21 hours ago, BasketballFan24 said:

I’m going to say you compare it to Boyle football and the success they have year after year. Boyle graduated a ton from the year before but kids who were good but didn’t get much time waited their turn and learned from the older guys and shined when it was their turn and won a state championship. Mercer was a bucket away from playing in Rupp last year and would have been a contender again this year but the kids and parents got their feelings hurt because they didn’t get time and didn’t want to wait their turn so they left for personal gain. Add injury to Murray who was outstanding in region tournament last year and that’s a lot of holes to fill. I find it hard to be a coaching problem with the success the program had the last two years and the overall success Coach Adkins has had for a long career. 
 

As far as football I don’t know why kids are leaving. Don’t follow football closely but program has not been deep in playoffs for a long while. 

I agree with you. Be hard to argue with what Adkins has done there over the last few years. Looked like to me his players were really fresh all region tournament. I mean they were down 11 to start the fourth to 29-3 and top 5 in the state DCA which everybody knew was a considerable favorite in that game. They rallied in the fourth to take the lead and had a good chance to win. Seems like a coach I'd wanna play for!

26 minutes ago, jtb12882 said:

I agree with you. Be hard to argue with what Adkins has done there over the last few years. Looked like to me his players were really fresh all region tournament. I mean they were down 11 to start the fourth to 29-3 and top 5 in the state DCA which everybody knew was a considerable favorite in that game. They rallied in the fourth to take the lead and had a good chance to win. Seems like a coach I'd wanna play for!

Yea. Some just don’t get it. Don’t look for the whole picture. You can only play 5 at a time and a coach with the experience he has had the 5 he trusted I’m sure and it almost got them there. The next group would have been in the drivers seat this year if they had stayed and Murray hadn’t went down. Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad the kids are doing good where they are and I hope they get college offers and all their dreams come true but don’t come on here downing the school and administration and coaches because they are having a bad season. Don’t help the kids that stuck it out and are trying as hard as they can. It’s about commitment from all year after year to build a winning program. Just takes a few to derail it. 

2 hours ago, jtb12882 said:

Totally different discussion, but to think that Mercer will most likely be in the region tournament this year is a travesty!

No fault to Mercer, but just speaks to how flawed the system is.

Danville and Garrard will most likely not make it, both of which are considerably better than Mercer. Then there is the reality that one of the following is going to miss it;  Lincoln, Boyle and DCA. Which is absurd!  Not to even mention the 47th and the 48th!

Make a Super-regional to take care of this mess! The players deserve it!

For most of my 40+ years on earth I would have disagreed with you, but I'm starting to come around to this way of thinking. It was interesting to see it done on a trial basis in the 15th Region last year (it was also done for baseball and softball in the 6th Region in 2024-25).

15th piloted the Super Region, and a champion came out of the “play back in” portion.  I think most regions would for it at this point.  I see both sides, where the ultra important semifinals create a tension that can’t be matched in a one and done scenario.  But, I do think you are more likely to get the best 8 teams most years with Super format. 

I preface this by saying I don’t think it would ever happen.  But, there is a way where you could elevate schedule hassles by playing everyone in the region once (can opt out IE KSD).  Use RPI or W/L to seed Super Regional Tournament.  High Seed hosts 1st Round and then move to Neutral site like the region tournament now.  I would think this would help majority of the schools with scheduling on yearly basis. 

10 hours ago, RVaughn said:

Buy in is a two way street between parents, kids and the school district.  It can't be all on the parents and kids to buy in.  Boyle gets buy in because they do everything the right way on and off the field.  They have good leadership within their administration.  They have a history of winning that all plays a part in buy in.  Adkins is a very good person and coach but for whatever reason he and his family looked at what was going on at Mercer and decided it wasn't the best fit for his son and transferred him out.  I think that speaks volumes for what is going on at Mercer.  Your question about who you replace in the starting lineup was answered perfectly by QueenoftheSouth above.  Out of that starting 5 which one could you have put on another team and averaged 21 a game?  The fact is there was a kid on that team that didn't play that got on a new team this year and has proved he can average 21 a game.  

His son doesn’t play for him at Mercer? Where did he transfer to? 

22 hours ago, RVaughn said:

Buy in is a two way street between parents, kids and the school district.  It can't be all on the parents and kids to buy in.  Boyle gets buy in because they do everything the right way on and off the field.  They have good leadership within their administration.  They have a history of winning that all plays a part in buy in.  Adkins is a very good person and coach but for whatever reason he and his family looked at what was going on at Mercer and decided it wasn't the best fit for his son and transferred him out.  I think that speaks volumes for what is going on at Mercer.  Your question about who you replace in the starting lineup was answered perfectly by QueenoftheSouth above.  Out of that starting 5 which one could you have put on another team and averaged 21 a game?  The fact is there was a kid on that team that didn't play that got on a new team this year and has proved he can average 21 a game.  

21 a game against very weak competition.  Definitely a different situation for sure.

