8th Region Warrior

Watched Ryle Saturday, very fundamental, have size and make FT's, they wore out Franklin County, they play again at Scott County pretty soon. I really like what I saw from them.

Shelby beat Anderson 15, Allen Co Scottsville lost to PRP, none of it matters really, on any given night people lose, you dont know why they lose, people hurt, or suspended, tons of different things

Instead of doing last week over the Christmas Break, I took in as much basketball as one person can take, BUT it is one of my favorite times of the year especially in Kentucky where we have some quality Christmas Tourney's. After these first 3 teams, you can almost guarantee that you would have a hard time picking the 3-8 teams. Anyone can get hot and be dangerous come tourney time. 1A. Owen County- Not a lot has changed in my opinion with this team. I would say Carson is the front runner for Mr. Basketball and deservedly so. Guards have improved and Dunaway looks more comfortable. Losses to Trinity and Ballard over the break, and had a chance in both games to win. Wins over Eminence and Henry both district seed games, along with Taylor County and Fairdale. 1B. Oldham County- Hard not to put them at #1 so how about a close second. Over the break Oldham won their tourney the Best in Hoops, beating Moore, Manual, and Male. Got on a plane, played in the Cactus Jam where they won 2 and lost in the final, but played against great competition. They will be tested over the next week. 2. South Oldham- What a job Steve Simpson is doing in Crestwood, the young Dragons are growing up and getting some quality wins. Won their Tourney Randy Penner Classic, beating Meade County in the final, played at Garrard County in a tourney won 2 and lost to Somerset, the only loss they have currently. And just for icing on the cake went on the road Saturday and beat John Hardin. 3. Collins- I know some people may think I am crazy but the Titans are slowly learning and growing in Coach Gaither's system. Over the break wins over Anderson, Simon Kenton, Danville and Henry County, coupled with losses to Meade, Lincoln, and the head scratcher East Jessamine, moves them up in my ranking. 4. North Oldham- The Mustangs creep into the top 4 for now, with wins over Butler, Atherton, Iriquois, Scott High, coupled in with losses to Eastern, North Bullitt, and the same Iriquois team that they beat. They seem to be getting better, and have some young kids that are getting valuable playing time. They are in a brutal district but don't sleep on the Mustangs 5. Simon Kenton- Really don't know the story of the struggles over the break, could be lots of things, injury's,etc, but something has changed the Pioneers. Losses to Augusta, Atherton, Collins, and Montgomery County, coupled in with some wins against Fleming, and Gallatin Co. I still think they are the best team in that district and Coach Steiner will get them playing they way he normally does. 6. Shelby County-Just not being consistent as of yet, but it will come sooner than later. They have shown flashes of being a regional contender and then they don't. A lot of new faces and younger players that are getting better. By the end of January I will be shocked if they are not in my top 3-4. Football guys are getting in basketball mode. Wins over Manual, Scott High, and Carlisle Co. Losses to Butler, McCrakcen, Graves, and Henderson Co. The Rockets have played a challenging schedule that will pay off by seasons end. 7. Walton Verona- The Bearcats are improving and wanting to get back to the regional tourney, wins over J-twon, Trimble, and Highlands, with the head scratching loss coming to Beth Haven. They only played 4 games over the break which can be helpful if you are practicing and getting better. 8. Williamstown- Roger Harden is getting them more and more competitive, over the break they won the North American Tourney at Carroll Co, beating School for Creative Performing Arts, OH, Shawe Memorial, IN and Campbellsville, they also beat Lloyd Memorial before the tourneys got under way. Lost to Cincinnati Christian, OH and the head scratcher for me is the loss at Nicholas County. 9. Anderson County-Played in the Twin Lakes Tourney and split the 4 games wins over Metcalfe, and Grant Co, with losses to CAL, and Clinton Co. The next week the play at Nelson, wins coming against Sayre, and Nelson, the lost to Boyle Co. After the Christmas break was over they played Collins in a big seed game, losing by 3. The Bearcats will do nothing but improve in January. 10. Spencer County-Wins over Thomas Nelson, Iriquois, and lost in the final to North Bullitt part of the Mike Miller Classic, they then travelled to Orlando Fl, played in the Rock Holiday Classic, that I think is put on by Danny Haney, there is a name from the past. Lost to Windermire Prep, and Harry S Truman of NY, both are really good. 11. Carroll County-Wins against Edmonson and School for Creative Performing Arts, OH. Their losses coming to Shawe Memorial Ind, Sayre, Owensboro Catholic, and Ohio Co. Carroll is trying to be that second team in a district that has the best team in the region. 12. Henry County- I could of put them ahead of Carroll, but they didnt get it done when they played Carroll, lost to them at home, BUT over the break Henry showed some life and that they could be the second best team behind Owen in the district. They had wins against Sayre, Atherton, and School for Creative Performing Arts, OH. Losses against Campbellsville, CAL , and Collins all competitive games that they had a chance in. 13. Grant County-Has fell way down in my polls, only win coming against Metcalfe Co over the break, they did lose a lot to graduation and its a long time to tourney. Losses to Clinton, CAL, and Anderson. They travelled to Florida and played in the Father Lopez losing to Suncoast Florida, but it is the only score reported from Florida. 14. Eminence-Only win come against Bath Co, losses to East Jessamine, Ryle, Owen Co, and Holy Spirit Preparatory, GA. 15. Gallatin Co- win came in a big seed game against Carroll Co, only played in 1 Christmas Tourney as I am sure they practiced a lot. Losses to Franklin Co, Simon Kenton, East Jessamine, and Lloyd Memorial. 16. Trimble-Picked up 2 wins, beat Crittendon Co, and St. Francis for Coach Mays first win as the head man in Bedford, losses to Walton Verona, Larue, Adair, and J-town. GAMES OF THE WEEK Oldham County @ Scott County Jan 5th Oldham County @ South Oldham Jan 8th Anderson @ Shelby County Jan 8th Owen @ Henry Jan 8th Collins @ Spencer Jan 8th Simon Kenton @ Scott High Jan 8th

