McCreary's boys basketball has really gotten better the last year, after a miserable 4 win season the year before last. McCreary was five points away from going to the finals in the region, but failed as Boyle pulled it off and went onto Rupp Arena.

 

This year, the basketball should be one of the top choices out of the 12th region since they return all starters and have several new players, including a 6'5-6'6-6'7 foreign exchange student from Germany. Also, they return possibly the best player in the region and top freshman in the state in Aaron Watts. Sharp shooter Josh Bartley returns for his senior season, after being one of the top two free throw shooters in the state for three straight years. They also return juniors Josh Phillips and Adam Swiger who started over half of the games last year. Josh Phillips is a grind-it-out player who will throw himself on the floor for the ball and Adam Swiger is another extremely good ball handler and excellent three-point shooter. Seniors Devin Gibson and Corey Waters will return for a small but experienced front-court, being 6'4 and 6'3 respectively. They also bring in a good core of freshman with middle school star Zack Roark, along with several other freshmen and sophomore. The bench is deep and all are capable of putting up numbers, like senior guard Lucas Gregory, juniors Anthony Musgrove, Danny Lay, and Larry Tucker.

 

I really think McCreary athletics will start to get better with the conjoinment of Pine Knot and Whitley Middle Schools to make one 7th-8th grade middle school in McCreary Middle. Last years 8th grade girls went 28-6 in a outstanding first year for the younger Raiders, and will star on this years high school team. Derek Smith, boys middle school basketball coach is really preparing them for high school, and several students are working throughout the summer on becoming better players. McCreary Middle's football was 10-0 last year under Derek Smith, and new head coach Justin Bozeman has them off to a great start this year. They should help solidify the high school's program as it continues to progress.

 

In the next years, McCreary athletics should become drastically better and be able to compete with anyone. Being the only high school in the county, the conjoinment of one middle school will help the players work together longer and have the same, good coaching that will help them become better players in all sports.

 

I know it isn't really a question from what all I've said, but what do you think about it?

well yes i believe they will be a team to watch for in the 12th region for sure.. but just correcting your quote about being 5 points away from going to Rupp arena.. they didnt make it to the region championship...

well yes i believe they will be a team to watch for in the 12th region for sure.. but just correcting your quote about being 5 points away from going to Rupp arena.. they didnt make it to the region championship...

 

I was using it as Boyle. They were 5 points away from the regional champion Boyle County. I didn't mean litterly.

Didn't Watts get hurt in football? This would effect them that's for sure.

Didn't Watts get hurt in football? This would effect them that's for sure.

 

He dis-located his AC joint in his shoulder a few weeks ago. This shouldn't effect the basketball season at all. Actually, he'll probably be playing football again this season if he hasn't already.

Over Rated!:sssh:

Over Rated!:sssh:

 

How are the over rated? They finished 3rd/4th last season and return everyone? Jealousy has came.

jealousy??

last season for the raiders.. 17-11 (w/ a district that only had 2 decent teams and a cake schedule outside of the region) not to mention 3 double digit losses to the only other better than average team in the district, southwestern (including the 37 point beating at sw).. not tryin to be harsh, but in my opinion the raiders dont belong anywhere near the top of the region.. i hope they prove me wrong, i was pulling for them the whole way in district and region last year, i just think the expectations are much too high for them.. but i guess we'll find out soon enough!

last season for the raiders.. 17-11 (w/ a district that only had 2 decent teams and a cake schedule outside of the region) not to mention 3 double digit losses to the only other better than average team in the district, southwestern (including the 37 point beating at sw).. not tryin to be harsh, but in my opinion the raiders dont belong anywhere near the top of the region.. i hope they prove me wrong, i was pulling for them the whole way in district and region last year, i just think the expectations are much too high for them.. but i guess we'll find out soon enough!

 

Two points:

 

1. McCreary Central had improved drastically as the season went on. They had a solid postseason and showed signs of being a threat in the 12th Region this season.

 

2. The 12th Region is TERRIBLE in basketball. If you are decent, you have a chance to win the region.

Two points:

 

1. McCreary Central had improved drastically as the season went on. They had a solid postseason and showed signs of being a threat in the 12th Region this season.

 

2. The 12th Region is TERRIBLE in basketball. If you are decent, you have a chance to win the region.

 

Exactly what I was fixing to post, possibly the worst in the state

Well i guess we will see when the time comes...but the raiders wont make it far in the post season... They will make it to region if they dont get surprised in their cake district i might add

Watts is the best freshman in the state. For those that have not seen Watts play, he is cat quick, has good size, good hops, handles well, plays tough D, rebounds, can score off the dribble and can nail the 3 off the move. He is a very, very good player. Although, I would like to see him stay in Eastern Kentucky, his talent will probably lead him to Oak Hill.

Watts is the best freshman in the state. For those that have not seen Watts play, he is cat quick, has good size, good hops, handles well, plays tough D, rebounds, can score off the dribble and can nail the 3 off the move. He is a very, very good player. Although, I would like to see him stay in Eastern Kentucky, his talent will probably lead him to Oak Hill.

 

Oak Hill? You cant be serious...no one in the state could go there and be sucesfull right now...much less a freshmen from McCreary Central...Watts is a good player and has a lot of potential...but oak hill? come on

Pride... there has been numerous people say how talented Watts is and you never want to accept it. What is wrong with you? Are you jealous of a freshmen kid?