Totally disagree with you on this. Not making shots was the difference. There was no magic strategy or adjustments made other than Coach R going out of the Man to Man during the game. I'm sorry, that is not genius.

 

Coaching was fine and good for both teams. It was simply CCH made more plays the last 4 minutes. Drives me crazy when there are thoughts that there were great adjustments and decisions made. That was just not the case last night. It was the players.

 

So you attribute Holmes going 4 for 22 in the second half all on "not making shots"? I think some credit must go the defense. Would love to see a shot chart of the first half and second half for Holmes, this would be telling. And pretty sure Bolden was effective driving the lane in the first half while CCH played zone, adjustments were made. Not taking anything away from the players, agree they determine most games (Seahawks last play coaching decisions cost them the Super Bowl) but coaching has an impact also.

Not sure this belongs here but this is one classy kid and one classy scorekeeper. (not my picture but I would have killed to take it)

 

 

 

(as posted on facebook) For those who don't know, Mr. Kaelin has been CovCath official score keeper for over 50 years but because of illness, he could only do 1 game this season but he was with us in spirit in each and every game. Bo knew that and when it was mentioned to him that Mr. Kaelin was at the game, he cut a piece of the net down and gave it to him. Outstanding job Bo!

So you attribute Holmes going 4 for 22 in the second half all on "not making shots"? I think some credit must go the defense. Would love to see a shot chart of the first half and second half for Holmes, this would be telling. And pretty sure Bolden was effective driving the lane in the first half while CCH played zone, adjustments were made. Not taking anything away from the players, agree they determine most games (Seahawks last play coaching decisions cost them the Super Bowl) but coaching has an impact also.

 

I believe Holmes not making shots can be attributed to CCH's defense. However, I think most who have seen Bolden play for three years, have seen him make those shots. I was referring to coaching that I bolded. The coaching was fine. Just what could Coach L do, he can't shoot for them.

 

These two teams are as familiar with each other as any in the region. They had less that 24 hours to prepare, nothing in that 24 hours besides the coaching plans was really going to matter. No motivation was needed for either team, they knew what it meant and what they faced.

 

Sure there were decisions made during the game, but it was just normal adjustments both coaches do well. This was not a game where a coach outcoached another, which does happen. This was a game where one team outplayed the other in the final four minutes. That's where the credit should go.

I may catch heat for saying this, but I also thought Holmes "bigs" were very selfish in the last 2 games. With the exception of #15 , every time the ball went into the post it was shot. I thought that several shots were forced up over much bigger defenders when they could've been kicked out for an open shot or to get deeper post position. I understand that when the ball entered the paint it was 5-7 feet from the basket, but at some point I would think that going strong against a defender who is much taller than you and who has stopped you several times before would not be the best option for you.

 

Passing out of the post & re-posting is a skill not many high school kids do well. I believe the easier alternative is to turn and shoot no matter what the defense dictates. Also, this works both ways, you have to have the guards that are willing to re enter the ball. The post up game in high school and college seems to have diminished as a primary weapon. Its a pick & pop or pick & roll world these days.

So you attribute Holmes going 4 for 22 in the second half all on "not making shots"? I think some credit must go the defense. Would love to see a shot chart of the first half and second half for Holmes, this would be telling. And pretty sure Bolden was effective driving the lane in the first half while CCH played zone, adjustments were made. Not taking anything away from the players, agree they determine most games (Seahawks last play coaching decisions cost them the Super Bowl) but coaching has an impact also.

 

Then you have to give Coach L credit for the adjustment he made in his zone that shut down Von Handorf, right? How many field goals did CVH have in the second half? How many in the half court offense?

 

Bottom line is in this game, it was all about the players in my view. There weren't any major coaching adjustments by either side that impacted in the final result.

I may catch heat for saying this, but I also thought Holmes "bigs" were very selfish in the last 2 games. With the exception of #15 , every time the ball went into the post it was shot. I thought that several shots were forced up over much bigger defenders when they could've been kicked out for an open shot or to get deeper post position. I understand that when the ball entered the paint it was 5-7 feet from the basket, but at some point I would think that going strong against a defender who is much taller than you and who has stopped you several times before would not be the best option for you.

