I havent seen Gordon in the scoring column most of the year. Has he just stopped shooting the ball? Dill didnt score in this game either. He is normally good for 6-8 pts also. They did make 5 three pointers according to the boxscore.

 

Kowolonek had 13, Smith Keller 13 also I believe.

 

:ohbrother:Just following coach's orders he's a very coachable kid...:puke:

:ohbrother:Just following coach's orders he's a very coachable kid...:puke:

 

I do remember him knocking down some 3's last season and scoring off the drive as well that is why I have been shocked to not even see him score.

The curiosity continues it seems...............despite all the injury, unsettled line-up, new coach, etc. you would think this group would be sitting better than 11-6. The Dec. losses to Brossart & Newport where examples of some of these things, the Seneca/Trinity losses to top ten teams ok...

 

In January against Ryle/Conner isn't so much that they lost to two pretty good teams, it's the fact that they don't seem to have any purpose or heart. A senior-dominated team getting handled by these teams is reflective of a real problem...........bluebird faithful can't be happy with what's going on....soul searching time in Ft. T ?:confused:

Losing Grubbs is a bigger blow than many might think. He was the rock on the block. Grote being hurt eliminates someone who can take their man off the dribble and with Kowolonek's knees bothering him I have to imagine that is why he hasnt attacked the rim like he did last year. Lother and Gordon have not produced much and the only consistency seems to be out of Watson, Smith-Keller and Junior Jack Stewart lately. Dill needs to shoot the ball more and help out with the scoring inside of 12 feet. No reason he cant knock down open jumpers.

 

District draw will be very important. If they get a tough draw it might be an early exit for this group. Come on boys, the fans have faith in ya and know that this is the year you can put a run together and earn that Sweet 16 Berth.

I think Highlands will be fine. Conner was predicted in the preseason to be one of the better teams in the region. Like Ryle though, they just lack consistency. Both Conner and Ryle are pretty solid teams. Ryle has proved it in wins over Highlands, Holmes, and Lafayette.

 

The Birds will be there come post season time. Their game Friday night against Holmes should give us a better idea of where this team truly is.

 

I agree though that not having Grubbs down low is a bigger blow than some realize. His size, strength, and physical style down on the blocks put a lot of pressure on opposing teams' guards because it's harder to pound the ball down low with him down there on defense.

I think Highlands will be fine. Conner was predicted in the preseason to be one of the better teams in the region. Like Ryle though, they just lack consistency. Both Conner and Ryle are pretty solid teams. Ryle has proved it in wins over Highlands, Holmes, and Lafayette.

 

The Birds will be there come post season time. Their game Friday night against Holmes should give us a better idea of where this team truly is.

 

I agree though that not having Grubbs down low is a bigger blow than some realize. His size, strength, and physical style down on the blocks put a lot of pressure on opposing teams' guards because it's harder to pound the ball down low with him down there on defense.

 

 

They were??

 

 

The Northern Kentucky Boys’ Basketball Coaches Association, as it does every offseason, has voted on the area’s top 10 teams and players. Here’s the list:

 

Teams

 

1. Holmes

 

2. Boone County

 

3. Highlands

 

4. Ryle

 

5. Newport Central Catholic

 

6. Scott

 

7. Newport

 

8. Conner

 

9. Dixie Heights

 

10. Covington Catholic

They were??

 

The Northern Kentucky Boys’ Basketball Coaches Association, as it does every offseason, has voted on the area’s top 10 teams and players. Here’s the list:

 

Teams

 

1. Holmes

 

2. Boone County

 

3. Highlands

 

4. Ryle

 

5. Newport Central Catholic

 

6. Scott

 

7. Newport

 

8. Conner

 

9. Dixie Heights

 

10. Covington Catholic

 

And I think everyone knew coming in to the season there wasn't much difference between 2-8.

And I think everyone knew coming in to the season there wasn't much difference between 2-8.

 

Disagree. At the beginning of the season it was a clear #1 followed by 2 contenders - Boone and Highlands. Conner was sort of an unknown due to being young.

 

As is typical with a Jim Hicks team they are hitting their stride in February.

Disagree. At the beginning of the season it was a clear #1 followed by 2 contenders - Boone and Highlands. Conner was sort of an unknown due to being young.

 

As is typical with a Jim Hicks team they are hitting their stride in February.

 

You are right. He always seems to have his teams playing well come March. I believe he has taken the Cougars to the Regional tournament 7 out of the last 8 years. Not bad. This team should be fun to watch over the next several weeks.

I really do not know if it was a matter of Conner playing extremely well or Highlands again playing with little desire or so it appears by the way that they simply stand around. The offense certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Could someone answer me why Steven Kowolonek is sitting on the bench for the final 2 and 1/2 minutes of the game when the Birds were only down by 8 or 9 points? This team looked so good against Beechwood and then the competition level amps up a little and it becomes the same old stand around in "your" spot and wait for the play to be called. This team has way too many athletes that are good basketball players to be losing games by such a wide margin. Also seems that the schedule has been in a state of flux throughout the year as well. Q mentioned that he did not even know there was a game and his son is on the frosh team. Apparently they are playing a game tonight against Seven Hills and I would ask how many people were aware of that?

I really do not know if it was a matter of Conner playing extremely well or Highlands again playing with little desire or so it appears by the way that they simply stand around. The offense certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Could someone answer me why Steven Kowolonek is sitting on the bench for the final 2 and 1/2 minutes of the game when the Birds were only down by 8 or 9 points? This team looked so good against Beechwood and then the competition level amps up a little and it becomes the same old stand around in "your" spot and wait for the play to be called. This team has way too many athletes that are good basketball players to be losing games by such a wide margin. Also seems that the schedule has been in a state of flux throughout the year as well. Q mentioned that he did not even know there was a game and his son is on the frosh team. Apparently they are playing a game tonight against Seven Hills and I would ask how many people were aware of that?

 

Could be a combination of both (Conner playing well/HHS not playing well), but Conner was also coming off a two point loss to Boone, so they are starting to figure it out. I think HHS will be alright, and tonight should be a good barometer. Seven Hills has a very good player in Jared Davis. Kowolonek won a KY AAU state championship with him a couple of years ago when they both played for the Shining Stars. The kid can flat out play. Will look forward to seeing this result.

I have to agree, I follow the programs very closely and no basketball website, no postings, and no updates on the school site. IMO poor communication in getting the message out. It can be done the baseball team has a twitter page and constant updates before the season even starts. I would like to see more communication from the program.

^Have you checked out http://www.nkysports.com? A good comprehensive site with schedules for all of the local teams. I have found that the accuracy is very reliable, however the Seven Hills game is not listed on the site. Was this game a late addition to their schedule?

The coaches poll isn't the end all and a lot of things can change a high school basketball season........injuries, transfers, good chemistry, development of underclassmen, etc.... Newport at #7, Conner #8 are evidence of that.

 

I suggested earlier that Conner has the "ingredients" to be a factor in the 33rd and maybe the Region. Disciplined, good guard play, shooters, big men......some tough D & good coaching and they are on their way. I like the make-up of this team. Regarding the Highlands game, they apparently played well and Highlands didn't......that's why it was a 13 point game......but Conner was obviously good enough to beat them regardless.

 

The HHS/Seven Hills game apparently replaced the Menifee Co game (snow) which replaced the originally scheduled Henry Clay game (snow). I'm not aware of other changes on the HHS schedule?

Murphy's Law continues for the Birds as Ben Watson is out of tonight's game w/ the flu.

As an add on to the comments about the schedule, weather/now has hampered things this year, leading to last minute changes. Seven Hills was just added last week.