retropop

Someone mentioned seeing this young person and a family member at the SHA bench in the midst of the post-game party after the region final.

There two very difficult jobs to perform: 1) being a preacher in one's hometown; and 2) being the head coach in one's hometown. It can be done, but the percentages are not favorable, and it very difficult to do.

Wow, wow and more wow! Is there no set teachers' contract or extra-curricular salary schedule in Boyle Co.??? What administrators - who are they - have power to alter a coaches' pay to such a degree? Now, if it requires extra duties, i.e. extended days of work, etc., that is another thing all together, and that is understandable. But ... wait a minute ... isn't this is where they were searching far and wide for big-name football candidates just a few years ago - say ... like former UK coach Guy Morriss??? Other coaches who already coach there and have had no input into what their coaching pay is should be up in arms, if this report is accurate. Extra WOW!

No cigar. No cigar. No cigar for Coachforlife.

Butler and E-town were stellar throughout the Sweet-16, and both have reason to hope for another trip to BG in 2014-15. They truly are two great teams with two fine coaches -- too bad only one can claim the crown. My recurring question has been this: Had the championship been played on Saturday night instead of Sunday afternoon, how might that have impacted the tactics and the outcome, if at all?

Looking backwards is like the old saying #1 about "ifs and nuts and Christmas." Butler's chemistry , which was absolutely near-perfect for the last 20 games, would have dramatically be changed; the younger players who stepped up and played fantastically, might have been on the bench passing out towels or cups of water, possibly playing mostly JV, or maybe not even dressing for the state tournament. Who knows? No doubt, the Butler folks are now satisfied with the way things have turned out. But on the other hand, were they not there, SHA would have needed other players join into their mix, as most of the primetime productive minutes for the past several years would have been played by different kids. Keep in mind old saying #2: "The more things change, the more things stay the same." It will be very, very interesting to see what the future brings to SHA as the graduating players are replaced. While at the state tournament, I was informed that an 8th grader who this year played varsity minutes elsewhere, is headed to Lexington Road next year. Time will surely tell.

No prediction now on the hoisting of the banner, but when (not if) these two teams square off in their second round game, it should be an outstanding game.

I take no issue with anything said, but your point caused me to wonder this - When the last time anyone saw an intentional foul called on and offensive player with the ball? I cannot recall ever seeing this.

True, the C-J does not "pick" the recipient, but it is its award, as the poll is conducted by the C-J.

Which Player of Year award? The 8th region coaches' association chooses a POY and a COY; the Courier-Journal also awards POY and COY for the 6th and 7th regions. Others need to chime regarding other regions, though. But the only awards that are officially recognized at the Sweet 16 normally occur on Friday afternoon at Diddle, and this is conducted by the KABC. Ironically, this situation allows for their to be different/multiple POY and COY recipients within the same region in the same year. Go figure.

Wow - 19 three-pointers! The nets must have been smokin'!

IF it turns our as you predict, PTB, it will be a battle of traditions - SHA with a tradition of going to Diddle, while Ballard has a tradition of having never made the trip. In the mean time, Eastern and Manual will test Sacred Heart extensively, while a possible Male vs. Ballard rematch will be intense, as Male has made great strides over the course of the season. When the weather finally relents, fans will have some good games to watch.

With the weather forecasts being what they are, it appears that major disruptions may be just around the corner for many region tourneys. Everyone can only hope for the best. Many unanticipated dynamics will enter into the picture, and it will make for an extra interesting journey for 16 teams to Bowling Green.

Wide open, very wide open.

Wide open, very wide open.

The basketball traditions of these two teams continue moving in the same direction. The reality seems to be that if TC couldn't get over the hump this season, it apparently will not happen any time soon. As far as the district final goes, if all of the Lady Dragons are on the same page for the entire game, look for the district crown to remain in Crestwood. However we can't forget that IF is the biggest two-letter word in the English language. This ought to be a huge game tonight.

How long did she play?

District 28 - Eastern vs. CAL, at CAL, Monday night. I'm sure there are a number of others, but this is a pretty tough first-round match-up.

... but NKY doesn't extend down to Lawrenceburg. However, you may be on to something. SK has always brings a "respect all and fear none attitude," so it may be an interesting 8th region tourney up in Grant Co. - which qualifies as NKY. If/when SK and Anderson Co. do square off, it should be a super game. Too bad they never play in the regular season --- two excellent coaches + two rosters of good players = one hot ticket.

When the Pandas came to Derby City for a couple games several weeks back, they appeared to be well prepared to me.

Please, do tell. Sounds interesting. Didn't Danville's coach formerly coach at Somerset?

Friend, did you ever say a mouthful with your last few sentences. The playing field is not level for schools that have "no go = no play/practice" policies. It's not even close. Some districts have a "no Sunday" policies, too. In Indiana, (the IHSAA) has a state-wide "no Sunday" rule - period. The KHSAA would do well to consider this and open up meaningful and open-minded discussions on this particular topic. Fair is fair, and the way it is now is not equitable at all. And speaking of liability, I cannot imagine that the KHSAA would not be named in any/all litigation that would occur if/when an accident took place. Therefore, it makes sense that the KHSAA might take preemptive steps to head this off.

District 29 is up for grabs, with three teams having realistic hopes of cutting down the nets. Oldham has not been successful of late, Trimble has shown symptoms of still being haunted by past losses to Oldham and South, while South seems to enter into the post-season on the up-tick. Tradition and recent play leads me to predict that the District 29 throne will remain perched in Crestwood for another year. Sorry, but again a chance for district victory it is not in the cards for the Lady Mustangs of North Oldham.

Coach Osborne has done a great job with a very young and unseasoned team. His squad has remained pretty positive despite taking some lumps. This year the Lady Rebels are planting seeds early for a future harvest that might pay off in great ways. They have been basically playing a varsity schedule with middle school, freshman and JV-aged kids, so if they don't get negative, it should work out very well for them down the road. Many coaches might have gotten out with a season on the horizon such as this, but Coach O has shown good character and a love for the game that he is teaching these young ladies. Very commendable indeed!

On select occasions, the "prevent offense" rears its ugly head at the most inconvenient times. It unpredictably seems to happen to many teams at one time or another. And its still uglier cousin, the "celibate offense," is even more exasperating to fans and coaches alike. They both make you want to scratch your eyes out after watching only a few minutes of play.