I would definelty put Scott Schuette in the same class with Fucci and Barksdale. Fant is probably the best of the mentioned players.

 

Neal Pawsatt could be one of the most dominating players on this list if basketball were his first sport. He is a big time difference maker when he wants to be.

 

In my opinion you would get the same result with Montgomery as you did the first time the Bulldogs played Shining Star Sports. I love Travis and think a lot of him and his game. He played with this group some last year and was a very nice player. Schuette was held to only 5 points (added 7 rebounds) but the Shining Star team still won by 25 points. The Bulldogs can not compete physically with Geisler, Pawsatt, Brown and Pike. Those 4 players went for 39 points and 30 rebounds at the state tournament. The team ripped 20 offensive rebounds in the game. Total mismatch. Stauffer can bang with them some but he doesn't have any help.

 

Why would the fact that Stauffer plays in Northern Kentucky limit his visability and exposure? I may disagree with that but I do believe that it would benefit Stauffer to play with one of the top teams next summer. He would benefit from playing with the top players and his exposure would increase.

 

The fact that SS 16's have Pawsett, Geisler, Brown, and Pike is very physically dominating. The NKY Bulldogs may have struggled with the overall post game. Stauffer and Vollet are what the Bulldogs have to offer with physicality inside. And, all though Stauffer and Vollet are very tough, it's alot to ask 2 guys to bang with 4 guys. Pike and Brown were very strong in that game from what I saw. The Bulldogs have 2 other tall guys in Hodges and Stewart, but they dont necessarily play as "bigs" or "bangers".

 

Where I disagree is when you saythat Stauffer would benefit from playing with another program. We've allready been down this road. You dont have to play with an organization to get recognition. Stauffer, and the Bulldogs do just fine where they are IMO.

 

Plus, from what I have heard and saw a little bit of last year, is Stauffer playing with a SS team and he was on the bench behind Jake Thelen. Nothing against Jake, but what is up with that? Stauffer has dominated Thelen in their match-ups, even though Thelen is a good player. In this case playing with Shining Star Sports limited what Stauffer was able to do last year. Why would he want that again? Individually, and at his respective position, Stauffer is better than any player, and does more for his team than any player on the SS 16's.

The fact that SS 16's have Pawsett, Geisler, Brown, and Pike is very physically dominating. The NKY Bulldogs may have struggled with the overall post game. Stauffer and Vollet are what the Bulldogs have to offer with physicality inside. And, all though Stauffer and Vollet are very tough, it's alot to ask 2 guys to bang with 4 guys. Pike and Brown were very strong in that game from what I saw. The Bulldogs have 2 other tall guys in Hodges and Stewart, but they dont necessarily play as "bigs" or "bangers".

 

Where I disagree is when you saythat Stauffer would benefit from playing with another program. We've allready been down this road. You dont have to play with an organization to get recognition. Stauffer, and the Bulldogs do just fine where they are IMO.

 

Plus, from what I have heard and saw a little bit of last year, is Stauffer playing with a SS team and he was on the bench behind Jake Thelen. Nothing against Jake, but what is up with that? Stauffer has dominated Thelen in their match-ups, even though Thelen is a good player. In this case playing with Shining Star Sports limited what Stauffer was able to do last year. Why would he want that again? Individually, and at his respective position, Stauffer is better than any player, and does more for his team than any player on the SS 16's.

 

Stauffer does a ton for his team!! He is a flat out workhorse that plays with great energy and great effort. He is the type of player that I would love to have on my team. He is a strong young man that is getting better every time I see him. I think that his decision not to play football has really helped his basketball game. I really think he will peek next summer and

 

But to make the comment that he is better than any of the Shining Star Sports players is a huge stretch. I don't think that you will get much support from anyone on that topic. Stauffer is in the same conversation with Zeke Pike and Jake Geisler. I don't think that you can argue that he is better than either of these players who both play the same position. I think that was very apparent in their head to head match up.

 

Gilbert, Schuette and Pawsatt are all better players but play a different position.

 

Stauffer is going to put up better numbers game to game than Pike and Geisler because he is the only interior option that the Bulldogs have. The Shining Star team has the luxury of rotating 3 players at the post which allows them to stay fresh throughout the tournament and be more effective on Sunday. Which is why I think that Stauffer would benefit from playing with a bigger and better team. It is very hard for players to play as many minutes as he does and play as hard as he does. And he needs to play with a team that is going to go deeper into the NCAA events next year. You can't get noticed if you are not playing deep into the Sunday Gold bracket!!

