[HCS]

https://harlancountysports.com/588/baske...e-in-2021/


Predictions for 2020-2021 (grades are listed by next year’s class for each player mentioned)*
1. North Laurel (22-10) — Even though the Jaguars lose two starers and three subs to graduation, it’s clear that North will be among the favorites with two of the state’s top sophomores in their lineup in 6-1 point guard Reed Sheppard (20.6 points per game last season, 5.2 rebounds per game) and 6-3 forward Ryan Davidson (14.7, 5.6). Caden Harris, a 6-0 foot junior forward, is also a returning starter. Senior guard Nate Bruner (3.2) and junior guard Clay Sizemore (4.6), a 3-point specialist, will be among the candidates to round out the lineup.*
2. Knox Central (25-8) — After two straight regional titles, you can be sure no one will overlook the Panthers, even with four of their top eight graduating. Senior guard Jevonte Turner (22.2, 6.4) exploded on the regional scene last year as an elite player and will be the focus of every defense next season. Junior guard Abe Brock (2.9) and 6-3 junior forward Isaac Mills (11.5, 7.0) are also returning starters, with senior Andrew Sizemore (9.0, 2.8) also back after suffering a season-ending injury last season.*
3. Harlan County (24-11) — After a year out of the regional tournament, the Bears returned with a vengeance with their fifth 62nd District title in six years and a third trip to the regional finals in eight years. Losing Taylor Spurlock and Jacob Wilson will hurt, but the Bears will rebuild around senior guard Tyler Cole (13.5, 4.0), the most valuable player in the district tournament, and 6-4 freshman guard Trent Noah (11.8, 5.0), one of the state’s best in the Class of 2024. Junior guard Jackson Huff (7.8, 2.4), one of the region’s best 3-point shooters, is also back after a strong postseason showing. Senior forward Josh Turner (2.8, 3.4), last year’s sixth man, could also move into the lineup. There are several candidates to round out the lineup, including senior post players Hunter Helton and James Gray, sophomore guards Jonah Swanner (2.7), Daniel Carmical (3.9) and Jeremiah Clem and sophomore forward Tristan Cooper.*
4. Clay County (23-10) — While some are already counting out the Tigers after last year’s disappointing finish, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Clay back on top next March with senior guards Connor Robinson (18.0, 6.0) and Connor Farmer (12.3, 3.8) returning, along with last year’s top subs in seniors Raven Abner (8.7, 3.2) and Tate Farmer (3.2, 2.5). Seniors Landon Hensley, Nathan Collins and Colby Sams could also be in the mix.*
5. South Laurel (28-5) — Losing eight seniors, including region player of the year Matt Cromer, would be enough to knock just about everyone out of the top five, but the Cardinals are always in the chase for the regional title and will be competitive again. Senior guard Micah Anders (8.8) and 6-2 junior forward Kaden Jones (3.3, 2.8) are returning starters, and sophomore Parker Payne (4.0) is a rising star who will play a bigger role in 2021. There will be no shortage of candidates to fill the other key roles from one of the region’s top junior varsity and freshmen teams.*
6. Harlan (13-17) — With an All “A” Classic regional title to their credit, the young Green Dragons were a year ahead.of schedule in 2020 with a starting lineup that featured four sophomores, led by guard Jordan Akal (25.8, 4.3), one of the state’s best in the Class of 2022. Forward Jaedyn Gist (11.5, 8.6) and guard Kaleb McLendon (9.7, 2.8) had breakout sophomore seasons. Junior forward Johann Gist (2.5) also returns, with either junior forward Jayden Ward (2.1) and sophomore guard Kyler McLendon (2.3) the leading candidates to fill the vacant starting job left by Jon Eldridge, one of the region’s most underrated post players.*
7. Bell County (12-17) — Losing star point guard London Stephney will be a blow, but the Bobcats featured a sophomore-dominated lineup last season and should be better in Brad Sizemore’s second year at the helm. Cameron Burnett (18.3, 7.1), a 6-4 junior, was among the region’s best post players last season. The Bobcats’ backcourt will again include senior Andrew Caldwell (7.0, 3.1) and juniors Dawson Woolum (10.3, 2.1) and Dalton Stepp (4.7, 2.3). Brandon Baker and Carter McCune, both juniors who saw extensive action last season, will be the leading candidates to round out the lineup, along with freshman Daniel Thomas.*
