Lonesome Pine District: As picked to finish in district.
Powell Valley D2: The Vikings should find itself hoisting the LPD trophy once again by seasons end. A solid trio with 2 reserves that saw plenty of playing time from last years 22-3 squad should be the team to beat in the LPD and for that matter the Region. The Vikings return at point Tyler Garrison, who probably is the best floor general this side of Roanoke along with Sam Vaughn, a 6'7" 2nd team all region selection, Tyler Vernon, a 6'5" swingman that raised eyebrows as a freshman last year with solid numbers, Ryan Baker a 6'6" forward who had a solid year last season coming off the bench, and Lucas Holcolm, a 6'0" shooting guard that also had solid minutes last year. Their bench could be the weakness of this team because of lack of experience, but should have some solid play from Chris Bowman, 6'5" forward, Nate McFalls backing up the point, Nathan Rasnick, guard/forward, Mekyah Davis, guard and Colby Addington,Guard/forward.
JJ KElly D2: The Indians return all but 1 starter this season, well maybe 2 if rumor is true that the Couch kid isnt playing, concentrating on baseball. Either way the Indians should be in the running for the District championship after giving the Vikings all they wanted in the regular season last year. They return a solid backcourt and scrappy inside players. Weakness should be size and lack of an outside threat.
Appalachia D1: The Dawgs return just 1 starter from last years team, but he is a good one. Forrest Stuart will have to carry this years team if they want to see post season, but he will have some help from a Polish transfer point guard. The problem may be in the paint where they are green at best. Still look for the Dawgs to battle in the LPD.
JI Burton D1, Clintwood D2, Pound D1: These teams will battle for the bottom half of the district. Burton returns a good point guard in Timmy Goins with a bunch of young players that will get better as the season progresses. Clintwood, a football powerhouse lately, will be late getting in the gym this winter, as they look to win state in football. They return some good atheletes from last year but not a solid basketball team. Pound is in a rebuilding year and we will have to wait and see what kind of team they bring to the court.
Clinch Mountain District:
Gate City D2: Once again the Devils will find themselves atop the leader board in the Clinch. They return most everyone from last years team that put a scare in every opponent they faced. Look for the Devils to make a run deep into the regions this year, challenging PV for the Regional crown.
Lee High: The Generals should finish just behind GC this year. They return a backcourt second to none in the region. Weakness, small in the paint.
Lebanon: Look for Lebanon to suprise some. They graduated all-region terror on the court Mr. Cobb. The Pioneers will still be a force to be reckoned with but wont challenge GC for top dog this year.
Va High: Young but talented. The Bearcats have a new coach that knows how to win, ask Castlewood. Look for this young squad to get better as the season goes along and may suprise folks come tournament time.
Battle: Like football, Battle will be bring up the rear. Keep concentrating on Baseball.
Black Diamond:
Hurley D1: Thats right. I think Hurley will win the Region in D1, why? Five returning starters that give Appalachia a run last year in the regional semis. They have size in the middle and a good backcourt that can shoot. I really dont see anyone challenging them except Appalachia in the Regions.
Honaker D2: Not really sure what Honaker has coming back, but they did make a run in the post season last year.
Haysi D1, Twin Valley D1, Council D1: Again, really dont know much about these teams other than they will finish behind Hurley. All had losing records last year and lost some good players.
Cumberland District:
St Paul D1: The deacons lost a good man in the middle last year, but return three starters from last years 20-8 team. Look for Trevor Hillman, Denver Fritz, and Reid Edmonds to win the district and make a run in the region.
Twin Springs D1: Look for Titans to get back to their winning ways after last seasons 10-12 record. They return a pretty good backcourt and have brought in some a big boy from Brazil.
Castlewood D1: Graduated all 5 starters from last years squad and will be breaking in a new head coach. Still good enough for 3rd in the Cumberland.
Coeburn D2: Young and inexperienced. Dont let that fool you though, with Skunk at the healm, he will have this team shooting the lights out.
Thomas Walker D1, Rye Cove D1, Ervinton D1: Cellar dwellers.
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