WISEOLDOWL

Estill has underachieved all season long. I think many felt that they could possibly be the best team in the 14th coming into this year. They are decent, but I doubt that they are a threat in the 14th and would not be surprised if they are knocked off in the first round of the 56th district tourny.

I heard the Neeley is coming back to the team. Can anyone verify?

Hazard is still one of the favorites to win the 14th.

KIDSFAN we all know you like to run Coach Dean down. The fact is, he is one of the top coaches in the mountains, and Oz Jackson, one of the most highly respected AD's in the mountains recognized it and hired him as coach at Letcher. It is just a matter of time before he breaks through and wins the big one as you say. The problem I have with your downing of coach Dean is how you are fine with promoting such coaches as Coach Wright of Lee Co. (Basketball) as one of the top coaches and yet he has never even won a district, but find it as acceptable to continually trash Bryan Dean on a public forum. He has one of the most impressive records in the 14th during his tenure. If anyone has any question about his coaching ability I suggest you ask his former bosses in Burley Hudson (Breathitt) or Gene Combs(Lee), or even some of his former players, including Logan Billings. I am sure that they will vouch for Coach Dean and his talent. I personnally find it tiresome to listen at your personal rants and suggest that you give it a rest.

Kyle Lively--- 14th region coach of the year.

Doubtful that Owsley wins another game this season.

Nice road win for the Bobcats.

Owsley must have played hard to keep the game this close. I would assume that it is a very down time in Booneville these days. I guess you would have to go back to the mid-70's or farther to find an Owsley Co. team that struggled as much as the team this year. From what I have heard, the future is not much brighter.

Did this game start early?

I fear that the damage has already been done. From what I hear, both the middle school and JV teams struggled at Owsley this season. With the graduation of Robert Smith and the uncertainty surrounding Daniel Neeley, next year could be a very long year for the Owls. If Coach Smith does not return, the new coach will have a very difficult task in front of them. I feel that it will be difficult to find someone that has a proven track record to want to be put in that position. If Owsley settles on a young coach without experience, they will have to be careful that they find the right person who will work to rebuild the once proud program, and will be willing to perservere through the obstacles that will inevitably be in their way.--- All this being said, I do not see Owsley Co. putting up the money to create a position in order to bring in some one to be basketball coach. If Coach Smith does leave, they will probably hire from within.

If Owsley keeps Coach Smith they will have stability.

With Estill moving into the 56th, it will be the toughest. Estill, Powell and Lee will all be contenders in the 14th. The 54th with Perry, Leslie and Hazard will also be tough and could argued that it is the toughest district.

Huge game tonight in Beattyville. The number 1 seed in the 56th up for grabs. Lee Co. gets the top spot with a victory or 2 point loss. Estill gets the top spot with a 4 point win. With all the turmoil @ Owsley (4 seed) right now, I am sure that both of these teams highly covet the number 1 seed. Should be interest to see how Lee Co. responds after such an emotional roller coaster of the last couple weeks. Many teams suffer from a post-All 'A' let-down. It will be a great game.

Once again it will probably come down to the draw. Last year, there is no way that Perry beats Hazard at Hazard. They draw heads-up in the district at Perry-- Perry wins and goes on to win the region. ---- This year I feel that the 56th (Estill and Lee) and the 54 (all teams) will place 2 teams capable of winning it in the region. The 53 and 55 are a little weaker and depending on the draw may not place the best two teams in the tournament. I feel that the winners of the 54th or 56th that draw a loser of the 53 or 55 will be the favorite.--- However, if Knott comes out as a loser in the 53, I am sure that no one will want to play them at Knott. --- So, to sum things up, I think just about anyone can win.

Just read post 37. I just don't want this thread to turn into the last Owsley/Lee game thread. It wasn't pretty. A lot of accusations and disparaging remarks. I just think that Lee played great last night and deserve all the credit. Owsley and its players should not be condemned for being shut down by the efforts of Lee Co.

This game has the potential to be a classic. Both teams and coaches are very hungry for success. Coach Noble has done great things at the Horn, and has his team clicking on all cylinders. Coach Wright has worked extremely hard to rebuild a once proud and rich Lee Co. tradition that had fallen to all-time lows in the 1990's. Both teams will be highly motivated. Will be a great high school basketball atmoshere.--- I feel that the team who shoots the ball better will win. This is a toss-up game in my opinion.

Smith is an outstanding player. BUT, so is Neeley, Congleton, Fetters, Rich, Brandenburg and many of the other players in the game. The fact of the matter is, Lee played an OUTSTANDING defensive game last night. The were in Owsley's face all night, and any time an Owsley player broke down the defense, Lee's defensive rotation cut-off the penetration. Lee deserves the credit for a great game and game plan. I just wish everyone on this thread would grow-up and stop the personal attacks on 15-17 year old kids and other posters. JMO.

I thought the Semis and Finals were going to be played at the Whitacker Athletic Center (formerly Dilce Combs) not @ Sherman Neace (MC Napier).

9-10 now.

Daniel Neeley led the Owls with 32. Robert Smith had 24. They are coming around. Might have the best back court in the 14th region. It will be an interesting showdown with JBS next Wednesday night. I would not want to have to play them come district tournament time.

At one time an FM station broadcast most of Estill games. I think their baseball coach used to do the color commentary. What happened to it? Also, does anyone know why Lee Co. games are not on the radio this year. They have the best team in ages and no radio. Why?

I could answer that for you Professor, but you already know the answer.

Hazard must have clamped down on them in the 2nd half. Owsley only scored 14 second half points.

I agree. Way to early. It is only the middle of the season. Many teams that have played well up to this point may have peaked, while others who have struggled may find their stride. In ten years, no one will remember who won games in Dec. and Jan., but banners are put up for eternity for teams that win in late Feb. and March.--- The coach of the year should be the coach that gets the most out of their team when it matters most.

Breathitt had a good year in 96, but was definitely not the favorite. I think Knott had beat them 2 or 3 times that year before Breathitt finally got them in the Region at Knott. While I would not say the Breathitt came from no-where, they were definitely not the favorite. Also was it 1998 or 99 that Breathitt only won two regular season games, but shocked everyone when they won the 55th district tourny.