Russell opens the season this Friday, December 5 at Greenup County. As of last weeks scrimmage against Bracken County (which Russell won) they are starting an eighth grader (Kyle Skaggs), a freshman post player (Justin Davidson) and three juniors (Casey Stapleton, Tanner Alexander and Scotty Ross). Their first 2 subs are a junior (Nathan Taylor) and sophmore point (Grant McKenzie). Last year they won 3 games and one of them was Greenup at Greenup. Any thoughts on reasonable expectations for this year and how they will fare at Greenup?

Coach Kidwell will lead them in the right direction, not for sure on wins because I don't have their schedule in front of me, but don't get caught up in counting wins this season. Look for improvement and try to come ready to play in a wide open district. In the off season get in the weight room!

Coach Kidwell will have them back and competing sooner than most think. One thing is for sure, they will play hard every night.

They'll be tough in another year or two. They will struggle this season because of youth and inexperience, but will pull off a surprise or two. They'll be back soon, don't worry!

Well, if they can get a break here and there, I can see them coming up

with 2 wins

Kidwell just doesn't have a lot to work with

They will struggle, no doubt. Based on what they did against Covington Holy Cross and Bracken Co. they are not unable to compete in the 16th. Whether they win or lose, except Elliot or East Carter, they will be more competitive and in the game. Very possi ble for 8 or more wins, IMO.

Well, if they can get a break here and there, I can see them coming up

with 2 wins

Kidwell just doesn't have a lot to work with

Have you seen them play?

We (Brossart) will get a look at them in the Bracken County Holiday Tournament.

 

The last time we saw them was in the 2005 Ashland Invitational Tournament when they were ranked Number One in the Sixteenth Region, and later won the 16th (05-06) and went to Rupp.

Well, if they can get a break here and there, I can see them coming up

with 2 wins

Kidwell just doesn't have a lot to work with

 

They will win more games than that over Christmas break!

It's not like the program has been down for an extended period. Russell had one bad year, that even the most faithful Devil fan should have seen coming. Everyone involved believed it would take 3 years, including last year, to compete for the region again. It may take another year, so support Coach Kidwell and let the kids have fun.

 

Had it not been for two key injuries, I believe the Devils would have won three regionals in a row. 2005, 2006, 2007

 

 

 

2003 15-15 lost to Ashland in the region semi-final on a last second

shot. 43-41

 

2004 17-11 lost to Morgan Co in the region semi-final. 49-44

 

2005 18-13 lost to Rowan Co in the region final. 53-45

after Russell's leading scorer, Derek Sloane, dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter.

 

2006 18-14 Won the 16th region final defeating Elliott Co. 56-52

2007 27-5 Lost to Elliott Co in the region semi-final 51-35 (Without

Vanhoose)

2008 3-26 After losing 10 of the their top 12 players from 2007,

 

including the two projected starters who moved.

I have seen them play both pre-season scrimmages. My take away is they are quick, have some talent, but are not physically mature. They are intelligent. They have a few key players in development that have special potential. Freshman post player Davidson is athletic, talented, and has competitve fire. Eighth grader Skaggs could be one of the best to come out of Russell before hiis career is over. They have two sharp shooters in Stapleton and a sophmore, Brandon Boyd. They have decent ball handlers in Ross, a transfer from Carroll Co., and McKenzie, a sophmore. They also have a combo guard with talent and experience in Tanner Alexander.

 

I agree they are next years story but this year should show good progress in that they will be competitive, win or lose.

It's not like the program has been down for an extended period. Russell had one bad year, that even the most faithful Devil fan should have seen coming. Everyone involved believed it would take 3 years, including last year, to compete for the region again. It may take another year, so support Coach Kidwell and let the kids have fun.

 

Had it not been for two key injuries, I believe the Devils would have won three regionals in a row. 2005, 2006, 2007

 

 

 

2003 15-15 lost to Ashland in the region semi-final on a last second

shot. 43-41

 

2004 17-11 lost to Morgan Co in the region semi-final. 49-44

 

2005 18-13 lost to Rowan Co in the region final. 53-45

after Russell's leading scorer, Derek Sloane, dislocated his shoulder in the first quarter.

 

2006 18-14 Won the 16th region final defeating Elliott Co. 56-52

2007 27-5 Lost to Elliott Co in the region semi-final 51-35 (Without

Vanhoose)

2008 3-26 After losing 10 of the their top 12 players from 2007,

 

including the two projected starters who moved.

 

A program built on transfers is one made of sand. You cannot neglect your younger kids and the feeder program. Hopefully the program can be built from the youth leagues. The high school coaches need to be a part of the program at every level. Not just build for one team.

A program built on transfers is one made of sand. You cannot neglect your younger kids and the feeder program. Hopefully the program can be built from the youth leagues. The high school coaches need to be a part of the program at every level. Not just build for one team.

Be careful young fella, you're gonna get the Duck in an uproar here. :lol:

 

I wish those boys the best over there on Red Devil Ln. I think they are headed in the right direction. And I also agree that Coach Kidwell should put his print on the Marv league. May help that he'll have one playing in it!:thumb:

 

Be careful 63rd, those devils may sneak up and bite you this year. Kinda like Leon Spinks did, only with teeth.

Heres a prop for Russell athletics, I witnessed the Russell 7th grade last year minus Skaggs and at the beginning of the season I thought yuck,but at the end of the year they seemed to have a much greater understanding of fundamentals and game awareness. I believe that this is a direct result of the lady that coached them, Anna Chaffin I think it is.

Russell is going to be fine. This year the boys play ball like they enjoy it. I think this year they suprise some teams with their speed and hustle, will win 6-10 games. Next year they will be over .500. The following year will be a regional contender.