On 12/31/2025 at 1:52 PM, BasketballFan24 said:

I didn’t ask who should start. I asked who do you replace of the 5 that played most of the minutes. 
 

Do you give Sparrow a lot of Ellis’ minutes? The 12th region player of the year and a very efficient offensive player for 4 years in the 12th. Not only that but was the rim protector and back line that made Adkins defensive scheme work and made them the #2 defense in the state. Not to mention grabbing 10+ boards a game every night and some huge ones in the region tournament. Sparrow had showed no sign of being able to do any of that in the minutes he played throughout the season. 
 

do you try and play him and Ellis together and take Murray out?  Murray was no doubt the best lockdown defender in the 12th and shut Phillips and Fraley down in the region tournament to get them to the championship. 
 

How about Doughty does Sparrow or Sexton shoot it from range as well as he did for the season and especially in the region tournament. How about the defensive job he did on Cook in the region semi finals?  
 

Tatum was an experienced senior who did his job that was asked of him. Handled the ball, defended well in Adkins scheme and made shots. A kid that was totally bought in to winning. Maybe Sexton could have got a few of his minutes but I assume coach trusted the senior over a sophomore. No way Sparrow can defend that position so again it comes back to defense. 
 

Preston is playing D1 ball in Tennessee so that says something about him. Do you sit him for extended minutes?  Wouldn’t make much sense. 

so it really wasn’t about who can score 21 points a game against teams that all have losing records and is the only scoring option since Beasley went down with knee injury.  It was about defense and the kids that were bought in to doing it coaches way and what fit his style.  It was about senior leadership and trusting those guys but developing the next group to take the reins next year and build off what he did the previous two years.  I think he was bought in to the program and heading in the right direction . I’m sure he moved his kid after seeing the lack of buy in from the parents and kids there and he probably will be close behind  

The administration there hired Hamlin and it was a complete joke for 6 years so they make a move and go get a good coach who comes in and wins immediately but the parents and kids leave anyway.  Sounds like the problem there rests with someone other than the administration and coach.

Wow that must have struck a nerve with you. Obviously last year's Mercer team is special to you, we get it.  My original post was all facts about kids leaving Mercer and having success at other schools. Also facts Mercer is currently 1-11.  I have not said anything bad about the coach or current players that is you downplaying the kid's stats that left.  Since you brought up last year's team a strong argument would not be walking on at TN Tech after averaging 11 ppg.  I would be more impressed if you listed any full scholarship offers at minimum to NAIA or D-2.   Winning 12th region player of the year is a big accomplishment but is subjective based on that year's group of seniors.   It is fact that it is given to the best Senior in the region that year but not all years are created equal.  In 2018 Trevon won it averaging 26 PPG while Fitzgerald averaged 30 PPG and didn't win it along with Hunter Stephens averaged 25 PPG that same year.  I would say Fitzgerald wins it in almost any year but 2018. Sebastian averaged 27 as a JR in 2019 probably the best player in the region but it is a SR award. Sometimes the top two contenders for 12th region player of the year average 16PPG and 14PPG.  Mercer admin can keep their head in the sand and pretend like everything is great.  In my opinion there is a problem in their athletic depart that starts at the top.  Blaming kids and parents for getting out to better situations won't fix it. 

I will put out my yearly All A preview Monday.  Should be an exciting tournament next week @ Danville Christian. 

On 1/2/2026 at 10:52 AM, RVaughn said:

Wow that must have struck a nerve with you. Obviously last year's Mercer team is special to you, we get it.  My original post was all facts about kids leaving Mercer and having success at other schools. Also facts Mercer is currently 1-11.  I have not said anything bad about the coach or current players that is you downplaying the kid's stats that left.  Since you brought up last year's team a strong argument would not be walking on at TN Tech after averaging 11 ppg.  I would be more impressed if you listed any full scholarship offers at minimum to NAIA or D-2.   Winning 12th region player of the year is a big accomplishment but is subjective based on that year's group of seniors.   It is fact that it is given to the best Senior in the region that year but not all years are created equal.  In 2018 Trevon won it averaging 26 PPG while Fitzgerald averaged 30 PPG and didn't win it along with Hunter Stephens averaged 25 PPG that same year.  I would say Fitzgerald wins it in almost any year but 2018. Sebastian averaged 27 as a JR in 2019 probably the best player in the region but it is a SR award. Sometimes the top two contenders for 12th region player of the year average 16PPG and 14PPG.  Mercer admin can keep their head in the sand and pretend like everything is great.  In my opinion there is a problem in their athletic depart that starts at the top.  Blaming kids and parents for getting out to better situations won't fix it. 

I talked to someone who does know the situation at Mercer and here is the real breakdown.

One kid transferred last year to Danville to seek playing time and he is doing good this year.

One kid transferred this year to Anderson because his dad thought he should have been starting last year instead of Trevor Ellis.  Evidently, there was some major friction between the parent and coach during the season that really escalated this move.

One kid transferred back to Boyle once the coaching change at Boyle to place.

One kid got injured and is out for the season.

