pleasant surprise this season with nine wins and are the fifth seed playing John Hardin in the first round of the District Tournament. Coach Kip Rambo’s team is lead by Allston Leggette and Maurice Bonner (he also leads the team in rebounding as well.).
With games starting on Tuesday 7:00 @ Elizabethtown and semi-finals Thursday 6:00 and 8:30 with the final on Saturday 7:00, it should be fun.
