15th District looks to battle the 14th District for the most balanced in the region
By Perry Swack – Sporting Times Reporter
15th District Preview
Barren County Trojans
2019-20 Record: 23-9
Won 15th District
4th Region Tournament Quarterfinalist
Aden Nyekan was named to the All-Region first team a season ago and the junior returns in 2021 looking to build upon a sensational sophomore year. Nyekan averaged 16.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 2019-20. He also shot nearly 55% from the field. Returning in the starting lineup alongside Nyekan will be senior Gavin Withrow. Withrow averaged 5.4 points per game a season ago. Barren will be looking to improve upon their district championship last season and make a deeper run in the 4th Region Tournament. As recently as 2016 the Trojans competed for the region title against Bowling Green, losing 49-46.
Watch Out For
Junior Taye Poynter. The sharpshooter hit more three-pointers (27) than two-pointers (22) last season, en route to a 4.1 points per game average. Look for him to be utilized effectively by coach Warren Cunningham and his staff this year.
Circle the Date
February 6 – The Trojans host Warren Central in a rematch of last season’s 4th Region quarterfinals. I assume Barren County will want to show out against the team it was eliminated by in 2020.
Allen County-Scottsville Patriots
2019-20 Record: 15-16
15th District Runner-Up
4th Region Quarterfinalist
The Allen County-Scottsville Patriots reached the 4th Region Tournament for the first time in consecutive seasons since 2009-2010. Despite its 15-16 record a season ago, the Patriots are looking to advance to the region event again in 2021 as they return six seniors and six juniors for coach Brad Bonds and company. AC-S is also looking to win its first game in the region tournament since 2005 when it knocked off Monroe County before being clipped by eventual state runner-up, Warren Central. Expectations are high, in part, because All-Region third team selection Mason Shirley returns for the Patriots. The senior guard averaged 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds a season ago and is expected to have another outstanding season on the hardwood. Shirley hit on 58 three-pointers, and at nearly 40%, while shooting nearly 80% from the free-throw line. A name you may recognize from the gridiron – Jax Cooper – averaged 12.4 points last season and will play a major role again in 2021.
Watch Out For
Senior Michael Smith will be expected to contribute after averaging 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds a contest. His field goal average was best on the team at nearly 63%.
Circle the Date
March 2 – The Patriots welcome Bowling Green to Scottsville for a matchup that may be a preview for an opening round or semifinal game in the 4th Region Tournament.
Glasgow Scotties
2019-20 Record: 14-14
Glasgow nearly eked out a win over Allen County-Scottsville in the 15th District semifinals, but the Scotties lost by three points. Coach James Willet’s club scored some big wins in 2019-20, including victories over Warren Central and Barren County, with near misses against Bowling Green and Greenwood. This competitiveness will hopefully carry over into a strong 2021 campaign. Only one senior (Ethan Harlowe) will suit up for the Scotties this season, as the team will be led by junior Sam Bowling. The forward averaged 5.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest a season ago.
Watch Out For
There are nine juniors listed on the roster – one to look out for is Jackson Poland. The guard averaged 3.1 points per game in 2019-20 but hit on 11-of-35 three-pointers for 31.4%.
Circle the Date
January 29 – Glasgow hosts crosstown rival Barren County. This game will show us where the Scotties stack up against the 15th District preseason favorites.
Monroe County Falcons
2019-20 Record: 10-18
Ashley Geralds enters his second season as the Falcons coach looking to improve upon a 10-18 record a season ago that ended with a district semifinal loss to Barren County. He will do so without the services of his top five scorers from a season ago – all lost to graduation. The leading returner is senior Tucker Glass. The forward averaged 4.5 points per game to go with 3.0 rebounds a night. Sophomore John Harlin will look to contribute after averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game in 2019-20.
Watch Out For
The Falcons will need either Jameson Pruitt or Clayton Biggerstaff to take their games to the next level after playing in nearly every game a season ago. Pruitt – a forward – will be called upon to score down low while providing solid low-post defense. Biggerstaff – a guard – will need to help with ballhandling and perimeter defense.
Circle the Date
January 26 – Glasgow travels to Tompkinsville in a big 15th District matchup. The Falcons went winless in district play a season ago, but they lost two close matchups against the Scotties.
