Spartans bring in new headman looking for that elusive trip to Diddle
By Perry Swack – Sporting Times Reporter
South Warren Spartans
Record last season: 16-15
Postseason finish: Lost in 14th District Semifinals
Jason Holland may be new to the fourth region, but he is not new to high school basketball in the state of Kentucky. He has served as a head coach for 11 seasons with stops at Henry Clay, Oldham County, Montgomery County, and Shelby County. His time at Oldham County from 2009-13 saw the Colonels win two 8th Region titles, including a state semifinal appearance in 2012. With over 200 wins on his resume, Holland now turns to a new challenge: qualifying South Warren for its first boys’ basketball region tournament appearance in school history. In its eleventh year since its inception in 2010, the Spartans are poised to contend in the 14th District. And if you content in the 14th District, you have a great shot at contending in the 4th Region.
Players to Watch
The Spartans were very balanced last season with five players averaging at least 7.4 points per game. Only two of those players will return in 2021. Leading scorer Jace Carver (14.8 PPG) transferred to Warren Central, while both Caleb Mitchell (13.5 PPG) and Parker Stobaugh (7.4 PPG) graduated. This leaves both Tayshaun Jones and Caden Veltkamp among South’s top returners. Jones averaged 9.6 points per game on 45.5% shooting, while leading the team at 78.8% from the free throw line. The rising senior was also second on the team with 4.1 rebounds per game. Veltkamp was the team’s leading rebounder, grabbing over 200 for an average of 6.6 per game. The rising junior averaged 8.5 points per game on 44.5% shooting from the field.
X-Factors
As is the case with many teams within the region, the Spartans’ success will be reliant upon a number of players elevating their game to the next level. However, one newcomer will already have the pedigree to go along with the experience. Forward Malachi Reynolds transferred in from Belleview High School in Florida and will play a major role for the Spartans. The rising senior averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds a season ago, while being named All-County as a junior. Also expected to contribute in 2021 will be senior forward Jason Putman. The frontcourt player averaged 2.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 2019-20.
Dates to Circle
January 12 @ Warren Central – Matchup at crosstown rival Central will show us where the Spartans are at in 2021
January 15 vs. Greenwood – Spartans welcome archrival Gators and will look to end a five-game losing streak against Greenwood
February 26 vs. Barren County – Talented Trojans visit South; Spartans knocked off Barren last season
Consider This
South has hovered around .500 in seven of the last eight seasons but has posted a record of 46-26 against region foes outside of the 14th District. The Spartans have found lots of success against the 4th Region at large but have yet been able to turn that into postseason success. Might this be the year? Coach Holland is hoping it is.
