Last season we saw the dominance of George Rogers Clark and Mason County come down to the region finals at the Fieldhouse. George Rogers Clark has won four straight 10th Region titles, but with them losing four of their starting five, it opens the door for someone to knock off the Cardinals. Harrison County, Montgomery County, and Augusta coaches all believe they have a shot. There is no unanimous number one pick among coaches and fans. The region has balanced out. A few high scoring players transferred over the summer which dramatically affected these rankings. The team and player rankings had many different versions and changes, and my mind will probably change after these are released. Here is the final version of the 10th Region Boys Basketball Preview and Rankings:

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Team Rankings

1. Mason County

Coach: Brian Kirk (6th Season)
Key Losses: Terrell Henry (17.8), Riley Mastin (15.1), KG Walton (9.0), Philip Bierley (8.5).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Royals finished off a 29-6 season by losing in the region championship at home to GRC. They lost all but one starter off last year’s team, and it looked like a rebuild was ahead of them. However, Mason County benefited from two major inter-district transfers over the summer. The best scorer in the region, Blake Reed (Sr), returns to Maysville and brings his 28.6 ppg with him. Younger brother Cayden Reed (Jr) brings in 16.6 ppg and is a top defender in the region. Braylon Hamilton (Sr) averaged 10 points last year and is one of the best three-point shooters in the region at 45.8% last season. Also returning is another guard, Carter McClanahan (Sr), who averaged 5.9 points. While the Mason County lineup loses a lot of height, they still have some size with Landon Scilley (Sr), Cole Horch (Jr), and Jake Feldhaus (So).

2. George Rogers Clark

Coach: Josh Cook (7th Season)
Key Losses: Jerone Morton (19.8), Trent Edwards (15.7), Sam Parrish (14.9), Tyleik Maxwell (6.4).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Cardinals are looking to defend their four consecutive region championships. This year will be more challenging as they lost several key players of the 2022 state championship and 2023 state finalist teams. The lone returning starter from last year is Reshaun Hampton (Sr). He was Clark’s third-leading scorer, averaging 11.8 points along with 5.6 rebounds. He made 2.5 threes per game, shooting at 41.4%. Guards Eli Craig (Jr) and JP Gaines (Sr) averaged about 3 points a game last season. They also have Montez Gay, a 6’4″ freshman, who will see more of the floor this year. The biggest factor is the addition of Malachi Ashford (So). Ashford averaged over 20 points for Paris last season. He is also one of the best shooters in the region from three and the foul line. His eligibility status is pending.

Coach Cook says: We are excited once again to contend for a 10th region championship for the opportunity to return to Rupp Arena. This team returns leaders who have championship level experience mixed with some of the best young talent in the region.  Scoring is our strength, so developing toughness on the defensive end along with an emphasis on pace of play is key. Several guys will need to grow up fast but with the right leadership and mentality, I believe come March this team will give themselves an opportunity to chase the dream once again.

3. Harrison County

Coach: Terence Brooks (4th Season)
Key Losses: JD Kendall (14.2), Will Furnish (8.3)
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Thorobreds were 27-7 last season and lost in the region semifinals to George Rogers Clark by 13. Their go-to guy is Kaydon Custard (Sr). Custard is coming off a record breaking football season with over 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. Last year for basketball he averaged 16.7 points and and 5.9 rebounds. He led his team in field goal percentage at 51.9% and took the second most shots on the team behind JD Kendall. The team shot 44.1% from the field in 2022-23. Harrison County will also be starting three more seniors: Garrett Wilson (7.0 ppg), Mason Smiley (6.8 ppg), and Elijah Harris (3.2 ppg). The ‘Breds won a lot of games last year with their height and physicality. While they lost some height, you can expect the same physical and disciplined play from Terence Brook’s team.

Coach Brooks says: Our team will be led by a group of veteran players. This group of seniors has been successful throughout their athletic careers and we look for them to display the leadership needed to get the job done this year. We want to play fast on offense and be very aggressive on the defensive end. Our team will have size and athletic ability to match up with the top teams in the 10th Region. We feel like we have been knocking at the door the last couple of years, and now it’s our time to take that next step. 

