I want to send out a shout to Russ Middleton. I was never more impressed with anyone at the Sweet 16 Tournament then I was with Russ. He played like a MAN this week. I had always heard that Russ at times disappeared in big games, but not this time. He played in the biggest games on the biggest stage and every game he impressed me!

 

I want to say CONGRATS to Russ Middleton for stepping up and playing like a MAN when his team needed him most.

 

Congrats to Russ and his team on a State Championship!

I'm sure he will do fine at Georgetown, but I would have enjoyed watching him play somewhere else.

I was very impressed with his play in the finals. Congrats to him and the Royals:thumb:

He definately rose to the occasion.

I want to send out a shout to Russ Middleton. I was never more impressed with anyone at the Sweet 16 Tournament then I was with Russ. He played like a MAN this week. I had always heard that Russ at times disappeared in big games, but not this time. He played in the biggest games on the biggest stage and every game he impressed me!

 

I want to say CONGRATS to Russ Middleton for stepping up and playing like a MAN when his team needed him most.

 

Congrats to Russ and his team on a State Championship!

 

Well said PK!

He's not the all around athlete that his dad(Kelly)was,who excelled in everything(football,tennis,golf,baseball,basketball), but he is a better basketball player than his dad right now.

Yep, he was a big part of this championship team and I can't wait to watch him next year. Should be something special, since it will pretty much be his team to lead. :thumb:

As papa said in the Mason-Holmes thread:

 

#33 has also taken some garbage on this board and elsewhere, but he was A WARRIOR tonight; often taking the widely acknowledged defensive player of the year (who is a delight to watch, by the way; he never stops working) to school several times tonight. Nice game and tournament, Russ.

One of the best players in the State of Kentucky next year! Happy he is coming to the Georgetown Tigers!

Russ, IMO, had the 2nd most complete tournament performance, behind teammate Darius. I watched Russ play many games during the regular season, and saw many inconsistent games. His best game of the year was by far the Elliott Co. game in Feb. where he scored a career high 27 points. I watched each of the state tournament games as well as the regional championship and in that five game span, he performed well in all games. I want to congragulte Russ as well as Darius and Ethan on making the all-tourney team and wish them all the best of luck next year.

I thought Russ Middleton had a fantastic sweet 16. I really like his game. Happy got a steal at Georgetown.

Russ is a great player and had a great state tournament but I would still take ole pops right now, he was impossible to guard. Russ will be a terriffic college player for Happy and might be better than dad by next year (when he should compete for Mr basketball), but we will see.

Georgetown needs him right now.

I want to send out a shout to Russ Middleton. I was never more impressed with anyone at the Sweet 16 Tournament then I was with Russ. He played like a MAN this week. I had always heard that Russ at times disappeared in big games, but not this time. He played in the biggest games on the biggest stage and every game he impressed me!

 

I want to say CONGRATS to Russ Middleton for stepping up and playing like a MAN when his team needed him most.

 

Congrats to Russ and his team on a State Championship!

 

A big AMEN to this. Russ was a warrior and a terrific tournament and even a better young man. Russ was terrific in the state and will be next year I am sure.

A big AMEN to this. Russ was a warrior and a terrific tournament and even a better young man. Russ was terrific in the state and will be next year I am sure.

 

Two other Royals deserve more recognition, Ryan Hamm and Keith Downing. these two are the unsung Royals stalwarts. Hamm hit two big threes in the Region after struggling all year offensively. But even more impressive was his performance inthe state. He ran the offense without turnovers against much larger, speedier, more athletic defenders but this young guy is a winner and know the game and how to play. He also his a critical free throw against Holms.

Keith Downig scored a career high against Holmes after having a miserable year offensively. Keith is the kind of player any coach would love to have. He is the epitome of a team player, hard nosed competitior and one willing and extremely able to do all the "little things" needed to win.

Middleton, Hamm and Downing give the Royals a nucleus to reload with next year.