Only thing that troubles a lot of our coaches is the fact it is a requirement to post them on the KHSAA, which is great for the kids and teams, so why in the world would you not have assists, steals, and blocks. Makes coaches have to do 2 separate stats for the year. Recognize everything if your going to be a pompous butt about it. Would love to see that change by next year and no reason that it is not.

1. Owen County- Not alot has changed, in fact, they may be better than some were thinking, out of region win against Henry Clay, Carson Williams being Carson, 33 points 13 rebounds. 2. Simon Kenton- Moving them up a spot, they get a quality win vs Walton in a big district seed game. 3. Oldham County- lost to Valley in the Ronald McDonald, Valley is alot better than people realize, got Bates back but still not 100%. Beat Trimble to go 1-0 in district and beat Anderson County as well. 4. South Oldham- impressive win against Cov. Holy Cross and CAL, the dragons are improving, both of those out of region teams had some big wins of their own this week 5. Shelby County- Got football boys back, still rusty, Lost to CAL, Beat Collins in a district seed game, only play once that counts toward seeding and this was it, beat Collegiate, improving and learning big for them these next couple weeks 6. MLC- lost to Shelby but it was very competitive, they left a ton of points out there, they did beat a scrappy Franklin County team. They are long and athletic, Coach Gaither has them better than expected already 7. Walton Verona- a team that I warned people about, beat a good Buckhorn team, played Simon Kenton well in a losing cause. Beat Gallatin which is somewhat of a rivalry 8. Grant County- Lost alot of players to graduation they are trying to find their identity, beat Williamstown in a district seed game, lost to Lafayette badly, and lost to South Oldham 9. Anderson County- lost to Oldham County, was a good game through 3 quarters, only game they played this week, that means Coach Drury has worked them hard this week in practice 10. North Oldham- has played a tough schedule, they beat a good West Jessamine team, lost to Bardstown in a close game, and lost to Male, this team could sneak up on my list 11. Spencer County-Beat Whitfield, lost to B. East and Danville in foul fest, football guys are finding their way 12. Henry County- Beat Eminence and Gallatin, both district seed games, got Jameson back from an injury, excited to see how they play Owen 13. Carroll County- Got beat down by Owen 40 plus, however I think they could sneak into the region, big week for them coming up, 14. Williamstown- Lost to Grant County, beat St. Patrick, they are improving 15. Eminence-Lost to Henry and Sayre, looking to rebound this week 16. Gallatin- got beat down by Walton, lost to Henry in a heart breaker, Jon's boys will improve, 17. Trimble- Lost to Oldham badly, and Owen, as they should they are re-building and will improve under Coach May Games of the Week Carroll Count @ Henry County (12-15) Simon Kenton @ Conner (12-15) BEST IN HOOPS start (12-17), great games in the Oldham Tourney Henry @ Owen County (12-17) Spencer @ South Oldham (12-17) Coach Burns was Coach Simpsons assistant KOB Trinity vs Owen (12-18) go Rebels!! Shelby @ Simon (12-18) battle of top 5 teams in my poll

