Rainman11

Scott County does have a very good team, but I am not so sure they can win the state for a couple of reasons. 1. The Bluegrass Conference tournament is all week next week. The 8th grade will play on 4 nights and the 7th on 2. If Scott County reaches the finals in both, Richardson and Portwood will have played 6 games before the state tournament. Scott County will not play the Friday play-in game unless both the 7th and 8th get upset. 2. Scott County is not very deep. Currently, they really only play 5 kids. The amount of games Saturday and Sunday (all in a one and done format) will make it tough. With a good draw, they can go deep. I am just not sure they have enough to win it all. But, I am also not saying that can't. The key is not necessarily Portwood and Richardson. They have 2 shooters -- Page and Downey -- on the wings. If they are shooting well (and Page normally shoots well at the KBA), they will be a tough out for someone. As far as other teams, if both Dishman and Gover are playing for Meece, they will be tough for beat. Sanders make South Laurel a good school team as well. Madison Middle is tough as well. They should be playing Scott County in the championship of the Bluegrass Conference. Shelby West, with Hicks from The Ville, will be good as well. Plus, Bryan Station -- if Morton and Trigg -- are playing 7th for them will be good. And, don't count out other Lexington teams.

I don't believe Johnson is playing with the Warriors this year. Of course, that could change, but as of now, they are planning the year without him.

That is correct. Mason was the first non-Georgetown kid on the team. And, by the way, the Thunder finished 2nd in the state (when there was only one classification, meaning not a separate D1 and D2) in 9U with only Georgetown kids. 4 of the 5 starters from that team remain on the Thunder today.

In response to several of the previous posts, here's some information. Strong has changed his mind and has decided to play with the Thunder. The team consists of 7 kids from Georgetown, 1 from Mt. Sterling, 2 from Falmouth and 2 from Lexington. By the way, it was mentioned Monroe and Gover would make a great guard combo. The transfer from New Hampshire (Richardson) is on both of their levels, and currently plays point guard for the Thunder and Scott County Middle 7th and 8th grades. In Louisville in August, Gover slotted into a starting lineup for the Thunder that included Monroe, Gover, Richardson, Portwood and McFarland. As far as Portwood, he starts on both the 7th and 8th grade teams at Scott County Middle. Yes, he can definitely compete against 7th grade or 8th grade kids. That's why he always play with the Thunder and will only play with the Warriors in big events -- IF he even decides to do that. There are 3 middle schools that go into one high school -- Scott County, Georgetown and Royal Spring. In the Bluegrass Conference with 2 games left in the regular season, the schools are currently sitting 1-2-3 in 8th grade and 1-2-4 in 7th grade.

Goodness guys. I miss a couple of days looking at posts on here and all hell breaks loose regarding the Thunder. Portwood might play with the Warriors in state and nationals and is eligible to play because he was held back last year, but the Warriors understand the Thunder will come first. Gover (and Dishman) played with the Thunder in a tournament in August in Louisville and Gover was told at that time he was more than welcome to join the team this year IF Somerset doesn't put anything together. But, let's get one thing straight, the Thunder does not recruit kids. Yes, changes have been made over the years, but the kids who have been added came through requests from their parents calling the coach, not vice versa. From talking to the Thunder coach, other teams are always trying to get his kids. 2 years ago, the Tarheels practically begged Portwood to come play for them. What some people don't understand is Portwood has played for the Thunder since he was 7.

As someone that bashed Darius Miller after his lackluster performance against Scott County, I am glad I only saw the 4th quarter of the game on TV. From the sounds of it, Miller was not very good until the 4th. But, in the 4th, he was very special, getting to the rim whenever he wanted. Catholic couldn't do anything with him in the 4th and looked pathetic defensively on the last possession (of course, players like Miller can make defenses look pathetic at times). I have to say, though, despite what he did offensively in the 4th, I was more impressed with his defense and the confidence his play gave his teammates. Having said all that, Setty hit the biggest 2 shots of the game with those back to back 3's. Having watched in person Mason vs. Scott and Scott vs. Bryan Station in back to back weeks, then seeing the last quarter of Mason-Catholic on TV, the biggest shame is the fact that only 2 of these teams can make it to Rupp Arena. This is not trying to take anything away from any other team in the state, but that foursome would make a heck of a Saturday morning session at Rupp.

I don't know his stat line, but that seems about right. He flat out dominated and did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. Bryan Station got contributions from a lot of people, but Mack was BY FAR the best player on the court and probably the best I have seen this year.

That will definitely help the Wolfpack. I know he is a grade exception, so when you can get a good grade exception player, it's a good thing. But, it makes me wonder if the Tarheels will have a 7th grade team this year. I have heard both ways at various times.

I agree with that 100%. Would love to see the teams play again, especially with Miller at his peak and Setty and Middleton without sickness. I know Scott County controlled the game tonight, but who knows what will happen next time.

