Warren East tips off its inaugural season in the 15th District looking to unseat Barren County as champion
By Perry Swack
15th District Preview
Barren County Trojans
2021-22 Record: 17-13
Won 15th District
4th Region Tournament Quarterfinalist
The defending 15th District champions replace the dynamic trio of Aden Nyekan, Mason Griggs, and Taye Poynter after all three played impactful roles in three-consecutive trips to the 4th Region Tournament (including two district titles). Seniors Aiden Miller and Eli Brooks will be asked to provide offensive punch after averaging eight and six points per game a season ago. Miller shot 53% from the field and grabbed nearly six rebounds a night. Brooks was the team’s third-leading rebounder at nearly four per contest.
Watch Out For
Sophomore Brey Bewley. As a freshman, Bewley appeared in 25 of the team’s 30 varsity games, knocking down 5-of-12 three-pointers and 7-of-10 free throws. I expect the sharpshooter to play a larger role in 22-23.
Circle the Date
December 9 – The Trojans travel to new district member Warren East as the Raiders tip off in the 15th District for the first time. Both programs are expected to challenge for the title.
Glasgow Scotties
2021-22 Record: 14-14
15th District Runner-Up
4th Region Quarterfinalist
The Scotties qualified for the 4th Region Tournament last season after a two-year hiatus, but the 15th District runner-ups graduated nearly 80% of their scoring and rebounding from that squad. Glasgow will have to replace its talented quartet of Jackson Poland, Sam Bowling, Ashton Cerwinske, and John Myers, in addition to head coach James Willet. Willet’s seven-year run ended with four region tournament appearances and two district titles (2018, 2019). Replacing Willet is Glasgow native William Buford. Buford comes home after coaching stops in both Chicago and Memphis. He is also the first black head basketball coach for the Glasgow boys’ program.
Watch Out For
Seniors Clay Pippen and Christian Wenskoski. Pippen averaged 4.1 points and 3.6 rebounds last season for the Scotties, while Wenskoski averaged 4.0 points per game on 48% shooting from downtown. The Glasgow guard canned 31 three-pointers on the year.
Circle the Date
January 13 – Glasgow hosts crosstown rival Barren County. The Scotties have lost seven straight in the series but will look to get back on track with Buford now at the helm.
Allen County-Scottsville Patriots
2021-22 Record: 7-23
Year two of the Casey Napier Era in Scottsville brings some heightened expectations as three of the top five scorers from a season ago return for the Patriots. Senior Jordan Turner returns after averaging 11.3 points per game on 50% shooting and grabbing 4.5 rebounds per contest. Chase Ross suits up among a talented sophomore class having averaged 6.6 points per game and knocking down a team-best 50 free throws in 2021-22.
Watch Out For
Sophomore Jackson Morris, who will complement Turner and Ross after averaging 4.5 points per game a season ago.
Circle the Date
January 3 – The Patriots travel to Greenwood in what is normally an entertaining out-of-district matchup. Three of the last four meetings have been decided by four points or less, with two of the games going to overtime.
Warren East Raiders
2021-22 Record: 11-17
Warren East joins the 15th District looking to make an appearance in the 4th Region for the first time since 1997. The Raiders, led by second-year coach Kyle Benge, return one of the region’s top talents in Isaiah Andrews. The senior averaged 20.2 points and grabbed 7.2 rebounds per game last season for WE. Benge’s club is veteran-laden with seven seniors listed on the roster, including Roger Duncan, the team’s second-leading rebounder last year and second-leading returning scorer behind Andrews.
Watch Out For
Senior sharpshooter Connor Doyle. The Raider guard recorded 34 made field goals in 2021-22, with 24 coming from behind the arc. Doyle led the team (among players attempting at least 20 three-pointers) at 35% from the three-point line.
Circle the Date
December 9 – Warren East opens district play with a home tilt against perennial favorite Barren County. The Trojans have won three-straight in the series but the two sides have not met in two years.
