Newport enters the State Tournament as an underdog, even after their convincing thrashingof 9th Region favorite Holmes.

 

Thoughts?

The two teams seem to mirror one another. If Newport can avoid be starstruck when the game begins, they should be ok. Christian County needs to shoot better. They have shot horribly in their recent trips to Rupp.

Can we get a poll added to this thread?

Have seen both teams play and I might just give Newport a slight edge in this first round game (if this were the second round CC would get my nod), but if Newport gets into foul trouble, it's over as Christian County is much, much deeper than what Newport is!

Close at half, but CC uses depth and quickness to win by 15 in this opening round game. Then again, I said they would lose to Ryle in the first round of region.

Christian County has too much talent for Newport. CC by 14

The Hickey kid was extremely fast and explosive against Holmes earlier this season. I have not see anyone faster than him nor more dynamic. Holmes won this game but he was quite the assignment for JJ from Holmes. He likes to penetrate and he likes to shoot from anywhere. If Newport comes up with a defensive plan for him and controls the tempo of this game I think Newport wins. CC is a tough team and not one dimentional but Hickey has to be a key for Newport to stop.

 

 

Christian County has more talent and depth.

Hickey may be the best point guard in the state.

Newport will need to stay focused and play their game. If they keep control, they should prevail.

 

Go Wildcats!

The Hickey kid was extremely fast and explosive against Holmes earlier this season. I have not see anyone faster than him nor more dynamic. Holmes won this game but he was quite the assignment for JJ from Holmes. He likes to penetrate and he likes to shoot from anywhere. If Newport comes up with a defensive plan for him and controls the tempo of this game I think Newport wins. CC is a tough team and not one dimentional but Hickey has to be a key for Newport to stop.

 

100% Agreed. I'm really glad that you brought this kid up. Not a player to be overlooked for sure. I just wanted to echo what you have said here so no one thinks that you are exaggerating. He's pretty unbelievable for H.S. level and I too have not seen anyone faster nor more dynamic. Figuring out an answer for him is no doubt key.

Newport's lack of depth will be the key in this one, I still see the Cats taking this one by 3.

Newport's lack of depth has not been a problem yet if they play together they should win a close one.

Who is going to handle Foster? The kid did whatever he wanted against one of the best defenders in the state as well as the reigning Sweet 16 MVP in Rico Johnson. I don't think alot of people have seen this kid play, he will be a handful at Rupp.

Defense and rebounding will be key in this game for Newport. Sure they were hot shooting the ball against Holmes but I think that day they played probably their best defensive game all year and they rebounded well against a much more athletic team. Thats why they beat Holmes, the hot shooting is why they won by 26 instead of like 5 or 10 points.

 

I saw CC play Holmes last year in the first round at Rupp and I was impressed. I thought that after Holmes they were one of the next best 2 or 3 teams down there. Going to be a tough one for my wildcats but they have a very good shot to win the game no doubt.