Who are Kentucky’s top 25 boys’ high school basketball teams for 2021-22?
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2021-22 High School Basketball Preview
The Herald-Leader/Kentucky.com is publishing season preview stories leading up to the start of the 2021-22 high school basketball season on Monday, Nov. 29. You can read everything we’ve published to this point by clicking on this drop-down list. All of the stories are also available in our print and e-editions.
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With a core of talented playmakers who gained valuable Boys’ Sweet 16 experience last season bolstered by some jaw-dropping transfers, Louisville’s Ballard Bruins rank as the overwhelming Herald-Leader High School Boys’ Basketball Preseason No. 1 team for 2021-22, according to a vote of the state’s coaches.
Coach Chris Renner calls this year’s squad “one of the deepest teams in my 24 years at Ballard.”
Last year’s 7th Region champ and a state semifinalist, Ballard garnered 58 No. 1 votes among the 114 coaches who took part in our poll. The poll asked every coach to rank their “top 10 teams in the state.” The Bruins appeared on 112 of those ballots, the most of any school. In all, 57 teams appeared on a ballot.
But no one’s handing out trophies when the season begins next week. This year’s preseason No. 2 Male can confirm that.
The Bulldogs, who will have to battle the Bruins for 7th Region supremacy, came into last season as a solid favorite. Unfortunately, COVID-19 issues severely derailed their campaign as they finished with an 8-3 record on an extremely abbreviated schedule.
Led by 6-7 junior University of Louisville commit Kaleb Glenn, Male got the second-most No. 1 nods this year with 31, followed by No. 3 Covington Catholic’s 12.
Highlands, Kentucky’s defending KHSAA champion, said farewell to Sweet 16 MVP Sam Vinson (Northern Kentucky), but returns three starters from its title run and checks in at No. 9. The Bluebirds were preseason No. 11 last year. That seemed to work out.
While the 7th Region hogs the top two spots with Ballard and Male and has another contender in No. 17 Christian Academy-Louisville, the 6th Region boasts the most preseason top 25 teams with five — defending region champ Bullitt East, Pleasure Ridge Park, Fern Creek, Western and Evangel Christian. Central Kentucky’s 11th Region has three in the top 25: Paul Laurence Dunbar, Madison Central and Lexington Catholic.
Here’s a look at this year’s Herald-Leader High School Boys’ Basketball Preseason Top 25 with a brief summary on what we know about the top 10 teams.
The Top 10
(Last season’s record in parenthesis)
1. Ballard (21-3): The 7th Region champion and state semifinalist returns 6-foot-9 senior center Maker Bar (14.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg), who recently committed to Missouri-Kansas City. Also back in the fold are 6-3 senior Keno Hayden (13.6 ppg), 6-5 junior Gabe Sisk (18.1 ppg), 5-9 fifth-year senior Chaunte Marrero (8.2 ppg) and 6-1 senior Derrick Tilford (7.7 ppg). Among their newcomers are New Albany, Ind., transfer Kaden Stanton (14 ppg), Trinity transfer Miles Franklin (11.2 ppg) and Shelby County transfer Tim Fuller (14 ppg). “Depth is great but only five guys play at a time,” Renner explained in response to the Herald-Leader’s preseason survey. “The key is for us to play a style that will allow us to utilize our depth. … Chemistry is going to be an issue until we can get everyone comfortable playing together and accepting their roles.”
2. Male (8-3): Last year’s 26th District champion in the 7th Region, the Bulldogs suffered one of the longest COVID-19 layoffs in the state, not playing from Feb. 20 until the district tournament on March 16. Glenn, Male’s U of L commit, averaged 20.5 ppg with 12.6 rpg, and is joined by returning starters 6-7 senior Dez Lindsey (11.6 ppg) and 6-2 junior Demetris White (8.6 ppg). Coach Tim Haworth: “Love our team chemistry and unselfishness as a unit. If we stay away from injuries, we have a chance to be one of the best teams in the state.”
3. Covington Catholic (24-4): The 35th District champion was ousted by St. Henry in the first round of last year’s 9th Region Tournament. The Colonels return Miami (Ohio) commit Mitchell Rylee, a 6-7 senior who averaged 15.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, as well at 5-11 junior point guard Evan Ipsaro (15.8 ppg), who holds offers from Bellarmine and Cleveland State, and 6-6 junior Chandler Starks (11.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg). Coach Scott Ruthsatz: “Our team’s strengths lie in our point guard and front line. … good athleticism and high basketball IQ.”
