RUN IT BACK!

In a year we all felt (myself included) there was a ton of parody in the 12th region, conceding it was up in the air and that we could see some new faces playing for the title; it comes down to Lincoln and Pulaski again, the sequel.

A year ago, Lincoln won the region championship on a buzzer beater from current Lincoln County senior athlete Colton Ralston (a junior then). There's no doubt Pulaski has long awaited a chance to get them back, especially after Lincoln County embarrassed them earlier this season. Well, they have the chance, can they pay Lincoln back and win the region tomorrow night on Lincoln's floor?

Who ya got?

No they cannot! Lincoln returns to Rupp and the win will put a ribbon on one of Jackson’s most impressive coaching performances. 

I don't put much stock in the early Jan. game.  PC had just made the trek back from a Christmas Tournament in FL, and that has impact on the legs.  Lincoln was lights out as well.  I do expect a closer matchup this time around.  Lincoln has the better overall team and will win this game in the low to mid 50s.  I'll say 56-48 Lincoln.  Lincoln was the preseason #1 team, and should be no surprise.  What is surprising is how they've gotten here.  No one (me included) would have expected the production from the other guys (Davis and Knuckles), but that's what makes the program special.  Kids growing up in Lincoln Co, don't have a lot to hang their hats on but they do grow up aspiring to wear the red and white with the Patriots across the chest.  The community rallies around it, and it's more than just a game to them.  Coach Jackson and company will get #5 tonight (one for every finger).

I really don't see the narrative that Lincoln is doing "more with less" this year.  They have 3 SR starters back from a Final Four State team.  Yes, good coaching job but not even close to the best one he's had IMO.

45 minutes ago, LethalPG said:

I really don't see the narrative that Lincoln is doing "more with less" this year.  They have 3 SR starters back from a Final Four State team.  Yes, good coaching job but not even close to the best one he's had IMO.

If those 5 starters had attended many/most of the other 12th region schools from middle school up, this group wouldn’t be playing for a regional championship tonight. But they have been developed and taught the game from middle school up. They absolutely are getting the most out of their talent and are better as a whole than the individual pieces would indicate. That’s a credit to the job Jeff Jackson has done, and even Coach Ralston in middle school. Just my opinion.

Not knocking the kids or team at all. If you like basketball, they’re a fun team to watch. Their basketball IQ is off the charts.

Maybe last year was his best coaching job, but he did lose importance pieces. So both years were excellent coaching jobs! He just gets it done year in and year out.

13 minutes ago, QueenoftheSouth said:

If those 5 starters had attended many/most of the other 12th region schools from middle school up, this group wouldn’t be playing for a regional championship tonight. But they have been developed and taught the game from middle school up. They absolutely are getting the most out of their talent and are better as a whole than the individual pieces would indicate. That’s a credit to the job Jeff Jackson has done, and even Coach Ralston in middle school. Just my opinion.

Not knocking the kids or team at all. If you like basketball, they’re a fun team to watch. Their basketball IQ is off the charts.

Maybe last year was his best coaching job, but he did lose importance pieces. So both years were excellent coaching jobs! He just gets it done year in and year out.

He does, and has been credited over and over but it absolutely starts in the feeder system.  The little league is the best organized program in the region.  And yes, Ralston keeps it going at the middle school...I would say last year is his best coaching job making a run to Final 4.

I think it's quite a knock on the players to say they wouldn't be playing for a title at other schools.  Alcorn is the best penetrating guard/finisher in region (outside of Stephens) and has started since his FR year and Ralston is a 6"4 wing that is physical and can make shots and has played since his FR year too.  I think they would be fine playing @ other schools too.  ?

I've said over and over the best trait of Coach Jackson is being a culture builder.  Undoubtedly, the best culture to play basketball in the region.  There has been a stream of talented players that have played @ Lincoln the last 20 years.  Coach Jackson would be the first to credit his players, and it's always a shared process between coaching and players.  It's a well oiled machine for this area.

If Lincoln stays focused and plays thier game they win another Regional Championship. They are really due another big game from Ralston. Give me Pats 58 Pulaski 48.

Lincoln County wins.

4 hours ago, LethalPG said:

I think it's quite a knock on the players to say they wouldn't be playing for a title at other schools.  Alcorn is the best penetrating guard/finisher in region (outside of Stephens) and has started since his FR year and Ralston is a 6"4 wing that is physical and can make shots and has played since his FR year too.  I think they would be fine playing @ other schools too.  ?

As I mentioned, it’s not a knock on the players. It’s a credit to what Lincoln does for and to players.

Alcorn and Ralston would start on any team in the 12th region. Lincoln is 12th region basketball right now, 4th appearance in 5 years playing in the region finals. Give me the 45th District Champions by 6 tonight! 

24-23 Pulaski @ Half.  The pro Charge referees have flipped script tonight and went Pro Block.  Pulaski should probably lead by more.  I feel like they’ve outplayed Lincoln for majority of game. 

Going to extremely tough to win in Lincoln’s house, but the Maroons are playing well. 

First 4 mins of 3rd extremely critical for PC.  Lincoln typically makes a run (especially at home ) .  It’s what they did to West Jessamine last night.