 

Passing out of the post & re-posting is a skill not many high school kids do well. I believe the easier alternative is to turn and shoot no matter what the defense dictates. Also, this works both ways, you have to have the guards that are willing to re enter the ball. The post up game in high school and college seems to have diminished as a primary weapon. Its a pick & pop or pick & roll world these days.

 

I completely agree with what you're saying and getting deeper post position may not even have been an option against the zone, but when the ball gets to the free throw line against any zone the players should be looking weakside for the open man IMO. I don't think any of their players outside of #15 even had that thought creep into their minds. Just from what I saw, if the ball hit the paint it was going up no matter what was in front of them.

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Passing out of the post & re-posting is a skill not many high school kids do well. I believe the easier alternative is to turn and shoot no matter what the defense dictates. Also, this works both ways, you have to have the guards that are willing to re enter the ball. The post up game in high school and college seems to have diminished as a primary weapon. Its a pick & pop or pick & roll world these days.

 

I completely agree with what you're saying and getting deeper post position may not even have been an option against the zone, but when the ball gets to the free throw line against any zone the players should be looking weakside for the open man IMO. I don't think any of their players outside of #15 even had that thought creep into their minds. Just from what I saw, if the ball hit the paint it was going up no matter what was in front of them.

 

I will start by saying, I attended the game and had a mild rooting interest for Holmes. I would say that its amusing you would fault the Holmes bigs when the all-american candidate guard shot 1/8 from three and McClendon only hit one shot the whole game. Who were the "selfish" bigs supposed to feed? Besides without Avery erasing 4 or 5 shots (one was the best block I've ever seen in person in a HS game - reminiscent of Anthony Davis stepping across the lane to block VonHandorf) and threatening dozens more CovCath would have salted this away much earlier. Instead, I blame poor shooting by the Holmes team (with the exception of Moore) for the most part caused by the active feet and hands of a very intense CCH defense.

 

More than last year, I have to compliment the CCH team and coaches for winning this one - last year I think Holmes gave it away in the third quarter. CCH played a hungry, athletic and very good opponent, took their best shot, and played with more poise down the stretch to win a very competitive game. Neither team should be ashamed, and CCH is justified in its pride.

 

I also think Ruthsatz coached an even better game than last year's regional final. He pushed his team at just the right times and in a very low scoring game, CCH scored out of timeouts.

 

Good luck at state Colonels...bring another title to NKY.

Edited March 11, 201511 yr by Allaboutthewood

It seemed like almost every player that was pulled out of the game for them against Dixie on Monday night was "pouting" as well. I thought the same thing, this is a game where you are fighting for your life, there is no time for selfishness.

 

I may catch heat for saying this, but I also thought Holmes "bigs" were very selfish in the last 2 games. With the exception of #15 , every time the ball went into the post it was shot. I thought that several shots were forced up over much bigger defenders when they could've been kicked out for an open shot or to get deeper post position. I understand that when the ball entered the paint it was 5-7 feet from the basket, but at some point I would think that going strong against a defender who is much taller than you and who has stopped you several times before would not be the best option for you.

 

Avery was 6 for 8 against Covcath and 7 for 8 against Dixie. Selfish??? He was Holmes best offense in both games and if not for him sitting the entire 3rd quarter with a bogus third foul, Holmes likely builds that cushion needed heading in to the 4th quarter.

 

No way you can call that kid selfish. He played his butt off all three games in this region tournament and was one of the biggest reasons Holmes made it as far as they did.

 

And Arnold only attempted 1 shot last night. He did have 3 turnovers, but that should be expected with how physical it was inside at both ends. Again...selfish???

 

 

Holmes lost last night because of poor shooting. Plain and simple. The bigs kept them in the game.

Edited March 11, 201511 yr by Walter

Going to miss watching this one play. Have to say my favorite game was the Madison Central game in state tourney during soph year.

 

 

Wonder if you caught some of the Covcath fans (adults) waving and laughing when he fouled out? Classless. Those few fans should be ashamed of themselves.

 

He had one hell of a high school career, and while he has some haters, no doubt in my mind the kid is good enough to play at West Va. He will have a great career, not only because he is an awesome basketball player and athlete, but anyone who has spoke to him off the court, knows he will be successful in life for the simple fact that he is a high character kid who takes pride in his faith.

Wonder if you caught some of the Covcath fans (adults) waving and laughing when he fouled out? Classless. Those few fans should be ashamed of themselves.

