B-Ball-fan

I was just wondering if the fans and teams of the 9th region would have like officials from another region to come back again this year? What are the thoughts?

Not sure if I completely understand your question. Are you sure that you phrased it the way you had intended for it to be understood? :confused:

Basically I thought that the 5th Region refs were pretty good. They got a little weird at times but in general I think they did a fairly decent job. Overall, I think I prefer them to 9th Region refs. They let the guys play. The action on the floor became more charged up because of it. It made for more exciting basketball.

That's the best I can do in relationship to what I think that you were saying.

Maybe this time we can get'em. That is, of course if the 9th plays them. You're right, with a few upsets here and there, it's a little to early to know how the dice will fall. Can't wait to see all of tomorrows results.

Or actually tonight, considering it's already past midnight.

They have taken a step down in recent years... certainly not as good as the Lonnell DeWalt days...

Maybe this time we can get'em. That is, of course if the 9th plays them. You're right, with a few upsets here and there, it's a little to early to know how the dice will fall. Can't wait to see all of tomorrows results.

Don't let me fool ya... I've already checked the records for both teams left in the 3rd and the teams left in the fourth... :lol:

Another possible Warren Central matchup. How many times has the 9th Region had to play them in recent years? Too many that I care to remember.

I only got to see the second half, but what a game. NCC made the shots at the end, Dixie didn't. Dixie's shot selection in the final 2 minutes was not very good IMO, thus resulting in the misses. They forced some shots that shouldn't have been forced. Kiernan is tough down low, but doesn't get enough touches on the block (at least in the second half). With his size advantage, he should get the ball on the block almost every possession. However, he gets the ball too far away from the basket most of the time.

Too bad you didn't get to see the first half because Kiernan was an absolute beast. I don't know what he ended with, but I think that he was NewCath's first 11 or 13 points of the game. It'll be interesting to see how he performs against the Colonels. I think there's a tough inside war brewing there. Should be exciting. Don't think he'll get away with as much on the Blue Colonels as he did the Red Colonels though.

thats a good point but I'm sure they are stressing taking it one game at a time...

Sure, I know. I'm just dreaming ahead of the game for them. They've got the Breds to think about, but I'm just pondering the sweet possibilities.

I don't know how the Colonels are doing it but they improve by leaps and bounds with every game. I never thought this game would blow open like this, but it was amazing to see CovCath's defense get all over the Birds when they were kind of viewed going in to be the tougher defensive team. At times it looked like Highlands didn't know what hit them. They might've underestimated just how tough The Colonels could be. I think I even did a little and they sure showed who was boss tonight. What a fantastic team they have developled into, and what an amazing offensive show they put on with Danny Noll leading the pack with an unbelievable outstanding performance. What a poised, smart ballplayer that guy is! I felt like I was watching a team effort that was one for the record books. New Cath wasn't too shabby either, but I think Cov Cath's depth and awesome play will be all over the Breds as well. They've proven that they can now consistenly play this well and I can't imagine them not being at Rupp next week. Just a thought, both Owensboro Cath and Pendelton Co are out of it. Not saying that makes everything a cake walk, but things are looking better with the possibility of the Colonels making it at least to Saturday morning at Rupp. Maybe further. They sure are on fire! Anything can happen. :thumb:

I understand that he's bypassing high school and going straight into college ball.

Dixie 67

NewCath 63 in OT

 

Just before CovCath's double OT victory over the Birds.

 

It'll be a long night but thrilling night!

Is that going out on a limb or what?

Dixie 67

NewCath 63 in OT

Just before CovCath's double OT victory over the Birds.

It'll be a long night but thrilling night!

Austin Hill is a man amongst boys. It was a pleasure to see his leadership, dedication, and all out awesome play this year. Can't wait to see him play his senior year and wish him the best at the next level. Football or Basketball, some university is going to get themselves a fine athlete!

Ordered them online on 2-2-06, received them 3-6-06 and had to sign for them at the post office which is the 1st time I ever had to do that. I guess they've had problems is the past with people saying they never got theirs. If I get lucky enough to win the Ky Post contest then I'll be looking to unload the ones I just received. But I won't hold my breath. I never win that contest anyway. My picks are already dropping off like flies as it is. :cry:

ftballstud06, you are convinced that Holmes will be loaded with depth next year. I don't know where these claims are coming from. I saw Holmes's JV, and, while they have some talented JV players, I can't imagine them being big Varsity contributors. Seems like they will all be role players, and, like the end of this year, teams will focus down on Hill, Jefferson, and Henderson. Unless they can add a 4th consistent scorer with good outside shooting ability who is not considering leaving (like they had in Edmonson) then they could struggle to beat Holy Cross in districts.

