8th Region Warrior

Everyone has opinions on players, an example Big Skal at UK. I still think he has a high ceiling and may or may not reach it who knows. Carson Williams is a nice player and I think will do well at the next level and he made the choice NKU, and it is his decision. He and his family know what is best for him. I am going to give you an example of a kid that I loved in high school. Chris Lofton. I did not think he could play at UK and man was I wrong. I think I know basketball pretty well, not an expert for sure. The thing is none of us are. Let's root for our kids here in Ky as they march on to college. Excited for Carson and what lies ahead whatever that may be. And to Carson, I told him in the stands after the game, "you play the game like it should be played, and you made this guy love basketball all over again"

I think they will Ky Joe, it is almost a must with the 8th region teams and how it is lined up. This Simon team can be dangerous in the next couple weeks. Like Owen's team and heart but Simon by at least 20

Hats off to Owen, their staff, players and community on a fine season. Foul trouble plagued the Rebels all night as they had to play some kids off the bench in big moments that I felt unaccustomed to seeing in the game. They could not guard South at all gave up 50 points in the second half. Missed a ton of FT's, and seemed gased early on in the first half. Dunaway could not guard anyone and they needed him desperately on offense where he only had 2 points, just not a good match up for him. Carson with 38 points but had 5-6 minutes stretches where he did not touch the ball enough. South and thier coaching staff well prepared, changed defenses at least 10 times, played about everything you can imagine and caught the Rebels in some spots that forced T/O's. Bench play was 33-5 in favor of the Dragons. They lead the state as a team at 78% from the FT line and they attacked the rim all night long. Only 1 made 3 the first half and only attempted 7. The second half was led by the bench of South, Snook with 14 in the 4th quarter, Griffin with some big shots, and Williams attacking. Great team effort and they deserve to move on.

Had no timeouts left, and give Collins credit their man pressure forced everything further out in the floor. The PG weakness definitely rared its head again on SK, the lack of having someone that could lower their head and attack the rim also was obvious. SK shot only 3 FT's because they did not attack at all. On the other hand Collins lived in the lane, and at the rim. Great game to watch.

Uh No..... E-town will call the score in the next couple games. If not it is a huge upset, but it is called March Madness for a reason

The Pegasus Sports Network - PSN Mike Montgomery of Pegasus will cover all the games tonight and I believe that Froggy will cover the Collins vs. Simon game on the radio, I think it is 103.5?

Simon will call the score in this one. Playing well, getting contributions from a lot of different people. As we have said before alignment has to happen sooner than later for these teams. If I were Simon I would stay in a hotel Friday night and not make that trip. In 2 years the region is at Simon, so you know all other 6 of the 7 teams will be upset about doing the same thing. This Simon team can make a run at the state tourney, and I see them being pre-season top 5 the following year

Just noticed that the Boy Simon vs Collins, and Anderson vs Walton, is the same first round match ups as the Girls. Just weird....Thanks Oldham Oldie