Scoring big against mediocre teams does not translate to scoring big against legit opponents.  Sometimes numbers can be misleading if you don't really dig into them.

It seems to have worked out for the kids (which is good) but their actions have created a mess at Mercer for sure.

12th Region All A Classic @ Danville Christian 

The Bracket 

• Tues. (6:00) Somerset vs. Burgin  (8:00) Trinity Christian vs. Danville 
• TH. (6:00) DCA vs. Somerset/Burgin Winner  (8:00) Somerset Christian vs. TCA/Danville Winner 
• Sat. (7:00) Championship Night

The Teams 

Danville Christian (8-2)- BGP #1    The reigning All State Champion will look to repeat, and their run will start at Home.  They are the favorites, and have ran this tournament in recent history winning 3 out of 4 regional crowns.  The Warriors were tasked with replacing some key pieces leading into the season, and have done well early on.  The addition of Ben Mikels from the homeschool league has been huge for this team to pair with Ateny on the interior.  Ateny is the most imposing force in the region, and can affect the game in so many ways with his size, skill set and athleticism.  PG. Graham Domidion has stepped into the role nicely, and is a heady player that sets the table for this team. This team possesses excellent length, and are tenacious on the defensive end of the floor (allowing only 50 PPG).  The road to the finals will most likely go through their rival Somerset, and formidable teams in the Finals await with either being Danville or Somerset Christian.  Danville just pushed DCA Friday night in a district battle.  

Key Players- SR. F. Leek Ateny (15 PPG, 10 RPG, 53% FG), SR. F. Ben Mikels (14 PPG, 7 RPG, 63% FG) 

Somerset (6-4)-  BGP #8  Somerset brings in a veteran core that is motivated to try and win this tournament.  This is a team that leans on its guard play, and possesses firepower from deep that can keep them in any game.  Aedyn Absher spearheads the attack, and is a capable 3 level scorer.  Somerset has been up and down early in the season, but is coming into the tournament off an impressive district road win over Rockcastle Co.  Somerset has solid interior size as well with Jakob Bartley and Kole Grundy.  The Jumpers must stay focused on the task at hand, and that task starts with an improved Burgin team on Tues. night.  If they take care of business, it sets up a much anticipated Semi-Final Matchup with DCA.  Somerset is the last 12th region team to defeat the Warriors in the 2024 Big Region Semi-finals.  These two teams last played in the Big Region First Round in March with DCA winning in a Double OT thriller.

Key Players- SR. G. Aedyn Absher (20 PPG, 6 RPG, 44% FG), Kole Grundy (12 PPG, 6 RPG, 44% FG)

Danville (5-6)- BGP #13  The Admirals have had a solid start to the season, and come into the tournament pushing DCA to the limits on Friday night.  The Ads are a scrappy bunch, and play super hard and possess solid balance on the offensive end.  When they're making shots, they're a dangerous bunch.  Landon Reed has been really solid as the floor general and J'Kaivin Walker is an explosive athlete who can shoot the 3 and get the rim.  Danville should coast through TCA, and set up a big time rematch from game 1 of the season with Somerset Christian.  Danville stormed back in that one to win a shootout. 

Key Players- SR. PG. Landon Reed (15 PPG, 50% FG), SR. G. J'Kaivin Walker (9 PPG, 6 RPG)

Somerset Christian (7-4) BGP #14-  The Cougars are a dangerous team.  They don't have much depth, but their starting lineup is solid and has a ton of veterans who have played a lot of big games.  This is a team similar to Somerset, who plays through their guards and they have firepower.  Jack Baker is a force that can get hot in a hurry from 3, and his running mates Isaiah Hensley and Omarii Harvey are athletic and attack the paint well.  Somerset Christian is set to battle Danville in the Semis, and it will be a war.

Key Players- SR. G. Jack Baker (22 PPG, 51% FG), SR. G. Isaiah Hensley (14 PPG, 49% FG)

Burgin (3-7) BGP #16-  Burgin is a veteran team, and they play super hard.  They're coming into the tournament after pushing county rival Mercer Co. to an OT game Friday night.  They play through their guards, and sparked by Guard Hudson Taylor who is a capable 3 PT Shooter.  The Bulldogs are limited in size, and will have to do a good job on the glass to pull off an upset over Somerset in the first round Tues. night. 

Key Players- SO. G. Hudson Taylor (18 PPG, 52% FG), SR. G. Phillip Dodson (7 PPG, 45% FG)

Trinity Christian (0-10) BGP #18-  The Titans have really struggled this season, and I'll be honest they're one of the few teams in the region I have very little knowledge of.  It will be an uphill battle for them to pull an first round upset of Danville.

Tournament Outlook-  This has an opportunity to be an electric tournament.  TH. night Semi-Final night has the chance to mirror the big region tournament as far as anticipation/excitement.  Somerset/DCA, do we need to say more?  Somerset has to take care of business Tues. night, but every time these two lock it up there are fireworks.  Danville/Somerset Christian will be a great game as well.  Whoever wins that game, will be more than capable to take the crown on Sat. Night.