Eyes and Ears

Cooper held his own extremely well, and well Zane scored what 25 points. I feel like they both earned their time. It's very hard to say anything could have been done any different in a win. Much less a decisive district win. I am sure it was not a perfect game, but you can't ask for a better outcome. Coach M could have given guys more time and risked changing the game. Bottom line. It's hard to argue a win.

My mistake. I thought I heard them say that as I walked out. Hatton had a really nice game. He hit some deep treys and went to the basket strong.

Clay Robinson looked really good in limited minutes. He hit several three's and led all Scoreres with 14.

Yes Pike did play.

You are sadly mistaken. Conner is a very good team, but so is Dixie. Someone had to loose that game. It was a very well played game by two of the top teams in NKY.

Good win for Boone. They had big leads several times durring this game, but Ryle would battle back to keep it interesting. It seemed like Ryle's guards really struggled. Alot of unforced turnovers. Mcqueery and Brown for Boone both played extremely well. Downs also had a solid game. Stauffer was the only thing keeping Ryle in this game most of the night. Volelt played really well, but he was limited because of foul trouble. This was a fun game to watch.

Anyone have any updates on Robinson? Is he practicing?

I am looking forward to watching this team this year. They will be much improved from last year. They have the alot of returning players and Sullivan at the helm is a huge asset.

A 15 yo freshman is not abnormal. He will be 18 when he graduates. Correct?

I really can't see that scenario working for Dixie. You have Trammel, who is a senior and very capable of taking over games himself. Why would you want him to defer points to two younger players? Hatton will get his and so will Pike, but I see production from Hatton going down from last with the addition of Trammel. Not a bad thing because points will come easier for the team, but more diversified.

It's about time. I forgot what post we were in. Thanks for the synopsis.

Don't get me wrong. No disrespect to Trammel. I have witnessed his game and am also expecting to see big things from him this year. I was just questioning the ranking because it is a coaches poll. He didn't play last year due to injury and I am not sure how many different high school coaches saw him play over the summer.

Are you suggesting that the coach play to his team's strengths rather than forcing the team to adapt to his style?

I am going to have to disagree with your comment about lackluster defense in AAU. I think the tempo of the game changes due to the amount of high talent athletic players coupled with very limited team offensive sets. This allows for a faster tempo. I don't think high school teams play better defense. I think high school teams generaly lack the number of high caliber players.

This is my opinion and these qualities would be compared to others in the ranking pool. A top 10 player should have intelligence. A high basketball IQ is essential. A well rounded skill set. (Dribbling, passing, rebounding, shooting, and defending) A high level athletic ability. The motivation to lead. The desire to win. It doesn't hurt to add good sportmanship in there either. I beleive truely top players should have a good attitude about the game.

Wow. Hatton is a scorer, but Montgomery is probably the best athlete on this list. He is definately top ten.

Interesting. I think Hodges at two is a little high for him right now. I will be one of the first to argue his potential, but he needs to prove more. I didn't expect to see Trammel in there at all. Not because he isn't good enough, but he just didn't play last year. How do you rank him? Bradley is the biggest shocker. I agree with Walter that there are several other players who I feel are more deserving. Chris Hayes, Tyler Fangman, and Jacob Flesch all come to mind.

My question exactly Mr. Walter.

Congrats to Kellen. I wish him the best of luck. It is great when the KY boys get to do what they do best and get an education at the same time.

I agree completely.

Fangman points - 275 assists - 35 D. Rebounds - 92 Steals - 13 Flesch points - 214 assists - 104 D. Rebounds - 70 Steals - 47 Brown points - 250 assists - 8 D. Rebounds - 50 Steals - 16

IMO To be considered a top ten player you have to posses the ability to be affective in all aspects of the game. If you look at last year's numbers for Fangman, Flesch, Connelly, and Brown you will see that Brown was the least effective in anything other than scoring. Not to knock him because he definately has his strength and he uses it, but not a complete player. Fangman and Flesch put up the best numbers accross the board, but I still go with Flesch over Fangman simply for his ability to control the game.

You are correct. I haven't seen Fangman play since spring. I didn't catch any of his AAU games in July. Who was he playing for then? Out of the players I put ahead of him I would say that Flesch is the most complete player. Connelly is the most athletic, Brown is the strongest, and Fangman the best shooter of the four. I just haven't seen that side of Fangman. I know he can shoot, but I am not sold on him as a complete palyer.

Congrats Mr Abell. He may be adding a state Championship to that resume also given the lineup at Eastern this year.

Thelan should be an automatic double double. I am curious to see how things play out without Wellbrock. Will teams be able to double team Thelan more or does his absence create more touches for Thelan? Either way, he will be productive.