tezzyrice

Madisonville-North Hopkins

The celebrity game starting late was what forced the Holmes' game to start late though. I believe the celeb game was scheduled for 4:30 or 5 and didn't start until close to 6 or a little after.

I agree.

Fair enough. I don't see Boone shooting the ball well enough from outside to beat the Birds though.

BOK had problems with games starting LATE when they hosted the Bluegrass/Buckeye Challenge back in December. The Holmes/Scott Co game was scheduled to start at 6 and didn't start until well after 7.

He really struggled against Dill and Watson in the first meeting...that's what I'm basing my opinion on. Highlands used a zone in the second half of the first meeting to shut him down...FWIW.

No disrespect meant here, but are several Mason Co fans really going to complain throughout the whole tournament? :deadhorse: Again, let's be thankful that the KIDS have this opportunity to play in a great facility to help prepare them for what will hopefully be a state title run. Nobody is forcing us to pay to go to these games. We do it out of love for the sport and because of our dedication to these young men that provide us excitement for 2 hours by giving it their all to accomplish every young athlete's dream...winning a state title. Nothing is going to be perfect, regardless of where the tournament is held, so let's just sit back and enjoy it while it lasts, rather than continually focusing on the negatives. We can complain about this or that until the cows come home, but I can guarantee you if you ask these young men, they'll tell you they wouldn't have it any other way. We have to remember what's best for them, is what's most important right now...not our personal wants and needs.

If Highlands decides to zone like Beechwood did, I don't think they really have to worry about Mcfarland doing much damage, as I don't think Boone shoots well enough from outside to get the Birds out of it. Dill and Watson both frustrated him though in the first go around with their physical defense. Seemed to really take him out of what he wanted to do and made him force a lot.

Thanks I believe it was 4th grade? That would make him 16 right now....correct?

I like Highlands in this one. I suspect Willie was taking notes during the Boone/Beechwood game and will exploit the Boone weaknesses. Boone has historically struggled against Highlands physical play as well so I'd expect to see Highlands be very aggressive on both ends of the floor. IMO Highlands inside game will be the difference in this one with Grubbs, Watson, and Dill locking up Mcfarland and Earls. Highlands 56 Boone 50

Can a mod add a poll to this one please? Thanks in advance.

I agree. He attacks the boards very well and has nice footwork around the rim for being such a big fella.

Sounds like the Birds really picked it up in the second half. I had a feeling their size would be too much for the Cru'. Anyone know how many Grubbs ended up with? I heard he had a HUGE game as nobody from St. Henry could match up with him inside.

How much did Romes being hurt and sitting a lot affect the outcome, if any?

See my previous posts on page 2. He had already been mentioned by several others. Terry and Gregg are both nice players and will be tops in their region and state as they progress over the next few years.

Boone killed them the first game with the penetration and back door screens/cuts, so it wouldn't surprise me to see them play some match up zone if a rematch occurs.

I'd think whoever Boone faces in the semi's (and potentially finals) may very well use this strategy against the Rebels also.

Would you say Boone's offensive woes had something to do with Beechwood sitting in a zone?

Nice win for the Rebels. They'll need to pick up their play though or they very well might not even see the finals.

Does it really matter where people sit? The arena holds 9500 people...if it's that big of a deal, I'm sure there will be plenty of room to move....

Dale, I personally have no problem with a kid being held back. If they meet the deadlines for the KHSAA when it comes to age, then there is nothing wrong with doing that. I just found it a little strange that all 4 of EC's star senior players were held back at the same time. Nothing more, nothing less. Take it FWIW. Jonathon is an outstanding ball player but an even better young man. I didn't mean to offend anyone with my questions or comments. They were purely out of curiosity.

Care to elaborate? The only one on Holmes team that I know of is 8th grader Christian Mcclendon, but he doesn't even contribute at the varsity level which makes your argument irrelevant.

I know you're a big EC fan, but can you honestly say having 4 holdbacks isn't an advantage? I see nothing wrong with it, as they are eligible, which means they meet the age deadlines set forth by the KHSAA. It does make a difference in maturity on the court though. These kids all essentially have an extra year of experience on their competition which is a huge advantage. It's one thing to have one hold back...but to have 4 and all of them be starters? It makes you wonder a little if they were held back for the right reasons or not...:idunno:

See the predictions thread. I believe there is a webcast link there to listen to the game.

Any word on what's wrong with Romes? Seems like Beechwood was rolling right on along until he got hurt.