2014 Traditional Bank Holiday Classic (Boys) Participating Teams
©2014 Ron Harrison
Aiken (Cincinnati, OH) – Coach Leon Ellison’s Falcons finished 16-10 last season and returns a talented squad. 6-3 Sr. DJ Harris is a veteran 2-guard who can score and possesses a high basketball IQ. 6-0 Jr. Carlik Jones is a talented point guard who is cool under pressure. 6-7 Jr. Elijah Gordon is capable of recording a double-double (points and rebounds) in any game. 6-6 Jr. Kameron Moore’s combination of quickness and strength makes him difficult to defend. 6-4 So. Lonnie Berry and 6-2 Sr. Jawaun Horne are also key players.
Apollo (Region 3) – The Eagles finished 20-6 last season and Steve Barker takes over as head coach. Apollo is a strong contender for the regional championship this season. 6-5 Jr. Eli Wright is a big time scorer and one of the best players in the state. 6-5 Sr. Caleb Coomes gives the Eagles a presence in the paint. 6-5 Sr. Nick Wells, 6-5 Sr. Alex Millay, 6-1 So. Zach Hopewell, and 6-2 So. Nate Hopewell are also expected to be key contributors.
Betsy Layne (Region 15) – The Bobcats finished 26-6 last season and Gary Keathley takes over as head coach. Betsy Layne suffered losses via graduation and the transfer route but still returns some talented players. 6-3 Sr. Peyton Case is their leader and averaged 21 ppg last season. 6-2 Sr. Dustin Rogers and 6-3 Sr. Lako Daniels are also expected to be key contributors.
Boyle County (Region 12) – Coach Steve Adams’ Rebels finished 18-10 last season and returns most of their top players and add talented 6-0 Sr. guard Jeremiah Bell (a transfer from Louisville Butler). 6-1 Sr. Hagen Tyler is considered the best player in the region and is an excellent scorer. 6-6 Jr. Colton Elkins is an athletic, capable force in the paint. Other key players include 6-0 Sr. Chapman Bean, 5-9 Sr. Tristin Bell, 5-11 Sr. Keagan Hinkle, and 6-2 Sr. Zach Leigh.
Bryan Station (Region 11) – The Defenders finished 13-13 last season and have a new head coach in Tommy Johnson. The Defenders return a nucleus of quick, athletic players. 6-0 Jr. Andre Davis, 6-0 Sr. CJ Walker, and 6-2 Jr. Tim Dunn all are capable scorers and 6-5 Jr. Deandre Dishman is a slender inside player who can score. 6-3 Sr. Tequan Claitt creates chaos on defense and can also score and rebound. If 6-2 Sr. Ronnie Carson (a transfer from East Jessamine) becomes eligible for the second semester adds a prolific scorer to the mix.
Bullitt East (Region 6) – Coach Bob Blackburn’s Chargers finished 26-8 last season and will challenge for the regional championship this season. 6-0 Jr. Tyler Sharpe and 6-0 Jr. Bailey Rakes are a talented backcourt duo. 6-9 Sr. Tyler Bacon and 6-7 Jr. Jared Farris provide size and talent in the frontcourt. 6-4 Jr. Brandon Klefot is another key returnee.
Campbell (Litchfield, NH) – Coach John Langlois’ Cougars finished 20-4 last season. 6-4 Sr. Zach Bergeon averaged 21 ppg and 11 rpg last season. 5-9 Sr. Justin Dibenedetto is a top defender and 6-1 Sr. Andrew Smarse has an excellent basketball IQ and great court vision.
Casey County (Region 12) – Coach Maze Stallworth III’s Rebels finished 12-21 last season. The Rebels graduated key players but still expect to show improvement this season. 6-0 So. Jacob Smith is expected to provide scoring punch and 5-9 So. Colin Miller is a capable floor general. 6-0 Sr. Jordan Brown is a versatile performer, solid in all aspects of the game. 6-5 Jr. DJ White is a transfer who adds an inside presence.
Central (Region 6) – Coach Doug Bibby’s Yellowjackets finished 9-20 last season but return an experienced and athletic team. 6-0 Sr. Marshall Firman had a great summer and is a versatile scorer. 5-11 Sr. Stephen Gober provides leadership and is an excellent defender. 6-2 Sr. Brandon Johnson is a capable scorer and 5-8 Jr. Brandon Wells (transfer from Waggener) will also add scoring punch. Other key returnees include 6-3 Jr. Daivon Thompson, 5-8 So. Devin Firman, and 6-2 Jr. Terrell Davis.
Covington Catholic (Region 9) – Coach Scott Ruthsatz’s Colonels finished 33-2 last season and captured the state championship. They suffered heavy graduation losses but still return a solid nucleus. 6-6 Sr. Bo Schuh is an athletic forward capable of having a big season. 6-1 So. Cole VonHandorf is a scorer with excellent range on his shot. 6-1 Sr. Cooper Theobald is a point guard with excellent quickness.
duPont Manual (Region 7) – Coach James Just’s Crimsons finished 20-11 last season and returns a talented squad with a lot of experience. 6-5 Sr. Dwayne Sutton averaged 21 ppg and 11 rpg last season. 6-2 Sr. Chris West is a good ball handler who can score from long range. 6-0 Sr. Jarrett Harness is and excellent ball handler with a good knowledge of the game. Other key returnees include 6-4 Sr. Ty’Ron Horton, 6-4 Sr. Jake Chilton, 6-2 Jr. Marquis McClendon, and 5-10 Sr. Ja’Kory Freeman.
