Top Five Preview: Fifth Region

<p>Over the next 2 months, we'll preview the top teams and players in each of the 16 regions as we move toward the 2019-2020 regular season. As part of our preview, we'll break down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the fourth region, where John Hardin attempts to three peat as regional champions.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>John Hardin - The back to back champions return a veteran core of <strong>Alex Matthews, Trevon Harris and Preston Murrell</strong> but have graduated some really quality guards that will need to be replaced. If their guard play can hold up, the Bulldogs are the favorites to win the region again.</p> <p>Elizabethtown - Juniors <strong>JaQuais Franklin and Camden Williams</strong> are a dynamic duo but will need some help in order to win the 5th. Coach Haire returns his top 10 scorers from a year ago and should have the quality depth to compete with John Hardin for the district and regional championships.</p> <p>LaRue County - The losses of Anthony Adkins and Daillis Cox will take their toll but Senior <strong>Mark Goode </strong>and Junior <strong>Jeremiah Belton</strong> are a tough pair and Senior <strong>Warner Bryan </strong>is a huge X factor with his size and athleticism but he's never been able to stay healthy. If he does, LaRue is capable of getting to Rupp Arena.</p> <p>Marion County - New coach Maze Stallworth inherited a talented group of Seniors headlined by <strong>Mason Sullivan,</strong><strong>Tyshay Epps and Jamison Epps</strong>. The post duo of Jamison Epps and Mason Sullivan will be a tough cover for most teams in the region. If the guard play holds up, they'll have a chance to play in the regional tournament on their home floor. </p> <p>Bardstown - JJ Traynor has garnered all the attention lately but <strong>JaRel Montgomery and Tereylin Calbert </strong>are a super tough guard duo that will take Bardstown as far as they can go. Traynor will get most the most headlines but the fortunes of the Tigers will depend on how well the guards play.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>JJ Traynor, Bardstown - He's got a bunch of offers and a top 100 ranking. The highest ceiling of any prospect in the state, JJ could double his Junior season averages of 11 points and 8 rebounds per game if he plays up to his full potential.</p> <p>Alex Matthews, John Hardin - Matthews has averaged a double-double for the past two years and that shouldn't change now. But what has changed if that Alex has added range on his jumper and is no longer a post player. Assuming he puts up the numbers he has been, Alex should compete for regional player of the year.</p> <p>Jaquias Franklin, Elizabethtown - One of a handful of Juniors in Kentucky with a college scholarship offer, Jaquias is a scoring point guard that can get to the rim and finish. After averaging over 20 points per game as a Sophomore, he could be the best scorer in the entire region this season.</p> <p>Jamison Epps, Marion County - Based on size and ability, Epps could have multiple college offers before graduation rolls around. Jamison can play on the perimeter or in the post and if he's as committed to the defensive end as he is to offense, Epps should be a difference maker this season.</p> <p>Trevon Harris, John Hardin - He doesn't blow you away with any one part of his game but Smith does everything on the floor and stuffs a stat sheet. Trevon is long and athletic and should have more college options than he has right now. He could have multiple triple-doubles this season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>JJ Traynor, Bardstown</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>John Hardin</p>