TomcatPride

Without throwing myself into this argument, I'd like to mention a college-based movement that a.) is local, and b.) shows the other side of the coin against gun violence. Kurt Gohde, an Art professor at Transylvania University has begun a program called Rings of Responsibility that will use public artwork and red rings to symbolize the number of deaths in each city that it is located in due to gun violence. This idea came directly from the tragedy at Virginia Tech, and plans for this project also call for exhibits to be placed on college campuses. The website is very basic and still under construction, but you can get a general idea of this project at http://www.ringsofresponsibility.com.

Well, seeing as this will probably be the only Tomcat game I'll get to this year before I head back to school, I should comment on what I saw. And, seeing as I misplaced my maroon tinted shades a few years ago, I can say as a fairly unbiased observer that the best team won this game tonight. They should've scored 30+ but the Rams fumbled a couple away deep in Ashland territory. Raceland had the better QB, the better receiver, and seemed to be much better prepared. Credit to the coaching staff, as it looked like Ashland wasn't allowed to practice all summer while Raceland had been working and fine tuning their game for months. That isn't a knock on Coach Hart, he's working with a young team and they needed some game experience. In fact, you could tell they played better throughout the game as they came out in the 2nd half and took it to Raceland a little better. Now, my beef lies with the Ashland quarterback situation. I don't mind having Thomas there as long as they use the option or spread out the receivers and run with him some, but in the first half he wasn't being utilized hardly at all out of the backfield. In the 2nd they turned to him some more and he delivered. In terms of his passing, he had a couple nice throws, but some were dropped and others were off target. If Ashland doesn't want to use the option and ignore their best playmaker, they might as well put Royalty back there and let Matt focus on tailback. Speaking of, I don't think it's too early to say we may be seeing the next great Tomcat running back in Rashard Carter. That is, if he keeps his head straight. As for Raceland, the Sparks kid absolutely impressed the heck out of me. He's a big target, a tough matchup, and seemed to have some nice hands. I would use that roll out pass in the flat or across the middle to him until the defense could stop it. And that's before I saw the leg on him. Kid's a nice player. Finally, I was shocked at how low Ashland's numbers were. They had, according to the program, only 15 seniors, 17 juniors, and 15 sophomores, I believe. It seemed that Raceland had just as many, or maybe more, kids than Ashland. It's sad evidence that population around the area is on the decline, and I would venture a guess that the next time the KHSAA realigns that Ashland will be a 4A school, seemingly where they belong with the Greenups and Boyds of the world, er state. I saw some improvement tonight, but I think this could be a long season at Putnam. I hope I'm wrong.

In addition to pimping BGP, you could work for some brownie points and go with "Umaga fears theguru." Or if you're feeling gutsy - "theguru fears statmanhensley." Wrestling related, I like: "I'd rather be watching Nitro." A classic. "Push Carlito." Because, really. They should. and "HHH stole my glass ceiling."

Indeed it is. Thanks Hangman, good find.

I hope you're right. I'm just curious why the Atlanta paper or any of the affiliates have picked up the story. That seems like it would be a pretty big deal. I still think the right thing to do is have Vince open the show and publicly scrap his death angle, then announce the whole show being a tribute to Benoit. If they keep this McMahon is dead angle in light of one of its greatest superstars dying in a seemingly horrible tragedy, I think it would be utterly tasteless. We'll find out in 20 minutes..

In light of the recent McMahon death angle, I've been on some wrestling message boards the past 30 minutes and there is a split on whether this story is real or not. When I first heard it, I thought there was no way WWE could do an angle of a wrestler and his family dying. Then, I checked the Atlanta Journal Constitution website, and all the Atlanta news affiliates, and there was no mention of this anywhere, and WWE.com says police are investigating. It would seem that police investigating the death of a family would make a story somewhere, especially since WWE is running it. So, sadly, I am skeptical about the validity of this story. Therefore, it leads me to two conclusions: 1.) If Benoit and family are really dead, then my sincere condolescences go out to their loved ones. Tonight, on RAW, Vince McMahon needs to start the show himself and explain his death was just an angle in a sport of entertainment and that it was not real. However in the light of this tragedy, he will explain that the angle of his death will be scrapped, and tonight's show is a tribute to the life of the Crippler. I honestly do not think WWE can continue with the McMahon death storyline if Benoit is really dead. If they do, it is completely tasteless. Speaking of... 2.) This story is a work, and that Chris Benoit and his family are really not dead. I hate even assuming this, but it's only been confirmed on WWE.com, not the most reliable source of news. His "death" then is just a continuation of the McMahon death, but now involving a family. If this is so, I will no longer watch WWE. I've been a loyal fan for 10 years, but this is it. It would be the most tastless and ignorant stunt to date. The McMahon "death" appalled me, but considering it was McMahon, I gave it a chance. And even though this is "entertainment" these are real people who are publically being announced dead. Either way, this is a heartbreaking night. I'll watch RAW and see what road they take, but I'm prepared to let it go if WWE chooses option #2. And finally, because I still have hope that WWE isn't this low.. RIP Chris, Nancy, and Daniel. :cry:

