15U State Champions - Lexington ICE

[The Fossil]

That is impressive. Curious whether he was held back a year. Is he really 15, or 16?

 

Held Back! what does that mean? KHSAA and AAU in this instance, set the playing eligibility rules. If a player doesnt start 1st grade until a year after he is first eligible, isnt that the same as repeating a grade somewhere along the line. Why yes it is... By the way, Ryan is 15 until this Fall.

[HSBallFan78]

A few points.

 

Fucci - my understanding is that he is 16. Not sure if he was held back somewhere along the way or no. Regardless an unbelievable talent. Has the best basketball IQ of any young player I have ever seen in person. Started for Tates Creek as a freshman, and played very very well. Also a great football and baseball player.

 

Wilder - another kid to keep an eye on. I think he started for Henry Clay freshman as an 8th grader and was 6th man on varsity as a freshman. HC was senior laden, so he didn't get as much PT this year, but still averaged about 6-8/game. Should start and contribute big time this next year.

 

Shotwell - at LCA this past year I believe, but rumor is he is going back to Scott County. Have seen him play this spring, and is growing and developing. Someone else to keep an eye on.

 

Schuette/Deluca/Martin of Lexington Catholic all local players to watch out for also. Schuette/Deluca are fantastic shooters. Schuette has more range. Martin can shoot pretty well, but he is a defensive specialist.

 

Foul Disparity - no way it was 20-4 for the ICE. In the first half, the Shinings Stars were in the 1 and 1 pretty early and shooting 2 shots before the ICE got into the 1 and 1. 2nd half, I do believe the Shining Stars had more fouls but not 20-4. But many of the fouls on Shining Stars were intentional and came late when they were trying to rally back.

 

Both coaches got technicals. And both teams had players who got technicals. My experience over the years is KBA does not have great overall officiating. Personally, I thought the refs were overly sensitive in a lot of games this weekend.

[gswilder]

My son is Brandon Wilder and plays for the Lexington ICE and for Henry Clay. So I was at the game on Sunday.

 

thewaterboy is correct, the one ref was a little sensitive. He did give the ICE coach a Technical for asking if his subs could go in during an official timeout. The same ref threw out one of the ICE parents the night before for saying something about "that looked like a pretty good play to me".

 

In the first half, the fouls seemed to go against the ICE. In the 2nd, I think the Shining Stars got more. I didn't keep the book, but I would guess total fouls for the game were fairly close.

[daredevils4life]

It's always great reading stuff about how referees are to blame for other peoples problems. At the KBA, before the sheriffs dept. was asked to come and patrol the arena, people could get away with all the talk, and all the threats, because they had no fear of the people who worked there. Now, with the deputies there, once they come to the problem area, it's out the door with no more problems.

 

Personally, I don't like seeing that. But, it does show how stupid most people act when they are at a basketball game. What gives them the right to do what they do, say what they say? Some of the things they say, that I have heard, are downright personal. And with the stands being so close to the floor, and anyone sitting there right next to the ref on the floor, you surely don't take that from a coach who gets personal during a game, so why take it from a fan/parent?

 

And it doesn't matter who the refs are, there are ALWAYS going to be stupid people acting idiotic and being thrown out of gyms every year. This past weekend, there were 2 state tournament officials, 3 regional tournament officials, and 5 district championship officials that worked. And each of them had to either call technicals, or toss a coach, or fan. The KBA is still a great place to watch some good players play the great game of basketball. I can't wait for the high school AAU tourneys.

[HSBallFan78]

I agree that many parents, coaches and fans get out of control at games. It really is a shame, as everyone needs to be setting an example for the kids.

[Sandman]

In the short time I was there I seen a ton of people acting crazy and setting an awful example for kids. Coaches and parents alike were acting crazy. I was glad to see refs start throwing parents and coaches out.

 

We've disagreed before, but I will say this post is point on. I couldn't agree with anything you said more. :thumb:

[Sandman]

It's always great reading stuff about how referees are to blame for other peoples problems. At the KBA, before the sheriffs dept. was asked to come and patrol the arena, people could get away with all the talk, and all the threats, because they had no fear of the people who worked there. Now, with the deputies there, once they come to the problem area, it's out the door with no more problems.

 

Personally, I don't like seeing that. But, it does show how stupid most people act when they are at a basketball game. What gives them the right to do what they do, say what they say? Some of the things they say, that I have heard, are downright personal. And with the stands being so close to the floor, and anyone sitting there right next to the ref on the floor, you surely don't take that from a coach who gets personal during a game, so why take it from a fan/parent?

