Contender/Pretender: Regions 9-12

The state of Kentucky is 6 weeks away from the start of postseason play so I thought it was time to start separating the contenders for regional crowns from the pretenders. Let's break it down: Ninth Region: Contenders: <ul> <li>Beechwood - Sitting at 23-4 and having a historic season, the Tigers proved they are for real after beating Covington Catholic a couple of weeks ago. But the 24 point loss to Cooper in December still hangs over their head. To get to Rupp Arena they'll likely have to avenge that loss.</li> <li>Covington Catholic - The reigning state champs have been underwhelming this year but are 11-2 in their last 13 and only have 2 losses to Kentucky teams. They've beaten Cooper but lost to Beechwood. Firmly in the mix to win the region, they should get a shot at revenge against Beechwood in the district title game.</li> <li>Cooper - 21-4 on the season with 3 quality losses and a head scratching loss against Dunbar way back at the start of the year. The Jags play a slow down style and grind teams down in the half court. They say defense wins championships and if Cooper is going to get to Rupp, defense will get them there.</li> </ul> Pretenders: <ul> <li>Newport - They've lost to Cooper and Covington Catholic and to get to Rupp they'd likely have to beat both. Not to mention their win over Beechwood came after the Tigers blew a lead late. The loss to St. Henry last week is especially concerning as they have lost 3 of their last 6 games down the stretch.</li> <li>Highlands - The Bluebirds are having a great season but there is only a very tiny chance that they can run the gauntlet of the 9th region tournament and get to Rupp Arena.</li> </ul> Tenth Region: Contenders: <ul> <li>Campbell County - The reigning region champs are looking to defend their title. Sitting at 22-4 overall and 10-0 against region foes, they are the clear favorite to return to the Sweet Sixteen.</li> <li>George Rogers Clark - Their only loss against regional competition was a 9 point defeat at Campbell County all the way back in the second game of the year. The Cardinals have the talent and experience to knock off Campbell and make it to Rupp.</li> </ul> Pretenders: <ul> <li>Bourbon County - Coach Lamont Campbell has done a tremendous job this year as he's led the Colonels to a 20-9 regular season record. They lost to GRC twice and Montgomery County twice. They'll have to beat Montgomery just to get to the regional tournament.</li> <li>Scott - Only 15-10 overall but 7-2 against regional opponents, this Scott team has been Jekyll/Hyde all year. If the team that beat Simon Kenton shows up, they could win the region with a good draw. If they team that lost to Conner shows up, they won't get past the opening round of the region.</li> </ul> Eleventh Region: Contenders: <ul> <li>Scott County - Simply put, if anyone other than Scott County wins the 11th region, it will be a massive upset. Even missing two Senior starters lately, the Cardinals have steamrolled everyone. If you gave me Scott County or the field, I'm taking the Cardinals every time.</li> <li>Henry Clay - I hesitate to put them here because Scott County already has two double digit wins over the Blue Devils but they should play again for a district title and could see them a 4th time for a regional crown. Maybe the third or fourth time could be the charm.</li> </ul> Pretenders: <ul> <li>Frankfort - Any other year, Frankfort could be a darkhorse candidate for the regional title. The big win over Ballard last week is very impressive but I'm not sure they can knock off Henry Clay, Scott County or any of the other top teams.</li> <li>Lexington Christian - This is essentially a vote of confidence for Kyle Rode and Coach Nate Valentine. Valentine is an excellent tactician and Rode is a big time player. With those two, they have a shot to beat anyone. But they could also lose in the district opener.</li> <li>Woodford County - The Yellow Jackets have had a great season and are competitive with almost anyone in the region. When they're playing their A game, they can beat anyone. As they proved when they almost beat Scott County last month.</li> <li>Madison Central - Coach Feldhaus is a legend and his team has played one of the best schedules in the entire state. Isaiah Cozart is a difference maker in the middle and when their shooters are making shots, they're a tough out.</li> <li>Lexington Catholic - The Knights play LCA in the district semifinal and whomever wins will have a shot to win the region. If Catholic makes shots, they can beat anyone, Scott County included.</li> </ul> Twelfth Region: Contenders: <ul> <li>Danville - Prior to a couple of stumbles last week, Danville had been rolling. They're still 23-4 overall and 14-1 against regional teams. Having said that, Garrard County has taken them to the limit twice already and could knock them off in the third meeting at the district title.</li> <li>Wayne County - An impressive 13-2 against 12th region foes, Coach Woods has his team hitting their stride right now. They could avenge an early season loss to Danville in the regional tournament.</li> <li>Mercer County - Winners of 8 of their last 10 games, the Titans are playing their best basketball when it matters most. They should get to the regional by beating Burgin and after that, the 12th region is relatively wide open.</li> </ul> Pretenders: <ul> <li>Pulaski County - The Pirates have been up and down all year long but have a 10-5 record against 12th region foes. Colton Fraley, Jacob Combs and Grant Oaks are a good trio who can compete with anyone in the region.</li> <li>Lincoln County - The Patriots have been mediocre in 2019. Since the Christmas break, they are 7-7 with some weird losses and nice wins over Boyle County and Mercer County.</li> </ul>