Warren Central was just a much more athletic and bigger team. Elliott couldn't defend them. They played a tight zone and Central would knock down 3's. They went man to man and Central just dominated them inside. They couldn't stop them in transistion. They were simply overmatched. Knipp tried to play, but could barely move on the court. His help would have been nice, but this kid is going to be a real player by the time he's a senior...in 2011! The Faulkners played well and Ferguson had a hot stretch in the 2nd then went fairly quiet. He's going to have two more years with big numbers. One thing I noticed about Anderson, who is one of my favorite players I've ever watched in the Sweet 16. He started slow tonight, missing early shots, I think he had 5 midway through the 2nd. Then he picked up a cheap foul on an Elliott lay up and that got him going. He was on a mission after that, and finished with 25. They just have so many bodies coming off the bench, but that won't matter tomorrow morning. That game could be spectacular. I'd just like to congratulate the Lions one more time. They had a great run, excited a community, and won a game at Rupp. I came away extremely impressed with that bunch of kids. They are going to be an absolute force to be reckoned with the next two years. I enjoyed watching you all very much this year, and good luck (sans Tomcat games ) next year! :thumb:

I hate to admit it...but I love this Elliott Co. team! They started out slow, but Ethan Faulkner got them into the game. He knocked down some shots and got some defensive turnovers. I really like how he plays. He's got the look of a future coach about it. He's always talking to his teammates, telling them where to be, keeping their heads up, etc. He makes this team go. Ferguson didn't do much the first half, but they went right to him to start the second, and he hit a tough jumper and got fouled. He went on to score 20+ that half, I believe. I was there, and didn't really notice a large amount of inconsistancy or bad calls. Of course I was sitting in section 231, so I may have missed them. The fouls seemed to be good calls, the better team won this game. SV made a lot of bad turnovers as well. Elliott should take note of how June Buchanan played right with Warren Central in the first half. If they are hitting their shots, they can beat Central. They just can't get rattled by the press by an athletic team. Does anyone have an update about Timmy Knipp? He went down with an ankle injury in the 3rd quarter. He would be a big loss if he isn't available tomorrow.

June Buchanan seemed to make a decision to not let Jeremy Anderson beat them. They played a box and one with Childers face guarding him the length of the court. In the first half, he had trouble getting open, and the Dragons weren't hitting their open shots when they got them. Buchanan did make their shots and made it close the first half. They just ran out of steam and Warren Central came alive. Hood, Britt, and Hudson hit their shots and got more aggressive on defense. Their press became more effective and they got some easy lay ups. The Crusaders gave a great effort, but Warren Central just had too much for them. I really like the Stepp brothers and the Cox kid. Very impressive. If Warren Central doesn't turn it up a notch tomorrow night, Elliott Co. will give them everything they want.

Just had breaking news on 590 that WCCO, a TV station in Minneapolis, is reporting Minnesota is close to naming a new coach, and that man could possibly be Tubby. Not confirmed, they are looking into it. http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_081140713.html

Holmes was just more athletic than Tilghman, and their defense was all over the Blue Tornado, forcing them to take bad shot after bad shot. I think they are a tough matchup for South Laurel, as I don't think the Cardinals have the athletes to stay with Holmes. Contain Profitt and South Laurel is very beatable. I was pretty impressed with Holmes, they've got athletes and some length. If they are hitting their shots, like they did tonight, they are a very dangerous team.

