After an 8th-District title and 2nd-Region runner-up finish last year, the Hopkinsville boys’ basketball team returns to the court in 2022-23 with a senior-laden roster looking to capture the program’s first region championship in five years.
The Tigers were perfect against district competition in coach Anthony Babb’s first season in charge, bringing home their first district title since the 2016-17 season and finishing with a mark of 23-7 after a loss to Lyon County in the region finale.
Graduation losses leave holes in the paint, with KC Cabiness’ team highs of 13 points and eight rebounds needing to be replaced. Olajuwon White also graduated, taking his six points and eight rebounds per game with him.
However, four starters return, with forwards Isaiah Manning and Antonio Williams expected to pick up some of the rebounding slack. Williams seems poised for a breakout season after posting almost 11 points and six rebounds per game as a sophomore. Manning will also help out down low after averages of nearly seven points and six rebounds as a junior.
Senior forwards Jacob Gavin and Gavarion Northington are also expected to expand their influence in the Tigers’ frontcourt.
Hoptown is also loaded in the backcourt, beginning with two-sport standout Daisjaun Mercer. Mercer is yet to join the Tigers this season due to a lingering injury from the football season, but his explosiveness and experience running the team will be invaluable. Mercer was second in scoring last season, with just over 12 points per contest on the way to All-District and All-Region honors.
Senior Bubba Leavell also returns to the backcourt after leading the Tigers with 50 three-pointers a season ago. Leavell shot over 40% from behind the arc on the way to over 11 points per game. Another senior, KeiMarion Smith, was second on the squad with 38 made three-pointers as a junior.
Coach Babb also expects new faces to contribute, with seniors Anteuan Crittendon, Jacquez Coleman, and junior DeReion Dudley providing options off the bench.
The Tigers open on the road at Murray High on Friday before traveling to Caldwell County on December 6. Then, they will be in Muhlenberg County to face Ohio County in the Farmers Bank & Trust Tip-Off Classic on December 10 before closing out the year with appearances in three tournaments.
The First United Bank Holiday Classic takes place in Madisonville December 18-21, followed by the City of Middletown Holiday Classic at Eastern. Finally, the Tigers will travel to Louisville Collegiate on December 29 for the Collegiate Classic.
Hopkinsville will face its three district opponents the week of January 21, beginning with a road matchup with Christian County.
