Even though they had one of the best players in the state last season, the UHA Blazers were just a little bit under the radar at the beginning of the season. Such will not be the case for the 2018-2019 basketball season.
With some preseason polls listing the Blazers among the top ten teams in the state, and a candidate for Mr. Basketball on the roster, there will be no “under the radar” this year. Rather, the Blazers will likely get most every team’s best shot, every time they take to the court.
Make no mistake, KyKy Tandy, who has signed with Xavier, enters his senior season as the engine that drives the Blazer train. Tandy averaged 30.5 points a game last season, and it would not be shocking to see that number go up this year. Tandy gives UHA an inside and an outside threat, and gives them a chance to make a deep deep postseason run.
While his baseball skills have never been questioned, Drew McGowan’s basketball ability may be among the most underrated in the state. McGowan is a big time outside threat for UHA, and has the ability to make things happen when taking the ball to the basket. If Tandy sees a bunch of “junk” defenses this season, expect McGowan to be one of those players who can make an opposing defense pay.
When looking for someone to bang down in the lane, keep your eye on TaQuan Hollowell. The 6-4 senior is a strong, athletic wing, who averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds per game as a junior. Coach Grant Shouse says the Blazers need Hollowell to defend, rebound, and help establish an inside/out presence.
While Tandy will spend some time bringing the ball up the court, KJ Crump will spend most of the time as the team’s true point guard. Only a sophomore, Crump is quick on the move, and has great court vision. He averaged 9 points and 4 assists as a freshman, and UHA will look for him to lead their offense down the court.
A big key for this team to get out of the 2nd Region and contend at the state level will be developing some quality depth over the course of the season. Some of the players Shouse points to as candidates to play key roles for the Blazers include 6-5 junior Weston Wood.
After averaging 75 points a game over the last three seasons, Shouse, who is entering his 7th year as head coach, states his team will continue to look to play up tempo and get the ball up and down the court.
The schedule this season is a tough one. It includes the usual tough contests in the area, as well as appearances in the Marshall County Hoopfest, King of the Bluegrass, Bosse Winter Classic, First State Bank Tip Off Classic, Traditional Bank Holiday Classic, Toyota of Hopkinsville Classic, and the All A Classic.
UHA opens the season Monday night at home against the Murray Tigers.