In another thread I said that I was done with the Bulldogs....but....you guys got me thinking again (as if I ever quit) that yes indeed they should be farely well stacked next year. We know that from this year's results that doesn't really mean anything. The recipe for their success doesen't simply lie in great talent. Don't even get me started on what I think the ingreditents to that recipe are.

One element behind all of our surmising that has to be included though, and every team has claim to this, is that one of the pieces of this puzzle we don't exactly have yet, but we can assume, is that many of these players are still going to mature. We can't say how much but I think a name we all might me mentioning more than naught next year is Clark. And when we do I might by then know his first name. He looks like a grower vertically and horizontally. I watched him in the JV game against Highlands and he turned my head. Aside from all the other things that the Bulldogs lacked this year for one dramatic reason after another, they really missed the inside presence and; more than legit, go to option of Rice in the middle. I haven't seen if Clark has any shooting skills, but I did see in him alot of stickback city as well as an upbeat dedication to perform. Nelson kind of reminds me of Lexy a little and if he grows a little more his name will be tossed around alot too I think. I think you certainly need Henderson near the basket alot but eventually if they can have all sides of the basket covered he can show his versitility. Edmonson (if he's still around), Hill and Jefferson can then also show their outside skills and have some big guys in the middle to put up walls to allow them to attact the basket as well. If Clark and Nelson, and Arnold and Avery for that matter all mature, and take this year's and next year's early season experience, by Regionals next year you might have dynamite team.

Take 8 parts talent, mix it with a good work ethic and an undying, undistracted dedication to learn, grow and succeed as a TEAM. Develope a versitle game so that you can address any situation at hand. Learn patience, cool headed composure that last for 32 minutes and them some. Stay focused and work out your differences like diplomatic men. Share the same star in your one shining moment or else no one will shine at all.

Any other suggestions of key ingredients that I have overlooked are more than welcome.

Is it just me or did it seem like for awhile the gods of goofy rim rolls and miracle shots were carrying the Raiders through the 1st half? They played very hard and earned this temporary good fortune. Good luck comes to those who work hard. I said to myself as I'm sure most did that it was only a matter of time before their luck would run out and the Colonels would take over. Ryle was no pushover and they kept it pretty interesting for a good while.

It's a pleasure to watch CovCath play great TEAM ball and to do so for 32 minutes with a competent load of depth. I didn't see them lapse much, they just keep focused and plugging away understanding the big picture. They beautifully stay composed even when things temporarily don't go their way. What a nice 1,2,3,4 punch Tim T., TJ, Kurt Bovard, and Danny Noll are. And what a value it is to have spare big men and confident backup guard play that appears to versitle enough to fill whatever shoes they are called to fill. This is the kind of TEAM basketball that I foam at the mouth over.

I'm wondering though when the Colonels come Friday to play basketball and the Birds come too play football what these 5th Region refs are gonna have to say about that? They seemed to let it slide alot tonight against Ludlow, but I think, just like DJ of Holmes finally getting his wakeup call, that the Birds might just get theirs. They are one tough team and I might be a whimp to say that the game was meant to be just a tad bit more timid than they display, but jeeze, I've never seen such repetitive ugly shoves in high school basketball like I see out of this bunch. Just call me a whimp....

Man, it's gonna be a war Friday night!, and just like an ambulance chaser, I wouldn't miss it for the world!

B-ball-fan, you seem to be attacking Coach Henley in your diatribe. Unless you've been in the huddle and/or at practices, I'm going to assume that you have no basis for your assumptions.

 

I've watched some talented Dixie teams shoot themselves out of potential victories by jacking up 3s rather than running an offense. Should I assume that was "the plan" by Coach C? Should I attack him for not "having a plan"?

 

Or, or should I assume that he's coaching excitable kids who don't always use the best judgment DESPITE his best intentions?

 

Take it easy on Coach Henley. If you're wanting people to vote, your guys loses. Henley is good.

