I look for a close one tonite. Birds haven't been playing all that well and Colonels are starting to gel. That said, I ALWAYS look for HHS v. CCH to be close. Would love to see a Bluebird bench emptying blowout...but 48-45 Birds is my "feel".

That is a big but Eta Rho! Shover, if I am not mistaken was chosen as one of the top five/six players in the Ninth Region this summer! Now take any teams top player (except for Holmes as they are so deep) away from them and what happens?

 

Even with Holmes if you take away Riley they wouldn't do as well IMO.

Highlands by 8.

This will be a 15+ game in favor of the birds. If Shover is healthy it could be better, but he's not there yet IMO.

Expect to see a closer contest this time around. Don't think the Birds have settled into anything yet with personnel except the "doghouse" has some new members......Grote is out and starting again and Dill can't even see the game with coach standing in front of him much less get in the game ! Until there is the realization that there is depth on this team and they are "unleashed", you will continue to see low scores (not always good defense) and they will live on the edge of losing tight ballgames. CovCath is improving, still see the Birds pulling it out late.

What happened to the "run and gun" style they talked about in preseason for the Birds? Has that changed now that they have the "Big Fella" in the lineup?

What happened to the "run and gun" style they talked about in preseason for the Birds? Has that changed now that they have the "Big Fella" in the lineup?

 

Don't think it has anything to do with the Big guy.....he moves pretty well. I suspect that they are adjusting to Schlarman's style of play and it doesn't (never has) included any run/gun. Don't expect that it ever will with this group either even though it seems to suit them?

I look for a close one tonite. Birds haven't been playing all that well and Colonels are starting to gel. That said, I ALWAYS look for HHS v. CCH to be close. Would love to see a Bluebird bench emptying blowout...but 48-45 Birds is my "feel".

 

What makes you say that the Birds have not been playing well? The last I checked they were 8-3 I believe with close losses to NewCath, Brossart and Madison Central. Each of which by the way they were outshot at the free throw line by double digits. I hardly call that not playing well.

Expect to see a closer contest this time around. Don't think the Birds have settled into anything yet with personnel except the "doghouse" has some new members......Grote is out and starting again and Dill can't even see the game with coach standing in front of him much less get in the game ! Until there is the realization that there is depth on this team and they are "unleashed", you will continue to see low scores (not always good defense) and they will live on the edge of losing tight ballgames. CovCath is improving, still see the Birds pulling it out late.

 

Was Grote in the doghouse or were there other issues? What is the depth on the team that you speak of? I thought that they were going 8 or 9 deep already. I would not totally unleash this group either because they turn the ball over way too much in the open court yet I do agree that they are not a good half court team do to a lack of consistent outside shooters. Look for Birds to win this game 58-49.

CCH may be going a bit younger tonite.

CCH may be going a bit younger tonite.

 

Don't know if this is where you are going but Thelen has been playing well. Maybe Jake has earned a start?

This game will be closer than the last time these teams met. It will be a much better atmosphere to. I'm looking for a few things...1) Does CovCath defend the post at all tonight? (this includes getting back in transition) 2) Is Highlands able to hit some outside shots to open things up on offense? 3) How do CovCath's guards handle the pressure? Can they get them into their offense? 4) Is Luke on? Can Highlands stop him?

 

I think this one is going down to the wire... Highlands 51 CovCath 48

I'll take HHS by 5. I hope they can put together a complete game.

What makes you say that the Birds have not been playing well? The last I checked they were 8-3 I believe with close losses to NewCath, Brossart and Madison Central. Each of which by the way they were outshot at the free throw line by double digits. I hardly call that not playing well.

 

All teams they should have defeated. Are you blaming the Refs?

The gym is going to be very loud, and better get there early.

Birds- 54

Colonels- 47