WHO:   South Oldham vs. St. X

WHEN:  Saturday, 2/13/21 

BROADCAST:   free live video coverage begins at 11:30 am on www.pegasussportsky.com

One of the hottest teams in the 8th Region, the South Oldham Dragons, faces a strong St. X team to kick off the 2021 Ronald McDonald House Classic.

South watched ten seniors - including 4 starters - graduate last year, but Steve Simpson seems to have this crop of youngsters playing ball at a high level, despite the challenges of inexperience, coupled with the lack of preparation due to COVID.    In the Dragons' first 5 games, four different players led the team in scoring.   South's leading scorer, Ben Michel, a 6'6" junior forward (13.8 ppg), is a particular defensive nightmare who plays out on the floor and shoots threes (52.9% beyond the arc).    Send your big to chase him (only to watch him drive for the rim) or roll the dice and let your quicker players on the perimeter - who likely are 5-10 to 6-2 in size - take him on, only to watch him shoot over them?

St. X sits at 9-3 on the season (as of this writing).   The Tigers have played some of the state's best, so nothing will daunt them.    St. X already owns wins over two of the better 8th Region teams, a four-point victory over Collins and a 13-point win over Walton-Verona.    The Tigers also own victories over quality teams like Seneca, Trinity, Bardstown, East Jessamine, and Lincoln County.   Ben Varga leads the way at 17.2 ppg.

Thoughts on this one?

CM

Ayden Mudd for St.X comes back tomorrow which will help Tigers down low. With South Oldham having young team, I will take Tigers in a competitive game.

I’m intrigued by the matchup of Mudd and Michel. Both tall and athletic with perimeter skills.

St X brings more talent and more experience into this matchup.  They've played a tough schedule, and have competed well.  Varga can really handle the ball and shoot, Smith is strong & crafty, while Mudd is likely returning with some pent up energy / motivation.  I assume most folks expect St X to win this game.

South has lost 2 consecutive games, and still seems to still be finding its identity.  This fairly inexperienced team has had its ups & downs so far.  Both defense and offense have been inconsistent.  They'll need to move the ball around to find open shooters, and hit shots.  South shot poorly against North, including missing not only open 3's, but also free throws down the stretch.  I expect that will change / improve on Saturday.  

Ayden Mudd was able to knock some rust off against Brown last night. I thought he moved pretty well after coming back from sprained ankle. I'm hoping he gets another game in with Jtown Wednesday but weather may end up cancelling that one. He had 13pts/9rb last night in limited action against a very bad Brown team. Tigers will need him for South Oldham game and rest of season.

I'll take X in this one.

St. X has played pretty well without Mudd.  I expect them to be even better with him returning.  They also get another backup big soon, and size will be a problem for South Oldham as the Dragons don't have a true post player.

Game CANCELLED.   

Just now, ColonelMike said:

Game CANCELLED.   

Bummer!

South played North Monday and North had a kid test positive afterward.    South quarantined I understand until next Friday.

North Oldham played Collins Tuesday. Does that mean Collins has to quarantine too?

3 minutes ago, ConverseAllStar said:

North Oldham played Collins Tuesday. Does that mean Collins has to quarantine too?

I would assume so.

St X should play Highlands on Saturday!

This whole so called season has been nothing but a train wreck.  Just halt it, and try to get it cleaned up for next season.  It's not working in the high school or college ranks.

20 minutes ago, 4 Quarters said:

This whole so called season has been nothing but a train wreck.  Just halt it, and try to get it cleaned up for next season.  It's not working in the high school or college ranks.

Brilliant!  I’m sure all the senior basketball players would love to call it quits just as our positive tests continue to decline across the Commonwealth! ?‍♂️