8th Region Warrior

I for one thought it would be a better game, but when the Rebels supporting cast can play like they did last night they will win the 8th region. I know Carson had 28-29 points last night but their team scored over 70, proving that they can beat you as well. Owen will definitely be a hard out rest the way. Congrats on a great regular season to both teams

I am one who thinks Oldham wins tonight, it will take more than Carson for them to win, and senior night is emotional, hard to coach in that game.

Roy Winchester Gym.......

Just because you are ranked ahead of UK doesn't make you better than them. I think they would beat Xavier if they played. I do like having Ky boy's on our team, a matter of fact we seem to win it when we do. Even Louisville's most recent championship had a player from CAL that won the game for them with back to back 3's . I do however think they all 3 would struggle for playing time. Dominique and Willis both are pretty dang good and have worked hard to play. And both of them are better than those 3 right now, that doesn't mean however they won't become a better player later on.

This game has a chance to be a dandy that is for sure. But with that being said I think both coaches have to be careful on what they show and what there true game plan to be, same for the game last week vs. South. These 3 teams are clearly the best 3 in the 8th region, can and should meet again in 2 weeks

I think it is March 2,3 first rounds March 7th semi's March 8th final Of course at the ROY

There is no way that it is not Erin Boley. She may start for Notre Dame, a matter of fact I think she will. She averaged 20ppg in the best AAU circuit in the country. Has a chance to be drafted in my opinion. What Whitney has done is crazy good, but she is not near the player Erin is.

It is why I had them 2A and 2B, that game being at Crestwood is a bid deal. Not taking anything away from that win BUT Oldham goes to Arizona comes back and plays Scott County in Georgetown before heading to South. South had an entire week to prepare for the Colonels and took care of business. That was about 6 weeks ago. I believe the next time if they are fortunate to meet up Colonels will get it done. Who do you have this Thursday in Owenton? The Colonels travel and play the Rebels. Should be another standing room only game, and is it senior night? If it is it will be a slobber knocker

