Big East Zebra

I'll bite. Yes we take an online test and yes we get to use the open book to take it. I went to camp last summer, cost me $150.00 to attend. I was critiqued by other assignor's, D-1 officials, (how about a name drop Tommy Eades) and NBA officials. I paid my way, my gas, my eats. Work 4-5 games a day and made $0.00. This year, I kicked a rule, knew as soon as I did it. My assignor called me asked me about it. Told him I did it, knew I did it as soon as I did it. I lost a game because of it. I took my medicine like a man. Our officials in our region, while we are friends and have each other's back's, we are continuing to hold each other accountable. To be a good partner and to act professional. I officiate because I love the game. Let me say this again, I OFFICIATE BECAUSE I LOVE THE GAME! I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the best, but I can tell you this, I work hard to improve every time I walk on the court. When I miss a call, I don't need the crowd or coach to say a word, I know I missed it and I'm upset with me when I do. But it burns my behind to hear someone pay their $5.00 to get in the game when they don't know what I do. Every day I'm at the gym, making sure I stay in shape and the older I get the tougher it is. Kids today are quicker, more athletic and it's takes more concentration to keep up with them. Instead of criticizing the guys that are doing this, don't worry about taking the test, just come follow me around for a week during the season to see what I do. Get up at 4:00 AM to get to the gym by 5:00 AM at work by 7:00 work my 8 hours and leave somewhere around 4:00 PM from work to drive an hour or so to watch and help JV officials, to work a game where you may be a hotdog and water or you may get nothing. Only to get home at 11:00 and wash your uniform only to get up at 4:00 on Tuesday and do it all over again. Did I mention not seeing my kids or my wife much during the week and the toll it takes on them for me to do do what I love? And I can hear some guy in the stands, "Call it both ways!" Can't help but get a little smirk on my face when I hear comments like that.

Marion County two years ago, went undefeated. Their line-up was just as stout. Two of those girls are playing big minutes at UK

Meade returns alot, as does Breck, Daviess will be in the mix as well, and Catholic. McLean returns everyone, so next year should be interesting in the 3rd region. Of course, Apollo should be the leader of the pack.

I was suppose to have my first game tonight, guess what it didn't happen.

I question the no call on the drive, looks like that kid puts a hand on the kid as he leaves the floor for the lay up. Gotta protect the shooter.

No Aric Holman was the player of the year.

Apollo had a "T" called on Young for hanging on the rim, and it was down hill from there. Meade was 9-11 in the second half from behind the arc and 4-4 in the 4th quarter.

And it wasn't that close!

The Sportscenter in Owensboro, AWESOME!

Talked to a coach last night, he took a shovel and removed the snow down to the dirt on the infield. He then stepped where he removed the snow and stepped into mud 3 inches deep. That being said, there will be no softball this week, because after the snow melts Thursday we have rain moving in. I say there's a good chance it will be the end of March before we see a softball game.

Talk about a long drive, how about the 4th region officials going to the first. Bowling Green to Murray, or say a official lives in Russell Springs or better yet Clinton County, and has to make the half day trip to Murray.

Looks like the first round will be played with 4 games on Saturday.

South Warren was very young last year and were pretty darn good, I think the 4-A Class will be the most competitive of the 6 classes.

Somerset didn't win a game last year how are they in the Top 10?

Any idea who is getting the job?

ApolloFan - great assessment of the game last night. Miller was basically a non-factor and Holman was held in check offensively as well. Coomes and Hopewell both did a tremendous job on Miller and Eli showed last night he can do more than take the ball to the hole. Great defensive game. That being said, I do believe that OHS will make some adjustments, rightfully so, however, I think Barker will add a few new wrinkles as well, and for me personally Barker is one of the better coaches in the region. He did a tremendous job at McLean with much less talent than he has at Apollo, and I think the young men at Apollo have finally bought into what Coach Barker has been talking. I also thought the Wells kid stepped up and hit a couple of big shots in the first half to keep Apollo moving in the right direction. I think Apollo will win the region and represent the 3rd Region at Rupp.

ApolloFan - I think you are right on the Muhlenberg/OHS game. Again, I think the size will be way to much for Muhlenberg to handle, however, if Muhlenberg can hit some outside shots, and get a lead, I would not want to try and play catch-up to a Hopper team. On the bottom, I think it will be a McLean/Apollo semi match up with a hungry bunch of Cougars, who has you have so accurately stated would love nothing better than to upset form coach Barker. However at the end of the night, I think it will be an all 9th District final, and I think Barker and company get it done at the end of the day and will make the trip to Rupp and represent the 3rd Region! How's that for a prediction?

What an incredible atmosphere last night in the Sportscenter. Over 5,000 in attendance. It was incredible. 6 D-1 coaches in attendance. One coach was heard saying, it was the most talent he had seen on a court for a high school game in a long time. Apollo is gelling at the right time and this game was really not as close as the 6 points. No doubt these two teams will play again next Tuesday night in the Regional Championship game.

Here's the draw for the 3rd Region tourney to be held at the Sportscenter in Owensboro. Wednesday 6:00 PM Grayson County vs. Muhlenberg County Owensboro vs. Breckenridge County Thursday McLean County vs Meade County Edmonson County vs Apollo

Apollo Fan great job. The only thing I disagree with is I do believe Meade will beat Hancock. Meade looked great the last time I seen them in defeating Grayson at Grayson. Other than that, I think you are spot on.

Here's the real question though folks. That while Coach Prince brings up a lot of valid points, are those who are in charge listening or in this case reading?

I played on a undefeated State Championship Team in WV in 1976. Class "A" State Champs and it felt great. Especially after our Football Team went undefeated and didn't get the opportunity to play for a State Championship.

Coach Wallace said the PC field was the worse he has ever put a team on to play. It was a mud pit when the Purples came to PC.

Very little they will need to do for an advantage next year. Someone needs to inform Coach Wallace at Bowling Green of this decision after his comments from their game at PC last fall.

By blind draw, it's ping pong balls or whatever. I still do not believe there is a way to seed the state tourney.