They did. Fairdale was all over the boards and got out to about a 7 point lead in the early part of the 4th. Hammonds hurt his shoulder and missed most of the 3rd. Then, as experienced and senior laden teams do, South Laurel came back. They got aggressive on the boards and Profitt hit some big shots. Hammonds and Smith made their free throws down the stretch and forced Fairdale to take some bad shots. Survive and advance.. However, Holmes will be a very tough test for them. They are very athletic and will get all over you on defense. If South Laurel plays like they did most of tonight I don't think they can hang with Holmes.

If Elliott plays anything like they did against Ashland, they can beat any team in the state, and I honestly believe that. I plan on attending and can't wait to see how the young boys react to playing in Rupp. Both teams could easily play the first half with the deer-in-the-headlights look, but I'm not sure. Those kids have played a lot of games together and don't seem to feel the pressure of a big game. All of Sandy Hook will be there, and they will be very loud. Faulkner #1 will be the key; if he can run the offense and get the ball to Ferguson, Knipp, Maynard or whomever is hitting, Elliott will be a tough out. I really hope they come out and play well, excite the crowd, and represent the 16th well. They will be a great story to write about, and I'm sure someone is all over it. I'll be rooting for them to win and give the story some extra spice. Good luck Lions! Elliott Co. 72 Shelby Valley 64

Jeremy Anderson - Warren Central - Been my favorite player to watch for a few years now. Great shooter, physical player who will go to the bucket, and plays with a lot of heart. I hope they make another long run this year. Ty Profitt - South Laurel - Love the way he runs the show for South. I'm interested to see if he can lead the Cardinals to a W over Fairdale in the first round. Jordan Hammonds - South Laurel - When his shot is on he can be dangerous. Plays with a lot of intensity. Would be a good pickup for a state school. Faulkner #1 - Eliott Co. - Not sure which one he is, but the primary ballhandler for the Lions is the key to that team. He keeps everything under control on offense and isn't afraid to take it inside. He played with a lot of passion in the Regional championship, and I can't wait to see how it translates to Rupp. Have we mentioned they start 5 sophomores and bring another sophomore and an 8th grader off the bench yet? Ryan Young - Lincoln Co. - I saw them play Dunbar a few weeks ago and really enjoyed watching this kid play. I sat beside his dad at the scorer's table and he was a great guy, so I was rooting for them to get to Rupp. Young is a very nice point guard who has to come up big for the Patriots if they are going to beat Adair Co. in the first round.

To be honest Scooterbob, they were bad both ways. It's not necessarily that one team got calls and one didn't, it was that the officiating was terribly inconsistant. They would call East for a ticky tack hand check in the front court, but Ashland would get hammered down low and they would let them play. They were pretty pitiful, and not just from the standpoint of an Ashland fan. The officiating in the 16th continues to be, at best, poor.

This move took me completely by surprise. I had taken it as a given that we got lucky with Arroyo, getting an average AL pitcher who became a very good NL pitcher, who also had a couple more years on a new contract that made him pretty cheap. I assumed he'd pitch out his contract then leave town in a hurry to collect a big paycheck. But this is the one move, above all the rest, that has me the most optimistic for the Reds future. The organization could've sat back like I did and enjoy their luck with Bronson, but we went out on a limb and inked him to a big extension. This tells me two things: A.) The Reds are willing to invest in the future. I figured we'd resign Harang to an extension because it was seen as a must-do, but we'd beat around the bush to get it done. Arroyo's signing gives us a great 1-2 punch for 3-4 more years, and the Reds weren't afraid to spend some serious ($11 million) money for him. B.) It tells me that Cincinnati is viewed as a good place to play. Bronson loved Boston, and I figured he'd just bide his time here and then try to go back "home." But this deal shows to me that Arroyo liked his situation here, and if Cincinnati is willing is pay, players will come to town and stay here. A very positive day to be a Reds fan!

Could the Celtics put a top-2 protection on that pick if they trade it? It would make sense that if Boston wants either Oden or Durant they could do that and trade the pick to Memphis. If they get the 1 or 2 spot, they can get one of the rookies plus Gasol, but if they are out of the top 2, Memphis gets the pick that year. I'd say that is the only way Boston trades that pick, IMO. No way they give up 2 or more of their young players AND a chance to get Oden/Durant, right?

Wow, sounds like the Tomcats are continually improving throughout the year. And I'm so happy to hear the students are coming out to the games in large droves and being vocal and positive. Not a knock on the former Tomcat coach, but there is no doubt in my mind that Buddy Biggs is the main reason the kids are so into this team. He's brought a rejuvenated feel to the team, the students, and the fans, and after sitting through games down here in Lexington with small crowds and little student support, I'm happy to see the same isn't occuring back in Ashland.

