Postseason Preview: Regions 15 and 16

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>District tournaments start Monday! Let's take a look at some teams and players to watch heading into district tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 15:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely to make the regional tournament field:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 15th region uses a "Super Regional" format so all the teams make the regional tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='1745583' first='Braxton' last='Keathley'], Martin County - One of the most prolific scorers in the state, Keathley is capable of scoring 50 points in a game and that is the kind of firepower that Martin County will need to win the region. Braxton is a true three level scorer and is also one of the best free throw shooters in the state. Martin County tends to play a fast pace and get into the 80s and even the 90s on offense. For the Cardinals to get to Rupp Arena, [player_tooltip player_id='1745583' first='Braxton' last='Keathley'] needs to score early and often. He's more than capable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely regional champion: Johnson Central </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely regional tournament MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='2900459' first='Brayden' last='Shepherd'], Johnson Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 16:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely to make the regional tournament field:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rowan County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fleming County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elliott County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Carter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Raceland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashland Blazer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id='2869959' first='Alijah' last='Owens'], Ashland - One of the state's top 9th graders, Owens gives the Tomcat offense another gear to reach when they're in the open floor. Alijah can operate in the half court off a screen but thrives when he's in the open court as he is an excellent finisher at the rim. He'll need to hit some jumpers but if the regional title comes down to Ashland and Boyd County, Owens can absolutely be the difference maker over the next few weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely regional champion: Boyd County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most likely regional tournament MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1359133' first='Jacob' last='Spurlock'], Boyd County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->