article Inside the 6th Region (2/8/15)

Again the 6th region did not have a very good week as it related to teams stringing victories. The only team in the Top 10 that made it through the week without a loss was Bullitt East. Has Bullitt East found their groove at the right time? They have strung together 3 victories in a row and losing 5 of 6 games right before that. Doss continues to beat 6th region teams, but lost to Lexington Dunbar in the Jock Sutherland Classic. After a strong LIT showing that made it within reason to suggest there was not a lot of separation between the 7th & 6th, there now appears to be a growing opinion that the 7th is significantly stronger top to bottom.

Top 10

1.) Doss

Doss is undefeated in 6th region play with a 10-0 record and 19-6 overall. DuJuanta Weaver may be the best point guard in Jefferson County, for sure in the 6th region. He continues to be the steady player on a team that is best described as very up and down. One person who has seen them recently said they did not seem to be that interested in playing. The grind on the team with all the controversy just seems to be taking a toll. They won two games in the week, but one of those victories was a 3 point margin over Iroquois that has only 6 wins on the season. They ended the week losing to a dangerous Dunbar team in overtime. This week they have Bardstown and Moore which should be victories. They are closing to wrapping up a regular season without any loss to a 6th region team.

2.) Bullitt East

Just when you get close to counting out Bullitt East, they come storming back. After overreacting to their rough spot losing 5 out of 6 games and placing them 5th, they delivered a statement with three consecutive wins over Shelby County, Jeffersontown, and CAL in rather easy victories. Only the JTown game was close and they won that by 8 pulling away in the 4th quarter. They play a respectable Dixie Heights team from the 9th region at home before they travel to rival North Bullitt to end the week with their upcoming games. They are now 16-9 and 4-3 in the region.

3.) DeSales

18-6 with a 8-2 record in the region, but they lost their only game last week to John Hardin by the score of 64-73. Given the DeSales respectable record, the loss will only result in a slight drop to the third spot in the rankings, but John Hardin has only 2 wins in Region 5 which makes this a bit of a surprise to see the loss to a team not even highly ranked in the 5th. DeSales has three games this week beginning with 6th region opponents Fairdale and Whitefield Academy. They end the week with Collins.

4.) PRP

PRP has only a single win in their last 4 games and that was a two point win on a layup with less than 5 seconds remaining. The win was over Moore who has only 6 wins on the season. They lost last week to Shroder (OH) who is not known to be a stronger OH team this season. Still they are 7-1 in the region and 14-7 overall which places them firmly in the 4th spot. They play Iroquois and Fairdale this week in 6th region match-ups that will give some insight into whether PRP is going to be a factor late in the season.

5.) Fern Creek

After going 1-1 last week, the Tigers are now 14-9 and 7-3 in the region which is probably where they were expected to be at this point in the season. Quite a few of the losses leave you wondering how close this could have been to a very special season as 5 losses have come from a total of 8 points. The inability to win most of their close games leaves them just outside the top teams in the region. They had a chance to win both games last week, but lost to Whitefield on the road on a last second shot resulting in one of those close 1 point losses. They finished the week with one of their best victories, an 18 point win over Iroquois. Three tough games are on the schedule for this week, Fairdale, Central, and St. X. which will provide some insight to determine if Fern Creek can make some noise in the post season.

6.) Fairdale

Fairdale stays in the 6th spot after going 1-1, including a big win over 6th Region foe, Butler by 12. They however had a 15 point loss to Atherton from the 7th region. They are now 11-11 and also 8-1 in regional play, with 4 games this coming week. Tre Richardson has really been playing well for the Bulldogs with his toughness around the basket. Fairdale will need a big week from him as they play all 6th region foes in DeSales, Fern Creek, PRP, and Iroquois. If Fairdale can emerge with 3 or even 4 victories then they will obviously rise in the rankings.

7.) Western

Western did nothing to drop or rise from their 7th spot. They took care of their rival, Butler, with an 8 point victory. However, they lost to 7th region power Trinity in a 54-78 score. Western has not had many games compared to most teas, and unfortunately they also had a win last week, but it came from a forfeit when Walden opted to not play their scheduled game with Western. They are 9-8 and 5-3 in the region.

8.) Whitefield Academy

Whitefield jumps back in to the rankings on the heels of three consecutive wins last week, including a win over district rival, Fern Creek. That 46-45 win was on the back of their 6'7" Senior Center, Kyle Jackson. Jackson was all over the court blocking shots and throwing down dunks with strong moves to the basket. Whitefield is now 14-11 and 3-4 in the region. They have 6th region games with DeSales and Valley this week.

