kywldcat01

I'd add Conner to that list as well with Avery, Stephens, and Hodges returning next year. :thumb:

NKY definetly has had a great year so far in sports. Both Highlands boys and girls team made it to the state championship in Soccer. In football, Highlands and Beechwood won state championships, while Newcath and SK finished runner up. And now Holmes wins the boys basketball state championship. Could this be the best year ever that NKY has had in sports?

Mason will have good size next year as well. Not too sure about who will start for them next year but their front court will look like this: Pawsat 6'4 Barner 6'5 Setty 6'7

I agree. I didn't believe it when I heard from several people that Elijah played not above the rim, but above the square...once I saw him, I became a believer very quick. How big is Elijah and Kevon's dads? I've heard Elijah's is in the 6'8-6'9 range but Kevon's is 6'3-6'4?

Two others that come to mind: Scott Co: 6'0 Ford 6'3 Manning 6'3 Guyn 6'4 Jackson 6'8 Euton Clark Co 6'0 Brewer (Not sure if he'll start or if he's still there?) 6'4 Stenzel 6'4 Rogers 6'6 Purvis 6'9 Zollo

I noticed in one of the Holmes threads that their projected starting lineup next year will likely be: Mayfield 6'0 J. Johnson 6'4 R. Johnson 6'5 K. Rice 6'6 Pittman 6'7 That's pretty big for HS and that's assuming none of those boys grow between now and next year. Who else will have pretty big lineups next year?

From nky.com: Ricardo Johnson and Coach Henley with Ricardo's MVP trophy at this morning's Holmes pep rally.

You and me both..:lol: Just glad that it didn't affect the outcome like the 78 no call.

I was referring to the Newsome boys playing for Team Kentucky. Last I heard, both would be playing for them, but things could have changed. I've also heard it's down to Derek Smith and Team Kentucky as to who Justice will play for over the summer.

I agree.

Thanks for the breakdown 5Wide. Nicely done and I appreciate the info. From looking at your previous post before this one, I expect to see SV back at Rupp next year and contending once again. Hatfield and Justice are both going to be studs. I've always been very impressed with those two, especially Justice in the All A and state tournament. I think the Newsome boys may be the X factors for them. I believe one or both of them will be playing for Team Kentucky over the summer which will help prepare them for next years' high school season. Hopefully Coach Boeher (sp?) will add a few more top 20 KY teams to the schedule next year. Would love to see them play some of the L'ville and Lexington powers.

I don't think Boone would have made it past the second round if they got past Christian Co. The reason? The Rebels IMO wouldn't have shot the ball as well from outside against Lexcath as Holmes did.

Maybe in the second game, but not the first game. Sanford had a huge game against Bowling Green.

Thanks for the info. I haven't seen Montgomery play but have heard good things about him. I think the key for Boone next season is going to be Cotton. IMO he'll be their best all around player. If he can improve his jumpshot over the summer and become more aggressive offensively, he has the chance to be a special player for Boone. I was impressed with his athleticism when I saw him in the region tournament. He reminds me somewhat of Arrez Henderson, only obviously not as strong or athletically gifted at both ends of the floor.

I noticed that as well but didn't want to mention it and take away from the valiant effort that Central gave. He clearly didn't get the shot off in time though. Glad it didn't affect the outcome of the game.

I agree. But it's tough to replace a player like Mcfarland. You don't lose a player of his caliber and just replace him with someone else. I've also heard that Popp may elect to transfer out? Any truth to that?

Boone had a great gameplan against them and that was why they kept it close. They weren't going to try and run with Holmes which was a smart move by the coach because as the state tournament showed, nobody in the state can run with them. I honestly think the night out in Florence was just one of those nights though. Didn't Pittman get hurt early in that game? I think that was the difference in the outcome. Talent wise, Holmes was far superior to Boone this year. Boone had some work horses though in Gabbard, Brown, and Mcfarland and athletes in Cotton and Spaulding that helped make them what they were. I don't think some of the Boone fans realize what Mcfarland meant to this years' team. He made everyone around him better and was the reason, IMO, that Brown had such a big region tourney. I think the 9th comes down to Holmes and Highlands next year with what each team returns. Highlands may even surprise the Dogs.

What are the chances of UK landing him? I hear Tracy Webster is after both him and Pittman pretty hard? With a big summer, I'd expect an offer to come soon from BCG to try and land what will likely be the 2010 KY. Mr. Basketball.

Pettigrew had a big game against Holmes when they met his senior year. I know Holmes blew them out and won by 24, but it wasn't from a lack of effort from the big fella. Pretty sure he had a double double against them with over 20 and 10.

Who does SV return? I know Hatfield, Justice, and one of the Newsome boys were underclassmen, but who else?

See the thread title....we're talking about who can keep Holmes from getting back to the sweet 16 out of the 9th....

Highlands will be Holmes' biggest threat next year. Considering what they accomplished this year without any seniors, I don't see how anyone could think otherwise. Boone will be good again, but not as good as they were this year. Losing Mcfarland, Brown, and Spaulding really hurts. Conner, Ryle, Newcath, and Dixie all return some solid players and should make it tough on Holmes to get out of the region, but at the end of the day, I just don't see how anyone in the 9th can keep them from repeating. Too much talent and experience for them. On a side note, when was the last time a team went 32-2 over a two year span against 9th region competition? That's unreal.

Fair enough. I agree he had the least productive college career but he was a very good high school player. I watched him many times just dominate and take over games all by himself. That SK team was pretty good though with Brock, Kannady, and Stowers. All three went on to play college ball.

I agree it will be tougher for them to get out next year. Highlands, Ryle, Conner, and Boone will all have very solid teams but I think Highlands is Holmes biggest threat. I see the Birds having a season similar to the one Boone had this year. With that said though, with what Holmes returns next year it's hard not to like them to 4 peat and be considered heavy favorites throughout the season. Should be an exciting year of 9th region basketball, but I just don't see Holmes' 3 studs being denied a chance at defending their state title. That experience from this years' state tournament is going to go a long way next year now that they have tasted that success.

JD wasn't even the best player in nky his senior year, let alone one of the best 10 players in the past 10 years. Mike Brock of SK was hands down the best big man in nky Doellman's senior year...that also included Mr. Basketball winner Ross Neltner of Highlands as well. 6'8 Brock dominated both Nelter and Doellman in the times they met up that season. If not for running in to a loaded St. Henry team (only lost by 2 to eventual state champ Mason Co) in the region championship that year, the whole state would have realized what I'm talking about with Brock.