I called the two keys to victory would be senior leadership and experience and those were spot on as the Panthers battled to victory. The surprise addition to it all was the emergence of Jarod Shoemaker. His career high 21 points were huge for Augusta esp in the 1st quarter when Maddox's touches were few and far between. Can't forget Jack Laycock either. He's becoming more and more reliable off the bench allowing Coach Kirk to give starters much needed rest. A little confidence mixed with some pt can go a long way. Cam Snapp had his biggest game so far this season and is a beast underneath. Owens Crawford didn't have a flashy game, may have even went unnoticed to some but his ball handling can eat up lots of clock when needed. Tanner Pugh was very steady with the ball as well. And he works his tail off on defense. Just might need to give opponents a step or two when guarding them. And Connor Maddox was, well, Connor Maddox. If you watched him last year and this year you'll see the maturity this season. Never forced a shot. Just kept waiting for his moment to come and boy did it ever. This game was one of the epic AHS/BCHS contests there has ever been. It was the first ot game between the two since the 02-03 season when the Panthers won, 64-61 also in double ot. Head coach Brian Kirk scored 18 points for the Panthers that night. Since the 11-12 season Augusta is 12-2 vs their bitter county rivals. Next scheduled matchup is in February 13th in Augusta but the two squads could meet in the All A semifinals as well.

One thing that Bracken and Augusta have over Mason is overall team experience at the varsity level. But as someone else mentioned lest see how these three do against each other the next couple weeks and we can get a better grasp of the hierarchy in the 39th

I am wondering, I know Crawford is a very skilled player and will get his points almost every night. But does he make the players around him better? I've never heard of anyone other than him getting the points. Have they and are they only relying on him?

They rely on him heavily and if he has a bad game no one else has showed they could step up to help out. Which could lead to some bad blow outs for Bracken if others don't get involved.

I called the two keys to victory would be senior leadership and experience and those were spot on as the Panthers battled to victory. The surprise addition to it all was the emergence of Jarod Shoemaker. His career high 21 points were huge for Augusta esp in the 1st quarter when Maddox's touches were few and far between. Can't forget Jack Laycock either. He's becoming more and more reliable off the bench allowing Coach Kirk to give starters much needed rest. A little confidence mixed with some pt can go a long way. Cam Snapp had his biggest game so far this season and is a beast underneath. Owens Crawford didn't have a flashy game, may have even went unnoticed to some but his ball handling can eat up lots of clock when needed. Tanner Pugh was very steady with the ball as well. And he works his tail off on defense. Just might need to give opponents a step or two when guarding them. And Connor Maddox was, well, Connor Maddox. If you watched him last year and this year you'll see the maturity this season. Never forced a shot. Just kept waiting for his moment to come and boy did it ever. This game was one of the epic AHS/BCHS contests there has ever been. It was the first ot game between the two since the 02-03 season when the Panthers won, 64-61 also in double ot. Head coach Brian Kirk scored 18 points for the Panthers that night. Since the 11-12 season Augusta is 12-2 vs their bitter county rivals. Next scheduled matchup is in February 13th in Augusta but the two squads could meet in the All A semifinals as well.

03-04 went to OT as well. Bracken won 72-64. Coach Kirk scored 40+ that night.

It was one of the best games I have ever seen in Bracken and Augusta rival. Great atmosphere and both teams refusing to lose. Big shoot after big shoot. But still with this talk about Bracken being a region contender right now I would have to disagree been in close games but haven't won any as of yet. One thing I noticed about Bracken is coach Hinson already has them playing tougher and with more heart. Austin Crawford is a great player but if supporting cast doesn't step up they will continue to lose. Everyone keeps putting mason behind them and I don't agree is it because coach Hinson. These kids have never hung close with mason and I don't expect it to change because of new coach . Bracken has always feared mason even if they had a better team than them . I just don't believe mason / Bracken game will even be close.

 

You're not sounding like a Polar Bear Alumni should... They lost two games to two possible region contenders, in the first week and a half of having a new coach. Sounds like you're already giving up hope on this season.

They rely on him heavily and if he has a bad game no one else has showed they could step up to help out. Which could lead to some bad blow outs for Bracken if others don't get involved.

If Austin is going down hitting shot after shot why give it to anyone else? Nobody could guard him

You're not sounding like a Polar Bear Alumni should... They lost two games to two possible region contenders, in the first week and a half of having a new coach. Sounds like you're already giving up hope on this season.

 

Please tell me so I can tell my wife how she should act.

Because like I said when he is not hitting shot after shot they will lose big if others are not included. .. I am a graduate from the school but I just speak from experience and the truth.

There was four in double figures that's pretty good, sure it be nice if we had 5 or 6 but that's the nature of the beast. If your open he will find you.

Crawford's 47 points was a single game scoring record.

As a pair of old eyes that knows what it sees, Hinson will mold Crawford's exceptional skills with his Teammates into a superior Team by regional. Polar Bears will win their share this year and visit Rupp in '17. Hope Panthers can beat them there in '16.

I'm a good friend of coach Hinson and I hope him and Bracken county have a great year this year. I just believe if they're to be serious contenders in region this year Crawford needs consistent help from the other players.

There was four in double figures that's pretty good, sure it be nice if we had 5 or 6 but that's the nature of the beast. If your open he will find you.

 

 

This^^^. I've seen several nice assists from Crawford. They just don't get the publicity that points get.

Here is the problem as these Wise Old Owls eyes see it. Bracken needs a few games where Austin needs to score zero and have 30 assists. Scoring is so easy for this exceptional offensive player, that his teammates could become lethargic as they get used to watching in awe. Hinson will tune this TEAM! Polar Bears you better get on for a great ride!