The WYMT Tournament starts this week. The host school this year is Knott County Central.

 

Upper bracket: Tuesday, Jan 5

Buckhorn vs Shelby Valley 6:30

Clay County vs Perry Central 8:15

 

Lower Bracket: Wednesday, Jan 6

Knox Central vs Knott Central 6:30

Johnson Central vs Hazard 8:15

 

Thoughts/Predictions?

Buckhorn got a rough draw opening with Shelby Valley, who everyone considers a heavy favorite going in. It may be telling of Valley's statewide chances when seeing how they handle a team with the size of Buckhorn's interior after losing a 6'7 and 6'10 player from last years team (though they still have plenty of size returning).

 

The upper bracket should have some great first round games nonetheless, and Clay Co. vs. PCC could prove to be the most exciting first round game.

 

Of the field, I know the least about Johnson Central.

 

Will all the games be broadcast online on WYMT?

Yes, all games on line at wymt's website. As always, semi-finals on Friday and Saturday's 3rd place game and championship are live on WYMT.

 

I have seen all teams play except Johnson Central and Knox. I know Johnson Central has some size, but I don't know how well they will fare against Hazard's gurad play. That should be an interesting first round match up.

 

Buckhorn really impressed me agaisnt Perry last Saturday. They have size and the Day kid is for real. He just needs to get stronger. I don't think Buckhorn will beat Valley, but I think they can keep it close for awhile, unless the turnover bug gets them. Valley will bring the heat.

 

If Perry gets by Clay, it should be an interesting semifinal Friday as they should meet Valley. In the past, they have played one another close.

 

On paper, this could be one of the strongest fields in WYMT's recent history...

Strongest WYMT field in many years. Knott and Perry are solid and will be playing in their backyard. SV may be the favorite but it wont be easy.

How does this tournament decide who is the host school each year? Is it on a rotation basis?

In the end, it is left up to the WYMT Tournamet Committee. For roughly the first decade Knott was the host school. Then it was helt at Perry Central (not for sure of the year}. Since that time, it has rotated between the two schools.

 

Because the tournament consists of teams from the 13th, 14th, and 15th regions, the 14th is centrally located. The Expo Center in Pikeville or the Arena in Corbin would be good sites, but the distance of travel would be too great for the 13th going to the 15th or vice versa.

 

I wonder if the weather will affect the size of the crowds, especially tonight and with snow forcasted for Thursday?

I will pick Shelby Valley in this tournament. Its there's to lose.