Top 5 Preview: Second Region
Continuing with some very early 2018-19 regular season previews, we’re going to break down the top 5 teams and top 5 college prospects in each region. We move to the second region today where University Heights looks to repeat but they’ll have to beat several solid teams to find their way back to Rupp Arena in March.
Top 5 Teams
- University Heights – The reigning and defending champions, UHA only lost two players off the team that made it to Rupp Arena last March. The Blazers have the best player in the region and more offensive firepower than most teams in the state. If they’ll play some defense, they should repeat somewhat easily.
- Hopkinsville – Injuries and turmoil ruined Hoptown’s season last year and they had a miserable, losing season. A new coach and some better health should re-energize the Tigers and get them back to the level of success they’re used to.
- Christian County – DeTorrion Ware and Cory Trice are gone but Christian County is consistently one of the most talented schools in the state and Kerry Stovall is a Hall of Fame coach. Look for the Colonels to be right in the thick of things again this season.
- Madisonville-North Hopkins – The Maroons have the talent to compete with anyone and will play a top notch schedule this season that should have them ready when the postseason rolls around. If the Junior class can make some strides, they could challenge for the region title in March.
- Hopkins County Central – The Storm return their entire team from a year ago. Not sure if they can get over the hump and beat the best teams in the region and be a credible threat to win the second, but Central will be able to score the ball and could be dangerous in March.
Top 5 College Prospects
- KyKy Tandy – A top 100 player on nearly every recruiting ranking, Tandy is one of the most skilled scorers Kentucky has seen. KyKy holds a bunch of high major offers and will sign to play at a high major school to continue his college career.
- Kenny White – The 6’7 Junior has all the intanglibles to be a Mid Major D1 player at worst. The question with Kenny has been his motor but he seems to be maturing and realizing how important it is to play with a motor. White was awarded with scholarship offers from UT-Martin and Kent State this summer.
- Ksuan Casey – Another Madisonville Junior, Casey is a D1 prospect thanks to his God given size and footwork. Ksuan is 6’9 and agile for his size. After averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds as a Sophomore, Casey is poised for another good year as a Junior but his conditioning must improve to play D1 in the future.
- Derrin Boyd – The Senior from Caldwell checks a lot of boxes as a strong and athletic combo guard. Boyd could be an impact player right away at a D2 school but could also go the junior college route and be a D1 player after two years of ball handling and playing as a 1 or a 2.
- Tylan Mann – Hopkins County Central has one of the better “sleeper” prospects in Western Kentucky. Mann has great size for the position and knows how to score the ball at a high level. Tylan is long and athletic and could start at any of the best teams in the region and at most schools in the state. He could be a candidate to go Juco then blow up in a year or two.