Pretty good poll.

Then why are you arguing so much about everyone elses rankings?:sssh:

You failed to mention that same Maxpreps poll has undefeated Oak Hill and Findlay Prep (widely regarded as the two best teams in the country) ranked numbers 6 and 7.

 

I wouldn't put too much stock in computer polls like the one from maxpreps that you're referring to. In the Maxpreps Xcellent 25 (computer and human input) Holmes is ranked I believe either #21 or #22 in the country and Cedar Hill in the teens somewhere.

 

Rankings mean nothing at this point in the season.

Holmes is a conundrum. Defensively, they are so disciplined they never give you an open look. Offensively, they fight not to lose discipline and throw up bad shots. So Henley has them playing a controlled game to emphasize their great defense and make sure they take good shots on offense. The result is low scoring games. Teams in the 9th region became very patient against the Holmes defense trying to find a decent shot. The result of those factors is what you see, low scoring games. If Holmes runs, they get a little out of control. I think the key to beating Holmes is transition offense and staying patient in your half court offense. If you let them get set up on D, you will likely end up taking a bad shot unless you stay patient and work hard. Elliott actually is a team made to beat Holmes. The key to that whole matchup, if it happens, will be EC shooting quick threes and making them. They will be a little more rushed in their shooting with just a small window to get off the shot before Holmes is in their face. If EC does get it up tempo, stamina will be a factor because Holmes has 8 athletes to keep the pressure on the shooters. That game would be very interesting to watch.

 

I think the winner of Corbin and Eastern will play in the championship game. That is the key game of the opening round in my mind. Corbin is my dark horse pick this year.

 

As to ranking teams in their chances of winning it, I go Eastern, Corbin (because of the upper bracket), Holmes, Shelby Valley, Elliott County and Lex Cath in that order.

I agree with this. A lot of people were saying that Elliott could not play with Mason or Ballard, because of their athleticism. Elliott won both games at home handily.

 

However, Holmes may be the most athletic team that they will play. That being said it would be an interesting matchup. But if I were Holmes fans I would be worried more about getting by Lexington Catholic or Christian County. Like I am with getting by Anderson County, then Shelby Valley or Mason County. They just have to take it one game at a time, rankings mean nothing anymore. If Elliott County were to win this they will have a tough road ahead and definitely would deserve to be crowned state champions. They will get to play a top 10-15 team in every round, most likely throughout the tournament barring an upset. Then there should be no more doubters of how good this team really is. Good luck Elliott.

 

Your not at home anymore.