Are you saying that Bez thinks BH can play but hasn't offered?

 

Now I don't have up to the minute information (someone said Bez was at the game last night and either parties opinions can change in a heartbeat), but I know conversations have taken place previously and what was taken away from those conversations is that BH isn't too high on staying around here at NKU.

I wanted to wait till this morning to post something after I had a night to think about the performance I witnessed last night.

 

For me, it will go down as the best shooting performance I've ever personally seen at a HS game in person from one player and I go back to the early 80s. I've seen kids score more points than Hatton did last night in a single game but not to score 32 points with 2 guys all over him the entire game. Then you add in the fact that the depth of the 3's made in the 2nd half during the comeback, were just something that you don't see around here at the HS level. I was on the HC team in the mid-late 80s that played against Scott Draud and I agree with Bird Bath, in that Hatton does remind me a little bit of him but BH was hitting them from 8-10 ft past the line last night. Congrats to NCC for doing what they could as they basically had 2 guys on him as soon as he crossed half court the entire game. NCC's starting 5 is very very good and play well together in their half court sets. The lack of bench could come back to hurt them though come tourney time. 0 bench points last night.

 

Both of Dixie's bigs (Niehaus & Milligan) each picking up 2 quick fouls in the first quarter really hurt the Colonels from being able to "contain" Schulte and McDonald and allow NCC to get out to the large lead for most of the game. I thought they both played great. Dixie's guards NOT named Brandon Hatton must step up and make an outside jumpshot when teams are going to double or even triple team BH. Last night they could not.

 

Neither one of those guys can guard McDonald. He is too big and strong on the lower box. In my mind Draud was a little better of a shooter. You have to remember there was no 3pt line back then and he averaged 36pts a game..Dude could flat out shoot.

 

whats up with the nike ball being used? are not all games supposed to be played with the rawlings ball?

Agree on first point and wasn't saying either could keep up with McDonald and Schulte, all I was saying is that those 2 starters compared to the 2 subs that came in would have given them a better chance at containing them.

 

As far as Draud vs Hatton. I'm not for Highlands or Dixie so I am looking at the argument without a dog in the race. After I saw what I saw last night, I'd say BH may have deeper range however. I'd go with Draud as well but the margin wouldn't be by as much as one would think.

Agree on first point and wasn't saying either could keep up with McDonald and Schulte, all I was saying is that those 2 starters compared to the 2 subs that came in would have given them a better chance at containing them.

 

As far as Draud vs Hatton. I'm not for Highlands or Dixie so I am looking at the argument without a dog in the race. After I saw what I saw last night, I'd say BH may have deeper range however. I'd go with Draud as well but the margin wouldn't be by as much as one would think.

 

IMO no Draud vs. Hatton discussion would be complete without tossing in notice of Ronnie Dawn. That kid was lights out too with an incredible range and all around game. I once witnessed him drop 50 one night where he also ended the 1st half with a half court bomb. I don't hear too many mention him much but if I can be of any help he should never be forgotten.

Very entertaining game. As stated by many, BH's outside shooting was really impressive...but I was equally impressed with the athletic ability and high basketball IQ he showed by attacking the rim late in the game. He either made the shot, got to the line (stopping the clock), or created easy shots (mostly put back variety) for his teammates. Bueter's four FTs at the end were clutch. I enjoyed seeing that from the Sr. leader. Bueter was also the go to guy for end of quarter set plays and he executed on two of them (3 pointer top of the key and 3 point play driving to the basket). Also was impressed by McDonald wanting the ball at the end of the game...when things were crazy the Soph showed some leadership...and made a nice post move for a bucket to slow Dixie's late run. Pangallo's ball handling, Schulte's dunk, tough defensive effort in the 4th and late run by Dixie, ... all added up for a great game.

 

Saw a lot of NKY HS coaches at the game. Would love to read their notes and thoughts on how to defend both of these teams.

You guys missed a show if you weren't there tonight . I looked up the dimensions for a volleyball court. The "volleyball line" on the b-ball court is 10 feet from center court. Center court is 42 feet. Hatton had a few tonight that were on or behind the vball line(32 feet) and they were off the dribble with a 6'3 kid in his face.

 

Craziest shooting performance I've seen in high school.

 

NCC was up 20 or 21 in the 2nd half before he went off. Got it down to 2.

 

Sounds like Rick Jones v. LexCath in the Sweet 16 back in '98 or '99

As others have already stated, that second half shooting clinic while being double teamed was beyond description. Congrats to Mr. Hatton. NCC won the game and they too were also impressive in the win. 9th Region might just be a treasure to watch this season. As an extreme fan of NKY basketball, I hope this continues.

NewCath only hit 2 three's? Are they not shooting as many this year, or was it just one of those nights?

I still say Hatton is the best player in the 9th Region, hands down. The boy can flat out play. Tell Bezold "your not interested" and go elsewhere.

 

Not even close. BH will go down in 9th region history as one of the best ever...from a stats perspective.

 

Brandon has worked hard all summer to get better and work on the "flaws" that his critics constantly try to point out because of how good he is. Last night was just a preview of what this kid has for everyone this year. Trust me, he is ready to light it up this year. He hears the negative things people say about him and his confidence is higher than ever.

 

Kudos to NCC though for being able to weather a BH clinic and still get the W.

 

I said it in my team preview and I'll say it again... This is a very dangerous Dixie team. Young but very talented. Soph class is LOADED.

NewCath only hit 2 three's? Are they not shooting as many this year, or was it just one of those nights?

 

Several possible reasons:

 

1. Fallout from taking too many quick shots (several of them threes) in their last game...coaching decision to focus on working the ball inside to take advantage of their size.

2. Dixie did a decent job of closing out on shooters. I don't recall too many open looks from three that they passed on.

3. NCC had a big lead for most of game and didn't need three's out of their offensive sets.

whats up with the nike ball being used? are not all games supposed to be played with the rawlings ball?

 

All games are supposed to be played with the Rawlings KHSAA ball. Anyone know why they were playing with a Nike ball?

Buetter can shoot the ball also.

 

Playing off the ball will be huge for him this year. He pressed a lot last year having to run the pg position. The added strength and change of position have really changed his game and given him more confidence in his shot.

 

Love this kid's leadership as well. He is very vocal when you see him in practice. Doesn't surprise me he is off to a hot start.

Several possible reasons:

 

1. Fallout from taking too many quick shots (several of them threes) in their last game...coaching decision to focus on working the ball inside to take advantage of their size.

2. Dixie did a decent job of closing out on shooters. I don't recall too many open looks from three that they passed on.

3. NCC had a big lead for most of game and didn't need three's out of their offensive sets.

 

NCC is going to play inside-out this year...plain and simple. Unless they're getting open looks, Brannen doesn't want them forcing 3's. This years' team plays much smarter than last years'. They are a very good shooting team... I say that with confidence from seeing it first hand. Just not their biggest strength. By taking smart shots and getting it inside, they control the tempo.