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On radio, sounded like Lewis County's defense took away things Russell is normally successful doing (ball control), and Russell turned the ball over four times.

Can't put the ball on the ground four times and expect to beat anybody. This game was headed toward 'classic' status. Taut, rivalry tinged competition. Close, with both teams compiling time consuming drives. Turnovers marred one team's night. Turnovers changed the complexion of the game.

Earlier, observation made that virtually all schools at one time or another enjoy whatever benefits come about from transfers. Truth is, all transfers are not based on paradigm shifts in team power. Every once in awhile, there are probably some legitimate reasons for transfers. The combination of players on the floor for the 16th Region Championship game put on quite a show, by all accounts (in person; broadcast; written; etc.). Congrats to the winners and hope they represent the 16th with class and pride in the Sweet Sixteen!

Postgame media keeps hammering away about 'the transfer' to Rowan County and that 'they don't win it without him'. Doubt seriously if the runner up team in the 16th Region makes it to to the Finals without the same kind of good fortune that can befall teams who end up having exceptional seasons.

Russell's defense bent numerous times, but really bowed its' collective neck in its' own territory several times in the second half. West Carter took their shots, between deep throws and quick fullback dives, to keep the Red Devils off balance and literally, on the defensive. Nice gritty win for Russell. West Carter's defense added to Russell's struggle to find consistency, particulary in the second half. Defense, field position and clutch plays late by Russell saved the day.

Don't discount the factor of Putnam Stadium being a bit bewildering to Waverly. Playing at home can certainly be a plus for Ashland after last week's big game. If intimidation can actually be counted on as a home field factor/advantage, the first time visitors from Ohio could get caught up in that a bit, in a venue such as Putnam Stadium.

Eh, according to irontonfootball.com, Ironton is 19-0 all time vs. Waverly, so it would seem there is at least one 'How will Ashland do vs. first-time opponent Waverly?' comparison nugget out the window!

When Belfry has played Ironton in the past, that was looked upon as a gague of how good a team Belfry would have. I think Belfry played Ironton in years Belfry won the state title (Ironton won just about every game, I think). Although tempting to look back in history (Ashland defeating Ironton in 1990 on its' {Ashland's} way to the state title that year, and undoubtedly beating Ironton, at home, for the first time in twenty-two years, the Tomcat Kool-Aid that's tasting pretty sweet this weekend won't really be based on history, but rather, on the shoulders of a very talented, very good 2009 Ashland football team. Watch out, Waverly. Highlands will have to wait their turn, a lot of football from now.:popcorn:

Oh, That USC.

Eh, maybe the 63rd District Tournament in 2009 at Raceland?:popcorn:

Let's see...Rowan beat Ashland...Russell beat Rowan...Russell beat Ashland...Ashland is what, 12-10? Hmmmmm.

Largest lead for Fleming County was 40-25 late in the third quarter.

That's what the Ashland Daily Independent box score reads.

Ashland newspaper account of the game says Delaney scored 23 for Ashland; Bonner chipped in 13 points; and Whetsel added 10. Boyd of Russell was their only double figure scorer with 22. Ashland was 7 of 18 three point attempts. Russell was 12-25. Ashland: 16 turnovers, Russell 14. Ashland outrebounded Russell 28-19. Free throws, Ashland 9-13, Russell, 5-5.

Kind of ironic that with all of the three pointers falling in the game last night, it was a fall away jumper from the baseline that ends up being the winning shot. A terrific high school basketball game. The look on the faces of the Russell kids at game's end was 'priceless'.

Gutty play by the young Red Devils. Two huge defensive denials in the last seventeen seconds by Russell in the Ashland half court: a tie-up for a jump ball with 3.8 seconds to go and the inbounds knocked away in the lane. Congratulations Coach Merle Kidwell and the Russell Red Devils!