One last week and round up across the state this week. This season has flown by, and what a season we have witnessed. The 8th region has some great players and coaches, that have made this year a wonderful experience to follow and watch. The 8th region could produce a Mr. Basketball, and with our draw at the state tourney a semi-final team?? We have a lot of balance in our top 3 teams, and our 4-10 could beat anyone on a given night. Makes it a fun tournament ride... 1. Owen County- The Rebels and Coach Duvall are approaching 30 wins and that milestone doesn't happen very often. They have welcomed all challengers this season, and upgraded their schedule along the way. Winning the region is in their grasp. The question to ask? Can they beat South Oldham and Oldham back to back? The draw is a BIG deal this season in my opinion, as it always is. Wins over South Oldham and Anderson, with only (1) game left, against our #2 team in the rankings the Oldham County Colonels. 2. Oldham County- The Colonels have been in my top 3 all year, and for good reason. They have lots of depth, play about 10 players. They are lead by (4) seniors, and a cast of younger kids. Coach Zerhusen knows he let one get away last year and will push these Colonels even harder to win this region. It appears they have got over their January funk and are clicking on all cylinders. Wins over Desales and CAL give them 6 in a row heading down the stretch. 2B. South Oldham- Had a couple head scratchers but every team does, especially in late January. Coach Simpson has the Dragons looking like a regional champion and winning 2 of the last 3 regions his Dragons have faith that they can. A win over Eminence, and a good showing at Owenton in front of a sell out, has them thinking a neutral floor it could be a different outcome than the 3 point loss. 3. Anderson County- This young team has to be driving coach Drury crazy, BUT he knows that all the experience they get now will be very beneficial come next season. They are very capable of knocking off any of these 3 teams above them, but also capable of getting beat by Spencer County in the first round of districts. Coach Drury knows how important it is to win the district and go into the regional draw as a winner, it keeps them away from 2 of these 3 above them in my rankings. A win over Simon Kenton and a loss to the Owen County Rebels this past week. 4. Shelby County- The Rockets are 9-2 in their last 11 games, Coach Couch has them playing better and Manica is looking like the best PG in the region. They have not been flashy in winning lately BUT they are finding ways to win. They could play spoiler in the tournament, and having a coach that has been to Rupp definitely bodes well for the Rockets. Wins over Henry County and Grant County this week. 5. Collins- They are still in my top 5, I know they have probably the worst record in the Gaither era, and sometimes make you wonder if they can still get it done. My thoughts are yes! They have encountered some injury's this season that really got them behind, but they are getting healthier and it is at the right time. They lost a heart breaker to Desales, but got a win against a very good GRC team on a neutral floor. 4 vs. 5 in my rankings next Wednesday for one not advancing to Roy Winchester gym. WOW 6. North Oldham-This team is in the same predicament as most of my 4-10 teams. They are capable of beating anyone, or losing to about anyone. They lost to Meade County, and Owen County this week, not two cupcakes that is for sure. The Mustangs hope playing that competition prepare them for the Oldham County Colonels first game of the district. 7. Henry County- After seeing this team live against Shelby County this week, I have a feeling on their floor with the right draw they can be a spoiler at the regional tourney. They are also a team that is very inconsistent but when playing well are dangerous. Losses to Shelby County and South Oldham this past week. 8. Walton Verona- The Bearcats are 17-7, but not against the best competition in the world, but this week the South Oldham Dragons pay them a visit, and they get them at Walton. A good measuring stick heading into district. They are capable of winning the 32nd that is for sure. Win over St. Henry this week, with a loss to Lloyd Memorial. 9. Simon Kenton- With 7 losses in a row and probably under dogs in the next 2 the Pioneers are looking forward to post season where those losses do not matter and they focus on winning the 32nd. The Pioneers play the hardest all around schedule in the region in my opinion. It prepares teams for post season, and the Pioneers can be dangerous in the tourney. They have also played (8) games in a row away from home, a recipe for losing, lost at Anderson this week. 10. Spencer County-Saw Coach Burns and he was happy that his Bears are improving and at the right time I might add. They lost to Shelby in 3OT at Shelby this week, proving how tough that district tournament will be next week. They got a win over Louisville Holy Cross this week as well. 11. Grant County-The Braves are the reigning district champs, and they will not go down without a fight. They lost to Scott County and Shelby this week. They were up 9 at the half against Shelby, really some ill advised shots and Shelby had the lead in 2-3 minutes of the 3rd. They are capable of making a run as they have shown us last 2 years. 12. Williamstown- The scrappy Demons show how mentally tough they are this past week. The get beat 40 by South Oldham, bounce back lost a tough one at Bracken County, come back and win 2 against Carroll County and Trimble. They are #4 seed in their district tourney but 32nd beware they can sneak up and beat you. 13. Carroll County- Someone please figure these guys out, inconsistent is the word that comes to mind. Go to Anderson and lost in OT, then get hammered at Williamstown. What?? They did a get win against Bellevue. I believe they get Henry County first round of the tourney and they are 1-1 against them.. Which Panther team shows up who knows. 14. Gallatin County-The Wildcats beat Villa Madonna this week. Coach Jones is dangerous come tourney time but when you have Carson Williams between you and the region, YIKES 15. Eminence- The warriors are scoring a lot of points, the problem is they are giving up alot of points as well. They got wins against Trimble, Evangel Chrisian, and Covington Latin, and played well against South Oldham in a loss. The warriors get Gallatin in the 4/5 match up and could beat the Wildcats. 16. Trimble County-The Raiders lost to Eminence and Williamstown this week. I know how hard it is for this coaching staff, players to endure this season and the community of Bedford. Be patient with Coach May, he will get the middle school right, and your younger program going, it will take time and hard work along the way, all that he is willing to do.

Tony might have a higher ceiling that is for sure, Goodin is best player in the region, with Faulkner being the most fun to watch, either way all good players

Told everyone don't overlook Dunaway. He was an all region performer last year and if he plays to his potential they are dangerous for sure

That's what I thought... How many dunks

Don't discount Dunaway, he was an all region performer last year and he can hurt you as well. I thought the 8th region got a favorable draw at Rupp for once

8th region not the 10th. But right dangerous team

Anderson OT win vs Carroll, and Owen has not had a problem with Carroll, running clock I think. If the good Anderson shows up it could be interesting with them and Anderson. But I will tell you Owen has 1 great player and in my opinion after watching them you are not giving their other guys credit. One of them was all region performer last year, and I am sure Toftness will be this year. Beating Oldham and South Oldham on back to back nights would be tough for any team, the draw is important! However South gave up 85 points last night to Eminence. It is a wild year in Ky.

