The Observer

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.

The Mets have one heck of a rotation now. If Pedro returns to anything like he used to be, the Mets will win the NL East by 10 games. Give credit to the Mets organization for wanting to win. Now, if they cannot win the World Series, the trade is very damaging as they gave up a lot of great young talent.

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.

I have heard the same complaint for years in the 9th region. T"he officials in the 9th are too whistle happy, causing a problem for the team representing the 9th down state come time for the Sweet 16." While I cannot say I have bought into it, the fact the 9th has produced only 1 state champion certainly seems fishy. Bottom line is calling a basketball game is not easy. The players are so fast and quick it is hard to get them all right. As a fan, I only wish for consistency.

I agree. The officials in the 9th are not very good. Oh yeah, I am a Covington Catholic, Holmes, and Boone Co. fan if any refs are reading.

Perhaps others can name candidates, but none of them top him. He is an amazing athlete.

Hopefully someone can fill me in on Mr. Henderson and his college plans. Has he limited his choices at all? Is he set on playing D1 basketball? He clearly has the skill, but being a 5' 11" shooting guard does not help things.

I'll take both Dogs. Feel much better about taking the Giants than I do the Chargers, but would take both none the less.

Crow didn't go down to smooth tonight !!

I'll take Holmes by 19. Covington Catholic seems to be struggling and Holmes is playing great ball right now. It depends on how well Catholic shoots the 3 ball. If they are hitting, I'll say they stay within 10, otherwise it could get ugly.

1st - Murray 2nd - University Heights 3rd - Hancock Co 4th - Metcalfe Co 5th - Bardstown 6th - Louisville Holy Cross 7th - Louisville Collegiate 8th - Gallatin Co 9th - Covington Holy Cross 10th - Saint Patick 11th - Lexington Christian 12th - Somerset 13th - Pineville 14th - Hazard 15th - Shelby Valley 16th - Elliott Co TB - 16th

No one in the 9th touches Holmes. Does not mean an upset can't happen come region time, but Holmes is my pick. I feel they can make a run in the Sweet 16 as well. The 9th will get at least one win this year.