The Observer

Holmes is way more athletic. The only way NCC stays in the game is if Holmes has foul problems. I know NCC is high on their "new offense" they have been running, but the real tests comes against the state's #1 defensive team. I'll take the Bulldogs by 24.

I agree with Scott Co. and Mason Co. being at the top. These two programs are elite year in and year out.

Take away McGraw, Kowolonek, and Simpson and the Bluebirds are no longer special. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out come district and regional time. Highlands is good enough to win the region with these guys, but bad enough they can lose early in the districts without them. As for Holy Cross, it is nice to see someone else lead them besides Sorrell. The Indians are not a deep team and their currently running on fumes. That being said, their is no doubt in my mind they can still beat a team like Cov. Cath.

Seen Simon once, and have yet to see Scott. I'll go with Simon Kenton by 13.

The change in sites caught my eye as well. I am friends with parents close to the program and I have been told the size of Beechwood's gym is the issue. Because it was Beechwood's turn to host, they were able to hand pick which team gets it instead of them. Since Holmes is the largest gym, they chose Holmes knowing they would get the large gate in return. I cannot say I agree with this move. To me it is about your team and every advantage you can get. It is not like Beechwood's gym is the smallest in the area. If I were the AD, I would have made the best of the situation and kept it at home. They owe it to the seniors who have played every other year on the road.

Why has the JV played only 9 games? I am guessing that has to do with the varsity in a lot of tournaments?? Mason Co. is an elite program and something you should be proud of mhighfield !!

Boone is still a year away. I'll take Holmes by 10. Playing Highlands tough is nice, and pounding Cov. Cath is great, but Boone has not played a team like Holmes yet. Boone Co. can gain a lot of confidence towards the region if they can hang until the end with Holmes. In the region, anything can happen.

Good win for Lloyd and the 9th region

Holy Cross led by about 8-12 all game long. The largest lead I believe was 16, but Beechwood cut it down to 6 with the ball midway through the 4th. Beechwood had plenty of opportunities late in the 4th to make it a one possession game, but could not put the ball in the bucket. Sorrell was the man tonight as he took the ball strong to the hole each time he touched it. Beuttel kept the Tigers in the game in the 2nd half. Giwa was in foul trouble and the Holy Cross offense was nonexistent with the exception of Sorrell who finished with 37 of the Indians 67 points. Hall and Romas struggled for Beechwood.

I think this game will be closer than most people expect. McGraw and Henderson will have their hands full with one another. I look for this game to be decided by the other 8 on the floor. I'll take Holmes by 5 as the Bluebird faithful keep their team in the game until the very end.

I hate when officials are a factor in the outcome. Either way, congrats to St. Henry. When I saw them early in the year, I thought it was one of the worst St. Henry teams I have seen in awhile, but they have proven me wrong. Dave does an amazing job year in and year out.

34 wins is a ton of wins. What is the state record for most wins?

I wish I was at the game the first time they played. I will be there for sure tonight !!! To me it’s all about what adjustments the Indians made for Sorrell. From reading the posts from the last game, it sounded like a lot of one on one play for Holy Cross. For Beechwood to win again, they have to hit fouls shots and keep Sorrell from taking over completely. If he gets less than 30, I like the Tigers chances. Also, both teams had games last night. However, Beechwood starters probably got plenty of rest against Heritage, while Holy Cross starters went at it hard for 32 minutes against Seven Hills. This could be something to keep an eye on come late in the game.

I might have to check this one out. I saw Conner early in the season and they seem to be playing a lot better now. The Pugh-Earls match-up should be a fun to watch as long as they both stay out of foul trouble. Thomas for Conner and Krohman for Boone can light it up. I'll say Boone wins by 8 after Conner has to start fouling at the end of the game. Should be a fun one to watch.

When I was at the Holmes/Ryle game last night, I heard a parent say Ryle beat Dixie in the JV Tournament. I have no idea who they play next or where in the bracket they are located, but hopefully that tells someone something. Are all the games played at neutral gyms or how does that work out??

Very interesting. I am sure a lot of coaches would sit out 4 games for a D-1 sophomore. Recruiting is hard to stop but I am glad to see a penalty enforced. It is hard to come up with the proper punishment for a situation like this. Do you fine the school or coach? Is the suspension the right amount or should it have been longer? Thoughts?

Thats too bad. I was looking forward to the match-up. Both schools have great teams year in and year out. I hope they get a chance to play again next year.

This was the first time I have caught a Ryle game and needless to say, I was not impressed. Holmes had the talent but Ryle seemed to go into the game expecting to lose. Holmes was off a bit of on offense tonight, but clearly defense is what will carry them far into the region or state playoffs.

Villa does have a chance against St. Henry. I do not expect them to win, but I am willing to say the halftime score will be single digits, and the final score will be less than 15.

With Romas back, Beechwood certainly looks like a different team. However, NCC/Newport will be a tough test and St. Henry has a much easier path to the finals. I think all four of these teams could win it on any given night. This year is one of the better years in the 9th region All "A".

Just because Beechwood adds Girls soccer, it does not mean they will add Boys soccer. There is a Girls track team already without a Boys team. To tell you the truth, the Title IX has me confused as to equal opportunities. I would be upset if I was a male at Beechwood who did not get an opportunity my sister had to run track and play soccer.

Boone by 7

I talked to a Beechwood parent today, and he said they have a Sophomore pitcher who just transferred in from Indiana that is supposed to be a pretty good ball player. I do not know if he will make a huge impact this year, but it certainly helps for the future.

I have seen Villa but heard a lot of good things about Dayton. I'll take Villa by 10 for no good reason at all.

7 Shelby County 5 Bryan Station 3 Highlands 2 Montgomery County 1 Lexington Catholic Tiebreaker: Shelby Co.