The Bruins are in a summer league here in Indiana and last night I got to watch them play a local power. Now granted, their opponent was playing without their top 3 player in the nation but the Bruins picked up a W. I know they graduated Wilson and Patterson, their 2 top guys from last years elite 8 team but I was very impressed. I was thinking, who are these guys? They were all flying all over the court with their press and took it in strong. Very physical. Ballard has to be mentioned as one of the top programs in the state, if not the best, year in and year out. Anyone know their team? I was highly impressed, even if it was just a summer league game.

I'm not from Ky, but study KY hs b-ball pretty closely. Ballard never has a down year. Their defense & press is always tough. Renner doesn't get the credit he deserves. Hard to argue top programs in Ky without Ballard being in the discussion.

Ballard will be a lot like they were last year. Really deep. Won't intimidate you on paper. But Renner will press and trap the whole game while playing 10-12 guys.

One thing that makes their pressure so effective is how sound they are in implementing it. Their rotations, helpside, and backside coverages are very good. When you can press and pressure teams without giving up a lot, and you take a lot of charges it makes it very difficult on the oppisition. Hard to duplicate in a practice session. Next to impossible for most programs.

Ballard will be a lot like they were last year. Really deep. Won't intimidate you on paper. But Renner will press and trap the whole game while playing 10-12 guys.

 

They can be a match-up problem if a team does not handle their press. Their defense creates their offense, If they cannot turn you over this year, they will not be as good in the half court offense as they were last season. Wilson and Patterson were their best offensive players.