4. Montgomery County

Coach: Jason Mays (1st Season)
Key Losses: Trey Carroll (7.2), Alex Hatton (5.7), Hayden Stull (5.2).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Indians are now led by new head coach Jason Mays, who won four titles in his four years leading the Tomcats. Montgomery County is trying to head back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. They return four starters. They were led by Breccan Decker (Jr), who averaged 15.1 points and 3.7 rebounds. Luke Fawns averaged 12.3 points as a freshman, and was their leading rebounder with 6.9 a game. Dawson Gentry (So) had 11.7 a game last year. They gained Ethan Dunn (Jr) from Bryan Station who scored 5.9 a game there. The biggest impact transfer is Tyce Simpson (Fr), who played at Morton Middle School which feeds into Lafayette High School in Lexington. He is 6’5″ and already has a few D1 offers.

Edit: Tyce Simpson name has changed to Tyce Jarvis.

Coach Mays says: Progress over Perfection  |  The Process of Improvement has been our mantra thus far this season.  I don’t think people realize how talented this program can be in the next few years.  In all likelihood, we have 6 college players on our roster currently, with many of those Freshmen or Sophomores.  Our schedule will probably ensure we are a very battle-tested .500 team come Regional Tournament time. I think we can win the 10^th Region this year.  We will be a late comer to the finish line…..

5. Augusta

Coach: Jason Hinson (5th Season)
Key Losses: LJ Conner (17.7).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Panthers lost their leading scorer but returned every key player and then some.  Kylan Hinson (Sr) averaged 16.9 and 7.7 last year and is one of their best shooters.  Hinson shot 55.9% from the floor and 35% from three.  Also returning is Conner Snapp (Sr), who was their third-leading scorer at 15.2 points and second in rebounds at 5.9 per game.  Next are juniors Keaton Bach and Will Kelsch, who both averaged around 7 points per game.  Joining the Panthers is Devante Jefferson (Sr), who transferred from Bracken County.  The guard averaged 5.9 points and 4.7 rebounds last season.

Coach Hinson says: We really like our team! The chemistry is really good, and this is a close-knit group. We want to compete for a 10th Region Class A title and be playing our best basketball at the right time when it’s District and Region time. This is one of those years that looks like the Region is wide open! 

6. Campbell County

Coach: Brent Sowder (1st Season)
Key Losses: Aydan Hamilton (22.1), Jake Gross (14.7), Jaidan Combs – transferred to Cooper (8.2), Keegan Hill (4.7). 
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Camels are now under the leadership of long-time assistant coach Brent Sowder after Aric Russell retired after more than a decade. They lost a lot of core players on last year’s 22-12 team, including all-time leading scorer Aydan Hamilton. Their lead returner, Jaidan Combs, transferred to Cooper in early October. Nate Smith (Sr) has almost 1,500 passing yards and 750 rushing yards as the Camels’ quarterback. Last basketball season, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds. Smith was also their best three-point shooter percentage-wise at 45.6%. Point guard Garyn Jackson (Jr) brings back his 6.7 points. Jackson is another football player who has over 500 receiving yards. He is also a good shooter, making 43.6% of his threes last year. Conner Weinel (Sr) averaged 6.9 and 4.9 last season, and Broc Sorgenfrei (Jr) averaged 3.1 and 1.6. The Camels still have the experience and culture to defend their ten straight district championships and compete for region.

Coach Sowder says: We have a group of guys who play really well together and are excited for the opportunity to take their turn on the 10th Region stage. If practice is any indication, their effort and competitive spirit will be fun to watch for fans this season.

