How can you say Gabbard disappeared in the 9th Region championship. Noone on the court was scoring and I believe he held one of the best point guards in the region in check on defense.

How can you say Gabbard disappeared in the 9th Region championship. Noone on the court was scoring and I believe he held one of the best point guards in the region in check on defense.

 

Gabbard had 2 pts, 1 rbd, and 1 stl that game. Considering he had his way with Holmes in the first match up with 8 pts, 5 stl, 5 ast, and 2 rbs, I'd say he pretty much disappeared in the region championship. Also, if I remember correctly, Riley didn't even play pg that game, Rico did.

 

Riley sat out a lot of that game in foul trouble as well. That had more to do with his low production than Gabbard's defense.

I'd have to respectfully disagree with you. Earls is WAY overrated IMO and Cotton is much better. The only thing Earls has on Cotton is size. Cotton is able to guard anyone on the floor and score on anyone. Earls struggles against kids his own size or bigger. Gabbard is solid, but disappears in big games. (See the region championship) Granted you've probably seen Boone more than myself, the few times I saw Boone this year I was more impressed with Cotton and Mcfarland than anyone else. Cotton seemed to be very consistent down the stretch for Boone. He and Gabbard will be Boone's best two players next year, but I'd give a slight edge to Cotton as the better all around player because of his defense and ability to play more than just one position.

 

In general, I don't disagree with what you said, but Earls will outscore Cotton IMO.

I just can't see 10 better players in the 9th than Rice. No disrespect to those who have been listed, but he will for sure be a top 10 player next year in the region. Don't be surprised if he leads Holmes in scoring next year.

 

I agree that he's a top 10 player.

Earls needs to figure out what his game is. Is he going to be an inside player (needs work) or an outside player.

 

Has a nice hook but needs to develop more post moves, for example, up and under, step-through, etc. I don't think he handles it well enough to be an outside player.

Hate to be that guy, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the 9th region is already over.

Riley sat out a lot of that game in foul trouble as well. That had more to do with his low production than Gabbard's defense.

 

Disagree big time on this one. I watched this match-up fairy closely and it was clear who was better.

Disagree big time on this one. I watched this match-up fairy closely and it was clear who was better.

 

Neither had an overly impressive game that night. Riley was held scoreless while in foul trouble the whole game (credit Boone for being aggressive) and Gabbard was held to 2 points while playing practically every minute of the game. Not sure how one can be considered better than the other judging by that.

 

Gabbard is a fine player but Riley led his team to a state championship and made the sweet 16 all tourney team. Head to head Gabbard may have had the better game the first go around, but overall it's not even close. When Holmes put their best defenders on Gabbard (Housely/D. Johnson) in the second game, he struggled.

In general, I don't disagree with what you said, but Earls will outscore Cotton IMO.

 

Against smaller team, yes. Against teams who have a decent big man, Cotton will have the better game more often than not.

N When Holmes put their best defenders on Gabbard (Housely/D. Johnson) in the second game, he struggled.

 

How would Riley have fared with Rico/Dom/Housely guarding him?

How would Riley have fared with Rico/Dom/Housely guarding him?

 

Ricardo would be a tough match up for ANYONE in the state.

 

As far as Housely and Dom, not really sure. Riley is a much different player than Gabbard, which would force them to guard him differently. Gabbard's strength is driving and getting easy baskets by using his strength. That allowed Housely and DJ to play off of him and force him to shoot the ball.

 

Riley's is forcing the opponents to get up on him because of his ability to knock down the outside shot. This allows him to use his quickness and handles to get by them. That was on full display during the Elliott Co game when he drove by the Faulkner twins several times for easy lay ups.

 

Kind of a moot point because we'll never really know. It's all a matter of opinion, I guess.

Against smaller team, yes. Against teams who have a decent big man, Cotton will have the better game more often than not.

 

Agree, but Earls will be bigger than the man guarding him more often than not.

Agree, but Earls will be bigger than the man guarding him more often than not.

 

Question is.........Will he play bigger? IMO Earls needs to mainly work on ball tracking and getting the rebound, and focus on attacking with his shots and not the fade away 4ft jumpers. Cotton has gotten better each year, and I think that progress will continue to move him up the ladder in being a threat on the floor. If you ask any opposing team, who presents a threat to them more, I am sure it would be Cotton. I'm not saying Cotton is any better than Earls, but as a position threat, I would pick Cotton. Who knows, there may be a surprise next year in the "Big Man" position:thumb:

Question is.........Will he play bigger? IMO Earls needs to mainly work on ball tracking and getting the rebound, and focus on attacking with his shots and not the fade away 4ft jumpers. Cotton has gotten better each year, and I think that progress will continue to move him up the ladder in being a threat on the floor. If you ask any opposing team, who presents a threat to them more, I am sure it would be Cotton. I'm not saying Cotton is any better than Earls, but as a position threat, I would pick Cotton. Who knows, there may be a surprise next year in the "Big Man" position:thumb:

 

I agree.

Question is.........Will he play bigger? IMO Earls needs to mainly work on ball tracking and getting the rebound, and focus on attacking with his shots and not the fade away 4ft jumpers. Cotton has gotten better each year, and I think that progress will continue to move him up the ladder in being a threat on the floor. If you ask any opposing team, who presents a threat to them more, I am sure it would be Cotton. I'm not saying Cotton is any better than Earls, but as a position threat, I would pick Cotton. Who knows, there may be a surprise next year in the "Big Man" position:thumb:

 

Agreed, I don't think Cotton plays/shoots with any more physical strength than Earls necessarily. Cotton definitly has better foot speed and jumping ability. I don't think either one has great inside/post moves, and Cotton's game is either tip-ins/dunks or 10-15 foot jumpers. Earls is probably faster from one end of the floor to another.

 

We can always hope for a 6'8" true post player to transfer in too! :lol: