Nic Simpson is back, it is true, he did not seem to show much regard for playing carefully he even had a play where he split the lane and dunked. McGraw had 17. Simon Kenton's pregame Senior Night Ceremonies was very long, but there is something to be said for 9 seniors on a team, that type of leadership will be missed next year I'm sure.

Congrats to Highlands, Any Stats?

Good to hear Simpson's injury hasn't affected him. Good road win for the Birds heading in to districts

Does anyone know any status on Layne?

 

I know he got hurt in the first or second quarter.

It looked as though he hurt his right ankle really bad, I don't know the severity of it, but it took two ment to help him off the floor and you could tell he was in some real pain.

Watching the first three minutes of the game it was wierd watching as Highlands tried to get used to Nic back on the floor. It was a unsettling dynamic, waiting to watch him score his first basket, catch his first real crisp pass, and playing defense. I would say Nic was at about 85% tonight, but I'll take that any night. I feel that in his absence Highlands got to get some true grit and deepth in thier bench. He did play all four quarters and hopefully gets his smooth stroke back before region. The first step is New Cath Monday night. The way our district is set up, Highlands will have to play 3 games before Regional Tourney, and Nic has some fresh legs.

Is Stein back yet? Whats the word on him?

I really like this lineup now with Simpson back. You have 3 pistons firing with Kowolonek, McGraw and Simpson and then you have guys like EAton(junkyard dog) and Watson (sophomore) who can slide in and get buckets. Hurtt gives you a physical lockdown defender on the floor which will take the pressure off of those offensive weapons. Grote has logged some nice minutes and is a physical player who can stroke the 15 footer. Grubbs can play the block sparingly and is a big kid. Lother can spell at the point if needed a few minutes here or there.

 

I think the Birds will make some noise and I am actually glad they get 3 games in the district as it will help with blending the chemistry. Good Luck on Monday night.

I think with Simpson back, It makes them and Holmes the favorites to win the region. CCH is good, but I think it just became a two horse race.

 

And to be honest, as much as I hate to say this, with Simpson in the lineup, I see Highlands as the favorite to win region over Holmes.

I think with Simpson back, It makes them and Holmes the favorites to win the region. CCH is good, but I think it just became a two horse race.

 

And to be honest, as much as I hate to say this, with Simpson in the lineup, I see Highlands as the favorite to win region over Holmes.

 

I agree but only if Highlands plays a perfect game against Holmes. I think Holmes is young and that may play against them in a big game against Highlands with 3 strong SR leaders in EAton, McGraw and Simpson. I am actually hoping it doesnt come down to that game as Holmes scares me. I would like to see a Highlands/Cov Cath final this year.

I think with Simpson back, It makes them and Holmes the favorites to win the region. CCH is good, but I think it just became a two horse race.

 

And to be honest, as much as I hate to say this, with Simpson in the lineup, I see Highlands as the favorite to win region over Holmes.

 

I can see that happening. It was his first game last night and he looked pretty smooth and the dunk through the lane was nice. Once he gets a few games under his belt and they gel they could really give Holmes some problems.

 

It was a shame the seniors lost in their last home game but they played hard through the end. I wonder if there has ever been that many seniors at a basketball senior night, every bit of 23 or 24 kids called out when you include the cheerleaders and the managers and even the mascot got recognition.

I agree but only if Highlands plays a perfect game against Holmes. I think Holmes is young and that may play against them in a big game against Highlands with 3 strong SR leaders in EAton, McGraw and Simpson. I am actually hoping it doesnt come down to that game as Holmes scares me. I would like to see a Highlands/Cov Cath final this year.

 

If that is going to be the final then you would have already played Holmes or they would have had to have lost in the first round, seeing as how CCH and Holmes can't be on the same side of the bracket.

I agree but only if Highlands plays a perfect game against Holmes. I think Holmes is young and that may play against them in a big game against Highlands with 3 strong SR leaders in EAton, McGraw and Simpson. I am actually hoping it doesnt come down to that game as Holmes scares me. I would like to see a Highlands/Cov Cath final this year.

 

Holmes depth is probably the key in whether or not they win region. Highlands has two great scorers in Simpson and Mcgraw, Holmes counters wth a seasoned vet in Henderson, and a rookie, but very good sophomore in Rico Johnson.

 

IMO whether or not Highlands wins region, will determine how well Rico Johnson can defend Simpson. Mcgraw is the better shooter IMO and more of a threat to score at will so Henderson will most likely be guarding him.

 

When does Highlands get Stein back? That will be another key addition. Things are really falling in to the hands of Highlands. IMO they control their destination.

Is Stein back yet? Whats the word on him?

 

I don't think Stein will be back.

I think the Birds will make some noise and I am actually glad they get 3 games in the district as it will help with blending the chemistry. Good Luck on Monday night.

 

Last sentence more important than previous. You only get 3 games if you win MON v. NCC. Should be a war. Home court is important advantage. Hopefully they seize that advantage and then fine tune in games 2 and 3.