First

I will go back to quotes I made on here a year (+) ago. I said that Treyvon would end up as one of the all-time greats to come out of the 12th region, but people said that was foolish. I've seen a LOT of basketball over the years, including both AAU and high school. I recognize and understand talent. He will at least be the best that I've ever seen in the 12th, though I haven't by any means seen all players over the years. And, IMO he will be every bit as good as any kid in the KY classes of 2015 & 2016,. As far as the KY class of 2018, there are a few kids I haven't seen. But, for those that I have seen, Treyvon is easily the best. I don't think some folks realize just how good he is now. I know this will draw a lot of negative comments, much like my posts did 12-18 months ago. My rebuttal, in advance, is just wait and see.

Glad to hear that Stearns is back as well. Hate to see a kid miss any time due to injury, especially during their senior season. What about the transfers for Pulaski - the kids from New Mexico? Are they playing yet?

I too expect it to be a good game. One big difference in Madison Central and Montgomery is that Madison Central is definitely more athletic, but Montgomery has more size. And if Montgomery hits 75% from beyond the arc (as Central did), that'll be a problem for sure.

If they can't get excited (early on) for the championship game at MoCo, then I'm not sure what to say. They need to come out of the gate looking to play up-tempo instead of waiting 10-12 minutes to kick it in. I do expect what happened in last night's game to help them tonight. We shall see.

I don't know about sluggish "this week." They won the first game by 40 against a team that Paris beat by 7 yesterday. They were "sluggish" in a big way in the first quarter against Central, then won each of the next 3 quarters.

Madison Central's first half stats: 80% FT 71% FG 63% 3's And they shot 75% from three for the game. Mercer got smoked Q1, then won each of the next three quarters. I've been saying they can't continue to start slow or it will catch up with them. Well, it just about did tonight. They better learn from this!

If Mercer is fortunate enough to make it to the championship, and they play Montgomery, it won't be an easy game. The Mercer staff all spent time at Montgomery and several of the kids know each other pretty well. Lots of respect both ways, but both sides will really want the win.

Running clock in the third quarter. Mercer led 23-5 after 1 and 48-17 at half. As far as the third region goes, Muhlenberg isn't in the same league as Meade County.

Just started the 4th quarter here at the Gateway Classic. Mercer is playing Muhlenberg. Been a running clock for some time now. All starters are out for Mercer and they lead 68-29. If Muhlenberg beats Meade, I will buy you a steak dinner. It's not even close. Not at all. With as well as they shoot the ball, and the big, athletic kid in the middle, I believe Meade is going to surprise some folks this year.

I'm a little biased, but no question Mercer is the best team. That said, in a one and done situation, Southwest and Wayne have the potential to beat anyone in the state, including Mercer.

I don't really care who they have or have not played. I've seen Trinity, Mercer and Bullitt East, all teams that are listed as top 5. And I've seen South Laurel. No question that they are a top 20 team. True story.

Unfortunately, I don't think he will get it due to the years of hype surrounding Goodin - but I hope he does. It should be an award that goes to the best high school basketball player in the state as opposed to who has the most college potential - and Williams is a better high school player. I'm also not so sure Williams won't fare better in college. I'm also HUGE on the academic and character piece. He's a kid that quietly does his thing. That's refreshing.

Pretty sure this was debated, at length, in a thread a couple of days ago. As was said then, their schedule ramps up considerably down the stretch. Much like Boyle last year, the regional tournament will do more to "prepare" them for state than their regular season schedule - IF they are fortunate enough to win the 12th. It turned out pretty well for Boyle! And, like Boyle last year, whether they're good enough to win region and make a run at RUPP will be determined by whether they are good enough to do so as opposed to their schedule during the first half of their season. Period. And please keep in mind that, though they did "only" beat SL by 1, it was their PG's (Hager) first game back after missing 2 weeks due to illness. He was less than 50% and was largely ineffective. If you don't think that's material, then you haven't watched Mercer play.

I'm not arguing with you regarding Clay and SL. I think both are top 15 and very well could be top 10. I have seen both Smith and Farmer play. Different players but both very good. But, I don't consider Farmer a guard. He's much more of a wing IMO. I feel just as strongly about Mercer's backcourt of Hager and Faulkner. And they complement each other very well.

Yeah, I think Coach Cook is working on changing the schedule right now. Since that's possible and all.... As I always say, if you don't have haters, you ain't relevant. Point proven.

So you've made it out all the way out west to see Meade play? They really surprised me tonight. They clearly are better than you think. Unbelievable shooters and a great system, enhanced by a super athletic 6'6" kid in the middle. Only time will tell, but keep an eye on them. They will be in the top 20. And having seen both up close, they'd give South Laurel all they'd want. And I'm of the opinion that SL should be in the 12-14 range.

So it's your opinion that the 13th region is that much stronger than the 3rd? Hey, I would've loved to have seen them at the KOB. But, Meade is the 3rd region favorite and after watching them tonight, I feel confident you'll see them at Rupp. Mercer beat them by 17, but it was 22 when the starters came out. Pretty good win over a team that's favored to win the third. Also, if both teams win their first game at Gateway next week, Mercer will face the 10th region favorite.

Geeeeeeeez

Mercer wins the Farmers National Bank Clash of the Titans by beating third region favorite Meade County. Mercer improves to 11-0 and Meade drops to 10-1. If you haven't seen Meade, they are very good. They have an extremely athletic interior player with great hands and a nice touch and their perimeter players are in range when they cross half court. Think Trinity. Mercer with 4 starters in double figures and the 5th starter scored 9. In a time where there's so much "me" basketball, it's sure fun to watch a team win at a high level by sharing the ball.

Semifinal of the Titan Christmas tournament. Titans move to 10-0 and will face third region favorite Meade County in the finals tomorrow night.

Dixie Heights is a solid team and their coach had a great game plan. They were very deliberate and were able to make it an ugly game.

That makes more sense. Last I saw it was late in the game and it was very close. Given what they lost, Lincoln looked much better than I expected. You just won't find a better coached team.

This game was much closer than the final score would indicate.

Danville just fell to a 1-4 Collins team. I did not expect that one.

It's all on the Riherds KHSAA scoreboard website under boys basketball.