X is high on Ricardo as well.

 

Isn't X recruiting Jackson and Guyn as well?

Would love to see that game. Both teams loaded with talent.:ylsuper:

I've seen Scott Co. play twice this year and I think Holme's will take them. Probaly a close game. I'll take Holme's by 4.

You folks don't understand how important Henderson was. You don't replace what he brought to the table in 2-3 games. Holmes will be very good at season's end but right now, I don't think it will be that close. Henderson was a difference maker at crunch time, man, he was a baller.

You folks don't understand how important Henderson was. You don't replace what he brought to the table in 2-3 games. Holmes will be very good at season's end but right now, I don't think it will be that close. Henderson was a difference maker at crunch time, man, he was a baller.

 

Not just Henderson, but Nelson and Clark also. Last years team had depth, not so much this year. With that said I still think Holmes has a chance to win. IMO Riley has to play lights out and Holmes has to block out on every shot. Easier said than done. SC attacks the glass very well. I'm just glad I get a chance to see some of the best Kentucky has to offer this early in the season.

SC wins this by 15

You folks don't understand how important Henderson was. You don't replace what he brought to the table in 2-3 games. Holmes will be very good at season's end but right now, I don't think it will be that close. Henderson was a difference maker at crunch time, man, he was a baller.

 

It's not so much that Henderson couldn't be replaced, it's just that they don't have the same depth that they had last year. That's what they're lacking this year. Last year all 7 seniors saw extended varsity time as juniors which allowed them to go 10 or 11 deep with no real drop off. This year's senior class, outside of Riley and Housely (at Newport) didn't really see that much time last year because of how deep the senior class was.

 

Housely is the key addition that Holmes needed to be successful this year. You'll probably never see him lead the team in scoring but his defense and rebounding from the guard position are a huge asset for Holmes.

 

As far as not having a difference maker at crunch time, I'd say they have two VERY good ones in R. Johnson and Riley. Either can take over a game.

^ I think it was Henderson's leadership that was unique to last years team, something that I felt was going to be the most difficult part for Holmes to replace. Would you agree with that? I have said from the very beginning that I felt this year's Holmes team would struggle against the top competition without Henderson, am I way overstting the importance to Henderson's ability to be the "on floor coach"?

^ I think it was Henderson's leadership that was unique to last years team, something that I felt was going to be the most difficult part for Holmes to replace. Would you agree with that? I have said from the very beginning that I felt this year's Holmes team would struggle against the top competition without Henderson, am I way overstting the importance to Henderson's ability to be the "on floor coach"?

 

Henderson's leadership was VERY unique to last year's team in that he had the ability to settle the team down on the floor, but IMO the key to their success was the OVERALL senior leadership that they had. Avery, Henderson, Nelson, and Clark had all played and dressed varsity since they were freshmen which payed dividends for them in big games since they had "been there, done that." Avery and Clark were just as big leaders as Henderson. They just honestly didn't have the same athletic ability that Henderson had.

 

Henley will be the first to tell you that while Henderson was a huge asset to have last year, he was blessed to have a very good senior class that was willing to learn and work hard.

 

Holmes just needs to develop some depth, which you'll see happen throughout the course of the year. As good as their Junior class is, they actually have a VERY SOLID soph and frosh class as well. The key is just getting those kids some gametime and experience.

Henderson was a guard last year....not an inside player.

What I meant to say is that they will miss the players they lost to graduation on the inside.

You folks don't understand how important Henderson was. You don't replace what he brought to the table in 2-3 games. Holmes will be very good at season's end but right now, I don't think it will be that close. Henderson was a difference maker at crunch time, man, he was a baller.

I agree wholeheartedly.

He was a lockdown defender. You could place him on the other teams best player and it would make everyone's else job easier. He is not there, and I can't see them compensating for that loss just yet.

Sure they probably lack some depth considering all the kids they lost last year.

I think Scott County's inside game is going to be a real problem for Holmes.

Henderson's leadership was VERY unique to last year's team in that he had the ability to settle the team down on the floor, but IMO the key to their success was the OVERALL senior leadership that they had. Avery, Henderson, Nelson, and Clark had all played and dressed varsity since they were freshmen which payed dividends for them in big games since they had "been there, done that." Avery and Clark were just as big leaders as Henderson. They just honestly didn't have the same athletic ability that Henderson had.

 

Henley will be the first to tell you that while Henderson was a huge asset to have last year, he was blessed to have a very good senior class that was willing to learn and work hard.

 

Holmes just needs to develop some depth, which you'll see happen throughout the course of the year. As good as their Junior class is, they actually have a VERY SOLID soph and frosh class as well. The key is just getting those kids some gametime and experience.

 

 

I was so impressed with Hederson during the S-16 last year. It was at this time that I saw what kind of floor general he was. You are right, the success that last years team had more to do with team leadership and that of just one player. IMO, Henderson was the player that was the glue. Not fair to make this comparison, because no team last year could have have made the S-16 without their top player, but Holmes only went as far as Henderson took them, meaning they would not have been in the finals without him. This year, that it the ingredient that they will miss the most (IMO:thumb:)

What I meant to say is that they will miss the players they lost to graduation on the inside.

 

I agree with that to an extent. Neither Pittman nor Arnold are as aggressive or strong as Clark was last year, but both are much more athletic and have height to their advantage which Clark didn't. (Clark was 6'4, Pittman and Arnold are 6'7 and 6'6) I'd also say both are probably better at finishing and have more range than Clark did.

 

Nelson was a VERY GOOD rebounder down low at 6'4, but JJ has kind of taken over that role this year and is much better offensively. Nelson will be missed defensively down low. He was very physical and played a tough "in your face" type of defense. JJ lacks that right now.

 

I agree wholeheartedly.

He was a lockdown defender. You could place him on the other teams best player and it would make everyone's else job easier. He is not there, and I can't see them compensating for that loss just yet.

Sure they probably lack some depth considering all the kids they lost last year.

I think Scott County's inside game is going to be a real problem for Holmes.

 

I agree regarding your comment about Henderson.

 

I thought Euton was more of an outside player for SC though? I'd say Pittman and Phares are about even down low. Pittman is much more athletic.

I was so impressed with Hederson during the S-16 last year. It was at this time that I saw what kind of floor general he was. You are right, the success that last years team had more to do with team leadership and that of just one player. IMO, Henderson was the player that was the glue. Not fair to make this comparison, because no team last year could have have made the S-16 without their top player, but Holmes only went as far as Henderson took them, meaning they would not have been in the finals without him. This year, that it the ingredient that they will miss the most (IMO:thumb:)

 

I agree 100%. Riley is who needs to step up most for them IMO. He might not be the D1 prospect like Arnold, Pittman, or the Johnson Brothers, but IMO he is the best player on that team. He is without a doubt the best shooter on that team and plays great defense, but he needs to be more vocal. If he steps up, you'll see this team take tremendous strides. He is the dead-eye shooter that Holmes has been missing in the past.

^ So, do you agree that the Holmes team that plays against SC this week will be more improved than what SC will imprve by come March (I know, loaded question with so many unknowns)