Lion Mania

Actually, they weren't as fun as usual in their 21 pt. win over Clark County. The game was really a half court game with few run-outs which usually favors the bigger, taller, more athletic teams when Elliott has faced them. In re-examining the game their half court defense was tremendous despite the height disadvantage they had. Usually Elliott runs a lot more, but it is tougher against the more talented top rated teams to do that. That bodes well for Elliott in that (my opinion) they beat GRC in the type of tempo that GRC wanted. When Elliott plays some of the other 16th region teams (not as strong) they will run and run and run and we will see scores as high as 110-125. Last year they put up something like 134 against Greenup County.

Eta Rho: Although a die hard EC fan I couldn't agree more. Even if EC would have won by 40 I would still say hold on. I still think Scott County and Holmes are 1-2 until proven otherwise. EC will not get the opportunity to play either one until the State Tournament in March (should they all get there first and then dependent on the brackets). So many variables over the next 3 months. One injury to a top player (God forbid) and EC is in big trouble. Some of the bigger schools lose a 6'7" player and just bring another big guy in to replace him with similar skills. EC doesn't have that. They will only be about 8 deep this year and even then a couple of them will have to make significant progress over the next 90 days. I agree-must come off the temporary cloud and put everything in perspective.

HOMELESS CAMEL--Think you are right. After losing to CovCath, Rose Hill, and then creamed at the Mason Fieldhouse the verdict was out and they were pronouned dead and gone. The climb back has included RH in the SF of the region, Mason in Rupp, and now GRC in pre-season. Quality play against Madisonville, South Charleston, and the Myrtle Beach tourney will continue their climb back and win more back in their corner. Draw is critical for them, but also for everyone including regions 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11. All these regions including the 16th would love a draw with 1, 8, and 12 in their quarter bracket. Then something like 3, 13, 14, and 15 in the other half of their bracket. Some just flat out don't like them and I guess you can't please everyone. But, I for one know they are getting tons more respect now than after that Mason lose in the Fieldhouse last year. More added respect & rankings comes more pressure and expectations. I really don't think it will effect the kids too much because they don't pay that much attention to all this and just go out and play no matter who is on the other side. It is very early and I will say we won't have a good picture until the end of January of where everybody is. Lots of things can change between now and then.

Ethan Faulkner the point guard who scored 28 pts. on 14-14 FT shooting is headed to NKU.

Really didn't think Mason looked so good. More of a case of Greenup playing really poorly. After watching GRC they (Mason) doesn't have the horses to play with GRC. Middleton would have to score about 40+ for them to beat GRC. Another note: Middleton is a real nice player, but with the departure of the seniors last year boy does he have a green light and open door to shoot. Seemed like he put up a boat load of shots, some good shots and some ill advised. But all systems are go and it seems once he gets anywhere over mid court he can let her fly. Much different than last year. Remember, Elliott beat Greenup last December by something like 134-65. Greenup may improve and move up, but we are talking down the road.

I certainly don't know why. If you got to know these kids they are very humble, polite, hard working young men who just love to play the game. They come from humble hard working rural roots and are a joy to be around. They are not proud or arrogant and are just normal kids who have a lot of fun playing this sport with the little round orange ball and so happen to do it pretty darn well. If you got to know the kids you would love their demeanor and good attitudes.

GOLD--Thanks for the good words on Elliott. This was one game and the season hasn't started yet. We all have a long road ahead and many twists and turns. But, I think Elliott sent a message that they can play with the big, tall, athletic teams around the state. GRC has some tall, long, talented athletic guys and will be a force in March at Rupp. Ethan unofficially had 28 points and again shows why I think there is not a better point guard in the state. He controls things and runs the team and I believe was 14 of 14 on free throws. Ferg to be honest was way off in his shooting the first half, warmed up with 4 treys in the second half and still finished with 23. He said his hand was fine (sore and slightly swollen), but he would say that if it was broke or halfway cut off. He is the type of pretty shooter where you expect them all to go in and they all look good. Timmy Knipp played with Zollo step for step and had a monster dunk (in the half court set after faking a three and driving all the way to the basket) and got fouled at the same time. Timmy showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim and finish. He played big with several blocks inside and good rebounding. I believe this will be Timmy's coming out year and big things down the road. I have already seen marked improvement in his game from last year. Evan Faulkner had a quite game, but steady play with around 9 points. Evan didn't play great, but certainly didn't play poor either. I was impressed with the athletic ability and play of Robbie Stenzel. Just a sophomore and one of the top players in the state already. I would say maybe we will meet again in Rupp, but I hope not unless it is on Saturday night. I can think of about 10 regions that the 16th would prefer over the 10th region in the first round. Good luck to the Cards. Quite an impressive array of athletes and talent.

On the Summer circuit I was told by 5th region fans that Johnson did not play due to academic issues. Can't confirm or deny, but that was what I was told by those from schools in that region. Cosby indeed transferred from Manual to J-Town.

