Top Five Preview: Eighth Region

<p>Over the next month, we'll continue to preview the top teams and players in each of the 16 regions as we move toward the 2019-2020 regular season. As part of our preview, we are breaking down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the eighth region, where Collins is led by a pair of D1 commits.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>Collins - The Titans are, at the time of this writing, the only team in Kentucky with multiple D1 commits. But the key to the season for Collins is going to be how well the supporting cast plays. While McKnight and Vail are consistent, Coach Gaither is going to be looking to role players like <strong>Tyson Turner and Darrian Crittendon</strong> to step up and help get back to Rupp Arena after missing out the last two seasons.</p> <p>South Oldham - South is capable of beating anyone in the state when they're making shots. When they're not making shots, their defense will need to be better this season and show that they can grind teams down on defense. <strong>Luke Morrison and Seth Johnson</strong> return as Senior leaders but will need other players to step up if they want to survive a tough district and region. Sophomore <strong>Ben Michel </strong>needs to make a leap in his second year of varsity action.</p> <p>North Oldham - With <strong>Justin Powell</strong> back where he played before the Trinity transfer and Freshman <strong>Dallas Roberts</strong> already known as a top player in 2023, North Oldham is a dark horse to win the whole region. <strong>Rico Cole-Carr</strong> will be eligible at some point after a transfer from Ballard. If Coach Levitch can play to the strengths of his strong backcourt, they can make some noise.</p> <p>Spencer County - After a surprising run to the regional semifinals last season, the Bears return almost everyone from a year ago. <strong>Jake Whitlock, Sam Conley, and Lucas Hornback</strong> are all returning and Sophomore <strong>Gage Mabry </strong>is hoping to fill the void left by graduation Jacob Seawright. They could be the favorites in 2021 but could also be ahead of schedule and win it this season.</p> <p>Oldham County - Oldham is capable of winning the region or not making it out of the district. The Colonels are young this season but return a solid core and have some young talent coming up. Coach Zerhusen always has his teams ready to compete by the postseason and this year they could be a sleeper to win the 8th.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>Justin Powell, North Oldham - An Auburn commitment, Powell is a top 100 recruit in almost every recruiting service's rankings.</p> <p>Dayvion McKnight, Collins - Committed to Western Kentucky, McKnight is the best point guard in the state, regardless of class.</p> <p>Marcellus Vail, Collins - Committed to Samford, Vail is one of the most explosive scorers in the Senior class.</p> <p>Luke Morrison, South Oldham - The top shooter in the state as a Junior, Morrison will look to lead the Dragons to Rupp Arena before graduation.</p> <p>Kelly Niece, Simon Kenton - Kelly is a question mark as he rebounds from a torn ACL suffered in April but before the injury he was a top 2021 in the state.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>Dayvion McKnight, Collins</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>Collins</p>