Being a neutral observer of the 9th Region, I never exactly have a favorite team. It pretty much changes from year to year depending on who floats by boat with a decent chemistry. Typically, however, I have pulled for the Bulldogs just about every year that I can remember. I'm always excited about the talent they tend to have year in and year out and always wish them the best. More than not though they disappoint. Sure, they can't win it every year, but with the way they execute their game, I've come to the conclusion that they very rarely ever will. I'm pretty much tired of putting my hopes in them. They just don't play smart basketball. Teams with lesser talent can get so much more accomplished when they work hard at playing smart and composed. I'm sure Henley is a nice guy and has pressures I can't begin to know about but year after year I never see much out the the Bulldogs that resembles consistency, dicipline, or dividends reaped from their assets. With all of their talent, their style of play tends to be quite pedestrian. In the hands of different guidence all that talent could equal so much more. It was apparent from the beginning of the Holmes/Dixie game which team came to play smart basketball. Smart doesn't alway win, but I'll take my chances with smart over no apparent plan with tons of talent any day. I don't even know much about Dixie's coach, but it is obvious that he has drilled his team on the art of good passing and patiently waiting for a higher percentage shot. Their style of snappy focused play made the Bulldogs look befuddled. When have you ever really seen the Bulldogs execute a good half court offense? If they're not having an on night with their run and gun open court style of play then they're done. Even when Dixie looked tired when they went on automatic towards the end of the game with their diciplined play that they could execute even in their sleep, the Bulldogs looked like they were shooting a game of darts with no dartboard in sight. Maybe Henley is the most knowledgable coach in the world. Maybe he pushes smart basketball as hard as he can, but one thing is obvious and I don't know who's to blame, but it appears to me that it always falls on deaf ears. I don't know the solution for Holmes, but I'd love some year to see all the talent that Holmes has married to smart basketball and then I think you have yourself one heck of a TEAM. Don't know if that'll ever happen but in the meantime, I'm done with the Bulldogs and am tired of waiting for them to come around.

One team had quick-as-lightening methodical perimeter passing that was executed beautifully to find an open shot. That team slagged for awhile to catch their breath, but turned it back on again when it was needed down the stretch. That team won. That team had a plan. That team is well coached. That team reminded me of Florida over Kentucky on Sunday. The other team should've been shown a tape of Florida over Kentucky on Sunday and Monday. The other team had talented players. The other teams' players play on a team that traditionally never seems to be taught the importance of the type of plan that the winning team had. Not sure if they're never taught or they just never listen. If they are never taught I can hardly blame them for losing. If they just don't listen then they only have themselves to blame. The winning team not only won because the deserved to and that they scored more points than the other team, they won because they are being taught by someone who really understands the game of basketball and is able to convey this to his players and his players execute. Perhaps the lesson learned by the losing team and its teachers is to once and for all learn the game of basketball, teach it to your players, and last but not least...HAVE A PLAN!!!

I don't think Nate Edmonson has been scoring much recently, and judging from the Holmes-CCH game, he does not seem happy with that and has been forcing up some shots. Also when Dixie gets hott from 3 they could quite possibly beat anyone in this region, and many are predicting that they won't go down easy. Granted, neither will Holmes, but this season is the end of the road for many Dixie players.

I think Edmonson would've been better off staying at Simon Kenton with Hester. In his Freshman year he averaged nearly 20 points a game in a rebuilding year for the Pioneers. His game was rather versitile and mature for a Freshman. He was already looking like a very poised player with a bright future. He's had some shining moments at Holmes and he still has time to silence the critics, but I don't think he's been able to play his kind of game there. He now lives and dies by the 3 when I think he was developing a game that was so much more than that. Would've, could've, should've, I just hope that he can resolve whatever pressures at Holmes he is experiencing and come around and play the way he knows how. He'd probably be working on a 2000 point career if he had stayed at SK, but that personal victory is not all that important in the grand scheme of things and I hope that he eventually performs for the betterment of the TEAM.

holmes up 16 and everything began to be called for ncc and nothing for holmes...boone county, same story...also against boone arrez henderson didnt even play because of an injury...im really not trying to make excuses..the better team won THAT NIGHT..are boone and ncc better than holmes? not even close but those two nights they were....interesting to see if Holmes and NCC meet up again in the semis