7. Scott

Coach: Steve Fromeyer (8th Season)
Key Losses: Brayden Howell (13.7), Nolan Hunter (7.8). 
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Eagles went 14-19 last season. They beat Bishop Brossart in the first round of district before losing to Campbell County in the championship. They return leading scorer and point guard Dylan Giffen (Sr). Giffen averaged 14.4 points per game last season. Xarek Sarakatsannis (Sr) is the second lead returner with 8.5 points a game. Also returning are seniors Jon Evans, Connor Griffin, and Carter Eten. All three averaged around 7 points a game. Eten was the lead rebounder with 5.5 a game last season.

8. Nicholas County

Coach: Dylan Moran (1st Season)
Key Losses: None
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

Dylan Moran takes over for the Bluejackets who went 11-22 last year. The Jackets return their top five scorers from last year. Leading scorer and point guard Wyatt Clark (Sr) averaged 18.3 points and 3.3 rebounds last season. Preston Blake (So) suffered a season injury last year in January. Before his injury, he was averaging 10.1 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. Lincoln Morris (Sr) had 9.4 points with 5.9 rebounds a game. The Bluejackets round off their top five with Jacob Hatton (Jr) and Peyton Hatton (Fr) who each hover around 7 point average.

Coach Moran says: Coming off the first region appearance in a decade, we are looking to capitalize and continue that momentum into this year. This team has depth and many players able to come off the bench and contribute with varsity experience. We are going to make a living on the defensive end, while also being an exciting team to watch offensively. We expect to compete for a 38^th district championship, and the 10th Region All A.

Edit: Nicholas County also added a big man, Braxton Martin, from George Rogers Clark. He is expected to start for them

9. Paris

Coach: Shawn Ransom (2nd Season)
Key Loses: Malachi Ashford – Transfered to GRC (20.8), Zorian Alcorn (6.0), Christian Blackwell (4.9), Trey Murell (4.5).
2022-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

Shawn Ransom’s first season his alma mater was a great one. They Greyhounds went 17-14, making it to the 10th Region All “A” Classic Championship and beating Montgomery County in district to make it to the regional tournament. They lose three starters off that team. Malachi Ashford, their leading scorer with 20.8 points per game, transferred to George Rogers Clark. Their lead returner is Jakari Ransom (Sr). Ransom went for 15.6 points 3.8 rebounds last year. Returning juniors Zaire Wray and Elijah Webb had 5.0 and 2.4 points each last year.

10. Bourbon County

Coach: Derek Robinson (2nd Season)
Key Losses: Todd Dumphord (9.9), Miles Ezell (9.3), Cain Flynn (3.0).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Colonels went 11-19 last season and lose their top two scorers but return their other three starters. Kade Hilander (Jr) was their leading rebounder last year with 4.4 per game. He was third in scoring with 9.1 points per game. Bradley Robinson (Jr) was their fourth scorer with 7.1 points and added 3.9 rebounds. Noah Earlywine (So) had 5.1 and 1.6. This will be the Colonels’ second season under alumnus head coach Derek Robinson.

11. Bishop Brossart

Coach: Ben Franzen (2nd Season)
Key Losses: Mason Sepate (15.8), Logan Woosley (14.9), Brandon Bezold (11.5), Luke Schumacher (7.7), Anthony Kruse (7.4), Sam Willike (4.3).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Mustangs graduated over 60 points per game this summer.  Coach Ben Franzen installed his new offensive philosophy of playing fast that went against the traditional Bishop Brossart style.  They went 13-16 and lost to Scott 69-57 in the first round of the district tournament.  The team averaged 69 points per game with six threes per game.  With the Mustangs losing eight seniors who were all major contributors, it’s hard to pick out their leaders for this year. They have a core group of sophomores, like Parker Mulberry, Keegan Gulley, and Alex Combs, who saw some minutes and averaged a few points a game last year.

Coach Franzen says: We have a hard working team who is looking to grow and develop as a cohesive group and improve on a daily basis. We have put together a schedule we believe will give our guys the opportunity to grow throughout the season and put ourselves in position to be successful come tournament time.

