SpeedyGonzales

Again, not trying to take anything away here. Christian County had a losing record last year of 12 - 19. In fact, they were 2 - 4 in their own district. East Carter had a better record at 24 - 8, but they did not play but one top 20 team and that was of course Elliott County 4 times so their record against top 20 teams is 0 - 4. The other two are out-of-state teams. Elliott County did not beat any teams inside what looks like the top 30 or 40 teams in Kentucky. Not taking anything away, but the path to Rupp in the 16th is not as tough as it is in several other regions. Its fantastic they accomplished something never done before in the 16th, but there are going to be some great teams in the 11th, 7th, 5th, and a few other regions not make the dance simply because its a tougher road. That's why I don't discredit talent in some regions for not for having reach the Sweet 16. What if we were to put GRC in this region in place of Elliott County. Stenzil would be a legend. Reaching the Sweet 16 as an 8th grader, 9th, and a favorite for a 3-peat. North Hardin would be the same and some other teams. This is just an opinion and just another way to look at it. I do think Elliott County will 3-peat. I do believe they have a great team this year. I just think some great teams in other region get overshadowed because they cannot get out of a tough region that they are in.

I have not seen the Faulkners play but a few times. They are really good players. I even have one of them on my list. Can I ask a question without getting jumped on here and I'm not taking anything away from them. What was their biggest win last year?

I think its important to clarify what a true "clutch" player is. For one, a clutch player cannot perform at the highest level without his/her teammates. It takes all five to bring it together. And sometimes taking that last second shot can be switched to a game winning pass, rebound, taking a charge, or steal. I also believe a clutch player doesn't care about the points beside his name in the scorer's book but rather his/her team's point showing on the scoreboard. It is when the game is on the line when the adrenaline flows with a sense of urgency and winning becomes the only thing that matters.

My name is "Speedy" for a reason. Another poster stated "national trumps" local. So I went all national on him.

If your going all national, then the list would go... Jon Hood Jacob Jenkins Greg Johnson Evan Faulkner Robbie Stenzil

I saw Manual play at North Hardin this summer. Which one is he exactly? That's the point.

We are talking about Kentucky's top clutch players though as it applies to getting it done for their high school teams. Sure every game counts. A packed house, against a rival and top 20 team, in a hostile environment, playing against a more structured defense, and against teams that have scouted and knows where the ball is going. Who do you want taking that shot or making the play? Who got it done last year?

Which one is Samsel for Manual?

I'm not real familiar with them. I do have Evan listed based on what all the Elliott County fans say. I was looking for an example during high school where he was clutch in helping his team win against a top rated foe. Did they blow out all of the top 20 teams too? He is a top ten clutch player based on all that is posted here.

High School, not AAU. I'm asking what was their top clutch moment last season against a ranked/top team? When it counts.

What top 20 teams did Evan or Ethan hit clutch shots to beat? I know Middleton stepped up big during the win over Covington Holmes.

At the top of any list: Jordan Hickman - Bardstown Jacob Jenkins - Manual Russ Middleton - Mason County Shaquille Wilson - Christian County Ethan Faulkner - Elliott

I do concur that Penny is far mor suited for the post. It might even be to the advantage of opoosing teams that he comes out of the paint. However as a high school player, not looking at college level skills, Penny is one of the best. His strength and size will make him a dominant player in the 8th region.

Fanofthe11th makes a good point. Who have been the top players "under pressure" last season? who made the clutch shots/plays last year? Who do you want to take the last second shot in a game this season? Or control the ball when the game's on the line?

I don't know a great deal about Manual's history but I do know last season was one of their best in many year's. A lot of that had to do with Jenkins' performances in big games and hitting some clutch shots. Some players thrive of pressure. I would say Scott County has the most pressure this season and a lot of stars are going to be looking at their own stats. They are everybody's preseason favorites. That is why I'm excited about NH. No one expects the Trojans to compete for title and go by your theory there's no pressure either.

Players like Jenkins, Hood, and even Euton in your region are going to be watched. Pressure comes with the territory. I know Greg Johnson in the 5th region at North is getting a lot of PR right now and I see him doing just fine too. The Holmes players are included too.

I didn't think I missed GRC. Then I noticed that it was just posted minutes ago on the blog. A lot of folks are talking about GRC and I can see why. Zollo may complete the puzzle for them and it will be exciting to see how well they do against a very good schedule.

I really the preview for the 5th. I would change just a few things however. North Hardin should be the favorite now to win the region. I would also move both King and Macon higher in the player rankings.

I think it is highly interesting you have pointed out flaws on two non-11th region players that happen to be tops in the state. First Penny and now Jenkins. Good work Jenkins. Keep it up.

I think it is highly interesting you have pointed out flaws on two non-11th region players that happen to be tops in the state. Good work Penny. Keep it up.

The Sweet 16 runner-up last season was Covington Holmes and coach Dave Henley will field a squad this winter that could make it back to the title game. Henley will have two of the top juniors in the state in Ricardo Johnson and Elijah Pittman. http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/10/checking-in-holmes.html

Penny, who is undecided about his college, will help make the Bearcats one of the top teams in the Eighth Region and a sleeper in the race for a state title. The 6-foot-5 Penny is reason enough to check out Anderson County in a game this season. http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/10/checking-in-anderson-county.html

One of the top seniors in the state is at Manual where Jacob Jenkins has been a force on the perimeter for several years and is fun to watch. The 6-foot-5 Jenkins, who is uncommitted to a college, has some solid players to go along with him for the Crimsons, who figure to be one of the top Seventh Region teams. http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/10/checking-in-manual.html

You guys play Madisonville at 6pm or 6:30pm.

Mark your calendar: LexCath The top holiday tournament in the state of Kentucky just after Christmas over the past few years has been the Kentucky Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic. And this year will be much of the same. I don't have the entire field and brackets haven't been set, but the field will be as strong as ever with plenty of top players and teams from the Bluegrass State. Among the teams in the field will be the host Knights (Vee Sanford), Madisonville (UK commitment Jon Hood), Manual (Jacob Jenkins), Adair County (Darrin Ballou), Trinity (Josh Sewell, Chris Harrison), Hopkins County Central (Chuck Jones) and Hazard (Josh Whitaker). Some of the other teams in the field include: Knott County Central, Perry County Central, McCreary Central, Lexington Christian and Boone County. The event will be the only time that Hood, the likely Mr. Basketball winner, will play this season in the city Lexington. Unless they make it to the Sweet 16. The pairings should be coming out soon. http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/blog.html