Over And Back

First congrats to both teams - both played hard and IMO was much closer than the 13 point final margin. However, all the credit goes to Rowan as they were able to go on one of their patented runs to finish the game. Rowan still the leader in the 16th by a wide margin. But, I'm confused Viking - You say that Ashland was expected to play man to man but then you say that NO team would play RC man to man. IMO Rowan looked confused against the zone possibly because they planned for the man defense. Looked like versatile coaching by Bradley. Also, Rowan may play Conner differently but that will open up more outside shooting for Strait and Wilcox. Pretty hard to defend it all. Rowan still the definitive #1 right now, but I think this game showed some cracks in Rowan's armor.

I agree that blatant dirty play (basically any action intended to intentionally hurt the other team) has no place in high school ball. But I think that some people confuse dirty play with hard, physical play. I have no problem if a coach teaches his players to block out hard, body check hard across the lane, or set a hard back pick. Basketball is a contact sport and, done correctly, these are just good fundamental basketball.

I agree that Manual and Rowan are both really good. Would Manual beat Boone this year? Yes, I believe so. Fookes has a good team this season but not as good as some of her past teams (IMO). When ND beat Christian they still had their best player Jackson who was out during Rowan's overtime victory over ND. Rowan is definitely the best team at the present time in the 16th region. If Rowan were to play Manual again, however, I do think that Manual would get the victory (again JMO)

Why would you ask if Rowan had an off night? The score looks like a nice win to me.

Ashland by 15+

Huge win for Russell's girls team. I believe Pike County Central is one of the favorites of the 15th region and Russell crushed them. This same PCC team has beaten both Johnson Central and Ashland so this was a big victory. The final margin of 22 is actually deceiving. It seemed more like a 30 point win. Simpson played a great game on both ends of the court. Coming into this game I think Russell was 1-8. Russell may be finally gelling as a team. If the supporting cast can give Parsley and Simpson some help, they can compete with East Carter, Ashland, and Elliott. As for Rowan...I don't think anyone in the 16th can touch them right now. Keep working Russell and the wins will keep coming!:thumb:

Russell has more talent but seems to be in disarray at the moment. Boyd not as talented but always plays their game, physical and scrappy. I'm going with the upset - Boyd by 4 in a low scoring affair.