nanatoad

One of the keys to Royals success will be team defense and avoiding foul trouble. They have good size but size only will not defend against quick, athletic guys, especially the guards. The Royals on occasion last year just stood and watched to see what Darius might do. It will take all five players on the floor playing hard all the time for the Royals to compete with this schedule. As MCPapa points out the Royals graduated four of top seven players including two starters. They also lost a ton of leadership and example by extremely hard work in practice and games by this group. They left a legacy that should challenge the current group of Royals. Lastly, the Royals will have to not read press clippings or blogs. Lots of these games will be close and Royals will have to come ready to play each and night, one game at a time. They dont need to be thinking about Rupp but the game to be played. If they do this, this bunch will be alright and will be great fun to watch this group of fine young teenagers play and have fun. A bit a sidenote, I saw where one the New York teams in Hawaii has three top Division 1 players, the three apparantly take turns playing the 1 and 2 and this team love to run and gun. And there is a possibility the top Chinese team might be in the tourney. Should be a great time to be in paradise and watch some bball. Should be a most interesting season. Go Royals. PS I havent heard anything about the transfer from Bryan Station but he will have to be outstanding to do anything more that limited varsity duty as a sophmore and coming into a new system.

I heard there was a transfer from Bryan Station but didnt hear what much elsse. Any body heard anything; like what year?, did he play at Bryan Station? and, is he talented enough to play varsity for the Royals?

I hear that a freshman from Fleming is joining the Cardinals. Decent player with some size. The transfer road between Flemingsburg and Winchester is well travelled in last few years!!!

The Royals leave for Hawaii touney the next day. They may have to drive directly to the airport but will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane. This will be a very exciting and interesting time for the Royals and their fans.

Anyone have later results?

I add my comments to all those those who grieve and are saddened by the passing of Danny Boyd. During the past few years at the 5th/3rd and state tournament I had the privilege of spending time with Danny. He was a wonderful person, always smiling, willing to be of assistance. Next to his family the Royals were his passion. You will be missed Danny but your spirit will live on in all of us. Rest in peace my friend.

Great job Cardinals!!! also great article about Al Bane in Ledger-Independent and his grandson Robbie Stenzel. Apples really don't fall far from the tree.

Can you forward me the sechedule for 10th Region? Thanks.

Ditto MC. I have enjoyed the play of these taleented seniors during the past years. I have been able to spend time with the Royals in hotels in Lexington. Not only are these guys great players who play hard and provide energy but are a pleasure to be around. Top qualityyoung men your parents and school have every right to be proud of you. Nice going Tyreese, Brad, Nat, Tony and best to you in the future.

Ditto Papa!!! Basketball is the lifeblood of small towns especially Mason countians even when we move away. Mason county never seems to grow the big players. I cant remember a plalyer taller that Darius playing in Mason county. The tradition is small and scrappy.The tradition is so strong that has evolved from the days of Fee, and Maysville Hi and of course St. Pats has a strong tradition as well. Since I am limited to 30 years cant go back to the MHS and Fee glory days so will have to go with th 2004 team who showed such great heart. Looks to me that this and next year's team has the potential to place their mark on MC tradition. They for sure are fun to watch as they dont even consider retreating regardless of the score.

I have seen Mason play in the 5th/3rd and this week against Catholic and Jtown. Miller is a PLAYER!!! Miller is asked to guard the best player on the other team whether a post or perimeter player, play the post , bring the ball up the floor, score, rebound, get the ball to open teammate and he is being asked to be a cheerkeader as well! I am sure any coach in the 11th Region would love to have a player to hold Novesiel to 10 ponts. The Royals are NOT a one person team for if they were their record wouldn't be what it is. Middleton is a talent and of late has been much more aggressive offensively and hope that continues, Setty is solid, Scot supplies enough energy for the entire team, Pawsat has added offensive punch to his defense and rebounding skills. Let us not forget the bench. Stahl, Browning and Tolle are aggressive, no holds barred bangers who along with Downing provide the necessary ingredients for a very successful Royal team. Miller is the leader no doubt but this is a TEAM with Darius the penultimate teamplayer doing whatever is necessary, short of cheerleading, for a victory.

