As the regular season finishes, Kentucky high school basketball moves into district and regional tournaments. The 7th Region is very strong this year. Not only does it field some of the favorites to win the state title, but it also has depth that will challenge those teams at the regional level. This may be one of the most interesting regional tournaments, as there will not be any easy matchups.

Favorites

St. Xavier (22-7)
As the defending champions of the 7th Region, the Tigers likely have the most talented roster in the state. St. Xavier’s starting lineup is responsible for 83% of its scoring output, due in large part to senior Jeremiah Jackson (17.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG). The standout forward is a frontrunner for 7th Region player of the year and a contender for Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball award.
Uber-talented sophomores Josh Lindsay (14.6 PPG, 51.8 FG%) and Jordan Jackson (9.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG) separate the Tigers from the field, as their elite athleticism is unrivaled in the region. Additionally, steady senior guards Connor Klein (10.3 PPG, 42.6 3-point %) and Jermaine Kameron (9.9 PPG, 47.7 FG%) add scoring in the backcourt, giving the Tigers a balanced attack. This loaded roster should give the Tigers a talent advantage in every game, giving coach Kevin Klein’s squad a strong chance to return to Rupp Arena for the second year in a row.

Ballard (20-6)
Coach Greg Willis and the Bruins will certainly be in the mix in the 7th Region. Since a 7-4 start, Ballard has gotten hot, winning 12 of its last 14 games. This surge is due in large part to senior transfer Cole Edelen (18.4 PPG, 45.6 FG%). After scoring nearly 1,800 points in four seasons at Male, Edelen is having a similar impact for the Bruins.
Additionally, freshman center Mason Grivna (16.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG) gives Ballard a strong presence in the paint. Along with Grivna and Edelen, the Bruins have a solid supporting cast. Guards Qyntin Woods (11.0 PPG, 41.1 3-point %), Baron Clay (13.0 PPG, 33.3 3-point %) and Jaden Culver (8.2 PPG, 38.1 3-point %) spread the floor with their shooting ability. Between their star power and perimeter shooting, the Bruins will be difficult to eliminate in the 7th Region.

Dark Horses

Male (16-11)
After a strong start to the season, the Bulldogs have slipped in the second half, largely due to injuries. Following the injury to leading scorer Jordan Mitchell (23.8 PPG, 54.8 FG%), Male lost eight of its last 11 games to close the regular season. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs’ ball pressure will be difficult for any top contender in the region to overcome.

Trinity (15-12)
The Shamrocks appear to be playing their best basketball at the right time after a shaky start to the season. Senior Jayden Johnson (19.4 PPG, 40.9 3-point %) has been the X factor for Trinity since returning in late January. Junior Garrison Gilvin (16.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG) has also impressed, giving the Rocks a strong option on the perimeter. Despite their lack of size, the Rocks have found their stride and will be a difficult out regardless of opponent.

Eastern (22-6)
Eastern poses a difficult challenge for any team it faces in the regional tournament due to its size. The Eagles’ two seven-footers, Damian Jung (14.9 PPG, 8.6 RPG) and Noah Bol (11.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG), give Eastern a size advantage against nearly every opponent.

Manual (20-6)
The Crimsons’ efficient and balanced offensive attack is sure to give teams trouble in the region. With five players averaging double figures, Manual has the ability to rely on a different contributor each night. The team’s most consistent performer, however, has been senior forward Ahmad Shelton (14.0 PPG, 12.4 RPG), who has consistently dominated in the paint.

The Rest

Waggener (15-12)
Central (9-19)

Statistics courtesy of riherds.com.