First

Mercer vs Henry Clay in the championship at 3:30.

Final 4 about to start: Dunbar vs Henry Clay Mercer vs Lafayette

This one has developed into quite the rivalry. More to come this year, I'm sure!

Going 23-9 , winning the toughest district in the 12th region, and beating a very good Southwest team in region - all with returning one player that started full time the year before on an 11-12 team. And considered by most as pre-season favorite this year. Just saying there's excitement, and promise, surrounding that program that hasn't always been there. Sorry to upset you lol.

I completely agree with what you're saying. Trust me when I say Mercer is by no means "too loaded." Depth was a big issue for them last year and they lost 2 key reserves to graduation. For them to be most effective, they need to play up tempo and they couldn't really do that last year. To date, I believe the (2) Miller brothers are all that have transferred to Mercer. As far as numbers go, that would put them on par with where they were last year. They're quite a ways from having the UK issue.

Historically, Mercer has always been on the outside looking in when it comes to transfers. Funny what a little success does, ain't it?

Cam has all the potential in the world. If he meshes, and can get along with the coach, he will be a huge asset. Plus, I'm hearing they've picked up their annual transfer from a Lexington school. West seems to be top 5 or so just about every year. This year is shaping up to be no different.

I'm a little biased but, if you consider all aspects, including scoring, assists, rebounding & defense (not to mention size), I'll take Mercer's backcourt.

Wayne duo : 39 PPG* & 9 RPG Mercer duo: 34 & 11 West Jessamine duo: 29 & 9 Casey duo: 29 & 7 Southwest duo: 25 & 8 *keep in mind Wayne's style of play when looking at their scoring averages. We all know they play very up tempo and put up a lot of shots. For example, their duo averaged 15% higher PPG than Mercer's, but they also attempted 18% more FG's in doing so. The thing nit mentioned is assists. Anyone have APG on these guys?

Well, you have 3 players returning that made All Region: Blevins, Hager and Stearns. If Stearns is considered as a backcourt player, then no question they are the best backcourt, at least to start the season. But, if Stearns is, then you'd have to count Holifield from West. If you do that, here's my list to start the season: Blevins/Stearns Hager/Faulkner Jones/Holifield Gover/Fitgerald Smith/Miller

Unless he moved, which is unlikely. Dangerous player. Would really make a big difference for West.

^^I don't disagree with the pool hall wisdom. There's a very good chance they're going to be in the mix for the title. Saying they'll replace Woods easily? Now I can't agree with that comment.

Hate to burst your bubble but if you play like the Pistons in the 12th, all 5 of your starters will be on the bench by mid first quarter!

So I heard that Boyle beat Casey pretty handily. I believe by 17. Was Casey short-handed?

On Monday night, Mercer played Rowan and both teams started their starters and Mercer was up 28-4 or so before pulling their starters mid first half. The lead was cut to 12 by half then the starters came in again for the second half. It was about a 30 point lead when they went out again with about 5 minutes left. They also beat Bourbon by about the same margin they beat Owen. They will play Collins and Rockcastle tonight.

Well, that explains some things. And today is Friday. Tomorrow is Saturday and the day after that will be Sunday, so don't forget to enjoy your weekend!

Time?

Not sure if you meant this would be like last year or wouldn't be. There wasn't a team last year that was a clear cut favorite. There were 4 teams that everyone thought had a legit chance to win region, and each one held that "favorite" spot at different times during the year. Then, there were a couple more teams that most felt could beat any one of those 4 teams In a given night.

As another poster said above, I'm not sure they've gained as much from these transfers as they lost due to graduation. Probably about break even. If they get eligible, this puts Pulaski in contention for a district title and makes that district solid for the first time in several years. The advantage they have is that the region will be at Pulaski this year. I still don't think this puts them on par with the top 3 teams.

No one said Carson plays for a power program. He's only 1 player, albeit a great one, and this is a small, rural school. I don't blame the coach for scheduling who he is. You can look at it as that Carson has inflated numbers because he's playing for a small school against sub-par competition. The flip side is that if he he played for a bigger school, he'd probably get similar numbers against better competition because they couldn't double and triple team him!

You, sir, do the Travelers organization no favors. All of your chest thumping is done to accomplish what exactly? We all already have our own opinions on the quality of the leagues and of the teams within our state. You making a statement such as this isn't going to change anyone's mind on the matter. What it will do is breed resentment towards the very organization you are trying to build up. Again, you are doing them no favors.

^^Perhaps, but he agreed to play for and "announced" that he was playing with all of those teams that were stated. These weren't rumors, rather public announcements and generally via social media. He didn't follow through with a lot of those, obviously. But the fact remains that he "committed" to play with all 8 of those teams over the course of those 3 years.

Let's put this "development" in perspective. So far this year Goodin was announced to be playing for the Travelers; then Hoop Dreams; then was going to play with Manimal at state; and now he's announced he will be playing with IN Elite. This happened over over about an 8 - 10 week period. Last year was the year of stability as he played all year with the St. Louis Eagles. Can someone fill in the blank on where he played the year before his sophomore year? And the year before his freshman year he started out practicing with KY Elite; then it was announced he would play for the Travelers; then on to Hoop Dreams. Thats an association with 8 teams in 3 years (don't know about the other year), and this year is less than half over. This isn't really a "development," just more of the same.

I'm with you that you can never count Wayne out. Blevins and Stearns have each been to state twice. They are also likely the winningest program in the 12th over the last 20+ years. And Coach Woods will be back. Blevins and Stearns can both score. And I'm a fan of Stearns' all-around game. But when looking at those averages, you have to take into account that those are for a system that encourages shot attempts - and lots of them! 20 PPG in that offense might be similar to 15 PPG at Mercer or Southwest. I think Stearns and Bkevins will be 2 of the top 5 players in the region next year. That alone should have them in contention. For now, I go Mercer, Southwest then Wayne. Mercer's length and athleticism are their advantages. Plus, they have 1, arguably 2, of the top 5 players in the region. Probably 3 of the top 10. Southwest has a player, maybe 2, that could be top 10 as well. Their real strength is balance and depth.

^^ Who might that be?