[HDE]

By JOHN HENSON
Corbin Times Tribune
Perhaps there was a more balanced race at some point in 13th Region basketball history, but someone with a better memory than me will have to supply the year because the 2011 campaign is the most competitive in the 35 years I’ve traveled around southeastern Kentucky watching basketball.

Eight teams could have made a case as a serious contender for the regional title at different points of the season.

Bell County ended the year on top for the first time since 1980. The Bobcats were rated second by me at this time last year and the region’s coaches agreed in preseason publications.

As many as seven teams have a legitimate shot at the 2012 title, but Knox Central and Harlan County appear to be the frontrunners with the Panthers losing only one starter and the Bears losing none.

My picks for the best of the 2010 -2011 season are followed by a look ahead to 2011-2012.

All-Region

First team

G - Ben Madon, Bell County

G - Jordan Akins, Whitley County

G - Jon Barger, Knox Central

F - Travis Smith, Corbin

F - Matthew Mitchell, Clay County

Second team

G - J.V. Hooker, Clay County

G - Cody Likins, North Laurel

G - Travis Canady, Knox Central

F - Codi Roberts, Clay County

C - Lee Spencer, North Laurel

Third team

G - Tyler Brewer, Harlan County

G - Kyle Lee, Bell County

G - Josh Hildebrand, Barbourville

F - Tyler Wagner, Lynn Camp

C - Adam Gay, Clay County

Fourth team

G - Brody Freeman, Corbin

G - Matthew Taylor, Corbin

G - Philip Ely, Harlan

F - Cameron Rancher, Middlesboro

F - Dillon Tabor, South Laurel

Best juniors

Travis Smith, Corbin

Jon Barger, Knox Central

Kyle Lee, Bell County

Josh Hildebrand, Barbourville

Tanner Broughton, Knox Central

Best sophomores

Tyler Brewer, Harlan County

Blake Sanders, South Laurel

Alex Sergent, Harlan County

Steven Wagers, Clay County

Aaron Caldwell, Harlan County

Best freshmen

Jordan Fox, Jackson County

Jake Allen, North Laurel

Zach Chitwood, Harlan County

Jake Patterson, Bell County

Donnie Wilson, Corbin

Coach of the Year

Tony Pietrowski may have done his best coaching job at Corbin this year with a 24-win season and regional runner-up finish despite losing three star players to graduation.

Harlan County’s Mike Jones also had a great season as he led the region’s youngest team to 20 wins. Bell County’s Lewis Morris also deserves credit for helping the Bobcats end a 31-year drought between state tournament appearances.

Predictions for 2011-2012 (Players are listed by their grade for the 2012 season)

1. Knox Central - With a dynamic backourt led by seniors Jonathan Barger (15.6 points per game), Tanner Broughton (9.8) and Gilmore Achenjang (3.2), the Panthers could follow Bell County’s lead and end a long state tournament drought.

Defensive specialist and football standout Jeffrey Canady (6.8), a 6-0 junior, returns at forward. Two part-time starters last year, 6-1 senior T.J. Kelly (6.7) and 6-8 junior Tobie Merida (2.9), could give KC an improved frontcourt if they continue to progress. Senior guard Tyler Stewart will also compete for a starting job.

2. Harlan County - After winning 20 games with a sophomore-dominated squad, the Black Bears will be among the region favorites for the next several years.

Junior point guard Tyler Brewer (15.4) established himself as one of the region’s top players with several big games down the stretch. Juniors Alex Sergent (13.2) and Chad Massingill (10.8) could help Harlan County’s backcourt match Knox Central’s if they find more consistency on the offensive end. Returning inside are 6-2 senior Chase Calton and 6-2 junior Aaron Caldwell. Junior James Bond (4.2) and sophomore Zach Chitwood (5.3) provide quality depth.

3. Clay County - Despite losing five of their top six players to graduation, it wouldn’t be a good idea to count out the Tigers with several players moving up from one of the region’s top junior varsity teams.

