Top 5 Preview: Region 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>October is upon us. KHSAA Basketball season starts on October 15th and this season looks to be pretty open. There is so much talent in the bluegrass state right now and this season is shaping up to be a great one. It's time for my annual "Top 5 Preview" where I break down the top 5 teams and college prospects in each region. These are the top 5 college prospects, not the top 5 high school players right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top 5 Teams:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Henderson County - Coach Smithhart has his best chance to win the region in a while. The Colonels lost the regional title game in OT last season but only lost 2 Seniors. Returning 2 talented 2027s who led them in scoring last season and a lot of depth behind them, Henderson County should be the favorites.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyon County - Lyon County lost 7 Seniors to graduation but return the best player in the region in [player_tooltip player_id='2122607' first='Nolan' last='Coffman']. The Lyons are going to be young and relatively inexperienced but Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2748358' first='Jett' last='Reddick'] and Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='3726377' first='River' last='Cotham'] should be ready after being role players last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christian County - One of the biggest storylines in the region the last few years was if/when the merged Hopkinsville/Christian County school would actually open. The time has come and the school should (eventually) have a ton of basketball athletes to choose from. It will be interesting to see how their first season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Webster County - Death, Taxes and Jon Newton being an awesome basketball coach. The Trojans are going to be young. Six different freshmen dressed varsity last season for Webster County and that experience should come in handy this Winter. They could be a factor in the regional title race in 2027-28.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hopkins County Central - Central brings back most of their scoring from last season and has a talented guard in Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2360955' first='Samari' last='Pettus']. With 2028 Deante Jagoe also back for the Storm, look for them to be a sleeper team in the regional title race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top 5 College Prospects:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2122607' first='Nolan' last='Coffman'], Lyon County - Coffman just committed to Mercer this week. It seems like Nolan has been in high school for a decade but he's going to end up with some really good career numbers by graduation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2360955' first='Samari' last='Pettus'], Hopkins County Central - I've liked Samari since I first saw him as an 8th grader. I think if Pettus lived in Louisville or Lexington, more people would know about him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2124540' first='Amare' last='Stewart'], Henderson County - A big shooter who can fill it up from deep. Amare is not the most valuable player for Henderson but he does have the most college potential thanks to his long frame and ability to light it up from range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2125728' first='Xavion' last='Johnson'], Henderson County - The most valuable player for the Colonels. Johnson handles a lot of responsibilities for Henderson County. He's a good driver and defender. Look for him to be in the mix for regional player of the year if Coffman stumbles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2748358' first='Jett' last='Reddick'], Lyon County - Jett HAS to step up for Lyon if they're going to get back to Rupp Arena. Reddick has the traits and tools to be an impact player this season. Hopefully he can turn the corner in his development and become a top 5 player in the region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Most Likely Mr. Basketball Finalist:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2122607' first='Nolan' last='Coffman'], Lyon County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->