 

And it doesn't matter who the refs are, there are ALWAYS going to be stupid people acting idiotic and being thrown out of gyms every year. This past weekend, there were 2 state tournament officials, 3 regional tournament officials, and 5 district championship officials that worked. And each of them had to either call technicals, or toss a coach, or fan. The KBA is still a great place to watch some good players play the great game of basketball. I can't wait for the high school AAU tourneys.

 

 

I agree with everything you've said. It looks like the refs working this weekend had the best credentials among those, "doing their job."

[NKU20]

A few points.

 

Fucci - my understanding is that he is 16. Not sure if he was held back somewhere along the way or no. Regardless an unbelievable talent. Has the best basketball IQ of any young player I have ever seen in person. Started for Tates Creek as a freshman, and played very very well. Also a great football and baseball player.

 

Wilder - another kid to keep an eye on. I think he started for Henry Clay freshman as an 8th grader and was 6th man on varsity as a freshman. HC was senior laden, so he didn't get as much PT this year, but still averaged about 6-8/game. Should start and contribute big time this next year.

 

Shotwell - at LCA this past year I believe, but rumor is he is going back to Scott County. Have seen him play this spring, and is growing and developing. Someone else to keep an eye on.

 

Schuette/Deluca/Martin of Lexington Catholic all local players to watch out for also. Schuette/Deluca are fantastic shooters. Schuette has more range. Martin can shoot pretty well, but he is a defensive specialist.

 

Foul Disparity - no way it was 20-4 for the ICE. In the first half, the Shinings Stars were in the 1 and 1 pretty early and shooting 2 shots before the ICE got into the 1 and 1. 2nd half, I do believe the Shining Stars had more fouls but not 20-4. But many of the fouls on Shining Stars were intentional and came late when they were trying to rally back.

 

Both coaches got technicals. And both teams had players who got technicals. My experience over the years is KBA does not have great overall officiating. Personally, I thought the refs were overly sensitive in a lot of games this weekend.

 

I saw the book, it was 20-4 but it was all in the second half. The refs were not good, but when are they? The first half the Ice had more fouls. The Ice hit some great shots and the Shining Stars didn't. That happens and they'll be other games. The two boys from Ice were outstanding.

[chardice]

Just some thoughts on the team and weekend:

- The ICE are an incredible team. They play together (practiced twice as a total team) and have fun doing it. They are fundamental and know the game. Until this year, I have never heard points scored come up in discussion. Every one of these guys contributes to the team.

- Fucci turns 16 in September. He is one of the 3 best FROSH in the state

- Wilder can flat out shoot the rock and will be a strong player in the state for the next 3 years.

- Purvis has made huge strides in the last 2 years, along with great inside play from Kiesling.

- Helton and Barnette are both strong guards that will contribute significantly at LCA in the years to come.

- Martin and DeLuca are great players in a great system at LexCath. It will be great to see how they do in the years to come with Schuette and others over there.

- Shotwell is back at Scott Co and will definitely make some noise up there.

- The ICE were also without Haggin from Sayre, who is a strong guard but had baseball commitments this Spring.

- If the fouls were 20-4 in the 2nd half, 3 of the 20 were techs and there were at least 7-8 in the last 2 minutes. The refs did not cost or give anyone that championship. The Shining Stars coach lost complete control of his mouth on a questionable play. The ICE were in control of the game at that point but he didn't seem to help much.

- These guys will hopefully make some noise at Nationals in July.

[gold sunrise]

Just some thoughts on the team and weekend:

- The ICE are an incredible team. They play together (practiced twice as a total team) and have fun doing it. They are fundamental and know the game. Until this year, I have never heard points scored come up in discussion. Every one of these guys contributes to the team.

- Fucci turns 16 in September. He is one of the 3 best FROSH in the state

- Wilder can flat out shoot the rock and will be a strong player in the state for the next 3 years.

- Purvis has made huge strides in the last 2 years, along with great inside play from Kiesling.

- Helton and Barnette are both strong guards that will contribute significantly at LCA in the years to come.

- Martin and DeLuca are great players in a great system at LexCath. It will be great to see how they do in the years to come with Schuette and others over there.

- Shotwell is back at Scott Co and will definitely make some noise up there.

- The ICE were also without Haggin from Sayre, who is a strong guard but had baseball commitments this Spring.

- If the fouls were 20-4 in the 2nd half, 3 of the 20 were techs and there were at least 7-8 in the last 2 minutes. The refs did not cost or give anyone that championship. The Shining Stars coach lost complete control of his mouth on a questionable play. The ICE were in control of the game at that point but he didn't seem to help much.

- These guys will hopefully make some noise at Nationals in July.

 

Great experience for Travis...GRC will need him when they make their challenge to win the 10th this next season.

 

Congrats to all the members of the ICE team for winning this past weekend.

[HSBallFan78]

ICE

 

Purvis from Clark has made a lot of progress in the last couple of years. He has huge feet and is still pretty young (maybe 14). So probably a lot of growing left to do. He could really use some individual coaching with a "big mans coach".