Completely agree about Mabry, however Doss is my pick

Well all the marbles are on the table, lines have been drawn, hay is in the barn, you name it whatever your favorite slogan is this time of year, expect some great games this week across the Bluegrass. You don't have to go very far to New Castle Ky, this week for some great basketball action and coaching. Whoever wins this region will definitely have earned it. Instead of breaking down teams, I am going to look at each match-up and bracket, giving a preview of what we can expect. But only doing the first round games. It will give us a chance to catch our breath this weekend, and I will do a Final 4 preview next week. Wednesday March 2nd GAME #2 7:45 Owen County vs. South Oldham This game has the makings of a classic, great players and coaches will be on the floor and on the sideline. Lets start with Owen County. We all know about the mayor of Owenton, Carson Williams, a Mr. Basketball candidate and just a pleasure to have watched over his 5 year career. But don't overlook his teammates, they have another all region type post player in Dunaway. The Rebel guards in Toftness, and McDonald most overlooked kids in the region pre-season, ask coaches now if they can play? They both can stretch the floor, and that just opens up the post play so picking what you are willing to give up is tough. I really believe that the Rebels like an uptempo game, I don't blame them, it gives people less time to double and worry about Carson. I was told by an old coach once that if you are better you want the game faster, totally believe that statement about the Rebels. The (3) lowest scoring output came in the 3 losses, averaged 50 ppg in those games. Mind you it came against teams that could be at Rupp Arena 2 weeks from now. Then there is the opponent the district runner up the South Oldham Dragons. All they have is a coach that has been coach of the year 2 of the last 3 seasons, and 2 regional titles in 2 of the last 3 seasons. Not to shabby I would say. But coaching only takes you so far and the Dragons have players that are very unselfish, pass the ball as good as anyone around and lot of ball handlers on the floor. Not to mention they like this 3 point shot thing. The Dragons have won 25 games, by shooting the 3 and making the extra pass. It is the (4) losses that concern me, in those 4 losses they gave up 75ppg, and as I mentioned earlier I think uptempo favors the Rebels in this match up. Talk about unselfish players, check this out Bray, Bouvet, Williams, Isaac, Griffin, Young, all average 9-12 points per contest, so you never know who is going to hurt you. The Dragons have made (328) 3 pointers, just incredible. They will need to make a bunch in order to have a chance. Prediction Owen 78 South 74 One of the best games a fan wants to see. There will be tons of lead changes, and up tempo basketball. I think the size is to much for the Dragons in this one. Dragons were out rebounded the first match up by about 25 BUT it was a 1 possession game with (20) seconds left because of the 3 point shot. If the Dragons make (12) 3 pointers in this one then you can flip flop that score. Game #2 Start Time 6:00 pm. Match up Simon Kenton vs. Collins The Pioneers come into the regional tournament after winning the 32nd District, and playing alot better defense lately. Something we are accustomed to seeing from a Trent Steiner coached team. As I said all year in my reviews, this team is dangerous. Post season everyone is 0-0 and regular season is a wash. Now everyone is 0-0 again and districts are over. After all Owensboro lost their district tourney and won the big prize a couple weeks later last season. Simon is led by Fries, Hawkins and Cantrell, all capable of double digits. What impresses me about them is their length, and size. They can step out and shoot 3's and if they can grind you in a half court they can beat you. They only gave up 43ppg in the district tourney and is completely opposite of the two teams in their bracket. Their opponent the Collins Titans are playing better and Coach Gatiher has them back into the regional tourney. Last years Regional champion is capable of winning 3 in a row and getting back to Rupp I believe. Beating Shelby to get to where they are was a trait of this team, down early found away to hang around and win it in the 4th quarter. The Titans beat Simon in December at the HCIT, also played at Roy Winchester Gym. They held the Pioneers to 41 points, even though Fries went for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Clarkson is back for the Titans, and they seem to be improving because of it. Clarkson, Test, and Turner all average 10-11ppg, so it give the Titans 3 guys that can hurt you. I believe the people in attendance will love how Turner plays and will be in consideration for a POY next season as he is a junior. Prediction Collins 50 Simon 48 This game will put you to sleep in comparison to the South and Owen game, however great match up with similar styles. Both want the game in the 50's. I think Simon playing man to man will benefit the Titans. The Titans have a ton of man to man sets that they execute well. However if Simon can make some (3)'s and get Collins out of that match up zone they will be there at the end. I see a close game with it being decided late. Can the Pioneers get to the offensive glass? Can the Titans make (3)'s on the horse shoe end of the gym? Those 2 questions are huge in this matchup. Thursday March 3rd Game #1 Oldham County vs. Henry County The other bracket features the 29th District Champions the Oldham County Colonels. Coy Zerhusen has his team poised to win this region. They are getting after people on defense and its jump starting their offense. After the loss to Owen County they seem to have a different look to them. They are led by (4) seniors in Jacob Bates, Griffin McLarty , Brandon Johnson, and Clayton Wirth, all capable of 15-20 point games. Don't forget the junior's Ishmael Jones, and Ryan Heelen, coupled with some talented sophomores and the Colonels can come at you in waves. A lot of talk about their rotation and allowing to many kids to play. I do not but into it as much, who Coy puts on the floor with 4:00 minutes left mark however is important. The region can be won or lost with (1) possession. They are playing the host school the Henry County Wildcats, who made a come back against the Rebels to fall short Saturday but showed a lot of grit and toughness, cutting a 25 point deficit to 6 late. The Wildcats are led by Gavin Jamison, who I had on my preseason all region team, committed to Thomas More. He is super athletic and is a double/double machine. Dont forget about an old Colonel in Trey Wills, who transfered from Oldham his sophomore year he is averaging 11 ppg. He can stretch you and hit the 3. Hinkle whose brother Cody Hinkle led Henry to the regional semi's against the winner of the 29th that season vs. South Oldham, is right around 10ppg game as well. The Wildcats are hoping that match up zone can mess with the Colonels and make them into jump shooters. My concern is handling the pressure the Colonels can dish out defensively. If the Colonels get easy points off T/O it will be a long night. Prediction Colonels 70 Wildcats 52 This game will be interesting for a little while, but if the Wildcats have to dip into their bench it will benefit the Colonels. Being at home will help the Wildcats but the Colonels depth and pressure will be too much. Colonels ease into the semi-finals, if the Wildcats do not handle pressure. If the Wildcats can turn it over 10 or less times they could make this game interesting. Game #2 7:45 Anderson vs. Walton Verona Bearcats vs. Bearcats The Bearcats won the 30th District, in 2 close contests. The first round game vs. Spencer was as good a high school game that you want to watch. With Garmon making a shot at the buzzer in OT. The Bearcats have grown, over the last couple weeks. Drury has been there done that, winning a couple regions along the way in doing so. His teams will compete for 32 minutes and get after the opposition. The Bearcats are led by Sophomre Cobe Penny (20)ppg, POY candidate next season. He is capable of a 30 point game and keeping the Bearcats in any game. A win over South Oldham in convincing manner makes me think this team can win this region as my dark horse. Throw in Harper, Gillis, and Garmon who all can score 12-15 points on a given night and you have a dangerous team for sure. Three of these Bearcats are under class men, making them maybe the preseason #1 team for next season. Their opponent is the Walton Verona Bearcats, runner up in the 32nd district. They are back into the regional tournament after about a 4 year lay off. They lost to North Oldham that season by 1 point in a great game. This team and coaching staff are different since then. The Bearcats are coached by Grant Brannen. He has worked hard at turning this program around. The Bearcats are thinking what could of been, after losing 2-3 kids on transfers, all which have turned out really good players, but lets not take away from these kids who have busted their butt to get to Henry County. They are led by Clinkenbeard, Kinmon, and Sullivan. Those 3 seniors have re-energized the program and have them poised for a regional run. all of these kids parents are coaches so they know they game and will compete to the end. Prediction Anderson County 62 Walton Verona 55 This game will be close throughout in my opinion with Anderson making plays down the stretch to win. This game is one of the most intriguing games of the region, these 2 teams did not meet in the regular season. You have 1 coach that has been to the 8th region tourney countless times vs a coach that is going for the first of many in my opinion.

