I am not disgruntled about anything, not really sure why you made that comment. I just like to get all the facts on the table. I have a question for you. Do you really think that age should not be discussed when it comes to competition in athletics involving kids between the ages of 9-15? I believe it to be a very relevant issue that involves great advantages during this age range. Everyone wants to only talk about what grade a kid is in, that is only half of the facts. I don't see what the big deal is in knowing how old a kid is, do you? Why does everyone get so defensive when age comes up? AAU rules allow for up to 18 months of disparity between players playing in the same division. You don't think that's a big advantage? So, I don't have any problems with the teams, kids or the coaches. It's just the society we live in today, the win at all cost mentality is alive and well. Personally, I would be embarrassed to watch my son ball up younger kids and watch his team beat people by 50. Guess it's whatever floats your boat.

 

The way I look at this is as long as the kids are legal in the division they are playing, then there is no reason to talk about age. KY Elite has a kid with a September birthday (less than a week away from being a grade exception on the 14U level), but he is legal for AAU 13U / 7th Grade. They also have a player who is in 6th grade and just turned 12 two months ago. No matter the date cutoff, there will always be kids of different ages.

Its funny you say that about the birth certificate. Speaking to his parents, they had even at one point thought about getting t-shirts with his birth certificate copied on it. I think by now anyone who has followed this age group of boys, knows the Hatton kid's age. He is thirteen years old. I will let it lie at that because there is no point in arguing about any aau rules or regulations. It is always up for debate when discussing AAU about kids ages. I think we would be beating a dead horse to continue commenting on a child's age. I would gather most parents place their children in AAU basketball to better their child as well as have them compete against the best of the best. I don't think it is really set up for critiscism everytime an exemption child's name is mentioned.

 

Congrats to KY Elite

 

Guess this post by Slemac was incorrect on Hatton's age then. Accept my apology.

 

I'd have to agree with Q. If Hatton's shot looks bad it's because of defense. Hatton is one of the best shooters at the U13 and u14 level in the area and around the state. If he gets to be 6' or 6'1", he will be a stud guard at the high school level over the next couple of years. I'm surprised by his lack of defensive effort, he usually is a bully on the court, but then again he is a 14 year old playing varsity.

I just reviewed the stats from yesterday's games for the KY Elite. Depth was a big advantage for the Elite. Against Derek Smith All Stars, Elite played eight kids at least 10 minutes and only one played more than 23. DSAS played four kids 26 minutes or more (games were 28 minutes). In the 4th Quarter, the Elite outscored DSAS by 10 points.

I just reviewed the stats from yesterday's games for the KY Elite. Depth was a big advantage for the Elite. Against Derek Smith All Stars, Elite played eight kids at least 10 minutes and only one played more than 23. DSAS played four kids 26 minutes or more (games were 28 minutes). In the 4th Quarter, the Elite outscored DSAS by 10 points.

 

That game was a true heavy weight fight. Both teams battled and played at a very high level. The entire court was surrounded by fans. I wish the KBA would stagger start times (similar to the NCAA tourney), so everyone could see the end of the games. The Elite should not lose to any teams around these parts. They are loaded with talent.

Guess this post by Slemac was incorrect on Hatton's age then. Accept my apology.

 

I'd have to agree with Q. If Hatton's shot looks bad it's because of defense. Hatton is one of the best shooters at the U13 and u14 level in the area and around the state. If he gets to be 6' or 6'1", he will be a stud guard at the high school level over the next couple of years. I'm surprised by his lack of defensive effort, he usually is a bully on the court, but then again he is a 14 year old playing varsity.

 

Dont be surprised by his lack of defensive effort. At the Cincy Knights Tourney his man beat him down court all day long. He is to busy looking cool then hustling back to check someone.

I witnesed the AAU state as well as the middle school state tourney. Yes, I stood in amazement as I saw kids trying to dunk the ball, or drain 3's from anywhere on the court. My child could not believe the size of these kids that are his age or near his age. I have no doubt all of these kids are legit 7th graders or grade exemptions. What I did see, were a lot of very mature kids that may be wearing the same shoe size they wear now for the rest of their lives. While some will go on to be outstanding players in highschool, many will fade into intramural leagues when they find out other kids have caught up to them and passed them by. We should all look back to the stars of this tourney in about 5 years and see how many are stars in highschool. Then we should look at the other smaller, non developed kids that were beat by 30 this past weekend and see how many of those kids became better players since they played against some of the best at this age this weekend, then look to see their names on the all region team. I think there will be a few broken hearts and a lot of suprises. Hopefully I'll see you all in 2014.

I witnesed the AAU state as well as the middle school state tourney. Yes, I stood in amazement as I saw kids trying to dunk the ball, or drain 3's from anywhere on the court. My child could not believe the size of these kids that are his age or near his age. I have no doubt all of these kids are legit 7th graders or grade exemptions. What I did see, were a lot of very mature kids that may be wearing the same shoe size they wear now for the rest of their lives. While some will go on to be outstanding players in highschool, many will fade into intramural leagues when they find out other kids have caught up to them and passed them by. We should all look back to the stars of this tourney in about 5 years and see how many are stars in highschool. Then we should look at the other smaller, non developed kids that were beat by 30 this past weekend and see how many of those kids became better players since they played against some of the best at this age this weekend, then look to see their names on the all region team. I think there will be a few broken hearts and a lot of suprises. Hopefully I'll see you all in 2014.

