Veteran-level Output from Upperclassmen in Regional Play

A significant amount of veteran leadership typically comes in handy during postseason play and there was plenty of it in Louisville's regional tournament fields. Before we look ahead to this week's UK Healthcare Boys Basketball Sweet 16, let's recap some of the top performances from upperclassmen in the 6th and 7th Region tournaments.    Jackson has been the best player on the best team this season in what some consider the best region. The Mr. Basketball candidacy is just as strong as any for the 7th Region POY as awarded by the KABC and the Courier Journal, respectively. He doubled down on an outstanding season by leading St.X through a 7th Region tournament run in which they won every matchup by double digits. His one-handed slam off a baseline drive as the clock ran down in the title game put the exclamation point on the chapter. Jackson paced the Tigers and recorded team-highs in PPG (12) and RPG (7). Expect his experience, IQ, and skillset to come up big for the Tigers this week.     "Chief" couldn't be a more perfect nickname for Cameron's productivity and style of play. He is the definition of a captain that leads by example. An absolutely relentless defender who comes up with multiple steals every time he steps on the court. His keen ability to disrupt an offensive flow parallels his responsibility of running the show as St.X's primary facilitator. Chief also doubles as a scorer as needed both from his defensive effort and his ability to knock down shots or create open space. As one of five players who averaged double figures through St. X's dominant 7th Region tournament run, he put the full gamut of his abilities on display.     Woods had a breakout senior campaign for the Crimsons, having nearly quadrupled his scoring production from the previous season. His two-way play helped lead Manual to the 7th Region semifinals. Whether it was diving for loose balls, helping manage the boards, making plays for others, or filling scoring gaps, Woods gave a little bit of everything in the effort. As he did all season long, he proved himself to be a legit threat off the dribble. Probably most impressive was his confidence creating space for himself and knocking down pull up jumpers in the midrange. He closed out a great season with 14 PTS and 6 REB in the contest.     Leading a team in PPG and RPG throughout the regular season creates a level of postseason attention that can be hard to overcome. Adrian found himself at the top of scouting reports throughout the 6th Region tournament and teams made it as difficult as possible for him to even get a touch. As one of the top seniors and a Top 50 3PT shooter in the state, however, he found a way to get his. His efficiency didn't waiver – putting up lights out shooting splits of 50/40/85 throughout the tournament. If a game-winning buzzer-beater at Valley is needed, my money is on Adrian. His go-ahead 3PT FG in the title game sealed the deal for Butler's Sweet 16 bid.     Butler finished his breakout season with a bang, putting up a team-high in points (17) and tying for a game-high in rebounds (6) in Fairdale's quarterfinal matchup. As the primary beneficiary of [player_tooltip player_id='2438889' first='Kamari' last='Roberts']' downhill skills throughout the regular season, Butler continued to do what he did best when it mattered most in tournament play. He's an elite athlete whose two-way play impacted outcomes on both sides of the ball. Turning defense into offense; finishing strong around the rim; controlling the boards – all of which he is known for and all of which he delivered on. Expect Butler to be one of the top returners for the Bulldogs next season.     Clark and [player_tooltip player_id='1543629' first='Dayvone' last='Harrison'] operated as Jtown's most consistent 1-2 punch throughout the regular season and the duo approached the postseason in a similar fashion. Clark moved very well with the ball in his hands, successfully creating space off the dribble and getting to his spots. He was confident knocking down shots in the midrange or going downhill and getting to the rim, proving to be a reliable option when the Chargers needed a bucket. He averaged double figures throughout the tournament, including a game-high 16 PTS in the semifinals, en route to Jtown's fourth 6th Region title game in only five years.

A significant amount of veteran leadership typically comes in handy during postseason play and there was plenty of it in Louisville's regional tournament fields. Before we look ahead to this week's UK Healthcare Boys Basketball Sweet 16, let's recap some of the top performances from upperclassmen in the 6th and 7th Region tournaments.