Great Job DAWG!!! I would have Daniel Brown in the top 10, ended up Berea Colleges all time leading scorer as well, almost 3,000, when Berea was NAIA still

Hard for some of us to think that Mason could lose to Bourbon, but it is a possibility, just mind boggling to me. I will take Mason by 5 in the field house

This week has some early "Huge" match ups with district seeds coming into play, it is hard to put all the games on here so I am leaving some out unfortunately. Big implications so early in the season. Monday Dec 7th Spencer @ Whitfield Tuesday Dec 8th Anderson Co @ Oldham, Shelby @ CAL, Eminence @ Henry (district seed), SK @ Ryle, Gallatin @ Williamstown, Owen @ Trimble, North Oldham @ Male Wednesday Dec 9th - Gallatin @ Walton Thursday Dec 10th- Owen @ Carroll (district seed), Grant Co @ Lafayette, B. East@ Spencer Friday Dec 11th Collins @ Shelby (district seed), South Oldham @ Grant, SK @ Walton (dsitrict seed) Saturday Dec 12th Owen Vs. Henry Clay in the Addidas Classic

With the first week of the season, comes eye opening scores, it is really hard to know what to expect from teams, considering football is still going on and some teams have just finished with football. Some teams are looking and searching for new identities as they lost some very good seniors, and are looking for younger players to step up. Here is a new ranking off last weeks results. Since college football has their weird playoff 4, I am giving you mine in 8th region basketball..... 1. Owen County- nothing has changed, big win vs. South Laurel on a neutral floor, 3-0 this week. 2. Oldham County- 2-0 this week, both road wins, impressive win at North Hardin without Jacob Bates 3. Simon Kenton-2-0 this week as well, a big win at Mason County,and defeated Gallatin County as well. 4. South Oldham-2-0 this week. Told everyone they would be better, defeated CAL, and Shelby County. Look quicker and more athletic, think they made (10) 3's against Shelby Those 4 seem to be ahead of everyone else right now, the next level of teams have a chance to creep into my top 4 eventually. 5. Shelby County-0-3 this week, however did not have (4) of their guys to football, played Mercer Co, Muncie Central Indiana, and South Oldham, they did get football guys back Saturday 6. Grant County 1-2 this week, beat Boone Co, lost to Ryle and Mercer Co, will see more this week 7. Anderson County 1-1 this week, beat East Jessamine, lost to Garrard Co, which worry's me some 8. Walton Verona 1-2 this week lost to Scott Co, Dixie Heights, big win over Buckhorn on a neutral floor 9. Collins 1-2 this week, beat Gallatin Co, lost to Bullitt East badly, and Lexington Christian 10. North Oldham 1-1 this week, lost to Fern Creek, and beat Thomas Nelson These next group of teams are trying to crack the top 10 and are close 11. Spencer Co 1-2 this week, beat Franklin Co, lost to KCD, and Boyle, FT's cost them Boyle game 12. Carroll Co 2-1 this week, beat Trimble and Williamstown, lost to Loyd Memorial badly which Owen beat by 20 plus 13. W-town 1-2 this week, beat Eminence, lost heart breaker to Beechwood, and Carroll Co. 14. Henry Co 1-2 this week, some injury's on their team, bad losses to Beechwood, and North Bullitt, beat Western Hills 15. Eminence- 2-1 this week, beat Gallatin, and Trimble, lost to Williamstown, big district seed win against Gallatin 16. Gallatin Co- 0-3 this week, lost to Collins, Eminence, and Simon, look for Coach Jones to make them better 17. Trimble Co- 0-3 this week, lost to Bullitt Central, Carroll, and Eminence, will take Coach May a while to turn them around