Graves County, is really sweet

I think that is why it has never been done to my knowledge.

Male the next 3 years are loaded.......I know Pioneer pride, I know, all back for Simon next year, for now

Only 1 team wins from each region, that is all that matters. Really don't think any of those match up with Etown, Male, Butler so will it matter? Every year we hear this argument, maybe Simon will get their chance the next time alignment is discussed to be in the 9th. There is so many players changing hands in the 9th I am looking for Mel Kiper to have a big draft board. But you better if you want to keep up with the 3 I mentioned in bold

I knew when I posted it would take a lot of heat, just facts, yes Owen got (1) kid in the history of their school. Did Lawrence County get about 2-3 kids when Cook was there? I believe so. Yes if Britt was at Mercer you would not have got Bell from Butler to Boyle either though. I am not for anyone in the 12th as I am called 8th region warrior. I just know that it seems like a mini-Louisville or Lexington anymore with transfers. You can not get on here without reading something about who is getting someone etc in the 12th. If coaches and community's are fine with it I guess doesn't really bother us here in the 8th region. Back to the original discussion, I am voting for coaches that have done it the right way in my eyes if I had a vote, which obviously different than some of your's. The difference in transfers in my opinion and this will hurt some feelings, is did the coach or coaches go after a kid or did they end up there on his own accord? Everyone gets a transfer every now and then, the BIG question is how?

The threatening balance of power with your own kids is what people are after. What is wrong with developing your middle school kids and your younger kids at the elementary level? The Mercer County girls are good at doing those things. Coach Cook is a Happy Osborne disciple, one of the reasons why he gets kids continuously, and two of his assistants were with Happy at Montgomery County. I know that Coach Cook knows the game well and does a great job, not arguing that. However I am yet to see him coach his own kids that he has developed through the years. The 2 coaches that do that the best in the region are Jeff Jackson and Rodney Woods. It is hard to take a group of kids that have not played together before and win like Mercer County has this year, its just hard to root for them. Trust me they are doing what other teams are doing all around them, they are just better at it. That doesn't make it right. I wished they would do away with the COY award and make it about the kids in general anyway. In our region the top 3 teams are South Oldham , Owen and Oldham, they have (1) transfer between them 3. Not a lot of transfers in the 8th region, and I am proud of that fact.

