passtheball

God willing.

That's right. When he's healthy, there wasn't anyone better. That's my opinion and several others after watching the games last night. I guess you could spin it any way you wish, but that's my opinion. Hopefully Jenkins recovers and all the players can reach their potential as a team this season.

Jenkins became the most prolific offensive player who, now after seeing Hood play, is the most complete and top player in the state when healthy. Get Jenkins back to 110% and Manual is top 5 again. No one player is more important to a team's success than Jenkins. Manual is getting valuable experience. Nikolic has shown he can be the inside presence a team needs. Samsel has shown he can be the floor leader necessary to win. Mix Jenkins in and Manual is the threat coaches saw this summer.

Without Jenkins in the lineup, Manual struggles to get out of the districts. With Jenkins, a regional title and more is possible. Its just that simple.

That was my first time visiting Montgomery County's basketball facility. Wow, for a high school arena, it is very impressive. This was a very well run event. Based on what I witnessed, the state title could be won by anyone. There is alot of talent in the state of Kentucky!

7. Holmes 5. Doss 3. West Jessamine 2. Shelby County 1. North Oldham TB Shelby county

Jenkins was letting his foot recover after a long game versus Male the night before. He is still not 100% and Manual was able to pull out a close one tonight.

You need to get over that hump. At least JTown and Manual were playing ranked opponants.

It appears that he coaches decided the best game plan was to get the ball into the post to Nicolic. Samsel penetrated one time at the beginning of the game and kicked it to Jenkins for a three and the first points of the game. Samsel never penetrated again always bringing the ball up court and passing to the wing to start the offense which is what he was asked to do. Jenkins didn't get enough touches.

They face guarded Jenkins and trapped at every possession the 2nd half. Manual's coaching staff shifted and tried to go inside almost exclusively. Those two items along with being 75% healthy is the difference in the game. In order for Manual to defeat the top teams in the state they will need to have Jenkins completely healthy and be better prepared to keep him involved. Manual does not have the inside presence to go against power teams only and win. Male made the halftime adjustments and Manual did not and simply force fed the post. A 9-point halftime lead evaporated to nothing. Coach Crews did an outstanding job.

Jenkins looks about 75%. He is still not at that dominating level he displayed time and time again in the summer and even against Lex Cath preseason in mid-November. Hence, Manual went inside again and again and again. Male did Male mirror Jenkins everywhere on the court and did not come off him. It doesn't matter though. If Jenkins is NOT involved it will be tough to defeat any top teams.

Manual had a 9 point lead at half and decided to force it inside every trip down in the 2nd half. There's your loss.

I think it will be closer now having seen how it will be coached. Manual will likely force it inside and become a one demensional team. The talent is not being utilized the way they were during the summer. Chemistry is still an issue.

Somebody needs to cue up AC/DC's "Thunderstruck", because Manual's schedule is about to get real.

Manual does have Male (@ Male for their Homecoming) and will be focused on a district game against a top 20 team. I'm certain Montgomery County will be ready to go at home and play a much better game against the Crimson. As everyone knows, Jenkins missing almost all of December has Manual catching up on the chemistry and in a way this is a new season. Manual has some talent especially with Samsel at the point and Nikolic in the paint, both whom are improving rapidly. Samsel level of play has really shot up and will continue to do so as what I feel to be the best backcourt around gets back into groove.

Jenkins is about 75 to 80% back now. If he does anything like he did last year Manual should be fine. Jenkins was lights out shooting last year against Montgomery.

Disagree. The initial OP rankings seem to be more in tune.

I agree with you. History is not kind to Ellliott County when it comes to playing top 20 teams since they have not beaten one in the past 2 years. It could be a one-and-done with a bad draw.

I would be certain that the mountain areas of eastern Kentucky are well covered.

Indeed. No region like the 7th this year.

7th Region = ACC

Eastern is the ONLY undefeated team in the state and just bumped Ballard, 14 - 0. Don't agree with you there.

Jenkins was rated by the coaches, media, and gurus as the state's 2nd best player. After seeing him play last night as he improves with practices and health its easy to see why.

Hood is rated #1 in 2009, Jenkins right behind him. Pittman is #1 in 2010.

The St. X game should be fun FaxisFax.