One of the things I admire about the 8th region is the fact we have several really good coaches. Some have done a phenomenal job this season. It is a good mix of seasoned veterans with some youth. This region has prided itself on great coaches over the last 20-30 years. The coaches also have a lot of respect and camaraderie for one another and that is awesome to see as well.

Agree 8th region warrior. I think there are several really good coaches in the region. I would actually think there might be more top notch coaches in 8th than most regions.

I really like Zerhusen and Gaither. But you can't argue with what Drury has done. I don't like his style of play but it works. And also I think the guy at Gallatin Co. does well with what he's got to work with. I guess he's still there! Lol

It will be difficult for Burns to be successful in Spencer County. Very difficult to win when you are counting on 8th graders. He has had several issues with running off upper classman and looking for the quick fix. He thought he had it this year but as in previous years just didn't work out. This was the year for a possible trip to regionals - it will be almost impossible the next couple of years. I do think that the Hornback kid will be the best of the 8th graders once his body matures.

I've seen them both play and no way is he going to be better than Conley. Sam will be about 6-4 and can handle the ball.

It will be difficult for Burns to be successful in Spencer County. Very difficult to win when you are counting on 8th graders. He has had several issues with running off upper classman and looking for the quick fix. He thought he had it this year but as in previous years just didn't work out. This was the year for a possible trip to regionals - it will be almost impossible the next couple of years. I do think that the Hornback kid will be the best of the 8th graders once his body matures.

 

As far as youth, that has been a big point of discussion concerning Spencer...talent in their underclassman. What some fail to realize is that there are two other teams just in the 30th district in Anderson and Collins that have a LOT of talent in their freshman class. And oh by the way three of Anderson's best four players return next year as seniors to go along with that talented freshman class that will be sophomores with at least three of those freshmen (I believe) making a very positive impact. The immediate future looks very bright at Anderson.

It will be difficult for Burns to be successful in Spencer County. Very difficult to win when you are counting on 8th graders. He has had several issues with running off upper classman and looking for the quick fix. He thought he had it this year but as in previous years just didn't work out. This was the year for a possible trip to regionals - it will be almost impossible the next couple of years. I do think that the Hornback kid will be the best of the 8th graders once his body matures.

 

Skeeter 25, I promise I don't mean this as an insult, but you clearly do not have a clue what is going on at Spencer County or has gone on in the past. Running off players and looking for a quick fix??? The only players that were run off were behavior issues. How is it a quick fix to run off an upper classman. Seems like that would be the opposite. It's called getting kids that are "all in". Not lazy, bad attitudes. Burns didn't think this was the year that he was going to win region. Actually, next year is when everybody thought things would start happening. But they ended up with a 20 win season. As far as the 8th graders go--There were three that dressed varsity this year. Sam Conley, Jake Whitlock, and Lucas Hornback. Sam and Jake played major minutes while Lucas played mostly JV and Freshman. If you watched any games then you would know that on some nights Sam was the best player on the floor for both teams. This kid will probably end up being around 6 foot 4 and is an ELITE athlete who can handle the rock and a great passer. When his jump shot develops he could become scary. Jake Whitlock (point guard) played about half of each game and got some serious minutes during crunch time. He is small, but held his own against some daggone good guards this year. Both Sam and Jake played for the top 7th grade AAU team in the state last year against some of the top teams in the U.S. Lucas Hornback averaged around 20 a game on the freshman team. When those kids are sophomores I don't see ANYBODY in the region hanging with them. If Spencer gets a big guy to either transfer in or develop. They are going to be scary. Yes, Burns had to rely on some 8th graders this year, but they will grow older. I don't think they stay 8th graders. These kids are still going through puberty and they were playing against juniors and seniors this year and were actually successful. I think your evaluation of Burns and the talent at Spencer are pretty much completely off.

All I am saying is that this was a down year for talent in our district and a lot of teams Spencer County played this year. I must say it would be nice to see them competitive every year but I am not sold yet. I don't see next years team being better than what they had this year. I did see the Anderson game this week and the 8th graders looked like they were 8th graders - very out of their league. I was expecting a lot more from what I have been reading on this sight. I only saw this game so can't judge the season. As far as Burns I can say he was extremely out coached against Anderson. Very unprepared. Did not make any adjustments. Anderson did their homework and shut the Cole kid down. No one else stepped up.

Generally speaking when someone has to continue to say how good a player or team is that means that they aren't as good as being stated. Cream rises to the top and in the end the better teams and players prove it on the court. AAU rankings, parental or coaching agendas, and message board built up doesn't make a player or team good.

Either a player can play or he/she can't. Either a team is good or they aren't. If you go off of projections on the future then look no further than Eastern HS this year. The senior class there was by far the best freshman group in the state. Talent, potential, & expectations were for that team to win multiple 7th region titles and a state championship. This year they were .500 and maybe 1 game below and didn't get out of the district. Another example is North Oldham. Last season they were looking at returning 4 of 5 starters and their top 3 bench players.

