LethalPG

From afar, I felt like Laurel Co. in general has one of the most solid feeder programs in Southeast Ky.

Coach Hamlin was on prior staff, and working at the high school. I would think so with the tradition, history and proximity.

Not sure, just came across an article on Coach Pittman stepping down. I know Brangers trained some of the Seniors on their team with skills.

Coach Pittman cited that he would like to get back in the college game. The Colonels graduate a boatload of talent.

Coach Pittman has stepped down after one season. He came on really late in the game after Coach Gatewood stepped down in July.

Maybe. He’s got a really talented team coming back though, and his wife is from Log Mountain.

Coach Daniel is rolling at The University of the Cumberlands now too! They’re headed back to the final 16 of the NAIA again this season.

Girls team has advanced to final 16 in NAIA. He has been on girls and boys staff this season.

Traditional power in the 13th Region open.

Their middle school conference is not with most of the regional teams. I watched them a few times in Freshman ball and JV. They’re solid, but outside of Noe I wouldn’t say anyone stood out as a game changer IMO. They need to get back in the Salt River Middle School Conference.

Elisha Justice makes sense to me, where he played for Coach Booher if he’s ready for something different.

Ryan Noe is all they have back. I think you can build around Noe. He was really solid for a Freshman this year. I think their young crew is decent, but it’ll be a hard climb back in the 45th.

I don't think it's a bad idea to have a respected coach from the school system in on hiring committees. They know the school and the administration and what they're looking for. Some of the time the administration are curriculum based people, and a coach can have valid interview questions.

This is what I was thinking. That it was a done deal when he came over a few years ago.

Coach Holland would be a homerun hire. He has been a winner everywhere he has been. He helped at Brescia University this past season in Owensboro.

I think that could be a very good fit. That would certainly spice of the Lex. Cath./LCA rivalry game.

So, getting extra rest being the first semifinal game doesn't help? Especially, with the length of travel both programs have to take. It absolutely helps, and is complete luck of the draw. That's a factual statement.

Butler is an impressive team with a ton of athleticism and speed. I feel like this could be a really tough matchup for Hazard.

Two really good defensive teams.

DCA has had a fantastic run with really good players. No one has been more complimentary of them. I’ve said multiple times Ateny should have been POY. Titus Boyd led a great run last season, and they’ve had kids step up in big moments. But, the anchor for them this season has been Ateny. And, when they needed it in the 4th Q he popped off a few NBA 3s. Big time shots off of no set situations. Maybe, will see how they perform without him affecting the games on both ends next season. Oh wait…how many new starters next season? Rock fight is not a negative connotation for 12th region HS basketball. There’s been a ton of them over years that have produced exciting games. Anyone saying Leek Ateny is not the difference maker needs to take their blinders off, and it’s a slight to the player. I don’t care if you try to take a shot at me, or whoever you think I am. I provide analysis for the region throughout the year, and yes I’m an advocate for the traditional method. Obviously, others are as well based on the poor crowd last night.

A good old rock fight in the final. One team has Leek Ateny, the other does not. He stepped up big in that stretch run, and gave them some separation. Good effort from the Colts.

Grayson, graduated in '24 I believe. His mother was a great player for Garrard County in the 90s, but I believe they have been DCA kids the whole way.

Yes, if the draw had been played out as is the West/Boyle Game would've been the first semifinal last night. The benefit of drawing the opening night games of the tournament is you get the early semifinal, scout the next game and get more rest. They flip for the Jessamine Co. schools when it is at Pulaski Co. to be the late games where they get out of school so late coupled with the length of travel. Danville Christian won out big IMO with their draw opponent, and also getting the 1st semifinal. When you're rolling, things tend to go your way. I believe when the tournament is at Lincoln Co. they flip game times for Wayne Co. and McCreary Central, but I could be wrong. I've never understood why they don't put a day of rest in-between the semifinals and finals. I think you would get a much better product in the championship game.

I lean DCA by double figures, but West can drag them into a rock fight potentially. DCA has looked really good in this tournament, and has the benefit of the game times being flipped to account for West travel last night. I think the extra rest will do them well, and it would not surprise me if they handle West tonight. Anything can happen on championship night though, so the Colts could be game.

The rest factor alone will be tough to overcome. DCA is surging right now too.