I am considering that option!!! Or I may sleep on the front porch of one of the grocery stores in Isonville!!!

Eta Rho--You really in today's parity sports world can't use comparative scores anymore because it makes no sense. Using the Mason games in the state tourney last year then Elliott would beat Holmes by 5. Using your Cov Cath example Holmes would beat Elliott by 26. Another good example from College Football: Texas beat Oklahoma by 10, Texas Tech beat Texas by 1, then Texas Tech should have beat Oklahoma by 11, but we all know that Oklahoma won by 44 points. Bottom Line: You have to pair the teams up head to head and then you really know the margin of victory or loss. Anything else is a crystal ball prediction of win or loss or margin of win or loss.

I thought #16 was a misprint. I would have another Lexington school Tates Creek in that slot over Bryan Station. Madisonville at #17 only because of Hood. I would not have them in my Top 25, but would replace with either Hopkins County Central and the two big guys or Seneca in the 7th. Teams on the edge of the Top 25: Boone County, Iroquois, Madison Central, Anderson County, Taylor County, and South Laurel.

Bigcat08--You are feeling good. I won't make that prediction, just hope for some exciting basketball. GRC has a ton of talent. Elliott has experience and they are youthful and are deeper. Yes, I will be there and bringing a good friend to keep me awake for the 2.5 hour drive (going back).

NO--Not as of 25 November.

Scott County has 4 players, Elliott County 3, GRC 2, and Holmes 2. Holmes could easily argue for a 3d player in the other Johnson as well as GRC. Shelby Valley would have a good argument with a 2d player in Ashley Hatfield along with Justice. Christian County would argue that Wilford should join Wilson on the Top 25. Probably a coin flip on some of these guys. A Top 100would be a lot easier and then don't even number them. Good luck to all teams in what should be a fun year of HS Basketball in the Bluegrass.

Ferg has no break, but swelling/bruising in his right wrist/hand (shooting hand). He will as others have said play, but only tonight will tell us how much it affects his shot. Obviously, with swelling it will be something less than 100%. I guess if he shoots 3-15 he would have a pretty good reason, but that young man would never make any excuses even if the hand was broke. Having seen him play we should be able to tell early on tonight after a few shots go up. Also, I have not physically seen the injury, but only talked with family. Great news was that the x-rays revealed no break, just a sprain.

Less than 48 hours!!! Let's get ready to RUMBLE!!!

Also, Elliott has 3 of the top 25 with Ethan Faulkner #11, Jonathan Ferguson #15, and Evan Faulkner #22. Not bad for a High School with 320 students. And all three have been in Sandy Hook and Isonville since they were knee high to a grasshopper. SALUTE!!!

Interesting that these players are from the 4 teams I believe will compete in Richmond for the All A State Title--Elliott County, Bardstown, Hazard, and Shelby Valley. Throw in Gallatin as a sleeper.

No surprise that Myrtle Beach is in USA Today's top list. Myrtle Beach (Beach Ball Classic) has some national heavyweights in Arlington Country Day, St. Patrick's, Wheeler (GA), Martin Luther King, and Boy's & Girl's New York among others. Should get a good picture of how Elliott County stacks up against some of the nation's elite teams. This will by far be the biggest stage that any Elliott County team in history has been on. Should help prepare them for another stage in March called Rupp Arena and the Sweet Sixteen.................. Good luck to the Lions!!!

Having not been to pre-season games in forever I have a few questions: 1) Do they actually sell concessions?? 2) I assume a $5 admission charge or so?? 3) Do the teams wear the actual game uniforms or some practice jerseys?? 4) I would assume the atmosphere is more than walking into a practice session with the JV scrimmaging the Varsity, but somewhat less than that of a real game. But, guess it can differ from school to school on how much of a real game atmosphere you have. I would think the Russell Panorama and Fast Lane Classic would mirror more closely to a real game situation than some others?? I hope they do have popcorn and all will be heavenly regardless of the outcome!!! :banana:

Great!! Thanks for the info......:thumb:

Couldn't agree more. My understanding is that they showed no interest in the twins or Ferguson who only live 25 miles down the road. If you look at Morehead's roster they have very few KY players year in and year out. Maybe they have something against local players?? It causes most Kentuckians to have little or no interest in their program.....

Does anyone know the correct times and matchups for this event at Lewis County on Saturday Dec. 13th?? KHSAA site has conflicts. They say Russell and Bath County play at 4:30PM, but then they have the Rowan/East and West/Fleming games both at 6:15PM. Then they have no time for the Elliott vs. Lewis County game??

I agree with several that he they got a steal and the best point guard in the state. Additionally, he has a ton of character and maturity and is an articulate well spoken bright young man when in front of the camera and media. He will be an outstanding coach at some level in the future.