[Cactus Jack]

21. Harlan County:
Trent Noah is back for his senior season and will look to build on his 26.5 ppg average. The top player in the mountains is also one of the state’s best. Maddox Huff (16.9) and Jonah Swanner (9.3) also return. The Bears will miss the shooting of Daniel Carmicael, who shot 43.4% from 3 and made just under four triples per game last season, and will need to rebound from a disappointing loss to Corbin in the opening round of the regional tournament. While the ceiling might not be as high as others on this list, they are capable and shouldn’t be underestimated.


22. Collins:
The Titans had a strong sophomore and eighth grade class on last season’s 26-8 team. They lose last year’s leading scorer, but return three of their top five. Juniors-to-be Isaih Cochran and Cole Harbin are the top returnees. Incoming freshmen Kade Goodin and Caden Gaither saw varisty minutes as eighth graders, with Goodin being one of the aforementioned top five. Coach Chris Gaither has entrenched himself as a regional contender at a talent-rich school, and it could only be a matter of time before Collins is able to have a special season, but that may be a year or two away as Woodford County stands in the way.


23. Central Hardin:
The 19-14 Bruins didn’t set the world on fire last season, but were able to stay close to eventual champion Elizabethtown in the district final and contender LaRue County in the regional opener, losing both games by a combined 10 points. They're led by Liberty commit Brett Decker, and the senior is a one of the state’s top recruits. He averaged 23 of the team’s 68.7 ppg last season. Running mate Ace Jaggers (15.5) also returns.


24. Fairdale:
A Bulldogs team that was Junior-heavy last season will have their core back. Their ranking is due to their not having as an impressive of a win-loss record as some of their regional foes last season. Don’t let the record deceive you though, as the team lost no one to graduation and could be poised for a much better record in 2024. This squad ends the run of teams from the 6th occupying spots in the rankings.


25. Butler County:
The Bears went 22-11 against mostly in-region competition last season. Guard Ty Price dropped a cool 31.2 ppg as a sophomore. Most of their contributors last year were likewise sophomores and will return with another year of experience and maturity under their belt. This squad may be another season away from one of those special run by a non-traditional power that is a feel-good story, but with Owensboro, Owensboro Catholic, Apollo, and Muhlenburg County all trending down, the time may also be now.