ESPNdeux

Quite frankly, I was not a fan of the Saturday night Sunday afternoon format. I am not a UK fan and have no interest in being in Lexington all day waiting for games at 7:30 and 9:30. And I didn't like the Sunday finals either. Get them over with Saturday night. And I didn't like them not being on the same weekend as the NCAA's. I realize that last part couldn't really be fixed.

For the next two years people will complain about 'carries' by Bolden. They aren't going to get anywhere. #1, he handles so well that some people can't fathom he did it without a carry. #2, I've seen it countless times where kids dribble on the side of the ball and everyone wants a carry. And this isn't a carry, nor is there any way for this to be called and for the game to have flow.

It's my understanding that Enquirer Player of the Year is the NKAC Divisional Players of the Year. Those are voted on by opposing coaches. I believe Ruthsatz finished second to Hatton in DI and Bolden finished 2nd to Campbell in D2.

We were talking about while we were down there... Someone pointed out the fact that Ballard hasn't won it since'99. Quite unbelievable with all of the talent they've had through the years.

I'm from the 'younger generation.' But I still missed the programs.

Just off the top of my head, Northern Kentucky has Bolden, Hatton, Ruthsatz that should all get D1 looks... and McDonald possibly...

To me, I can't call this the best I've been to. I've been going since '99. A short time compared to some. A long time compared to others. But here's why... While there was great talent, there really were no great 'upsets'... Some years you have a team that is clearly less superior talent wise get on a role and win a few games they have no business winning. Apollo in the early 2000's come to mind. For the most part, everyone had MC and Ballard in the final, and thats what they got. There was no great underdog story. That started with the smallest schools being 4A. But you usually have the small school that knocks off a few big dogs on the strength of teamwork overcoming talent. Shelby Valley of 2010 comes to mind. There wasn't that team that everyone in Lexington got behind. Because of their great story or what have you. The Elliot County teams that made ESPN come to mind. While there was a lot of 'Really Good' talent, I don't know that there was any professional level talent there. The OJ Mayo Rose Hill teams or the Chris Lofton Mason County teams come to mind. (This one could be argued) And honestly I would argue that, while there were a lot of close games, there was really a lack of 'defining moments.' I realize that the Bosley shot will live in Kentucky High School Basketball History forever, but other than that, there wasn't a lot of big moments. This could just be on my memory, but I remember the Holmes/Central game had multiple 'did he really just do that' moments... Riley's 3 from the corner, when the Patterson kid from Central fouled out, Jeremiah Johnson missing an uncontested lay up that would've won state in regulation... There is also the Rowan/Christian game with the 3 at the buzzer to send it into OT, and Anthony Hickey doing amazing things all over the court and going from a D2 recruit to the SEC in one weekend.... or the 2004 tourney with Lofton going crazy Saturday morning to get Mason to Saturday night and then DeWalt with the dunk that night.... Aside from that, just my opinion, but the entire weekend missed being on NCAA tourney weekend. I'm sure I'm not the only one who enjoyed watching the 1st round games between sessions rather than sitting around and waiting... I realize my sentiments on a few of these will not be shared by everyone.

Where would Renner and Feldhaus go?

Crazy amount of people down here from MoCo. Just cant see anyone beating Ballard though.

I want to make clear that im not blaming officials. I just think that Hawkins shoved thru and should've been called for it. I also think the biggest call of the game was the block to start ot. My entire row agreed it was a charge. I also think Holmes turned it over far too much. And that they missed far too many free throws.

Im not going to harp on officials but there are 3 things that stand out. 11 had 2 hands on Bolden on many drives all day. I can handle that. The 5 second call on MC was laughable. On one of three inbounds Hawkins blatantly just pushed through two Holmes players. I know thats a big call in that situation. But it was blatant.

Holmes foul trouble could make a big difference in this one.

Very impressed with Ballard's big man Martin tonight... I'll say this about the game. I think KCC has a better shot than Johnson Central had. They'll still need a huge upset...

It's a pretty general consensus that Ballard was the team to beat coming in, and I don't see why anything should've changed... Madison Central was the consensus second choice and they came out with a 30 point W. I don't see why anyone would rank anyone but them 1 and 2 til they get knocked out... Holmes and Montgomery County played the toughest first round opponents of the contenders. I'd put them 3 and 4. John Hardin and Hoptown pass the eye test, but looked a little sloppy against lesser opponents. They both could win it, but wouldn't be the betting favorites. KCC and further down the line Graves are the longest of shots... So I guess that makes my list... 1. Ballard 2. Madison Central 3. Holmes 4. Montgomery County 5. John Hardin 6. Hoptown 7. KCC 8. Graves County

I was more referring to if Hawkins blows up in this tournament, expect one of those SEC schools to offer....

I believe what was being implied was that Highlands would be the most opposed to moving districts, as they likely have the most pull of the NKY public schools. The river schools don't have a lot of say and will likely do what is asked of them region wise. Though from what is coming out in the news the last couple days, Dayton may have to find embezzled money out of the pockets of their former superintendent to be able to afford the travel expensenses for the long 10th region trips... But I guess thats another thread...

How many coaches do they have? Is anyone else having problems with the ihigh feed?

I just watched the press conference from yesterday's game... I have to admit, I really don't like the mention of the officials by Coach Mabry and the players. Now let me clarify, they always mentioned "thats not why we lost" but there was always a 'but...' I don't like that. Especially in a game like that... They definitely called it tighter in the 4th, but it was consistent. For them to say "we didn't get any of the calls" or "the calls didn't go our way" or "I felt like we should've been at the free throw line more"... I just don't like it. If you are going to go to the podium and say that in a high school game, it needs to be blatant... Just my opinion...

You can add Purdue to the list for Bolden. I know they've been to see him a few times as well... As far as Hawkins, I'm not as familiar, but from what I've heard, it's offers from a lot of the local mid majors (Morehead, Western, etc.) with "interest" but no offers from some SEC schools (Alabama, Tennessee, UK).... Now, if Hawkins blows up the state tourney here in the next four days, expect an offer... Just ask Anthony Hickey....

The Dayton job has been posted over a week now... Anyone have word on that front?

I think you're underestimating him. But to each their own... By the way, in no way am I insinuating a Holmes win, I just think in terms of DI ability, they're on equal level... I don't think grade has much to do with it....

I understand the logic but can't see Booher sending his windex man out on the outside... My first thought was Coston, he seems to be, by far, the strongest of Holmes guards.

This happened because the ran two at Bolden.... If MC can guard Bolden one on one and not get beat consistently then you may be right. I just don't think there are many people that have done that all season....

Who will draw the defensive assignment against Hawkins for Holmes?

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