Pick and Roll's Best of the Fifth Team

By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent

We are in the last week of regular season games, and once again my work schedule has not permitted me to attend any games this week. That's OK because working this week opens me up for the district tournaments next week.

My list is based solely on players I've seen play. I've seen a lot of players who are having good season, but I'm only going to list the impact players from the games I've seen.

1. Darrion Ballou, Adair County: Ballou is one of the best players in the Fifth Region. In the games I've watched, he has an 18.5 point average and has pulled down 10.3 rebounds. He is only a junior. His recruiting is starting to open up. Some say that he will not make a good D-1 player, but I disagree. If his Indians can make it to the big dance in Rupp again this year, then look for him to start getting some offers.

2. Maurice Gosa, North Hardin: He leads the Trojans on the floor and is as quick as a cat. He can shoot the rock, too. He has a 52% average from three point land in the games I've watched. Even those he gets his fair share of shots, he can dish it out, too. Maurice is a very good passer, and for his size he has great hops.

3. Chase Cox, Taylor County: I have nicknamed him "The Gunner" because this kid will pull the trigger from anywhere. I watched him against Adair County, and fans told me that he looks to shoot as soon as he gets off the bus. Also, they honored him for scoring 2,000 points for his career. He is known to have an "off night," but when that happens he picks it up on defense. Look for Chase to start raining threes next week in Campbellsville.

4. Tyler Hornback, Larue County: Tyler is a workhorse. He has athletic ability running out of his ears. I know this kid personally, and fans can't ask for a better kid anywhere. Tyler has had some good games this season and has a Pick and Roll average of 16 points and 8 rebounds, and to go along with that he has dished out 3.5 assists. This multi-sport athlete does a lot for the Hawks, and in most games he has to defend other teams' best player. He jumps real well and has good speed. He's only a junior.

5. Tony Harding, Central Hardin: Tony really impressed me. At 6'0" he jumps out of the gym and slashes with the best of them. Overall, he has had an up-and-down year, but he put up 23 points the night they dismantled North Hardin to get the school's first ever number one seed in the 17th district. Central has only been to the Fifth Region Tournament twice in school history, so look for Tony and the Bruins to make the most of it. Editor's Note: I saw Harding play in Bowling Green in December, and he is one of my favorites, too.

6. Sean Bouthilette, Elizabethtown: Another workhorse. This "wide body" takes pride in rebounding, and he doesn't look to score as much as other players I listed. He is the type of player every coach wants on his team. Bouthilette has a good crew around him, so don't county out a James Haire coached team. Editor's Note: I was mystified as to how to spell Bouthilette until I saw his name listed on the news the other night, and I see you have it exactly right. I saw him play against Shelby County, and he is one tough ballplayer.

CHRIS'S FIFTH REGION UP-AND-COMERS

1. Bryan Bault, Junior, Larue County: He's a solid scorer and rebounder in his first year to play high school ball. He has really helped his team.

2. Roosevelt Emerson, Sophomore, North Hardin: In one game I watched this year he had 23 points. He is 6'5" and his best ball is ahead of him.

3. Chris White, Junior, John Hardin: Best hands in the 17th District for a big man. He has a soft touch down low and can shoot from out on the floor.

4. Kyle Sandusky, Sophomore, Adair County: He's the best "Sixth Man" in the Fifth. He rains threes and plays good "D" with his long arms.

5. Jordan Hickman, Junior, Bardstown: He takes it to the hole harder than anyone. He's quick, which, I think is a requirement on this team. Look for him to help lead the Tigers in the Fifth Region Tournament.

6. James Berry, Sophomore, North Hardin: He's a 6'3" guard and has a good percentage from three point land. He needs to improve his ball handling, but other than that he's a solid sophomore.

Best Student Section: My vote goes to Adair County. I know some schools will take offense to this, but, hey, they have been there every time I have. They make some noise, too. I can't wait for next week when they all pack into Taylor County's gym.

Don't forget that my list is based on the games I attended, and I mean no disrespect to other players that have had great season. Maybe that just had off nights at the games I attended.