Boys Basketball
By Perry Swack
As the final buzzer sounded at Rupp Arena, the Warren Central Dragons knew they had accomplished their crowning achievement. While the ensuing days were filled with much-earned celebration, the Dragons and the rest of the state will soon (if not already) begin looking toward next season. In the spirit of spring, hope and brighter days, we will take an early look at what the 4th Region may look like next winter when these teams take to the hardwood.
*Team rosters may change over time but this is how they project at the end of the 2022-23 season. Players listed as their 2023-24 class.
School (2022-23 Record)
- Bowling Green 26-9
Returning: Mason Ritter (Sr), MJ Wardlow (Sr), Deuce Bailey (Jr), Braylon Banks (Jr), Gavin Lightning (So), Jace Wardlow (Jr), Luke Idlett (Jr), Drevin Bratton (Sr), Trevy Barber (So), Briar Griffin (Jr), DeMarr Starks (Sr)
Departing: None
After spending much of this season ranked in the state’s top ten, the Purples will return every player from their roster for 2023-24. It would come as no surprise if a team from the 4th Region is playing on the final Saturday of the high school basketball season next March. Bowling Green will have the talent and experience to be that team.
- Warren Central 37-1
Returning: Kade Unseld (Sr), Braylon Boards (Sr), Cadin Hammer (Sr)
Departing: Chappelle Whitney, Omari Glover, Damarion Walkup, Izayiah Villafuerte, Malik Jefferson, Tayvion Wells, Demetrius Barnett
Although the Dragons will lose six of their seven rotation players, it feels wrong to rank them lower than #2 until they’re beaten. Coach Will Unseld’s club returns the 2023 Sweet 16’s leading scorer in Kade Unseld, and the team will hope BG transfer Elijah Starks is eligible for his senior season.
- Todd County Central 19-12
Returning: Jamison Glass (Sr), Trayvon Foster (Sr), Hayden Strader (Sr)
Departing: Preston Rager, Perez Whitlock, Micah Smith
Todd County Central may have lost its head coach John Stigall in the offseason, but the Rebels will be favored to win the 13th District in consecutive seasons next winter. Second Team All-Region performer Jamison Glass returns after averaging 18.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 2022-23.
- Monroe County 18-15
Returning: Austen Arnett (Sr), Brison Nuckols (So), Branson Williams (So), Jameson Petett (Sr), Wade Carnahan (Jr), Brayden Baxter (So)
Departing: John Harlin, Deaton Emmert, Keaton Biggerstaff
Monroe County reached the 4th Region Tournament for the first time since 2018 this season and will look to build upon that success in 2023-24. The Falcons will return three of their top five scorers including Austen Arnett (11.3 PPG) and two All-Freshman Team members in Branson Williams (8.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG) and Brison Nuckols (8.4 PPG).
- South Warren 21-7
Returning: Drew Hudson (Sr), Bryce Button (Jr), Brayden Parrish (Sr)
Departing: Brandon Rowe, Justin Posey, Andrew Linhardt, Wells Bratcher, Lukas Smith, Andrew Goley
Year one of the Carlos Quarles Era produced arguably the most successful season in South Warren boys basketball history. What could year two behold? All-Region performer Brandon Rowe will be gone, but the Spartans will return Drew Hudson and his 11.3 points per game. The upcoming senior sharpshooter hit 71 three-pointers at a 41% clip in 2022-23.
- Clinton County 15-14
Returning: Steele Burchett (Sr), Cohen Davis (Sr), Cannon Young (Jr), Drew Davis (So)
Departing: Braden Stockton, Eli Dearborn, Eli Tucker, Thomas Oesterreicher
In Nick Irwin’s first season at the helm, Clinton County secured its fifteenth-straight winning season. Next season should see the Bulldogs pick up more wins as the team is set to return its three leading scorers, including All-District performer Cannon Young (13.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG).
- Warren East 21-10
Returning: Jari Barber (Sr), Brenden Bratcher (Jr), Kaleb Prince (So), Dane Parsley (Jr)
Departing: Isaiah Andrews, Connor Doyle, Roger Duncan, Isaiah Ghee, Simon Ghee, Caiden Murrell, Austin Rigsby
The hole left by Isaiah Andrews will be huge, but the Raiders can expect to contend for the 15th District title again with the return of All-District performer Jari Barber (7.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG) and three more rotation players. Expectations will be high for Year Three of the Kyle Benge Era.
- Glasgow 10-18
Returning: John Carter Walbert (Sr), Jerrick Martin (So), Rico Crowder (Sr), Josiah Driver (Jr), Zachary Poore (Sr), Preston Gaunce (Jr)
Departing: Clay Pippen, Javon Clark
Glasgow nearly qualified for the 4th Region Tournament in William Buford’s first year with the program but lost a heartbreaker in the district semifinals. The Scotties will return three of their top four scorers next winter, including John Carter Walbert and his 12 points per game. The upcoming senior also shot 40% from beyond the arc.
- Russell County 10-21
Returning: Owen Loy (Sr), Mayes Gosser (Jr), Trace Stringer (Sr), Braydon Cerrato (Sr), Maddox Shearer (So), Dylan Stanelle (So), Logan Walters (Jr), Kaden Coffey (Jr), Byron Kirkland-Lundy (Jr)
Departing: None
After qualifying for twelve-consecutive region tournaments from 2006 to 2017 (including seven district titles), the Lakers have failed to reach the last six 4th Region events. Expectations will be high in 2023-24 as Russell County will return its entire team, including Owen Loy (13.5 PPG), Mayes Gosser (12.6 PPG. 7.7 RPG), Braydon Cerrato (10.6 PPG), and Trace Stringer (10.2 PPG).
- Greenwood 9-22
Returning: Asher Pettus (Jr), Nick Simpson (Jr), Chaze Huff (Sr), Zachary Davis (Jr), Garrett Hatcher (Jr), Cole Phillips (Jr), Brady Clark (Sr)
Departing: Lofton Howard, Luke Stansbury, Brier Hartis
Greenwood took its lumps this season, but the Gators will return two of their top three scorers next season. A talented upcoming junior class that includes Asher Pettus (10.4 PPG) and Nick Simpson (9.2 PPG) will look to lead the program in Will McCoy’s fifth year at the school.
