King James

I saw this posted on another site and wanted to post it here. This is the starting five for SV from their middle school days. Ashley Hatfield, Taylor Newsome, and Tyler Newsome played for Virgie, while Cody Varney and Elisha Justice played for Dorton. Pretty interesting to look back now and see how it all came together. I knew those five kids could play, but I can't say I really expected them to win a Sweet 16...

He was.

And Elliott's two All "A" losses were to Shelby Valley and another 15th Region team in Paintsville...

Didn't say it did. Simply pointed out the facts...

I guess Elisha Justice just made the team and gets the #1 jersey...

For consideration... in each group's four high school years their state tournament records are: Elliott County All "A": 2-2 Sweet 16: 3-3 Shelby Valley All "A": 8-0 Sweet 16: 5-2

Betsy Layne could probably be added to that list as well...

Don't forget Newsome, Varney, Ramey, and Tackett. But this story goes both ways... without Justice none of the other guys have a ring either. It was obvious that Ballard's gameplan was to take the ball out of Justice's hands, and make the other guys try to beat them... Justice is smart enough to understand that and had confidence in his teammates to pick up their games offensively. That is part of what makes Elisha such a good player. He could have tried to force offense to get points, but his understanding of the game is better than that. And that is evidenced by the fact that SV was able to come away with a state title... :thumb:

I'm pretty sure King College, Brevard, and maybe Transy.

Shelby Valley 2010 (2 state titles) > Elliott Co. 2009 (0 state titles)

I'm not assuming anything. I was answering the questions asked. I am fully aware of what Elisha is and is not capable of. You on the other hand have dogged him and SV for the past month. That tells me all I need to know about your evaluation skills...

He is a UK fan. Initially I think UK would have been his choice. He has developed a very good relationship with Pitino and chose Louisville in part because he would like to coach in the future. My only concern is whether Pitino will be there in the future...

It's difficult to explain what a feeling it is. Having watched these kids since elementary school it's a very touching moment. I knew they were a special group of kids, but I'm not sure I even thought this was entirely possible. Elisha is an outstanding player and deserves every accolade he receives. I think you would be hard pressed to find a single player in the entire state that has outworked him over the past few years. It can't be said enough how much Taylor Newsome stepped up in this tournament. He played solid offensively and on the boards every game. Ashley Hatfield also stepped up his game the entire season. His ballhandling as a second option against Ballard was a huge key to the victory. Cody Varney was just a defensive nightmare for all teams SV faced. His energy and athleticism are a big part of what allows SV to play well against athletic teams like Ballard. Tyler Newsome didn't have the best tournament, but has been the difference maker for SV on more than one occasion. He was instrumental in both All "A" titles and elevated his game from being a spot up shooter to an all around player. Finally, Tanner Tackett and Zach Ramey provided some quality minutes off the bench. Ramey's outside shooting and Tanner's hustle and play on Saturday was huge off the bench. I couldn't be more proud of this team and am so glad to see the mountains were represented well...

This should be a very evenly matched game. Whoever wins will definitely go into the championship in the underdog role...

Yet SV was the team with the energy and legs down the stretch. It's interesting how you stopped posting updates when the tide changed in the game.

I wouldn't argue that. Taylor had a great game. Elisha still had a very good game though.

They both have been equally impressive in this tournament, with each showing the ability to hit outside, drive to the goal, get to the free throw line, rebound, find the open man, and protect the ball. Very impressive guards!

Justice ends up 8-17 from the field. He ended the game making 6 of his last 8 shots. Polson ends up 9-22 from the field. He had a great game though. This matchup was fun to watch. Sherrow hit some big shots early for WJ, and Taylor Newsome had a big game for SV.

See, the thing is, we are enjoying the ride these boys are giving us. If it ends against West Jessamine tomorrow, we'll still appreciate all they've done for our community. They have given us so many good times over the past 4 years. There is no need for us to get on here hating on other players and teams like you do.

Actually it was 3:34, but who's counting?

Betsy Layne played a very nice game, and Shelby Valley was in major foul trouble... The 13th region officials called things alot tighter than what we're used to seeing in the 15th.

I definitely agree with Barnhill. Many have not seen him play. Also, Stuart Stamper and Tate Cox from Knott County Central are both nice players.

Would like to see some opinions...

Betsy Layne played well tonight, and SV had ALOT of foul trouble.

You seem to continually try to slight Justice. Everyone understands that he plays in the worst region of the Mr. Basketball contenders and has probably played the least competiton of them also. But what you are doing in no way makes Sewell a more qualified candidate, yet only shows that you want to downgrade a high school kid that is no doubt a more mature and classy individual than yourself. :thumb: