Top Kentucky boys basketball teams and players in the Eighth Region for 2023-24 season
Here's a look at the 2023-24 boys basketball teams in the KHSAA Eighth Region. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.
29th District
North Oldham
Coach: David Levitch II (sixth season)
Last season: 25-6
Player to watch: Senior Grant Neal (8.4 ppg). "Will be one of our two returning starters. We will look for him to lead us in scoring and be our best defender," Levitch said.
Other top players: Senior Jack Fischer (6.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg). "Great guard rebounder, plays extremely hard, and will take on much more of a scoring role this year," Levitch said. Senior Ryan Howard (47.5% from 3-point range)
Outlook: The Mustangs return two starters from last season and will have their best shooter back as their third star. Lack of size and roster depth are their main concerns.
Oldham County
Coach: Josh Leslie (second season)
Last season: 16-16
Player to watch: Senior Max Green (23.8 ppg) is a Holy Cross commit. Was No. 18 on the list of top 30 Kentucky boys basketball players, based on a statewide vote of coaches.
Other top players: Senior Abram Stinebruner (11.8 ppg and 42.3% from 3-point range) and senior Cameron Roush (3.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg)
Outlook: "We should be a team that is very deep with a lot of size and experience. We will be able to play a variety of styles and have scoring ability from multiple positions," Leslie said. "If we can stay healthy and continue to improve and build confidence with guys stepping into new roles, we should be able to have a successful season."
South Oldham
Coach: Steve Simpson (24th season)
Last season: 16-12
Player to watch: Junior Julian Miles (17.3 ppg and 5 rpg)
Other top players: Senior Christian Veirs (11.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg) and junior Jake Fithian (7.9 ppg and 42.4% from 3-point range)
Outlook: The Dragons are a young team, but they have quality varsity experience. They won't be at full strength to start the season because of injuries.
30th District
Collins
Coach: Chris Gaither (13th season)
Last season: 26-8
Player to watch: Junior Cole Harbin (5.8 ppg)
Other top players: Freshman Kade Goodin (5.1 ppg) and sophomore Nicholas Ballard
Outlook: The Titans are a young team; they have one senior with no varsity experience, two juniors, and the rest are sophomores and freshmen. "The journey will look different, and there could become challenging weeks due to our schedule," Gaither said. "We appreciate the opportunity to compete as a top program in the state each year."
Shelby County
Coach: Blake Traylor (third season)
Last season: 10-19
Player to watch: Senior Dillon Ritchey (16.6 ppg and 99 3-pointers) has a scholarship offer from Alice Lloyd College.
Other top players: Senior Michael Jones (9.8 ppg) has a scholarship offer from Alice Lloyd College. Senior Caden Holcomb (12.4 ppg) transferred from Cornerstone Christian Academy.
Outlook: "We will be a very fast, skilled team. We should be able to shoot the ball very well, with six of our top seven being able to hit 3s," Traylor said. "Rebounding will be our biggest concern, but if we are able to shore that up and rebound at a decent rate, it should allow us to be very explosive in transition. I truly believe that we can compete for the 30th District title this year if we play to our potential."
Spencer County
Coach: Jason Burns (11th season)
Last season: 21-8
Player to watch: Senior Luke Erhardt (22.5 ppg) was selected for the All-Region team last season.
Other top players: Senior Camden Cox (13.8 ppg) and senior Keaton Baird (8.6 ppg)
Outlook: "We have a very experienced team with six seniors and three juniors that all have varsity experience. We shoot the ball very well and have the potential to light up the scoreboard," Burns said. "Our concerns going into the season are our defense and rebounding. If we can improve both, we have a good chance to compete and win the region."
More: Top Kentucky boys basketball teams and players in the Sixth Region for 2023-24 season
Reach sports reporter Prince James Story at pstory@gannett.com and follow him on X at @PrinceJStory.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KHSAA boys basketball: Top teams, players in Eighth Region for 2023-24
