Well, now we know Robert Smith is back and Neeley is playing despite being injured. I still think Estill can win this game because of their post play and shooting abilities. What do you think?

They played a month ago at Estill with Estill winning by 38. With Smith back I think the Engineers will win by 29 at Booneville. I think that Owsley will struggle with Dixon and Berryman.

I look for the Owls to give more of a hoot in this one. They may not win but I think they'll come out ready to play:

Estill 77

Owsley 70

Estill 65

Owsley 51

Just hope Dixon and Berryman can hit like last time.

I think this is a homecoming game at Owsley County. Owsley seems to play well on homecoming night in Booneville. Last year they put on a shooting clinic agianst Breathitt county missing only two shots the first half and leading by as many as 21. Breathitt also played extremely well and cut it to 8 points before Owsley county won. This was one of the best highschool games that I have ever watched and I expect Owsley to play well in this one.

 

Owsley 60

Estill 57

Ronnie, if you're picking Estill because of post play, you've been watching the wrong team.

They play using 5 perimeter players most of the time.

No, I'm sayin size wise. They can play in the post. They don't always, but if they go inside, advantage Estill.

Will you guys answer something for me?? Is Rober Smith a whole lot better than he was last year? I know the boys never really accepted him and he never really accepted them over here, but I thought he tried to play to much one-on-one and not use the other 4 guys.

Will you guys answer something for me?? Is Rober Smith a whole lot better than he was last year? I know the boys never really accepted him and he never really accepted them over here, but I thought he tried to play to much one-on-one and not use the other 4 guys.

 

Yes, I think Robert is a much better player than he was last year. He made a huge mistake last year when he transferred to Clay County. (Something he will probably regret for a long time). Clay County and Owsley are neighbors, but are about as far apart as Kentucky and New York. What I mean is 13th and 14th region play is very different. Also a legendary powerhouse like Clay County with 10+ players that are exceptional on the floor and sitting on the bench ready to play was like a foreign country to Robert and this was hard to handle. Not because I am from Owsley, but I think for him that Robert made a smart move to return to Owsley to finish his high school career and I hope that his talent shines, not only for the Owls but for himself so that some of the colleges may look at this talented player, both in the classroom and on the floor, and see what a prize that they would be getting. I think he deserves it. Good luck Robert and the Owls.....

And my money is on the Owls by 3....

Finally with a complete team on the floor, everyone is going to see the real Owsley County Basketball team. Owsley now has 3 options on the offensive end with the return of Robert. They will also be much improved on the boards and on the defensive end. Teams will not want to see Owsley come tournament time. Owsley by 5.

I really don't see it. It will be closer, but I don't think Smith makes them that much better. Maybe 10 points better because he takes a lot of Neeleys touches. I still give Estill the edge. Hope Robert does well though.

Robert will actually know some plays this time. I'll say he drops 30 on Estill Co. I would hate to have to guard him. I know he is fired up to be back playing. Good for him!

I look for Robert to have a much better game agianst Estill, with a couple of days of practice now on his side. Also don't forget that Robert can be a lock down defender on a teams best player when he is in condition. As for Neeley not getting his touchs this just allows him to become a more complete player, he will still get his shots. We also don't need to forget Trey Congleton who has been Owsley's most consistant player (both scoring and on the boards) to this point. When those 3 get comfortable with each other, Owsley will be dangerous for anyone!!