5wide

30-24 Hazard at the half.

30-24 Hazard holding for last shot of the half.

6 steals by Hazard 7 TO's from West Jessamine

24-18

4:07 to play in the half. Hazard up 22-18. Josh Whitaker with 14 points. Hazard 4-9 from long range.

That's where I'm listening at. I don't really know of any other places.

17-15 Hazard TO 5:40 to play in the half.

West Jessamine was up by 7 before Hazard rallied to tie the game.

13-13 End of first quarter.

No response?

What was the final score of that game? In the 60's? From what I could gather from the highlights, Holmes trailed for a lot of that game. How good is Largo, because it didn't look like they were overwhelmed by Holmes "running" game? Additionally, I think the Holmes and EC definitions of running are about 20 points difference. When you get used to playing games in the 30's and 40's, I suppose the 60's feel like warp speed. Conversely, a game in the 60's would be frustrating when you average almost 86 per game. When I say a running game, anything under 70 doesn't qualify. Your definition might be different.

If Holmes tries to outrun Elliott County, they will lose, IMO. If they take the air out of the ball, control the tempo and slow it way down, I think they win. If they play at a medium pace, meaning that they run selectively but still do a good job of dictating rather than reacting, I think they have a great chance to win. From the posts I've read, I'm getting the impression that people think Holmes will try to go toe-to-toe with Elliott County in a shootout. I think that's a mistake. Regardless, I don't expect to see this game. I think one or both of them will be gone before Saturday morning. Just a hunch...

You gonna stay in the hotel for 10 days?

Just going by what I keep seeing posted. But, I have my suspicions.

Hazard has the second best scoring defense in the field (46.8 points allowed per game). For the record, that is only 0.7 points behind the Holmes defense that we've heard so much about.

:thumb: I agree. Fans can talk about what they want. The players and coaches are the ones who need to focus on the task at hand. I do believe the draw could affect whoever comes from the bottom bracket with respect to Saturday's play. Not only do they have less time between games, but they also have tougher opponents. Example: Elliott County - If they make it all the way, this could be their path. Anderson County - Thursday, 8:00 PM Shelby Valley - Friday, 8:00 PM Holmes - Saturday, 12:00 PM Eastern - Saturday, 8:00 PM That is a brutal run.

^Just a hunch, but I don't think they will.

:thumb: I agree. I've seen a lot of good, hot shooting teams heading into Rupp get there and start a brick laying convention because they can't adjust to the arena and the big stage. However, the fact that Adair County has some experience should really help. And, the fact that they have a stud player to rely on. I'd be surprised if Grayson County beat them to be honest. I think Adair County has a legit shot to cut down the nets. If they play well, they should get to Saturday and at that point it only takes two good games. And, with a star player, I think any team has a shot at that point. JMO

What are some of your favorite Sweet 16 memories? Three of mine 1) E'town vs. Russellville (State semi-finals) - Antwan Barbour scored 42 points to outduel R'ville's Teco Dickerson, 31 points. The crowd really picked up on E'town and Barbour's exciting play. 2) Paducah Tilghman vs. Ballard (Opening round) - To be honest, I can't even remember who won. I think Tilghman did. They had a bald guy named Brent? Kincaid who was on fire from long range. I think he finished with around 30 and the crowd really got behind them because of him. I'm pretty sure DeJuan Wheat was playing the point for Ballard that year. Best I can remember, he played a great game that day as well. 3) Paintsville vs. Clay County (Opening Round) - Todd Tacket put on a show in the first half. At one point late in the half, he had outscored Clay County 23-22. I can't remember if he ended up with more points at the half or not.

:thumb: I agree. Elliott County fits the mold, IMO. Small, county school that plays an exciting style of ball. In fact, I'd say they might have a bigger advantage because of their recognition. Many people have seen them for the past couple of years and others have heard a lot about them this year. So, a lot of people will be coming to watch them specifically. Conversely, the crowds typically don't get behind city schools from heavier populated areas, especially if they're a favorite. Teams like Holmes, Eastern and Lexington Catholic fit that description.

:thumb: That's when the Sweet 16 gets exciting, IMO. Pretty much every team brings a good crowd from home. It's when all the neutral crowd gets behind somebody, the place gets loud and you can really feel the excitement.

You don't think a week-plus of no game action and the adjustment of playing at Rupp will affect that?

Elliott County is a crowd favorite. I think what he's implying is that the majority of neutral observers will be behind Elliott County. JMO

Which is why I asked the question... Knowing Elliott's worst games have typically been when the tempo is slowed, why would Holmes want to play fast if they didn't have to? If you're confident you can win either way, it makes sense to me to play at a pace the opponent would be less effective at.

There's been as much talk about a Holmes/Elliott matchup as there has been regarding their first round opponents. It needed a thread.