Really hard to compare kids now with kids from back in the day, we did not have HUDL, you tube, or any of that stuff. If we did that Fairdale team with Morris, Brown, and Turner would have been incredible. The dunk by Brown in the KOB was nastiest dunk I have ever witnessed, against the #2 team in the country at the time. WOW. What makes Carson fun to watch is what I have mentioned before, he plays really hard and is the best player.He leaves no doubt in your mind. I think he is Mr. Basketball and has proven that. He will have a good career at NKU and a chance to play oversea's or be drafted in my opinion.. I have told alot of people he is the best player the 8th region has had since Dontae Smith of Oldham County, who by the way was drafted in the first round in the NBA draft, and been named MVP in Europe so the ceiling is high for Carson. Does he have somethings to work on? Of course he does. But that is what makes great players great, they work. Watching Omar Pruitt from William and Mary another Ky boy, he also will have a chance at the next level to make money playing.

If Shelby win tonight they are in the 2-3 game vs Collins, if they lose tonight they are in the 1-4 game against Collins. I know it sounds nuts, but is the dilemma. Only thing that changes is if you are in the #1 vs #4 seed you play on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Any of these teams could not only make the region but win games or win the whole dang thing.

1. Paducah Tilghman 2. Christian County 3. Breckenridge Co 4. BG 5. Bardstown 6. Bullitt East 7. Trinity 8. South Oldham 9. Cov Cath 10. Campbell 11. Henry Clay 12. Southwestern 13. Clay 14. Hazard 15. Lawrence Co. 16. Rowan

This very well could be the craziest basketball year that we have witnessed in quite sometime. If anyone thinks they can predict a state champion, well all I can say is good luck. What a week in the 8th region, as people are jockeying for playoff position. We are 2 weeks away from the start of district tournament play, and if it is anything like the regular season hang on tight. 1. Owen County- If anyone thought their would be some type of let down after the All A, you would be wrong. All Carson Williams did against North Laurel was 43 points, 13 rebounds and one of the nastiest dunks this year. Big wins over Simon Kenton, and Collins, Toftness and Williams leading the way in those games. Big week ahead for the Rebels. 2. Oldham County- The Colonels look back on track, 4 wins in a row, and seniors starting to look like seniors. Brandon Johnson had a 30 point game and Wirth is starting to get going. The Colonels are gaining momentum as they approach the post season. 3. South Oldham- After making (24) 3 pointers against Williamstown, you have to believe that if the Dragons are hitting shots they can win this region. The Dragons got wins over North Oldham, Williamstown and Gallatin County. The North Oldham victory makes the Dragons the #1 seed in the 29th. 4. Anderson County- If the young Bearcats bring thier A game, you are in trouble. Question is can they do it (3) games in a row, as that is what it takes to win regional titles. They went 2-2 this past week, that is alot of games and could be fatigued. They got wins over Frankfort, and Western Hills. Lost to GRC, and a heart breaker to Lincoln 72-71 where FT's doomed them in the last 2 minutes. 5. Shelby County- We all knew Coach Couch would get the Rockets going, and it is at the right time. Also playing 4 games in a week, they beat Frankfort, Atherton, and North Oldham. They went down to the 13th region and lost to Clay County, but that was game #4 and a nice look at the scenery of Southeastern Ky. The win at North Oldham shows that the Rockets are dangerous to other 8th region teams. 6. Collins- The Titans are getting healthy and adjusting to getting everyone back. They lost to Male and Owen County, two of the top 10 teams in the state in my opinion, and got a win over Harrison County. The Titans are playing crosstown rival Shelby County in the first game of the district, so one of our better teams will be at home. 7. North Oldham- The Mustangs, had their chances against the Dragons but came up short, and lost to Shelby County 2 days later. Losing that game seemed to throw the Mustangs off a little but they responded with a win over J-town later in the week. They are playing Oldham County first game of the district so one of our top teams will be done for the season. 8. Walton Verona- The winners of 6 games in a row, and big win over Grant County, makes you believe these Bearcats are eyeing a district title and regional birth. They also got a win over Trimble County along the way. This Bearcat team has alot returning so gaining this experience will pay big dividends. 9. Henry County- Could someone please help me figure this team out, they beat Grant County on the road and then lose to Spencer County two days later, it shows the parity of the teams 8-12 in our region. Those teams can beat anyone and lost to anyone at the same time. 10. Grant County- The Braves showed us they can beat anyone in their district as they knocked off Simon Kenton last week, then they turnaround and lose to Henry County, and Walton Verona by 2 points. The district tournament in the 32nd should be awesome as any of the 4 teams could realistically win the thing. 11. Simon Kenton- Everyone is in panic mode but not me, in case you don't realize this the Pioneers play a brutal schedule, probably the hardest in the region. They are capable of winning that district and being very dangerous in the regional tournament. They could lose out and it will not change my mind about them. Coach Steiner does too good of a job and they have the tools with their size and shooting. 12. Spencer County- is playing better, they got wins over Henry County and Thomas Nelson this week, and are staring at Shelby County tomorrow night. They will play Anderson County in the districts and could be a threat to Anderson County come tourney time. 13. Gallatin County-Lost to Ryle and South Oldham this week, however played the Dragons well. They got a win over Switzerland Co, Indiana along the way as well. I believe that the Wildcats play Eminence in the play in game for the right to play Owen in the District Tourney. Gallatin always give the Rebels a hard time, for a little while anyway. 14. Carroll County- Has won 4 in row, they got wins over Trimble and Dayton this week. They will get the Henry County Wildcats first game of districts, and both those games were good games. They split on the season. 15. Williamstown- You can not help but love how hard they play. They are a dangerous team in the 32nd as they can beat anyone on a given night in that district. They have lost 7 in a row, Gallatin County, South Oldham, and Pendleton County this past week. 16. Eminence-The Warriors beat Heritage Academy and lost to Loyd Memorial this week. They get the Gallatin Wildcats in a the #4/#5 seed game. Coach Nethery was an assistant for Coach Jones so it should be a great game to see. 17. Trimble County-The Raiders have 2 wins on the year, and lost this week to Carroll County and Walton Verona, they are the #4 seed and will face the Dragons in the districts. Coach May has had a rough year, but he will not keep leading and coaching them into fine young men. GAMES OF THE WEEK Feb 9th Owen @ North Oldham @ Owen Feb 9th Spencer @ Shelby County Feb 11th Owen @ Anderson Feb 12th Henry County @ Shelby County FEb 12th Simon Kenton @ Anderson County Feb 13th South Oldham @ Owen (Could be a regional final preview) Feb 13th Collins vs. GRC @ Nicholas County Classic

