Rowan Co 84 Elliott Co 66

[Intentional Foul]

Final.

 

Impressive win for the Lady Vikings at Elliott County. I believe this makes them 13-3 on the season. Coach Tackett is doing a great job in his first year.

[hoops_gal]

It was a wild one for sure!!

[Big Slick]

My choice for C.O.Y. as of right now!

[85lived]

My choice for C.O.Y. as of right now!

 

Why? He inherited the best team in the region.

 

I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it but it makes for an easy transition when you take over the top team. (See Tubby Smith, 1998)

 

IMO, if you were going to give a mid-season COY you would really have to consider Merle Kidwell of Russell. Look what he is doing with a team that the coaches picked as the #7 or #8 team in the preseason. It took them about a month to crack the Super 7 in the Daily Independent because nobody expected them to be very good. He took heat for 2 years about not being able to win it all with Fortman and Okoro. They were beaten by a team with 2 "pretty good" players who earned D1 scholarships. Now Fortman & Okoro are gone and they are still winning with talent that the other area coaches felt was middle of the pack at best based on their preseason picks. They may not always win "pretty" but they just win. I think the man might be able to coach a little.

 

Who knows what will happen by the end of the year but since you mentioned "as of right now" I thought I would give my opinion. I'm sure there are others you can argue for but I'm sure that whoever wins the region will probably get it. We will know the answer in a little over 2 months.

[Dirt]

I heard a rumor that this game almost got ugly between some fans......Was anyone at the game who can tell the story?

[Big Slick]

I think Coach Kidwell has done a great job this season, but I have grown to expect nothing less from him. But I don't think it was easy spot for Coach Tackett, with 2 coaching changes since summer. As you said these things will play theirselves out at the end. A lot of other coaches doing a good as well this year IMO.

[hoops_gal]

Why? He inherited the best team in the region.

 

I'm not saying he doesn't deserve it but it makes for an easy transition when you take over the top team. (See Tubby Smith, 1998)

 

IMO, if you were going to give a mid-season COY you would really have to consider Merle Kidwell of Russell. Look what he is doing with a team that the coaches picked as the #7 or #8 team in the preseason. It took them about a month to crack the Super 7 in the Daily Independent because nobody expected them to be very good. He took heat for 2 years about not being able to win it all with Fortman and Okoro. They were beaten by a team with 2 "pretty good" players who earned D1 scholarships. Now Fortman & Okoro are gone and they are still winning with talent that the other area coaches felt was middle of the pack at best based on their preseason picks. They may not always win "pretty" but they just win. I think the man might be able to coach a little.

 

Who knows what will happen by the end of the year but since you mentioned "as of right now" I thought I would give my opinion. I'm sure there are others you can argue for but I'm sure that whoever wins the region will probably get it. We will know the answer in a little over 2 months.

 

lol! It's always funny when teams have some success how some people are quick to forget. The Lady Vikes were ranked 3rd in most polls behind Ashland and east, and David Patrick had them 4th behind Morgan County.

[85lived]

I think Coach Kidwell has done a great job this season, but I have grown to expect nothing less from him. But I don't think it was easy spot for Coach Tackett, with 2 coaching changes since summer. As you said these things will play theirselves out at the end. A lot of other coaches doing a good as well this year IMO.

I see your point and definitely agree that Tackett is doing an outstanding job and will deserve any honor he gets this year.

[Intentional Foul]

Right now my COY votes would go in no particular order:

 

Kidwell-Definitely getting the most out of his team. Kidwell knows that his team gives other teams match-up problems. Instead of coaching to overcome other team's advantages, he makes other teams adjust to his team's strengths - a tough thing to do.

 

Tackett-came into Rowan in a tough situation (after losing 2 prior coaches) and has still won despite having the region's toughest schedule.

 

Bradley-People tend to forget the rebuilding process he has done at Blazer. Blazer has steadily went from 3 wins, to 8 wins, to 17 wins in the last 3 seasons. This year the Kittens are 10-2. And he only graduates 1 senior this year.

 

I personally think the 16th region has many fine girl's coaches. By the end of the year the actual COY may be someone totally different than the ones I have mentioned.

[85lived]

Right now my COY votes would go in no particular order:

 

Kidwell-Definitely getting the most out of his team. Kidwell knows that his team gives other teams match-up problems. Instead of coaching to overcome other team's advantages, he makes other teams adjust to his team's strengths - a tough thing to do.

 

Tackett-came into Rowan in a tough situation (after losing 2 prior coaches) and has still won despite having the region's toughest schedule.

 

Bradley-People tend to forget the rebuilding process he has done at Blazer. Blazer has steadily went from 3 wins, to 8 wins, to 17 wins in the last 3 seasons. This year the Kittens are 10-2. And he only graduates 1 senior this year.

 

I personally think the 16th region has many fine girl's coaches. By the end of the year the actual COY may be someone totally different than the ones I have mentioned.

Great analysis and I agree 100% with your last paragraph.

[Big Slick]

Some teams that are traditinal powers that are having good years and I apoloigize for not knowing all their names, but Morgan Co., Elliott Co., and Lewis Co. Also old veterans that always do a good job in Easterling and Trimble and Fraley.

[racer4life]

You couldn't go wrong with giving Tackett or Kidwell coach of the year. Both are fine coaches and fine people. I agree with Big Slick you come to expect it out of Merle each year but Tackett has been a pleasant surprise. I hope it comes down to Russell and Rowan in the championship game of the region.

[hoops_gal]

I heard a rumor that this game almost got ugly between some fans......Was anyone at the game who can tell the story?

 

Yes, I was there. An RC player was hurt and an EC fan was yelling inappropriately while she was down. One of the RC parents said that was enough and the EC fan wanted to fight. Needless to say they wasn't talking much when they were down by 20.

[hoops_gal]

Also, the fans were VERY RUDE when Nicole Barr scored her 1000th point. Some booed and some waved their hands and said whatever. As far as I know they didn't even give her the game ball, but I could be wrong.

[picknroll]

Also, the fans were VERY RUDE when Nicole Barr scored her 1000th point. Some booed and some waved their hands and said whatever. As far as I know they didn't even give her the game ball, but I could be wrong.

 

Ms Barr was cheered by the EC team and Coaching staff. The game ball was not given because Rowan did not bring one. Elliott showed class in that they allowed the game to be stopped and recognized her on this great achievement. I was at the game as well and can tell you that anyone who bought a ticket saw two very good teams playing their hearts out. What happens in the stands unfortunately occurs without any doing of either school. The fans on both sides are very passionate and unfortunately things were said that probably shouldn't have been. Rowan is a GREAT team and fun to watch. Should be noted that Elliott lost this game in the 2nd quarter when the point guard for Elliott went to the bench with her 3rd foul.(40 seconds left in the 1st quarter) and did not return until the 3rd quarter. Hope to see this match up again soon.:dancingpa