GRAYSON — East Carter standout big man Colt Barnhill knows what he will be up against in Wednesday’s Sweet Sixteen opener.

The 6-foot-7 Barnhill and Warren Central players George Fant and Jordan Shanklin got to know each other last summer as members of the Derek Smith All-Stars.

Barnhill played for Kentucky’s senior team, while 6-foot-6 Fant and guard Shanklin were part of the junior squad.

The matchup between Barnhill and Fant figures to be an intriguing battle when their teams meet at noon in Rupp Arena.

“I kind of know what to expect,’’ Barnhill said. “Fant is a good player. Both of us will be ready to go against each other down low. I’m going to do my best.’’

Barnhill, Most Valuable Player of the 16th Region Tournament, is a stalwart behind East Carter’s success with his 20-point scoring average, strong rebounding and defensive presence.

The Raiders are 23-5 after beating Lewis County, Ashland and Fairview for their first regional title since before East Carter’s current players were born.

Senior guard Caleb Adams was East Carter’s top scorer in the regional final at Morehead State University. His 13 points included two 3-pointers in three attempts last Monday.

“It’s been fun,’’ Adams said of the celebration after the Raiders’ second regional championship following a 24-year wait.

Caleb’s father (Vic Adams) and uncle (George Adams) played for East Carter’s 1986 champs.

“The fact that we share something that’s only been done twice in school history is pretty special,’’ Caleb said. “Dad said he is more proud of this one than when he played.’’

Now, the Raiders’ task is to follow up with their first Sweet Sixteen victory.

“We’ve got to continue to do what we’re doing,’’ Adams said. “We have played solid defense all year. Colt is going to keep getting a lot of defensive attention. The role players have to step up and do their part like in the district and region.’’

Senior point guard Kyle Bair serves as the glue for East Carter. He averages 10.8 points, gets the Raiders into their offensive sets, and has the size (6-2) and strength to make defensive stops and go to the boards. Bair ranks second on the team with 4.8 rebounds per game.

“From about January on, Kyle has played extremely well,’’ said East Carter coach Brandon Baker. “His assist-to-turnover ratio has been very good. And Kyle has been known to get a big rebound for us.’’

Rebounding could hold the key to Wednesday’s outcome. While East Carter is adept at limiting opponents to one shot, Warren Central ranked among the state’s top rebounding teams during the regular with a 36.5 average.

“Rebounding is going to be critical,’’ said Baker, who attended the Dragons’ double-overtime win over Bowling Green in the Fourth Region finals. “Warren Central is very quick to the ball. We have to make sure we get a body on them.’’

Bair is looking forward to the challenge. The Raiders are 1-0 against the Sweet Sixteen field, beating Second Region champion Christian County 78-75 in the Ashland Invitational Tournament.

“We came back on them,’’ Bair recalled. “It was a great win in letting us know where we are in the state and where we can be.’’

Bair said the buzz in Grayson continues to run high after East Carter punched its ticket to the State Tournament. His uncle, Kevin Bair, created a huge celebration around town in 1984 by hitting the winning home run for East Carter in the state championship game.

“He rubs it in my face a little bit,’’ Kyle said with a smile. “After we won the region, he was pretty pumped.’’

Baker said the team has been showered with affection.

“It’s been nothing but great excitement,’’ said the Raiders’ coach. “It’s just the type community we have. They put a lot of pride and passion into East Carter, not just basketball but in general. The energy and excitement is big time in Grayson right now.’’

Naturally, East Carter players are geared up about playing in Rupp Arena.

“This is every kid’s dream,’’ Barnhill said. “It’s Kentucky. It doesn’t get any better than that.’’

Baker hopes to keep his team at the right level on the big stage.

“We have to balance the wow factor and still focus on what we need to do to win the game,’’ Baker said.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.