2017-2018 Season Preview: 11th Region
(Photo Credit: Herald-Leader)
October 15th is a holiday in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. High school basketball season is officially underway in the Bluegrass state. The excitement that comes with a new season will soon be replaced by the grind of the season but every school in the state starts the season with the same goal. Everyone wants to get to Rupp Arena in March. In our season preview series, we break down the favorites to make it to the KHSAA state tournament out of each region. Our previews continue here the 11th Region, where Scott County and Lexington Christian are considered favorites.
THE CONTENDERS:
SCHOOL NAME (overall record, region record from last season)
Scott County (31-6, 16-1)
Scott County was considered by many to be the team to beat last season, boasting a 31-6 overall record with their only regular season in-state loss coming to Lexington Catholic. Their state tournament run came up short after losing to eventual champion Bowling Green. But the wheels keeping rolling in Georgetown, as they return a talented and deep squad that consists of junior star Michael Moreno, who holds offers from Iowa, Miami (OH), NKU, EKU, and Bradley. The Cardinals also return UNC Charolette commit Cooper Robb who’ll run the team at the point guard potion, and sharpshooting junior Bryce Long. An addition to watch out for is Franklin County transfer guard Diablo Stewart. Stewart averaged 18.5 points per game last season in Frankfort.
2018 Scott County G Cooper Robb
Lexington Christian (23-9, 10-7)
LCA also returns a talented roster. Led by 2019 forward Kyle Rode, the Knights also return 2018 forwards Carter Hendrickson (North Florida commit) and Austin Hall (University of the Cumberlands commit). Rode has offers from Lipscomb, Wright State, Liberty, NKU, Samford, and others. Last season the Eagles won their first ever district championship and made it’s first ever regional appearance. They are coming for more this season. If they can find consistent guard play, watch out.
Lexington Catholic (24-9, 11-4)
Now-Loyola (Maryland) guard Luke Johnson has graduated, the school’s all-time leading scorer. The Knights will rely on Zan Payne, who averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds a game last season. Look for Lexington Catholic to also rely on forward Max Sparkman and guard TC Price to help carry the load.
Madison Central (26-6, 9-6)
Can junior Isaiah Cozart block enough shots and rely on his low-post scoring ability to carry the Indians back to the regional tournament run? That’s the question for the ultra talented big man from Richmond. Madison Central coaches have also been impressed with guard Isaiah Minter as well. Minter averaged just over 7 points per game last season. Dustin Geralds also returns. Geralds averaged just over 13 points per game last season.