I think you are probably right that a lot of years a couple teams outside of the elite Louisville program probably get overlooked, but I think the same thing happens to the 12-16 region school. The 12th region has not been a very strong region for a while, so I think people are underestimating Wayne Co and Lincoln Co this year. The 12th and 14th are both very good regions this year.

 

Agree. Usually when it's a 12th-16th region school, it's a team like the 2000 Corbin one who is the top team in a weak region and maybe hasn't been to State in a few years, but they end up being better than people realize and it shows once they get to State (that Corbin team gave Russellville, who was one of the tournament favorites and made the semis, a really good game in the 1st Round before running out of gas).

 

I think something like that happens to the Louisville schools. They aren't a big name program and maybe don't play in some of the big events that will get them lots of exposure, so people outside of the area never really get to see how good they really are.

 

To me, if you are a school in the 12th-16th and you aren't a hands-down, 20 point favorite to win your region, you're going to have a bad time at State. Now, obviously there are some exceptions to this, but for the most part, schools in those regions playing even with even one other team in their region or immediate area isn't a very good sign.

 

I think Perry County Central and Knott County Central are both capable teams this year, but considering the 14th's draw this year, nothing is a given and I'd be really shocked to see one of them take it all. Stranger things have definitely happened though. I haven't seen enough of Lincoln to really comment on them, but I know that Wayne County is for real and gets a great deal of respect throughout the State for the most part.

Anyone that has watched Montgomery this year should know that except for one or two games they have not played like a top 10 team in the state. They have top 10 talent but they have not been consistent enough to be a top 10 team.

 

Told you.

Told you.

 

Ouch......