NKYBallCoach

I have heard that Diskin from Covcath has been offered from Delta State and Thomas More.

Also heard that Howard from NCC has been offered from Thomas More and Mt St Joe.

I’m sure both of these guys have a few more offers as well as others on the list this is just what I heard talking with local basketball coach.

Conner will be very nice team with Scott and Hicks.

NCC will also be very good with top scorers returning including Mullikin, Howard, and Jefferson.

I saw a lot of AAU this summer. That with what I saw last year should lend to a very good 9th region.

Really excited to see:

Vieth St Henry

Scott Conner

Greene Covcath

Draud Beechwood

White Newport

Howard NCC

Diskin Covcath

Vinson Highlands

Mullikin NCC

Niece SK

Cody Lloyd

Quantez Callloway Holmes

I didn’t necessarily understand that list either as I know a few kids getting recruited or getting offers from local colleges aren’t even on that list.

NCC should be good - great group back with Mullikin - Howard - Jefferson and Pangallo all returning.

I know Eli Howard received offers last week from Thomas More and MSJ.

Not to my knowledge but my information is 2nd hand anyway.

Ron Dawn was named head coach last Monday. This info is from a friend with a kid on team:

Ron told team Monday he was HC - job was not opened up is my understanding.

That’s my sleeper ... hit or miss pick lol

I think NCC and Conner will be in the mix as well. And don’t sleep on St Henry and Holy Cross.

Coach Collopy resigned yesterday after scrimmage to take job at St Cecilia.

Spoke to a friend/ Dad of player yesterday - Jim Pangallo is running program until new HC is hired.

Side note - this team will be very good. Jefferson, Howard, Pangallo, Iles and Mullikin all return.

I was just saying for this team as well as last year team would have benefited from a bit lighter schedule .... Walton - Roger Bacon - Holy Cross as a group is much more manageable than Belfrey - CAL and Scott from years past.

This team doesn’t have much depth for their schedule from years past but this is a really good 1A schedule.

Much more reasonable schedule - no Conner, Belfrey or CAL will help this team.

Great job. I think all games are competitive with exception of St Henry / CovCath. Colonels win that by 20+ I think.

I’m going with Newport vs Cooper Final - no reason why - just gut.

Personnel choices have been issue all year for NCC. I went to a dozen or so Breds games this year and;

Iles will certainly develop a more well rounded offensive game but right now he is primarily a spot up shooter (a really good one) dependent on others. Pangallo had moments this year but is another season away from being offensive go to guy. Both have a long way to go defensively but are only freshman and considering that had really nice years.

Saying that - both of those kids will have to (and will) average double figures next year as well as Howard and Mullikin being at close to 20 a game each for them to be regions top team. Along with Jefferson be the leader and facilitator.

I agree Tigerpride - goes to my thoughts above that wrong guys taking shots and being focal point.

Howard would have been on pick and roll with Mullikin every possession down the stretch if it’s me.

Congrats to Birds on advancing - they have had a very good year and it will be exciting District final.

NCC’s transition year is officially over -can’t use the youth / inexperience excuse anymore. Breds will be one of top teams in region next year and have to shore up roles on their team. Seems wrong guys are focal point of offense at times and personnel choices have been questionable all year.

Regardless: With all the close games around the other Districts - this region tourney will be fun.

Tale of 2 halves. NCC built 10 point first half lead with Howard and Jefferson attacking the rim. Highlands had no answer for it.

Second half - NCC shifted to forcing the ball into the post and their offense fell flat. Highlands got Leigh and Vinson open after defensive breakdowns for 3’s and they buried them.

Questionable offensive strategy for NCC in second half - they only scored 22 points. Especially since Howard kid scored 24 first game and both Jefferson and Howard were in the lane at will in this one.

But credit Birds timely shooting and toughness to grind out a come from behind win.

36th District Games at NCC tonight.

6:00 Highlands vs. NCC

8:30 Newport vs. Bellevue

Doors open at 5:00 pm.

We will not be emptying the gym between games however, the 8:30 start is to help with the flow of traffic on and off the hill.

Per NCC Facebook page

Tough loss for the Breds. NCC played once again without Mullikin but had the lead throughout until FD took lead late 4th quarter. Breds’ Howard had deep 3 bounce off rim for win at end of regulation and FD prevailed in OT.

In response/agreement to all the above comments in regards to Cooper team culture - the one thing I took away from the game from Cooper - they really look like they enjoy playing together more so than any other team I have seen this year and they did take great pride at defensive end of the floor.

@Bluesport - I agree but those 2 games should have * for NCC ... as a couple key players sat majority of 2nd halves in those contests. Not saying it changes losses to wins as Mustangs and Bulldogs both deserved victories - but when 3 starters sit majority of a half it does effect game.

Bigger thing for me was that NCC competed without Mullikin who has been so good this year. I think NCC is heading in right direction (especially for next year as 8 of 9 players return)

This was a pretty competitive game into 4th quarter on Sr night at Cooper.

23-19 Cooper at half and a about a 10 point game until about 4 min left in 4th quarter.

Breds were without Mullikin tonight but played tough. NCC guards Howard and Jeffferson got to the rim off the bounce but just couldn’t finish well enough as Cooper’s collapsing defense challenged everything.

Cooper’s outside shooting was terrific and they played very well overall.

Final

I agree - I was at both games this season - and no matter the line-ups -these 2 teams are both evenly matched and play hard. Newport's experience in the end has been the difference in my opinion.

Not to mention that Newport has hit 3's to end 4 of the 8 the quarters they have competed in - last night Maguire hit one at half and ended third with fouled 3 pointer.

Exciting game and should be great district tourney with a lot of great players throughout.

NCC weapons were on the bench. Except Mullikin and Jefferson - other 3 offensive standouts sat most of 2nd half.

Not too take away Mustangs effort though - they played hard and tough and Schumacher set tone early.