Things happened and only 2 starters returned and only one bench player. That group was dominate when younger.

Oldham county current junior class has their best players that were not the best when 8th graders and freshman. The better players didn't develop or peaked and others improved. My point is that you can't count your eggs until they hatch (happen). Basketball is by far the hardest sport to project development. It is the sport that is a classic study for players developing early and hitting their peak. AAU has created this situation because players play a ton and develop a skill set that many times they max out earlier than they would have had they been HS players in the 80's or 90's an dnot played all the AAU games. The vast majority of NBA players and major college contributors are the players who developed later in HS. The young players at Spencer County may very well end up being as good as you always toute them as, but don't be shocked to see younger players that are their same age pass them up in talent in a few years. They will most likely still be good, solid players but the chances of them all being great regional or state players is against them percentage wise.

There was an AAU team in Louisville area that finished as runner nationally when they were going into 7th grade. They had 8-9 of the top 12-20 players in the entire state of Kentucky on that team. Of that roster only David Sloan, Anthony Mathis, & Chance Moore are sure fire college basketball players. Chance wasn't even in the top 8 on that team at the time and rarely got meaningful minutes. Everyone knew he was going to blossom later but other players were much more skilled at that time on that team than him.

Not trying to reign on your parade in being proud of Spencer County future. Truth is that any decent team that is having to play 8th graders and freshman at the varsity level is because they aren't a good team or program at that time. There have been Mr Basketballs in this state and many UK and UL players who didn't play varsity as 8th graders or freshman because they were at a school that had more Upperclassman talent than them at that time. If you are relaying on 8th graders and freshman to get out of a district and even be competitive in a regional then you are in trouble. The 8th region is not a very strong region team wise traditionally (look at their record in the sweet sixteen). I would guess they are just below the middle of the pack and at the top of the bottom 4 regions of the 16 statewide. Truth is that there are 8th graders and freshman playing frosh only or some limited JV at many 6th/7th/11th region school that are more likely as talented or more talented than any 8th or freshman player in the 8th region. Many of these players don't play AAU and aren't really known until they get to their junior season. Parents and players are shocked when a player "comes out of no where" and is suddenly good. In basketball it happens all the time.

Best of luck to Spencer county in the future years. I hope they develop and are as good as you advertise them to be. I am just more realistic with the truth of what usually happens in athletics and basketball.

Remember it isn't a race it is a marathon to the finish line is sports in MS to HS. Getting out ahead isn't usually the best way to win the end game.

Generally speaking when someone has to continue to say how good a player or team is that means that they aren't as good as being stated. Cream rises to the top and in the end the better teams and players prove it on the court. AAU rankings, parental or coaching agendas, and message board built up doesn't make a player or team good.

Either a player can play or he/she can't. Either a team is good or they aren't. If you go off of projections on the future then look no further than Eastern HS this year. The senior class there was by far the best freshman group in the state. Talent, potential, & expectations were for that team to win multiple 7th region titles and a state championship. This year they were .500 and maybe 1 game below and didn't get out of the district. Another example is North Oldham. Last season they were looking at returning 4 of 5 starters and their top 3 bench players.

Things happened and only 2 starters returned and only one bench player. That group was dominate when younger.

Oldham county current junior class has their best players that were not the best when 8th graders and freshman. The better players didn't develop or peaked and others improved. My point is that you can't count your eggs until they hatch (happen). Basketball is by far the hardest sport to project development. It is the sport that is a classic study for players developing early and hitting their peak. AAU has created this situation because players play a ton and develop a skill set that many times they max out earlier than they would have had they been HS players in the 80's or 90's an dnot played all the AAU games. The vast majority of NBA players and major college contributors are the players who developed later in HS. The young players at Spencer County may very well end up being as good as you always toute them as, but don't be shocked to see younger players that are their same age pass them up in talent in a few years. They will most likely still be good, solid players but the chances of them all being great regional or state players is against them percentage wise.

There was an AAU team in Louisville area that finished as runner nationally when they were going into 7th grade. They had 8-9 of the top 12-20 players in the entire state of Kentucky on that team. Of that roster only David Sloan, Anthony Mathis, & Chance Moore are sure fire college basketball players. Chance wasn't even in the top 8 on that team at the time and rarely got meaningful minutes. Everyone knew he was going to blossom later but other players were much more skilled at that time on that team than him.

Not trying to reign on your parade in being proud of Spencer County future. Truth is that any decent team that is having to play 8th graders and freshman at the varsity level is because they aren't a good team or program at that time. There have been Mr Basketballs in this state and many UK and UL players who didn't play varsity as 8th graders or freshman because they were at a school that had more Upperclassman talent than them at that time. If you are relaying on 8th graders and freshman to get out of a district and even be competitive in a regional then you are in trouble. The 8th region is not a very strong region team wise traditionally (look at their record in the sweet sixteen). I would guess they are just below the middle of the pack and at the top of the bottom 4 regions of the 16 statewide. Truth is that there are 8th graders and freshman playing frosh only or some limited JV at many 6th/7th/11th region school that are more likely as talented or more talented than any 8th or freshman player in the 8th region. Many of these players don't play AAU and aren't really known until they get to their junior season. Parents and players are shocked when a player "comes out of no where" and is suddenly good. In basketball it happens all the time.

