Caldwell County is anticipating one of its best basketball squads in years — but the 7th District and the 2nd Region remain as difficult as ever.
However, three starters return from last year’s 19-14 squad. Combined with some talented youngsters, the Tigers feel like even bigger things are on the horizon this season.
Caldwell will be led by 6-foot-7 senior Jaydarius Wilson, who helps the Tigers match up with almost every team on the schedule after getting 20.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game last season.
Wilson remains option No. 1 in the offense, but he is hardly the only offensive weapon on a team that wants to play much faster than last year’s squad.
Senior Collin Whittington averaged 8.2 points a game last season while Luke Parker, yet another senior, scored 4.8. Both of those players are capable of having big nights on the offensive end.
Senior guard Cade Rowland has started at times while sophomore Kam Wilson saw action last year and brings a big body to the lineup.
Meanwhile, two newcomers figure to play key roles this season as well.
Freshman guard Pax Aikins showed flashes of being a big-time scorer over the summer. “He’s a point guard with great handles and can score from anywhere,” noted Caldwell head coach Chuck Mitchell, who begins his second season on the Tiger bench after moving over following four years as Lady Tiger head coach.
Sophomore Ari Wells is a big, stout athlete who has excelled on the baseball diamond.
“He’s a post player who is strong and can finish under the basket,” said Mitchell.
Wells’ athleticism will help the Tigers at both ends of the floor and should take some of the pressure off of Jaydarius Wilson inside.
Caldwell appeared to have lots of depth entering this season. But that will be tested after senior Luke Maddox, who was projected to start at the point, suffered multiple injuries in Caldwell’s playoff football victory at Fort Campbell.
Maddox’s loss “will affect us in a major way,” said Mitchell. “We’re hoping we can get him back before the season is over.”
Still, hopes are high that Caldwell can claim its first 7th District championship since 2007 and make a run in the 2nd Region tournament. The Tigers are also intent on competing for the regional All A title in January as well.
“We always have the same few goals of winning districts, making it to the regional tournament, and winning 20 games,” said Mitchell.
Caldwell begins its 2024-25 journey with a trip to Murray High School on Monday, Dec. 2.
PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR
Aikins and Wells both fit the bill as Players Under the Radar but each figures to make an immediate impact for Caldwell.
The Tigers will need both to be contributors in what looks to be a competitive 7th District and a deep 2nd Region field this season.
BIG GAMES
The Tigers will play a throwback game at Butler Gym on Jan. 31 when Caldwell County hosts a girls and boys doubleheader against Trigg County at its old gym downtown.
Caldwell also has an intriguing matchup against Shades Valley from Birmingham, Alabama, scheduled for Dec. 28 on the second day of the annual West Kentucky Hoops Classic at the CAB gym.
Outside of those games, any 7th District contest will be big this season as all four schools jockey for position for the district tournament, which will be hosted by Caldwell.
OUTLOOK
Most observers have Caldwell County squarely in the dark horse role in the 2nd Region this season.
But, again, the 7th District will be no walk in the park.
“The district is loaded, all four teams are solid,” noted Mitchell. ”I’d say Madisonville has the edge.”
The Maroons have won 15 straight district titles and will be the favorites until someone different ends their string.
In the 2nd Region, Mitchell points to Henderson County, Madisonville, University Heights Academy and Lyon County as the front-runners.
But don’t sleep on Caldwell. The Tigers appear to have all the pieces to put together a strong 2024-25 season.
