Holmes star of one of best sweet 16's

 

The 92nd National City Boys' Sweet Sixteen was one of the more entertaining state tournaments in years. The big crowds — total attendance was 130,706, the highest since 1993 — contributed to the great atmosphere.

 

When it played out, the best team (Holmes) won.

 

Most impressive half of hoops: Holmes' performance in the opening 16 minutes against Lexington Catholic.....

 

Mr. Effervescence: Nobody mixes more talent and carefree exuberance in the way they play than Holmes' 6-foot-7 junior Elijah Pittman.

 

Fire and ice: When Holmes played Lexington Catholic, it was a contrast of coaching styles.......

 

Overtime thrillers: Here's how I'd rank the title games I've seen that have needed an extra period, or two, or three..........

 

Most likely to revisit Rupp: Holmes (returnees will include Elijah Pittman, Ricardo Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson).........

 

Woulda-been MVP: If Central had upset Holmes, Alex Morrison would have been the Sweet Sixteen MVP...........

 

Best impression of Chris Lofton: Mason County senior star Russ Middleton.......

 

Shoulda-been all-tourney: The selection process for all-tournament precludes anybody making it whose team lost in the first round.........

 

Mr. GQ: Central's Doug Bibby was the runaway (run-way?) winner for best-dressed coach. For one game......

 

Most helpless feeling: Hazard Coach Al Holland looked forlorn as he watched his Bulldogs miss their last 20 shots and.......

 

Nicest move off the court: After West Jessamine beat Hazard in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen, Colts star Jerrod Polson..........

 

All-basketball/football team: Tevin Barksdale of Bowling Green; Jacob Russell of Anderson County; Ridge Wilson and Tim Patterson of Central; and Anthony Hickey of Christian County.

 

Player most rumored to be relocating: Elliott County 6-foot-7 sophomore Timmy Knipp was the hot topic among speculators of roster changes before next season.

 

College coach hiding a smile: If Transylvania Coach Brian Lane can land........

 

High school coach thinking what-might-have-been: Bryan Station was the only team to beat both state finalists.........

 

Settling Scores:

 

After more than 25 years, the basketball gods finally smiled on Holmes Coach David Henley, assistant John Wimzie, the Bulldogs, their fans and the Covington community.......

 

http://www.kentucky.com/289/story/740724.html

 

Click on the above link to read the rest that Fields mentions in each category.

 

Thoughts?

Good article!!!!

 

I share Mike Fields' sentiments in most areas, in particular the fun and popularity of this year's Sweet Sixteen.

 

I went to Lexington with no interest in West Jessamine and came away a fan. I developed a huge respect and admiration for Coach Bibby and his Central Yellowjackets even though they were the obstacle to Holmes' winning the tournament. I got on the Elliott County bandwagon, simply due to their sincerity, wide open style, and the resolve of their players who were living the impossible dream. I was sorry to see the Mason County Royals ousted so rudely - they deserved better - but as we all know "it ain't about deserving."

I'm still scratching my head about how Graves County played, or didn't play, the last two-and-a-half minutes of their opening round game against Central. I'm convinced at this moment that they still aren't aware that they still have two fouls to give. :ohbrother:

 

I've come to realize a lot of things watching this year's state tournament that other teams/coaches/fans are still yet to learn, but these teams still overcome their shortcomings with raw talent:

1) Coming down the floor (Elliott) and simply pulling the trigger at the first opportunity is baaaaaddd basketball - double so against a team like Holmes (but Holmes did it themselves quite a bit also). Playing behind the post (Elliott) against championship caliber teams gets you in foul trouble and in Timmy Knipp's case - fouled out!

 

2) Blocking shots is not playing good defense, as some coaches quoted about their teams' in the paper. Good defense would be fronting that post, and defending against the lob with good weakside help. Good defense would be staying on your feet (or at best going straight up) and making your man adjust his shot and not to always be trying to block it.