Best of luck to Spencer county in the future years. I hope they develop and are as good as you advertise them to be. I am just more realistic with the truth of what usually happens in athletics and basketball.

Remember it isn't a race it is a marathon to the finish line is sports in MS to HS. Getting out ahead isn't usually the best way to win the end game.

 

Very good post. I agree with most of what you say. These three kids workout year round to get better that is what makes them different. Great attitudes and work ethic not common for kids their age. Your right time will tell.

All I am saying is that this was a down year for talent in our district and a lot of teams Spencer County played this year. I must say it would be nice to see them competitive every year but I am not sold yet. I don't see next years team being better than what they had this year. I did see the Anderson game this week and the 8th graders looked like they were 8th graders - very out of their league. I was expecting a lot more from what I have been reading on this sight. I only saw this game so can't judge the season. As far as Burns I can say he was extremely out coached against Anderson. Very unprepared. Did not make any adjustments. Anderson did their homework and shut the Cole kid down. No one else stepped up.

 

They didn't look like 8th graders three weeks ago when they handed Anderson a loss at home. Your right that was one game. Spencer and Anderson are 1-1 this season. How did Burns go up there with babies and win that game?? Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Generally speaking when someone has to continue to say how good a player or team is that means that they aren't as good as being stated. Cream rises to the top and in the end the better teams and players prove it on the court. AAU rankings, parental or coaching agendas, and message board built up doesn't make a player or team good.

Either a player can play or he/she can't. Either a team is good or they aren't. If you go off of projections on the future then look no further than Eastern HS this year. The senior class there was by far the best freshman group in the state. Talent, potential, & expectations were for that team to win multiple 7th region titles and a state championship. This year they were .500 and maybe 1 game below and didn't get out of the district. Another example is North Oldham. Last season they were looking at returning 4 of 5 starters and their top 3 bench players.

Things happened and only 2 starters returned and only one bench player. That group was dominate when younger.

Oldham county current junior class has their best players that were not the best when 8th graders and freshman. The better players didn't develop or peaked and others improved. My point is that you can't count your eggs until they hatch (happen). Basketball is by far the hardest sport to project development. It is the sport that is a classic study for players developing early and hitting their peak. AAU has created this situation because players play a ton and develop a skill set that many times they max out earlier than they would have had they been HS players in the 80's or 90's an dnot played all the AAU games. The vast majority of NBA players and major college contributors are the players who developed later in HS. The young players at Spencer County may very well end up being as good as you always toute them as, but don't be shocked to see younger players that are their same age pass them up in talent in a few years. They will most likely still be good, solid players but the chances of them all being great regional or state players is against them percentage wise.

There was an AAU team in Louisville area that finished as runner nationally when they were going into 7th grade. They had 8-9 of the top 12-20 players in the entire state of Kentucky on that team. Of that roster only David Sloan, Anthony Mathis, & Chance Moore are sure fire college basketball players. Chance wasn't even in the top 8 on that team at the time and rarely got meaningful minutes. Everyone knew he was going to blossom later but other players were much more skilled at that time on that team than him.

Not trying to reign on your parade in being proud of Spencer County future. Truth is that any decent team that is having to play 8th graders and freshman at the varsity level is because they aren't a good team or program at that time. There have been Mr Basketballs in this state and many UK and UL players who didn't play varsity as 8th graders or freshman because they were at a school that had more Upperclassman talent than them at that time. If you are relaying on 8th graders and freshman to get out of a district and even be competitive in a regional then you are in trouble. The 8th region is not a very strong region team wise traditionally (look at their record in the sweet sixteen). I would guess they are just below the middle of the pack and at the top of the bottom 4 regions of the 16 statewide. Truth is that there are 8th graders and freshman playing frosh only or some limited JV at many 6th/7th/11th region school that are more likely as talented or more talented than any 8th or freshman player in the 8th region. Many of these players don't play AAU and aren't really known until they get to their junior season. Parents and players are shocked when a player "comes out of no where" and is suddenly good. In basketball it happens all the time.

Best of luck to Spencer county in the future years. I hope they develop and are as good as you advertise them to be. I am just more realistic with the truth of what usually happens in athletics and basketball.

Remember it isn't a race it is a marathon to the finish line is sports in MS to HS. Getting out ahead isn't usually the best way to win the end game.

 

Excellent post and was going to post something similar myself, but you beat me to it.

 

Being close to the AC program and being fortunate enough to have coached some of their younger players, I see the development and potential. @Cardsrule1972 may be in a similar position I am with Spenser County, sounds like he has a lot of insight.