While the 2019-2020 season came to an abrupt suspension, it is never too early in Kentucky to take a look at the next hoops season. The two time defending champs take some significant graduation hits, so the region could open up to a new contender by the time October practice comes around. For the moment, here is how we see things shaping up when we head into the 2020-2021 season.
1 – Christian County – While losing Bussell, Dillard and Mathis is big, the Colonels return a bunch. And, due to the injury situation in 2019-2020, they had several young players get quality time on the court. Olajuwon White will be among those contending for best player in the region next season.
2 – Lyon County – Of the Lyons that saw the court during the regional tournament, only Justin Crawford graduates. Lyon County returns seven players that saw noteworthy time during the 2019-2020 season. This team figures to be even better in 2020-2021.
3 – Webster County – Tyler Camplin graduates, as does Ayden Winn. But, cry no tears for Jon Newton and his crew. Destin Allen, Hunter McNaughton, and Aaron Harmon, are all Trojan starters that are slated to return in 2020-2021.
4 – Hopkinsville – The return of Alijah Watts late in the season made the Hopkinsville Tigers a different team. They just picked a bad time to have to face Christian County in an elimination game. Losses of Don Victor and Javon Smith-Rudd will be felt, but the Tigers will return a potentially strong lineup when October rolls around.
5 – University Heights – The Blazers lose only Weston Wood from their 8th District runner-up team. K.J. Crump, D.J. Quarles, Amani McGee, and Will Bryan all return for the 2020-2021 season. The Blazers could still use some consistent depth, and some strength in the middle.
6 – Henderson County – The northern Colonels lose their top scorer from 2019-2020. They will be an experienced team, scheduled to return ten players for their senior seasons. As the Colonels found out in the region tournament, consistent inside play can be a difference maker.
7 – Crittenden County – The Rockets return big man Preston Turley and talented guard Gabe Mott. The Rockets could have that just right mix of outside shooting with a strong big man down in the paint to cause some 2nd Region teams problems in 2020-2021.
