12th Region Preview: McCreary Central Outlook
As we move into November, the high school basketball season is firmly in motion. After an unprecedented start to the 2020-2021 season, programs look to get back into their routine for the launch of the 2021-2022 campaign. Prep Hoops will…
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Continue ReadingAs we move into November, the high school basketball season is firmly in motion. After an unprecedented start to the 2020-2021 season, programs look to get back into their routine for the launch of the 2021-2022 campaign. Prep Hoops will be following along with several 11th and 12th Region teams this season.
McCreary Central Raiders
2020-2021 Record
9-8 Regular Season
1-1 Postseason (Lost to Boyle County in the first round of 12th Region tournament)
Prep Hoops spoke with Assistant Coach Waters about his team. The 12th region is one of the deepest regions in the state of Kentucky. There are legitimately 6-7 teams that expect to be playing deep into the postseason. We have previewed the four semi-finalists from last season. You can view those team previews here: Boyle County (12th Region reigning Champion), East Jessamine, Lincoln County, Pulaski County. One team to keep an eye on to make a big splash is the McCreary Central Raiders. The Raiders are returning three experienced seniors and their top scorer, Kyle Stephens. After capturing their first 48th District Title in over ten years, the Raiders are poised to make another jump in the 12th region this season.
Top Returner Scorer: Kyle Stephens, has been on the scouting report from 12th region coaches for a couple of seasons. Now, Stephens is starting to garner attention from folks across the central and southeast part of Kentucky. The rising junior is a competent scorer that uses his athletic frame to navigate his shots. Stephens posted 40 total points in the two postseason games last season for the Raiders. There have been whispers of Stephens generating interest from regional college teams. PH Staff will be watching Stephens closely and expect his stock to rise as the season gets underway.
Top Shooter: Noah Loundermilk, is one of the returning senior starters that can put all kinds of pressure on the defense. He has an effortless shot that rarely touches the rim. The coaching staff knows how quickly Loundermilk can turn one made basket into four or five. That hot-hand type of shooting gives McCreary Central a sudden boost of offense that can steal momentum in a blink of an eye. Look for Loundermilk to utilize his ability to stretch the defense as another weapon for the Raiders.
Top Floor General: Trey Davis, is the ideal point guard that a region contender needs on their roster. Davis is the son of Head Coach, Wade Davis. He plays with a high basketball IQ that has been coming to the Joe S. Williams Gymnasium since he was able to walk. Davis made his imprint at the NCAA Certified held at Martha Layne Collins High School in June 2021. Look for Davis to use his playmaking skills along with the chemistry he has setting Loundermilk and Conatser up for open looks.
Another player that will be in the mix for the Raiders is Trent Conatser. Conatser is a strong rebounder that will give his teammates a force in the middle.