8th Region Championship Preview

It has come down to this, 2 teams that are battling for the right to represent the 8th region at Rupp Arena. It's not Owen County or Oldham County the 2 teams that I had 1 or 2 all year in my poll. On the other hand give credit to the South Oldham Dragons and the Anderson County Bearcats as this is much deserved. Both teams had stretches in their season that made you scratch your head and wonder if they could even get out of their district, but when you have 2 incredible coaching staffs, that have a total of 4 regional titles under their belt, and all region players playing, you have a shot to do awesome things and that is what will happen for one of these teams tonight.

Let's start with the Champion of District 30 the Anderson County Bearcats. Glen Drury has been here before. His name is on the court in the Burg, and with that comes love, passion, and commitment to the city that he calls home. It has driven him to do what is best for kids no matter what and that is what impresses me the most about Coach Drury. Fine young men, homegrown kids, is what he has on his team. The Bearcats are led by Cobe Penny. Cobe accounted for 33 points in the semi-final, 19 in the 4th quarter when his team needed him the most. Very good player, fun to watch, as he brings versatility to the court. They also have other younger class men capable of breaking out 20 point games on your in Garmon, and Gillis, and a senior that just gets it done in Harper. Mitchell and Pittman can also hit some 3's so when they are in you must know where they are. Defense is what makes them go, they are stingy and don't let you score easy ones. Very physical and blockout is a must to play for Coach Drury.

The District Runner up from the 29th, The South Oldham Dragons, like being runner up apparently, the last 2 times they were they cut the nets down. Coach Simpson had a tough year last season, they missed the regional tourney after winning it the previous two years. Had tons of injury's and a young team. Coach Simpson put his Dragons through a tough off season, and prepared them for this moment, an outstanding job by himself and his staff. What makes this team good, is shooting, ball handling and making the extra pass in my opinion. They led the state in FT shooting as a team at 78% which is hard to believe, and a state record in made 3 pointers (346) at 40% which is crazy good. I believe that it is very hard to shoot a bad pass, so that is the passing part I was saying is a strength. They make that extra pass to an open shooter rather than a contested shooter. Everyone on their team has the green light so they over flow with confidence and each one can knock it down. Bouvet, Bray and Griffin are the double digit scorers average wise on this team. All 3 have different strengths. Bouvet is deadly 3 point shooter, Griffin is the in between game, and Bray loves getting to the rim. I like their supporting cast of Williams who runs the show, Fields, and Young who does it all. All 3 right at 10ppg. Then throw in some unsung hero's like Snook, and Hoover who Owen people know by name now and you have depth at alot spots. This team can score and then some. People overlook their defense, as they are all about turning you over and getting run outs in transition. They play a lot of different defense's to keep you off balanced.

Keys to the Game:

1. Who controls tempo? If it reaches 65- 70 the Dragons win, if it stays 55-64 range the Bearcats win.

2. Can the Dragons make alot of 3's, and can the Bearcats take them away?

3. Can the Dragons slow down Penny for Anderson? If it is close in the 4th quarter they better.

4. What coach is going to get his 3rd regional title? And make the best in game adjustments?

Prediction: South Oldham 65 Anderson County 62

Be weary of the junk defense's that Simpson will use at South, I think we might see that Triangle again tonight on Garmon and Penny. If they can do it long enough to keep the Bearcats at bay I think they will get it done. Would not surprise me to see the Bearcats go to Rupp as I know how good their staff is. Whoever it may be let me say that it has been a pleasure to watch you both and it is much deserved. Represent the 8th at Rupp, as I love your draw for once. Good luck to both teams.