2. Why will other teams improve but Holmes will not? That is what you're saying if you think teams will compete more effectively against them next season. Are Rico, Pittman, JJ, Arnold, Slusher, McClendon, Jones and the others not going to get any better? Bigger?

 

I think Holmes will get better. But I think the other young teams in the area will close the gap as they get more experience. This Holmes junior class is not going to improve as much as the others IMO because getting that first year of varsity experience under your belt is your biggest jump. The other teams are getting their first year in this year. Holmes did that last year.

I think Holmes will get better. But I think the other young teams in the area will close the gap as they get more experience. This Holmes junior class is not going to improve as much as the others IMO because getting that first year of varsity experience under your belt is your biggest jump. The other teams are getting their first year in this year. Holmes did that last year.

 

Wow, that's a pretty bold statement.

 

You do realize both the Johnson Brothers and Pittman are all three pretty young juniors right? I'd say they are going to improve A LOT between now and next year. All three will likely get bigger and stronger physically and playing on an elite AAU team over the summer will really help them flourish. Let's not forget this is still Pittman's first FULL year starting varsity and look what he's doing. He'll be unstoppable next year. Nobody in the 9th will be able to match up with him.

Ryle also has a shot to have a decent team next year.

Ryle also has a shot to have a decent team next year.

 

I was thinking the same thing Wildcatfan. Ryle has a very good core of juniors this season. Doubt they are Holmes caliber, but they should be able to make a run at the 33rd in 2010.

 

As for Homles PG play next year. I find it hard to believe that with Keyvon Arnold and the Johnson brothers they will have a true PG. What they will need is a shoot. Keyvon is decent shooter, but will have develop a better shot to be considered a threat. If they have those 4 returning to the starting lineup they will have no problem filling that 5th spot though.

1. Don't forget that Holmes best 8th grader isnt playing 8th grade ball.

 

2. Why will other teams improve but Holmes will not? That is what you're saying if you think teams will compete more effectively against them next season. Are Rico, Pittman, JJ, Arnold, Slusher, McClendon, Jones and the others not going to get any better? Bigger?

 

You make a great point. Holmes best 8th grader plays JV and the best freshman is not playing at all. Xylon Herndon I heard he quit. He was on JV also. The freshman class at Holmes is better than what people think. Dontel Arnold and Tony Collins will both be stars at Holmes. Arnold senior year the gap will close but Holmes will still be the top dog. Him and his two younger brothers [Lewis and D. Arnold] will be something to watch. They all play summer ball for the Queen City Prophets and are developing all around games. D. Arnold will be another big guard like K. Arnold more of a slasher though. He's already 6'2.

Are you sure Jaylan plays for two teams? I know he plays for St. Augustine 7th and 8th grade team so he would have to play for two teams to be on both. Also, I heard some talk of him going to Dixie but of course that was just rumor so I don't know if it's true, but that sure would make them stronger.

 

I'm pretty sure his sister is in 8th grade at St. Augustine and plays girls varsity at Holy Cross. They're saying she is the real deal. I don't know where either of them are going to high school though.

There is a pretty talented junior class at Boone Co that should at least be mentioned in the conversation.

 

I think Boone will be good, but not as good as Holmes, Highlands, and maybe Ryle. There is no one to replace Mcfarland. They have to get a shooter from the outside who is willing to take the shot. With the loss of Mcfarland it seems Boone Co. will get smaller. I just don't know how they will replace [iMO] a top 5 player in the region:idunno:

I think Holmes will get better. But I think the other young teams in the area will close the gap as they get more experience. This Holmes junior class is not going to improve as much as the others IMO because getting that first year of varsity experience under your belt is your biggest jump. The other teams are getting their first year in this year. Holmes did that last year.

 

Actually this is a good point and I agree.............it is not a slight on Holmes at all and yes Pittman falls in this same category of first year experience. The biggest growth is getting a year of experience and coming back for high schoolers. The point is that all the players who gain varsity experince will show more improvement. Just as Pittman improved with his experience last year, you may see the same "jump" from Arnold next year, but it isn't always about the Holmes kids.