Hard game to call. This is a rival game already on top of both being very similar. Walton has had a better year, but they have not really been tested. Losing at Carroll County has me concerned. Grant County for me has underachieved, but they seem to always be prepared for post season and they are playing at home. If Grant County is healthy I think they win in close heated affair.

Well Saturday was a sad day across the Bluegrass as regular season's came to an end, and some of our best seniors were recognized along the way. It's a week that gets overlooked by many as we approach the tourney, but some coaches make sure they are tested in that week to see if they are tourney ready, as we witnessed that in the 8th region this week. 1. Owen County- This team has been in this spot all year, pressure of performing each week has not overwhelmed the Rebels. They have taken on all opponents and really been in every game they have played, even their couple losses. A win over Oldham on senior night where their supporting cast shined. 2. South Oldham- This team has been #2/#3 all season as well. They definitely have what it takes to win the region. KABC COY in Steve Simpson who has (2) regional titles, something Duvall and Zerhusen seek, give his Dragons the edge. Maybe one of the best passing/ball movement teams I have watched in the 8th. Wins over Henry, Walton and Woodford round out their season. 3. Oldham County-Lost a tough one at Owen, and beat a very good Meade team that can win the 3rd region. Also the region that will play the 8th in Rupp. The Colonels have played a tough schedule and played a lot of kids. They are hopeful that all of that pays off down the stretch. 4. Shelby County- The Rockets are heating up, getting good guard play, and finding ways to win. They beat Desales, Grant County, and Gallatin County. Their schedule was alot more favorable than the gauntlet at the beginning of the year, but the coaching staff kept them focused on improving and that is what they have done. 5. Collins- Don't overlook the team that won this region last year. Yes they have been inconsistent most of the season, but they have encountered injury's along the way and have really struggled replacing Kidwell. Ending their season with wins over GRC, CAL, and North Oldham impresses me. Its an ugly game to watch with them but they find ways to win. 6. Anderson County- Still some inconsistency with the young Bearcats. They lost at Franklin but it was how they lost that scares me, (2) technical fouls and one ejection to my understanding, I could be wrong about that. Being young means keeping composure and learning from the experience. District tourney is in the BURG. 7. North Oldham-Wins over Desales and Henry County this week, and a loss to Collins where they had the lead late show that the Mustangs are dangerous in this district tourney. Coach Burton will have them competing for a regional berth. 8. Walton Verona- Lost to Carroll County which is a head scratcher for me, and South Oldham impressed me in the 2nd half against the Bearcats for the other loss. They are wanting to crack the regional tourney but losing 2 in a row to end the season is not a good sign. 8. Williamstown- Wins over Carroll, Trimble and Eminence this week move the Demons up my list. 9. Carroll County- The biggest movers this week after wins against Walton, Collegiate and Bellevue. The Panthers are eyeing a regional berth as well. 10. Simon Kenton-The Pioneers are glad the regular season is behind them, because post season is new start to a new season. The Pioneers have to handle adversity better, when things are going good they can beat anyone but when it start getting bad they seem to pout and stop playing. They are still capable of beating anyone if they play for 32 minutes. 11. Gallatin County-Beat Trimble, Villa Madonna and Grant County this past week. Lost to Shelby County on senior night in Shelbyville, but played well. Wildcats are improving. 12. Spencer county- Has improved all season and can give Anderson County all they can handle in the tourney. Beat Bethlehem, and lost at Bullitt Central. 13. Henry County-Have lost 4 of 5, most against good teams but that is who you have to beat this time of year. Wildcats are dangerous for sure, they have to get back in sync to do so. 14. Grant County- You never know what Braves team is going to show, lost to Gallatin County and beat Beechwood. They host the districts and have won it 2 years in a row. 15. Eminence- The warriors can score points but they also give alot up. Lost to Williamstown and beat Burgin 16. Trimble County-Lost to Evangel and Lloyd Memorial. Off season lifitng, working and playing to improve will happen with this Raider team. DISTRICT TOURNEY PRE-VIEW 29th- This district has 2 of my top 3 teams in it, and another team that could win some of the other districts in the 8th. Unfortunately (1) really good team is being left out of post season. This District has been won by the Colonels (5) straight times, and 1 of these teams have won 4 of the last 5 regional titles. Games are being played in Bedford Ky, home of the Trimble County RAIDERSSSSSS! If it is Dragons vs Colonels, they will have to turn people away for capacity. Predictions Tuesday Feb 24th 7:30 South vs. Trimble (Score: Dragons 82- Raiders 35) Wednesday Feb 25th 7:30 Oldham vs. North Oldham (Score: Colonels 68-Mustangs 60) Friday Feb 27th 7:30 South vs. Oldham (Score Dragons 68- Colonels 65) 30th District Tourney The 30th also has overall the best district in our region from top to bottom, so do not be surprised if any of these 4 teams win it. It has last years regional winner, and 3 coaches that have been on Rupp Arena's floor, and a young coach that I really like to do that one day himself. The District Tourney is in Lawrenc "the Burg" Predictions Tuesday Feb 24th 7:30 Anderson vs. Spencer (Score: Bearcats 62- Bears 55) Wednesday Feb 25th 7:30 Shelby vs. Collins (Score: Rockets 52- Titans 51) Friday Feb 27th 7:30 Anderson vs. Shelby (Score: Bearcats 74-Rockets 68) 31st District Tourney The battle of the smaller schools, and I promise they will have some great games to watch. These teams know each other so well that it makes for a great district tourney. It is also one of our states districts with 5 teams, something KHSAA needs to address in due time. This district appears to be Owen's to lose. This tourney is being played in Warsaw, Ky. Home of the "Wizard of Warsaw" nick name I have given to Coach Jones Predictions Feb 22nd Eminence vs. Gallatin ( Score: Wildcats 76- Warriors 60) Feb 24th TBA vs. Owen County (Score: Rebels 74- Wildcats 62) Feb 24th Carroll County vs. Henry County (Score: Wildcats 58-Panther 56) Feb 27th Owen County vs. Henry County (Score: Rebels 76- Wildcat 58) 32nd District Tourney This District is the weakest I can remember it ever being. There is not alot of difference in these (4) teams. I would not be shocked to see any of them win this thing and advance to the Regional Tourney. The Grant County Braves have won this region the last couple years, and Walton Verona is wanting back to the Region. You have a Williamstown team that will play as hard as they can for 32 minutes and a Simon Kenton team that can fix a lot of wrongs down the stretch. How will it pan out is a mystery. This tourney is at Grant County so maybe they are a slight favorite. The Braves had some injury's in their game against Gallatin, and I have not heard how serious they are. Predictions Feb 22nd 8:00 Simon vs. Williamstown (Score: Pioneers 58- Demons 54) Feb 23rd 8:00 Grant vs. Walton (Score: Braves 49- Bearcats 48) Feb 26th 7:00 Simon vs. Grant (Score: Braves 51-Pioneers 50)

