[TribeTime]

Teams Also Considered (in Alphabetical Order):


Ashland Blazer:
The Tomcats proved that they were the class of the 16th in postseason play. They’ll miss DeBoard, Davis, and Conway, but do return leading scorer Zander Carter (22.2) and Asher Adkins (5.8). One of the state’s winningest programs, their tradition attracts players.


Boyd County:
The Lions return a bevy of production, led by Sophomore-to-be Jacob Spurlock’s 19.8 ppg, Junior-to-be Cole Hicks’ 17.8 ppg, and Senior-to-be Jason Ellis’ 12.2 ppg. Returning Juniors Rhett Anderson and Griffin Taylor barely missed a double figure average as well. I got to see the Lions on a few occasions and thought that they are a bit small and wanted to put up a lot of shots. If they’re on, that could spell trouble for some opponents, but if their shots aren’t falling, they’ll become mortal rather quickly unless things change on the defensive end.


Bryan Station:
Champ Ligon is back at the helm and his young Defenders squad took some lumps last season, limping to an 11-19 finish. They were led in scoring by freshman Omari Owens (15.2). Jaden Biggers (9.0) was lost to graduation, but returning are the next five contributors in ppg-- Felix De Los Santos (8.9), Daeveon Adams (7.9), Rashaad Faulkner (6.1), Ethan Dunn (5.9), and Taeshawn Adams (5.1). Ligon typically plays a deep rotation and has a history at Station. With one of the most talent-rich schools in the 11th, the wheels may already be in motion for a quick turnaround, especially with the likes of Henry Clay, Tates Creek, Lafayette, and Dunbar down.


Danville:
Return a decent clip from a high scoring team in 2023. With Pulaski County, Lincoln County, West Jessamine losing so much, they could gain some momentum against weaker competition in the 12th once any football players get in basketball shape. Probably a team whose ceiling is in the “Others Receiving Votes” category, but still intriguing.


Evangel Christian:
Losing Cyr Malonga to the college game will hurt the Eagles, but the cupboard isn’t bare. They return two of their top three in Seniors-to-be Christian Doerr and Killian Tilley. Johnny Djema and Ben Mukadi made valuable contributions over the past two years and will also return. Still, it’s tough for me to justify a higher ranking for the defending All A State Champions and 6th Region semi-finalist with the 6’11 Malonga now patrolling the paint for East Carolina.


George Rogers Clark:
It’s odd seeing a team whose last two seasons ended in a State Championship and State Runner-Up finish fall so far, but the Cards lost a lot. Gone are Jerone Morton, Trent Edwards, Sam Parrish, and Tyliek Maxwell. Senior-to-be  Reshaun Hampton (11.8) will have to shoulder a huge load as the sole returning starter. The roster is worth keeping an eye on, as things could change. If nothing else, they should return a group of players who faced one of Kentucky’s most talented groups over the last decade daily in practice over the past two seasons.

You mentioned Ethan Dunn for Station… Been told he’s at Montgomery County now.