If teams like Scott County and Mason County "act like you have won before" as you suggest, then why not just play the game before an empty house. Anytime you beat the No. 1 in the state (regardless of whether you are the top program in the state like Scott County obviously is), you get excited. Like I have seen other posts about being too harsh on Miller, don't be too harsh on HS kids who just are enjoying their team have success.

OK, you are probably right. Just a little bit harsh of a high school kid. At the same time, as soon as anybody signs with the University of Kentucky, a spotlight is put upon them and people like myself expect to see something from them when we attend their games. I have no problem with an off shooting night or a bad night in general, but the one thing any kid can bring is an attitude. Miller seemed to bring absolutely nothing tonight and that was disappointing.

The popcorn was excellent. Much better than Darius Miller.

No, Miller got some stupid fouls. All 5 of his fouls were legit and all 5 were him being lazy. The 3 in the first half were on drives to the basket by Scott County players and him reaching in. The 4th was him lowering his shoulder and running over a SC player in the post. And, the 5th was a bonehead play by him by reaching in with a SC player 20 feet from the basket. I was disappointed because I wanted to see Miller play at his best and see what UK signed. That is far from what I saw tonight. Hopefully, tonight was just a bad night and not a signal that the kid is not as good as advertised. Bottom line -- Even with Miller on the floor, Scott County was BY FAR the better team TONIGHT.

Scott County Middle continued its impressive run in both 7th and 8th tonight with wins over Harrison County. The 7th grade improved to 15-0 while the 8th grade is 14-1 (13 wins in a row), having avenged their only loss last week. The 7th grade has been dominate and were expected to have a great season, while the 8th grade just keep getting it done night after night with hard work and determination. But, here is the most amazing part IMO. Scott County, Georgetown and Royal Spring (the 3 middle schools in Scott County) are a combined 43-10 in conference play when you count both 7th and 8th grade (by the way, they are 22-4 in 8th grade with all but one loss coming against each other). Just think, all 3 schools feed into one high school. The future will continue to shine bright at Scott County.

That's great to hear 13U The Ville got that invite to Texas. They certainly deserve it, finishing 11th in the nation last year and dominating in-state competition. Plus, I think it will only help them in the long run, regardless of the results from the weekend. I know last year The Ville very rarely went outside of Louisville to see the top competition, so it's good to see they are doing so this year.

Where are the 7th Wolfpack playing this weekend?

Thanks for the info. I knew Quick wasn't a grade exception. I guess this just means Morton will only play for the 8th grade again this year. Good to hear that Sanders is on the road to recovery.

Based on Bluegrass Conference results, Scott County and Madison Middle are the best 2 7th grade teams in this area, with Royal Spring, McNabb and Clark Moores behind them. In 8th grade, Georgetown Middle and Clark Moores are the best with Scott County and Royal Spring right behind. The Lexington public schools -- which begin play real soon -- will bring some good teams. Bryan Station should have a good team. Anderson County and Shelby West both have good 8th grade teams as well as Lexington Catholic. And, schools from the south -- Wayne County, Meece, Southern (Somerset), South Laurel -- will also be tough. And, don't forget about Rose Hill. They won 7th grade last year. I believe there is a 6th grade division this year for the first time.

If Sanders does come back to The Ville (I think Black10 can confirm or deny that), then I will assume that means Morton will not. Since AAU rules allow 3 grade exceptions, Hatcher, Morton, Hicks and Sanders can't all 4 play on the same team.

According to the schedule posted on Hoops' website, it was the 6th grade Suns. You are right, though, the Suns do not have a 7th grade program. Those kids play various places now, but most play for the Fighting Irish.

That's my fault thinking you were a Mason fan. But, I know others said they were untouchable in the state of KY. I guess that is not the case. What Scott County did last year not to lose to an in-state team is even more amazing considering Mason certainly seemed like they were definitely the best team this year.

Maybe that was the key to the victory....

Kind of funny Mason now changes their tune about being better to lose.

This was posted on another thread as to why the game was canceled...... Now that this has been posted in the Lexington Herald Leader I can tell everybody that the Sunday Consolation game between CovCath and Paintsville has been canceled. No reason to play this game at all..... NOTE: The third-place game between CovCath and Paintsville scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. was canceled. Neither coach wanted to play because of injuries and schedule restraints. The only game on Sunday will be the championship.

Hoops is definitely a better basketball and all-around nicer facility, but I like the people and setup for tournaments better at MidAmerica (please note: My contact with the Hoops people is less, so I am not saying I think it's bad). MidAmerica normally guarantees 4 games in their tournaments and since they are more established they have better contacts and more teams. There is 3rd facility in Louisville. I haven't seen it yet, but seems like overkill. I do know MidAmerica does more with volleyball than basketball, having cut down basketball tournaments in the last 2 years, which simply means most of their fields and bigger when they do host something. I believe Hoops will make a run for AAU & USSSA tournaments in the near future.