The Hopkinsville boys’ basketball team posted a 28-7 record last season, taking both the 8th District championship and and the 2nd Region title, the fifth time in head coach Tim Haworth’s seven year tenure the Tigers have claimed both in the same season. The Tigers’ season came to an end with a loss to Fern Creek in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen. Although a season like that is one that most programs would take years to cycle up to, knowing they would be in store for a rebuild after, the Tigers return four starters and have added even more talented depth going into 2017/18. The Tigers graduated six seniors, including third-leading scorer (10.5) and leading rebounder (6.8), CJ Henangan, as well as Brandon Govan (7ppg) and Josiah Patton (6.2). The returning starters for the Tigers are senior point guard Stephen Cager, junior shooting guard James Nicholas, junior small forward Tefrell Toliver, and senior point guard Jalen Johnson. Cager was the second-leading scorer (15.9) and the fourth-leading rebounder (3.3), while Nicholas was fifth in scoring (6.5) and third in rebounding at 4.3 a game. Coach Haworth is particularly pleased with Nicholas’ play so far and expects him to have a breakout season. Toliver averaged 4.8 ppg, good enough for seventh, and grabbed 2.9 boards a game, sixth on the team. Johnson, the leading scorer at 17.7 and second-leading rebounder with 4.5 a game, transferred to Aspire Prep Academy in Louisville in the offseason, but never played there and has now returned to the fold, giving the Tigers a huge boost going into the regular season. The Tigers also return quality depth, with senior shooting guard Bryce Smith (3.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg), sophomore shooting guard Don Victor, junior point guard DeEvan Williams, and senior power forward Elijah Rawlins all contributing last season. Junior Jamarion Sharp played sparingly last season, appearing in eight games for the Tigers, but figures to have a much bigger role this season after growing five inches in the off-season. Sharp now stands 6’11”, and has displayed improved post moves and a softer touch around the basket. Finally, the Tigers also picked up junior transfer Jacarius Burks, and freshman point guard Alijah Watts is a young talent Coach Haworth feels has a bright future. The Tigers open the season December 1 hosting Caldwell County, embarking on a journey they hope will culminate in a celebration at Rupp Arena in Lexington in March.
