A new basketball season is here upon us, and with it comes the first YSE Boys 2nd Region “Super 7.” It promises to be one of the best seasons in recent memory across the region, with one favorite going into the season, but several teams that have their eyes set on making it to Rupp Arena come the end of the season.
1. UHA (23-8) – KyKy Tandy is headed for what could be a record setting senior season. And, for the time being, the Blazers appear to be the favorite to make it back to back trips to Richmond and Lexington. The schedule is tough, so this team will be tested often over the season. Developing solid depth would add to a very solid team.
2. Madisonville (21-10) – The Maroons had no seniors on a team that advanced to the regional tournament last season. With Ksuan Casey, Kenny White, Cade Cunningam, and Maquise Parker leading the way, the Maroons will not be a team to be taken lightly this season. Their matchup with UHA ought to be a dandy.
3. Hopkinsville (13-14) – It was a struggle from the get go last season for the Tigers. Off the court issues may have become a distraction that affected the on-court play. Even with losing Cager and Johnson, the Tigers return enough to be a problem for most of the region.
4. Christian County (22-8) – The Colonels loss of Detorrion Ware is a big one, make no mistake indeed. Add in the graduation of Cory Trice, and there are some big shoes to fill. However, the cupboard is far from bare for Kerry Stovall. Erik Brody figures to lead an uptempo balanced attack for the Colonels.
5. Caldwell County (14-14) – This figures to be the year for the Tigers to make their best run in a while. Derrin Boyd is a senior, and he should have plenty of help in the starting five. Developing some depth could be a key for the Tigers, as it will be tough just getting out of the 7th District. This will be a team that could pull off a big win on any given night.
6. Hopkins Central (16-14) – The Storm took their lumps last season, but still managed to get to 16 wins on the season, and that with a team that had no seniors. Central has some guys that can play, and the #6 spot ultimately may be too low for them. Early season matchups with Madisonville and Hopkinsville should tell us a good bit.
7. Henderson County (15-14) – The nothern Colonels reached the regional semifinals last season before losing to Christian County. However, Henderson lost four big players to graduation, and Kale Gaither transferred back to Union County for his sophomore season. Henderson is still Henderson, but this team could struggle some early.