Henderson County (Region 2) – Coach Tyler Smithhart’s Colonels finished 21-8 last season and returns the nucleus of that team. 6-2 Sr. David Simmons is a versatile scorer and is solid in all aspects of the game. 6-2 Sr. Brady Norman is a capable scorer with good range on his shot. 6-0 Sr. DJ Washington finds the open man and can score when needed.
Henry Clay (Region 11) – Coach Daniel Brown’s Blue Devils finished 19-13 last season and had high hopes for the 2014-2015 season. However 6-2 Sr. Jeremiah Tisdale considered one of the best if not the best player in the region suffered an ACL injury which will sideline him this season. Coach Brown has weathered injuries and key transfers before and will still have the talent to have a good season. 6-1 Jr. Isaiah Tisdale is a versatile scorer slated for a breakout season. 6-3 Sr. Colby Barnes and 6-3 Jr. Leander Ridgeway will provide athleticism and 6-1 Sr. Felix Wilson is an experienced floor general who will be the team leader. Other key players include 6-7 Sr. Tariq Smith, 6-5 Jr. Jordan Houston, and 5-9 Sr. Dakhari Campbell.
Lexington Catholic (Region 11) – Coach Brandon Salsman’s Knights finished 20-12 last season and will be serious contenders for the regional crown this season. 6-5 Sr. Tanner Johnson averaged 20 ppg last season and has downtown range on his shot. 6-2 Sr. Jarod Griffin is a reliable scorer, good defender, and capable ball handler. 6-3 Sr. Reese Ryan passes, rebounds, and is the “glue” that holds the team together. 5-11 Sr. Michael Talbott can score but his forte is dishing the ball and has an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio. Coach Salsman, as usual will utilize a deep rotation with several players logging quality minutes.
Lexington Christian Academy (Region 11) – The Eagles finished 18-12 last season and Nate Valentine takes over as head coach and inherits a tall and talented squad. 6-7 Sr. Matt Rose averaged 18 ppg and is a versatile scorer. 6-8 Sr. Drew Trimble can score and creates match-up problems. 6-2 Jr. Trevor Hill adds talent and toughness to the team. 6-6 So. Tre King and 6-4 Sr. Benton Nighbert will also be key contributors. 6-5 8th Grader Kyle Rode is a potential future star with excellent skills. 6-0 Sr. John Stein is an excellent floor leader and the Eagles have other players who will contribute this season.
Male (Region 7) – Coach Larry Miller’s Bulldogs finished 17-16 last season and returns an experienced team. 6-7 Sr. Will Parker is a threat in the paint and can nail the mid-range jump shot. 6-2 Sr. Brandon Horne also scored in double figures last season. 6-5 Jr. Alex Cook is coming off an injury and is poised for a good season. Male has several other players capable of stepping up this season.
North Laurel (Region 13) – Coach Brad Sizemore’s Jaguars finished 13-18 last season but have a young, tall, and talented group of players returning capable of challenging for the region title. 6-4 So. Peyton Broughton averaged 21 ppg last season and is an athletic, big time scorer with a good knowledge of the game. 6-8 So. Bryson Asher averaged a double-double (points and rebounds) last season and is a versatile scorer and good rebounder. 6-8 Fr. Bayley Rice transferred from Corbin and is an excellent rebounder and a potential force in the paint. 6-0 So. Weston Greibel is a promising young point guard.
Oldham County (Region 8) – Coach Coy Zerhusen’s Colonels finished 23-7 last season and captured the regional title. The Colonels will challenge for the title again led by senior guards 6-2 Connor Hicks and 6-0 Hayden Hawes. 6-5 Jr. Jacob Bates is expected to make a big impact this season.
Perry County Central (Region 14) – Coach Shannon Hoskins’ Commodores finished 22-8 last season and will be one of the top teams in the region this year. 5-11 Jr. Braxton Beverly handles the ball, penetrates, and is an excellent scorer. 6-3 So. Damon Tobler can get to the rim, rebounds well, and is extremely strong in the paint. 6-3 Jr. James Blair is also an excellent offensive threat. 5-11 Sr. Nathan Pray, 5-11 Sr. Austin Neace, 6-2 So. Austin Hill, and 6-0 Jr. Matt Turner are also key returnees.
Simon Kenton (Region 8) – Coach Trent Steiner’s Pioneers finished 15-14 last season and has the talent returning to contend for the regional title. 6-1 Sr. Jaeger Pracht, 6-4 Sr. Matt Mullins, and 6-3 Sr. Noah Robinson are returning starters. The Pioneers suffered key graduation losses but replacements should come from a group of juniors and a talented group of sophomores.
Trinity (Region 7) – Coach Mike Szabo’s Shamrocks finished 31-6 last season and they will return the size and talent to challenge for the state championship this season. 6-10 Sr. Ray Spalding is a do-everything force in the paint. 6-2 Sr. D’Angelo West is a transfer from Mississippi and is an athletic, versatile scorer. 6-6 Sr. Jax Levitch is a deadly perimeter shooter who can get to the basket. 6-5 Sr. Christian Thieneman can score in the paint and is a versatile defender. Other key returnees include 6-3 Sr. Michael Stafford and 6-4 Sr. Daniel Ramser.