Thoughts?

http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-boys-basketball/2014-15-kentucky-290455.html

 

Clark County

 

We're thinking 2014-15 will be quite the turnaround in Winchester. GRC does lose powerful big man Khmarkis Blanton and guard Riley Caudill, but returning is outstanding guard Damion King. The 5'10" senior is one of the 10th Region's Top 5 players, but it's not because of his scoring, his defense, his rebounding, or his ability to distribute the ball. It's all of those things combined that make King an elite player. You'll be hard-pressed to find a player of King's size and stature that can accomplish as much. Coach Humphrey put it simply, but accurately, "King is a stud." But the lightning quick, overachieving guard isn't at all a one-man show. Forward Jerryd Jones burst onto the scene last year as one of the 10th's premier freshman. Jones shared team-high scoring honors (12) with King in the Regional Tournament last year, and he is poised for a breakout season in 2014-15. Senior guard Braxton Greene "is playing really well right now" according to Humphrey and will join King in a back court that will wreak havoc. Two seniors, smallish guard Malachi Israel and bruising forward Luke Sharrock, have a load of experience and have proven dependable. And keep an eye on a group of talented youngsters who might play an important role in GRC's success this year, and most certainly in years to come.

 

Humphrey is excited about his team, saying, "The core returns. We have had several players improve individually in the off season. We hope that translates into a better team." He loves how his kids have attacked the off-season, starting in March and continuing all the way through October. He also believes that his team is tired of the losing and the excuses that naturally come about when losses begin to stack up. "The 'no experience' and 'too small to win' arguments are tiresome," Humphrey states. "There may have been some truth to that the last two years, but those excuses have zero validity this year. Our core is tired of losing. It's time to win some games." If the offensive struggles and late-game mistakes can get corrected, GRC is in position to legitimately compete for its first Regional Tournament crown since 2012.

http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-boys-basketball/2014-15-kentucky-290455.html

 

Nicholas County

 

Roger Newton enters his second year at the helm of the Nicholas County basketball program hoping to build on a decent 2013-14 campaign. The Bluejackets finished 11-18 last year, falling just short of reaching the 10th Region Tournament for a second straight season when they lost to Robertson County 53-49 in the District semifinals. Newton loses his second and third top scorers and rebounders from last year's club, Scott Keaton (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Logan Fryman (10.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg), but returns 7 seniors and 11 lettermen.

 

Tyler Newton, the coach's son, was the leading scorer for the Jackets last year at 14.6 ppg. The 5'11" senior was among the state's free throw shooting leaders in 2013-14 at 84.5% and can play either guard position. Newton is talented enough to find himself on a Top 10 players list by season's end. "Tyler plans to show what kind of player he is against all opponents," Coach Newton told us. Senior Ben Duncan averaged 6.3 ppg last year and Newton says his swingman is "our best individual defender who draws the toughest offensive opponent." Another senior, guard Dillon Webb, is a good 3-point shooting threat for the Jackets, but also led the team in charges taken a season ago. Senior guard Devin Trussell did not play in 2013-14, but Newton calls him the "best athlete on the team." Elijah Barnett, a junior, is the team's best returning post player. "Elijah had a good summer of AAU and has played well in the pre-season," Newton said. "He has the ability to face up, shoot the 3, and can also post up inside." Sophomore point guard Logan Stafford is entering his third year on the varsity and is an able distributor of the basketball. Two other sophomores will add guard depth in Trent Letcher and Wes Sapp. Newton also says he may reach down to the freshman class, where guard Spencer Morris and swing player Sam Hamilton can provide additional manpower.

 

Newton says a lack of size is what concerns him most with his roster. "With certain teams it will be an issue," Newton stated. "But we have some quickness and guys who can score the ball this year." With guard play being a strength, Newton says his team will employ an up-tempo style of play. "We will not be running and gunning, but we do hope to use our speed and athleticism against our opponents," Newton commented. While the Jackets do have their sights set on a return to the Regional Tournament, they will be in the thick of things as it relates to the 10th Region Class A, where they will square off with 5-time defending champ Bishop Brossart in the opening round.

GRC will travel to Nicholas county to kick off the 2014/15 b-ball season. GRC in the preview is ranked #2 in the region behind Campbell Co. Not sure on who will be the starters, but my guess would be.

 

Damion King, G

Luke Sharrock, F.

Jerryd Jones, C

Malachi Israel, G

Braxton Green, F

 

Josiah Israel, starting guard for the last two years, has decided not to play basketball this year.

 

Like Nicholas Co GRC is not a tall team and should match up well. Players for Nicholas Co to watch for are:

 

Tyler Newton, the coach's son, was the leading scorer for the Jackets last year at 14.6 ppg. The 5'11" senior was among the state's free throw shooting leaders in 2013-14 at 84.5% and can play either guard position.

 

Senior Ben Duncan averaged 6.3 ppg last year and Newton says his swingman is "our best individual defender who draws the toughest offensive opponent."

 

Another senior, guard Dillon Webb, is a good 3-point shooting threat for the Jackets, but also led the team in charges taken a season ago.

 

Elijah Barnett, a junior, is the team's best returning post player.

 

Your thoughts and predictions.

 

Gold Sunrise, can you please delete the thread that I started on this topic below?

 

Thanks.

Moderator, please delete this duplicate thread.

http://bluegrasspreps.com/ky-boys-basketball/2014-15-kentucky-290455.html

 

"The 'no experience' and 'too small to win' arguments are tiresome," Humphrey states. "There may have been some truth to that the last two years, but those excuses have zero validity this year. Our core is tired of losing. It's time to win some games." If the offensive struggles and late-game mistakes can get corrected, GRC is in position to legitimately compete for its first Regional Tournament crown since 2012.

Clark by 15-17.

2 days until gameday.

Anybody going to be at this game?

Cards by 10

1 day til gameday.

Cards in a close one.

Cards by 10

 

That's what I'm thinking.

Hump is a long way removed from the Zollo bunch ain't he?