 

3) Good defense is good "alley ball" technique (or better yet restricting your subject to one side of the floor) and not "steal the ball". Too many "Steal the ball" proponents. Way too lapse defense of passing lanes, and failure to "close the gate" (allowing dribble penetration). Many of these teams need a few (dozen) hours of shell game, and a renewed commitment to "ball-u-man."

 

4)Good press break involves passing and not dribbling, as well as employing the middle of the floor and not the sidelines.

 

5) The only team that played Holmes that looked remotely like they may have scouted (or obtained tape) on the Bulldogs' 9th Region games with NCC and Boone County was Louisville Central, who packed it in. The 9th Region discovered late in the season that this was the way to beat the Dawgs, but Christian County, Lexington Catholic, and Elliott County took the run route and played like they had played all season, and got sent home. Central packed it in - Holmes obliged by shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc in the first half - and the Yellowjackets led for the best part of the game. Only when Holmes abandoned their high-stakes horse game did they take over the contest - that and the Central big man getting into foul trouble.

 

All-in-all it was a great, memorable, and very rewarding Sweet Sixteen State Tournament.

I'm still scratching my head about how Graves County played, or didn't play, the last two-and-a-half minutes of their opening round game against Central. I'm convinced at this moment that they still aren't aware that they still have two fouls to give.

Graves held the lead until the 1:35 mark, when a Central player that is normally a miserable 3-point shooter (according to their stats) hit a trey to take the lead. Graves was fouled on the next trip, then tied it from the free throw line.

 

Central held the ball for a shot, missed a fadeaway jumper from the baseline and took the lead on a tip-in with about 20 seconds left.

 

When was Graves supposed to foul?

The only team that played Holmes that looked remotely like they may have scouted (or obtained tape) on the Bulldogs' 9th Region games with NCC and Boone County was Louisville Central, who packed it in. The 9th Region discovered late in the season that this was the way to beat the Dawgs, but Christian County, Lexington Catholic, and Elliott County took the run route and played like they had played all season, and got sent home. Central packed it in - Holmes obliged by shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc in the first half - and the Yellowjackets led for the best part of the game. Only when Holmes abandoned their high-stakes horse game did they take over the contest - that and the Central big man getting into foul trouble.

Interesting observation ... I didn't realize that until you pointed it out. Holmes played three teams that weren't going to back off their preferred style of play, come hell or high water.

Graves held the lead until the 1:35 mark, when a Central player that is normally a miserable 3-point shooter (according to their stats) hit a trey to take the lead. Graves was fouled on the next trip, then tied it from the free throw line.

 

Central held the ball for a shot, missed a fadeaway jumper from the baseline and took the lead on a tip-in with about 20 seconds left.

 

When was Graves supposed to foul?

Interesting observation ... I didn't realize that until you pointed it out. Holmes played three teams that weren't going to back off their preferred style of play, come hell or high water.

 

Many people who watched Holmes only in 9th region play came away with the assumption that Holmes couldn't get out and run. Those people were sorely mistaken when/if they seen the dogs at Rupp.

Many people who watched Holmes only in 9th region play came away with the assumption that Holmes couldn't get out and run.

And they weren't very well-informed, were they?

Many people who watched Holmes only in 9th region play came away with the assumption that Holmes couldn't get out and run. Those people were sorely mistaken when/if they seen the dogs at Rupp.

 

Holmes established their ability to run and succeed back at the Scott County game at NKU in the Bluegrass-Buckeye.

 

Packing it in was an effective way of negating the Holmes run game. When the Dogs were permitted to run, you saw the results.

Maybe Holmes was just simply better than those teams. A team like Elliott County has played that style of ball for 4 straight seasons. "Uninformed" is thinking they could have completely changed their style after 4 years and won a state semi-final game.

 

As I said earlier when this idea was brought up...you may be right in saying Elliott County can't beat Holmes in a running game, but I guarantee you they can't beat them any other way.

