Region Two Guy

BEST GAME - I ever saw pitched was Ownesboro Apollo vs Henderson County - 1975 I think - Regional Tournament at MAdisonville - game went either 14 or 17 innings - my memory is foggy - and Henderson won 2-1 David Zoerner pitched for Apollo and John "Wolf" Lindsey pitched for Henderson - there were no silly pitching limitations then - I believe both pitchers pitched at least 14 - but could be wrong

Mark Brandenberg Etown & Mark King Owensboro

Scribe, this Hoptown squad is one of the best they have had in quite awhile. Justin Hageman is the real deal...I nick named him "Roy Hobbs" 3 years ago!

Solid pitching and defense is their current forte. Also, UHA is better than many expected. Barbee (UHA) and Gililland (CC) both pitched great well. Pitching should be way ahead of hitting at this point of the season and that is certainly bearing true with the Colonels. They also still have a couple of injuries that a healing.

Got to agree with you there, Scribe. Many thought the loss of Joiner would be a huge setback for the Colonels. But as excellent programs do - they have been developing young arms to come in and be confident on the hill. Soild dish play from Williams is a huge plus too - pitchers are confident he can handle anything they are called on to throw at him. Colonels still look very solid in their supposed "rebuilding year"

Pearl has done well for himself and the Volunteers. No doubt about that - but to think there is a higher echelon job waiting for him somewhere I believe is incorrect. I don't think he's remotely "changed the landscape of the SEC" - he just laid down some new sod in a well worn high traffic area of coaches that is known as Tennessee. His teams did average 82 points a game - which is exciting during regular season - but when you can't match that in tournament play against teams the caliber of American University - you know your tournament depth is probably short lived. Speaking of American Univesity - Jeff Jones a KY native was their head coach - former Apollo player and Virginia Grad - his father, Bob Jones won a couple of national titles while coaching Kentucky Wesleyan.

Glad to be here, Scribe. You are right - Christian, UHA and Hoptown all getting off to great starts.

Xavier obviously has a big advantage because they ae a Catholic (private) school. OK, just kidding - couldn't resist. However, I do believe the Musketeers will defeat the Bruins. 81-76

Bruce Pearl is one of the most over rated coaches in the history of organized athlettic competition. This year's supposed high powered up and down the floor offense - was up and down the floor often but produced few points. He was owned by Ray Harper at Kentucky Wesleyan losing 17 of 22 contests to him. He's a darn good self promoter - a decent coach - but nothing close to an elite coach in the NCAA

Not really a surprising score -Crittenden is pretty good returning several players with at least 2 years starting experience - and Christian is replacing most of there offensive weapons from previous years. Coach Hodge does an excellent job at Crittenden and we know the quality program Coach Hunt runs at Christian. The Colonels will still win the vast majority of their games in Region 2 - but look for many of the games to be more "competitive"

Hopkinsville has a sophomore - Justin Hageman. Has the potential to be something special.

Glad to hear Tyler seems recovered from his back injury late last season. Can't wait to see Tyler and Justin Hageman(Hop-town) hook-up later in the season. Should be a dandy.