Isn't that going on right now? No one has any information?

I didn't even know it was going on

Started Fri night. Ending today. Don't have much info other than the team I followed. Already back home....

9th grade final four was NKY Force, Ky ROYALS, Travelers and Louisville Rising Stars. NKY Force defeated Royals 98-96 in overtime and Travelers defeated Louisville Rising Stars 69-61. Finals being played right now.

Surprisingly good turnout for D1 for a change, 21 teams participating in 9th grade division.

Surprisingly good turnout for D1 for a change, 21 teams participating in 9th grade division.

 

Once you hit high school there is not any D1, D2, or D3. Just a single High School AAU State Championship.

Matts Mustangs took down both Team Manimal teams in the U17 Final Four and Championship.

Dang, I was told Manimal and Travelers weren't even playing in the event. Disappointed I missed out on the weekend.

Isn't that going on right now? No one has any information?

 

There is a small reason for that.

Travelers win big in 9th grade final over NKY Force, 77-45.

Not well attended. Magic, Hoop Dreams and Travelers 16u all out of town.

Not well attended. Magic, Hoop Dreams and Travelers 16u all out of town.

 

It was very well attended by the 15u/9th grade division, 21 teams. And, the place seemed as busy as usual.

 

With that said, in the future, I hope KBA schedules it on a weekend that the "shoe deal" (HD, Travelers, & Louisville Magic) teams can play. Although, from the things I've heard, I don't know if they would attend anyway... many commitments and expectations for them to be healthy. And, there is always this... you don't want a shoe sponsored team to potentially lose to a local in-state team.

It was very well attended by the 15u/9th grade division, 21 teams. And, the place seemed as busy as usual.

 

With that said, in the future, I hope KBA schedules it on a weekend that the "shoe deal" (HD, Travelers, & Louisville Magic) teams can play. Although, from the things I've heard, I don't know if they would attend anyway... many commitments and expectations for them to be healthy. And, there is always this... you don't want a shoe sponsored team to potentially lose to a local in-state team.

 

They'll never play in it. Nothing to gain and too much to lose. Matts Mustangs put a running clock on Manimal yesterday and won state for the second year in a row. Which team has a higher profile? Wouldn't be a good look if HD or Travelers took one on the chin like that.

They'll never play in it. Nothing to gain and too much to lose. Matts Mustangs put a running clock on Manimal yesterday and won state for the second year in a row. Which team has a higher profile? Wouldn't be a good look if HD or Travelers took one on the chin like that.

 

It isn't only about losing to other in State teams. It is about Media Coverage and level of competition. If shoe teams are competing off Circuit, they need to consistently play teams that are going to challenge them to be better when they come back to the Circuit. Furthermore, National media coverage is of the utmost importance to the 16U/17U age groups when playing outside of the Live Periods. Playing for State pride is Great, but remember, these kids are trying to earn scholarships.... I believe that if State AAU can ensure more National Coverage, then more teams may be prone to attend....

I was following some of the scores online yesterday while sitting in an Indiana gym watching Omega Wildcats 9th Grade (Kids from Campbell Co Region) play in a College Exposure event. Midwest Youth Tournament where many D2,D3 and NAIA coaches were present.

 

Kind of surprised Omega didnt enter KY State Tourney but still a great weekend for them beating some very good teams from Indiana and Ohio.