Who did SK get ? I think both Shelby Co and Trimble Co could be some of the tallest teams in the region this year - maybe ever! Not sure about the guard play at Shelby though. Trimble could have one of the best teams since the 80"s. I think they could be the favorite in the 29th district and could be a VERY competitive team in the region.

 

In the 8th Shelby and Walton come to mind first because of what's returning.

Trimble is a team to look out for as they match up with Shelby well

and are a matchup problem for Walton. I would also throw Gallatin into the mix as a scary team I wouldn't want to play come region time. Simon and Anderson are always competitive. Region truly is wide open unless mass transfers go to a team.

In the 9th Holy Cross looked like the most talented team I saw. Turner gives them the outside threat and scoring guard they have lacked when teams are able to pack it in. They took NCC down to the wire and add a all region guard. Highlands looks like #2 from what I saw right now, but it's early and a lot can change.

In the 8th Shelby and Walton come to mind first because of what's returning.

Trimble is a team to look out for as they match up with Shelby well

and are a matchup problem for Walton. I would also throw Gallatin into the mix as a scary team I wouldn't want to play come region time. Simon and Anderson are always competitive. Region truly is wide open unless mass transfers go to a team.

 

I have not seen Shelby since the middle of last season at a Christmas tourney...but I think they will struggle with any team that has speed and makes them play at any pace faster than slow. They were huge, but definitely want to play a slow down game. I would guess Anderson will have to play fast after losing their 2 big guns??? If I am correct on both of these, Anderson may still be a matchup issue for Shelby.

Edited June 27, 201412 yr by gold sunrise
Rule #13

In the 7th region I think you will hear a lot from the Male bulldogs. They are be dark horse to win the region. It will be between Male, Sacred heart, and Manual.

 

Bingo! Manual is a veteran team, Male had/has a vast group of young but talented kids, and Sacred Heart is said to have another good crop of new kids to replace Ruffin and Merriweather. After that, there is a great drop-off ... new coaches at CAL and Assumption (but still have 6'-6" Nora Kiesler), and Eastern and Ballard lost much to graduation.

In the 9th Holy Cross looked like the most talented team I saw. Turner gives them the outside threat and scoring guard they have lacked when teams are able to pack it in. They took NCC down to the wire and add a all region guard. Highlands looks like #2 from what I saw right now, but it's early and a lot can change.

 

I would agree on the most talented team in the 9th region will be Holy Cross. The one thing that hurt them last year was very little, if any bench production. If the refs call everything again this coming year like last year, they will need to get some bench minutes/points/rebounds due to possible foul trouble or fagitue. Also there are several other teams in the 9th that should be very good this year with the likes of Highlands, Conner, Ryle, Boone Co., and Ncc will still be strong.

Bingo! Manual is a veteran team, Male had/has a vast group of young but talented kids, and Sacred Heart is said to have another good crop of new kids to replace Ruffin and Merriweather. After that, there is a great drop-off ... new coaches at CAL and Assumption (but still have 6'-6" Nora Kiesler), and Eastern and Ballard lost much to graduation.

 

Most teams that depend on Freshman usually don't have the mental part of the game to win championships. Sounds like SHA will play many minutes with Freshman this year, so there is an uncertainty on how consistent they will be. You might see as many as four freshman on the court at the same time.

Sacred Heart lost a huge part of their offense and defense will the graduation of Ruffin and Merriweather. Who picks up the scoring loss of these two high caliber players? Leadership is another part of the puzzle that needs to be figured out for this team to consistently win. Who steps up? Freshman?

 

This is why I don't think SHA is a shoe-in to win the region.

Most teams that depend on Freshman usually don't have the mental part of the game to win championships. Sounds like SHA will play many minutes with Freshman this year, so there is an uncertainty on how consistent they will be. You might see as many as four freshman on the court at the same time.

Sacred Heart lost a huge part of their offense and defense will the graduation of Ruffin and Merriweather. Who picks up the scoring loss of these two high caliber players? Leadership is another part of the puzzle that needs to be figured out for this team to consistently win. Who steps up? Freshman?

 

This is why I don't think SHA is a shoe-in to win the region.

Butler had 3 or 4 freshmen on the floor at the same time last season. Seemed to work out OK for them?

I can't see how losing Graham won't hurt GRC. As for Mason, they have been an underperformer for some time. Typically high hopes that don't pan out. Their younger group has been winners all the way through, I think they break through this season. In any event, I really don't see a run a way in the region regardless who wins.

Butler had 3 or 4 freshmen on the floor at the same time last season. Seemed to work out OK for them?

 

I said most teams, Butler was the anomaly.

SHA will be competitive in the seventh and one of the 3 favorites to win it.

I didn't know there were 16 Regions, I thought only the 8th and 9th existed.

 

SK 8th

HC 9th

I didn't know there were 16 Regions, I thought only the 8th and 9th existed.

 

SK 8th

HC 9th

 

You folks are giving SK too much credit. Lots of young and untested talent coming into the program. Emphasis on the young and untested. Anybody who saw Shelby County play in the 8th region tournament last year would have to rate them the preseason favorite in R8. Not to say these coached up youngsters at SK won't be there at the end, but going in, I would have to give Shelby County the nod.

You folks are giving SK too much credit. Lots of young and untested talent coming into the program. Emphasis on the young and untested. Anybody who saw Shelby County play in the 8th region tournament last year would have to rate them the preseason favorite in R8. Not to say these coached up youngsters at SK won't be there at the end, but going in, I would have to give Shelby County the nod.

 

I respectfully but firmly disagree with you. The amount of young talent SK will have will be extraordinary. The only team I can see challenging them is Anderson Co. Everyone else is distantly behind those 2. Sort of like last year, but for different reasons obviously. SK replaces a very talented group with a group that may eventually develop into a core that's even better but is already able to win the region. Anderson loses its core but with them it will be all about style. Very excited what the new coach can accomplish with that team. Just not enough in the tank yet from WV or Shelby to challenge these two and the Oldhams will remain pretty quiet.

If Walton can find a girl to step up and run the point they will be in the top 2 or 3 of the 8th region.

SK will have to prove themselves with the young talent and transfer that they have coming in first but will probably be there in the end of the season. Shelby has to get the nod at #1 for now.

I respectfully but firmly disagree with you. The amount of young talent SK will have will be extraordinary. The only team I can see challenging them is Anderson Co. Everyone else is distantly behind those 2. Sort of like last year, but for different reasons obviously. SK replaces a very talented group with a group that may eventually develop into a core that's even better but is already able to win the region. Anderson loses its core but with them it will be all about style. Very excited what the new coach can accomplish with that team. Just not enough in the tank yet from WV or Shelby to challenge these two and the Oldhams will remain pretty quiet.

 

Shelby Co. looked very strong in the 8th region tournament and has everybody back, at least that is my understanding. I agree with you that the young talent SK will put on the court is extraordinary, and the coaching staff of Stowers, Olmstead and Wedeline is up there with any staff in the state, but I think you may be expecting too much too fast. Young teams, even talented, can win by 30 one night, and lose by 20 the next night. I would expect some losses, even bad losses, with a team that is this young. At least early in the season.

 

Where is RCC9 when you need him?

Here! Whatcha need?