Stauffer does a ton for his team!! He is a flat out workhorse that plays with great energy and great effort. He is the type of player that I would love to have on my team. He is a strong young man that is getting better every time I see him. I think that his decision not to play football has really helped his basketball game. I really think he will peek next summer and

 

But to make the comment that he is better than any of the Shining Star Sports players is a huge stretch. I don't think that you will get much support from anyone on that topic. Stauffer is in the same conversation with Zeke Pike and Jake Geisler. I don't think that you can argue that he is better than either of these players who both play the same position. I think that was very apparent in their head to head match up.

 

Gilbert, Schuette and Pawsatt are all better players but play a different position.

 

Stauffer is going to put up better numbers game to game than Pike and Geisler because he is the only interior option that the Bulldogs have. The Shining Star team has the luxury of rotating 3 players at the post which allows them to stay fresh throughout the tournament and be more effective on Sunday. Which is why I think that Stauffer would benefit from playing with a bigger and better team. It is very hard for players to play as many minutes as he does and play as hard as he does. And he needs to play with a team that is going to go deeper into the NCAA events next year. You can't get noticed if you are not playing deep into the Sunday Gold bracket!![/QUOTE]

 

Totally bogus. You can get noticed playing one half in your first pool play game.

IMO. If the Buldlogs were able to play the Stars - Pittman team again, there would definately be a different outcome. It was a huge win for the pittman team. It was the worst loss the Buldlogs suffered all year, and they have played all the top dogs. If I remember correctly, the Bulldogs led the first quarter and only trailed by a few at half. They started the second half with a couple quick fouls that landed Vollet in foul trouble and on the bench. If this plays out different, the game is different. Not takaing anything from Pittman's win, but if these two teams were to play 10 times, i would take the Buldlogs in 5 of them.

Stauffer does a ton for his team!! He is a flat out workhorse that plays with great energy and great effort. He is the type of player that I would love to have on my team. He is a strong young man that is getting better every time I see him. I think that his decision not to play football has really helped his basketball game. I really think he will peek next summer and

 

But to make the comment that he is better than any of the Shining Star Sports players is a huge stretch. I don't think that you will get much support from anyone on that topic. Stauffer is in the same conversation with Zeke Pike and Jake Geisler. I don't think that you can argue that he is better than either of these players who both play the same position. I think that was very apparent in their head to head match up.

 

Gilbert, Schuette and Pawsatt are all better players but play a different position.

 

Stauffer is going to put up better numbers game to game than Pike and Geisler because he is the only interior option that the Bulldogs have. The Shining Star team has the luxury of rotating 3 players at the post which allows them to stay fresh throughout the tournament and be more effective on Sunday. Which is why I think that Stauffer would benefit from playing with a bigger and better team. It is very hard for players to play as many minutes as he does and play as hard as he does. And he needs to play with a team that is going to go deeper into the NCAA events next year. You can't get noticed if you are not playing deep into the Sunday Gold bracket!!

 

I dont think Stauffer is better than any player that Shining Star Sports has to offer. But, I do think he is better than any of the 16 year old players they have that play his position. To debate Stauffer to Schuette and Gilbert is pointless because they play very different positions. But, I think Stauffer would be more of an asset to his team, just because talented, athletic bigs are harder to come by. This is just my opinion. Stauffer puts the ball on the floor better than Geisler, Brown, or Pike. He also has a better outside jumpshot than those 3 players IMO, and he still seems to be improving in that area. Geisler, Brown, and Pike are really good players, and do extremely well on the block, but the further out you move them, the more ineffective they become. I think all 4 players in the discussion can rebound the heck out of the ball, and all seem to defend fairly well. Some maybe better than others, but whatever.

 

As far as Pawsett, I dont think you can say he is a better player. He is probably more efficient around the perimeter than Stauffer, but he doesnt do as well in the paint. So that discussion is a push.

 

I dont want any of this to be misconstrued... Geisler, Brown, Pike, Pawsett, and Stauffer are all really good players in my estimation. I really like to watch pawsett because for a bigger guy, he really does well on the perimeter and rebounds good. Pike is also gonna become more dominant this school season getting more time with Dixie Heights. Same with Brown, hopefully, at Boone County. Geisler speaks for himself. Lots of minutes last year and did very well. And, I am just a spectator who loves to watch basketball. I have seen many great players and the one thing Bobby Stauffer seems to have over those guys is that "it" factor. I dont see anyone at this age level play with the work ethic, passion, and intensity that he does. Wow! Where does he get it?

