Lion Mania

I don't think none of us know what Billy G. wants. There are several nice players besides Miller that were on the court tonight for both sides.

Elliott returns all 5 starters next year and Morgan is a junior. Seniors are Maynard and Centers. Congrads to the Mason County Royals. As a LION fan who was unable to attend the game that is about all there is to say. Sounds like Ferg was the only one who shot a decent % with 46% (6-13 Treys) and 27 points. Team shot 31% and from what I hear Mason shot around 60%. No excuses. The Lions are still having a great year and have a chance to make it to Rupp and still finish with 25 wins or more on the season. Hope Billy G. liked what he saw from several players!!!

I have not seen Hood play, but saw the video of him. I think it is like comparing apples and oranges as they are different players. Hood is a big guard at 6'6" who can drive the lane and dunk over 2 players (much like a Rex Chapman, but very few were as good as King Rex). Ferguson is a Lofton type who both make nice drives to the basket, but never see any dunk finishes. But both Lofton and Ferguson can nail them from way downtown way beyond the arc. If your looking for a dunking display in warm ups then Hood will get you oohing in the pre-game. If your looking for a pure shooter who can nail them from downtown then Ferg is your man. Chapman was a great scorer from all over the court with his athletic ability, but not a great shooter like Lofton. The comparisons are close to the same for Hood and Ferg. Just my perspective as both are top junior players, but have their own distinct game and style.

Sorry, typo "His batteries seem to never run down".

Saw him in the All A Final against Rose Hill and was impressed. Not very tall but his cat like quickness and jumping ability enable him to get a shot about any time he wants. I was impressed with his ability to hit off balance falling away shots. Main reason that Bath was able to extend the RH game to overtime. Plays at 100% energy level and his batteries down seem to run down. Very nice player and one of the top players in the region.

Remember, I wasn't ranking them even though I numbered them. I just listed them as they came to mind in no particular ranking. Haven't seen Hood, but you are right as he is drawing interest from Tenn, UK, Georgia, Florida, Louisville, and others. I listed a group of players I thought would garner consideration as top players in 08/09. And then hoped (which others did) to add to the list to come up with 20 or so top Juniors in the state.

I don't know how you got the impression I am an Elliott County lover. Actually I wonder myself since I live outside Danville. I was looking for a team to cheer for so I closed my eyes, threw a dart at a KY Map and it landed in little ole Sandy Hook. My first time attempting to find it I got scared about 15 miles down Hwy. 32 and came back home. Next time I closed my eyes and somehow made it.:jump:

That's OK Fastbreak. I need someone in my corner even if they didn't realize it. A lot of games, bridges to cross, and other factors before Ferg can get to Lofton's position, but I truly believe he has the potential with his shooting ability and quickness. He is a great young man and I will stay in his corner no matter where he goes to school be it D-1 or D-whatever.

1. Holmes 2. Covington Catholic 3. Highlands 4. Boone County 5. Ryle/St. Henry

FBI I haven't heard of Rash--Tell me more about him?? I know Montgomery must have a nice team with only 4 losses and playing Mason close.

Teams like Scott County, Lexington Catholic, Ballard, Male, and PRP seem to be in the top year after year. They can lose five players and the next year it seems they have five more just like the ones who left. And as always we will probably see some kids emerge in the Sweet 16 at Rupp that we never heard of.

AMOS--I would agree on the Faulkner twins. I just was hesitant because everybody would say 3 players from one team. But in all honesty they have to be in the Top 15 or Top 20. They both are outstanding players. And from seeing Boyles he is an outstanding Junior also at Raceland. Waiting for some of the Western KY fans to chime in. Besides Hood I don't know what other outstanding Juniors are out there in WKY??

STRIKE3 is right. Again I won't say too much of what I know for respecting the family. But I will just say FERG is loved and doesn't feel lonely or left out. He wouldn't anyway because he has a great support base and family.

Mrs. Hoops is being modest. 300 is close to a 1,000. Lets bracket it and say 700. Probably depends alot on the weather.

AMOS--You are probably right. If they brought everybody from Sandy Hook and Isonville (900 total) it would only fill up one-fifth of the gym. But you will be surprised at the number they bring. Probably close to 1,000.

Having watched and played over thousands of games in my 40+ years including seeing Lofton over 20x in HS--Yes. He is the same size as Lofton and can equally shoot with him. He can and will play D-1. An SEC school had him down recently on a recruiting trip and he sit right behind their bench and the coach. For the sake of not saying too much I will leave the school out.

I agree. Warren Central has around a 500 record, but beat one of the region favorites Franklin-Simpson by 20+ points. Barren County has a good record. But, until someone beats Riley and Warren Central they are the favorite. Heck they have won the thing what seems like 10 years in a row. Think it is actually 6 years in a row.

Who will be the top teams in 08/09?? Elliott returns all five starters Boone County returns a lot of sophs and frosh Franklin County returns its entire line-up Hazard only has one senior this year Scott County loses Lee, Hundley, and Portwood, but returns Phares. Lex Cath loses everyone except Sanford, but just re-loads. Seneca beat Lou. Male and has a very young team that should be vastly improved next year. Rose Hill returns Euton, Jackson, and Barber. Mason County loses Miller and Setty, but returns Middleton. Bryan Station loses Mack and I'm not sure who else?? Ballard, Male, PRP always seem in the discussion every year. What other teams return their top 4-7 players??

Yes, saw him last year as a soph and is was a very good player. Thanks.

And doing quick math that is 27 say MC; 3 say Elliott. Taking the MC margins you get an average of a 14.48 point favorite for Mason. On the ranges I took the lower number. With the higher number you would probably have something closer to a 16 point margin.

Goldenrule--I didn't rank them in any order even though I numbered them, but Phares must be some kind of player. Haven't seen him play in person, but look forward to seeing him in action. Have saw game footage of him and he looks impressive.

I will go with experience and tradition. Steve Wright and South Laurel. I live in the 12th Region and don't have a dog in the fight. SL seems to be playing better and blasted Corbin not too long ago. Interesting game this Thursday with Knox Central @ SL.

Who are the top juniors in the state that may represent us in the annual KY/IN All-Star Series. Here are 9 that come to my mind: 1. Jonathan Ferguson--Elliott County 2. Jon Hood--Madisonville 3. Richie Phares--Scott County 4. CJ Penny--Anderson County 5. Jacob Jenkins--Manual 6. Darrin Ballou--Adair County 7. Vee Sanford--Lexington Catholic 8. Josh Crawford--Corbin 9. Russ Middleton--Mason County Who are the other 5 or 6 that should make this list??

Since the thread is about tickets and we have been on snow storms and other topics, let me get back to a ticket question?? How much is admission to the Mason Arena (Fieldhouse)??? Do they have any $2 tickets in the upper deck?? I'm from the country and have a tight budget!!!

Doesn't surprise me that he left Ferguson 28ppg of Elliott off the list. One he is not a senior, but I doubt he make his list next year. Best shooter in the State of Kentucky with the same range as Lofton. Against Raceland he hit a trey from 31 feet and consistently hits them from 25-27 feet. By the way, the 31 footer was not an end of quarter shot. It was with about 3 minutes left in the 3d quarter. He was a whole lot closer to half court than the three point line. He has incredible range on his jumper, beautiful form and rotation, and arch that draws rain sometimes!!! And yes, I have seen Mack, Sloane, and Henderson play. Have not seen the kid from Barren.