As a fan, I just want the team that will have the best chance at a run in the Sweet 16.

 

That would be Holmes

These are the two teams I wanted to see in the finals. Newport has had a great season, but I think it ends today. Holmes matches up very well with Foster, which is unique in the 9th region. Most teams do have the quickness to guard him straight up and when he breakdown a defense off the dribble that makes the rest of his team so much better. Sizemore and Tucker are great shooters, but they can not create their own shoots, so stopping the penetration of Foster is a must when playing Newport. I think a lot times people take fore granted the level of defense that Homes plays and how much trouble it gives teams. Newport will need to hit the three point shot and in my opinion Luther will need to have a huge game. I expect Newport to zone Holmes and if Holmes is not making the three it could be a close game. Holmes does tend to stand around and not move the ball as well as they should when teams pack it in on them, so that could give them some trouble. Ultimately, though I expect to Holmes to get a few easy ones on put backs, as well as, when the zone gets out of position. I would expect a big game from Pitman today. I do not think Newport's back line can contain him, they are just not quick enough. It would also not surprise me to see JJ, who has been kind of quiet in the regional tournament, to turn it up a notch today. At the end of the day I think these two teams are the best two teams in the region, but I also think Holmes is still the best. I expect Henley to put his team into a position to repeat as State Champions today. Good luck to both teams, I am looking forward to a great show this afternoon. Holmes 63 Newport 50

There was no national anthem last night before the Holmes game.

 

It was prior to the first game of the night. The Holmes players were in sweats with their headphones on in the stands and everyone in the joint stood but Kevon Rice. I looked over and even the legendary Stan Steidel shook his head and said that was embarrassing.

As much as I would like to see Newport win this game for their school and for those kids because they are a good bunch of players, I just dont think it will happen unless Holmes self destructs.

 

I want the best team to go to Rupp and possibly bring back another state championship to NKY and I have to say that Holmes probably is the better team to do that. Newport just doesnt have the depth required to win downstate but they are a fun group to watch.

 

I think if they want to win they are going to need to pack in a zone and make Holmes beat them from the perimeter. They also need to rebound better than they did last night. I didnt notice many Newport players getting physical under the basket and jockeying for position. Collins is about the only one who will try and get a rebound and he is out of position many times. Luther relies on his leaping ability and McDaniels is not much of a banger either. They have to focus on blocking off the Bulldogs or they will get killed on 2nd chance points.

 

Good Luck to both teams, I am looking forward to seeing a good game.

Will there be a radio or internet broadcast of the game?

Starting lineups?

 

5'10 Herndon v 5'10 Sizemore

6'3 Slusher v 6'2 Luther

6'5 R. Johnson v 6'3 Foster

6'5 J. Johnson v 6'3 McDaniel

6'8 Pittman v 6'4 Collins

5'10 Herndon v 5'10 Sizemore

6'3 Slusher v 6'2 Luther

6'5 R. Johnson v 6'3 Foster

6'5 J. Johnson v 6'3 McDaniel

6'8 Pittman v 6'4 Collins

 

Dude your stretching those Johnson bros.

 

Both are 6'4 at best....and Collins is only 6'3.

 

Pittman is legit....his legs are 6'.

Ok I might be crazy but Im going out on a limb. I really think that Newport will win. And not just because of Holmes having pressure or Holmes having some bad luck or a bad game. I think that NEWPORT IS THE BETTER TEAM AND PLAYS BETTER TEAM BASKETBALL.

 

They pass the ball very well. They defend very well. Whether its in a zone, man to man or even when they press. The biggest problem for Newport in my opinion is the depth. They really are only 6 deep and not any deep than that at all. Foul trouble could potentially be a problem. But they have a few good shooters. The two bigs are physical and also are very solid around the basket.

 

As for what I've seen from Holmes. They definetly are streaking and have potential to just dominate. But I was very dissappointed with the 3rd qtr play of Pittman and the 3rd qtr game plan of Coach Henley. Lots of standing around by Pittman. Lots of bad passes. Not much penetration, and when they did penetrate they used floaters and mid range jumpers. Thats exactly how Boone got back into the game. They didn't handle Boone's physicallity very well that 3rd qtr. And I think Newports "bigs" will frustrate Pittman and make every one of his touches tough. Thats why I believe foul trouble will be HUGE in the is game.

 

Either way Im looking forward to this one. I think we have the best 2 teams squaring off in the 9th again and I think we have the chance to see a classic tonight.

 

Good Luck to both teams!

 

NEWPORT by a 3!!

 

I wouldn't say Newport has a better team. Holmes has a better starting 5 and top to bottom Holmes has a better team.

 

I also disagree that McDaniel and Collins are physical down low. Both have gotten frustrated early in this tournament by the physical front courts of Covcath and Ryle. I don't see that changing at all in this game with them going against Pittman, R. Johnson, J. Johnson, and Rice.

 

Pittman has had a double double with 4 or 5 blocks in both games against Newport. Why? NEwport plays very intimidated down low against the big guy. Rarely do they go inside which will lead to Newport shooting a lot of 3's and jumpers. Newport has shot the ball well, but haven't went against the size, length, or athleticism of the Dogs yet in this tournament.

 

Outside of Foster and Luther, Newport really doesn't match up well with Holmes at all.

Hopefully 3rd times a charm for the Cats and they finally get over the hump and beat the dawgs. If they can keep hitting big shots they have a chance. Ill probably make it to Rupp for at least one game no matter which team wins. Go Cats.

Dude your stretching those Johnson bros.

 

Both are 6'4 at best....and Collins is only 6'3.

 

Pittman is legit....his legs are 6'.

 

:lol:

 

Look at Ricardo and JJ next to Pittman.

 

RJ is a legit 6'5.

 

JJ, I'lll give you 6'4.

Will there be a radio or internet broadcast of the game?

 

anyone?

One of my reasons for wanting Holmes to win the Ninth Sunday, is Homes IMO is the only team in the Ninth that has a chance to win the State Tourney.

While Newport is a very, very good team, they just aren't deep enough to go deep into the Sweet Sixteen

 

If anyone saw Elliott County last year (and Newport isn't as good as EC was last year) they couldn't win Saturday's game because of not having a deep enough bench!

 

Playing four games in four days on a college floor with all the pressure is tough on a kid and it makes it even worse, if that kid has to log a ton of game minutes. Even a young man in great shape, gets physically and more important mentally drained trying to pull it off but without the help of a deep bench, it makes it almost impossible!

 

Go Holmes!

 

My reason exaclty :thumb:

Will there be anywhere online where I can watch the game?

KR Sports 1160 Am will be broadcasting the game.

Dude your stretching those Johnson bros.

 

Both are 6'4 at best....and Collins is only 6'3.

 

Pittman is legit....his legs are 6'.

 

:laugh:

 

Those are their basketball heights deduct an inch or two for their actual height :lol: