russellrooter

I haven't seen Rowan yet, but I know they were good last year with good players returning. I watched the EKC tournament and saw most of the other 16th Region teams and Russell was the strongest in this tournament (East Carter, Morgan, and Raceland looked good) Unless Rowan has a "killer" to match up with Russell's Gill, they'll have a hard time overcoming the points she'll get. She had 31 kills in her 3 games on Saturday againt Morgan, East, and Raceland. I'm looking forward to some good 16th region volleyball!!

Volleyball season is underway now and many of the teams in the 16th region competed in the recent EKC Tournament in Carter County. I saw several of the games and can say that Russell, Morgan Co, East Carter and Raceland looked very good (by 16th Region standards). Russell won the tournament and Gill looked like the Region's best killer but needs some more support when she's off the front line if they are to repeat. Morgan hardly made any mistakes and very rarely let a ball hit the floor. East Carter has a couple of really good players and good supporting cast. Should be a fun year.

Russell's Scott Gill was voted "Outstanding Boys Track Player" in Kentucky for 2007. He was chosen by the Kentucky High School Coaches Association (KHSCA) from among all size schools in Kentucky. Along with the other winners from other sports (Pettigrew basketball, Beaumont football, etc), he will be honored Friday Jun 15 at the Kentucky/Tennessee All Star Football game at halftime. I believe Scott was high point man for all classes at the Kentucky State Track Championships held in early June. I'm told this is the first such award for a Russell athlete and is yet another nice recognition for Russell High School.

You're right, ia dunk is only worth two points. That being said, when someone dunks over you, IMO it demoralizes the team "dunked on" and picks up the team "dunked with". Wouldn't you hate having someones crotch at eye level while their hanging on the rim and you standing by knowing you can't possible get up that high. Something "athletically" wrong with that picture. After missing several games, Gill's on a tear with 6 dunks in the last 2 games. If his rebounding and defense come alive the rest of the tournament, Russells back to Rupp.

Ashland Rowan Russell Elliott Ashland Russell Russell Scott Gill-Russell

Having just watched my Red Devils get by this scrappy Lewis team, I was impressed with their (Lewis) defense. They beat Russell for 3 of the 4 quarters played and went after loose balls and hustled as well as any team I've watched this year. If not for a "hungry" Gill and their best quarter of the year, Russell get's beat. I see an over-confident Ashland making this one way to close and if their perimeter shot is off they go down! If Ashland can hit a third of their 3's, they win in a nail biter.

Of the 5 from Russell you named ahead of Jon, how many were able to lead their team to Rupp?

Of the list you named, I've played with most and have seen most of the rest play. I would say Skaggs, Hall are clearly better. A couple of others would give him a run for his money (Cantrell, Thomas, Lee). But you lost a ton of credibility, IMO, when you suggest Lane, Sisler, or Mullins are in Jon's league. They were good players, but they weren't great Regional All Timers.

I've played at the pool & the Y with Skaggs for years and I've played at the Y with VanHoose many times as well. Skaggs is definitely a better all around player than VanHoose (now and back in High School) and is a Top 5 Regional player of all time. That being said, I would put VanHoose up against any of the 5 you named from Russell. And speaking of basketball IQ, the fact that you don't think VanHoose is one of Russell's 5 best all timers when he's the leading scorer in their history, tells me that you wouldn't make the all timer's list for posters on BGP.

How can VanHoose not be one of Russell's all time greats when he's their leading scorer in history. I'm an Ashland grad from mid 70's and follow HS basketball and the 16th Region pretty close and I can't think of 5 better (maybe a few as good) than him since then. Before then but still in the not to distant past, I'd give you Hall from Fairview and maybe Skaggs from Greenup Co but I can't think of many more.

Jon VanHoose was IMO one of the best players in 16th Region history yet without him, Russell still has a chance to repeat as champs. It's not because they can replace Jon's points, it's because their coach constantly preaches defense. While most teams celebrate during the game after good plays, Russell's coach will not allow one relaxing moment as he is constantly "in their face" to be in the proper stance, arms extended, and "move your feet". That's one reason through 30 games they've allowed just under 50 points per game and lead the Region in that category. Fortunately for Russell, they have a bunch of 6'3" ish athletes with long arms that get after people. A-Rob may be the best all around "steal guy" in the Region, Gill may be the best defender of the other team's go-to-guy with his size, hops, and speed, Blair is the strongest guard in the Region, Ferguson comes off the bench with a wingspan that bothers people and Turner loves to take a charge. If Russell plays defense like their capable, IMO, they repeat as champs.

I heard on the radio that you can call Ashland Sporting Goods (Dirk) after the Draw today (not sure what time) and they will tell you the pairings

You're right, Lewis Co had two on the All Tourney team. Ruggles and #10 (I believe).

Gritty win for Russell against a "never say die" Lewis County bunch. Blair played at about 50% and was having trouble moving and cutting but was still effective. Gill played his best offensive game of the season (20 or so?) with 3 monster dunks and couple of other alley oops. After missing almost 3 weeks, he's still a step or two off on defense and rebounding but if he plays like this in the Region and Blair gets healthy, Russell can definitely compete. Turner had an strong first half on the boards and him and Arob didn't miss a three in the first quarter. Russell fans were out in full force and made a difference in this game. All tournament team was T Wright-Greenup, Sparks-Raceland, Ruggels-Lewis, and Gill, Blair, Turner, Robinson, and VanHoose for Russell.

Gill is playing after being out about 3 weeks with mono. He missed practice and games and he's definitely not at full strength. He played about half the game against Raceland and looked pretty good.