12. Pendleton County

Coach: Mason Monroe (1st Season)
Key Losses: Ethan Verst (6.4), Connor Neltner (3.8). 
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Wildcats will be under new head coach Mason Monroe who was a standout player for them a decade ago. They return two seniors who had similar stats last season when they went 6-25. Austin Kirsch averaged 10.5 points and 11.1 rebounds and Alex Beyst had 11.1 and 3.5. Rejoining the team is Hunter Cox (Sr) who could be in the starting lineup.

Coach Monroe says: We are upperclassmen heavy this season with 6 seniors and 6 juniors. Additionally, we have some talented underclassmen that we are excited to watch develop over the course of this season. We look forward to playing faster and sharing the basketball with more pace and space. Our group is bringing great energy and getting better each day, but we still have a long way to go. Our goal is to get back to competing for the 38th district championship and making runs in the regional tournament.

13. Bracken County

Coach: Terry King (1st Season)
Key Losses: Blake Reed (28.6), Cayden Reed (16.6), Devante Jefferson (5.9), JuShod Commodore (3.8).
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Polar Bears had an eventful offseason that started with their four-year head coach, Adam Reed, resigning on June 1st.  Blake and Cayden Reed transferred to district rival Mason County that same week along with Devante Jefferson going to Augusta.  Terry King was named the head coach nearly two months later on July 26.  With the dust settled, Bracken County still returns some key players from last season.  Chase Archibald (Jr) averaged 11.7 points last year and made 100 threes.  Austin Norton (Sr) averaged 5.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.  Juniors Kelton Roberts and Ashton Buchanan came off the bench last season and return as well. 

Coach King says: I’m excited to take over where coach Reed left off. I think we will be competitive this year and I’m looking for a couple of guys to have a break out season. We’re young, but learning every day how and everyone works together so it will be a fun year.

14. Calvary Christian

Coach: Ben Mulling (1st Season)
Key Losses: None
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Cougars were 4-27 last year and only lost one senior. They return their best player, Race Zachary (Sr), who averaged 11.5 points and 4.3 rebounds last year. They also have Maddox Rich (who last year who averaged 4.6 and 3.9.

Coach Mulling says: The Cougars are young but talented this year.  We are returning all members from last season and are bolstering our group of guys with some strong upcoming underclassmen.  I’m very excited about the direction of the program and look for this group to take a huge step forward from last season.

15. St. Patrick

Coach: Tony Moore (4th Season)
Key Losses: None
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Saints went 2-20 last year but return all their key players.  Now sophomore Amari Myrick averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 rebounds last season.  Also returning is Garrett Tesmer who averaged 12.2 and 3.6 and Abisai Ignacio who averaged 6.5 and 5.8.  

16. Robertson County

Coach: Brandon Hinson (1st Season)
Key Losses: Jacob Burden (16.3), Hunter Earlywine (14.2)
2023-24 Schedule – 2022-23 Results

The Black Devils were 4-27 last season and lose their two leading scorers.  They return Ben Sweet (Fr) who averaged 5.0 points last year as an 8th grader.  

Coach Hinson says: Our team is young, hungry and unpolished. Our outlook is to welcome the challenges this season brings and meet them with hard work and commitment to our goals as a team

Player Rankings

1. Blake Reed

Mason County – Senior

Blake Reed is already the most prolific scorer in 10th Region history with 3,481 points entering his senior year. If he scores 857 points his senior season, he will be the state’s second all-time leading scorer by passing Kelly Coleman, and will then be trailing only Travis Perry. Blake scored 968 points as a sophomore and 857 points last year. As Perry and Reed enter their senior year, they will be battling for every state offensive record. Reed is on pace to finish second in the state in these records behind Perry.

2. Kaydon Custard

Harrison County – Senior

Coming off a record-breaking football season, Kaydon Custard averaged 16.7 points per game last season and was first team all-region. He shot 51.9% from the field and 46.8% from three. He also averaged 5.9 rebounds and was one of the best defenders and most athletic in the region.

