Due to conference schedules and district seed games, there is only a handful of other games that some teams can play. Case in point for Williamstown or Walton in the 32nd. They have to play 12 conference games (conference teams are Gallatin Co., Henry Co., Carroll Co., Owen Co., Trimble Co., Walton and Williamstown) and 4 other district games (twice against GC and twice against SK). That is a total of 16 games. That leaves 5 games to schedule, taking if there is no reciprical games to fill. For W'town, they will travel to North Oldham, Harrison Co and Sayre and will have West Jessamine and Pendleton Co coming into Williamstown to fill out their schedule this year (excluding tournaments). Even though they are not in our region, 4 of the 5 are "bigger" schools.

 

Logistics can be another factor on why some teams in the region don't play each other. With raising costs, schools are limiting the distance that they want their teams to travel.

 

 

 

the 8th is pretty spread out. One has to wonder with the rising costs of transportation if the KHSAA would once again look at re-alignment. Their are some long trips inside the 8th region. Simon and Anderson aren't even playing this year, and they should be playing EVERY year.

 

And as far as scheduling, I didn't realize how much conference games tie up a schedule. I know at the bigger schools they don't play in conferences, so why is it such a big deal for the A schools?

the 8th is pretty spread out. One has to wonder with the rising costs of transportation if the KHSAA would once again look at re-alignment. Their are some long trips inside the 8th region. Simon and Anderson aren't even playing this year, and they should be playing EVERY year.

 

And as far as scheduling, I didn't realize how much conference games tie up a schedule. I know at the bigger schools they don't play in conferences, so why is it such a big deal for the A schools?

 

I can't answer that one. I will have to ask our coach or AD. I do know there is a Northern Kentucky conference that quite a few of the larger schools play in. I think some of those include SK, Boone Co., Connor, etc..., but I could be wrong.

I can't answer that one. I will have to ask our coach or AD. I do know there is a Northern Kentucky conference that quite a few of the larger schools play in. I think some of those include SK, Boone Co., Connor, etc..., but I could be wrong.

 

I know a lot more about the central Kentucky area....I think you are right about the bigger nothern schools, however.

I can't answer that one. I will have to ask our coach or AD. I do know there is a Northern Kentucky conference that quite a few of the larger schools play in. I think some of those include SK, Boone Co., Connor, etc..., but I could be wrong.

 

All of the points in the previous few posts are valid points.

 

I think a lot of the original rationale long ago for the NCKC was essentially the same as it is for the "All A" - it was something the small schools could compete in and not have to contend with the numbers of the big schools. It may be that it's been around so long now that it's become entrenched.

 

IMO, the NCKC has outlived its usefulness in the current environment where the small schools are competing for the All A region title, the district, and the region, and one or two invitationals. But I'm looking at it from the standpoint of how I'd feel if I were the AD at one of those schools. I'd want to ensure I played a variety of the schools I'd have to contend with - not just the big schools - in order to win the region. I'd make sure at least a couple of the big five were on my schedule every year (SK, Shelby, Oldham, South Oldham, and Anderson) Those five are the most likely to have strong or at least above-average programs every year simply because of the size of the schools and the traditions.

 

It is more difficult for the teams in the 31st, whose seeding process involves each team playing each other home-and-home. Can't argue with the fairness of this seeding approach, and it makes for extra excitement at the district level, but 1734 is correct in that this further constricts their scheduling.

 

And you can't argue with the travel costs. Makes sense for Walton-Verona, Gallatin, Simon Kenton, etc. to play a lot of 9th Region schools who are so close. That said, I can't imagine any significant re-structuring of the region anytime soon. It's large, but there are larger. I wouldn't think any changes would even be considered until the new East Oldham HS and the new Shelby County HS are opened, and I think both of those aren't expected until about 2015. Cornerstone Christian in Shelbyville is also pursuing membership in the 8th Region, the last I heard. Even then, I'm not sure any changes would be made to the region.

 

Honestly, I hope there's no re-structuring anytime soon...it ruins a lot of rivalries that developed over time...

 

Travel costs may well be the biggest hurdle of all...

 

All of this said... if I were AD, I still think I'd dump the Pendletons and Sayres and make sure I was playing at least a couple of the teams expected to be contenders (regardless of size). Sure, contracts are made out in advance, but it's not too hard to see the teams that have the talent coming up...

I heard a rumor that Eminence wanted to movie to the Henry District, which would make sense for them given location. But im not sure who would replace them in the 29th.

 

 

And I also heard the same rumor about Cornerstone, but I think that has lost a little bit of steam as of late. I know Cornerstone was scheduling some schools to see how they could compete in the KHSAA and weren't too thrilled with their results.

I also agree about playing the region "contenders"

 

 

 

If I was a smaller school I would want to play a few of the bigger schools to see how I stacked up.

They cant play with Anderson, Simon or Shelby. And they prolly can't compete with Oldham or South Oldham either, although they would stand a better chance against those teams.

 

 

not trying to slam Carroll, but they just dont have the experience and talent to compete with the bigger schools this year. In order for the smaller schools to compete they have to have a veteran experienced team that is well coached and has at least one player that is considered among the better in the region. Carroll doesn't fit that description this season. Im sure they will fight hard, but they just dont have the combonation of talent and experience to compete with the big schools in the 8th.