 

Well said TAC, kudos. Great post.

Guess this post by Slemac was incorrect on Hatton's age then. Accept my apology.

 

I'd have to agree with Q. If Hatton's shot looks bad it's because of defense. Hatton is one of the best shooters at the U13 and u14 level in the area and around the state. If he gets to be 6' or 6'1", he will be a stud guard at the high school level over the next couple of years. I'm surprised by his lack of defensive effort, he usually is a bully on the court, but then again he is a 14 year old playing varsity.

 

Slemac wasn't incorrect. He is 14 and he was playing varsity. What's your point?

 

On another note, kyhoops, you constantly berate and degrade the better teams and in reviewing your posts, I now understand what team your child is associated with. Spindoc was going down the right path of questioning, you just decided to not answer accordingly.

 

Parents need to let their kids play and if their team can't beat the best, deal with it or find better players who can. Sorry to be so direct but you definitely have a problem with teams that beat your son's teams and then get on here to make excuses because of "age".

Slemac wasn't incorrect. He is 14 and he was playing varsity. What's your point?

 

On another note, kyhoops, you constantly berate and degrade the better teams and in reviewing your posts, I now understand what team your child is associated with. Spindoc was going down the right path of questioning, you just decided to not answer accordingly.

 

Parents need to let their kids play and if their team can't beat the best, deal with it or find better players who can. Sorry to be so direct but you definitely have a problem with teams that beat your son's teams and then get on here to make excuses because of "age".

 

My first point is that "Hoosierdaddy" claims the kid is 13, did you not read the post? Is he 13,14, or 15? Who knows, who really cares.

 

It's obvious to me that you have a holdback playing. Good for you, I am happy for all your fool's gold. Let's set the record straight. I have never degraded or talked negatively about another team or player on this forum. I just like to talk facts, and that is something lots of people on here just like to ignore. I completely addressed Spindoc's question. I explained my view completely. Isn't what this is all about, expressing your POV. Lastly, I have no problem with anybody who beats any team I have ever been associated with. We are always gracious in defeat, something I cannot say about other teams I have seen. Because, like I said previously, it's not all about winning at all cost with us, we don't HAVE to win to be successful. It's also clear what team you are associated with, and we should just leave it at that. I am sure no one wants to read this meaningless nonsense any longer. Let's get back to posts that involve facts.

Slemac wasn't incorrect. He is 14 and he was playing varsity. What's your point?

 

On another note, kyhoops, you constantly berate and degrade the better teams and in reviewing your posts, I now understand what team your child is associated with. Spindoc was going down the right path of questioning, you just decided to not answer accordingly.

 

Parents need to let their kids play and if their team can't beat the best, deal with it or find better players who can. Sorry to be so direct but you definitely have a problem with teams that beat your son's teams and then get on here to make excuses because of "age".

Just as a fyi, Brandon Hatton is thirteen years old, not fourteen.

 

I think there is a ton of fine young talent roving around in KY. We are going to see some great high school basketball games in the years to come. Can't wait to see how these boys all prevail at a high school level.

My first point is that "Hoosierdaddy" claims the kid is 13, did you not read the post? Is he 13,14, or 15? Who knows, who really cares.

 

It's obvious to me that you have a holdback playing. Good for you, I am happy for all your fool's gold. Let's set the record straight. I have never degraded or talked negatively about another team or player on this forum. I just like to talk facts, and that is something lots of people on here just like to ignore. I completely addressed Spindoc's question. I explained my view completely. Isn't what this is all about, expressing your POV. Lastly, I have no problem with anybody who beats any team I have ever been associated with. We are always gracious in defeat, something I cannot say about other teams I have seen. Because, like I said previously, it's not all about winning at all cost with us, we don't HAVE to win to be successful. It's also clear what team you are associated with, and we should just leave it at that. I am sure no one wants to read this meaningless nonsense any longer. Let's get back to posts that involve facts.

 

I have posted and will continue to post opinions and facts. I admit and typically end my posts with the team I'm associated with, NKY Wolfpack - specifically, the 7th grade team. We are always gracious in our successes and defeats, but while it's on the court we battle and fight to the end.

 

BTW, the meaningless nonsense is the constant complaining about "select" basketball - whether it be AAU, USSSA or your momma's daddy's team - each has their pluses and minuses. If parents or players don't like the minuses, go play in the t-shirt leagues.

 

GO PACK!

Ky Gators just defeated the Louisville Legends 69-63 in the finals of the Hoops Backboard Breaker tournament. Gators were up 18 at the half. Gators were missing two player who are playing up with the Louisville rising stars at state.

Ky Gators just defeated the Louisville Legends 69-63 in the finals of the Hoops Backboard Breaker tournament. Gators were up 18 at the half. Gators were missing two player who are playing up with the Louisville rising stars at state.

Why didn't the Gators play in the AAU State tournament? Sounds like they would have done well.

Not sure. Their coach had an older team playing in the Eddie Ford Grass Roots tournament the same time as state. They have went out of town on several occasions so not sure what they are really focusing on. They have some talent and have been playing together for three years.

Not sure. Their coach had an older team playing in the Eddie Ford Grass Roots tournament the same time as state. They have went out of town on several occasions so not sure what they are really focusing on. They have some talent and have been playing together for three years.

 

Congrats to the Gators on their win this weekend!