MountainMan10

I went to the Blue/White game yesterday, and let me first say I was impressed. I have attend several of these in my lifetime, and while the overall depth of talent is not as good as some years, we have 6-7 kids that can deal. I came away from the game with a very positive outlook on the year. This team will be capable of winning it all. It will take some good fortune, and the basketball Gods will need to be with us, but the talent is there. Perry, Crawford and Morris were outstanding. Bradley played well and came through for his team in the clutch, but I was not always confortable with some of his decisions--- This leads me to my point. Bradley is a scorer. He has a knack for creating for himself. I just don't know with our offensive weapons that he will be an effective player at getting everyone involved. In the second half, Jasper played the point and played it well. He has outstanding handle and vision. He looks to get everyone else involved first. He can back down smaller guards drawing the "D" and opens up the perimeter for our shooters. The other huge benefit is he has the ability to rotate on D and guard a 3. In essence, with Jasper at the point, we are a 3 guard team offensively, but match up much better on D. I felt the last couple of years with Rondo, Sparks and Crawford, we were just too darn small. Bradley can be a terror on the ball. Crawford matches up well at the 2. Jasper can run the point and rotate down and match up with most 3's on D. Perry is tough and can play the four leaving Morris at the 5. --- I realize that this analysis comes from one scrimmage, but based on what I saw today, that would be our best line-up. What does everyone else think?

The 14th is down this year. Leslie, Powell and Lee lost tons of talent. They return good players, but they will take a step back. Looking at what teams return, Estill and Perry should be the preseason favorites. Estill has almost everything back and they very well could have beaten the eventual champ out of the district last season. Perry is always solid.-- I also think that Letcher will be in the hunt if they can improve their pitching.

The job was not posted on the KDE webpage until July 10th. I think that it must be advertised for 30 days unless they decide to hire from within.

I think for this truly to work, districts would have to go to a double elimination format. Winners move on to a four team regional and runner-ups are eliminated. By making districts double elimination, it makes for a more true champion. Four team regional should be double elimination set-up as well. Baseball was not designed to be a one and done sport. It is designed for a series to determine the outcome. The greatest teams in the history of the sport often have had 60-70 losses (MLB). Unlike sports like football, where teams often go undefeated, most baseball teams lose, even the best ones. They just win at a lot higher percentage. One bad hop, one unfortunate bounce and the best team often loses. It would be a much truer test to have all levels of the tournament at least double elimination.

I think this draw definitely favors Powell and Perry. I guess they earned this draw by winning the tough 54th and 56th districts. I don't think a team from the 53rd of 55th has played in the championship game in 7 or 8 years. Leslie got the toughest draw. Going into district play many, including me, thought they were the favorites to win it all, but the upset victory by PCC has put them in a tight spot. They will not be able to overlook Letcher like they did Buckhorn in the 54th tourny. If they do, they could get knocked off in the 1st round. If they get by Letcher, they will more than likely get Lee, but Wolfe with Stamper on the hill can beat them, and Lee got upset in a similar game last year vs. Knott. While I know Leslie has a deep staff, I don't know if they have enough to beat 3 quality teams in 3 days. With all this being said, I think Powell will shake off the demons and bring home the trophy.

So far... winners Perry Wolfe Letcher runner-ups Leslie Breathitt Knott 56th TBD

People thought the 55th was weak in basketball until Jackson City came within an eyelash of winning the 14th region. Wolfe with Stamper on the mound is capable of beating any team in the region. If they get a good draw, you could easily see them in the championship game as well.

Letcher Central finally breaks through with their boys program. After disappointing seasons in football and basketball, the baseball team saves the day and prevents a titleless year in boys sports. Congratulations to the team. They have much to proud of, especially since they have had to play on the road all year. That is a lot to ask of any team. Hopefully their new "state of the art" facility will be ready by next season.

Who are the possible replacements?

Congratulations Coach Lively. I still feel Coach Baker deserved an opportunity, but they made a good choice in Lively.

Would be a good job for a young coach looking to make a name for himself (like Lively did). If they do have some returning talent, they could succeed in the 55th this year. Both Wolfe and Breathitt will be down again.

JBS, Lee, Powell, Letcher and Hazard. In any order.

Hasn't Owsley had like 7 coaches in 7 years?

Elections are over. Who won?

Baseball for high school teams in Louisville. Aaron Alvey and Zach Osborne were the stars of the team that defeated Japan to win the championship. They hit back-to-back homers in the US semi-final game in the 11th inning to propel them to a 2-1 win. I think Alvey set or tied a record for consecutive no-hit innings. Others on the team included Casey Jordan, Ethan Henry and Alex Hornbeck. These guys would be sophs. or Jrs. this season. Does anyone know if they are playing baseball in High school and how are they doing?