Top Five Preview: Seventh Region

<p>Over the next 2 months, we'll 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'll break down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the seventh region, where Male is a lot of people's favorite to win the region and state championships this season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>Male - The roster is very deep and full of athletes. The playing style of running and pressing is fun to watch and they have probably the most talented roster in Kentucky. Clearly the best roster in Louisville, many people expect Male to win it all at Rupp Arena in March.</p> <p>Ballard - If their transfers get eligible, they can contend for the region title and beyond. As their roster stands, it's one of the less talented teams that Coach Renner has had over the last decade but you know they'll get better over the season and will be right in the thick of things by postseason.</p> <p>Eastern - If their Sophomore class can grow up in a hurry, they can be a real threat to win the region by February. While they are sure to experience growing pains, the talent is there and they have a state champion coach at the helm. </p> <p>Waggener - They graduated a ton but the cupboard isn't bare. <strong>Dallas Rufus</strong> needs to show he can lead the team and be the best player for the Wildcats. If he can do that, the drop off won't be as severe as some in Louisville may expect.</p> <p>Trinity - The thing about Trinity is they graduated a ton but Coach Szabo is still there so you know the Rocks will guard the heck out of opposing teams. It will be a young group but you have to expect them to be as competitive as ever by the regional tournament.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>Howard Fleming, Male - Howard has over a dozen D1 scholarship offers and keeps adding to his list. As long as he stays healthy, Howard will be mentioned as a contender for Mr. Basketball and could land at a power 5 school before his recruitment ends.</p> <p>Noah Courtney, Male - Howard gets a lot of headlines but Noah is perhaps the most important to the Bulldogs success. Courtney is a double-double machine and a handful of NAIA offers. Don't be surprised if he ends up signing D1 in the spring.</p> <p>James Jewell, Eastern - Our top ranked player in 2022, James is a star in the making. Despite his modest averages last season, Jewell had a big offseason and flashes the potential to be a Power 5 player in the Sophomore class. His length and athleticism show his long term potential.</p> <p>Rashad Bishop, Ballard - Long and athletic, Rashad is one of the best bigs in the state. He hasn't shown much ability to stretch the floor with shooting but he is a big time rebounder and finishes everything around the rim. If he doesn't end up signing for football, he can be a college basketball player.</p> <p>Kaleb Glenn, Male - He's only a freshman but Glenn enters his high school career after being a contributor at Ballard last season. He's physically advanced for his age and is working hard to improve his skill level to eventually transition to playing the wing.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>Male</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>Howard Fleming, Male</p>