Postseason X-Factors: Regions 5-8
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District Tournaments actually start on Saturday and by March 2, half of the basketball teams in the state will have had their seasons end. As we move towards the postseason, I wanted to highlight some players who are X factors…
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Continue ReadingDistrict Tournaments actually start on Saturday and by March 2, half of the basketball teams in the state will have had their seasons end. As we move towards the postseason, I wanted to highlight some players who are X factors for teams with aspirations of winning their regions and advancing to Rupp Arena next month.
Adair sits atop the loaded 5th region but there are at least 8 teams with a real chance to get to Rupp Arena from the 5th this season. At this point, teams have scouted Isaiah Cochran Isaiah Cochran 6’6″ | SF Adair County | 2025 State #383 Nation KY and Connor Loy Connor Loy 6’0″ | SG Adair County | 2025 State KY . That’s why Dawson Gilbert Dawson Gilbert 6’3″ | CG Adair County | 2026 State KY has an opportunity to shine. It’s often the third and fourth options on the roster who make the difference when chasing championships.
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Speaking of third and fourth options, there aren’t many better in Louisville than Prince. After being one of the leading scorers in Kentucky last year, Kahnplaye moved back to Louisville and has been settling into his role for a veteran Colts roster that he had to fit into. When it comes to “microwave” scoring ability, Prince can heat up in a hurry. A big postseason could mean a chance for Kahnplaye to start establishing himself as a top player for DeSales next season.
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Shene may be the most improved player in Louisville this season. Averaging 12 points and 9 rebounds per game as a Senior, Ryan has become an impact player for the Crimson. Providing high level perimeter shooting with his above average rebounding (and some rim protection), Shene has positioned himself to be a real difference maker for the Crimson. For them to win the super competitive 7th region, they will need all of their rotation humming along but Shene can be a difference maker with his size and shooting.
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JJ is a versatile guard for a Woodford team that relies heavily on their backcourt to lead to their success. Jenkins has gotten to play more on the ball the tail end of the season with Santonio Waide Santonio Waide 6’0″ | PG Woodford County | 2025 State KY out with an injury. Jaunte is a capable driver who can finish at the rim or dish to teammates. If he can take his three point shooting up a notch in March, it’s possible that Woodford comes out of the crowded and competitive 8th region on the backs of their talented guards.