I dont think Stauffer is better than any player that Shining Star Sports has to offer. But, I do think he is better than any of the 16 year old players they have that play his position. To debate Stauffer to Schuette and Gilbert is pointless because they play very different positions. But, I think Stauffer would be more of an asset to his team, just because talented, athletic bigs are harder to come by. This is just my opinion. Stauffer puts the ball on the floor better than Geisler, Brown, or Pike. He also has a better outside jumpshot than those 3 players IMO, and he still seems to be improving in that area. Geisler, Brown, and Pike are really good players, and do extremely well on the block, but the further out you move them, the more ineffective they become. I think all 4 players in the discussion can rebound the heck out of the ball, and all seem to defend fairly well. Some maybe better than others, but whatever.

 

As far as Pawsett, I dont think you can say he is a better player. He is probably more efficient around the perimeter than Stauffer, but he doesnt do as well in the paint. So that discussion is a push.

 

I dont want any of this to be misconstrued... Geisler, Brown, Pike, Pawsett, and Stauffer are all really good players in my estimation. I really like to watch pawsett because for a bigger guy, he really does well on the perimeter and rebounds good. Pike is also gonna become more dominant this school season getting more time with Dixie Heights. Same with Brown, hopefully, at Boone County. Geisler speaks for himself. Lots of minutes last year and did very well. And, I am just a spectator who loves to watch basketball. I have seen many great players and the one thing Bobby Stauffer seems to have over those guys is that "it" factor. I dont see anyone at this age level play with the work ethic, passion, and intensity that he does. Wow! Where does he get it?

 

Then you have not been around Zollo much.

As far as the two teams go... Shining Stars and NKY Bulldogs, just because this is a thread about KY AAU teams, shall we not forget that the NKY Bulldogs are team built using only kids from one area (correct me if I'm wrong), Northern Kentucky. Shining Stars 16's, I believe pull kids from several areas throughout Kentucky. Isn't that correct?

 

So, I think it's to be commended what they have been able to do against teams that mostly pull the best talent from several areas or even cross state borders (prior to the live period of course).

 

Anyway, I cheer for all Kentucky kids. I want to see them all go to college and make something of themselves.

Then you have not been around Zollo much.

 

No, I have seen Zollo. I'll correct myself and put Northern Kentucky since that was the primary conversation. However, I still dont think anyone works harder. Maybe the same, but not harder.

 

How is Zollo doing now by the way? Good I hope.

No, I have seen Zollo. I'll correct myself and put Northern Kentucky since that was the primary conversation. However, I still dont think anyone works harder. Maybe the same, but not harder.

 

How is Zollo doing now by the way? Good I hope.

 

Thanks for asking. He is in Vegas playing with the Ind Elite in the AAU tourney. They play around 9:30 our time tonight. I will update in the thread I started when I get info.

 

As for your statement of working hard, I have no clue the work ethic the boy you are talking about, so I can't commet on it. I do know what Vinny does. Unreal the work ethic he has. Why he will play D-1 in a few years.

I dont think Stauffer is better than any player that Shining Star Sports has to offer. But, I do think he is better than any of the 16 year old players they have that play his position. To debate Stauffer to Schuette and Gilbert is pointless because they play very different positions. But, I think Stauffer would be more of an asset to his team, just because talented, athletic bigs are harder to come by. This is just my opinion. Stauffer puts the ball on the floor better than Geisler, Brown, or Pike. He also has a better outside jumpshot than those 3 players IMO, and he still seems to be improving in that area. Geisler, Brown, and Pike are really good players, and do extremely well on the block, but the further out you move them, the more ineffective they become. I think all 4 players in the discussion can rebound the heck out of the ball, and all seem to defend fairly well. Some maybe better than others, but whatever.

 

As far as Pawsett, I dont think you can say he is a better player. He is probably more efficient around the perimeter than Stauffer, but he doesnt do as well in the paint. So that discussion is a push.

 

I dont want any of this to be misconstrued... Geisler, Brown, Pike, Pawsett, and Stauffer are all really good players in my estimation. I really like to watch pawsett because for a bigger guy, he really does well on the perimeter and rebounds good. Pike is also gonna become more dominant this school season getting more time with Dixie Heights. Same with Brown, hopefully, at Boone County. Geisler speaks for himself. Lots of minutes last year and did very well. And, I am just a spectator who loves to watch basketball. I have seen many great players and the one thing Bobby Stauffer seems to have over those guys is that "it" factor. I dont see anyone at this age level play with the work ethic, passion, and intensity that he does. Wow! Where does he get it?

 

Let me end my comments with this because I do not in any way want to take away from Stauffer and his skill level.

 

As I said before I would love to have him on any team that I was coaching. He is a warrior!! He is a player that others will feed off of and play harder because of his efforts.

