[kywldcat01]

7. Warren Central:

Warren Central entered last season as the favorite to the Region 4 championship and make it to Rupp Arena but those dreams were crushed when they lost to Russell County. Despite the lose, Warren Central still appears to be the favorite once again.

The bad news for Warren Central is they lose two of their best players, Pete Winn and Scooter Lightfoot, to graduation. The good news is they return two of the best players in the state.

Jordan Shanklin is an explosive point guard. The 5-foot-11, 160 pound junior-to-be has a great mid-range jumper. He's getting letters from several colleges, including Kentucky, South Carolina, Baylor and Purdue. Western Kentucky has already offered.

The other standout that is sure to give opposing coaches trouble is forward George Fant. The 6-foot-6 junior-to-be, is long and very athletic, with a seven foot wingspan. Like his teammate, Fant is getting his fair share of looks from colleges as well. Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville, Purdue, Tennessee, Xavier and Western Kentucky have all sent letters.

Several other key contributors are also returning. Center Brent Jackson, forward Shamarcus Wells and guard Troy Halcomb are all back for their senior seasons.

Shanklin and Fant are the two best players in Region 4. Both will play Division I college basketball someday. With another year of experience under their belt and a good supporting cast,coach Tim Riley and his Warren Central Dragons could be playing deep into March in 2010.