I was at this game as a neutral observer. The refs DID win this game for the Breds. NCC played tough and never quit, but with the help of the refs, their attitude toward the game stayed up and they ultimately pulled the upset. I wasn't exactly rooting for any particular team that night. I'm not associated with any team but I enjoy 9th Region basketball and always root for the team that has the best chance to go far at Rupp. I didn't mind seeing NCC pull the upset because I think it was the game that really got their confidence going at the time of the season when they needed it, but it really is a vulgur thing to see when a ref becomes a team's 6th man. I don't know the refs name, but everytime I see that he is calling a game then I can be for certain that someone's not gonna get a fair shake. I like a ref to be mechanical (like Tommy Thompson is) and show no emotion and just call an exact game, but this guy (mid to late 50's, dark hair, glasses, flabby body type, hefty) gets way too involved in a game and his favoritism is written all over his face. It's sickening to see and frustrating to watch. These kids work very hard throughout their high school careers to create some great memories for themselves and it's sad to see an 'adult' come along and snatch those good memories up because he has an ax to grind with one team or another for whatever reason. I've never been one to get too worked up about refs, but more and more games in the 9th Region are frustrating to watch with all the inconsistencies. There are good refs which favor the argument that the game of basketball is just fine the way that it is, but the bad ones start making me ponder the other possible ways a game could be officiated. I just think that this particular ref doesn't like the Bulldogs and was playing on their vulnerability after they had just lost Rice. Holmes has had their own adversity to face this year and are trying their best to adjust, but it doesn't help their heads when they can give it their all and a ref steals it away from them. But messing with their heads is exactly what I think that this particular ref intended to do. :mad:

Im sure people were laughing like that when anyone would have suggested Ludlow ever beating CovCath in baseball too. All Im saying is that there is a chance because Ludlow really could cause Highlands some problems if they play the way they are capable of.

Y'know, in your defense, I saw Ludlow beat Beechwood at Beechwood, and as we all know, Beechwood was no slouch this year. Ludlow has some fine players, but I agree, it doesn't seem as if they are utilizing Penick as efficiently as they could. Sure, he averages a double-double, but if used differently he could be averaging 25-30 points per game. Chase is a very talented guard in the likes of Bibbins. The 6'6" kid is a serious contender. I don't know all their names, but there was also this young blonde haired kid who was a pretty snappy ball handler and perhaps another guard who could shoot the 3. Ludlow is talented, and with some adjustments to their game plan they could could be a better ball team. I wish them all the luck and I think that it would be exciting it they could pull the upset over the Birds. I hate to see any team have to lose during the Regionals, but upsets are really what makes the underdog in all of us get to howl every once in awhile. Go Panthers!:ylsuper:

Well anything can happen. I mean in baseball when we beat CovCath in 2004 we hadn't shown anyone all year that we could beat a good team, but well we went in there and knocked them off 8 to 5 and that team that was suppose to be the 10th best team in the state and we knocked them off in the first round in the district on their own home field. So anything can happen. I know I wish the Panthers and Coach Highfield the best of luck I know I will be rooting for them.

 

So Im not so sure you should be coming out and just saying stuff like that so certainly, but hey maybe you will be as right about this as you were about the draw for the region being on sunday. :sssh: :lol:

Yeah, anything could happen. I'd love to see Ludlow upset the Birds. Y'know, pigs could fly too if they had wings. :lol:

How's your Kentucky Post picks doing? Luckily I've only lost 2 there so far. R2: UH & R16: MC

Well, would you looky there. CONNER did it again! They beat Ryle for the 33rd district championship. They are now 3-0 in post season play after having not won a game against a team in the 9th Region the whole season. Can they keep this amazing turnaround going next week in the 9th Region Tournament at Ryle? Stay tuned to see if this Cinderella story lasts much longer.

Congratulations to the Colonels on a fantastic win tonight! Unfortunately I had to miss the game but listened to it later on the internet. Mark Wehry and Jason Elfers did a fine job of making me feel like I was there. CovCath has become the kind of team the 9th Region should feel proud to have represent them at the Sweet 16 this year. I take back anything that I said earlier in the season about them being too soft and I hope they continue with this type of TEAM play and go on to win the 9th Region Tourney next week at Ryle. The folks at Rupp need a dose of that CCH cheering section that made us so proud in 2004.:thumb:

Now that the districts are almost complete and we know who will be in the regional tourneys, how many of your BGP's Contest picks are still alive?

I've lost 3 already. The best I can do starting the regionals is 13.

2nd Region: University Heights :GONE

14th Region: Perry County Central: GONE

16th Region: Morgan County: GONE

:madman: I hate starting the regionals with less than 16 teams, especially when I picked them I was certain that I knew what I was talking about. Does anybody still have 16 teams alive? How's everyone else doing with their picks?

Infact, I don't know anything for sure. I was just studying the trends of the past and haven't seen anything official as of yet.