I think one of the key factors in the decline of AHS basketball is that it doesn't appear that anyone in a leadership position has embraced the concept of AAU basketball. Like it or not, the elite players, or those who become elite, follow the AAU path from a early age. I am not saying I agree or disagree with the AAU concept, but like it or not, it is here to stay. The elite players embrace basketball 12 months a year. I think AHS wants to be a good all around sports program, which they are, and not focus solely on basketball, which is probably the proper perspective to have. However, it's difficult to excel sometimes when athletes get spread too thin. It is my opinion, unless someone in the Ashland system fully embraces AAU, it will be difficult for AHS to become an elite program again.

 

The perfect example is Elliott County, which doesn't play football(or soccer I believe), the Faulkners have literally played hundreds of basketball games over the past 10 years or so and have developed(along with a lot of heart)a skill set that is difficult to compete with. Also, Jon VanHoose at Russell. These are division I type players who full dedicate themselves to basketball only.

 

Good point Ace, I can remember players playing in an aau league at Alumni

several years ago that helped players developed, but it seems that the "leaders" decided that if they let Ashland kids play AAU that they would get

"recruited". Seems like Ashland kids are "discouraged" from playing basketball with anyone else. Seems like Beach and Surgalski are the last bunch of Ashland kids that played any AAU and I'm not sure if that is the correllation between reduced results or not.

But it is an interesting and maybe valid concept. Couldn't tell you who is to blame, just seems like it "happened".

I think that is a big reason why the Elliot County boys don't get intimidated by anyone in the state though, because they have already played the best in the country!:thumb:

ACE makes a good point about AAU. Thomas and McDavid had extensive AAU experience. I have some questions concerning this. Who is stopping them from playing? is it the coach? ad? who? Now the other side maybe nobody wants them, I mean are the Matt Thomas of the world good because of AAU or was he good enough that someone wanted him on their team?

Several of the current crop of Ashland varsity and JV players did play AAU in grade school and middle school.

Several of the current crop of Ashland varsity and JV players did play AAU in grade school and middle school.

 

Well there goes that theory.

Well there goes that theory.

Well, there is aau and there is aau. Playing in a couple of local tournaments does not compare to what the competition the Elliot County boys played.

I forgot about Matt Thomas, he did play a good level of competition, but I was told that there is a certain element of Ashland people that don't want you to play with kids from any other area. Ashland kids only or don't play. They end up getting beat pretty bad and lose interest pretty quickly.

Well, there is aau and there is aau. Playing in a couple of local tournaments does not compare to what the competition the Elliot County boys played.

I forgot about Matt Thomas, he did play a good level of competition, but I was told that there is a certain element of Ashland people that don't want you to play with kids from any other area. Ashland kids only or don't play. They end up getting beat pretty bad and lose interest pretty quickly.

 

I believe Whetsel played for years with the Rose Hill kids. So will the powers that be not allow Whetsel to continue his AAU activities?

Could a Boyd Co. supporter please chime in.

I think one of the key factors in the decline of AHS basketball is that it doesn't appear that anyone in a leadership position has embraced the concept of AAU basketball. Like it or not, the elite players, or those who become elite, follow the AAU path from a early age. I am not saying I agree or disagree with the AAU concept, but like it or not, it is here to stay. The elite players embrace basketball 12 months a year. I think AHS wants to be a good all around sports program, which they are, and not focus solely on basketball, which is probably the proper perspective to have. However, it's difficult to excel sometimes when athletes get spread too thin. It is my opinion, unless someone in the Ashland system fully embraces AAU, it will be difficult for AHS to become an elite program again.

 

The perfect example is Elliott County, which doesn't play football(or soccer I believe), the Faulkners have literally played hundreds of basketball games over the past 10 years or so and have developed(along with a lot of heart)a skill set that is difficult to compete with. Also, Jon VanHoose at Russell. These are division I type players who full dedicate themselves to basketball only.

Ashland did have a AAU Team that played from the 5th grade to the 9th grade.All the kids are Ashland kids and are seniors this year.That team was coached by Ryan Bonners Dad. I dont think they had much if any support from anyone in a leadership role at Ashland other than the AD he did what he could to help.:thumb:

Ashland did have a AAU Team that played from the 5th grade to the 9th grade.All the kids are Ashland kids and are seniors this year.That team was coached by Ryan Bonners Dad. I dont think they had much if any support from anyone in a leadership role at Ashland other than the AD he did what he could to help.:thumb:

 

OK so we have ruled AAU and consolidated junior high schools out. I'm beginning to think it is a decreasing population, the emergence of Rose Hill and a concentration on football at Ashland. At Boyd I am still clueless.

I believe Whetsel played for years with the Rose Hill kids. So will the powers that be not allow Whetsel to continue his AAU activities?

I dont think he did that till he left Ashland to go to Rose Hill and now that he is checking to see if the grass is greener back on this side I wonder if he has thought about AAU?:popcorn:

Boyd Co. seems to have some of the same things going on that Ashland has. No AAU ball, politics, etc.

I dont think he did that till he left Ashland to go to Rosehill and now that he is checking to see if the grass is greener back on this side I wonder if he has thought about AAU?:popcorn:

 

Well it looks like if he wants to play AAU it might be time to start thinking about it. As my pappy once told me it is better sometimes to throw down a little fertilizer than to buy a whole new house.

 

I guess I don't understand the thinking behind not letting our players participate in something that can only make them better. I think this is a factor but I'm not completely sold on the fact that it is the problem all together. But for the sake of arguement let's say it is, then who or whom is responsible for this decision?

Boyd Co. seems to have some of the same things going on that Ashland has. No AAU ball, politics, etc.

 

Well trublu ruled out politics.:idunno:

Edited January 26, 200917 yr by Newman

Well trouble ruled out politics.:idunno:

 

Well at BC it seems to be more obvious.

Well at BC it seems to be more obvious.

 

Explain?