 

You are right on one point. Carroll doesn't have the D1 prospect on this team that is nice to have but they do have experience, plenty of it. Several of these girls have been playing and/or starting for 3-4 years. Henderson, Wallace, Brindley, Curry. Osborne, and one that I can't think of the name of that played as an 8th grader, are just some of the experience and talent on this team. I wouldn't consider them a huge threat to win the 8th region but they will certanily compete on a nightly basis. I wouldn't want to play them come March. They probably will not win the 8th region but it won't be from lack of talent and especially experience. Also, Randy Mefford is one of the better coaches in the region.

You are right on one point. Carroll doesn't have the D1 prospect on this team that is nice to have but they do have experience, plenty of it. Several of these girls have been playing and/or starting for 3-4 years. Henderson, Wallace, Brindley, Curry. Osborne, and one that I can't think of the name of that played as an 8th grader, are just some of the experience and talent on this team. I wouldn't consider them a huge threat to win the 8th region but they will certanily compete on a nightly basis. I wouldn't want to play them come March. They probably will not win the 8th region but it won't be from lack of talent and especially experience. Also, Randy Mefford is one of the better coaches in the region.

 

 

 

 

 

So if they won't win because of lack of talent, experience, or coaching why wouldn't they win? What else is there? haha.

 

 

I saw Carroll play last year in the region and wasn't overly impressed. They can't compete with the big 5 on a nightly basis. Im sure they can and will with the smaller schools but they aren't a threat to the bigger schools this season. And im not trying to knock on the "small" school, Im just trying to be realistic.

I heard a rumor that Eminence wanted to movie to the Henry District, which would make sense for them given location. But im not sure who would replace them in the 29th.

 

 

And I also heard the same rumor about Cornerstone, but I think that has lost a little bit of steam as of late. I know Cornerstone was scheduling some schools to see how they could compete in the KHSAA and weren't too thrilled with their results.

 

Actually, Eminence is in the 30th...

 

29th

North Oldham

South Oldham

Oldham County

Trimble County

 

30th

Eminence

Shelby County

Anderson County

Spencer County

 

31st

Owen County

Henry County

Carroll County

Gallatin County

 

32nd

Walton-Verona

Williamstown

Grant County

Simon-Kenton

 

The Region is pretty-well set up right now, really. Maybe when the new Shelby County school opens, it will make sense to allow Eminence to go the 31st, leaving the two Shelby schools, Anderson, and Spencer in the 30th...

So if they won't win because of lack of talent, experience, or coaching why wouldn't they win? What else is there? haha.

 

 

I saw Carroll play last year in the region and wasn't overly impressed. They can't compete with the big 5 on a nightly basis. Im sure they can and will with the smaller schools but they aren't a threat to the bigger schools this season. And im not trying to knock on the "small" school, Im just trying to be realistic.

 

They were pretty intimidated in that game, starting a Fresh and and 8th grader with no one over 5'9" However they came from 25 down to get within 8 points. I thought that showed a lot of determination. SK was a great team and had a very good game and year.

 

I guess we will see. I can not wait for the season to begin. CC makes sure to schedule South Oldham, Shelby and Oldham every year. They also play in some tough tournaments to try to get some of those games in while still playing their NCKC and District games. I like the way their schedule is set up. I definitely think the small schools should play as tough of a schedule as possible.

 

 

The biggest difference in the small vs large is often the bench. Many times you might be ahead at the half but you just do not have the guns to keep up the pace. Most A schools are lucky to have a good 6 man rotation.

OK, the Gallatin fans are starting to show up on the poll, and the Lady Cats have moved into a tie for second...

 

Since Gallatin was one of the few girls' teams in the 8th Region I did not get a chance to see last season, I'm curious as to the rationale behind these votes...what's up in Warsaw in the Lady Cat Camp??

So if they won't win because of lack of talent, experience, or coaching why wouldn't they win? What else is there? haha.

 

 

I saw Carroll play last year in the region and wasn't overly impressed. They can't compete with the big 5 on a nightly basis. Im sure they can and will with the smaller schools but they aren't a threat to the bigger schools this season. And im not trying to knock on the "small" school, Im just trying to be realistic.

 

They could win it, but they are a long shot. If you are basing your observations on what you saw last year you are the one who lacks experience. haha Also, most of the voters in the attached poll seem to make Carroll the darkhorse.

The Ladycats will be fine, trust me. They return every one from last year and the younger girls are starting to step up. I would love to see a small win it but it is time for a reality check. The only two teams I see being a darkhorse is Gallatin and Carroll. In that order.

FYI--The North Central Kentucky Conference has been around for a long time. The schools that make up the conference are Henry, Walton Verona, Gallatin, Owen, Carroll, Williamstown, and Trimble. Spencer and Eminence were members at one time.

 

The conference sports are football, cross country, golf, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and academic teams. Other sports such as soccer and track may be added in the future.The conference give recognition to each team and individuals who make the all conference teams. There is a banquet to honor these kids at the end of the season in basketball. The conference gives an all sport award to the school that does the best overall each year. Each school is proud to be a member and this gives them something to play for along with the Class A, District and Regional. Scheduling for each sport is done thru the AD's when they meet periodically.

 

Also, I believe all basketball districts in the 8th region are seeded.

The Ladycats will be fine, trust me. They return every one from last year and the younger girls are starting to step up. I would love to see a small win it but it is time for a reality check. The only two teams I see being a darkhorse is Gallatin and Carroll. In that order.

 

I must be missing something. Yes Gallatin returns everyone, but so does Henry Co. who split with GC last year. Carroll Co. returns all but Girdy (big loss though) and I believe CC swept GC last year. Williamstown returns everyone but Knarr and they took 2 out of 3 against GC. Unsure how much better GC will be then these teams I mentioned. It will be an interesting year to say the least.