4. Ashland Blazer (22-5): Last year’s 16th Region champion and state semifinalist looks to earn its fourth straight trip to Rupp Arena. Coach Jason Mays: “This year, we have a chance to be in the final game.” The Tomcats return experience and firepower led by Cole Villers (22.7 ppg), a 6-2 senior guard who Mays sees as a Mr. Basketball candidate. Also returning are the dynamic Colin Porter (17.8 ppg), a 5-11 junior point guard and Liberty commit, and Ethan Sellars (13.5 ppg), a 6-foot senior who scored 37 against North Laurel last season.
5. Clark County (20-5): The two-time defending 10th Region champion returns four starters and a host of newcomers aiming to better their Sweet 16 quarterfinals appearance of last year led by Jerone Morton (22.6 ppg), a 6-3 junior. Also back are 5-9 senior point guard Aden Slone (11.8 ppg) and 6-7 junior Trent Edwards (9.7 ppg). The Cards also have a pair of big-time transfers — Tanner Walton, a 6-2 senior who scored 20.1 ppg for Lexington Christian last year, and Sam Parrish, a 5-10 guard who netted 16.9 ppg for Tates Creek. Coach Joshua Cook: “(We) should be one of the top scoring teams in the state … great depth and athleticism.”
6. North Laurel (25-3): The Jaguars rocketed up the rankings last year with 19 straight wins to start the season. But a 13th Region runner-up finish to Knox Central probably hasn’t set well in the offseason. And all of North Laurel’s key players are back to make amends, starting with sensational 6-3 junior Reed Sheppard (30.1 ppg) who just announced his commitment to Kentucky. With him are Ryan Davidson (20.2 ppg), Brody Brock (11.8 ppg) and Clay Sizemore (11.4 ppg). Coach Nate Valentine has lined up a difficult schedule that includes No. 1 Ballard and holiday tournaments in Louisville and Lexington. Valentine: “I’m a firm believer ‘iron sharpens iron.’ To get where we want to go with this program we must continue to play the best.”
7. Paul Laurence Dunbar (13-6): Last year’s 43rd District champion in the 11th Region, the Bulldogs must compensate for the loss of senior forward Tim Hall to transfer out of state, but bring back everyone else, most notably, clutch three-point shooter Nick Spalding (16.7 ppg), a 6-1 junior, new coach Murray Garvin expects to have an even bigger breakout year. Dunbar has senior post presence with 6-6 Shyheim Drew and 6-8 Lionel Kumwimba inside and perimeter threats with Spalding, 6-1 junior Max VanDyke and 6-3 senior Zach Carter. Garvin: “We have five guys who can be our leading scorer on any night.”
8. Madison Central (21-10): The Indians shot the lights out to storm to the 11th Region title last season, and Coach Allen Feldhaus Jr. aims to repeat with two of his leading scorers back plus some new blood. Jaylen Davis (14.2 ppg) a 6-5 junior who hit five three-pointers on his way to 35 points against Lexington Catholic in the region tournament has gotten an Eastern Kentucky offer. With him are 6-4 senior Will Harden (16.2 ppg) and 6-6 junior Trey Skaggs (5 ppg). Robbie Todd (13 ppg), a 6-7 senior transfer from Rowan County, is expected to start. While Montgomery County transfer Hagan Harrison has been starting at quarterback for the Indians, his eligibility for basketball is yet to be determined.
9. Highlands (30-4): The defending 9th Region and Sweet 16 champions return three starters — junior Will Herald (13.1 ppg) and seniors Zach Barth (10.3 ppg) and Oliver Harris (8.2 ppg). Leyton Read (4.6 ppg), a 5-10 senior, takes the point and will look to set the tone on defense. Coach Kevin Listerman: “The biggest challenge will be finding a defensive interior and rebounding presence. Senior Cole Kocher (6-4) and Brody Benke (6-5) will be counted on to anchor the paint for us.”
10. Bardstown (15-12): The 19th District champions ran into Sweet 16 runner-up Elizabethtown in the 5th Region semifinals, but feel confident with leading scorer Andrew Mason (19.7 ppg) back, a 6-4½ senior, who Coach James “Boo” Brewer says can play every position. Bryce Riley (11 ppg), a 6-3 senior can score inside and out. Grant Bowling, a 6-6 junior point guard led the team in three-point shooting (36.3%). Brewer: “We are very deep with great size. We have a chance to be really good. If we keep working hard and trusting each other on the court, I can see this team doing big things.”
