Bowling Green’s Jarius Key looks to pass during Bowling Green’s win over Warren East on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at Warren Central. (Austin Anthony / photo@bgdailynews.com)

Bowling Green will look for a fifth straight region title and a chance to return to the Sweet 16 to defend its state crown, but faces more questions coming into this season than recent years.

Derrick Clubb replaces D.G. Sherrill as head coach and the Purples also lose the bulk of their offense and rebounding.

The drought continued for non-district 14 teams winning the region, with the last time coming in 2001 when Russellville won.

Once again there are plenty of challengers to try to end the slide, led by Barren County and Monroe County, but Bowling Green and Warren Central appear to lead the way.

Clubb replacing Sherrill isn’t the only coaching change in the region.

Rex Booth replaces longtime coach Phil Todd at Russellville, who made it to last year’s region championship game, while Nick Chaykowsky becomes Allen County’s fourth coach in as many seasons.

Plenty of talent is gone from District 13, including two of the region’s top players in Tavin Lovan and Pedro Bradshaw, leaving plenty of questions heading into the season.

Franklin-Simpson, which lost nine seniors, appears to have the most questions. Russellville brings back Jacob Naylor, while Todd County Central and Logan County bring back the most experience.

The Bears ended the season on a high note, winning six out of the last 10 and advancing to the Region 3 semifinals.

Butler County should be able to carry that momentum into this season, likely as a slight favorite in a competitive District 12.