8. Corbin (16-14) — After a rare season closer to the middle of the 13th Region standings than the top, the Redhounds will continue rebuilding after losing three of their top six players to graduation. Senior guard Josh Hibbits (11.7, 3.6) is a returning starter, along with 6-9 junior center Gavin Allen (8.0, 4.3) and freshman standout Carter Stewart (4.8). Junior guard Micah Engle (3.8, 2.0) will also likely earn a starting job. Senior Grant Dickerson, junior T.J. Terrell and sophomore Parker Norvell could also be in the chase for playing time after starting on the junior varsity squad last season.*
9. Whitley County (12-18) — By going into full rebuilding mode this year with no seniors or juniors on their roster, the Colonels likely speeded up the process of becoming relevant again in the tough 50th District. Guards Garrett McNealey (9.9, 3.4), Jackson Estes (8.9, 2.7) and Grayson Estes (8.8, 3.6) will return for their junior seasons, along with 6-3 junior forward Trevor Downs (9.7, 6.2) and 6-0 junior guard Seth Mills (4.6, 4.1). Sophomores Jamie Fuson (7.2, 4.4) and Brayden Mahan (6.1, 2.5) also saw extensive action last season.*
10. Barbourville (13-16) — After surprising everyone a year earlier, the Tigers dropped off a little last season even though they made it back to the regional tournament as the 51st District runner-up. Three starters and three reserves graduate, but Barbourville can rebuild around senior guards Matthew Gray (15.9, 4.0) and Jordan Collins (7.9, 2.9). Senior guard Michael Smith (3.0), 6-3 senior forward Dylan Moore (2.2, 2.0), junior guard Matthew Warren (2.5) and 6-4 junior forward David Collett (2.5) are among the candidates to round out the lineup.*
Best of the rest:*
11. Middlesboro (20-10) — With four starters graduating, the Jackets will have a hard time matching their success of the previous two seasons. Seniors Eric Helton (2.9, 2.0), Bryson Barnard (3.3) and Ethan Barton will likely move into starting roles after serving as the Jackets’ top reserves last year, all playing in at least 28 games. Jay Tyler West (3.9, 4.2), a 6-3 junior, is back at center. Freshman guard Cayden Grigsby and junior guard Blaine Woody are also in the mix to earn starting jobs.*
12. Pineville (10-17) — While their record doesn’t show it, the Mountain Lions were among the region’s most improved teams last year and should continue to get better even with three starers graduating. Senior forward Sean Phipps (17.9, 8.5) and senior guard Keann Fuson (11.0) are back. Sophomores Evan Biliter (2.1, 2.0) and Ty Clark, eighth-grader Sawyer Thompson and juniors Eli Thompson and Tristan Hubbard are among the candidates to round out the lineup.*
13. Jackson County (13-17) — The Generals lose their top player to graduation in Logan Rose, but return their other starters, including senior guard Clay Akemon (14.2, 5.6), sophomore guard Jude Lakes (10.6, 3.5), 6-0 senior forward Garrett Roark and junior guard Andrew Madden (8.7, 3.4). Junior guards Trenton Hammonds (4.9, 2.2) and Luke Adkins (3.0) will also be candidates to start after strong junior varsity seasons a year ago.*
14. Williamsburg (17-13) — Perhaps no team in the region fell below expectations more than a Williamsburg squad that featured seven seniors, including four starters. Senior guards Larry Bray (4.2) and Gavon Thomas (7.5, 2.7) will give the Jackets some experience in the backcourt during next year’s rebuilding campaign. Mason Manning is also back for his senior season, along with junior Evan Steely (11.5, 7.2), who put some good numbers in limited action.*
15. Oneida Baptist (11-19) — After showing some promise last summer and early in the season, the Mountaineers suffered through a disappointing finish, including a first-round loss in the 49th District Tournament to Red Bird. Senior guards Wayne Estep (10.9, 2.7) and Hamilton Toropo (7.5, 4.0) are the only starters back from a veteran team. Junior guard Isaiah Marcum (4.1, 3.3), senior guard Ikenna Onuoha and senior forward Orrin Frost could round out the lineup.*
16. Lynn Camp (13-15) — Making a run in the 51st District will be tough for the Wildcats after losing five of their top eight to graduation, including three starters. The Wildcats will rebuild around senior guard Maison Prater (15.1, 4.1), senior forward Spencer Gilbert (5.8, 3.1) and sophomore guard Jace Boggs (5.4).*
17. Red Bird (8-21) — Junior guard Dalton Asher is the only starter back for a Red Bird squad that loses nine seniors. Senior guards Bryce Helton and Hunter Gray move up from the junior varsity squad, along with freshman Felix Onosumba.*

