Plenty of Change in story for fans this season
If you watched the 2024-2025 5th Region Basketball season and enjoyed it, you might want to get a different scorecard as CHANGE is a big part of what to expect this season in the Region as not only did teams lose important parts from their successful runs, but also movement has initated just as much as we try to figure out who’s who as te first team tips off in early December.
Here are the TOP TEN:
Adair County (30-6)- Jeffrey Breeze’s team repeated as Regional Champs ina tough Region, but the loss of eight seniors (the most important) and their top scorer point guard Conner Loy and Isaiah Cochran and Braydon Coomer along with Carter White and Lane Grant, you’d think the Indians would come into the season empty handed, but Breeze will get a big boost from Dawson Gilbert and transfers Landon Blakey and Tylin George to build around him with other parts.
North Hardin (21-10)- For the second straight season, the Trojans made a trip to the regionals and got a little farther this time as they finally fell in the Final and coach Michael Baffour should be forlorn as he lost all five starts from last year’s team, but North Hardin has a few surprises as transfer Kerian Berry will be one of the most exciting players in the region from Avon HS along with junior guard Terrion Mack, a transfer from South Carolina will meld with Micheal Cleaver, Jakylin Kirkland, Kaylen Abernathy, a transfer form Elizabethtown, Adian Dyer, Titus Tucker and Christian Carter and Cam House. If this team develops quickly, Baffour may have a few more surprises as the season opens.
Green County (24-4)- Jordan Gilbert took the Dragons on quite a ride last season that ended just a game or two short of their orginal destination and this season the team will look plenty different, but new coach Montrelle Irvin will find some scorers and build a team. Eric James is back along with Kai Wade a transfer and if Modi Kuoyate is eligible the Dragons should be a threat.
Caverna (17-13)- It has been a while since 2018 that the Colonels made an appearance in the Regionals and last seasons team was athletic and quick, but after new coach Richard Gatewood stepped down and was replaced by Josh Pittman Caverna should be a fun team to watch. Losing only one starter, coach Pittman will return top scorer Jaylin Craine and both Tyson and Kenyon Martin along with Cortavian Maxey and the Colonels added Gavin Lightning and tranfer Jaciyon Graves so Caverna should be a contender in the 18th District race.
Taylor County (23-7)– The Cardinals made another trip to the Regionals last season and if they are to do so again a lot depends on if Bryten Close, Bryce Vernon and Griffin Hines can pick up the slack from the loss of Layken Lyons and Davier White. Also, Cooper Stone, who transferred from Green County should make a big difference.
Central Hardin (19-11)- Coach Tavon Johnson returns a talented team despite losing Cameron Elmore and Noah Bennett, but the explosive Camdyn Hogan will run the offense along with Carson Nichols and Cannon Elmore should make the Bruins the favorite in the 17th District. Coach Tavon Johnson also added Robert Bertolucci who transferred from John Hardin.
Bardstown (17-10)– The Tigers have been a threat in the 19th District for many years and that probably won’t change even if the names do. James Brewer has always had very athletic teams and this won’t be any different as he still has Myles Stone and Jayvyn Montgomery to lean on and Brewer always adds a few new names to the roster that contribute.
Bethlehem (16-14)– Since coming to Bethlehem, coach Brad Greenwell has done a great job with the guys he has and two straight trips to the regionals has been a nice reward, but this could be a transition season after losing several other major contributors like top scorer Nick Osborne. Greewell still has guard Jack Bradley (2nd in scoring and top rebounder), Thomas Mudd and Xander Willett and the Eagles should be just fine.
LaRue County (20-9)– Talk about a tough offseason, coach Paul Childress certainly had one as he not only lost several senior contributors, but also several starters along with scorer Jagger Mardis (transferred to Grayson County), Landon Blakey (transferred to Adair County), Tyler Bartley among others, but Childress has been around and will build around Ayden Seidl and Michael Harris this season.
Elizabethtown (7-21)– Last season was a cruel reminder of how fast things can change in high school basketball, but James Haire has seen it all and understands the logic and even though he suffered though plenty of graduations (top scorers Aiden Dozer/TaQuan Townsend top rebounder Reed Sherrard) from last seasons team, he will try to field a competitive one with Brandon Washington and Anthony Radcliffe.
The Rest-
John Hardin (4-26)- Under coach Marcus Hyche, the Bulldogs hope to make a move and show more improvement like during their glory years. With leading scorer Robert Bertolucci, Marquis Hayes and Charles Lawrence gone, John Hardin will lean on Darius Bennett and Austin Richardson.
Marion County (17-11) – The Knights are showing improvement. After taking over for Maze Stallworth, Matthew Thomas took Marion County from a 4-win team his first season to a 17-win squad last season, but in a district with powerhouses like Adair County and Taylor County that may not be enough, still the Knights will be young and lean on Christian Rucker and Eli Washington.
Thomas Nelson (12-17)– The Generals will try to make a move this season after Maze Stallworth led them to 12-wins and with some seasoned talent as Cutter Boone, Hunter Matttingly will blend in with transfer Tyler Bartley.
Washington County (11-17) – After a 22-win season a year ago, Washington County took a severe drop back after losing some key starters from that team, but coach Steven Woodson thinks the Commanders can compete as they will return some key pieces with Evan McLLvoy, Lance Coulter and JT Smith.
Hart County (12-17)– With football season over, the Raiders should have Jacob Shoulders and Jake Crump back in practice. After a trip to the Regionals in 2024, the Raiders graduated three of their top four scorers of the past two seasons and coach Justin Line wants to field a competitive team and with a bit of luck he can.
Campbellsville (2-26)– After a two-win season, coach Anthony Epps hopes the Eagles will make some noise as they return most of their squad as Jaylen Gribbons, Keeton Hord and Lee Colvin are back.
Nelson County (7-20) – After winning nine-games two seasons ago, coach Jacob Kueker saw the Cardinals drop a bit and despite graduating their top two scorers they will still return Kane Linton and Jacob Reynolds.
Fort Knox – After Craig Allen takes over for Kip Rambo at head coach, the Eagles will field a competitive team with Lincoln Ocoin and several others in the fold.