9.) North Bullitt

North Bullitt stays at the 9th spot going 2-1 last week. They suffered a bad loss to Central Hardin by the score of 81-55. North is beating the teams they should beat, but is not able to beat the teams on their schedule that are the more competitive games they must win to advance in the rankings. They get that chance this week when they play Bullitt East who is the lone remaining team to offer them that challenge. They are 14-9 and 5-2 within their regional schedule.

10.) Holy Cross

With a win last week over previously #10 ranked Bullitt Central, they deserve the final spot with a 12-13 record and 4-7 in the region. Holy Cross has stepped up and played a challenging schedule which deserves recognition and they are for the most part staying competitive when they do. They play St. X and Western this week.

Top Player(s)

Without a shadow of the doubt the honor goes to Brandon Johnson from Jeffersontown. The honor is long overdue, but playing on a team that has not had many wins is likely the reason for the oversight. However, Brandon is not the reason for the losses piling up. It is sad that this senior has had to exit his great career on such a sour note. He has been part of many victories over the past several seasons and this year he just does not have any complementing players able to share the load. He is doing his part. Recent games have recorded 43, 37, & 34 point games. Even facing defenses that are focused to stop him, he rarely has had a game lower than 25 points in the past few weeks. Hats off to this great scorer and despite the team's lack of success, he is a winner.

The rankings look to be in descent order. It's good to see East get back on stride coming down the stretch. They still have they're lapses, but for that matter who doesn't i guess? PRP is starting to be a mystery to me, are they minus a player right now...Anyone know? Still have two weeks in the regular season to go. Will be interesting to see who finishes strong!

GoHardITP, If it's safe to assume you are involved with the GHITP AAU program, congrats on a good weekend at the KBA.

GoHardITP, If it's safe to assume you are involved with the GHITP AAU program, congrats on a good weekend at the KBA.

Thanks, the younger guys are my favorite to be around and work with. The 2021-2024 teams are all really good. I feel their success rubs off among each other. None of the teams want to be the one's that let the other teams down.

GoHardITP, If it's safe to assume you are involved with the GHITP AAU program, congrats on a good weekend at the KBA.

Why we're playing What's My Line... Are you also a head coach in the 6th region?

Lol nope. I've never coached in Louisville at all.

Lol nope. I've never coached in Louisville at all.

I'm sorry... not you- Go Hard ITP... Gotta be a coach! Breaks down the region like a Pitino!

I'm sorry... not you- Go Hard ITP... Gotta be a coach! Breaks down the region like a Pitino!

I've got my beard working like Pitino, but that is about it. I have coached a little bit, but too old for the high school game. I admire those that work in high school coaching. It is a young man's game because to keep up with the things kids get into these days is exhausting. I really have a ton of respect for an older coaches like Mabry and his staff at PRP. The kids that a school like PRP draws from are from are going to have some disadvantages that you must be prepared to help them through. He and his staff remain consistent and in control, yet the kids know they care.

Like at other schools, many of us would be surprised at some of the things that go on with the young men who walk through those locker room doors. Not only does he teach them the game of basketball, but he is very good at trying to do more for their development beyond the game itself. He is one of my favorites and he is humble while doing so.

Just looking at some scores/records from from last night, and had a few questions as I have only seen a couple games at the KOB this year. Fairdale seems to be up and down, is that from losing their core guys from last year? Doss has seemed to struggle since the "incident" a few weeks ago, are they still considered the favorite for the region? It looks like Coach Crews has gotten Desales to a great record, have they beaten anyone in the top 25 this year? PRP seems to be what they always are, is Bullitt East capable of putting together another regional run like last year? And what has happened at Iroquois, J'town & Butler? All three are usually up around the top of the region most years, and they look like they've fallen off bad...did I see where Valley beat Butler last night? Seems like an odd year for the 6th region...

Just looking at some scores/records from from last night, and had a few questions as I have only seen a couple games at the KOB this year. Fairdale seems to be up and down, is that from losing their core guys from last year? Doss has seemed to struggle since the "incident" a few weeks ago, are they still considered the favorite for the region? It looks like Coach Crews has gotten Desales to a great record, have they beaten anyone in the top 25 this year? PRP seems to be what they always are, is Bullitt East capable of putting together another regional run like last year? And what has happened at Iroquois, J'town & Butler? All three are usually up around the top of the region most years, and they look like they've fallen off bad...did I see where Valley beat Butler last night? Seems like an odd year for the 6th region...

