It’s here. The mecca of high school basketball. One state, one champion. The greatest show in hoops. The motto’s can go on and on.
The Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 Basketball Tournament gets underway Wednesday at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
After region tournament play, a lot of the big dogs are left in the field, including Scott County, Trinity, John Hardin and Covington Catholic. John Hardin enters the tournament undefeated, the first team to do so since 1989 when Clay County did so. No team has gone undefeated as a state champion since Brewers in 1948.
Scott County enters as the favorite, but for the second straight year has a tough out in the first round when they square off with defending champ Covington Catholic in a rematch of last year’s state title game. John Hardin will also get tested right away, when they take on 10th Region champ Campbell County, the Camels going through 10th Region play undefeated for the second straight season.
Two teams with the most state tournament appearances in KHSAA history will meet in the first round on Thursday when Ashland Blazer and Owensboro square off. The Red Devils have made 44 state tournament appearances while the Tomcats have made 33.
Other intriguing teams include Madisonville-North Hopkins, the Maroons having won 22 in a row and having put an end to a 17-year run where a Hopkinsville based school won the 2nd Region. Walton-Verona features big man Dieonte Miles, who is headed to Xavier after the season and the Bearcats are making their first trip to the state tournament since 1942. Trinity has a favorable draw to the Final Four and features Louisville signee David Johnson.
Here’s a brief look at each team:
1st Region Champ — Mayfield (25-7)
How they got here — Defeated Marshall County (71-56), Paducah Tilghman (82-74) and McCracken County (56-44) in the regional tournament.
Top Players — Carson Guthrie (16.1 PPG, 56% FG, 46% 3PT), Desean Jones (12.8 PPG, 62% FG), Carson Guthrie (13.3 PPG, 9.3 Reb/gm), Kade Neely (8.5 PPG, 66.2% FG)
Head Coach — Chris Guhy
First Round Opponent — Warren Central, Thursday, 8 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 1992
Enrollment — 430
Overview — Fifth in the state in field goal percentage at 53.5%. Eighth in 3-point percentage at 38.9%. Carson Guthrie is the fifth leading rebounder in the tourney field. Connor Guthrie leads the tourney field with three 3-pointers made a game. Neely is second in the field in field goal percentage. This is Coach Guhy’s last season before retiring.
2nd Region Champ — Madisonville-North Hopkins (29-5)
How they got here — Defeated Christian County (67-53), Henderson County (66-49) and University Heights Academy (81-68) in the regional tournament.
Top Players — Ksuan Casey (15.4 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 57.3% FG), Kenny White (13.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 54.5% FG), Cade Cunningham (11.7 PPG) , JD Gilbert (10.4 PPG)
Head Coach — Matt Beshear
First Round Opponent — Lincoln County, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2001
Enrollment — 972
Overview — Enter on a 22-game winning streak. Casey is the fourth leading rebounder in the tourney field, him and White hold Division I interest and offers. 1-1 vs tourney field (Owensboro)
3rd Region Champ — Owensboro (23-7)
How they got here — Defeated Meade County (85-61), Muhlenberg County (47-32) and Breckinridge County (63-57) in the regional tournament.
Top Players — Darrion Wimsatt (19.0 PPG, 82.2% FT), Gavin Wimsatt (10.3 PPG, 6.7 reb/gm, 50% FG), Amari Robinson-Wales (10.0 PPG), Jaiden Greathouse (9.1 PPG, 5.8 reb/gm, 57.4% FG)
Head Coach — Rod Drake
First Round Opponent — Ashland Blazer, Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2015
Enrollment — 1,125
Overview — Have made the most appearances in the state tournament with 44. Went 17-0 in 3rd Region play. 1-2 vs the tournament field (1-1 vs Madisonville, 0-1 vs Warren Central). Darrion Wimsatt is second leading scorer in the field.
4th Region Champ — Warren Central (20-11)
How they got here — Defeated Glasgow (63-57, OT), Logan County (93-77) and Bowling Green (56-52) in the regional tournament
Top Players — Kobe Brents (14.8 PPG, 85% FT), DAndre Boyd (13.8 PPG, 9.1 reb/gm, 51.2% FG), Tayshaun Bibb (8.8 PPG, 7.4 reb/gm, 56.9% FG)
Head Coach — William Unseld
First Round Opponent — Mayfield, Thursday, 8 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2018
Enrollment — 845
Overview — The Dragons have seven transfers on their roster. Made the Final Four last season before losing to Scott County. 1-1 vs tourney field (defeated Owensboro, lost to John Hardin), 17-2 vs 3rd Region opponents
5th Region Champ — John Hardin (35-0)
How they got here — Defeated Hart County (87-46), Marion County (74-55) and Taylor County (62-51) in the regional tournament
Top Players — Alex Matthews (17.6 PPG, 10.8 reb/gm, 63.4% FG), Aaron Scott (14.1 PPG, ), Trevon Harris (13.1 PPG, 9.0 reb/gm, 59.9% FG), Jachai Walker (9.8 PPG, ), Preston Murrell (8.6 PPG, 6.0 reb/gm, 53.0% FG)
Head Coach — Jared McCurry
First Round Opponent — Campbell County, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2018
Enrollment — 749
Overview — First team to enter the state tournament undefeated since Clay County in 1989. Fourth in the state in scoring margin at +19.5. Top rebounding team with 39.6 rebounds a game. Sixth in field goal percentage at 51.6%. Seventh in scoring at 73.4 PPG. Matthews is the second leading rebounder in the tourney field.
