Grizzly33

1)Holmes 2)Eastern 3)Clark Co. 4)Scott Co. 5)Boone Co. I think PG troubles will eventually get the better of Holmes (can't replace what control Riley gave them) but they still deserve #1 with the amount of talent they have coming back. Eastern has established themselves as in the midst of a great streak of years and I think they only improve. Clark Co.'s best chance at a state title won't be until the 2010-2011, but they definitely have the talent to be top 5 all year long (barring similar injury problems). Scott Co. has an incredible team but I find it hard to believe they will be able to replace Phares's post play. Boone Co. loses McFarland but I think the will-be-senior class is phenomenal and is deserving of #5.

Tanner Napier - Lafayette- will be a junior and is tremendous shooter. Ryan Fucci - Tates Creek - will be a junior and is as dominant a player in Lexington as anybody. Mike Gabbard - Boone Co. - As a senior next year will be arguably best point guard in 9th, maybe top 5 or 10 best pure point guards in state. Vinny Zollo - GRC - The impressive post man in that great Cardinal class coming up. *Player to Watch - Will be junior Jake Giesler at Newport Central Catholic - maybe not on the highest tier of KY talent but definitely a name needed to be mentioned, especially in the NKY conversation.

Yes, Highlands won championship over Dixie. Every team guaranteed three games.

Very well said, I agree completely. Look anywhere in any sport, and knowledge and passion get it done.

And not just that fact, but the actual shot itself was unreal from what I hear.

The last thing anyone needs to worry about Coach Grosser is lack of knowledge. Its always hard to transition away from a great coach like Bob Rowe but Grosser is cut from the same cloth. He's young and yes, he has only been a JV coach, but give him time to prove himself and I think he'll get the Mustang Faithful on board.

NCC's tip-in win vs. Dixie, their victory in the All A Region Championship, and the District Championship were all clutch performances. I would also include their victory over Brossart at the buzzer (by M. Giesler, same guy who beat Dixie at the buzzer), Brossart beating Highlands, The Holy Cross - Ryle anti-barn burner, CovCath - Campbell, and Lloyd over Dixie as some of the most intense/unexpected/interesting games of the year.

Proof on mound: No-hitter vs. Atherton. True, not stiffest of competition, but still, as a sophomore thats incredibly impressive. Nate Rawe is a more reliable infielder right now, but I think Shaun will immediately prove to be a better hitter. With Chris Grosser (and to be exact it was shoulder surgery) not pitching, I doubt the rotation will have regional championship depth. But I could be wrong. Between Jeramie Connor and Shaun Meyer and whatever new faces show themselves as great pitchers, Breds might make a legitimate run again.

Hazard needs to be very physical with the Colts, they definitely have the muscle advantage. I don't think West could win a low scoring slugfest, but I would not be suprised if Hazard won a track meet style game either. I think no matter the style of play, Hazard will be in this game. The Colts and Polson would have a harder time winning in a low scoring defensive struggle. I wouldn't double Polson. He's going to get his points, but a hard-nosed, physical performance from whoever defends him should limit his looks. I'll say Hazard 55 - WJ 49

Anyone who has a passion for the game like Willie does knows this class is special. My thought is he wants to get away from the time commitment for his family reasons but I can't see him walking away until these kids graduate. Willie, come back and get district and regional championships before you go. The Birds in my mind have a legitimate shot at Rupp next year.

Kenton Co. Classic with Conner beating heavily favored GRC, Dixie winning on a buzzer beater, and Highlands taking home the tournament in OT. Not to mention great games between Dixie and Scott, Highlands and Conner, and Lafayette and Conner. This young tournament got closer in rivaling with the All A in NKY in terms of great games.

Just trying out my theory, but those 5 years, what UK signees/recruits were good enough high school players to win KY's highest HS basketball honor? Jared Carter wasn't good enough. Was there anybody close? I don't know, I'm just asking. An old statement I'm sure, but it would have been interesting to see Indiana recruit Bud Mackey go up against UK signee Darius Miller in Mr. Basketball voting. I simply support the idea that no matter what Sanford or Phares did this year would be good enough to get out from under the shadow of the over-publicized Jon Hood. With that said, I think Hood's got them two beat in performance anyways.

Hazard Adair Central Eastern LexCath Holmes Shelby Valley Elliot Co. 2nd Rd Hazard Eastern Lexcath Elliot Co. 3rd Rd Eastern Elliot Co. Champ Eastern TB 161 Pts

How many of those you listed had not signed with a school before January? Darius Miller and Jon Hood both were commited to UK when the HS season started. No matter UK's success, the Big Blue following can present subconscious tendencies to favor commited prospects.