stark

These two played earlier this season with Johnson Central winning 64-52. This game will be different. Two different teams from earlier in the year. JC has Kyle Rice to help shut down Brandon Kidd of Betsy Layne inside, so if the Bobcat guards cannot hit their shots, then Johnson Central will take this game. Otherwise, I think the Bobcats are looking good for a finals appearance this year.

I think it all depends on who Betsy Layne plays as to which team shows up. The Bobcats had a size advantage inside on Pike Central last night and the Hawks had no one to contain Brandon Kidd inside. Kidd shot 8-10 with 8 rebounds for 22 points. Brad Lowe was held scoreless in the first half. It took him 10 shots before he connected on a 3-pointer in the 3rd quarter. Lowe finished 8-25 for 24 points, again all in the second half. Tough night inside for Pike Central. They won the rebounding war 40-31. Yet, Betsy Layne challenged every shot inside from Pike Central, recording 7 blocks, 5 of those by Trai Whitt. Congrats Betsy Layne. Shot 62% in the second half and had a total of 23 assist as a team. Great ball movement and clamped down defense from the Bobcats last night.

Upsets? Name a true favorite? Top bracket is where to be. The lower bracket is the toughest by far. Wouldn't be surprised to see Prestonsburg face off with Pike Central in the finals. It's wide open. It could be an all-Floyd, all-Johnson, all-Pike finals. Anything goes this season and the field should be exciting to watch this week.

My understanding is that there is suppose to be an official statement made about Martin's status this week. The situation is sad. Coach Martin has been at Allen Central 26 years, 1 region title and 24 seasons of playing .500 or better basketball. What more could an administration ask for from a coach? However, the story goes that there is a click of parents and site base member and the school's principal that want rid of Martin. Let him walk away when he's ready. Sad situation that the leadership of the school will not address rumors or give a straight answer to anyone.

I wouldn't want Knott Central or Breathitt County in the tournament this year. Just because they are traditionally strong doesn't have anything to do with this season. Plain and simple, the best teams survived, the rest are at home. Hazard, JBS, & Lee County are the favorites in that order. Just my opinion.

Congrats to coach Kevin Spurlock, hopefully this win will give him more job security.

Where is the tournament in the 14th this year? Hate to see Jackson City and Cordia draw each other because one of those smaller schools will not make it out of the first round.

I believe assistant coach Steve Masiello of Louisville attended Miller's game against Cawood this week.

I think Stamper had more to do with their success after consolidation more than tradition. Many smaller schools with "tradition" have struggled to come together for that to be a positive factor. In any case, I think it would have a negative effect on the new school - hanging on to the past.

Oh yeah...Good point. :thumb:

Once South Floyd got down by 14 points, the frustration set in, with technical fouls and such as the norm goes for the Raiders. Watching the seniors for SF on the end of the bench with head in hands was hard to swallow. It's easy to point fingers and say that their style of basketball finally caught up with them, but that wouldn't be right. I just hope those young men who are graduating, and the ones returning next season can learn something from this year and become better for it. As for the game, SF had no answer inside against Prestonsburg. Barnette and Leslie played awesome on both ends. SF played man-2-man all night and was not able to matchup inside with Prestonsburg. The championship should be a dandy as Betsy Layne has defeated Prestonsburg twice this season already.

I don't know if I agree with everything you have posted, but I will say that you can't blame the coaching staff at Letcher Central for this loss. One of hardest jobs for a coach is to deal with consolidation, meshing three schools together and trying to keep everyone happy. Usually, consolidated schools take a few years build a program and weed out prior factors from the other schools. The only exception to this rule in recent memory has been East Ridge, who made the regional in their second season of existence. Be patient Letcher Central fans. As for Cordia, biggest win for them in recent memory. Congrats to the Lions! :eek:

This is the worst thing that could have happened for other region teams. This game will probably charge up Paintsville for the rest of the postseason.

The season for the David School ends: 0-27. Prior meetings of SV/DS: Shelby Valley 102 - David School 17: Dec. 2nd Shelby Valley 91 - David School 6: Jan. 11th Shelby Valley 101- David School 31: Feb. 27th

Despite my dislike for the administration of JBS and how business is played out in the "little kingdom" of Pippa Passes, I have to say I think JBS will defeat KCC and a regional title is not out of the question in the coming years ahead. Just for the sake of Dr. Naismith, strengthen your schedule and become a true threat. JBS could do a lot of East KY and the 14th region by scheduling tougher teams next season and the season after next and winning a few games.

Sounds like Paintsville is clicking at the right time.

I agree that shooting in the center will help the 15th region teams player better in Rupp, however, no 15th Region team will be able to handle the winner of the 9th region's defense anyway. There will be in-zone seating BTW.

I personally think that it will be exciting, especially since it's the first time. And first impressions go a long way. Let's hope the folks at the Expo Center can help this event live up to it's hype. I'm just wondering what fans will think about sitting high above the court and not up close to the action. Will it take away from the atmosphere that makes the Regional so special?

I'll take Pike Central with Lowe having 30+

Donna Damron, executive director of the East KY Expo Center, had this to say at recent news conference concerning the 15th Region Tournament and it's choice of playing at the Expo Center this season. “Many years ago I was at Allen Central at a regional tournament. And on the way back, a couple of staff members and I talked about how desperately we needed a venue that would be able to host a regional tournament and prepare our students to be able to go to the state tournament, to be fan friendly and we have all that here in this facility.” Is having the tournament at the Expo Center a good idea or not? Do you think it will dampen the atmoshpere of the tournament, having fans sit high and away from the action, unlike at high school gyms where the noise of a great game is sometimes unbearable and you are on top of the teams and floor? Or, will the fan friendly bathrooms and chairback seats with concession stands an arm stretch away make fans happy? Thoughts? At this time, only six of the 17 schools in the 15th Region meet the committee's criteria to host a regional tournament. Those schools are: Johnson Central, Sheldon Clark, Allen Central, Prestonsburg, Pike Central and Shelby Valley. Why can't Belfry hold the tournament at their new gym? Too far? Would you rather be at one of those schools or at the Expo Center? http://www.news-expressky.com/articles/2006/02/24/sports/02expo.txt

Betsy Layne was playing badly when they faced JBS earlier this year. If they met now, things would be different. This score is not surprising. That tough schedule JBS plays is really getting them ready for the district tournament.

Glad to see someone with some sense about the scheduling. :thumb: If JBS invites the above mentioned schools to their "little kingdom" next year, especially twice, then there is absolutely no excuse.

Excellent post. :thumb: BTW - If you pledge a donation to the school or the college, you will receive a secret docoder ring, because then, you will be a member of the click.

Another "big win" for the Crusaders. I would hope that JBS plays some tougher competition over the next few seasons while Clark Stepp is there. JBS needs to graduate themselves from the Three Rivers Conference. They've outgrown the competition. There is no need for JBS to play Piarist, Riverside, David School, and OBI the next several seasons. JBS entertains Hazard in their final game. That should be interesting.

What's going on with Prestonsburg?