Rico has two things that help a lot in the voting IMO - a state championship ring and a D1 scholarship in hand.

This is the one player that has walked the very fine line b/n being a team player, and being too unselfish. As has been stated, w/ his skill set, he could score 20+ every night if he forced the action. He doesn't, he is very cool and calm, letting the game come to him. He's a stat sheet filler and a clutch performer. For three quarters, he'll dish out assists, block shots, get steals, rebound, and play in your face defense. In the 4th quarter, if his team needs it, he'll score all the big baskets that a star will score. I would also start my team around him.

IMO, Ricardo will not win Mr. Basketball, and it's not because he doesn't deserve it. He doesn't have the gawdy stats that everyone looks at. He's a player that you have to watch in person to appreciate. Those that have seen him play knows that he can drop 20+ on anybody he wants. However, with his surrounding cast, he doesn't have to. Plus, he's going to shut down the other teams top player.

 

 

I hope that many voters have attended the last two Sweet Sixteens. He's been a regular at those two events. Act three will be coming soon... :banana:

He does have one fault in his game he's tooooooooooooooooo unselfish

Im an SV guy and pulling for Justice but I definitely would not argue if Johnson wins he has proven himself on the court in big games.

IMO, Ricardo will not win Mr. Basketball, and it's not because he doesn't deserve it. He doesn't have the gawdy stats that everyone looks at. He's a player that you have to watch in person to appreciate. Those that have seen him play knows that he can drop 20+ on anybody he wants. However, with his surrounding cast, he doesn't have to. Plus, he's going to shut down the other teams top player.

 

If Holmes makes it to Rupp and they should, then he will be the front runner for Mr. Basketball.

Rico has two things that help a lot in the voting IMO - a state championship ring and a D1 scholarship in hand.

 

 

 

But one thing that is against him is his teammate Mr. Pittman may steal a few of his votes.

If I am building a team and had my choice of any player in Kentucky, I would take Ricardo. Anyone who has seen him play knows how talented he is. He does not have the gawdy numbers but he is very efficient on the court. Ohio got a good recruit in him. I hope he can go back and wow the crowd at Rupp.

Is the voting after the state tourney? I think the only way Johnson wins is if Holmes gets back to the title game.

Rico is smooth and good at every phase of the game. If he was a selfish player on a less talented team, his numbers would be really high.

Johnson is the best player in the state, but he will split alot of votes with others in the area. I believe Justice from Shelby Valley will win Mr. Basketball because in years past if the mountains have a great player he usually wins.

Ricardo is the man with my vote (I know, whatever!) but truly he is an outstanding player, clutch performer, consummate teamate, great kid/student, winner.............. he is everything you can package into one. The ring, D1 and anything he achieves into this sweet sixteen just small part of his overall contribution.

 

The contenders(you can make a good argument):

 

Elijah P- good numbers, game changer, but we all know Rico is the "straw that stirs" at Holmes;

 

Elija J. - competitor, over-achiever, great stats, not as tough competition to what Holmes has seen;

 

Josh S. - runner-up imo......great season, MVP in big-time tourneys, just misses by not getting to Rupp.

 

Good luck to all.......I see Ricardo deserving this hardware.:clap:

Is the voting after the state tourney? I think the only way Johnson wins is if Holmes gets back to the title game.

 

R Johnson wins the award if Holmes make it to Saturday morning in the Sweet Sixteen.

This is starting to sound just like the Collinsworth bid for Mr Football, you can win all the state championships there is, you can get a D1 scholarship, you can be All State 3 yrs in a row at 3 different positions but unfortunately its all about what have you done for me lately baby. Some kid who gets 35 a game against who will win this thing. Good Luck with this one.

This is starting to sound just like the Collinsworth bid for Mr Football, you can win all the state championships there is, you can get a D1 scholarship, you can be All State 3 yrs in a row at 3 different positions but unfortunately its all about what have you done for me lately baby. Some kid who gets 35 a game against who will win this thing. Good Luck with this one.

 

Except the player who beat out Collinsworth had the hardware also ... and was more valuable to his team. Plus Collinsworth was hurt a big part of the season. I don't think that is a good analogy.

Regardless if he wins it or not, his career at Covington Holmes has been a success. IMO Mr. Basketball is an award based on the current season, and while Ricardo has been a stud this season, nothing he has done has jumped out at you. His career on the other hand does State Champion last year, MVP of the sweet 16, a career record of 94-10, 2 regional championships and possibly a third, every year he has seen varsity playing time at Covington Holmes he has at least went to the State Championship game, Second team all state last year, Full ride to Univeristy of Ohio, I mean the kid has a long list of accolades, as does Mr. Pittman. And as unselfish as Ricardo is, I think for another trip to Rupp and another run at the Championship, he would trade in all those personal accolades. Mr. Basketball is an individual award, it is a huge accomplishment, but I am sure in March, in the middle of 9th region play that is the furthest thing from Ricardo's mind right now.

 

I guess in closing I will say that if this award is based on current season success I would not be shocked one bit if Ric didn't win it.

 

If it is based on the career's I would be shocked if anyone else got it.

 

But at the end of the day, the region and sweet 16 is all that kid cares about and as long as he is focused it means nothing but good things for Holmes.