 

The fact was, Holmes was just better. It's nobody's fault, so why do we always try to make it sound like it is?

Maybe Holmes was just simply better than those teams. A team like Elliott County has played that style of ball for 4 straight seasons. "Uninformed" is thinking they could have completely changed their style after 4 years and won a state semi-final game.

 

As I said earlier when this idea was brought up...you may be right in saying Elliott County can't beat Holmes in a running game, but I guarantee you they can't beat them any other way.

 

The fact was, Holmes was just better. It's nobody's fault, so why do we always try to make it sound like it is?

 

You're right, the Lions are what they are, and they are not going to change.

 

However, valuing possession of the ball, just a little bit, and working for a high percentage shot, and then taking the "3" as the result of some good inside/outside offense, as well as fronting the post on defense, might surely have narrowed the gap, without dramatically changing their style.

 

As you point out, it's under the bridge and the Bulldogs are State Champs. Their dept advantage would have probably won out, regardless of how they played them.

Good article!!!!

 

I share Mike Fields' sentiments in most areas, in particular the fun and popularity of this year's Sweet Sixteen.

 

I went to Lexington with no interest in West Jessamine and came away a fan. I developed a huge respect and admiration for Coach Bibby and his Central Yellowjackets even though they were the obstacle to Holmes' winning the tournament. I got on the Elliott County bandwagon, simply due to their sincerity, wide open style, and the resolve of their players who were living the impossible dream. I was sorry to see the Mason County Royals ousted so rudely - they deserved better - but as we all know "it ain't about deserving."

I'm still scratching my head about how Graves County played, or didn't play, the last two-and-a-half minutes of their opening round game against Central. I'm convinced at this moment that they still aren't aware that they still have two fouls to give. :ohbrother:

 

I've come to realize a lot of things watching this year's state tournament that other teams/coaches/fans are still yet to learn, but these teams still overcome their shortcomings with raw talent:

1) Coming down the floor (Elliott) and simply pulling the trigger at the first opportunity is baaaaaddd basketball - double so against a team like Holmes (but Holmes did it themselves quite a bit also). Playing behind the post (Elliott) against championship caliber teams gets you in foul trouble and in Timmy Knipp's case - fouled out!

 

2) Blocking shots is not playing good defense, as some coaches quoted about their teams' in the paper. Good defense would be fronting that post, and defending against the lob with good weakside help. Good defense would be staying on your feet (or at best going straight up) and making your man adjust his shot and not to always be trying to block it.

 

3) Good defense is good "alley ball" technique (or better yet restricting your subject to one side of the floor) and not "steal the ball". Too many "Steal the ball" proponents. Way too lapse defense of passing lanes, and failure to "close the gate" (allowing dribble penetration). Many of these teams need a few (dozen) hours of shell game, and a renewed commitment to "ball-u-man."

 

4)Good press break involves passing and not dribbling, as well as employing the middle of the floor and not the sidelines.

 

5) The only team that played Holmes that looked remotely like they may have scouted (or obtained tape) on the Bulldogs' 9th Region games with NCC and Boone County was Louisville Central, who packed it in. The 9th Region discovered late in the season that this was the way to beat the Dawgs, but Christian County, Lexington Catholic, and Elliott County took the run route and played like they had played all season, and got sent home. Central packed it in - Holmes obliged by shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc in the first half - and the Yellowjackets led for the best part of the game. Only when Holmes abandoned their high-stakes horse game did they take over the contest - that and the Central big man getting into foul trouble.

 

All-in-all it was a great, memorable, and very rewarding Sweet Sixteen State Tournament.

 

 

 

Your post was the most observant and the best basketball intelligent post I have read all year.

Good article!!!!

 

I share Mike Fields' sentiments in most areas, in particular the fun and popularity of this year's Sweet Sixteen.

