Reality Check

This is a top notch event. Last year's tournament matched Holmes vs. Mason County in the premier game. They nailed it again this year with Clark Co. and Holmes. Should be a lot of fun.

I would say that most of us on here don't know these kids just know how they play the game. I am sure the assesment of Eastin is based on someone's opinion from watching him play. I don't think the statement was made to say that Eastin is a bad kid. Of course this stands for all teams. I think Dilts has done a tremendous job with the kids at Dayton and if they keep their focus they should have a good season.

7- Carroll Co. 5- Holmes 3- Beechwood 2- Dixie Heights 1- Cooper TB- Holmes

From what I saw this summer, I think Calvary will be rebuilding this year.

Good assessment. Beechwood is doing it all with youth which is different from years past. It will be interesting to see how they handle adversity. I think Bellevue has the weapons to make this a game. I hear a lot of Beechwood is Beechwood. If Bellevue looks past the name on the jersey I think they can compete. Should be a fun game, IMO its up in the air.

Dayton should be real strong this year. They bring back some experience and some really scrappy players.

I agree with what a lot of people are saying about the talent level that NKU is chasing these days. Seems to be a bit beyond NKY talent. But they did use Scott Bibbins a lot last year at PG, and they have Sorrell as a red-shirt freshman this year. So Bezold is keeping the Holy Cross pipeline alive. Pelle was way better than Bibbins during his High School days and is showing by becoming a pre-season DII All-American at West Liberty. I am not saying that NKU should recruit only kids of NKY, but they don't seem to pay a whole lot of attention to players who could contribute.

Saw them play in a team camp at NKU over the summer and they ran a lot of zone. I would imagine they will do the same all season. It brought them some success in that camp but I don't think teams were ready for it.

NKU never won the Championship on the men's side with Shields but he did get them to the game in 96, and 97 with a lot of local talent. The '97 team had 11 players from Cincy/NKU schools on it.

Pelle was a big miss from NKU IMO, if I remember correctly he wanted to go there as well. Not sure, that was always the rumor.

With all of that being said, I think with the record Shumate and the Tigers have the past two years you would have to think that they are the favorite. I think Villa and Dayton should have strong teams as well.

The NKAC recognizes Divisions, from my experience it is mostly recognized by the Division III Schools (smaller schools) There is no trophy for winning but the small schools really pay attention to this record. The DIII schools are: Beechwood Bellevue Dayton Ludlow Calvary Christian Heritage Silver Grove Villa Madonna ...I think I got all of them. Anyhow, these teams all play each other twice during their seasons and track their conference records.

7- Ludlow 5- Beechwood 3- Dayton 2- Dixie 1- Bourbon Co. TB- Beechwood

Now please excuse my ignorance to the situation, but would both schools consider this their top rivalry game?

Road to Rupp begins today!!!!!

Beechwood lost their entire team from last year. I believe Villa returns most of their team. I am just curious if anyone thinks the Blue Lightning can make it interesting in DIII this year?

I saw Newport play a few times this summer and teams better not sleep on them. They have some serious talent. I agree with your statement. They must play smart and play as a team.

Not sure what they have to surround Bryan. Schue is a good spot shooter. I don't know if they will have any size. With Blake Bryan there will they be the early favorite in DIII?

7- Campbell Co. 5- Ryle 3- Fleming Co. 2- Dayton 1- Holy Cross TB- Ryle

Buckler is no doubt a talent and would more than likely play for any team in NKY. However, you do have to look at the fact that he plays at Bellevue and the level of competetion that they are playing. Its the age old debate that keeps BGP in business. Ricky Buckler is a very very good player but Top 5 in the state is a stretch.

Thoughts and prayers from a fellow Colonel alum. Terrible loss for the Rudd family.

I agree that Bryan is ranked pretty high. But hard to discount the numbers that he has put up at Villa. Nice to see some of the small schools getting some recognition. There is some talent in DIII that some people never recognize.

In a small school one short handed class can hurt the entire program. Beechwood should rebound. I see this being a game for a quarter or two with the Tigers pulling away.

I would have to say last years team. I think they had the most wins in school history last year and their schedule included big schools and not just the "A" schools. Last year was a nice year for the Tigers.

7- Newport 5- Grant County 3- NCC 2- Bishop Brossart 1- Holmes TB- Grant Co.