Senior Zach McGeorge (6.2) is the only returning starter, and he could be joined in the backcourt by 6-3 senior Brandon Word and 5-10 freshman point guard Tyler McDaniel (6.5). Candidates inside include 6-4 junior Steven Wagers (2.5), 6-1 junior Stephon Lyttle, 6-3 junior Kodi Reed (8.0) and 6-4 senior Zach Kemp. Junior guards Austin Carnahan and Jordan White (2.0) will also compete for starting spots.

4. Bell County - With guards Kyle Lee (12.6) and Tanner Lefevers (7.3) returning for their senior seasons, the Bobcats will be in the mix for a second straight regional title. Ryan Cox (3.9), a 6-4 senior, takes over at center after playing a key reserve role last year. Corey Osolanian, a 6-1 junior, is the probable starter at forward. Junior guard Tyler Green is also a candidate to start.

Several top players from the regional championship freshman team will also vie for starting jobs, led by guards Jake Patterson and Josh Asher, along with 6-4 Jesse Green and 6-5 Lake Slusher.

5. North Laurel - Starting slow and finishing strong has become a habit for the Jaguars, who should challenge Clay County for 49th District supremacy with three starters coming back, including 6-7 sophomore center Jake Allen (3.6), junior guard Marcus Carson (9.6) and senior guard Ethan Eversole (7.7).

There are several candidates for filling out the lineup, led by junior guard Kendrick Henson (3.4), 6-4 junior center Austin Rush and 6-2 senior guard Ryan Shears (4.3).

6. South Laurel - Coming off their worst season since joining the 13th Region, the Cardinals expect a turnaround despite losing three starters. Size shouldn’t be a problem with candidates inside including 6-6 senior Spencer Brashear (4.6), 6-3 senior Jeff Hale (7.5), 6-6 senior Lucas Hale and 6-8 sophomore John Helton (2.5).

Blake Sanders (9.6), a 5-6 junior, returns at point guard. Senior Daniel Skinner (3.0) and juniors Alex Sears (2.8), Matt Slavey (6.0), Austin Schaser (4.5), Jason Mitchell (3.4) and Austin Rader (2.5) will vie for starting spots on the wings or at forward.

7. Corbin - With 6-2 senior Travis Smith (16.8) back to lead another rebuilding project, the Hounds can’t be counted out despite heavy graduation losses. Robby Igo (3.0), a 6-4 junior, and Kyle West, a 6-0 senior, are possible starters inside. Sophomore Donnie Wilson could take over at the point. Junior guards Zach Farley and Hunter Grubb are also back, along with sophomores Andrew Johnson, Zach Henson, Joey Shelton and Tucker Jones.

8. Jackson County - Led by one of the region’s best backourts, featuring sophomore Jordan Fox (13.9) and seniors Justin Fox (16.2) and Adam Duncan (9.9), the Generals could find themselves as the favorite in their first season back in All “A” Classic competition.

But in order to knock off Clay County and North Laurel in the 49th District, Jackson will have to find replacements in the post. Tan Hudson, a 6-6 junior, is the probable starter at center.

9. Barbourville - With guard Josh Hildebrand (16.4) and forward Darrin Mills (7.7) returning for their senior seasons, the Tigers have a decent shot at repeating as All “A” regional champs. Seniors Steven Rudd (5.5) and Tyler Tye (3.3) are also expected to move into the starting lineup. Several sophomores, led by 6-1 guard Alexander Phipps, will also vie for starting jobs.

10. Whitley County - Even though the Colonels were unable to get past Corbin for their first district title in 30 years, a senior-dominated team was one of the region’s best. It will be tough to match last year’s success with the graduation of seven seniors.

The Colonels should be strong inside with 6-4 senior Aaron Petrey (7.2), a returning starter, and 6-2 junior Boston Bryant (3.4). Michael Powers, a 6-4 junior, will also compete for a starting job, along with junior guard Danny Butcher and sophomore guards Billy Rowe, Devin Rutherford and Zach Rutherford.

Best of the rest - Middlesboro, Harlan, Pineville, Williamsburg, Oneida Baptist, Lynn Camp and Red Bird.