 

I went to Lexington with no interest in West Jessamine and came away a fan. I developed a huge respect and admiration for Coach Bibby and his Central Yellowjackets even though they were the obstacle to Holmes' winning the tournament. I got on the Elliott County bandwagon, simply due to their sincerity, wide open style, and the resolve of their players who were living the impossible dream. I was sorry to see the Mason County Royals ousted so rudely - they deserved better - but as we all know "it ain't about deserving."

I'm still scratching my head about how Graves County played, or didn't play, the last two-and-a-half minutes of their opening round game against Central. I'm convinced at this moment that they still aren't aware that they still have two fouls to give. :ohbrother:

 

I've come to realize a lot of things watching this year's state tournament that other teams/coaches/fans are still yet to learn, but these teams still overcome their shortcomings with raw talent:

1) Coming down the floor (Elliott) and simply pulling the trigger at the first opportunity is baaaaaddd basketball - double so against a team like Holmes (but Holmes did it themselves quite a bit also). Playing behind the post (Elliott) against championship caliber teams gets you in foul trouble and in Timmy Knipp's case - fouled out!

 

2) Blocking shots is not playing good defense, as some coaches quoted about their teams' in the paper. Good defense would be fronting that post, and defending against the lob with good weakside help. Good defense would be staying on your feet (or at best going straight up) and making your man adjust his shot and not to always be trying to block it.

 

3) Good defense is good "alley ball" technique (or better yet restricting your subject to one side of the floor) and not "steal the ball". Too many "Steal the ball" proponents. Way too lapse defense of passing lanes, and failure to "close the gate" (allowing dribble penetration). Many of these teams need a few (dozen) hours of shell game, and a renewed commitment to "ball-u-man."

 

4)Good press break involves passing and not dribbling, as well as employing the middle of the floor and not the sidelines.

 

5) The only team that played Holmes that looked remotely like they may have scouted (or obtained tape) on the Bulldogs' 9th Region games with NCC and Boone County was Louisville Central, who packed it in. The 9th Region discovered late in the season that this was the way to beat the Dawgs, but Christian County, Lexington Catholic, and Elliott County took the run route and played like they had played all season, and got sent home. Central packed it in - Holmes obliged by shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc in the first half - and the Yellowjackets led for the best part of the game. Only when Holmes abandoned their high-stakes horse game did they take over the contest - that and the Central big man getting into foul trouble.

 

All-in-all it was a great, memorable, and very rewarding Sweet Sixteen State Tournament.

 

 

Another quick Jarrod Polson story to go along with Mike Fields'. I listened to the Friday game against Graves County on the radio. After the game in which Polson had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists the radio announcer was complimenting Jarrod on another great game and he replied "I played bad today and if it weren't for my teammates picking me up we would have lost this game." I can't say enough about Jarrod Polson.

Your post was the most observant and the best basketball intelligent post I have read all year.

Thanks!!!

 

It comes from exposure to brilliant coaches and fundamentally sound players on a day to day basis.

Another quick Jarrod Polson story to go along with Mike Fields'. I listened to the Friday game against Graves County on the radio. After the game in which Polson had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists the radio announcer was complimenting Jarrod on another great game and he replied "I played bad today and if it weren't for my teammates picking me up we would have lost this game." I can't say enough about Jarrod Polson.

 

To add to that...after that game that you're referring to, I believe, he gave his MVP trophy to another player on his team because of the outstanding defense he played. What a classy move by the young man!

You're right, the Lions are what they are, and they are not going to change.

 

However, valuing possession of the ball, just a little bit, and working for a high percentage shot, and then taking the "3" as the result of some good inside/outside offense, as well as fronting the post on defense, might surely have narrowed the gap, without dramatically changing their style.

 

As you point out, it's under the bridge and the Bulldogs are State Champs. Their dept advantage would have probably won out, regardless of how they played them.

 

:thumb:

 

Not arguing the point you make as much as I'm arguing the idea that a team can play one way for 4 years and then change it for one game and expect to play better. It's possible I suppose, but very unlikely.

