Elementary Boys Players of the Week (Oct. 11)

Three weeks into the Warren County 3–5 grade boys basketball season, it’s clear this new era of elementary hoops with the youngsters has found its stride. The first half of the season brought packed gyms, breakout stars and plenty of drama - from buzzer-beating wins to dominant defensive efforts. Bobby Ray and Boyd have separated themselves in District 1, trading early-season blows while splitting their matchupsin, including being one of the year’s best games so far. Over in District 2, Centertown has been the class of the field, while Dibrell, Morrison and Hickory Creek have all notched impressive wins to stay in the mix.

Several players have stepped firmly into the spotlight this season. Boyd’s Ryder Reed has been a walking bucket, West’s Camden Chadwell is a scoring sensation and the Conley brothers of Hickory Creek a force on both ends of the court. Bobby Ray’s Michael Simmons and Braylen Locke also provide a tremendous 1-2 punch as the Stars are legit contenders for a county crown, while Centertown’s Greyson Eubanks and Asher Mathis have helped the Warriors maintain their championship pedigree. Across the league, every team has found new heroes as young players continue to grow week to week.

After a week off for fall break, action returns this week, and the energy is expected to pick right back up. With the regular season halfway through, the chase for district titles - and tournament seeding - will heat up fast.

Each Saturday, the Main Street Journal will spotlight a Player of the Week from each team, celebrating the kids who stood out on the hardwood and pushed their squads forward.

This recognition is made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors: Dos Marias Street Food, Crisp Springs Market, Prince HVAC, Grissom Underground, Crisp Springs Fireworks, Sara Beth Collins with Tree City Realty, Family Care Clinic and Hot Corner Cards.

Here is our third installment of the Elementary boys players of the week (Oct. 11):

Maddax Morrison – Bobby Ray Stars

Few players have been tougher around the rim this season than Maddax Morrison. The bruising post has been a constant presence for the Stars, carving out space and controlling the glass against every opponent. Morrison's domination inside is helping the Stars maintain their spot near the top of the District 1 standings. His rebounding and toughness have made him one of the league’s premier enforcers.

Levi Zahn – Boyd Broncos

Zahn has emerged as the perfect complement to Boyd’s up-tempo attack. A confident shooter who can also battle inside, Zahn has shown he can step up in key moments for the Broncos. He's knocked down huge 3-pointers and poured in points as Boyd stays tied atop the District 1 standings. As a budding scorer with great size and touch, Zahn continues to grow into one of the league’s most dependable forwards.

Asher Mathis – Centertown Warriors

Centertown’s backcourt has found its rhythm thanks in some part to Asher Mathis. The skilled guard has become a steady hand for the Warriors, showing off his growing confidence with the ball and ability to score in big moments. Mathis is helping the Warriors remain among the elite in District 2.

Mason Kieffer – Dibrell Wildcats

The Wildcats are scrappy and defensive-minded, and Mason Kieffer fits that mold perfectly. A relentless on-ball defender and high-energy player, Kieffer has developed into the heart of Dibrell’s defensive effort. His performance in the Wildcats’ wins - where he constantly disrupted passing lanes and controlled the pace - showed why he’s one of the toughest defenders in the league. Kieffer brings grit, hustle and heart to every game for coach Bryson Elrod’s team.

Cain Rodriguez – Eastside Bulldogs

Eastside may still be looking for its first win, but the Bulldogs are seeing growth from several key players - including Cain Rodriguez. The young guard has emerged as a reliable scorer and competitor. His ability to handle the ball and attack the basket shows flashes of what’s to come for a Bulldogs squad continuing to develop under fire in District 2 play.

Truett Conley – Hickory Creek Hawks

The Conley brothers have been a driving force for the Hickory Creek Hawks this season, and Truett’s play continues to impress. With his brother Branch leading the charge and Truett providing the perfect complement, the Hawks are shaping into one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. Their chemistry has powered Hickory Creek to early success.

