One final year of taking the basketball court, and the Hopkinsville Tigers would like nothing more than to wrap up that final season by making a trip to Rupp Arena in March for one last appearance in the Boys Sweet 16. And, with the pieces of the puzzle that Coach Anthony Babb has returning, that dream of one more state tournament trip may be closer to becoming reality for his team than the rest of the 2nd Region would like.
Gone from last year’s 15-16 team that reached the region tournament are Jonathan Hart, Treston Kay, and Artavius Moses. Hart was the second leading scorer for Hopkinsville (12.3 ppg) in 2024-2025, while Kay and Moses were important role players who gave the Tigers some athleticism and depth when they were on the floor.
While those are some important shoes to fill, Coach Anthony Babb is well-positioned to do just that, thanks to a combination of some transfers and some returning talent that will have the Tigers in the place to contend for the 8th District title and the 2nd Region championship.
Last year’s leading scorer James Bradley Jr. is back for his senior season after a standout fall on the football field. Bradley averaged 15.6 points per game last season and pulled down 8.2 rebounds per contest. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he could be a double-double player for Hopkinsville this season. Bradley also shot nearly 60 percent from the field last season.
Jonovan Leavell did not play like the freshman he was last year for Coach Babb. He saw action in all 31 games and averaged 12.2 points. He was second on the team in made 3-pointers with 51, shooting 32.1 percent from behind the arc. Leavell figures to be the Tigers’ biggest outside shooting threat and could see his numbers climb during his sophomore year.
Jayon Bass is another key player out of a talented sophomore class for the Tigers. Bass finished last season averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Like Leavell, he played in every game during his freshman year. Watch for his numbers to climb with increased playing time in 2025-2026.
Big man Layton Giltner is back for a second season in a Tiger uniform. After transferring from Heritage Christian prior to the start of last season, Giltner scored 8.8 points per game and pulled down 9.6 rebounds. A double–double season could easily fall into place for the junior.
Three new faces to the roster will play significant roles in Hopkinsville’s bid for district and regional titles. Aiden Jessee comes over from Christian County for his senior season. Jesse averaged 3.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Colonels last year and could be set for a breakout senior season with the Tigers this year.
Coach Anthony Babb also has high praise for newcomers Jayven Battle and TaShaun Quarles. Babb notes that Gissendanner is a player that can get his own shot and shots the three very well. Quarles is a 6-3 athlete that Babb says is good off the bounce and brings energy and toughness to the lineup.
As for keys to the season, Coach Babb points to consistent bench play and his players holding each other accountable. He adds that each player will need to play their role if the Tigers want to cut down the nets at the end of the season. He notes he is looking forward to excitement and plenty of fun with the final Tiger team to wear the black and orange.
The schedule for 2025-2026 is filled with interesting matchups. At home, the Tigers will face teams that include Kenwood, Madisonville, Hopkins Central, and Union County. On the road, Hopkinsville’s battles will include games with Lyon County, Webster County, Owensboro, Henderson County, and McCracken County.
And, there is the usual run through the 8th District, including the final battles with crosstown rival Christian County.
The Tigers will spend the holidays playing in the 2025 Boys Gateway Holiday Classic and the Ashland Invitational Tournament.
The last season of Hopkinsville basketball officially gets underway Monday night as the Tigers host Ohio County.
One Response
Jayven gissendanner is Jayven Battle
Comments are closed.