In a perfect world adults do the right thing. Every region in Ky has some great high school coaches and most deserving of the award BUT they also have some arrogant pompous ( ) you can fill in the spot. As Mustang mentioned above, sometimes they will boycott coaches for whatever reason, as mentioned above. Sometimes it is a jealous deal, but COY is a coaching staff award for most coaches. They have wonderful staffs and are smart enough to know that this is why they got COY, and they have great kids playing for them. With that being said its about what staff does the best job, not the most wins in my opinion. Most of the coaches that I consider really good at their craft could care less about getting this award. They care about the award in the next couple weeks, a regional title!

The second part I was right about, the supporting cast was good last night. Interesting that Oldham focused more on Carson and holding him in check, if you call 28 in check, and South let him get his and limited others. Should be a very good tourney in a couple weeks

Here is what I was told Allyson Niece Simon Kenton (Player of the Year) Hailey Ison Walton-Verona Kaci Currens Anderson Co Justus Martin Shelby Co Alex Clifton Owen Co Kaylee Clifford Trimble Co Shelbe Black Trimble Co Michaela Kennedy Williamstown Morgan Simpson Walton-Verona Rachel Montgomery Williamstown Michelle Roberts Collins Sammy Rogers Anderson Co Madi Meier Simon Kenton Cat Fiorito North Oldham Kylee Nuernberger Oldham Co

$50 per game, and supposedly you get fined within 48 hours, they didn't make anyone pay last season and did not enforce it

Why is it a head scratcher? Has to be a senior, Ison, Martin, and Currens are the best 3 seniors. And will play college together and like each other alot

Coaches of the year been released yet? Congrats to all these young men!!

How many did she score at Scott High? Must have been at least a 1000? Great accomplishment, and a great player