Regions are at Shelby. It definitely an advantage for Collins, Anderson, Shelby, it is a long trip to make on back to back nights. Same for Williamstown, Walton, I like all these teams, Trimble, Owen, Gallatin, tourney will be fun to watch.

Travelling to Shelby County for 3 games, back to back games in the semi- and final, maybe playing Anderson and Shelby back to back will not be a clean shot. Maybe the favorite yes, but it will be tough I can promise you that. It was tough last year.

Just wished KHSAA would adopt, if you transfer you sit out a year, and you get 1 transfer in your high school career period. I would make the exception with a death in the family and guardianship. Lots of other states do it and it has really cut back on transfers. Parents would have to sacrifice for their child if they were a senior and a job came up. I promise it would fix a lot of issues. Really would benefit AAU and other schools as well. I would bet 75% of transfers are going into their senior years and want that last shot at going to state. If a junior transfers then he will have to wait a year to join the team, I have a feeling they will figure it out. This would hold up in court as well. When KHSAA does make a ruling against a player it has no way of holding up in court, this one will. What bothers me about the whole deal is the 15 kids on another team, the community of a team that may have only 1 shot in 30 years to make Rupp, that do it the right way just for after the summer is over a kid shows up at another school and leads them to state. We never think about those kids. Happened in the 12th region last year, and Ioved watching Boyle beat Ballard, they were fun to watch, but Lincoln gets beat at the horn in a great game and their kids and community get slided out of a state tourney birth. Happened in the 10th region with Moco a couple years back, they make the final 4 and were fun to watch, but what about the kids from Scott High that didn't get that chance to go? Those are just 2 regions that I could think of, that were great teams at Rupp to watch, but it tarnishes their accomplishment in my opinion. Happens alot in every region just wished it could be changed to make if fair for all.

Both are great players, students, and stayed in Ky. Did not go to a prep school, stayed in their hometowns and truthfully both deserve the award.

It is not a team award, but when your team is relevant because of you that's a big deal.

No he didn't stop playing, but neither has Carson.. Seem to think that the Rebels beat Taylor County Hmmm..