8th Region Warrior

I really have a hard time voting for players who don't play as hard as they can at all times, having watched Carson I will say that he exhibits every trait you want in a Mr. Basketball. Not only the best player on the floor, but the hardest worker. Oh by the way great student. Goodin has a high ceiling no doubt but have watched him take plays off, have moments where it looks like he don't care aka Cov Cath game. I know I am biased but hands down Carson's to lose, making state tournament should not matter in my opinion.

Points against is tie breaker I was told, so Anderson is the #1 seed Anderson did lose to Collins but Collins lost to Shelby, Shelby lost to Anderson, so all have 1 loss

Playing 1 time can handcuff your team in so many ways 1. Football has a great year (play really early for seed game) I think it was Dec 11th for Shelby vs. Collins this year 2. You have an injury and lose a player for a month, they may not get to play in the 1 time game (example Clarkson) 3rd You may not have a home game in your seed games (example all of Shelby's games that were seeded were at home this year that means next year all away) 4. Gate money Really wished it was the same across the board for all teams, makes it fair and consistent

District 30 shakes out like this Anderson vs Spencer Shelby vs. Collins Anderson with wins over Spencer and Shelby lost to Collins 2-1 Shelby with wins over Collins, lost to Anderson yet to play Spencer 1-1 dont' know yet Collins with wins over Spencer, Anderson, lost to Shelby 2-1 I was shocked to find out they only play (1) time in seeding, don't get that at all, after all the girls play twice. It is based on points against I think so it really doesn't matter about the Spencer game for Shelby/Spencer, Anderson is the 1 if I am not mistaken. Maybe someone else knows the situation better.

It is about consistency and that is hard to find right now in the 8th. I do think some teams are turning the corner, lets not forget that about 2 weeks ago Gallatin wins at Anderson. Winning your district tourney is going to be a big deal. Oldham, South Oldham, North Oldham, Anderson, Collins, Shelby, Owen, Simon, all have a shot at winning or going home first game, and 2 of them will in first round of districts.

Simon is at Owen Owen is at Collins Sorry for the confusion

You're positive on a blarge that the bucket doesn't count? I saw a game where it didn't and the referee's got in trouble I thought? But that has been a while back

The call is a BLARGE, as most referee's will call it. I was under the impression on a block/charge call that the bucket still counts however. May be wrong but I was under that impression. Did they take the points away? Most quality officials will meet about the call and let the lead official have the call, however some that are stubborn will not, so you have a charge and a block which results in both players getting fouls and alternate possession. Lead being the referee the ball is going towards.. Better view