There are several teams that may benefit from this type of varsity exposure...... certainly Ryle and Highlands come to mind. The learning curve for their younsters will be measured in their relative sucess next year. Ryle has a junior dominated team and Soph. Shauffer getting serious minutes and HHS is the only one getting everyone back, with many of theirs gaining their first extended action this season. This certainly bodes well for these teams to be contenders next season.

As for the individuals, playing high quality AAU isn't the only measure for their status next season. Great competition is only one part of the equation. If a kid grows 2-3 inches before next season, that changes everything.....but more than that, if a kid dedicates himself to improvement (and it doesn't have to be on the AAU front) that changes everything. I've seen kids go from good role players to stars in HS just from their personal development/hard work. Which team has one/two of these could be the difference in a regional contender/champion. It could be a Holmes kid and it may not............?

Ryle also has a shot to have a decent team next year.

 

I was thinking the same thing Wildcatfan. Ryle has a very good core of juniors this season. Doubt they are Holmes caliber, but they should be able to make a run at the 33rd in 2010.

 

As for Homles PG play next year. I find it hard to believe that with Keyvon Arnold and the Johnson brothers they will have a true PG. What they will need is a shoot. Keyvon is decent shooter, but will have develop a better shot to be considered a threat. If they have those 4 returning to the starting lineup they will have no problem filling that 5th spot though.

 

I agree with both of you. Ryle will be solid next year as the majority of the talent is in their soph and jr classes. Ryle should win the 33rd next year IMO.

 

As far as Holmes, they'll have a PG by committee. You'll see probably 4 different kids run the point for Holmes next year at different times.

I agree with both of you. Ryle will be solid next year as the majority of the talent is in their soph and jr classes. Ryle should win the 33rd next year IMO.

 

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I believe next year the 33rd will take the crown for top 9th region district.

 

Conner/Ryle/Boone

I believe next year the 33rd will take the crown for top 9th region district.

 

Conner/Ryle/Boone

 

I think you're probably right.

 

Holmes is the only team in the 35th who doesn't lose much. Covcath will be better than this year but still not a top 5 team. Holy Cross loses a lot. Beechwood loses a loaded senior class that is currently making history for their program.

 

That district will be tough to get out of next year.

Well Dayton has some really good talent with the freshman level coming up. With Jordan Smith being 6'4 already, Thomas Rogg getting varisty time, Timmy Smith starting JV, Danny Sparks playing alot of JV, and a great bench with Ben Murnahan and Brandon Simmons. So thats what Dayton's got to look forward to also the junior class being a great class to.

Well Dayton has some really good talent with the freshman level coming up. With Jordan Smith being 6'4 already, Thomas Rogg getting varisty time, Timmy Smith starting JV, Danny Sparks playing alot of JV, and a great bench with Ben Murnahan and Brandon Simmons. So thats what Dayton's got to look forward to also the junior class being a great class to.

 

I agree with you if you're talking about them competing for the All A. Solid young players.

I think Boone will be good, but not as good as Holmes, Highlands, and maybe Ryle. There is no one to replace Mcfarland. They have to get a shooter from the outside who is willing to take the shot. With the loss of Mcfarland it seems Boone Co. will get smaller. I just don't know how they will replace [iMO] a top 5 player in the region:idunno:

 

McFarland will be irreplaceable. Boone will not be as good next year. They just won't have enough size and rebounding, although T. Brown is a good rebounder as a sophomore. McFarland is the leading rebounder and assist maker and scorer for them. Earls is the third-leading rebounder. Boone needs a strong big man to play a true post position. Perhaps Brown can fill that role next year.

 

Boone has decent three point-shooting guards when they have the green light.

 

I think next year, it will be Holmes, then Highlands, then Boone, then Ryle.

Everyone knows that Holmes is the team to beat for the next two years. However, after that it is going to be wide open again. I like Dixie's chances with having Tammel, Pike, Hatton. Also, Dixie has a pretty talented freshmen team without Pike and Hatton. Ill be glad in two years when Holmes talent graduates and the 9th region goes back to normal...about 7 teams with a chance to win the tournament