King James

I see this matchup as a toss up. Hazard has the experience factor over KCC, but KCC has the advantage at the guard position. Warren is also a nice player for Hazard in addition to the three you mentioned.

I would think Shelby Valley has one of the taller teams with it's top 4 front court players being 6'10", 6'3", 6'6", and 6'7"...

Final.

The 15th this year is even weaker than usual as a whole...

You see publicity on them from people from the mountains, but not as much from a statewide perspective...

Nice to see Elisha Justice get a mention. He is a very overlooked talent...

There is absolutely no way that the kid is a top 10 player in the region. He is at best the 3rd best player on his team. His ranking is based solely on height and none on ability.

Anyone???

Senior

Devan Adams 6'9" from Shelby Valley is a pretty talented big man. Not one of the best in the state, but has pretty good athleticism for a big guy...

Let's just say that this isn't your father's Pikeville...

I will accept the argument that Faulkner is a better point guard than Jackson. I also believe that Jackson is a better player than Faulkner. To go back to the old question, if I was starting a team which one would I choose??? Easily Jackson.

Elisha has put in quite a bit of work again this offseason on his physical strength. He understands that physical develpment is a huge part of his basketball development. Also, he's as nice and well mannered a kid as you would want to meet..

I'm sure some may have a little "doubt" about your statements... As for the mountain teams, they are unusually strong at the point this season with players like Elisha Justice, Josh Whitaker, Stuart Stamper, and James David Strange. Also, I'm sure Tate Cox will see some time at the point and is a good player. Whitaker and Stamper are more offensive minded PGs, but for my money Elisha Justice is the tops from the mountains. His ballhandling ability and defensive pressure totally change a game.

Shelby Valley's starting guards are relatively small (both around 5'10") but they are both super quick. The players that are expected to see significant playing time are: Elisha Justice 5'10" PG (jr.) Logan Bryant 5'10" SG (sr.) Ashley Hatfield 6'5" SF (jr.) Taylor Newsome 6'3" PF (jr.) Curby Tackett 6'6" PF/C (sr.) Devan Adams 6'10" C (sr.) Tyler Newsome 6'3" SG/SF (jr.) Cody Varney 6'0" SG/SF (jr.)

Shelby Valley lost two seniors (Jacob Bryant and Jonah Justice) who went undefeated at home during their high school careers (51-0 I think). Someone will have to step up and replace Bryant as the go to guy. My guess is that it will be Elisha Justice. He has gotten plenty of attention since the season ended being invited to the Elite Camps at Kentuky, Florida, and Arkansas. Ashley Hatfield also needs to step up and play a much bigger role. Hopefully Taylor Newsome can come back from season ending knee surgery the way he was playing when he went out. Logan Bryant needs to make himself a threat from outside to go along with his outstanding defense. The development of 6'6" center Curby Tackett may have alot to do with Valley's success against teams outside the mountains. Shelby Valley has had tremendous success over the past 6 or 7 seasons in the mountains but has yet to have success in the state or all A tournaments. The next two seasons should be their best chance at winning on the state level...

After talking to one of Elisha's family members, it is my understanding that a media person had contacted Donovan about Elisha. Donovan said that if the person thought Elisha was SEC calibur to send a tape of him, but that they were decreasing the number of invites so it would be tough to get an invite... After seeing the tapes an invitation was sent to Elisha...

He is somewhere around 5'10" or 5'11" and is super quick. He shot, I think, around 42% from 3 this past season. I'm guessing he average about 14 or 15 points per game last year. His ballhandling ability is as good as there is in the state. Elisha dominates games on the defensive end with his quick hands and defensive pressure.

Elisha is a very talented player, and he has the work ethic too. Getting recognition at this point should increase his options for college...

The person being mentioned as next possible coach is Ervin Stepp...

Yes, he played at Jenkins. Also, he was on the team briefly at Morehead and Alice Lloyd. His brother is much further along at this age than he was...

Shelby Valley has a player in their feeder system at Dorton that is likely to be a 7 footer. He is in the 6th grade and is about 6'6". He has a brother that is 6'11".

In the mountains we have Garrison Collins and Devan Adams, both of whom have been listed at 6'9" or 6'10"...

Shelby Valley played in a tournament in New York this past season and a shot clock was used...

IMO, Elisha Justice (PG) from Shelby Valley is only slightly below Landon Slone... However, he will get his recognition over the next two years...