Is it my imagination or do the same teams always make it to the All A tournament? Seems like its the same teams every year. I don't look at it as much of a "small school tournament" as I do a tournament that has the big name Class A schools every year.

Is it my imagination or do the same teams always make it to the All A tournament? Seems like its the same teams every year. I don't look at it as much of a "small school tournament" as I do a tournament that has the big name Class A schools every year.

Lee County, out of the 14th region, will be making their first trip.

 

If Brossart thinks they got a bye when they drew the 14th, well they may be in for a big surprise. I was really impressed with Lee County throughout the All A region. The Bobcats have an excellent defensive team and a good bench. They won't be intimidated by the Mustangs.

Russellville will be returning to Richmond for the first time since the mid-90s.

Russellville will be returning to Richmond for the first time since the mid-90s.

Russellville would probably have had 4 or 5 All A state titles if they had chosen to play in the All A when they were winning the 4th region in the years they had their powerhouse state teams, and was making it an annual visit to the Sweet 16. I've always thought they were the best team at Rupp the year Elizabethtown won it all (I believe they had a key player injured in the first game and he didn't play after that).

 

For some reason Russellville decided not to play in the majority of the All A's since the tournament started in 1990.

 

I think they made a poor decision in all those years. The All A is a good deal. They pay for all the hotels for the teams, plus a certain amount for meals. I don't think the Sweet 16 does that. Of course, everyone would rather play in the Sweet 16....but how can you go wrong also trying to win the All A state?

Injuries didn't cost Russellville in 2000 ... it was their inability to hold a lead. The Panthers had Elizabethtown down by 15 in the fourth quarter in the semifinals, but Antwain Barbour went nuts and sparked the comeback.

 

Russellville's coach at the time felt that the two-week grind of the All A Classic would hurt the Panthers' chances of winning the 4th Region and making it to the Sweet 16.

 

I don't know if Russellville would have four or five titles, but I have little doubt that Russellville would have won the All A in 2000 and 2001. They beat Newport Catholic at the 5/3 in 1999, a few weeks before NewCath won the All A. Glasgow won the All A in 2001, then got hammered by Russellville in the 4th Region tournament.

I think westside is right about why Coach Todd chose not to play. I know this years team is excited to be coming to Richmond and hopefully we will have good luck. I think they did make it to the All A final four in the mid 90's with Bubba Wells and Otis Key, I was in the military then so not sure of what year.

Lee County, out of the 14th region, will be making their first trip.

 

If Brossart thinks they got a bye when they drew the 14th, well they may be in for a big surprise. I was really impressed with Lee County throughout the All A region. The Bobcats have an excellent defensive team and a good bench. They won't be intimidated by the Mustangs.

 

Somebody's got an inferiority complex?? I don't recall anyone on here suggesting the 14th winner or Lee Co. in particular won't be a good rep to the All "A"?? I can assure you the Mustangs aren't taking Lee Co. lightly, as they've been sent home by the 14th region rep the last couple of years!! Should be a good matchup, as Brossart can play a little "D" as well. I just hope it gets over before midnight!!

What about Somerset? Everyone forgets how good they are when it comes to class a?

What about Somerset? Everyone forgets how good they are when it comes to class a?

 

I think they have a big shot. Always tough to contend with!!

Does Anyone know if there is a copy of the Paintsville-South floyd game floating anywhere on the net that I can listen to...sounds like that was a whale of a ballgame

Is it my imagination or do the same teams always make it to the All A tournament? Seems like its the same teams every year. I don't look at it as much of a "small school tournament" as I do a tournament that has the big name Class A schools every year.

 

 

I agree... they call it Class A tournament but with all of the CAtholic schools in there (with typically 4-8 feeder schools) I don't consider them class A the way it used to be when Stan Steidel started it in 1980. You get teams like HCross / NCC/ St. Henry in the 9th region and they just have too many kids from too many catholic grade schools/middle schools to choose from. How does a Ludlow (even this yr with the Penick kid and decent supporting cast), Bellevue, Dayton, etc how do they get to Eastern KY for the state tourney?

I think Bardstown has a good shot, coming out of the lower bracket. The 5th is pretty good this year, and Bardstown had to get past a tough Caverna team with a potential All-Stater in William Bradley. As was the case in football, Brian Calhoun is the most talented athlete noone has ever heard of, and Kurtis Neel is coming on and had 30 against Caverna.

I agree... they call it Class A tournament but with all of the CAtholic schools in there (with typically 4-8 feeder schools) I don't consider them class A the way it used to be when Stan Steidel started it in 1980. You get teams like HCross / NCC/ St. Henry in the 9th region and they just have too many kids from too many catholic grade schools/middle schools to choose from. How does a Ludlow (even this yr with the Penick kid and decent supporting cast), Bellevue, Dayton, etc how do they get to Eastern KY for the state tourney?

 

Start by getting the kids involved in the early grades, keep them involved throughout elementary and middle schools, get good coaches to help develop them, sponsor AAU teams to get them experience, develop summer programs and open gyms to keep them playing year round, have camps to further increase interest and involvement, create a weight program, hire a quality enthusiastic coaching staff, promote an involved and excited student body, etc.--Those are a few things as a good start, that have nothing to do with the size of the school or the number of feeder schools!! By the way, Holy Cross was instrmental in starting the All "A"!!

What about Somerset? Everyone forgets how good they are when it comes to class a?

Given Somerset's recent performances in Richmond, especially since Thacker took over the program, anyone would be foolish to count out the Jumpers.

Lee County, out of the 14th region, will be making their first trip.

 

If Brossart thinks they got a bye when they drew the 14th, well they may be in for a big surprise. I was really impressed with Lee County throughout the All A region. The Bobcats have an excellent defensive team and a good bench. They won't be intimidated by the Mustangs.

 

I totally agree with the professor. Lee County is playing excellent basketball, and can play with anyone. I think their Coach should definately be the top candidate for coach of the year. These kids from Lee County will flat out play ball for him. It is very unique when you can find a coach that can get the most out of his players. I think he does that.