Junior X Factors: 2022s to Watch

<p>With the season looming, here’s a look at some 2022s who could possibly swing regional title races this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1009766" first="Ross" last="Pangallo"], Newport Central Catholic - </strong>Coming off surgery for a hip injury, Ross should be 100% healthy for the first time in a couple of seasons. A great athlete who can play on or off the ball, Ross is the latest in a long line of Pangallos to wear the NCC uniform. If he’s truly healthy and able to knock the rust off, Ross can be a top 5 player in the region this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="801613" first="Tyson" last="Barrett"], Frederick Douglass - </strong>There has been a lot of buzz around the 11th region about Tyson’s development and his growth as a player and literal growth to 6’7 this summer. Barrett isn’t a post player but he will likely need to play some post for a Douglass squad that is guard heavy on the roster. If he starts to scratch his potential this season, Tyson could make the difference for Douglass this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926899" first="Andru" last="Markham"], Fern Creek - </strong>He’s likely the least heralded player at Fern Creek when talking about starters and heavy rotation players but Markham has made his way back to the 100% after knee surgery and playing with a heavy brace for a while. Andru is a true X factor for Creek as he can guard multiple positions and score the ball at all 3 levels. With Zek Montgomery gone, expect Andru to have a much bigger role.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926914" first="Trey" last="Lovell"], Muhlenberg County - </strong>The path to a 3rd region championship for the Mustangs is not an easy one but they have a veteran backcourt and Lovell could be a breakout player after battling some injury issues last season for Muhlenberg. Look for Trey to be a 15 point per game or better scorer as he plays on and off the ball while sharing point guard duties in the offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926928" first="Laithan" last="Hall"], Pikeville - </strong>Another player who is looking to bounce back from an injury shortened Sophomore season, Hall tore his ACL but is back now and working back to being 100% healthy. A shifty guard who is more scorer than facilitator, Laithan is capable of leading Pikeville to the 15th region title and beyond when he’s at his best.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926937" first="Oliver" last="Harris"], Highlands - </strong>His Senior teammates are the guys who get publicity and praise but Harris is a very solid forward who can play inside or out and plays with a great motor. It’s entirely possible that Oliver could be the difference in Highlands making the jump from 9th region runner up to champion as he can guard the post and rebound at a high level in addition to being a more than capable offensive player.</p>