Fairdale seems to be up and down, is that from losing their core guys from last year?

They did lose a ton from last year. I think they have had some players quite the team this year, pretty recently. And some would be to a new coach even though he has been on the staff for years he has a different way of doing things no two people are expectably the same. I will say they are better than I thought they would be.

Doss has seemed to struggle since the "incident" a few weeks ago, is they still considered the favorite for the region?

They have the most talent I would still say they are the favorite there is no clear cut number two. More like three or four team’s right there.

It looks like Coach Crews has gotten Desales to a great record, have they beaten anyone in the top 25 this year?

He is the perfect coach for Desales his style worked there before and it is again. He did have them one shot away from rupp his first time around.

What has happened at Iroquois, J ‘town & Butler?

Iroquois graduated a lot of seniors last year and does not have any on this year’s team. They play hard and will win more games next year when they return everyone.

J’Town- They have one really good player. I am surprised they are not winning more than they are.

Butler- Had problem last year with coaching change, this year they had more problems with seniors. There is too much talent for them to be struggling like this. I have been told it is all cleaned up now we shall see.

Just looking at some scores/records from from last night, and had a few questions as I have only seen a couple games at the KOB this year. Fairdale seems to be up and down, is that from losing their core guys from last year? Doss has seemed to struggle since the "incident" a few weeks ago, are they still considered the favorite for the region? It looks like Coach Crews has gotten Desales to a great record, have they beaten anyone in the top 25 this year? PRP seems to be what they always are, is Bullitt East capable of putting together another regional run like last year? And what has happened at Iroquois, J'town & Butler? All three are usually up around the top of the region most years, and they look like they've fallen off bad...did I see where Valley beat Butler last night? Seems like an odd year for the 6th region...

You have essentially summarized what this year is, an odd season at best. Some may call it parity, while others call it a down year. Fairdale did lose their core and several prolific scorers, and for the most part are rebuilding. Doss does struggle with the fallout and they likely are bored right now until the districts start. Doss is still the favorite to advance to Rupp in my opinion. DeSales and Bullitt East are the best shooting teams and could challenge if they shoot the ball exceptionally well at tournament time. DeSales has not achieved that marquee win to your point. PRP is not as good in years past, but you can not underestimate the staff come tournament time. Iroquois, J'Town, and Butler all need to rebuild and will need to rely on development of their younger players. Valley did beat Butler and both of those teams are lacking upperclassmen. It is a very odd season and the funny part is that next season could be even more odd.

Fairdale seems to be up and down, is that from losing their core guys from last year?

 

They did lose a ton from last year. I think they have had some players quite the team this year, pretty recently. And some would be to a new coach even though he has been on the staff for years he has a different way of doing things no two people are expectably the same. I will say they are better than I thought they would be.

 

Doss has seemed to struggle since the "incident" a few weeks ago, is they still considered the favorite for the region?

 

They have the most talent I would still say they are the favorite there is no clear cut number two. More like three or four team’s right there.

 

It looks like Coach Crews has gotten Desales to a great record, have they beaten anyone in the top 25 this year?

 

He is the perfect coach for Desales his style worked there before and it is again. He did have them one shot away from rupp his first time around.

 

What has happened at Iroquois, J ‘town & Butler?

Iroquois graduated a lot of seniors last year and does not have any on this year’s team. They play hard and will win more games next year when they return everyone.

 

J’Town- They have one really good player. I am surprised they are not winning more than they are.

Butler- Had problem last year with coaching change, this year they had more problems with seniors. There is too much talent for them to be struggling like this. I have been told it is all cleaned up now we shall see.

Jtown isn't winning because they don't play fundamental basketball unless they are running their sets. Everything can't go through Johnson but his bad shots are better than most of the guys good shots. If the kids do what they do best and not force the issue at times, they are a better team. When Johnson does not have to score 60% of point to keep the games close, they are a better team. With that said, they have their first winning streak of the season (2 games) and should win the next 3 to end the season.

If Valley can keep the kids they have now, they could also be good in a couple of years. I was very impressed with their play.

Doss is that team that can turn it up when needed. Even with the loss of Jefferson, they are still a great team. They have another big (not sure of his name) that can hold his own plus they have great athletes.

Desales is an interesting team. They run their offense efficiently and play decent defense. They struggle with teams that has good smart defense.

My favorite for the region is Doss but then PRP, B East are very close. Could probably put Creek in their but youth during tournament time is not a good thing but I could be proven wrong.