scooterbob

I doubt that your humor was appreciated by Russell supporters. As for my reply, I was not "kidding" but merely stating facts.

WoodyJr, your defense of your school is noted. The only problem is that you, to no one's surprise, failed to back it up with any facts whatsoever. Now, I'm sure you are going to come back with a rather ancient history lesson. How about something current- like in the past couple of years? I obviously stand by my statements. Actually, my purpose was not to take a shot at Ashland. Ashland is a good school- no better and no worse overall than most schools. My point was to point out the poor and pompous attitudes of some of your cohorts. Russell's accomplishments, in athletics and in academics, are something that all of us should salute. They have earned our respect and admiration.

Inviting schools like Ironton and Huntington, when they are up and not down, is a good idea. The crowds would be much better and the competition would improve. Inviting the Letcher Centrals of the world doesn't add anything, either.

I am disappointed in, but certainly not surprised by, the reaction of the above Ashland posters. Last time I checked Russell won the Class AA state football championship, Russell won the Governor's Cup (again), Russell's boys won the 16th Region, Russell's girls won the 63rd District and reached the semi-finals of the 16th Region. What have your boys and girls accomplished lately, GIAT and gopack21? You are sending a revealing message about that "tradition". I would say that Russell left you in the dust, as usual, academically and this year did the same in athletics.

Rose Hill lost to Louisville Ballard by five points in the second round of the 2003 tournament. Of course, as Rose Hill's many detractors like to point out, that team had a few key players who did not have deep roots in the 16th Region.

Well said, basketballmomcat.

I would merely second the comments made by LRCW in posts 10 and 12. I think he hit the nail on the head in both posts.

Rose Hill will enter the game with proper respect for Rowan County. On paper, there was no way Rowan County should have come close to West Carter. Rose Hill is aware of what can happen if you come unprepared.

It is often difficult for a team that is heralded in the preseason to play up to expectations. Rose Hill has done that regardless of whether they win or lose tonight. They have played a far stronger and far more impressive schedule than that played by any other region team with the possible exception of Rowan County. Before hosting the district tournament, they had played only five home games. They have carried the "bullseye" all season. Much of their success should be credited to the fine job done by Coach Pam Euton. She should be the coach of the year.

As I recall, Ashland didn't schedule everyone in the district for the 2002-2003 season even though the district was seeded. Instead they took two forfeits for seeding purposes. Why should anyone believe that the next four or five years would be any different? As has been posted above, it was my understanding that Ashland's schedule was already full. Unlike some, I will remain consistent. I still don't believe in seeding the district unless we seed the regional tournament and the state tournament. I also still believe that it is better for all concerned for Rose Hill and Ashland to go their separate ways for the next few years since neither school trusts or respects the other. By looking at the talent level in both schools from the fourth grade up, over the next few years such an arrangement is far more beneficial to Ashland than to Rose Hill. After all, it is merely a matter of principle.

I thought the difference was clearly in the play of the guards. Katy Spradlin was outstanding on defense and made most trips down the court chaotic for the Russell guards. If a player of the game were awarded, my vote would have been for Katy.

Morehead

Likearock, my friend, your above three posts articulate your position well. Although I did a good bit of officiating in the long past, I would need an electric wheelchair designed and built by Paul, Jr. and Vinnie of Orange County Choppers to keep up today. I think our two compatriots, Uncle Jed and spindoc, would let them play and keep their whistles reasonably quiet which would be of benefit to both teams. Best wishes.

Gee, likearock, I have read and reread the posts in this thread- particularly those by Uncle Jed, spindoc, and me. Other than Uncle Jed mentioning a desire that the game be called evenly and my request that they not nitpick (My statement, by its content, would indicate to most that it applies to both teams.), I see no particular reference to referees and certainly none indicating bias. Possibly you, my friend, should be a little more sure of your facts before you pontificate with advice and opinion. Relax. You seem quite hostile.

Russell will have the size advantage under the basket with three big girls-Fortman, Okora, and Daniels- with a fourth one in Menshouse coming off the bench. Rose Hill has Terry and Queen. It will be a difficult task for Rose Hill. Rose Hill's equalizer will be its superior guard play- both offensively and defensively.

Great.

Wilhoit's long tenure as education commissioner might be compared to an extended case of diarrhea. Both may be of record length but both are damaging.

Give it some more thought, Theoldguy. You will see more talent in the LexCath-Scott County game than you will see in the UK-SC game.

Nonetheless, if the AIT had the two "mega-sponsors", the school would probably reopen for the opportunity to compete for the big money. If not, I feel sure that Olive Hill Erie or Carter City would be interested.

Russell.

I believe the winner of this game will have a hard time with West Carter- assuming they beat Rowan County. Some seem to believe that the emotion angle applies most to the Faulkner girls. I believe that there is far more from the other direction. From what I hear, there is still no love for the girls at Russell. If this is a tight, emotional game, the winner may well not have enough left to defeat a good West Carter team. That is why the draw was so beneficial to West. Rowan County is not an automatic win but playing them is a great advantage over what is set for the upper bracket. As for the game, I believe the difference is in the guards. Russell is not strong at those positions. Rose Hill has an advantage there. For the other three, you can roll the dice. Fouls will be the wild card and, possibly, the trump card. Hopefully, the referees will let the girls play and not nitpick.

I hope you are correct, Tall Trees. Good luck to LexCath.

Frances, She is a fine and gracious lady and her support was vital to the success of the 63rd District Tournament. Do you think she would share the sponsorship of the AIT with Big Sandy Super Stores? With two "mega-sponsors" we may be able to attract St. Patrick of New Jersey and Tolentine of New York along with the others.

Ovinton will be welcomed with open arms by whatever school he chooses to attend. I just hope he is allowed to make the decision for himself. He owes no one any special consideration- including those around him. Whatever stature he has attained and fame he has earned are the result of his hard work, his dedication, his drive, and his often overlooked but considerable intelligence.

I'm glad that most didn't take offense with my above post. It was meant to be in support of the AIT format, to give a little history, and to add a little humor. The AIT is a true asset to the Ashland area and is much more successful when Ashland performs well in it. Although it may sound good to invite OHA, Mater Dei, and DeMatha, those schools wouldn't bring much of a crowd and they always require that all their expenses be paid by the host. Even with full houses for each session, the event would be a financial disaster unless we could get Teresa Wright-Jarrell to underwrite the tournament as she did the 63rd District.