Ill give you the Lincoln County game. But Hazard year in and year out are one of the states top 25's. Last year i think they got up to as high as 8th if I am not mistaken? Hazard ended the year at 31-5. I consider that a very strong victory for the 8th region champs shelby county. Then they lose to the eventual champs Mason county by 10. That looks like a pretty good showing to me.

 

Hazard was overrated last year & again this year as they have benefit of a good draw in the state in 08' good draw in All A this year. I believe the 14th Region has another good draw this year in the state.

North Oldham was clobbered by Elliott last year in the 5th 3rd by 26! I'll stick to my original statement the 8th is weak especially compared to what it used to be. The whole 8th owes the KHSAA big time by having Scott Co move.

IMO I would say 4 teams may be able to win it. Anderson, North Oldham, Grant County, and Shelby County.

29th- North Oldham, South Oldham

30th- Anderson, Shelby

31st- Gallatin, Carroll

32nd- Simon Kenton, Grant

 

Anderson taking down the title this year.

Hazard was overrated last year & again this year as they have benefit of a good draw in the state in 08' good draw in All A this year. I believe the 14th Region has another good draw this year in the state.

North Oldham was clobbered by Elliott last year in the 5th 3rd by 26! I'll stick to my original statement the 8th is weak especially compared to what it used to be. The whole 8th owes the KHSAA big time by having Scott Co move.

 

So you're saying a 10 point loss to the State Champs (Mason County w/ UK Darius Miller) is weak. Because Shelby almost got beat in Region 2 times. I guess thats weak as a whole.

I think that they are too soft. Talented but soft.

 

I can think of parts of North's game to criticize, but that certainly wouldn't be one of them...

IMO I would say 4 teams may be able to win it. Anderson, North Oldham, Grant County, and Shelby County.

 

I like Grant's team a lot, but I think they're a bit of a stretch to win the 8th. They've already lost to Anderson, Walton-Verona, Simon Kenton, Oldham County, and Owen County...I think they'll win the 32nd, though...

I'm a diehard 8th fan who's followed the region for over 30 years...our representative (Shelby Co.) did a great job last year, but the Region was actually pretty solid last year with good teams at Anderson, Gallatin County, Shelby County, and North Oldham.

 

But this year, I have to admit that we are down a bit. Not the weakest region in the state, but certainly far from the likes of the 7th, 9th, and 11th... Still, this will be a competitive 8th Region tournament and a lot of fun to watch...

 

The districts...

 

29th - North Oldham is a dangerous team that is just now getting healthy. They are deep, and will likely play 10-12 players a game. They've been one of the top 3 scoring teams in the state all season, shoot the ball very well (49% overall and several solid perimeter shooters), and have three bigs who can play tough inside. That said, they've had trouble "playing with success" (holding leads), and have been erratic at the line (see: 10 point lead with 3 minutes to play at Anderson, where 4 of 12 FT shooting in the 4Q costs them the win). Still, although Trimble County is very well-coached and disciplined, they do not match up well with North in the first round.

 

Runner-up will be quite a battle in the 29th between South Oldham and Oldham County, both of whom could knock off anyone on any given night. If the outside shots are falling, edge to South. If not, edge to Oldham and a superior defense. OC freshman Perry Smith may be the wild card...he's really coming on.

 

30th - Anderson County should win; Shelby is the solid favorite to finish as the runner-up. But Shelby is on a roll of late, and played Anderson tough in L-berg. Humphries' return to the AC lineup is huge (literally). But it would be a mistake to count out the Rockets in this rivalry matchup... Spencer and Eminence are not factors this year in the 29th.

 

31st - flip a coin. Anyone could win this district. If competitiveness is what you seek, the 31st is for you!!! Henry has won 20 games, but 10 of those victories came by 3 points or less against questionable opposition. Still, HC has the confidence they've lacked in recent years...they will be dangerous. Gallatin County looks like they've started to regain a bit of their swagger after a gutsy effort vs. North Oldham on Tuesday. Owen County probably has the most talent on the court, but has been horribly inconsistent this year. Carroll has the underrated player in the 8th region in Hendrick, a solid defense, and the home court advantage. Carroll is also a superb FT shooting team at about 70% for the team. I flip-flop on this district daily...today, I like Gallatin County over Carroll County in the final. (ask me again tomorrow)

 

32nd - Grant County wins the district over Walton-Verona. Grant County's upperclassmen have been waiting for this year. They need to grab the brass ring now against youthful opponents. SK is probably a year away. Williamstown is experienced and has had a nice year - rebounding nicely from three frustrating years - but probably a few guns short of being able to contend for the title, although an upset win over W-V wouldn't surprise.

 

Anderson County vs. North Oldham in the final would probably be the most fitting championship, and certainly the most intriguing. Anderson's inside game North's perimeter game and speedy, penetrating guards...Anderson's gritty defense against North Oldham's high-octane scoring...

 

Nice analysis, but Grant can't win the district over Walton, they play in the first round.

I like Grant's team a lot, but I think they're a bit of a stretch to win the 8th. They've already lost to Anderson, Walton-Verona, Simon Kenton, Oldham County, and Owen County...I think they'll win the 32nd, though...

 

They have also beat Walton-Verona, Simon Kenton, and Owen.

If Owen puts it all together, then they will be a tough out in the district.

If Owen puts it all together, then they will be a tough out in the district.

 

Agreed, I always thought they have had a good team, they have just been SO inconsistent.

I like Grant's team a lot, but I think they're a bit of a stretch to win the 8th. They've already lost to Anderson, Walton-Verona, Simon Kenton, Oldham County, and Owen County...I think they'll win the 32nd, though...

 

If Grant plays well and plays defense like they should, I won't be surprised to see them go far in the 8th region tourrnament.

I think that they are too soft. Talented but soft.

 

I would have to disagree with this. From what I have seen at Football, Basketball and Baseball, they are the most intense, chip on the shoulder program in the county.

 

I, like the Col. could find some things to criticize NO about. Being soft does not hit the radar.

Agreed, I always thought they have had a good team, they have just been SO inconsistent.

 

Yes, Owen has been very inconsistent this year, but Devin Duvall always gets his teams going when tournament time comes around. If Gamble gets hot, then that will open things up for Shelton and Colligan inside and no other team in the district can match up with Owen's height. Plus with Marston's ability to penetrate the lane, that will open things up for shooters. Owen just needs a 5th player to step up right now.

I would have to disagree with this. From what I have seen at Football, Basketball and Baseball, they are the most intense, chip on the shoulder program in the county.

 

I, like the Col. could find some things to criticize NO about. Being soft does not hit the radar.

Just my observation from the Gallatin game on Tuesday. Probably not fair on my part to judge them on one game. I did base my observation on the fact that North had a size and quickness advantage and did not put away the young, green Wildcats when they had a 13-15 pt lead in the 2nd Quarter. I do believe both teams had 25 rebounds each. But, like i said, probably not fair to judge on one game.

I think it will come down to Shelby and Anderson, but I think Anderson's size with Russell and Penny will prevail.