Good article!!!!

 

I share Mike Fields' sentiments in most areas, in particular the fun and popularity of this year's Sweet Sixteen.

 

I went to Lexington with no interest in West Jessamine and came away a fan. I developed a huge respect and admiration for Coach Bibby and his Central Yellowjackets even though they were the obstacle to Holmes' winning the tournament. I got on the Elliott County bandwagon, simply due to their sincerity, wide open style, and the resolve of their players who were living the impossible dream. I was sorry to see the Mason County Royals ousted so rudely - they deserved better - but as we all know "it ain't about deserving."

I'm still scratching my head about how Graves County played, or didn't play, the last two-and-a-half minutes of their opening round game against Central. I'm convinced at this moment that they still aren't aware that they still have two fouls to give. :ohbrother:

 

I've come to realize a lot of things watching this year's state tournament that other teams/coaches/fans are still yet to learn, but these teams still overcome their shortcomings with raw talent:

1) Coming down the floor (Elliott) and simply pulling the trigger at the first opportunity is baaaaaddd basketball - double so against a team like Holmes (but Holmes did it themselves quite a bit also). Playing behind the post (Elliott) against championship caliber teams gets you in foul trouble and in Timmy Knipp's case - fouled out!

 

2) Blocking shots is not playing good defense, as some coaches quoted about their teams' in the paper. Good defense would be fronting that post, and defending against the lob with good weakside help. Good defense would be staying on your feet (or at best going straight up) and making your man adjust his shot and not to always be trying to block it.

 

3) Good defense is good "alley ball" technique (or better yet restricting your subject to one side of the floor) and not "steal the ball". Too many "Steal the ball" proponents. Way too lapse defense of passing lanes, and failure to "close the gate" (allowing dribble penetration). Many of these teams need a few (dozen) hours of shell game, and a renewed commitment to "ball-u-man."

 

4)Good press break involves passing and not dribbling, as well as employing the middle of the floor and not the sidelines.

 

5) The only team that played Holmes that looked remotely like they may have scouted (or obtained tape) on the Bulldogs' 9th Region games with NCC and Boone County was Louisville Central, who packed it in. The 9th Region discovered late in the season that this was the way to beat the Dawgs, but Christian County, Lexington Catholic, and Elliott County took the run route and played like they had played all season, and got sent home. Central packed it in - Holmes obliged by shooting 3 for 17 from beyond the arc in the first half - and the Yellowjackets led for the best part of the game. Only when Holmes abandoned their high-stakes horse game did they take over the contest - that and the Central big man getting into foul trouble.

 

All-in-all it was a great, memorable, and very rewarding Sweet Sixteen State Tournament.

 

Agree on many points, but as the saying goes,"there is more than one way to skin a cat." Could it be that the best press breaker is not to put the ball over your head and look for cutters, because good defenders will attack you when you put it over your head and force you to put it on the deck." At least that's what I saw when I watched the Mason press totally dismantle the Mustangs press offense. It seems to me i've heard several top name coaches teach players to never put the ball over their head, which is what Brossart players do almost every time they touch it.

Agree on many points, but as the saying goes,"there is more than one way to skin a cat." Could it be that the best press breaker is not to put the ball over your head and look for cutters, because good defenders will attack you when you put it over your head and force you to put it on the deck." At least that's what I saw when I watched the Mason press totally dismantle the Mustangs press offense. It seems to me i've heard several top name coaches teach players to never put the ball over their head, which is what Brossart players do almost every time they touch it.

Good point!!! Our performance vs Mason County would not be a good press break model! Our smaller guards were swallowed up by the larger Royals defenders.

 

My point was that a side-middle-side passing approach might have been a better option for some of the teams that we saw perform in the state tournament than the "dribble up the sideline" approach.

 

Agreed. In any concept of the game there are different ways to skin that cat.