The toughest game to play and coach in, JMHO, kids and coaches get time to prepare over the weekend, and think about what is at stake. Adds pressure to getting it done and advancing to what they have worked toward all year. In the 8th region, it was absolutely awesome to see the "old gym" packed the other night, brought up the good ole days. What we have in the semi-finals are the 2 strongest districts all year being represented. The 29th and the 30th. The district runner-ups are playing each other and the district winners are playing one another, so no matter what we have a runner up playing for the chance to go to Rupp Arena.

 

Game 1 Collins Titans vs. South Oldham Dragons

This game features two teams that have won the last 3 regional titles, and two coaches who know how to win this time of year. They played earlier in the year with South getting the win. South jumped on the Titans in that game just to see their 20 point lead become single digits in the 4th quarter. This time around is to advance to the regional final and that means more pressure on each team. The Dragons come in leading the state 78% FT as a team, and state record in made 3 pointers. They have a deep bench in one that outscored Owen 33-5 in the first round. You just don't know who is going to hurt you on their team. They can put up a lot of points on you. Then you have the Titans that are completely opposite. They are a grind you out team, and really run offense until they get what they want. On defense they can get up and pressure you or play that match up zone. If they want to win Monday it has to be in the 50's. Clarkson and Test are good enough guards to get quality possessions for the Titans and with a slasher like #35 Dominique Turner, they can definitely beat the Dragons. These 2 teams love having close games in the regional tourney. An OT affair 2 years ago was an awesome game in the first round.

 

Keys to the Game and Concerns: Is South still enjoying the win over Owen? They better not be. Can they get the tempo where they want it? Is there changing defense's going to stiffle the Titans? Is the bench for them going to be as productive, and finally what about these 3 point shots?

For Collins, can they score enough points to stay with the Dragons? How are they going to guard South? Match up or Man to man? Can Coach Gaither control tempo?

Prediction: South 65 Titans 54

 

Game #2 Oldham County vs. Anderson County

This game is intriguing. They played during the regular season with Oldham getting the win but that was back in December and both teams did not know their identity yet. The Colonels seem to be on a mission since the loss at Owen. Sometimes it takes a game like that to dial your team in. They had no problem with Henry at all, and got to play alot of kids. They should be rested that is for sure. They have lots of depth and are playing the best defense in the region in my opinion. They have multiple kids that can hurt you, Wirth, Bates, Johnson, Mclarty, Henderson, Gibson, Heelan, Jones, and I know I have left some out. When they have good ball movement they are at their best. Question for them are they going to have that 3-4 minute lapse and not stay focused.

Anderson County comes in winning a tough district championship. They have Penny who can score in bunches but also have a good supporting cast. They have given teams like Mercer County all they could handle, so I believe they can do the same with the Colonels. Throw in a coach that has won this region before, and knows how to control games and you should have a dandy on Monday.

Keys to the Game And Concerns: Can Oldham's defense force T/O's and make the game a track meet? Will Oldham' depth hurt or help them? Will last year's loss in the final drive these Colonels to get it done?

For Anderson, will their young players handle this spot? Can Coach Drury control the tempo and keep the game around 60 points? Which team shows up for Anderson?

Prediction: Oldham 70 Anderson 58

Your assessments are dead on and should be two great games with contrasting styles in each game. South hit 14 3's in the first meeting with Collins, but have proven they can win without hitting 3's. They only hit 7 against Owen and still scored 81 points. In the OC/Anderson game, I look forward to seeing the athleticism of Johnson and Penny as they battle around the rim. Four excellent coaches on the sidelines doing their chess matches. Should be a great night of basketball Monday.

I'm hoping the Titans can keep it close on Monday. They play good defense but just can't put the ball in the basket. I don't think Collins can score enough to win, especially against a scoring machine like South. I hope I'm wrong.

I havent seen Anderson play, so I'm not going to comment on the Oldham-Anderson game, but as far as the first game.....I don't think Collins has enough offensive firepower to beat South, but I think they may be better equipped to contain dribble penetration than Owen was on Wednesday. If they can get the game at a slow pace with a loose whistle, that would help their chances.

I only saw Anderson against Mercer, but I do follow them somewhat. That being said, if they come to play like they did against South Oldham, or Mercer, I believe they will win this one, and have a Lagit shot at winning the region. Penny is an awesome talent, quick and athletic as the come and if oldham contains him, they will advance. I'm just not sure they will slow him enough. I'll say AC 63, Oldham 59, in overtime

Anderson is a very hard team to figure out. I've seen them play 10 or 11 times this season (moved to Lexington this summer and my wife graduated from Anderson). If the Anderson Co. that lost early to Oldham by 14 shows up it will be a long night, but if the Anderson shows up that lead Mercer most of the game or that beat South Oldham by 29 in late Jan. that team could walk away with regional title should be a great game. The first game I've seen both teams play I think for Collins to win they will need to play well and hope South has an off night. If South plays like they have been they will win by double digits I think.

Anderson is a very hard team to figure out. I've seen them play 10 or 11 times this season (moved to Lexington this summer and my wife graduated from Anderson). If the Anderson Co. that lost early to Oldham by 14 shows up it will be a long night, but if the Anderson shows up that lead Mercer most of the game or that beat South Oldham by 29 in late Jan. that team could walk away with regional title should be a great game. The first game I've seen both teams play I think for Collins to win they will need to play well and hope South has an off night. If South plays like they have been they will win by double digits I think.

 

Oldham and Anderson played Dec 8 and the score was Oldham 79 Anderson 53.

Edited March 5, 201610 yr by DHL
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