2017-2018 Season Preview: 12th Region
(Photo Credit Lexington 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 12th Region, where Mercer County and Pulaski County are considered favorites.
THE CONTENDERS:
SCHOOL NAME (overall record, region record from last season)
Mercer County (25-8, 14-4)
Mr. Basketball candidate Trevon Faulkner returns and brings his 24+ points and 11+ rebounds per game with him. Faulkner committed to Northern Kentucky this summer. Senior Gunnar Gillis also returns. Gillis averaged 10.4 points per game as a junior. Junior Carter Baughman had a really good summer and should be one to watch for throughout the season.
Pulaski County (27-8, 17-4)
Last year’s regional champions return Samford commit Steven Fitzgerald, who averaged 25.1 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. The Maroons also return senior guard and University of Cumberlands commit Danny Butt. Sophomore guard Colton Fraley emerged last season and was relied upon to be the team’s floor general. The Maroons graduated Landon Powell, who averaged 17+ as a senior.
Boyle County (17-15, 9-9)
Senior Bryce Slone returns and will try to build off of his 15 point, 6 rebounds average from his junior campaign. Jason Alexander, also a senior, averaged 12 points, 5 assists, and 8 rebounds last season. Will Brammel, a football stand-out will also provide some experience for the Rebels. Look for sophomore Reese Smith (10 points and 8 rebounds per game last season) to step it up even more.
Wayne County (17-17, 10-10)
The Cardinals of Wayne County return 6’4 senior forward Jackson Baker and 6’1 guard Aubrey Weaver, both seniors. Baker averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a junior. Weaver averaged 13.1 points. Wayne County will hope to get back to their regional winning ways.