scooterbob

Indeed, true. Very recently, East Carter thumped them quite handily. Russell.

Thanks for the correction. Rowan County lost to Scott County by 35, to CAL by 24, to North Hardin by 44, to Montgomery County by 29, and to Henry Clay by 22. Russell beat Boone County and Magoffin County. Russell lost to Montgomery County by 22 at Russell. Rowan County's 29 point loss to Montgomery County was at Morehead. Therefore, I would think it is reasonable to pick Russell by seven even though Rowan County has the home environment. I also much prefer Kidwell's quotes in today's DI rather than those of Thomas. Call it what you will but methinks that Thomas is blowing a little. Advantage to Kidwell. Yep. Russsell by seven.

Well, I would tend to discount all the Rowan County blowing and look at the game as a game of contrasting philosophies. Is the Russell approach of not playing west of Mt. Sterling and playing only one ranked team (Montgomery County) while building up an impressivbe won-lost record the better approach? Or, on the other hand, is the Rowan County approach of playing several ranked teams but being thoroughly blitzed by all of them the way to go? Again, I'll take the Clydesdales.

Elliott County

I'm really pleased that the Rowan County posters are so euphoric about the draw. Of course, playing at home will be their biggest advantage. I think MSUEagles called it a "neutral site" but he/she was, of course, kidding. And, his remark about the officiating was meant as a dig. All in all, other than the Rowan Countians, I feel sure most everyone is picking Russell in that game. Clydesdales usually handle Shetlands.

With the "spacing" of the schedule, the semifinal matchups won't necessarily give Ashland's bracket an advantage. In most years, the finals are the next night after the semifinals. This year, there is a day of rest in between the two. That will help the survivor of the tougher bracket.

I will agree with Royal Uncle. However, I would hasten to add that Britt is much more than a "throw in" and I'm sure RU didn't mean the term in a derrogatory way. She carried the team against Ashland. She is a force and a genuine pleasure to watch.

6:30 pm and 8:00 pm.

Nice win for Ashland. Selby's time on bench was likely the difference. When he is on the floor, his presence dominates the game. How many minutes did he miss? I believe he played almost all 32 minutes in the first round and avoided foul trouble. Although the difference was only two points, the difference in drawing Elliott County and Lewis County makes those two points enormous.

Well stated.

This draw will remind region followers of the 2002 and 2003 tournaments. Both of those years, there were three top contenders- Ashland, Morgan County, and Rose Hill. On both occasions, Rose Hill and Morgan County had to face each other in the semifinals while Ashland had a much easier time of it. Rose Hill beat Morgan County both years and lost to Ashland in 2002 and beat Ashland in 2003. I know that many Morgan Countians still believe that, if they had gotten by Rose Hill, the Cougars would have made two trips to Rupp Arena. Both Russell and Elliott County are obviously disappointed with the draw. However, don't overlook Rowan County playing, more or less, at home. Nonetheless, I'm sure they are doing backflips and high fives over on Blazer Blvd. I'm sure they are also saluting Matt Thomas since he carried the load when the all marbles were on the table in both of Ashland's district games. Good job, Matt. The only thing I would have changed is the color of your uniform.

That fourth first round game may well be the championship game. Best wishes to LexCath and to LCA.

I believe LexCath lost the big Stevenson girl to one of the local publics. That didn't help either. Nonehteless, the talent is there to win again. As I said, this may well be a wakeup call. I certainly hope so.

Monday: Rose Hill vs. Fleming County Raceland vs. East Carter Tuesday: Rowan County vs. Russell West Carter vs. Ashland

Someone will definitely be set up quite well.

This loss could just be a wakeup call. Does it take a private to beat a private in that area?

Most likely.

As a McConnell Scholar, she, and the other such scholars, were scheduled to meet with Senator McConnell and President Bush today.

I'll start a thread on what is on the minds of all area fans. The most important factor in the outcome of the tournament will be the "draw". Since winners must play runnersup in the first round, Russell's loss creates possible nightmares as well as blessings. When you look at the eight teams in the region, it is conceivable that any of six could win it. I would think that only Ashland and Fleming County cannot advance to Diddle Arena. No one wants to draw in the same bracket with Russell, Rowan County, West Carter, and/or Rose Hill. That is not to overlook Raceland and East Carter but, of course, Raceland will be in the opposite bracket from Russell and East will be in the opposite bracket from West. All in all, it could be a fine affair. However, as I said in another thread, Russell's loss could be just what they needed to shift up a gear or two and, in reality, Russell must be considered the favorite.

Agreed.

The boys have never won a district title. Ashland won both of the years when Mayo and Dawson were there, the first in triple overtime after Mayo fouled out in the first overtime and the second in one overtime when Rose Hill built up a big halftime lead and forgot that the game consisted of two halves.

I'm sure your sincere concern is noted on Friendship Road.

We'll have to wait for Himmelfarb for the statistics. However, he did say that it was a balanced effort. In a special moment prior to the announcing of the starting lineups, Coach Euton presented Laura Terry with her ball for scoring 2,000 points. Laura wanted to wait until her father, who works out of town, could attend and the district officials at Boyd County were kind enough to allow it to be done tonight. Wonderful moment for the Terry family and for all of us who feel close to them.

Rose Hill jumped out 7-0 and the game was never remotely in doubt. Ashland played hard and never gave up. However, the final score could have been much worse. Rose Hill played good defense and didn't allow Ashland to shoot and hit their threes. On offense, Rose Hill missed a goodly number of layups and were a little sluggish. Excellent game plan by Coach Euton and her staff and they deserve much of the credit. The game ball clearly should go to Britt for her fine performance at both ends of the floor. She was also masterful in removing the nets.

Russell. With all due respect to Raceland for their achievement, I believe that this game makes Russell an even greater favorite to win the region. Raceland may have won a week too early. However, you take your championships when you can get them. So I do congratulate Raceland. I believe this game may well just serve as a wakeup call for Russell. Their pride is bruised but there will be another day and no one will want to draw them in the first round at Morehead. It is likely that Coach Kidwell and his staff will have the full attention of their girls.