[Bigmouth1953]

It’s really up in the air what’s going to happen.
With no summer ball and who knows what’s going to happen in the winter, I think this will be the first time nobody really knows.

[HCS]

Not many will miss summer ball more than me, if they don't get to play, but I feel good about the list. Things don't change much.

[Bigmouth1953]

I just believe clay will be number 1, Whitley in top five depending coach.

[HCS]

I just believe clay will be number 1, Whitley in top five depending coach.

Weren't you one of those saying last year was Clay's last chance?

[JokersWild24]

Not many will miss summer ball more than me, if they don't get to play, but I feel good about the list. Things don't change much.

If we're talking about who'll be disadvantaged least by being away from their coaching staff for summer ball, etc., then it's hard to argue against Clay County as one of the teams LEAST hurt.

Gray has been at the helm in Manchester for five years and has a whopping two regional tournament wins to show for it.

He's also never been beaten by the team who has went on to win region, showing just how far a once might program has fallen under his watch.

Odds are he'll run after the end of the upcoming season when the talent dries up, leaving the program as even more of a dumpster fire than it is at the moment (depending on who takes over).

But hey, we can always say he had the chance to prove everyone wrong, despite everyone rooting for the kids to win in spite of him.

[JustThinking]

If we're talking about who'll be disadvantaged least by being away from their coaching staff for summer ball, etc., then it's hard to argue against Clay County as one of the teams LEAST hurt.

Gray has been at the helm in Manchester for five years and has a whopping two regional tournament wins to show for it.

He's also never been beaten by the team who has went on to win region, showing just how far a once might program has fallen under his watch.

Odds are he'll run after the end of the upcoming season when the talent dries up, leaving the program as even more of a dumpster fire than it is at the moment (depending on who takes over).

But hey, we can always say he had the chance to prove everyone wrong, despite everyone rooting for the kids to win in spite of him.

I would have to agree Clay will not miss Summer Ball much. Another School that will not miss it much is OBI. They all go home for the Summer anyway and the unfolding of last years team makes one wonder about their Coaching anyway. Good luck to all and hope we get these things back on track.:zzz::zzz:

[Bigmouth1953]

You love to throw obi and the coaching staff underneath the bus. That’s okay, yes it hurts oneida, there coach had them scheduled to play 30 games. As far as it hurting clay I don’t think so either, and some schools didn’t play that much anyways. I will be shocked if there is even a season.

[JustThinking]

You love to throw obi and the coaching staff underneath the bus. That’s okay, yes it hurts oneida, there coach had them scheduled to play 30 games. As far as it hurting clay I don’t think so either, and some schools didn’t play that much anyways. I will be shocked if there is even a season.

I'm not throwing anyone under the Bus. OBI had most talent they have had in 15 years and only win 11 games (11-19) speaks volumes for how the season went.:eyeroll:

[Bigmouth1953]

Yes. Talent don’t win games alone. If that’s the case ky wouldn’t ever lose. The willingness to put teammates before yourself, to do what the coach is asking, and most of all is play as hard as you can. I’m not going to talk about the team oneida had, but this years team will not be as talented but will play twice as hard. Not sure if it will produce more wins who knows, but they will play harder.

[HCS]

You guys were agreeing with each other when you were talking about how great OBI was last summer. They were below average compared to the elite teams in the region and not a top 10 team, as I said. I did think they would finish slightly above .500 though.

[Bigmouth1953]

I actually thought they would be a lot better. They were not.

[ky playmaker]

they had the talent to be better for sure

[JustThinking]

they had the talent to be better for sure

I agree. Woods was 10-16 and 11-17 the two years at Oneida before about 2006. 11-19 this year enough said.:truestory:

[Bigmouth1953]

Your right but what you don’t hear about is one of the 11-17 seasons the entire starting five got kicked out of school the week before thanksgiving break. The other season he took over at the age of 21 when the coach quit at thanksgiving. I will lose trust in him after the next two seasons if I don’t see improvement with his own teams. He has no excuse now. It will be his players the other coach has no hold on the players that are there now.

[nedreader]

I don't think Clay Co. missing summer ball will hurt them much if at all. That's one of the many problems they have right now. I just feel bad for the Clay Co. fans having to endure being outcoached in most games during the Gray tenure. Did any of their seniors get scholarships anywhere?

[JokersWild24]

Unless there's someone or something that I am missing, the contender hurt most in terms of development is probably Corbin. Young, pretty well coached, and probably haven't had all of their best athletes playing together long. Their big kid is probably going to be hurt worst in terms of development as well. If all of their really good football players end up staying, having one of them develop to the point that you could count on them for solid minutes defensively and on the boards would really help to solidify their team on the whole. Six foot tall forwards are common in the 13th but D1 receivers aren't.

I'm terms of exposure, Akal of Harlan is probably hurt most. Could be a nice college talent, but plays for a small school and for whatever reason, doesn't get much love from the rest of the 13th. I think he's possibly the best player in the region right now, but it seems like he's always overlooked.

Connor Robinson of Clay County is another kid that no summer ball would really hurt, as he's had some injuries that have limited his ability to show what he can do.