True Lusk – Irving College Tigers

Irving College has found a rising star in guard True Lusk. The young floor general has quickly become one of the Tigers’ most dependable playmakers, scoring key buckets and setting up teammates during their 31-18 win over Eastside. His court vision and confident shooting have given Irving College a much-needed spark. As the season hits its midway point, Lusk’s development has been one of the brightest storylines in District 1.

Rylan Vincion – Morrison Eagles

Believe in Yourself is always the mantra at Morrison and the Eagles are learning to believe - Rylan Vincion’s play is a big reason why. A tough, two-way player who can handle the ball or crash the boards, Vincion has given the Eagles valuable scoring punch. He has become a steady contributor for a Morrison team that’s starting to find its confidence. Vincion’s leadership and hustle have been vital in the team’s turnaround.

Caleb Walker – West Wizards

West’s rise in recent weeks has been fueled by defense and a growing presence on the wings, led by Caleb Walker. The lengthy, athletic Wizard has brought energy and defense to a squad already known for guard play. Walker’s ability to defend multiple positions and finish in transition has been crucial as West climbed back into contention in District 1.

League Standings

District 1
Boyd 6-1 (3-1 district)
Bobby Ray 5-1 (3-1 district)
Hickory Creek 2-2 (1-2 district)
West 2-3 (1-2 district)
Irving College 1-3 (0-2 district)

District 2
Centertown 3-1 (3-0 district)
Dibrell 3-3 (2-1 district)
Morrison 1-3 (0-2 district)
Eastside 0-6 (0-2 district)

Elementary boys top scorers

Ryder Reed, Boyd — 20.1 ppg
Camden Chadwell, West — 14.4 ppg
Michael Simmons, Bobby Ray — 8.3 ppg
Braylen Locke, Bobby Ray — 8.3 ppg
Jeb Culwell, Dibrell — 7.6 ppg
Ryder Blair, Dibrell — 7.6 ppg
Greyson Eubanks, Centertown — 7.0 ppg
Oaklen Hutchison, Eastside — 5.6 ppg
Branch Conley, Hickory Creek — 5.0 ppg
Levi Zahn, Boyd — 4.9 ppg

Upcoming schedule

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Hickory Creek at Irving College, 6 p.m.
The Conley brothers — Branch and Truett — will try to keep the Hawks climbing the standings as they visit Irving College. The Tigers, led by guard True Lusk, are hunting for their first district win and hope to slow Hickory Creek’s balanced offense after back-to-back strong outings.

West at Bobby Ray, 6 p.m.
West’s dynamic scorer Camden Chadwell gets another big-stage moment as he leads the Wizards against the league’s deepest team. Bobby Ray will counter with its one-two punch of Michael Simmons and Braylen Locke, who’ve powered the Stars to a 5-1 start with high-paced scoring and relentless defense.

Morrison at Eastside, 6 p.m.
Rylan Vincion and Trey Hawkins headline a scrappy Morrison group that’s finding its rhythm after a challenging early schedule. Eastside’s Oaklen Hutchison will look to reignite the Bulldog offense, aiming to turn his steady scoring into the team’s first win of the season.

Thursday, Oct. 16

West at Irving College, 6 p.m.
A longtime rivalry in District 1 renews this Thursday as the Wizards, trending upward, will try to corral Irving College’s young guards that showing they can heat up quickly if left unchecked.

Dibrell at Hickory Creek, 6 p.m.
Expect fireworks in this District 2 battle featuring Dibrell’s backcourt duo of Ryder Blair and Jeb Culwell against the Hawks, who love to soar at home. The Wildcats play a high-tempo style, one that could be matched by Hickory Creek pressure and run-and-gun offense.

Morrison at Bobby Ray, 6 p.m.
The Stars return home behind post presence Maddax Morrison and guard Michael Simmons, who’ve been dominant all season. Morrison’s improving group, led by Rylan Vincion, will try to pull off a major upset against one of the league’s title favorites.