Holmes/Ballard Predictions (12/21)

Semi Finals of the consolation bracket in the King of the Bluegrass.

Ballard (7-1) defeated Lee, AL 65-48 in the quarters.

Holmes (5-2) defeated Chaparral, AZ 58-43 in the quarters.

Two top teams going at it. Game is Monday night at 7:30.

Thoughts?

I must not be able to type today. Can a mod fix the thread title please? Should read Ballard...not Ballart.

I was very impressed with Ballard in their win over Scott Co. I am going with Ballard in this one down on their turf.

Holmes will play well and win this one by 10.

These two played a great game last year at Bryan Station and both teams return their main weapons.

Ballard lost their pg Cox but return Chiles, Jones, and Means.

Holmes lost their pg Riley but return R. Johnson, J. Johnson, and Pittman.

These two have one common opponent:

Holmes 45 Memphis Central 40
Memphis Central 67 Ballard 63

I think Holmes pulls out a close victory in this game. Pittman was the difference in last year's game as Ballard has nobody over 6'3, and I see him being an x-factor in this game too.

I'd expect Holmes to slow things down and force Ballard in to a half court game since that seems to be a weakness for the Bruins thus far (see Trinity game).

Key to the game is whether or not Ricardo can slow down Chiles. He's been lighting teams up lately. (26 v Lee, 25 v M. Central)

In the end, I think Holmes' defense will be the difference. Ballard has a high scoring offense but Holmes hasn't allowed more than 60 points in the first 7 games.

Holmes- 58
Ballard- 53

Originally Posted by Walter

These two played a great game last year at Bryan Station and both teams return their main weapons.

Ballard lost their pg Cox but return Chiles, Jones, and Means.

Holmes lost their pg Riley but return R. Johnson, J. Johnson, and Pittman.

These two have one common opponent:

Holmes 45 Memphis Central 40
Memphis Central 67 Ballard 63

I think Holmes pulls out a close victory in this game. Pittman was the difference in last year's game as Ballard has nobody over 6'3, and I see him being an x-factor in this game too.

I'd expect Holmes to slow things down and force Ballard in to a half court game since that seems to be a weakness for the Bruins thus far (see Trinity game).

Key to the game is whether or not Ricardo can slow down Chiles. He's been lighting teams up lately. (26 v Lee, 25 v M. Central)

In the end, I think Holmes' defense will be the difference. Ballard has a high scoring offense but Holmes hasn't allowed more than 60 points in the first 7 games.

Holmes- 58
Ballard- 53

While I agree with your assessment of the final score I do not agree with your approach to how Holmes should play this game. I think that coach Henley needs to let the team dictate pace. At this point in the season they are a much better team in a transition game than in a set offense. They seem to struggle in the half court offense and do not have the shooters that they need in that style. I believe they are a much better team in an attack style offense and should take advantage of their size advantage in most matchups. I think they can become a good team who can play both styles but need to push the ball more when the opportunity arises.

Originally Posted by EZ Living

While I agree with your assessment of the final score I do not agree with your approach to how Holmes should play this game. I think that coach Henley needs to let the team dictate pace. At this point in the season they are a much better team in a transition game than in a set offense. They seem to struggle in the half court offense and do not have the shooters that they need in that style. I believe they are a much better team in an attack style offense and should take advantage of their size advantage in most matchups. I think they can become a good team who can play both styles but need to push the ball more when the opportunity arises.

Holmes has looked good in transition the few times I've seen them this year but the problem with them playing that style is they start rushing shots which leads to bad defense.

Holmes misses Riley's consistency from outside, but they have kids who can knock down that outside shot. Pittman, J. Johnson, Rice, R. Johnson, Hayes, and Avery all made a 3 last game.

As for Holmes approach to this game, why would they want to force the tempo when that would play to Ballard's strength? Trinity forced Ballard to beat them with a half court game and they really struggled. Holmes played a 2-3 zone the entire game last year against Ballard and it worked well (Holmes won 45-42). It might not be pretty, but a win is a win.