Can't go wrong with Elliot Co either. Their starting 5 will be as good as any other top 3-5 team in the state. Their only problem will be a lack of depth.

I agree with the depth issue, but it is not something they haven't delt with for the last two years. I just have a hard time counting these guys out.

Eta Rho--You hit the nail on the head. DEPTH leaves them no margin for error or foul trouble. Not a problem against most 16th region teams, but a big problem with a GRC, Holmes, or Scott County. After the starting five the talent level drops off the charts. The second five would have trouble winning two or three games against 16th region competition. Would be nice to have a 6th man like Robbie Barber, but Elliott County is not Scott County and those things just don't happen in Sandy Hook. Sandy Hook is not experiencing a lot of growth in the last 50 years. Holding pretty steady at about 700 residents since the Civil War!!!!

 

I think everyone is underrating Elliott Co. bench. The only problem with the bench will be experience outside of Jon Morgan who has started or been the 6th man on this team since his sophmore year. Was a starter on the first team that went to the state tourney. Jared Flannery is an upcoming senior that will play valuable minutes that is very capable player. He has started for the last 3 years on the JV team and is a very good shooter. Is very similar to Tyler Maynard. He just needs experience. Another player that will play some minutes is 6'5" sophmore to be Jacob Ison. Very strong and is developing into another nice option in the post, but like Flannery just needs minutes.

I agree with the depth issue, but it is not something they haven't delt with for the last two years. I just have a hard time counting these guys out.

 

I'm definetly not counting them out. EC will be a very good team. They are experienced and have been to Rupp 2 years in a row which goes a long way come tourney time.

 

I just think when they go against teams who are not only really good, but also have a lot of depth (GRC, Holmes, Scott Co, etc) they will have to be on their game to knock them off since all of those teams have a lot of size which could get EC in foul trouble.

I agree with the depth issue, but it is not something they haven't delt with for the last two years. I just have a hard time counting these guys out.

 

I agree, don't count out those Elliott Co boys, they will make some noise this year, along with Franklin Co.

I agree, don't count out those Elliott Co boys, they will make some noise this year, along with Franklin Co.

 

Like I said, I love Elliott County and the way they play. Not by any means counting them out, just listing the biggest concern next season. Jared Flannery in JV Games proved he can really shoot the ball, but of course hasn't had an opportunity for very many varsity minutes. Morgan is a steady player that provides quality minutes. Being positive, the best one can say is that the bench has not competed at that level consistently. The Lions have gotten away with playing only 6 or 7 players and done very well which that still amazes me. One must remember they only dressed 10 varsity players last year and the school only has about 150 young men in grades 9-12.

 

By the way, Jared is a super young man from a solid background, and a top college golf prospect in the state of Kentucky. I for one hope Jared comes along and does provide some outstanding minutes and some treys that bring back Maynard moments. He may surprise me and others and I sure hope he does. Knowing this fine young man nothing would make me happier than to see Jared emerge as a Maynard type player.

Mark this down, Mason County will not roll over in the 10th this season. Middleton is a player, and he will have a supporting cast.

Mark this down, Mason County will not roll over in the 10th this season. Middleton is a player, and he will have a supporting cast.

 

Agree. After seeing Middleton this summer in AAU ball and the Jr. All-Stars he is a DI guard going to Georgetown and will make them a very nice player in the years to come. He is 6'4" but with his length and athleticism plays more like a 6'5" guard and can really score and shoot the ball.

 

Who could ever count Mason County out in the 10th?? Kinda like counting out UCLA in the PAC 10!!! Those of us that are not close to the program know they lost Miller, Trevor Setty, and King. What we don't know is all the good freshman and sophomores that will rise on the scene in the coming months. I am sure they will battle GRC and maybe Scott High for the 10th Region crown.

 

One other note: Saw Downing play in the Jr. All-Stars and was not real impressed. But, in all fairness he really didn't see enough action for one to make any kind of evaluation. In the two games against the Seniors he didn't score a point, but again wasn't on the court very much.

A team I saw a few times in Louisville that I was really impressed with was Louisville Eastern. They are going to be very good IMO. Maybe even a top 10 team.

A team I saw a few times in Louisville that I was really impressed with was Louisville Eastern. They are going to be very good IMO. Maybe even a top 10 team.

 

Interesting. Eastern, Manual, Male, J'twon, and Ballard have all been mentioned top 20 and 3 or 4 of the teams mentioned top 10 and two of them mentioned as top 5 on messageboards and newspapers. Sounds like a possible toughest region in the state label.

Interesting. Eastern, Manual, Male, J'twon, and Ballard have all been mentioned top 20 and 3 or 4 of the teams mentioned top 10 and two of them mentioned as top 5 on messageboards and newspapers. Sounds like a possible toughest region in the state label.

 

Last year it was hands down the 11th. This year looks like a toss-up at this point.

I think Clark Co will be a favorite as well as the Bulldogs from Holmes. Here is my top 5 as of right now.

 

1. Clark Co

2. Holmes

3. J Town

4. Elliot Co

5. Hazard- Look out for these Mountain boys.

 

I like this top 5. Without Scott's big 2 then I don't think they are a top 5 team.

I like this top 5. Without Scott's big 2 then I don't think they are a top 5 team.

 

Good list, but I'm willing to bet every coach in the state would say that entire list could be replaced after one or two weeks of play at the start of the season. There are no locks.

Good list, but I'm willing to bet every coach in the state would say that entire list could be replaced after one or two weeks of play at the start of the season. There are no locks.

 

:ylsuper:

Hazard should be in the discussion of the top 5. All A finalists, a third quarter collapse away from being sweet 16 semifinalists, and a team that returns all 5 starters and 8 of their top 9 players. They have a very intelligent PG that makes them go and multiple athletes in Cambell, Jones, etc.

I think Elliott Co. could win the title despite having just 6 guys that play. Their big 3 have superb conditioning and the team plays with lots of heart.