 

Yea, forgot about Cabbot Haggin not being with them. I know he has played with them in the past. Another very good guard who can take it to the basket. Started for Sayre as a freshman this past year.

 

Taylor Barnette - I have seen him before and he is a tremendous pure shooter. The games I saw this weekend, he didn't shoot very well. Off weekend I guess. His dad is very tall, so he may grow some more. And he is only 14. His sister just verballed to UK womens team.

 

2nd half of that finals, Wilder and Fucci were unstoppable. It was fun to watch. They took it to the basket trip after trip. Basically dared the Stars to stop them. I think that is why there were more fouls in the 2nd half. A lot of drives by Fucci and Wilder.

 

My guess is several of the players from the finals will be getting interest from college coaches if not already. And I suspect we will see some of them at D1 schools in about 4 years.

 

Finally, Shining Stars (Pittman) are a very good 15U squad. SS and ICE 15U definitely top of the 15U in the state this year. Good luck to both teams in the summer.

[gold sunrise]

ICE

 

Purvis from Clark has made a lot of progress in the last couple of years. He has huge feet and is still pretty young (maybe 14). So probably a lot of growing left to do. He could really use some individual coaching with a "big mans coach".

 

Yea, forgot about Cabbot Haggin not being with them. I know he has played with them in the past. Another very good guard who can take it to the basket. Started for Sayre as a freshman this past year.

 

Taylor Barnette - I have seen him before and he is a tremendous pure shooter. The games I saw this weekend, he didn't shoot very well. Off weekend I guess. His dad is very tall, so he may grow some more. And he is only 14. His sister just verballed to UK womens team.

 

2nd half of that finals, Wilder and Fucci were unstoppable. It was fun to watch. They took it to the basket trip after trip. Basically dared the Stars to stop them. I think that is why there were more fouls in the 2nd half. A lot of drives by Fucci and Wilder.

 

My guess is several of the players from the finals will be getting interest from college coaches if not already. And I suspect we will see some of them at D1 schools in about 4 years.

 

Finally, Shining Stars (Pittman) are a very good 15U squad. SS and ICE 15U definitely top of the 15U in the state this year. Good luck to both teams in the summer.

 

Yes he is 14. It was him or Cory Rogers that just turned 14 a month ago. I also agree that he could use a "big mans coach".

[bellalumni40]

Shotwell is back at SC, but speculation is that one ruling has been handed down on him as being ineligible for next year. They are going to all lengths to get him eligible with appeals and such though.

[PB40NC]

Just some thoughts on the team and weekend:

- The ICE are an incredible team. They play together (practiced twice as a total team) and have fun doing it. They are fundamental and know the game. Until this year, I have never heard points scored come up in discussion. Every one of these guys contributes to the team.

- Fucci turns 16 in September. He is one of the 3 best FROSH in the state

- Wilder can flat out shoot the rock and will be a strong player in the state for the next 3 years.

- Purvis has made huge strides in the last 2 years, along with great inside play from Kiesling.

- Helton and Barnette are both strong guards that will contribute significantly at LCA in the years to come.

- Martin and DeLuca are great players in a great system at LexCath. It will be great to see how they do in the years to come with Schuette and others over there.

- Shotwell is back at Scott Co and will definitely make some noise up there.

- The ICE were also without Haggin from Sayre, who is a strong guard but had baseball commitments this Spring.

- If the fouls were 20-4 in the 2nd half, 3 of the 20 were techs and there were at least 7-8 in the last 2 minutes. The refs did not cost or give anyone that championship. The Shining Stars coach lost complete control of his mouth on a questionable play. The ICE were in control of the game at that point but he didn't seem to help much.

- These guys will hopefully make some noise at Nationals in July.

 

The Lex Ice is a great team, but the overall complete talent belongs to the Shining Star. Shining Star beat the Ice earlier this year in a close match where Fucci fouled out, so on any given day either team can take the victory. If you were at the game you had to agree that the one ref {old guy}, completely changed the way the game was being called. First half, both teams were allowed to play physical, but in the second half he for some reason swallowed his whistle as the Stars were getting hammered while he was the baseline ref. I was so disgusted, I had to walk out. He really diminished the good job the other two refs were doing. I hope to see these two teams play again and hopefully both King boys will be able to play.

[HSBallFan78]

Hate to hear that about Shotwell if true. However, he may not be the last "transferee" that we hear this about in the next few months.

 

I think the KHSAA is going to have to do some kind of reform with all the transferring that is going on. Either let every transfer go, or make them all sit out a year regardless. Or maybe adopt rules like in Ohio. I think there, you can do one transfer during your "career" regardless of reason.