QueenoftheSouth

I think your point about the culture with Boyle football is spot on. And I think Atkins’ turnaround his first year at Mercer was phenomenal. That was an even better coaching job than what he did last year in getting them to the regional championship game. But Mercer was playing a 5 man rotation in the regional tournament when they had Sparrow and Sexton who could’ve provided strong minutes off the bench. I checked and DCA used 9 players in the semifinal game while Mercer used 5. I don’t think anyone would argue that the players off DCA’s bench should’ve been starting, but it made sense for them to be part of the rotation. Likewise with Mercer. I think those 2 kids, specifically, should’ve gotten meaningful minutes. Maybe they’d still be at Mercer this year but regardless I think Mercer would’ve been a better team last year.

I’m really looking forward to the Southwest & West game. To me, those are the second and third best teams. I’m just not sure in which order. I think Hutchinson may be the best player in the region, definitely top 3. And Simpson is a very good big man. I really like this Boyle team. It is Boyle’s best start in 4 years with a squad that most felt would be down in talent compared to that 3-year stint. I feel like right now they are playing as well as anyone and they’ve only had a game or two where they’ve had all of their rotation. And given that only 2 returnees have meaningful varsity experience, I think they’ll only get better. Could be a 20 win season for the Rebels!

Sexton was sick as well. Impressive win given that they were missing these 3 players. I’m excited about how Coach Todd has this team playing.

I don’t think Pulaski is a top 2 team. Maybe top 5.

MC is good even without Feldhaus (who may be the best 2026 player in the state). They have plenty of additional talent, including Asher who I’m impressed with.

Yes, and all can guard a wing and 2 of them can guard physical inside players as well. Good versatility. Also, I’ve heard there’s a possibility that Hager makes it back by late season.

Agreed. I can’t remember a year in the 12th with that many impact players out due to injury.

I didn’t see it that way. I think it was very much lineup dependent. When they went man in Q3, with their best defensive lineup, they went on I believe a 10-0 run to take the lead. Created a few turnovers and made it very difficult for Taylor to get quality looks. There are some nuances they need to work on, such as not helping off good shooters. But that’s not a difficult fix. I think once the coach figures out the best rotations vs different types of lineups, they will be a really good defensive team. Plus you have Driver’s presence in the lane and he alters just about everything.

Taylor County is very good! Extremely well coached, disciplined, tough defensively and can really shoot the ball. But Boyle had a legit chance in this one. Looking at these last two games, I think they just need to learn how to win. And that takes some time to establish. I really like this Boyle team‘s ceiling. They’re better than I thought possible this early in the season. They play hard and move well off the ball. And while they don’t have the crazy athletic guards creating havoc like they did the past few years, their team defense looks better. Outside of DCA, I think they can be as good as anyone in the region.

Big improvement for Dunbar vs last year.

Didn’t West have another kid close to 7’ that wasn’t eligible last year? Wondering if he’s still there and if so his status.

Is Fraley playing and healthy this year? Also, to your comment in the post before this one, are any of the injured players due back at any point during the season? That could factor into how it shakes out come tournament time.

How’d DCA look? Boyle scrimmaged them as well and won by 20+.

I see the most parity that we have seen in years. It won’t surprise me one bit if any of the top 6 teams (per the above rankings) end up as the best team. I’m not sold on DCA at the top. While they have one of the top players in the region, based solely on returnees from last season, I don’t see the separation I’ve seen the last couple years. They’re certainly in the mix, but not above it, in my opinion. Also, based on who all I have heard is playing for Boyle, I will throw them in the mix too (with the other 6). Ethan Milburn (6’5” wing) and Collier Sexton (skilled PG) are back playing again. Add them to Webb, Wheeler and Driver, plus a host of athletic backcourt players that I hear are likely playing, and they’ll present a unique challenge for many teams.

Who is the new addition at West?