The 8th region gets more congested as the year goes on with potential teams that could win this region. It is hard to win (3) games in a row at Roy Winchester gymnasium, but a lot of teams are making the case that they can. Only 3 weeks in the regular season and jockeying for position in some of the districts is still taking place. 1. Owen County-Represented the 8th region well at the All A State tournament. Coach Duvall and his Rebels showed a lot of class all week. Keeping them at the #1 spot this week, but teams are closing the gap on the Rebels. I think we saw some fatigue out of the Rebels this week, and winning the 8th region on back to back playing nights against stiff competition will be really challenging. Wins over KCD and Morgan County, with that heart breaking loss to Murray at the buzzer. 2. Oldham County- Back in the #2 spot, had a tough loss at home to Central Hardin, and Coach Zerhusen made some changes in his line up and boy did it pay off. Brandon Johnson averaged around 30ppg in the 2 wins against Shelby and KCD, as the Colonels had easy wins Friday and Saturday against quality opponents. The Colonels play around 7-9 guys pretty comfortably, and that could be a huge factor in a post season push. The Colonels had a rough schedule coming back from Arizona and I don't think had quite recovered, they seem re-energized and ready to make a run. 3. South Oldham-It appears that they Dragons have hit the January slump, as all teams do. How the Dragons respond this week will tell us a lot about the Dragons. Losses to North Bullitt, and a thrashing at the hands of Anderson County this week, leaves me scratching my head with my rankings. Dragons got a huge week ahead of them as they can wrap up the #1 seed at North Oldham, that is the game of the week in the 8th region, as Goshen will be rocking. 4. Anderson County-The young Bearcats show why they are so dangerous this week. Districts are at Anderson County, they are the #1 seed, and have a legendary coach, accompany that with some younger players that are maturing and you have a dangerous team. Gunner Gills lead the way with 25 points against the Dragons in the win. 5. North Oldham-Big win over North Bullitt on the road the day after North Bullitt beat South Oldham, makes you think we are in for a great game Friday as they host the South Oldham Dragons. The Mustangs only have 2 seniors, the younger Mustangs are starting to find their stride. They went on the road and lost to John Hardin in the Nathan Murray Classic, so being consistent is one of their main goals. 6. Henry County-3 wins this week over Gallatin, Trimble and Williamstown have moved the Wildcats up my list this week. I think they have secured the #2 seed in the district which keeps them away from the Rebels in that first round as they hope to get to the regional tournament for the first time under Coach Welch. 7. Collins Titans-The Titans welcomed back Grant Clarkson and all he did was score 18 against Eastern in a loss, and it makes the Titans real dangerous come tourney time. They got a road win at Grant Co, and lost another game to Woodford this week. The Titans are looking to get some much need playing in with their starters back in the rotation. 8. Shelby County- Got a win at home over a scrappy Western Hills team, lost at Oldham County and it was never close. The Rockets have a lot of games this week as they try to get ready for the post season. The Rockets are playing 7-9 guys and that can only help them as the season gets closer to tournament time. Rockets have a chance to move up in my rankings this week. 9. Simon Kenton-Hard to believe that the 32nd district doesn't have a top 5 team in my ranking, but it definitely has a lot of parity as these teams have beaten up on each other all season. The Pioneers lost to Grant County by 2, so I have no idea how that district does seeding, I am checking on that this week. The Pioneers beat Boone County but only managed 41 points in both losses. Looks as if we they are playing better defense as they only gave up 43 in each game. 10. Walton Verona-Wins over Gallatin, Beechwood, and Williamstown this week, makes the Bearcats 14-6, but their schedule strength concerns me. I know they have a young team so I can understand that part as well. They have a chance to get back to the regional tournament and move up my ranking as they travel to Grant County this week. 11. Grant County- Well I warned you last week 8th region fans, the Braves are used to winning this district lately and they got a big win against Simon Kenton this past week. They lost to Collins and East Jessamine in the week as well. The Braves have Walton at home this week and can move up my rankings. 12. Williamstown- Lost to Walton Verona this week and Henry County, but the Demons have made a lot of improvement this year and would love to crash the regional tournament. 13. Spencer County-Lost to Anderson County and CAL over the week, but the Bears are improving and could be a regional party crasher come seasons end. 14. Gallatin County-Lost to Henry County, Walton Verona, and beat Trimble County. I still believe in the guy on the sidelines, so be weary of the Wildcats in late February. 15. Eminence-Lost to Owen and Carroll, giving up 96 ppg, in those 2 losses. 16. Trimble County-Lost to Western Hills, Henry and Gallatin. Raiders are improving believe it or not. GAMES OF THE WEEK Feb 2nd Owen @ Simon Kenton Feb 2nd South Oldham @ North Oldham Feb 2nd Oldham @ Eastern Feb 2nd Anderson County @ GRC Feb 4th Shelby @ North Oldham Feb 5th Simon Kenton @ Oldham Feb 5th Walton Verona @ Grant County Feb 4th Collins @ Owen

Gotcha, sounds like they shot the ball well last night

Seems as if Simon is giving up more points than they usually do? Looks like they shot it well!