 

I wish Bobby the best and look forward to seeing him play.

Stauffer does a ton for his team!! He is a flat out workhorse that plays with great energy and great effort. He is the type of player that I would love to have on my team. He is a strong young man that is getting better every time I see him. I think that his decision not to play football has really helped his basketball game. I really think he will peek next summer and

 

But to make the comment that he is better than any of the Shining Star Sports players is a huge stretch. I don't think that you will get much support from anyone on that topic. Stauffer is in the same conversation with Zeke Pike and Jake Geisler. I don't think that you can argue that he is better than either of these players who both play the same position. I think that was very apparent in their head to head match up.

 

Gilbert, Schuette and Pawsatt are all better players but play a different position.

 

Stauffer is going to put up better numbers game to game than Pike and Geisler because he is the only interior option that the Bulldogs have. The Shining Star team has the luxury of rotating 3 players at the post which allows them to stay fresh throughout the tournament and be more effective on Sunday. Which is why I think that Stauffer would benefit from playing with a bigger and better team. It is very hard for players to play as many minutes as he does and play as hard as he does. And he needs to play with a team that is going to go deeper into the NCAA events next year. You can't get noticed if you are not playing deep into the Sunday Gold bracket!![/QUOTE]

 

Totally bogus. You can get noticed playing one half in your first pool play game.

 

I speak to a good number of college coaches every year about this topic and they would disagree with you. Unless you are an elite player (Darius Miller, OJ Mayo, Bill Walker, etc.) you have to play in games that the college coaches are interested in seeing. If you have been to the NCAA sanctioned tournaments in July go visit the games in the 3rd and 4th place brackets of the tournament. See how many college coaches are watching those games. I had one college coach tell me "If a players is good enough to play Division I basketball his team will not be in the bottom bracket."

 

That doesn't mean that a kid can't be recruited or be noticed but it is a big advantage to play with a team that attracts attention. You do that by playing in the NCAA events and make runs at championships.

 

I bet that some of the players on the Derek Smith team are really benefiting from playing with Fant. There are a lot of college coaches that want to see him play. In turn other players get to play in front of coaches that may not have watched them otherwise.

 

I assume you also assume that an organization such as Derek Smith and Shining Star Sports does not give a player advantage but it does. I can't tell you how many of the Shining Star 15 and 16u players I get to talk to a college coach about because they are calling about one of the 17u kids they are recruiting. These orginizations have a huge advantage because of the relationships that they have built with college coaches that have current players playing for them and because of the number of calls they receive about other players.

 

For example the Shining Star Sports-McFarland team has 10 players on their roster that are being recruited on the daily basis. This allows us to market and discuss other players throughout the program every time a college coach calls about one of those kids. That is a HUGE advantage for us. Almost every call I take the coach is going to ask me what other kids we have that would be a good fit for their program.

 

I know this debate has been discussed in this forum already. I don't want to take away from what other teams are doing because that is not the point. But I feel very strongly about this because I know what the truth is. I have done a lot of research on this topic and feel very strongly about what I have discovered.

Wow, what a debate. One note, Fucci is playing with Indiana Elite One in Vegas this week and will probably turn a few heads. He is playing with Zeller, Plumlee and the likes.

 

The KY Ice head to AAU Nationals this weekend and look to have a good showing.

 

Not sure who the WKY Elite will have as of their 8 players at state, 3 were seniors-to-be and dropped out of the state tournament.

I wish there could be a tourney with just KY teams after the July tourney period, maybe the second weekend of August, and they play with the team/players that played with them the last few weeks of July. Many teams pick up players even until the end, so the games/tourneys early on can be a little misleading, even the State AAU in mid May. I know we picked up some players lately, and we are a totaly different team than the end of May.

Wow, what a debate. One note, Fucci is playing with Indiana Elite One in Vegas this week and will probably turn a few heads. He is playing with Zeller, Plumlee and the likes.

 

The KY Ice head to AAU Nationals this weekend and look to have a good showing.

 

Not sure who the WKY Elite will have as of their 8 players at state, 3 were seniors-to-be and dropped out of the state tournament.

 

Great addition for Ind. Elite One. This will really hurt the Ice and their chances at Nationals in Florida. What players does the Ice have going to Florida?

I wish there could be a tourney with just KY teams after the July tourney period, maybe the second weekend of August, and they play with the team/players that played with them the last few weeks of July. Many teams pick up players even until the end, so the games/tourneys early on can be a little misleading, even the State AAU in mid May. I know we picked up some players lately, and we are a totaly different team than the end of May.

 

I agree. This would be a great idea.