6th Region Champ — Butler (25-7)
How they got here — Defeated Jeffersontown (73-52, Bullitt Central (57-44) and Bullitt East (52-48) in regional tourney
Top Players — Maurice Tolley (13.0 PPG), Willard Minter (10.0 PPG), Jadon Lamb (8.3 PPG), Cameron Underwood (7.6 PPG, 5.5 reb/gm, 53.4% FG), Marquis Dorsey (7.1 PPG)
Head Coach — Kentreal Goodin
First Round Opponent — Perry County Central, Thursday, 12 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2010
Enrollment — 1,585
Overview — Underwood is the tallest starter at 6-foot-1.
7th Region Champ — Trinity (26-8)
How they got here — Defeated Male (57-47), Eastern (55-20) and Ballard (59-37) in the regional tourney.
Top Players — David Johnson (16.2 PPG, 7.2 reb/gm, 52.3% FG), Stan Turnier (11.9 PPG), Jamil Hardaway (8.9 PPG, 6.1 reb/gm, 65.9% FG), Kolton Rice (7.7 PPG, 51.3% FG)
Head Coach — Mike Szabo
First Round Opponent — Johnson Central, Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2018
Enrollment — 1,218
Overview — Third in the state in scoring defense, allowing 46.6 PPG. Tenth in scoring margin at +14.4 Hardaway is fourth in the field in field goal percentage. Johnson is a University of Louisville signee. Fifth trip to state tournament in last eight seasons.
8th Region Champ — Walton-Verona (27-6)
How they got here — Defeated Henry County (78-45), Spencer County (70-47) and Oldham County (60-51) in regional tournament
Top Players — Dieonte Miles (14.8 PPG, 6.3 reb/gm, 64.9% FG), Kameron Pardee (13.5 PPG, 5.7 reb/gm, 57.5% FG), Garrett Jones (10.3 PPG)
Head Coach — Grant Brannen
First Round Opponent — Knox Central, Wednesday, 12 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 1942
Enrollment — 545
Overview — The last time the Bearcats made the Sweet 16 (1942), they were simply known as Walton. Fourth in the state in scoring defense with 47.0 PPG. Eighth in scoring margin at +15.6. Miles is a Xavier signee and stands at 6-10, is fifth in the field in field goal percentage. Coach Brannen is the brother of NKU coach John Brannen.
9th Region Champ — Covington Catholic (27-7)
How they got here — Defeated St. Henry (68-46), Newport (57-43) and Beechwood (64-48) in regional tourney.
Top Players — Grant Disken (13.8 PPG, 50.8% FG), Nick Thelen (13.6 PPG, 6.0 reb/gm, 70.9%FG), Neil Green (8.5 PPG, 66.3% FG), Tyler Fleek (7.6 PPG, 5.0 reb/gm, 59.5% FG)
Head Coach — Scott Ruthsatz
First Round Opponent — Scott County, Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2018
Enrollment — 583
Overview — Defending state champion. Fifth in the state in scoring defense with 47.4 PPG. First in field goal percentage at 55.7%. Thelen leads the field in field goal percentage. Green is fourth in the field in field goal percentage. Fourth trip to state tournament in last six seasons.
10th Region Champ — Campbell County (29-4)
How they got here — Defeated Robertson County, Mason County and George Rogers Clark
Top Players — Reid Jolly (22.7 PPG, 10.0 reb/gm, 64.8% FG, 45.7% 3PT), Drew Wilson (18.2 PPG, 55.6% FG, 40.5% 3PT), Tanner Lawrence (9.3 PPG, 5.0 reb/gm, 66.3% FG)
Head Coach — Aric Russell
First Round Opponent — John Hardin (35-0)
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2018
Enrollment — 1,350
Overview — Have won 16 games in a row. Jolly is the leading scorer in the tournament and the third leading rebounder. The senior holds numerous football and basketball offers at the next level. Wilson is fourth in the tourney in free throw percentage. Larence is third in the field in field goal percentage. Third in the state in scoring margin at +20.6. Second in the state in field goal percentage at 54.7%. Eighth in scoring defense, allowing 50.2 PPG. Fourth trip to state tournament in last six seasons.
11th Region Champ — Scott County (32-3)
How they got here — Defeated Madison Central (77-66), Frankfort (56-51) and Henry Clay (58-38) in regional tournament
Top Players — Michael Moreno (15.1 PPG, 8.6 reb/gm, 58.8% FG), Diablo Stewart (15.1 PPG), Glenn Covington (13.7 PPG, 87.5% FT), Bryce Long (10.8 PPG), Loreno Williams (9.6 PPG), Terrin Hamilton (8.2 PPG, 52.2% FG, 83.1% FT)
Head Coach — Billy Hicks
First Round Opponent — Covington Catholic, Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip —2018
Enrollment — 2,486
Overview — Second in the state in scoring with 80.0 PPG. First in the state in scoring margin at +23.3. Seventh in 3-point percentage at 39.4 percent. Covington is third in the tourney field with 2.6 3-pointers made per game. Fourth trip to state tournament in last six seasons. Moreno holds Division I interest and offers, missed 18 games due to injury. Hicks is the winningest coach in KHSAA history.
12th Region Champ — Lincoln County (23-12)
How they got here — Defeated Mercer County (56-46), Wayne County (67-64, 5 OT) and Danville (63-45)
Top Players — Blake Smith (17.0 PPG, 80.7% FT), Elijah Frye (12.0 PPG), Jaxon Smith (12.1 PPG, 50.6% FG, 42.9% 3PT)
Head Coach — Jeff Jackson
First Round Opponent — Madisonville-North Hopkins, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2008
Enrollment — 1,016
Overview — The Patriots won a five overtime game in the region semis to get here. Smith is third in the field in free throw percentage.
13th Region Champ — Knox Central (30-4)
How they got here — Defeated Jackson County (85-46), Corbin (65-55) and North Laurel (80-58) in regional tournament
Top Players — Jaylen Adams (17.4 PPG, 6.4 reb/gm, 53.4% FG), Nick Martin (17.2 PPG, 7.2 reb/gm, 61.4% FG), Zachary Patterson (13.3 PPG), Dane Imel (13.6 PPG, 41.1% 3PT)
Head Coach — Tony Patterson
First Round Opponent — Walton-Verona, Wednesday, 12 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 1970
Enrollment — 778
Overview — Eighth in field goal percentage at 50.9%. Sixth in scoring margin at +19. Fourth in scoring at 77.4 PPG. Enter on a 13-game winning streak.
14th Region Champ — Perry County Central (19-12)
How they got here — Defeated Wolfe County (83-59), Knott County Central (47-41) and Hazard (53-48)
Top Players — Noah Back (18.0 PPG, 42.4% 3PT, 82.4% FT), Noah Caudill (12.8 PPG, 10.9 reb/gm, 55.2% FG), Camron Turner (8.8 PPG)
Head Coach — Shannon Hoskins
First Round Opponent — Butler, Thursday, 12 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2017
Enrollment — 840
Overview — Back is second in state history with 427 3-pointers made in his career, leads the tourney field in free throw shooting. Caudill leads the tournament field in rebounding.
15th Region Champ — Johnson Central (27-7)
How they got here — Defeated Prestonsburg (80-49), Shelby Valley (56-47) and Pikeville (66-61) in regional tournament.
Top Players — Cory VanHoose (16.1 PPG, 5.5 reb/gm, 56.5% FG), Isaiah May (16.0 PPG, 6.4 reb/gm), Jacob Rice (13.1 PPG), Gabe Ferrell (10.6 PPG, 45.7% 3PT), John King (8.5 PPG, 62.7% FG)
Head Coach — Tommy McKenzie
First Round Opponent — Trinity, Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2015
Enrollment — 1,075
Overview — Fourth in the state in rebounding with 37.7 rebounds a game. Ferrell is second in the tourney field with 2.7 3-pointers made per game.
16th Region Champ — Ashland Blazer (17-16)
How they got here — Defeated Lewis County (56-55), Elliott County (69-65) and Boyd County (59-43) in regional tournament.
Top Players — Devaunte Robinson (14.4 PPG, 5.9 reb/gm, 52.1% FG), Ethan Hudson (10.4 PPG), Hunter Mays (10.5 PPG)
Head Coach — Jason Mays
First Round Opponent — Owensboro, Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Last Sweet 16 trip — 2002
Enrollment — 919
Overview — The 16th Region hasn’t won a tournament game since Rowan County did in 2012, the longest drought of any region in the state. Second most appearances in the state tournament with 33.