Coach Brooks says: He is one of the most underrated players in the 10th Region. Kaydon is a true leader on and off the court. He is a role model in his community and he does the right thing through the good and bad times. Kaydon can run the team, score the ball, get the big rebound, defend the opponent’s best player, and score whenever his team needs a basket. Kaydon is a diamond in the rough and whichever college gets him (for football or basketball), they will see that his potential hasn’t even been tapped into yet.” 

3. Cayden Reed

Mason County – Junior

Cayden Reed enters his junior year with 1,481 career points. He also has 428 assists, 308 steals, and 537 rebounds. Cayden is undeniably the quickest player in the region, and it shows with his quickness to the ball on rebounds. He has led Bracken County in rebounding the last two seasons and averaged 7.2 rebounds per game last year. He also had around three steals per game.

4. Reshaun Hampton

George Rogers Clark – Senior

Reshaun Hampton has been a key piece of GRC’s two state finals appearances but has somewhat slid under the radar. He was Clark’s third-leading scorer last year, averaging 11.8 points along with 5.6 rebounds. He was also a knockdown shooter with 2.5 threes per game at 41.4%.

Coach Cook says: He is a truly gifted scorer who loves to play defense. One of the best 3pt shooters in the area and in the 2024 class. Has tons of high level experience and has improved his all around game. He will be taking on a major leadership role for the Cards. 

5. Malachi Ashford 

George Rogers Clark – Sophomore 

The 10th Region’s best freshman last year transferred from Paris to GRC. He averaged 20.8 points last season as a Greyhound. He shot 43.1%, making 2.8 threes per game. He has already scored 1,000 points going into his sophomore year.

Coach Cook says: He is a “True” PG and arguably one of the best PG’s in the 2026 class. Not only can he score, he makes everyone on the team better. With the talent around him, he will have an opportunity to showcase his vision and can become one of the best on ball defenders in the area. 

6. Jakari Ransom

Paris – Sophomore

Jakari Ransom is one of the most athletic players in the region. He averaged 15.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last year for the Greyhounds. He is also a standout player on the football team that is currently 9-1. Ransom did not lead Paris in scoring last season, but he did in 2021-22 with 14 points per game.

7. Breccan Decker

Montgomery County – Sophomore

Breccan Decker averaged 15.1 points per game for the Indians last season. He was their best three-point shooter at 43.4%, averaging two threes a game. He also shot 85.7% from the free throw line and pulled down 3.7 rebounds per game.

Coach Mays says: 4.4 GPA, high character kid, who oozes toughness.  “Brecc” has improved his outside shooting, and his athleticism immensely.  He will be our leader.  Just got a 30 on the ACT, so his college options just significantly opened up.

8. Wyatt Clark

Nicholas County – Senior

Wyatt Clark shot the ball twice as much as anyone on his team last year with 562 shots. He averaged 18.3 points per game and got 3.3 rebounds.

Coach Moran says: Wyatt Clark is poised to have another outstanding season. He has bought in more defensively this year, while also improving on being a leader for the younger guys in the program. 

9. Dylan Giffen

Scott – Senior

Dylan Giffen returns as Scott’s leading scorer, averaging 14.4 points last season.  He also averaged 41% from three. 

10. Kylan Hinson

Augusta – Senior

Kylan Hinson averaged a near double-double for the Panthers last year.  He averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.  The senior is just 17 points away from 1,000 career points. 

Coach Hinson says: He has worked hard in the weight room to get stronger and quicker. This was an area he needed to get better in! Kylan is more explosive and is one of the best shooters in the region, and is a great rim protector. Kylan and Conner Snapp our the leaders of this team!

Next Ten:

Conner Snapp – Augusta
Chase Archibald – Bracken County
Austin Norton – Bracken County
Garyn Jackson – Campbell County
Nate Smith – Campbell County
Conner Weinel – Campbell County
Braylon Hamilton – Mason County
Luke Fawns – Montgomery County
Tyce Simpson – Montgomery County
Xarek Sarakatsannis – Scott