[Stardust]

http://dailyindependent.com/localsports/...ll-Preview

PAINTSVILLE — Magoffin County Hornets

Record: 13-16 overall, 4-4 district

Head Coach: Neil West, eighth-year at MCHS (83-140 overall)

Last District Championship: 2007

Last Year: Lost to Johnson Central, 77-32, in semifinals

Players to Watch: Cory Pitts (6-foot-7, sophomore, center), 15ppg., 13 rpg; Colton Howes (5-foot-10, senior, guard 11 ppg. )

Notes: The Hornets have lacked consistency all season. After starting the season with three consecutive district wins, including back-to-back road wins at Johnson Central and Paintsville in early February, Magoffin County has won just one of its last five district contests. “We’re still in the thick of things,” said Magoffin coach Neil West. “The records really don’t mean much now.”



Paintsville Tigers

Record: 7-18 overall, 3-5 district

Head Coach: Matt Ratliff, fourth season at PHS (32-68 overall)

Last District Championship: 2008

Last Year: Lost to Johnson Central, 72-71, in semifinals

Players to Watch: Trevor Tiller (junior guard), 21 ppg; Colby Burchett (junior, guard), 7 ppg.

Notes: Paintsville goes as Trevor Tiller goes. If the flashy guard can hit shots, Paintsville can be in any game they play. If he doesn’t, it could spell trouble. “I think we’ll be very competitive in the tournament,” said coach Matt Ratliff.



Lawrence County Bulldogs

Record: 7-17 overall, 0-8 district

Head Coach: David Miller, second season at LC (7-43)

Last District Championship: 2010

Last Year: Lost to Magoffin County, 52-29, in play-in game

Players to Watch: Hayden Kiser (senior, center) 12 ppg.; A.J. Cyrus (sophomore) 9 ppg; Logan Finley (senior), 8 ppg.

Notes: Lawrence County is by far the most improved team in the district, building on last year’s winless season. The Bulldogs have also shown promise in the second half of the season, losing to Paintsville by only nine and Magoffin County by four. “I’m very pleased with the individual and team progress we have made,” said coach David Miller. “I want our kids to give a strong showing in the tournament.”



Sheldon Clark Cardinals

Record: 24-6 overall, 7-1 district

Head Coach: Kevin Spurlock, second season at SCHS (39-17 overall)

Last District Championship: 2004

Last Year: Lost to Johnson Central, 70-37, in championship

Players to Watch: B.J. Moore (senior, point guard), 18 ppg.; Justin Johnson (sophomore, center, 6-foot-6), 14 ppg, 13 rpg..; Chase Kirk (junior, guard) 10 pgg.

Notes: Sheldon Clark surpassed 20 wins for the first time since 1992 and a lot of the Cardinals’ successes can be attributed to senior point-guard B.J. Moore, who hasn’t missed a step after sitting out most of his junior season. Moore is set to break the school’s all-time scoring mark. “We’ve had good senior leadership and our role players have stepped up their games,” said coach Kevin Spurlock. “We think that if we can continue to play on both ends of the floor and keep the team perspective in mind that we can challenge for the 15th region crown.” Moore injured his knee in the Cardinals’ season finale loss at Perry Central (71-45) on Feb. 17. His status is unknown.



Johnson Central Golden Eagles

Record: 21-9 overall, 7-2 district

Head Coach: Tommy McKenzie, fifth season at JCHS (86-56 overall)

Last District Championship: 2011

Last Year: Defeated Sheldon Clark, 70-37, in championship

Players to Watch: Shane Hall (sophomore, 6-foot-7, center) 17 ppg, 12 rpg.; Braxton Blair (freshman, point guard) 9 ppg.

Notes: The biggest question mark going into the postseason for the Golden Eagles is the health of Shane Hall, who is still nursing a pinched nerve in his leg. The defending champs have a whole new look with the exception of Hall, and the team has experienced its fair share of growing pains and bright spots, including two wins over Sheldon Clark. “There are no easy games or situations when you look at our district,” said coach Tommy McKenzie.“Every game is more than competitive and it seems like any team can beat any other team on a given night. Hopefully, we're getting more and more ready as the season comes to an end and we're playing our best basketball heading into the postseason."