Berea Invitational First Round game Fri 12/9.

 

Don't know much about Somerset other than they're 0-1 and lost to Russell Co in their opening game.

 

Predictions?

Somerset is deep and physical, but I think the speed and pressure Holmes brings will be too much for the Jumpers. I hope I'm wrong because it would be nice to see Somerset get a win over a program like Holmes. I will take the Jumpers in an upset 74-73.

Holmes 68-54.

I don't know anything about Somerset. If you run with Holems you probably will lose. If you beat the press and have big men to post up you have a good chance. Holmes is pretty athletic, can jump, defend, and score off turnovers. They don't shoot very well. I would stay

in the paint with a 2-3 zone and make them beat you with the "j".

Did a little research to see what Somerset returns and it looks like Holmes depth and athleticism will be really tough to overcome. I see Rice going off in this one for 20+ and the Dogs winning by atleast 10.

 

Will be interesting to see how Somerset handles Holmes pressure and if they're able to rebound with the Dogs.

Holmes pressure isn't really intense early in games. They make you work it up the court, but don't really trap a lot, they just extend the floor. It is a lot like

what Pitino teaches. Booher is a Pitino disciple and doesn't really clamp it down until late in games after teams wear down. They will get more intense and change

it up as the season progresses.

It depends on which Holmes team shows up but I would say they have too much athleticism and speed for the Briar Jumpers. I didnt make the trip to Somerset for the preseason scrimmage the Birds had against them but my son told me they were pretty decent. Hard to get a read on a team in scrimmages though as they are normally subbing a lot of kids. They have a very nice football program so if they have any kids from the gridiron I would imagine they are strong and physical. If they can keep Rice from flying over them and flushing missed shots as well as hope that Palmer and Coston arent hot from 3 they have a shot.

In the season opener against Russell Co., Somerset had 10 kids that played in the varsity game. Of the 10 kids, 6 were football players and 3 of those kids started (None of them were playing in the scrimmage game because Somerset was still in the football playoffs). They did not look out of shape but you could tell they were still in the mentallity of "If you have the ball I am to tackle you." I say that because Somerset committed 29 personal fouls. So it is going to take some time for the football players to adjust from the cleats to the high tops. Once they do, I really like the potential this team has.

Somerset is also a young team (2 seniors). The top scorers vs. Russell Co. were a junior and 2 sophmores.

Somerset has some speed, but their best attributes will be physical strength and basketball IQ. I believe Holmes will have the advantage in this game and Somerset will learn a lot by playing a team like Holmes. Good luck and I look forward to seeing both teams play tonight.