A lot of snow this week, and that means a lot of cancelled games. Coaches frown at the snow and it could be a blessing in disguise with players getting some rest, and teams having players heal up during the break. Making up games can be a pain, especially if they are district seed games. Here is this weeks rankings and not a lot has changed. 1. Owen County-The Rebels travel to Frankfort as one of the favorites to win the All A, and play host to KCD in the first round. I hope the NCC match up awaits us, as we could watch 2 Mr. Basketball candidates in action. Only game this week was against Carroll County, Vince Toftness with (4) 3 pointers shows you that the guards are very capable of making people be honest with the Big's from Owen. 2. South Oldham- The Dragon's enjoyed the snow, and some Starbuck's over the snow days, and if I know the Simpson, had some very tough practices. 3. Oldham County-The Colonels went 1-1 this week. Disappointed that they did not finish of the Trinity Shamrocks off after leading by 10 with about 2 minutes left, the Shamrocks caught fire and made some 3's to get the win in OT, but this game shows that the Colonels are capable of winning the 8th region for sure. Went on the road and got a win at the buzzer against Collins, which showed some grit coming back 2 days after the Trinity game. Collins still playing without Clarkson. 4. North Oldham-Mustangs went sledding and enjoyed some snow as well, did not get to play over the snow break. 5. Collins-The Titans lost 1 games this week to Oldham County, but are playing without all region performer Clarkson still, he may be back this week as the Titans look to make another regional run. 6. Shelby County- The Rockets had some time to go to downtown Shelbyville and enjoy the court yard as they didn't get to play over the snow days. 7. Simon Kenton- A win over Williamstown at home in hard fought game, shows me that this district can be won by any of the 4 teams and will make for a great district tournament. 8. Anderson County-Coach Drury lead a huge snowball fight and as always his team won the snow angel contest as they did not get to play any games over the snow week. 9. Walton Verona-Good win for the young Bearcats against Boone County this week, they are definitely in the mix to win that district. 10. Henry County-Beat Eminence on Eminence's floor which is always a war. The Wildcats are making strides at getting back to the regional tourney, that district tourney will be fun to watch to see who battles Owen. 11. Spencer County- The Bears went on a tour of Taylorsville Lake and did some ice fishing, with Coach Burns catching the game winner. No games for the Bears this week. 12. Williamstown-Lost a tough one at Simon, but showed how much improved they are and capable of making the regional. 13. Grant County- Lost to GRC, who is a good 10th region team, the Braves are hoping some practices this week get them geared for a regional run. 14. Gallatin- Coach Jones took the Wildcats down to the race track and ran a couple laps in the snow with Coach Jones pulling the upset at the end. No games for the Wildcats this week. 15. Carroll County- Got hammered by the Rebels this week, the Panthers are still good enough to make the regional as they look to be the 2/3 seed. 16. Eminence-Only game played this week was a loss to Henry County, they are hoping to stay away from that dreaded 4/5 seed having to win twice to go to the regional. 17. Trimble Co- Coach May and the Raiders went to the famous Hometown pizza and enjoyed the lunch buffet. No games this week for the Raiders. Games of the Week Jan 26th North Oldham vs. North Bullitt Jan 26th Anderson @ Spencer Co Jan 28th Owen vs. KCD in the All A Jan 29th South Oldham @ Anderson Co. Jan 29th Shelby @ Oldham Co.

I really think that it can hurt you having it in a high school gym and then playing it on a college floor at Rupp. I know it has not hurt Mason when they have won it but the other regions outside the 8th and 10th I think have it on college floors. Lex Cath for example plays at home on a college floor, and seem to fair well in the regional tourney from it. I think it is an advantage for sure. What has helped Mason over the years it the field house is like a college gym with its back drop and size.

How the 10th region has fallen, a team with 7 losses is the #1 team in the 10th. A fun regional tournament is in the forecast this year, and the district tourney's could mean upsets for some teams. Coach Code has done a great job this year!

