IGotNext

The Red Devils will make some noise in the 16th. Everyone back, bigger and stronger. Kidwell will be smiling come February.

Who wins or loses is always an open ? but there will be no 15 - 20 margin for either . . . Russell "by a nose" Good Luck to All

The Independent has good coverage and stats.

Well said. That deuce by Casey Stapleton was a big shot at a big moment. It takes guts and a winner to step up at that moment. I am so happy for him as he has been struggling with confidence. The coach has got inside his head too much so that he is questioning himself. Way to go Casey!

I have seen them play both pre-season scrimmages. My take away is they are quick, have some talent, but are not physically mature. They are intelligent. They have a few key players in development that have special potential. Freshman post player Davidson is athletic, talented, and has competitve fire. Eighth grader Skaggs could be one of the best to come out of Russell before hiis career is over. They have two sharp shooters in Stapleton and a sophmore, Brandon Boyd. They have decent ball handlers in Ross, a transfer from Carroll Co., and McKenzie, a sophmore. They also have a combo guard with talent and experience in Tanner Alexander. I agree they are next years story but this year should show good progress in that they will be competitive, win or lose.

They will struggle, no doubt. Based on what they did against Covington Holy Cross and Bracken Co. they are not unable to compete in the 16th. Whether they win or lose, except Elliot or East Carter, they will be more competitive and in the game. Very possi ble for 8 or more wins, IMO.

Russell opens the season this Friday, December 5 at Greenup County. As of last weeks scrimmage against Bracken County (which Russell won) they are starting an eighth grader (Kyle Skaggs), a freshman post player (Justin Davidson) and three juniors (Casey Stapleton, Tanner Alexander and Scotty Ross). Their first 2 subs are a junior (Nathan Taylor) and sophmore point (Grant McKenzie). Last year they won 3 games and one of them was Greenup at Greenup. Any thoughts on reasonable expectations for this year and how they will fare at Greenup?

I am not familiar with Merl Kidwell's past experience. Do you or anyone else in this forum know about his experience? Has he coached high school boys? Thanks for any response.

To say there is "no doubt" about who will be the next head coach is premature. Before the decision is made all options and opportunities need to be explored. This program needs the best available talent as the next coach, not the path of least resistance. As far as talent goes, there are freshmen coming up that, combined with the sophmores and the 7th grader, will make a significant difference next year. There are also at least 2 dandy 8th graders that are ahead of schedule that will contribute at least year after next. After a 3 win season, the coach that follows is positioned to enjoy a nice improvement next season. Stay up, help is on the way. . . .