Stacey was at Williamstown, he was the JV coach for Yager

Thanks guys, some great early match ups

This week has some interesting match-ups as far as some of the 8th region pre-season favorites stepping out of region and challenging other pre-season favorites. Early on gauge for how competitive the 8th region can be around the state. Oldham @ North Hardin Dec 1st- If anyone can beat Taylor County in the 5th region I believe it is North Hardin. Shelby County @ Mercer County Dec 1st- tough first game for the Rockets, who just got their football kids, today, so it will be hard to really gauge the game. Mercer is loaded and the favorite in the 12th. Owen @ South Laurel Dec 5th- part of Nissan Classic, the favorite in the 13th vs. the favorite in the 8th Simon @ Mason Dec 4th long road trip and Coach Biggs first as the head man at Mason Games inside the region of interest Gallatin @ Collins Dec 1st the regional champs take on a fisty bunch of Wildcats, a glimpse of 2 teams that could be contenders by seasons end. South Oldham @ Shelby Dec 3rd two teams that could win the region this year, unfortunately Shelby may not have all their kids, great football season Carroll @ Trimble Dec 3rd an old rivalry that always is a competitive game, with great crowds and atmosphere, Coach Stacy May the new head coach at Trimble vs. the team he coached with last

After watching Trinity play Mercer County to a tie, I would disagree, with them losing one of the better Juniors in the state.

Martin had 19 points/ 8rebounds in the semi-final against Mier last year, thought she had a good game against Simon Kenton. Not really alot of post players in the 8th region for some reason. Guard heavy region

Saw Neice with the Premier and she did well. Played against great competition that will only maker her better. Did check with someone about JV. Shelby 30 Simon 22 last year. Shelby has some good young kids as well, Ally keeps improving sky is the limit, D1 offers will come I think, defense is not D1 but offensively she is close

I would agree last season about Owen County's guards, but both have improved tremendously over the summer. Give alot of credit to Coach Duvall and his staff, Coach Duvall was a heck of a guard himself, not to mention that Williams, and Dunaway handle the ball well for bigs. What worry's me for this team is depth, and injury's. I see that as a weakness in their armor. Come regional tourney time, all of Owenton will be at Henry County's gym, and whatever team sends Carson Williams home as a senior will have deserved it, trust me.

JV lost at Shelby last season I thought

Anyone know what their JV record was last year? Who they lost too?

Region is really balanced. Will be an exciting tourney to watch. In my opinion they will not be as good as last year, lost a stud/heart of their team. They have some younger players that are nice players. They can definitely win the region as can 4/5 other teams. Outside shooting is supsect, defense is really good.

The miracle TD against North oldham helped.. incredible ending, another team from that district that I think is going to surprise people

To be honest how does anyone know this? Obviously this part of the state we have not watched JC, South Warren, Wayne or Mercer. I know that the district with Shelby, Spencer was extremely balanced and tough. I also know John Hardin is pretty good. The 4A could have a vert interesting final four. Wouldn't surprise me if any of those teams win it all.

If it not for Boley probably Miss Basketball, great kid and player Congrats!!

No one mean enough to tackle Manica in my opinion, looked intimidated the first time, they better play or it will be ugly again. Just alot better team, in my opinion

Games are won on the line of scrimmage, and Shelby dominated them 3 weeks ago on both, so unless they have got stronger and faster in 3 weeks this game will belong to Shelby, will it be closer I believe so, just think Shelby is better and Collins isnt very good. It is a rival so emotions play a big role, but Shelby is a better team, why the won a tough district

To answer #10 nobody, has better popcorn, and I mean nobody. Great job you guys!!