 

I can't speak for 3,000 people, but I was sitting in that section and I can assure you everyone anywhere near me was standing and applauding him and his career, and continued to even as Schumate was attempting a free throw. There was nothing but respect and fondness for that kid by anyone around me or that I know.

 

I know you're the Holmes beat writer, but don't create the news. Did I post dumb stuff I heard from a Holmes fan sitting near me on Monday night? No. What would be the point?

 

That building, on both sides, gave that kid the standing ovation he deserved. As I said on Twitter, he is one of the finest to come from the 9th, will be missed, is a great kid and a better player. He has a fan in me for sure.

I can't speak for 3,000 people, but I was sitting in that section and I can assure you everyone anywhere near me was standing and applauding him and his career, and continued to even as Schumate was attempting a free throw. There was nothing but respect and fondness for that kid by anyone around me or that I know.

 

I know you're the Holmes beat writer, but don't create the news. Did I post dumb stuff I heard from a Holmes fan sitting near me on Monday night? No. What would be the point?

 

That building, on both sides, gave that kid the standing ovation he deserved. As I said on Twitter, he is one of the finest to come from the 9th, will be missed, is a great kid and a better player. He has a fan in me for sure.

 

Word.

 

I don't get the need to post stuff like that when it's 1 or 2 people. Is it news that a school has a few fans that do not know how to comport themselves? You might as well get on here and say a ref missed a call. Then tell me the sun comes up in the east.

 

I didn't notice it because I couldn't see those people because like MTGL I and others were standing up giving him applause saying "job well done, son." That's the real story here. The kid is so good fans of his biggest rival stood up and cheered him and essentially wished him nothing but good fortune.

 

Fan boy stuff irritates me to no ends.

Wonder if you caught some of the Covcath fans (adults) waving and laughing when he fouled out? Classless. Those few fans should be ashamed of themselves.

 

He had one hell of a high school career, and while he has some haters, no doubt in my mind the kid is good enough to play at West Va. He will have a great career, not only because he is an awesome basketball player and athlete, but anyone who has spoke to him off the court, knows he will be successful in life for the simple fact that he is a high character kid who takes pride in his faith.

 

You're wrong on this one. When a player of Bolden's caliber fouls out I saw more of a sense of relief (ergo, respect) from the CCH crowd, who were relieved to see him foul out. I know I was. Why not? Why let a great player kill you? This happens on EVERY level of basketball. I certainly remember a lot of claps by opposing teams when Bo Schuh fouled out of a key game a few times the past two years. Fine by me.

 

That said, everyone I saw, including myself, gave him a polite clap for a great career. I saw no waving from adults anyway.

 

I think you got caught up in the emotion. He was treated with respect as he exited.

Wonder if you caught some of the Covcath fans (adults) waving and laughing when he fouled out? Classless. Those few fans should be ashamed of themselves.

 

He had one hell of a high school career, and while he has some haters, no doubt in my mind the kid is good enough to play at West Va. He will have a great career, not only because he is an awesome basketball player and athlete, but anyone who has spoke to him off the court, knows he will be successful in life for the simple fact that he is a high character kid who takes pride in his faith.

 

SHHHH! I sat in the Holmes crowd for the last 2 nights. Heard some interesting comments regarding kids. Dumb adults always at a HS game!

Not sure this belongs here but this is one classy kid and one classy scorekeeper. (not my picture but I would have killed to take it)

 

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]49555[/ATTACH]

 

(as posted on facebook) For those who don't know, Mr. Kaelin has been CovCath official score keeper for over 50 years but because of illness, he could only do 1 game this season but he was with us in spirit in each and every game. Bo knew that and when it was mentioned to him that Mr. Kaelin was at the game, he cut a piece of the net down and gave it to him. Outstanding job Bo!

 

I've been working on putting together a big photo album of pictures up on Facebook from Cov Cath over the past 90 years of its existence, and I just put this one up a couple of nights ago. It's Jack back in 1979...when he did the announcing AND score keeping for the roundball Colonels:

 

So does anyone know the last time any team managed to pull out three wins against Holmes in a single season?

 

Looks like it hasn't happened since '07, when Cov Cath went 3-1 against Holmes. Holmes beat them when it counted, though, to take the 9th region title and go down to Rupp. The Dawgs lost to Scott County in the semi-finals that year.