Final from Holmes. Englemon with 24 pts and 16 rebounds for the Bulldogs, Bolden for the 'dogs chipped in 16.

 

Really as most expected. The Widcts hang around for quarter and then Holmes put on the half court trap and PC started turning the ball over. Holmes used their quickness and depth to wear the 'cats down. PC's size is going to be a factor. They are a big man away from being really good. Their guards are solid but wore down with the constant half court trap. Holmes was Holmes. A very slow start when PC packed in the 2-3 zone early. The 'dogs did not attack it early and tried to beat it from the outside and wasn't effective. Once they caused the turnovers and started running, it was over. Englemon is a tough competitor. He can play. He's getting 14-18 rebounds about every game. Bolden is going to be tough to defend. Palmer also played well for Holmes.

Pretty dominant win.

Congrats to Holmes...Wildcats have 2 days to get ready for a tough Augusta team.

Pretty dominant win.

 

As BM stated, about what was expected.

Congrats to Holmes...Wildcats have 2 days to get ready for a tough Augusta team.

 

That will be a good one and it is Nate Jones night for the Cats.

That will be a good one and it is Nate Jones night for the Cats.

Yes it is... Can't wait to honor that young man.

Chris Englemon making an early case for DII POY with the way he is performing so far. Had 15 and 19 game 1, 13 game 2 (not sure how many rbs), 10 and 7 Sunday, and 24 and 16 tonight. Biggest reason Chris is playing so well is that he is actually healthy this year. Had knee issues last year. Coach Booher is very high on Englemon and the progress he has made since last year.

 

I told Coach Hart on twitter if "Duke" keeps playing like that, Holmes will be very tough to beat. Their trio of guards (Bolden, Palmer, Coston) are as good as they come. Chames' play is also very underrated. He doesn't put up huge numbers but is a presence at both ends.

Chris Englemon making an early case for DII POY with the way he is performing so far. Had 15 and 19 game 1, 13 game 2 (not sure how many rbs), 10 and 7 Sunday, and 24 and 16 tonight. Biggest reason Chris is playing so well is that he is actually healthy this year. Had knee issues last year. Coach Booher is very high on Englemon and the progress he has made since last year.

 

I told Coach Hart on twitter if "Duke" keeps playing like that, Holmes will be very tough to beat. Their trio of guards (Bolden, Palmer, Coston) are as good as they come. Chames' play is also very underrated. He doesn't put up huge numbers but is a presence at both ends.

 

Coston is no where near where he will be come February. You can tell he is still in football shape. His shot just isn't there yet and he is still a little slower than normal. As always, if they create turnovers they score buckets in bunches. They can really attack the rim on the break. I am concerned only if teams force them into the half court game. They have to get more agressive driving and dishing. Englemon has improved a great deal form last year, he seems to get every rebound. Palmer had a nice steady game tonight. He really leads this team with his attitude and calm demeanor. IMO the unheralded leader of the team. Bolden shows brilliance most of the time, but still gets a little careless with the ball. He has a few too many unforced turnovers. Maturity and experience should cure that though.

Coston is no where near where he will be come February. You can tell he is still in football shape. His shot just isn't there yet and he is still a little slower than normal. As always, if they create turnovers they score buckets in bunches. They can really attack the rim on the break. I am concerned only if teams force them into the half court game. They have to get more agressive driving and dishing. Englemon has improved a great deal form last year, he seems to get every rebound. Palmer had a nice steady game tonight. He really leads this team with his attitude and calm demeanor. IMO the unheralded leader of the team. Bolden shows brilliance most of the time, but still gets a little careless with the ball. He has a few too many unforced turnovers. Maturity and experience should cure that though.

 

Agree on Coston. You can just look at him and tell he isn't in basketball shape yet. The good thing is he realizes this and isn't taking as many shots. When he settles in and gets more comfortable with his shot, you will see his production go up. His shot selection has been a question in years past but I didn't see that Sunday.

 

Palmer is the leader of this team. His calm demeanor carries over to the other guys. Great person for Bolden to learn from. They play extremely well together and feed off one another.

 

Holmes struggles in the half court when teams first make adjustments and go to a zone, but it doesn't last long. Oak Hills tried to zone them Sunday and once Holmes started driving and dishing, they shot OH out of the zone quickly.

 

As you said though, they feed off the turnovers and need those in order to be successful against the better teams. One thing is for sure...they can put up points in a hurry when they are clicking on all cylinders.

How will the Dogs respond to a physical team with size?

How will the Dogs respond to a physical team with size?

 

Englemon is extremely quick and can hang in there. If he goes out with foul trouble you can pound it on them, Chames is good but no where near the leaper and rebounder as Englemon. The key, as you know Q, is you have to beat their half court press. If guards can take care of the ball and be patient with defensive pressure that is second to none in this region, and pound it inside you can be effectve against the 'dogs. As is their history they can score 8-10 points in 30 seconds and you don't know what hit you. They also can be lulled into a half court game and you wonder if they'll ever score.

How will the Dogs respond to a physical team with size?

 

Oak Hills might not have the talent of some of these other teams, but they were as big and physical as any team they will see in the region this year. Their 4 man looked like a D1 LB. 6'2-6'3 and about 240. Englemon and Chames athleticism help off set a lot of the physical problems.

 

Coach Booher doesn't call fouls in practice because he knows teams are going to try and be physical and he wants to toughen them up. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff that gets let go during a Holmes practice.

The Dogs are coming to Florida after Christmas and you are getting me excited about watching them play. Keep up the good work on posting about their games.

Did the dawgs keep PC's 33 in check?

Nice win for Holmes. Englemon is a beast.

The Dogs are coming to Florida after Christmas and you are getting me excited about watching them play. Keep up the good work on posting about their games.

 

They really are fun to watch. They are well coached and love to run.