The 2010 King of the Bluegrass gets underway on Friday and several of the top prospects in the state and the nation will be in action. Here is a look at some of the players to keep an eye on.
Bullitt East
The Chargers feature several of the top 6th Region's top players, including seniors Hayden Sweat and Cory Washburn. Sweat averaged over 20 points per game last season and entered this season ranked as the No. 5 player in the region, according to CatsPause Yearbook.
At 6-foot-6, Washburn is capable of putting up a double-double every time he steps on the court. Another player to keep an eye on is 6-foot-8 sophomore Derek Willis. Willis can play inside or outside. He has improved tremendously sine last season.
Bowling Green
The Purples feature the top player in the state of Kentucky, 6-foot-6 University of Louisville signee Chane Behanan (pictured). Behanan, who is ranked as the nation's No. 23 according to Rivals, has led his team to a 3-1 start.
Christian County
The defending 2nd Region champions have three players that are capable of putting up big numbers, led by point guard Anthony Hickey. The 5-foot-10 senior, who averaged over 15 points per game last season, is the pre-season favorite to win the 2nd Region Player of the Year award. Hickey holds scholarship offers from Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.
Seniors Donovan Kates and Veontae Lewis are also very talented. The 6-foot-5 Kates averaged 15 points per game last season, while the 6-foot-0 Lewis can play either guard position.
Louisville Eastern
The Eagles are loaded with talent. Coach Jason Couch welcomes back seniors Remy Abell, who has signed with Bradley, Kameron Woods, who has signed with Butler, and Lyonell Gaines, who has signed to play for IUPUI. Also keep an eye on senior Arman Marks, who has the ability to play Division I.
Eastern entered the season ranked as high as No. 2 in the state.
Fairdale
The host Bulldogs will look to senior guard Josh Stroud for leadership.
Iroquois
The Raiders feature one of the state's top scorers, 6-foot-5 forward Jermaine Jackson. Jackson averaged over 25 points per game last season and when he's hot he's fun to watch.
Jeffersontown
The Chargers entered the season as the consensus No. 1 team in the state,. Coach Jeff Morrow's team features University of Louisville signee Zach Price and Tony Kimbro Jr. Kimbro Jr. has scholarship offers from Marquette and Virginia Tech.
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Keep an eye on Solomon Logan and Bryce Moore.
Pleasure Ridge Park
PRP is one of the favorites to win the 6th Region championship. The Panthers feature seniors Chad McDowell and Jake Simpson.
Trinity
The Shamrocks, which won the 2009 King of the Bluegrass, have two talented juniors, 6-foot-6 Nathan Diedonne and Charles Foster.
Warren Central
The defending 4th Region champions feature two Division I players, 6-foot-6 forward George Fant, who will play at Western Kentucky, and 5-foot-11 point guard Jordan Shanklin, who will take his game to IUPUI next season.
Scottsdale (Ariz.) Chaparral
Chaparral features Zeke Chapman, who's father Rex played at the University of Kentucky and the NBA.
Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones
Bob Jones could be the favorite win the tournament. They have three very talented players, led by Alabama signee Levi Randolph. Randolph, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard, is ranked as the No. 29 player in the nation according to Rivals. Also keep an eye on Jeffery Moss and Reggie Ragland.
Pearl (Miss.)
Pearal features Twymond Howard and D.J. Thompson
Sacramento (Calif.) Sheldon
Sheldon features UTEP signee Darius Nelson and Ramone Eaton
Photo: Michael Johnston