I have seen Mason play in the 5th/3rd and this week against Catholic and Jtown. Miller is a PLAYER!!! Miller is asked to guard the best player on the other team whether a post or perimeter player, play the post , bring the ball up the floor, score, rebound, get the ball to open teammate and he is being asked to be a cheerkeader as well! I am sure any coach in the 11th Region would love to have a player to hold Novesiel to 10 ponts. The Royals are NOT a one person team for if they were their record wouldn't be what it is. Middleton is a talent and of late has been much more aggressive offensively and hope that continues, Setty is solid, Scot supplies enough energy for the entire team, Pawsat has added offensive punch to his defense and rebounding skills. Let us not forget the bench. Stahl, Browning and Tolle are aggressive, no holds barred bangers who along with Downing provide the necessary ingredients for a very successful Royal team. Miller is the leader no doubt but this is a TEAM with Darius the penultimate teamplayer doing whatever is necessary, short of cheerleading, for a victory.

Thanks

Willl someone give me the dates of the Boys Basketball State Championship tournament in Rupp this year? Thanks

You are right. I havent been able to see Chris play in person as live out of Maysville but listen to games on WFTM. I also understand he is an outstanding young man who hopefully will get more recognition. He deserves it.

Great game, Saints!!!! Listened to it over WFTM and for sure the Paddies were full of enegy and hustle. Nice to hear the steady improvement and for the old alma mater being very competitive in the Region. Say Chris Owens is sure a nice player. GO SAINTS!!!!

I didnt realize the Royals were shooting from distance as well as they are. These are pretty darn good stats. I understand Russ was under the weather last week but is better now. He is a fine athlete and fine young man. It seems to me that sometime Russ plays his best against the better teams. He will have a chance tomorrow night as there probalby isn't a better team in the state that Scot County. You are right I think this year and next it will be Miller's team but look out the next year for Russ. Must remember he is a sophomore. I will be listening tomorrow night and cheering at the computer for the Royals to pull a big upset. The Royals just might pull the upset if they can duplicate the toughness, strong defense and physical play they showed last week against a fine Brossart team. GO ROYALS!!!

I was there and will be at the Lexington Catholic, ETown games I hope and in Maysville for the Regionals for sure. Give me a holler if you see me. Fun to think of the old days sometime.

What a wonderful tribute. Coach was a wonderful person.

If you see Gene give him my best. He will know me as Toad Ryan and remind him that I still have a crooked finger from him blocking so many of my shots. Gene and Stan Washington were outstanding athletes, especially in baseball. Should have been in the pros but didnt get a chance. I imagine what you saw in the Maysville gym was one of the championship games as many other games were played in the Fee gym. John Fields, Professor White and John's brother whose name escapes me (old age;) were outstanding teachers and role models in Maysville.

As I think back as good as Coach Jones was he had an equal or better. Coach John Fields of Fee High School. This man before integration won a national black school championship and regularly produced top flight teams that were not allowed to compete with white schools.I remember Jitter Kings, Gene Buford, Norman Slater, Chris lofton's cousin, and maybe the best to ever play in Mason County except for cousin Chris of course. Coach Fields was a great, great coach andwonderful teacher. He should have been the head coach when maysville was integrated but was given the assistants job.

I agree he was the best and a great person as well. He and his Bulldogs dominated the 10th region for years and years. Brings back lots of memories to hear his name. I am reminded of Kenny Reeves.Scudder Walker, Gus Stergoes, Bulldog Ormes, George Cooke and others. I remember the great teams of the 40s and 50s. I remember the Tollesboros with Allan Banes, Flemnig with Clay Evans, Mayslick with Paulie Collins and the Butlers, I remember the team of '48 that won state for the first time with George and Bulldog as eighth graders after beating St. Pats first year team in the District. St. Patas went to Region for first time that year. I remember the great games between Paris and Maysville in the Region. The one in '52 I believe it was when George Cooke's winning shot at the buzzer was waved off inthe Paris gym. Ah, the good ole days:) But the game has changed so much and the youth today so athletic and so much better and good Lord that shot jump shots now:)

Don't forget Jackson Tolle, about 6'2" junior, around 200 I who think, who is getting more playing time. Tolle brings energy, strength and toughness to the game as do Stahl and Browning off the bench. The way Mason plays the three or four reserves will play a vital role in the remaining games.

Thanks

Meant to say I am NOT sure anybody can stop either he or Darius Miller from getting their shot when they really want it.