A lot of big games in the 8th region last week, as district seed games are underway or wrapping up. Teams are jousting for position and finding out who there district match ups will be in about 5 weeks. Some teams are putting their best foot forward and showing why they have been a regional favorite all season. In the 8th region there are (3) really strong teams, and after that anything can happen, should make for an awesome regional tourney. Here are this weeks Rankings: 1. Owen County-Big week for the Rebels as they captured the All A crown and head down to Frankfort eyeing the big prize. Winning the All A can be a distraction for the Rebels and may cause them to lose focus, I have a hard time thinking Coach Duvall or Carson will allow that. A little biased here but can the 8th have a Mr. Basketball after such a long drought? I think so!! Wins over over Gallatin County and Walton to win the All A. 2. South Oldham- All the Dragon's have done is lose (1) game so far, with in region wins against Collins and Simon Kenton, the Dragons show why they can win the 8th region. They share the ball as good as any team I have watched and they can flat shoot the ball. Typical Steve Simpson team. 3. Oldham County-The Colonels sit at #3 and with convincing wins over Spencer and North Oldham the Colonels look to be back on track. The Colonels are gearing up for another regional tournament run and have a big week ahead of them. 4. North Oldham-After watching the Mustangs, I slide them in at #4, they lost at Oldham this week, got a win over Eminence, but they seem to be a dark horse in this regional tournament talk. We will know more about them this week, with Shelby and Anderson coming up. 5. Collins-The Titans lost 2 games this week to South Oldham and Shelby County, but are playing without all region performer Clarkson, who looks like a collarbone injury is keeping him out. The Friday night game with Shelby was a good game for both teams as they look to turn the corner for February. 6. Simon Kenton-Hard to figure this team out, seem to be lacking an identity right now, with 5 weeks or so to go they better start figuring it out. I look for Coach Steiner to get them lined out, tough Double OT lost to Cooper shows us what they are capable of, and a loss to South Oldham by 20 plus makes you scratch your head. I still have faith as they are the best team in that district, but that district always seems to surprise come tournament time. 7. Shelby County- The Rockets are starting to figure things out, wins at Thomas Nelson and Collins will get them going into late January with an upswing. They are adjusting to playing younger kids and football players that made a late run. Coach Couch has them on the right track. 8. Anderson County-The Bearcats are looking for consistency and when you have a young team that is part of what you get. They defeated Shawnee, and gave the #1 team in the state all they could handle in the Mercer County Titans. Had a double digit lead at one point and tied going into the 4th, but Mercer prevailed. When the Bearcats are doing what Coach Drury wants they are a dangerous team. 9. Walton Verona-Good win for the young Bearcats, they made the All A final, and are glad that Carson graduates at Owen as they should be the favorite next year. Wins over Trimble and Williamstown got them to the final. Walton will have to make their schedule a little more tougher as they look for that signature win this season. 10. Henry County-Young and inconsistent, sometimes they look like a dark horse to upset someone in the regional tournament and then at other times a team that can not get out of the district. Jameson had a big game against Johsnon Central, 26 points 12 rebounds, unfortunately Blair had 43 for JC. The Wildcats lost to Johnson Central and beat Bullitt Central. 11. Spencer County- The Bears are improving, they are up and down like the rest of the inexperienced teams this year. Lost to Oldham and North Bullitt, two very good teams. 12. Williamstown-Win against Eminence and lost to rival Walton Verona in the All A, they have won the games they are supposed too, they are looking for that statement win 13. Grant County- Win against Pendleton who has a good team, lost to Barren County in the Hall of Fame Classic, the Braves are notorious for sneaking in and winning the district, don't be surprised if they don't again 14. Gallatin- As of late the Wildcats are showing improvement, a win against Carroll and loss to Owen in the All A this past week, but the Wildcats are going to be a tough out on someone come district tourney time. 15. Carroll County- You never know with the Panthers what they are going to do, lots of teams having that same issue in the 8th. Only game they played this week was a loss to Gallatin after beating them the game before. 16. Eminence-Only game played this week was a loss to Williamstown, they get the nod over Trimble because of the head to head win earlier in the year. 17. Trimble Co- It has been a long year for the Raiders, fans need to have patience with Coach May, he is a good hire, it will take patience and time.

All 3 are great kids with great families. Excited for all 3 lady's. Those are 3 nice gets for the Lady G-Town Tigers

