Will there be enough shots to go around? IMO Ferguson needs to take at least 14 shots a game. Maynard should benefit from the other 3.

 

I agree the Ferguson needs 14 looks a game, as for Maynard benefiting from the other 3 they will get as much benefit from him as someone must "stay home" to cover him as Ethan and Evan penetrate and he is also a great passer and ballhandler.

I like Cubster's poll from top to bottom with the exception of West Carter and Fairview (I'd switch them in the poll). This year's Russell team has a chance to be one of the best teams the 16th Region has seen in quite a while. They have a Division 1 signee and 3 or 4 potential Division 2 or 3's. While Vanhoose is a given with his talent, Blair, Gill, Robinson, and Turner all could lead this team on a given night. Throw Sizemore & Ferguson in with this group and they have depth. Blair is perhaps the best all around skill player on this team but hasn't lived up to his potential with slow starts the last couple of years. Gill is much stronger this year and at 6'4", 200 should be more physical to go along with his athleticism and should benefit from his strong finish in the Regional Tourny. Robinson adds a bunch to this group with good passing, a 3 pointer, and "scrapability". I read somewhere that Turner may be the most improved big man in the Region (6'6") and I agree because of his improved "wind" and hardwork over the summer. All that being said, if this team doesn't bring unselfish, team ball to the court every night, they will lose a bunch of games like they did last year. If they come together as a team, I don't see them losing 5 games this year.

I like Cubster's poll from top to bottom with the exception of West Carter and Fairview (I'd switch them in the poll). This year's Russell team has a chance to be one of the best teams the 16th Region has seen in quite a while. They have a Division 1 signee and 3 or 4 potential Division 2 or 3's. While Vanhoose is a given with his talent, Blair, Gill, Robinson, and Turner all could lead this team on a given night. Throw Sizemore & Ferguson in with this group and they have depth. Blair is perhaps the best all around skill player on this team but hasn't lived up to his potential with slow starts the last couple of years. Gill is much stronger this year and at 6'4", 200 should be more physical to go along with his athleticism and should benefit from his strong finish in the Regional Tourny. Robinson adds a bunch to this group with good passing, a 3 pointer, and "scrapability". I read somewhere that Turner may be the most improved big man in the Region (6'6") and I agree because of his improved "wind" and hardwork over the summer. All that being said, if this team doesn't bring unselfish, team ball to the court every night, they will lose a bunch of games like they did last year. If they come together as a team, I don't see them losing 5 games this year.

 

This team should have absolutely no problem throwing in 35 to 40 points a night. Great talent but if I were you I would more concerned with the handcuffs that they have to wear during the games. FWIW, I am not implying that they are criminals, simply that they play in a very restrictive system.

This team should have absolutely no problem throwing in 35 to 40 points a night. Great talent but if I were you I would more concerned with the handcuffs that they have to wear during the games. FWIW, I am not implying that they are criminals, simply that they play in a very restrictive system.

A system that landed them in Rupp Arena last season.

Though not a big fan of those type games it is hard to argue with last year's results.

A system that landed them in Rupp Arena last season.

Though not a big fan of those type games it is hard to argue with last year's results.

 

I agree but when you are more talented you need to put other teams away. Much like Pitino.

A system that landed them in Rupp Arena last season.

Though not a big fan of those type games it is hard to argue with last year's results.

 

I like the system. If you get the kids to buy into it, it is great for highschool basketball, the other team can't score if they don't have the ball.

I beg to differ.

How many trips to region since Zornes left?

 

And what does that have to do with this season?I agree with shooterx3 they are going to alot better than what people think.

I beg to differ.

How many trips to region since Zornes left?

You don't need to beg, but I don't remember when Zornes left, probally about the same time OJ left and Rose Hill was in the Regional, but that didnt stop you from Ranking Rose Hill up there (and I agree with you on Rose Hill) but Boyd County will probally win as many games as last years team, chemistry will be much better this year

I beg to differ.

How many trips to region since Zornes left?

 

Not only does this comment not have anything to do with this season, it has nothing to do with shooters post that it was in response to..............

 

If you think back over the past couple of seasons the system at Russell was more "restrictive" early in the season and the reins were loosed a bit as the season progressed. I know they didnt start running and gunning but there was more freedom to create on your own later in the year. I believe the system was so methodical early on for a reason. This teaches the team some discipline and forces them to come together as a team. As soon as they started buying in you could see the changes. Dodd lays the foundation early and builds on it as the kids get on board. The sooner they get on board this season the more they will be able to build.

And what does that have to do with this season?I agree with shooterx3 they are going to alot better than what people think.

 

Tiny, who projects as starters for Boyd?

The poll looks good.

 

I dont know how good Boyd will be talent wise this year. I agree team chemistry should be much better and I would imagine that Coach Pratt will run the show just a little different than last year.

Other than West being way to low, the poll looks good. West does have 3 returning staters and a boatload from thier bench.

I like that poll. Ashland has the potential to get up too the top. I know Wilcox has gotten alot stronger and he has been working very hard in the off season. I like the Tomcats chances this year.

I think the ranking is pretty solid, but I would say that Rose Hill should be in the #4 slot to start the year. As Cubster has pointed out, they might well move up from there.

 

 

Frances

Here goes...........

1. RUSSELL-Defending champs have added to their arsenal

2. ELLIOTT-Young guns a year older

3. BLAZER- Is this the year the AAU phenoms blossom?

4. GREENUP-Musketeers have some talent

5. ROWAN- Pair of tough guards lead the way

6. MORGAN- Ready to avenge last year's early exit

7. ROSE HILL-This team could be top 3 by year's end with their young talent

8. RACELAND-Never count out the Ramblers

9. BOYD-Expect a scrappy Lion bunch this year

10.EAST CARTER-Size could be a weak spot

11.FAIRVIEW-Another team with young talent

12.LEWIS-Lions return a couple scorers

13.FLEMING-New coach has tough task

14.BATH-Revolving coaches is not a good thing

15.WEST-Look for Jeremy Webb to improve this bunch by year's end

16.MENIFEE-Another new coach for Wildcats

 

As usual 4-16 can change as quick as our fickle weather.....

In regards to Blazer what AAU phenoms are you talking about?