First

I love the way Stearns plays the game. He should touch it every trip.

That's not his first one this year.

He wasn't in the middle too much. I'd say about 1/4 of the game. Personally, for teams that want to zone Mercer, I think that's their best strategy. It works very well. I've asked some people and no one saw how Gentry got busted up. I'm going to try to look at the film.

As I've said in the past, push-offs on drives, whether by Hager or most any guard, usually follow body contact by the defender (that isn't being called). Much like big men, as a big, strong guard, he just doesn't get the benefit of the blocking and hand check calls on the perimeter that smaller guards get.

Last 3 calls went Rock's way. Keeps it interesting I guess.

West Jessamine and Casey are the 2 "most improved" teams - compared to November/December.

I think Casey is a different team, playing much better now. I like their junior class and I'm glad to see those kids achieve success. But West Jessamine will win this one.

I don't think so.

I think you may have misunderstood who I was considering in those top three. They are one of those three in my mind with West Jessamine being the possible fourth.

Excellent point. I forgot that West beat Wayne. Problem is you just never know what you're going to get from Wayne. Judging by their last two games they are going to be very, very difficult for West to beat. Look back just a few more games, and you have to like West's chances. Here's hoping for a 46th district championship game.

I don't think so. Much like last year, there are only 3 teams that can realistically put together the 3 games needed to win it all. There are a few that can do what Mercer did last year and surprise someone thus the reason no team can overlook anyone.

They probably don't get that many media credentials there....

Here are a few videos off their Facebook page that show the gym. Third one shows the letters on the bleachers. Fifth one shows a good view of the whole gym. https://m.facebook.com/MercerCountySeniorHigh

I like Pulaski's as well. I have not seen one nicer then Mercer's gym. The fact that it's only about five years old is in it's favor .

Congrats Bounce. And by a nice margin.

How'd Snapp do?

Impressive.

Shocked by the margin. Storyline?

I think that Southeastern Kentucky teams have bee doing this for years, often as standard practice. I think it's more common everywhere now and has/will start to even the playing field. The other dynamic that I've noticed is kids from those areas of the state just tend to mature faster. I see them play middle school then, a few years go by, and they've grown very little compared to most middle school boys from my area. No clue why, but I could give multiple examples. Not a thing wrong with doing it as long as you maintain the proper perspective. If they have a physical advantage and are good enough, challenge them by playing them up whenever possible. If that is done, it will play dividends the last couple years of high school and college - if they're fortunate enough to play after high school.

Much like last year, I really do think that there are probably only three teams (possibly 4) that can put together the required back to back games to win region. That said, there are a few more teams that could put together a great night and, if they catch one of those top 3 on an off night, could crash their party.

I think Mercer learned a valuable lesson at Lafayette. They have responded very well and haven't had a game since where they were just going through the motions. If you don't show up against an average or better team, you risk getting beat. You may not always play your "A" game but it shouldn't be for lack of focus and effort. It is certainly possible that they lose but I don't expect it to be for that reason again.

Couldn't let this one go. I don't even know whio this other player is, but to demean the importance of a kid earning a scholarship worth $196,000 over 4 years doesn't come across too well. For perspective, an NKU scholarship is worth about $73,000. And that is relevant for the 99.9999% of the student athletes that won't play in the NBA.

That means you will now beat Roxk.

A month ago, I would not have hesitated to pick Pulaski. Now, I think it's a toss-up. So, since I didn't make a call on this game, I will predict that the winner of the Casey-Pulaki game will go on to beat Rock in the championship.

Ok Bounce, who wins the next one - Casey or Pulaski?