[kywldcat01]

9. Male:

Before the 2008-2009 season started, Male was considered one of the favorites to win the Region 7 championship. However, they struggled and finished the season 16-12. But with guards Kevin Glenn and D'Carlo Hayes returning, the future looks bright for the Bulldogs.

D'Carlo Hayes won MVP at 2008 Derek Smith Shootout.
Hayes will be back at point guard. The 5-foot-11 senior-to-be has shown a lot of promise. Last summer led Male to the championship of the Derek Smith shootout and took home MVP honors.

Back in December he was named to the Canfield Development King of the Bluegrass All-Tournament Team. He averaged 18.3 points per game in the King of the Bluegrass.

Glenn has a lot of potential as well. The 6-foot-1 senior-to-be is very athletic and has a nice outside shot. He plays out of control at times but if he can learn to let the game come to him he will be one of the top players in Region 7 next season.

Kevin Pillischafske was out until January with a foot injury and losing him for a good portion of the season really hurt. The 6-foot-2 senior-to-be is one of the best shooters in the state. He will 100 percent next season, so look for him to have a big year.

Also returning is forward Tony Horne. The 6-foot-3 senior-to-be is very athletic and he is a very good at crashing the glass and getting rebounds.

There is no question Male was a better team than their 16-12 record indicated. They had one of the toughest schedules in the state. Male played Franklin (WA) in the King of the Bluegrass, Byran Station, Tates Creek and Madisonville twice and they beat Region 5 champion Adair County. They also had to play Eastern and Jeffersontown twice in the region.

Male has a lot of talent and they should be a much better team next season. Pillischafske's return will be big because it will take some of the pressure off Glenn and Hayes to score. Also, playing that tough schedule can only make a team better. Look for Male to make a run at the Region 7 championship in 2010.