As it gets colder outside and Christmas Tournaments are over, you will see some interesting scores out there in Kentucky. Tough part of the schedules coming up for teams, district seeding hold big implications moving forward. Only about 7 weeks till District Tournament's, hard to believe. Across the state the All A Regional Tournaments are under way. 1. Owen County-Still in my number #1 spot, they knocked off Walton Verona and Henry this week. Owen County will need some challenges this month, they are eyeing the big prize an All A state tournament birth. 2. South Oldham- Only game this week was a big one, the defeated Oldham County and it moves them into our #2 spot, the guards were big for the Dragons, as they look to secure the #1 seed in the 29th. 3. Oldham County- Tough week for the Colonels, but realistically it would of been a tough week for any team, they lost @ Scott County, South Oldham, and Ballard. Those 3 games were all competitive and it will make the young Colonels grow up some. 4. Collins-The Titans keep moving up my rankings, they have a starter out but it has not stopped them from winning 2 games against John Hardin and Spencer Co. They got a tough week coming up the South Oldham Dragons and crosstown rival Shelby Co. 5. Simon Kenton- A much needed win against Harrison County, and then a loss against Scott High on the road, and what a game it was. Atmsophere of a regional final will do nothing but help the Pioneers, they have to fix the turnover bugaboo. 6. North Oldham- The mustangs are figuring things out, lost to Waggener in a great contest, got wins against a good Valley team that beat Oldham earlier this year, and a win against Eminence, a dark horse the mustangs are. 7. Anderson County- young and inconsistent, but very dangerous moving forward, they go on the road and beat Shelby County Friday, lost at home Saturday to Gallatin County in triple OT, what a game. 1 step forward and 2 back for the Bearcats. 8. Walton Verona-Lost to Owen Co, win against Villa Madona, the Bearcats have only played 13 games, will know more about them by the end of this month. 9. Shelby County-Lost to KCD, and at home to Anderson, the Rockets are in the same boat as teams 5-16 in my rankings, inconsistent. They will have a chance this month to move up rankings but have to get some wins to do so. 10. Henry County- beat Carroll County this time on the road, then lost to Owen and Lloyd Memorial, inconsistent for the Wildcats, guard play has to get better for them moving forward 11. Spencer County-lost at Nelson County, and lost a heart breaker to Collins by 2 on the road, they were ahead 11-0, and had the Titans on the ropes in a big district game. 12. Grant County- beat Williamstown in OT, lost to Crispus Attucks, IN. The Braves will have to get going if they want to return to Henry County in March 13. Williamstown-lost to Henry Clay and Grant Co in OT, got a win against Trimble. The Demons are getting better. 14. Carroll County- beat Gallatin by 1 in huge seed game, lost to Henry in OT, will be interesting to see if they can beat Gallatin in the All A this week first game of the tourney. 15. Gallatin Co- A big win at Anderson Co, and Eminence. Lost to Carroll by 1 but get a chance at them again this week. Don't look now but Wildcats are getting better. 16. Eminence- lost to Gallatin and North Oldham, got a win against Evangel Christian. They get Williamstown in the All A, chance to move up my rankings. 17. Trimble- lost to Spencer and Williamstown, got the Walton Vernona boys in the All A this week.

Shelby has been without starting 2 guard for 3 weeks. They would love to play Trimble in the region at Shelby

Wayne by 3 82-79

I think South Oldham can beat both if they are on their game, I would agree senior night at Owen as well.

What people need to worry about is how good they are at the end of their senior year, instead of 8th/9th grade, yeesh. The age difference is a big deal, lots of them are 2 years apart in age and grade. I have watched most of the girls mentioned on here and all have a bright future as players and that is what we should be happy about and our state has some talented girls. The Premier is a great AAU organization and play in big tourneys and exposure deals rather than little tourney's. Talented young players for sure, allow them to enjoy being a young player.

2 Huge district games tonight in the 8th region!! The first is in Crestwood, where 2 of my top 3 teams are in action, big seeding implications, Oldham vs. South Oldham, who you got and why? In Shelbyville tonight Glen Drury brings his Bearcats to town, they do not like the Rockets and no there is no love lost for the Bearcats either, established nice rivalry, another big district seed game. Who you got and why?

Yes and I was told a long time ago if you play out of state they do not even count those games because they don't know how good those teams are, no way to judge, so lets just punish those teams I guess, just silly

Yes and the top 20 do not look bad, its the regions that are always bad, if a teams beats someone by 20 they shouldn't be behind them 3-4 spots, just silly. E-town clearly #1 I think, after that its all about match ups

LIT ratings are just not very good and never have been. Complete joke. BGP rankings alot better