Haywood No. 1 in Jackson area preseason boys basketball poll

We looked yesterday at the way-too-early girls basketball Dirty Dozen; now we transition to boys basketball.

Team camps have been completed as we are in the dead period, which means teams are not allowed to practice.

1. Haywood (16-18) – The Tomcats reached the Region 8-AA semifinals last season. They might have had a losing record, but that was because coach Kendall Dancy made out a tough schedule. Haywood is now coached by Oliver Simmons, a former teammate of Tony Delk. Simmons has plenty of talent returning, including DeMarius Boyd and Markeston Douglas, so don’t be surprised if this team tries to make another run at the Class AA state tournament this year.

2. Humboldt (22-11) – The Vikings finished runner-up in Region 7-A last season before going on the road to lose in the Class A sectionals. Coach Ronald Abernathy lost some key players from last year’s team such as Justin Pankey in the post. But he also returns players such as RJ Abernathy and Anthony Jones who will keep this team competitive and a contender for the District 14-A title.

3. Peabody (23-9) – The Golden Tide made a run to the Region 7-A semifinals in Wes Miller’s first year in charge. He has some big holes to fill with the graduation of players such as Khance Hill and Cameron Luten. But he does have All-West Tennessee first-team member Jadarius Harris back with plenty of experience.

4. South Side (20-8) – The Hawks went from a No. 4 seed entering the District 14-AA tournament to reaching the Class AA quarterfinals. Coach DaMonn Fuller must replace Bryce McBride, but the Hawks had some young players on the team who gained lots of experience last year. South Side will again be one of the favorites in District 14-AA.

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5. South Gibson (24-10) – The Hornets made program history last season as they reached their first Class AA sectional game. They return the majority of last year’s guard play, so that should aid coach Mark Wilkins as he tries to win District 13-AA. The graduation of post player Gabe Martin will be the biggest hole South Gibson has to fill.

More: South Gibson's Mark Wilkins named coach of the year

6. McKenzie (22-8) – The Rebels won the District 11-A crown last year, the fourth straight district title for the program. McKenzie didn’t have any seniors last year, so that should benefit coach John Wilkins. Lucas King makes this team go at the guard position, and he has had a big summer. Ben Austin also has improved in the post.

7. Sacred Heart (16-12) – The Knights always provide tough tests for teams across West Tennessee. And they performed well in Division II-A West last year. Tarreq Williams, who is tough to stop around the basket, returns, and with a few pieces around him, the Knights should compete for a district title.

8. Middleton (25-4) – The Tigers won the Region 7-A title last year, but they lost the All-West Tennessee boys basketball player of the year Tylandrius Parks. Coach James Burkley must rebuild some this year, but Middleton always seems to have the athletes to do so. Experience early in the season will be key for the young guys to mature quickly.

9. Crockett County (19-11) – The Cavaliers reached the Region 7-AA semifinals last season, and they want to get right back there this season. Jerrod Shelton must replace Jordan Branch, Damian Nance and Manny Jordan. He will have Luke Shelton and Javion Hannah back to lead this team.

10. McNairy Central (20-8) – The Bobcats made a big turnaround last season, going from a losing record to a contender for the District 14-AA title. Stacy Riley enters his second year in charge with bigger goals, and he has some athletes who can make it happen. Riley is hoping to build a program that is an annual contender for the No. 1 spot in the district.

11. North Side (19-8) – The Indians won the regular-season title last year in District 14-AA, but they lost in the District 14-AA semifinals. Tony Brown is hoping that his team can follow through this year and win a district title. North Side must replace some key players such as Jerry Robertson and Jamal Winston, but there were players such as Somajay Epperson and Ty Arties who have a year more of experience and are ready to lead this team.

12. Bradford (18-13) – The Red Devils finally broke through and reached the Region 7-A semifinals last season. But can they do it again? With player such as River Street and Kobe Roach back, there is a chance for Bradford to be just as good.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.