The Next 15
(With last year’s record and a brief note)
11. Bowling Green (24-3): The 4th Region champion and Sweet 16 quarterfinalist returns Eastern Kentucky commit Turner Buttry (14.9 ppg).
12. Bullitt East (15-9): The 6th Region champion returns three starters, including 6-6 senior Tucker Blanford (16.3 ppg), its leading scorer.
13. Lexington Catholic (20-3): The 43rd District runner-up to Dunbar in the 11th Region has 7-footer Reece Potter, who has begun attracting big-time recruiting interest.
14. McCracken County (23-7): The 1st Region champion and Sweet 16 quarterfinalist returns 6-7 junior Ian Hart (12.2 ppg).
15. Knox Central (18-6): The 13th Region champion returns dynamic 6-2 fifth-year senior guard Jevonte Turner (25.1 ppg).
16. Pleasure Ridge Park (13-4): The 21st District champion in the 6th Region is led by 5-10 junior guard Zamareon “Zee” McCown (18.9 ppg).
17. Christian Academy-Louisville (16-11): Ousted in the 7th Region’s 28th District semifinals, the Centurions feature Ohio State commit George Washington III (23.9 ppg), a 6-2 junior point guard.
18. Fern Creek (12-7): The 24th District runner-up to Bullitt East in the 6th Region is led by 6-foot senior guard Darien Lewis (13.8 ppg).
19. Greenwood (17-13): The 4th Region runner-up to Bowling Green returns four starters, notably 6-3 senior wingman Cade Stinnett (20.7 ppg) and 6-4 senior guard Aaron Brown (12.5 ppg).
20. Elizabethtown (22-3): The 5th Region champion and state runner-up has fifth-year senior Alandre Murphy (12.4 ppg) back to lead a young squad.
21. North Oldham (7-11): An 8th Region runner-up to Oldham County, the Mustangs return the core of their production, including leading scorer Dallas Roberts (19.1 ppg), a 6-1 junior and starter since eighth grade.
22. Western (12-8): A 6th Region runner-up to Bullitt East, the Warriors stunned Fern Creek in the region semifinals and are expected to have six of their top scorers back.
23. Warren Central (8-7): Ousted in the 4th Region’s 14th District semifinals, Coach William Unseld returns seven of his eight top players, including leading scorer Chappelle Whitney (11.7 ppg), a 6-4 junior.
24. Lincoln County (16-7): A 12th Region runner-up to Boyle County, the Patriots’ Jaxon Smith, a 6-2 senior, led the team with 16.6 ppg.
25. Evangel Christian (10-14): The 23rd District runner-up to Bullitt Central in the 6th Region is expected to have a breakout year led by 6-11 junior center Cyr Malonga, one of the state’s top recruits.
Others Receiving Votes
(In points order)
Trinity; Doss; Lyon County; Boyle County; Frederick Douglass; Muhlenberg County; DeSales; Jeffersontown; John Hardin; Woodford County; Henry Clay; Belfry; Breathitt County; Manual; Apollo; Oldham County; Dixie Heights; Campbell County; Graves County; Great Crossing; Knott Central; Madisonville; Waggener; University Heights; Madison Southern; Mason County; Montgomery County; Paintsville; South Oldham; Owensboro Catholic; Perry County Central.
Methodology: Our annual survey was emailed to all 275 KHSAA boys’ basketball coaches in Kentucky using their email registered with the KHSAA. Multiple attempts were made to encourage every school to participate. Coaches were asked to select their top 10 teams and points were assigned based on a team’s position on the ballot (10 points for No. 1, nine points for No. 2, eight points for No. 3, etc.):, and tabulated across all ballots received; some schools participated in the survey but declined to vote due to unfamiliarity with players and teams outside of their own area. A total of 115 coaches (41.8 percent) voted in our top-10 teams poll of the 195 coaches (70.9 percent) who responded to the survey and supplied information about their teams.
2021-22 Season Preview
This is the first of eight stories the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com is publishing in the coming days previewing the 2021-22 high school boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons, which are scheduled to tip off Nov. 29.
This story was originally published November 24, 2021 at 6:30 AM.
