I think it's obviously OJ Mayo who was probably better as an eighth grader then the rest of these guys as seniors. He is a freak of nature basketball player.

But if we're not considering him I would vote for two guys, Jeff Hall and Frank Lee. Both good division 1 talent for college and great high schoolers. Kelly Wells would be my number 3 pick.

For the past 25 years many great players have been in the 16th region. However the top three in terms of an MVP are propably a no brainer:

 

3.Mike Scott: The most dominant big man. I can not think of anyone around here to have his size. Fit perfectly in Randy Wards offense.

 

2.Frank Lee: Frank is propably the best basketball player this region has seen in the last 25 years that has played his entire elgibility here.( Frank and the other ones on this list were better than OJ was in his time in the region, not after he transfered) Not to mention Frank played on a teams with great players and could have averaged 30+ if he wanted. His teams schedule were against some of the better teams in the state.

 

1. Kelly Wells: Most people forget to mention him due to being at Rowan County. His teams won three consecutive region titles and without him they win none. He was a very good at all aspects of the game esp. shooting. He also went to Tulsa for a year with none other than Tubby Smith as his coach. Later he transfered back to MSU.

 

Honorable Mention:

Marty Thomas: Ashland

Chris Jones: Russell

Mark Surgalski: Ashland

 

No doubt those are three great players. You cannot in good conscience ignore Mayo. I can't believe I'm the one defending Mayo, but the truth is certainly hard to ignore if we are going to have an honest discussion. I don't care if he did transfer in and out of here after a brief tenure. I have been closely involved with basketball in this region for over 40 years and while here, he was the most talented player I have ever watched in this region, and that is not even considering what he has become since leaving.

The thread title is 16th region MVP last 25 years. To me that means which player did the most in the 16th region (Win regional titles, take their teams deep into the state tournament, etc...) not who was the most talented player to play in the 16th region the last 25 years. I don't think anyone will dispute that OJ was the most talented player, but I don't think that is what this thread is about.

I'll go with Kyle Umberger. He helped lead his team further than any 16th region team has gone the last 25 years.

 

There are lots of great players and my vote would be with Mayo. After that I would go with Umberger. He did an awful lot in his 3 years. He got Ashland to the state finals, was a 3 time AIT MVP and was number 3 in Ashland all time scoring. I'm not sure about any All State honors. He had the best hands I have ever seen, right there with Mike Scott.

The thread title is 16th region MVP last 25 years. To me that means which player did the most in the 16th region (Win regional titles, take their teams deep into the state tournament, etc...) not who was the most talented player to play in the 16th region the last 25 years. I don't think anyone will dispute that OJ was the most talented player, but I don't think that is what this thread is about.

I agree with you here. If the criteria is what they did after their 16th career is over, I could use the same argument for Bill Walker. Personally, I think that Lee was the most valuable. Mayo most talented. 2 different things IMO.

The thread title is 16th region MVP last 25 years. To me that means which player did the most in the 16th region (Win regional titles, take their teams deep into the state tournament, etc...) not who was the most talented player to play in the 16th region the last 25 years. I don't think anyone will dispute that OJ was the most talented player, but I don't think that is what this thread is about.

 

If that is the criteria you choose to use, and not the best player, then I would pick Kelly Wells. Three regional titles in a row is hard to argue with.

The thread title is 16th region MVP last 25 years. To me that means which player did the most in the 16th region (Win regional titles, take their teams deep into the state tournament, etc...) not who was the most talented player to play in the 16th region the last 25 years. I don't think anyone will dispute that OJ was the most talented player, but I don't think that is what this thread is about.

 

Really guys this is a ridiculous arguement. Mayo was a 2 time all-state player while in the 16th region. If he disappeared after he left Rose Hill then he was still the best player IN THE REGION in the past 25 years. He scored over 1300 points in two years and lead Rose Hill to their only regional championship ever and the state quarterfinals. To downplay his value to his team is absurd.

 

Umburger, Wells, Lee, Zornes, Hall, etc were all outstanding players but let's snap back into reality for just a second.

Dont be a hater Brother.:thumb:

 

Not hating on anyone. Just stating the obvious.

Really guys this is a ridiculous arguement. Mayo was a 2 time all-state player while in the 16th region. If he disappeared after he left Rose Hill then he was still the best player IN THE REGION in the past 25 years. He scored over 1300 points in two years and lead Rose Hill to their only regional championship ever and the state quarterfinals. To downplay his value to his team is absurd.

 

Umburger, Wells, Lee, Zornes, Hall, etc were all outstanding players but let's snap back into reality for just a second.

 

 

Did you even read my post that you quoted? I clearly stated that Mayo was easily the most talented player that played in the region, BUT I don't believe that is what this thread was supposed to be about. The thread title does not say Best player from the 16th region the past 25 years. I still feel that Umberger was the most valuable for the reasons I listed, and those that Ace listed as well.

If Mayo had played at Ashland, Boyd Co or Fairview, this wouldn't even be a debate.

 

To consider that the kid did it as a 7th and 8th grader is mind boggling.

If Mayo had played at Ashland, Boyd Co or Fairview, this wouldn't even be a debate.

 

To consider that the kid did it as a 7th and 8th grader is mind boggling.

 

 

No one is arguing that. Once again Mayo is the most talented player to play in the region, but I still think what Umberger did while at Ashland gives him the edge for MVP of the region.

No one is arguing that. Once again Mayo is the most talented player to play in the region, but I still think what Umberger did while at Ashland gives him the edge for MVP of the region.

 

OK just for the sake of arguement what did Umberger accomplish that Mayo didn't and visa versa?

If Mayo had played at Ashland, Boyd Co or Fairview, this wouldn't even be a debate.

 

To consider that the kid did it as a 7th and 8th grader is mind boggling.

 

:ylsuper::ylsuper::ylsuper:

OK just for the sake of arguement what did Umberger accomplish that Mayo didn't and visa versa?

 

 

Umberger won 3 AIT MVP's, played in the State Championship, over 1,000 points and rebounds, played his whole career in the 16th region, had a great Little League coach.

Umberger won 3 AIT MVP's, played in the State Championship, over 1,000 points and rebounds, played his whole career in the 16th region, had a great Little League coach.

 

 

Did he play for Hornbuckle's Hounds or Bammer's Bangers?