The Wildcats advance to the 8th Region semis against Shelby County on Monday after taking a 59-54 win from the Dragons.

 

The game went back and forth all game long. Each team making a run, but the Wildcats advance to the semis

 

Coach Holland and the Wildcats are 22-7 now. A lot of people said that they haven't played anyone yet, but in talking to Coach Holland last night, he credits the All "A" games that they had for building up their "toughness".

 

Congrats to the Wildcats.

Congrats Coach Holland and Wildcats! Way to represent the 31st District :thumb:

During our pregame show last night, we talked about how the Wildcats' 11 wins by 3 points or less hardly constituted "luck" as some have alleged on this board...rather, the Wildcats have learned how to win the close ones. This team is playing with confidence in itself...you better be ahead by more than a few points of the Wildcats in the closing seconds of a game, because this team believes that this is their time!

 

It was my first opportunity to see HC this season, although I've seen Coach Holland's teams often over the past few seasons. I'm very impressed by this team's discipline and poise. That may or may not be enough to get them to the 8th Region finals, but I certainly think they have a shot at defeating the Shelby County Rockets on Monday.

 

I was with Coach Holland when he credited the All-A for toughening his team...and it was refreshing to hear that. Too many A schools throughout the state short-change themselves by bemoaning the fact that they have so many less kids. The fact is this - SMALL SCHOOLS CAN COMPETE WITH THE BIGS IN BASKETBALL. Yes, the bigs have some advantages, and over the long haul, the bigs will probably win more championships than they lose. But you have to prepare your (small school) team to be ready to grab the brass ring when your turn comes...and Holland has his team ready to do that. The All-A was very competitive in the 8th this year, and the Wildcats come into the SF Monday, already battle-tested in tournament play. They have done a marvelous job of using the opportunities afforded the smaller schools and turning them into advantages they can use.

 

As for the weak schedule...yes, Henry's schedule was suspect. But - while I personally prefer a slightly tougher schedule than the Wildcats played - the Wildcats' schedule hardly told us much. Playing a weak schedule no more makes you a weak team than playing a strong schedule makes you a good one. I've always been amazed how many people claim their favorite team is "good" because "they've played a strong schedule" - even though they failed to beat a single top-tier team on that "strong schedule". Yes, I'd prefer a stronger schedule - and I think that has benefits for a team, long-term - but people simply make too many assumptions about a team's talent based on the schedule.

 

Kudos to the Wildcats - best of luck the rest of the way!

During our pregame show last night, we talked about how the Wildcats' 11 wins by 3 points or less hardly constituted "luck" as some have alleged on this board...rather, the Wildcats have learned how to win the close ones. This team is playing with confidence in itself...you better be ahead by more than a few points of the Wildcats in the closing seconds of a game, because this team believes that this is their time!

 

It was my first opportunity to see HC this season, although I've seen Coach Holland's teams often over the past few seasons. I'm very impressed by this team's discipline and poise. That may or may not be enough to get them to the 8th Region finals, but I certainly think they have a shot at defeating the Shelby County Rockets on Monday.

 

I was with Coach Holland when he credited the All-A for toughening his team...and it was refreshing to hear that. Too many A schools throughout the state short-change themselves by bemoaning the fact that they have so many less kids. The fact is this - SMALL SCHOOLS CAN COMPETE WITH THE BIGS IN BASKETBALL. Yes, the bigs have some advantages, and over the long haul, the bigs will probably win more championships than they lose. But you have to prepare your (small school) team to be ready to grab the brass ring when your turn comes...and Holland has his team ready to do that. The All-A was very competitive in the 8th this year, and the Wildcats come into the SF Monday, already battle-tested in tournament play. They have done a marvelous job of using the opportunities afforded the smaller schools and turning them into advantages they can use.

 

As for the weak schedule...yes, Henry's schedule was suspect. But - while I personally prefer a slightly tougher schedule than the Wildcats played - the Wildcats' schedule hardly told us much. Playing a weak schedule no more makes you a weak team than playing a strong schedule makes you a good one. I've always been amazed how many people claim their favorite team is "good" because "they've played a strong schedule" - even though they failed to beat a single top-tier team on that "strong schedule". Yes, I'd prefer a stronger schedule - and I think that has benefits for a team, long-term - but people simply make too many assumptions about a team's talent based on the schedule.

 

Kudos to the Wildcats - best of luck the rest of the way!

 

:thumb: I played for Coach Holland for 3 years at HC, and through the ups and the downs, the man can flat out coach. He has done more for HC basketball then any coach should have to. The kids on this team are extremely motivated and are hungry for this. I talked to them last night and you could see it in there eyes. I played with many of the players that are seniors and juniors on this team my senior year, and they are very hard working.

 

For the game, it was very back and for the most part. HC got a 9 point lead built in the first and that dwindled to a 26-26 ball game at the half. At the end of the 3rd I think SO was up 3 or around there but HC came out firing scoring close to 10 straight. Free throws were suspect even though there big man, Hinkle, did an excellent job at them. Can't wait for the Shelby game and good luck HC!

Good Game HC

Good to see the 31st district represent well once again. It seems that since the realignment the 31st district with the 'small schools' has done very very good in the region tournament. Good luck to Henry and to Owen in the Semi's.