[kywldcat01]

1. Scott Co:

Coming into the 2008-2009 season, Scott County was everyone's pick to win the KHSAA Sweet 16. A loss to Lexington Catholic in the Region 11 championship game ended those hopes but Scott County returns several key players from this past season's team.

The Cardinals return the best back court in the state. Chad Jackson will run the point. The 6-foot-4, 175 pound senior-to-be, averaged over 12 points per game this past season. Jackson is being recruited by several schools across the country including Kansas, Indiana, Dayton, Florida and Georgia Tech. West Virginia and Xavier have already offered a scholarship.

Joining him in the back court will be Ge-Lawn Guyn. The 6-foot-3, 165 pound senior-to-be, averaged 16 points per game this past season. Like Jackson, several schools are recruiting Guyn, including Wake Forest, Indiana, Louisville, Illinois, South Carolina, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Xavier, Penn State. Western Kentucky, North Carolina-Charlotte and Dayton have already offered a scholarship.

Also returning is guard Austin Flannery. The 6-foot-2, 170 pound senior-to-be is a great shooter.

The Cardinals also return a good front court, however replacing departing senior Richie Phares won't be easy. The 6-foot-8, 200 pound forward averaged 18.8 points and eight rebounds per game this past season.

Look for Dakotah Euton to step his game up. The 6-foot-8, 215 pound senior-to-be averaged over 14 points per game this past season. Expect him to take over the low post scoring.

A player that could have a big year is sophomore-to-be Tamron Manning. Many people considered him the best freshman in the state this past season.