Bryan Station dominated this one from the start. They were up 26-5, I believe, after the 1st Quarter. I was really shocked at how badly Station outplayed Tates Creek, considering the Commodores were 18-2. Morones, the sophomore, had a monster game, with around 25 points. His shot was on tonight. Mack played a great floor game, as I've become accustomed to seeing from him. He sees the floor so well, and I think he had 8 assists tonight to go along with 12-14 points. I love the way he plays, and I really think he could play at an Eastern or Morehead, and if he has a growth spurt before his senior year next season, he could play at a higher level, just my opinion. The play of the game, by far, was a nasty dunk by Combs right in the face of a Tates Creek player that brought the house down. Look for it on the news tonight. And in case anyone is wondering why a Tomcat fan was at a Bryan Station-Tates Creek, I work for a stats company in Lexington, which is also why I know so many of the stats tonight. And in the many Lexington games I've worked this year, tonight was by far the largest and most vocal crowd I've seen. Kudos to the kids from Tates Creek and Station for that. :thumb:

I just read this on ESPN, and I knew the BGP crew would be all over it. Sadly, I'm not surprised how negatively most have been to react and criticize UofL for this move. I am not a Louisville fan, but I applaud their decision of giving this kid a chance. Especially after reading the information RockPride posted, if that is in fact true. If so, it appears Williams has moved away from the things that dragged him down in the past, gotten off to a new start, and deserves a chance for a college to open up and let him play. If he worked hard enough for a LA JUCO to impress their Coach/Sheriff, then he'd have earned his right to come to a school, in my book. He was a kid, and he made a lot of mistakes, something I'm sure everyone can lay claim to, but from RockPride's accounts, those mistakes are in his past. Slap a zero tolerance policy on him and see if his ways have truly changed. If they have, UofL has a very good LB for two years. If he makes one mistake, he's gone, and chalk it up to a failed experiment. But, from this point, it seems like an experiment worth taking. Just my two cents. BTW, his stat line in HS is amazing!

http://wlstats.net/2006-07_Basketball/Bryan_Station/HC.BS.12.12.06.pdf

Gosh you weren't supposed to bring up what after after they won the region! :madman: In all seriousness, JC's pitcher was on (I want to say his name was Blanton?) and the Tomcat bats didn't come around until it was too late. Great team, great season.

Belcher's Pendleton Co. teammate Joey Verax had 22/10 this afternoon in a victory for Transylvania. Verax has earned a starting role and is one of the go-to players for the Pioneers in only his Sophomore year. Thought the Pendleton faithful on here would appriciate the update.

If I recall correctly, out of the three, the 2004 Tomcat baseball team was the last to win a Regional Championship. Maybe you should try to enjoy Tomcat Baseball more often However, I have complete confidence in Coach Biggs to get this program back to Rupp. I've heard nothing but good things from his former players as well, and I can't wait until I get in town over Christmas to see what the team looks like. Hopefully Thomas carries some confidence over from football, where he finally had a breakout year, Wilcox will stay healthy, and McDavid will be the team leader he was in football. Don't forget about senior guards Jeremy Rose and Tyler Salyers, they were the starting guards on their freshman team that was very good, and they are very heady players who can get up and down the floor and make plays. I'm excited to see them get their chance. So let's stop this "trouble in Ashland" nonsense when there is no trouble at all and just look forward to the start of a new season and a new era of Tomcat Basketball :thumb:

I am so happy for Matt Thomas. I don't know what has gotten into him these past few weeks, but it appears as if he is finally playing up to the expectations and lofty standards Ashland fans had made for him. It couldn't happen to a nicer or more deserving kid. I'm sure some of the credit goes to an outstanding o-line in front of him, but the Matt Thomas I saw at the Russell game was the one I had been waiting to see. He was hitting the holes without hesitation or dancing around. And he knew when to turn on the jets and when to showcase his moves. It appears as if he has continued this, with multiple 200 or close to 200 yard games. This kid is a junior, and if he keeps this level of play going and his confidence strong, he could very well go down as the great running back we all thought he could become. I like the way Ashland is playing right now. Hopefully I'll be able to get back in town and make it a couple more games this year.