InTheLoop

Josh Gourdouze sounded like a beast last night. He seemed to be in on nearly every play from the NG position. This kid is quick as a cat and will pose a big problem for big, slow offensive lines.

I believe he was also known as "The Kentucky Long Rifle"

Don't forget Johnnie LeMaster from Paintsville. He Played for the Pirates and Giants...not sure of any other team. Also, on a side note, LeMaster is the only player in MLB history to hit an inside-the-park home run in his first major league at bat.

IMO...The Tigers have the most talent in the region (that is if everyone returns). However, They are also some of the most selfish players I have ever seen. Unless they find a way to play together and get rid of the me-first attitude they will be another quick out in the regional tournament.

I would feel a lot better if Magoffin County had been in the Sweet 16 last year. They have played some big games this season and will not be an easy win for E-Town. These Ladies have had a great season and Coach Miller has done an excellent job this year. Good Luck Lady Hornets. Bring one home for the 15th Region.

Todd Ziegler...now there's a name I haven't heard in a while.

If "if's" and "but's" were candy and nuts...

Would Johnson Central get a bye?

Kyle Rice-JC

Jim, I believe that you are exactly right on with your post. A lot of teams are defeated before they even get to Lexington. I honestly believe that having played the 15th Region Tournament at the Expo Center in Pikeville will be a huge asset for Johnson Central. Being used to that type of shooting background will make a difference. I am sure that others will disagree with me on this point...but I also believe that the controversy taking place in the 7th Region Tournament will hinder either J-Town or Ballard. whichever team comes out of that region will have less time to prepare and less time to come down from their regional tournament victory and less time to focus on the task at hand. This is a Golden opportunity for Johnson Central to maybe come away with a first-round upset. But like the saying goes...You Gotta Believe.

I will be there...love to meet some of you guys

Maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part. But, does anyone think that tonight's cancellation of the Region 7 championship game between J-Town and Ballard will have an impact on Wednesday's game against Johnson Central in the Sweet 16? I know that both of these teams are loaded...but will having only one day to prepare and only one day of rest between games make a difference? What do you think?

Johnson Central and SHelby Valley had a wild finish as well...maybe not up to par with a last-second shot...but nonetheless a wild finish. Shelby Valley was down by 1 point with the ball with 12 seconds remaining. the Shelby Valley player lost the ball. During the scramble on the floor Shelby Valley recovered the ball and called timeout...which they didn't have. A technical foul was assessed. Johnson Central made one of two free throws with five seconds remaining for a two-point lead. After inbounding the ball Jamie McCarty was fouled with .3 second left on the clock. He made the first...missed the second and Shelby Valley was unable to get a shot off. JCHS 59 SVHS 56 Great Game!!!

Awesome tournament run by the Golden Eagles. Three wins by a total of 10 points. Great job by the coaching staff. To coaches Starns, Rice, McKenzie and Knott...my hat goes off. Johnson Central had three opportunities to lay day in three consecutive games and they didn't. Boy's enjoy your experience at Rupp. These opportunities don't come along too often.

Correct me if I misinterpreted your quote. Are you saying that BL would have represented the 15th Region better than either Johnson Central or Shelby Valley?

I would not want to referee a game for my alma mater. I think I would have a tendancy to be harder on "my school" than the other team just to make sure I was being fair. I know that made no sense...but as a coach I would not want someone who graduated from my school to referee one of our games for the same reason. I think it is like a father who coaches their own son or daughter. You have a tendancy to expect more from them on the court or field than you do from the other players.

I must say...I am extremely impressed with the support Coach Starns has received from those in Mason County. I think that speaks highly of the man not only as a coach but as a person. I, for one, am glad he is at Johnson Central.

Paintsville was supposed to be in the 15th Region Championship game.

This happened a couple of years ago to Johnson Central. It is a correctable error as long as the mistake is caught by the first dead ball. After play resumes following the the first dead ball the error is no longer correctable. All points stay on the board and the game resumes following the free throw as if nothing had happened. This came straight from the KHSAA about 4 years ago.

Well, we are down to one game to go to Rupp...what do you think?

Another gutsy performance by Johnson Central. The Golden Eagles took advantage of a host of Betsy Layne mistakes. But I will say that Johnson Central played some pretty good defense as well. It was good to see McCarty start shooting the ball better and the Golden Eagles made some big free throws down the stretch. Tyler Whitaker knocked down some big free throws at the end. One note...Brandon Kidd was held to 4 points in the game and those points came in the first half. Congrats Eagles.

Man...people really get touchy on here. I never said BL would be an easy win. The way Johnson Central has been playing as of late, a lot of Middle School teams could probably give them a game. But if I had the choice between PCC and BL to play in the semi-finals I would definately pick Betsy Layne. I'll admit that BL is playing great right now. However, be that as it may, I am glad that Johnson Central does not have to face a healthy Brad Lowe. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Johnson Central has also beaten both PCC and Paintsville...oh yeah...and Betsy Layne too.

I give the nod this year to Magoffin County. I believe they have too much talent. I predict a rematch of the 57th District championship game with the Lady Hornets cutting down the nets. Johnson Central may still be a bit too young.

I'm gonna go with JC in this one. Not only will Coach Starns have a good game plan for BL but I believe the players now view the landscape in front of them and realize what an opportunity they have been given. That is not to take anything away from the Bobcats, Pirates or Wildcats. However, one has to believe that Johnson Central would rather be playing Betsy Layne than Pike Central and either Belfry or Shelby Valley than Paintsville...especially since the Tigers beat them twice at Johnson Central this season. JC 71 BL 60

That's why I love this time of the year...you never know what will happen.