The 2015 Whitaker Bank KHSAA Boy’s Sweet 16 kicks off Wednesday and all hopes of winning the state title are filled in every coaches and player’s heads.
Some favorites to win the KY title include Ballard, Knott County Central, and Taylor County. As we all know anyone can win and sometimes it’s not the favorite or favorites. That’s why they play the game.
Ballard (31-2) is led by Mr. Basketball finalist Jalen Perry. He has helped Ballard along with surrounding talent to help maintain Ballard as a top team in the state all year. Look for them to make a deep into the weekend if not hoisting the trophy.
Knott County Central (30-2) is another highly favored team to advance deep into the tournament and may hoist the trophy Sunday afternoon. Evan Hall 6’7″ Forward who chose IUPUI over Western Kentucky is a player to watch for the Patriots. Hall was one of the most efficient players in the state. Also look for Camron Justice SG a Mr. Basketball finalist who chose Vanderbilt over 5 other Division 1 schools. The Patriots are talented and with Hall and Justice they could be playing on Sunday.
Another loaded squad is the Taylor County Cardinals (27-4). Coach Richard Gatewood come into the tournament fresh off their first regional title since 1983. The Cardinals take on Region 2 Hopkinsville in round 1 Wednesday. The Cardinals will be hungry and 3 reasons why.
1. Junior Guard Quentin Goodin who is highly recruited from many Division 1 programs and deservedly so. If you havent seen him play make sure you try to catch one of Taylor County’s games.
2. Sophomore PG David Sloan who is highly talented with great ball handling, shooting, and defensive skills. Sloan was invited to the USA under 16 camp this May. He’s just a sophomore with upper class talent and basketball IQ.
3. Senior F Brandon Berry who transferred from Ballard to Taylor County this season. Averaging 15.8 points a game Berry is a great stretch Forward who can slag and finish. His senior leadership will be a huge key to Taylor County’s success.
