13th Analyst

1. North Laurel 2. Corbin 3. South Laurel 4. Bell County 5. Cumberland 6. Middlesboro 7. Whitley County 8. Cawood 9. Williamsburg 10. Knox Central

They had one player quit and one transfer to Whitley. They also had a couple of seniors who knew they wouldn't get to play this year and decided not to even come out. However, I think the coaching is estatic about this group because most importantly, they love the game.

Who pitched for Leslie and PCC??

I would say that Pittman is the go-to-guy for the Jackets. Not only does he throw around 79-80-81, he throws a change-piece that is way above average.

C- Branham FR 1B- Andrew Breeding JR 2B- Lance Brooks JR SS-Tyler Hatmaker JR 3B-Casey Earls JR LF-Pittman FR CF-Partin 8th Grade RF-Farr FR or SO (not 100% sure actually) P-Hoskins JR DH-A.J. Jones FR When Earls is on the mound- 3B Tolliver FR. When Hatmaker is on the mound- SS Earls and 3B Tolliver The junior class has done pretty well but they are surrounded by so much youth it is incredible. However, remember 2002 though. That year they started 6 freshmen and went to the FINAL FOUR. Most of the time, young teams have more of a go-get attitude. They have no pressure on them and each game they play like they have nothing to lose. I expect to see this type of play from Middlesboro come district time.

Middlesboro lost 14-9 to Whitley County and closed out the tournament with a 5-1 W against across-border rival Cumberland Gap High School. Not a bad tourney for Middlesboro. Dumb scheduling though. They played two games in about a day in a half before the start of the tournament. With fresh pitching, Middlesboro could have ran the table.

Casey Earls pitched for the Jackets (probably their 3rd or 4th best pitcher) because they had played 3 games in the two days before. Hoskins, Pittman, and Tolliver each through significant innings in those games. Whitley put up 6 in the top of the first with the help of a grand slam by Bowman. Middlesboro battled back and cut the lead to 7-4 after two and finally tied it up in the 3rd inning with a 3 run homer by eighth grader Jake Partin. Whitley took the lead for good in the fifth with a solo homerun by Strickland. Earls began to struggle severely in he sixth, walking 4 and hitting a batter. There was nothing Middlesboro could do about it though because they had no one else to put in. They eventually put in Hatmaker to close the game out but it was too late. (Hatmaker started for them in the final game of their tournament later that day.) Whitley looked like a solid team but I think Middlesboro would have beaten them with either Tolliver, Hoskins, or Pittman on the mound. This season is going to be all about Middlesboro getting some experience. They don't have a single senior on the team and regularly start 4 freshman and an 8th grader. I still expect them to make some noise come tournament time.

I wouldn't doubt it too much. Wouldn't you agree that it is very difficult to win games against quality opponents without throwing any of your solid pitchers. I know Shelley pitched against Middlesboro on Saturday. I don't know who pitched against PCC the night before but I know they had a better pitcher on the mound, a righty, throwing low 80s. (80-81)

I am certain this is not the case. On average, a well played baseball game only takes about an hour and a half. This would leave them plenty of time to get back to Middlesboro for their next game. So if anything, they thought the game would be quick because of quality play.

Whitley had played 4 games in the 4 days before this game including one against region foe Middlesboro. I'm sure fresh pitching played a key role in how this pair of games turned out.

I'm not sure if this has been brought to the surface yet but Hoskins struck out 17 batters this game!! That also includes 8 of the last 11 batters he faced. One of the most dominant pitching performances Middlesboro has ever had.

I disagree as well. Not because the stealing signs issue because I feel that is part of the game, to devise signs that are hard to pick up, but because of other issues. For example, two years ago, a kid from Middlesboro hit two homeruns against Corbin in his first two appearances to the plate. What happens to him his next time up, surprise, he gets plunked. That happens often after a batter hits a homerun against Corbin. Also, Justin Stewart a few years back. Everyone who knows of the kid knows how extremely wild he was throwing the ball. Couple that with the fact that he threw the ball about 88 and that makes for a dangerous pitcher. Now, one game he was abnormally wild and plunked about 5 against Corbin (I would say his average was 3 per game). A few of these came in costly situations as well which showed that they clearly weren't intentional. What happens to Stewart his in his last two plate appearances, he gets plunked. In fact, on the first one, they threw behind him one pitch before they actually got him. Things like this make me have not respect for Garmon. Ledington is a good one though, no doubt the most vital coach on their staff.

It wasn't an official visit, so I was misinformed. Sorry. However, the fact of the matter is that he does have D1 ability and that several coaches at that level seem to agree.

That is exactly what I was saying. All of those guys mentioned that went D1 SIGNED A LOI. Which means, they weren't walk-ons, the were recruited commitments. Concerning Brian not being good enough to get a full ride to UK on baseball, very few people actually get fullrides in baseball. If you knew the ins and outs of baseball recruiting, then you would know that. Brian could be in about 6 record categories but asked his coach not to enter his name for them because it wasn't about him. Brian was making money while at UK. With KEES and his academic scholarship, as well as other scholarships, he didn't even care about getting baseball money. And believe me, he was good enough to play at that level. However, he had other plans for his life and is now in the position to pick his choice of graduate schools. As far as this subject regarding Brian and these other players go, I consider the matter finished. It is way off subject and you all have not a single clue as to the complexity of each of their situations as I don't know the complexity of your alls. However, the article that was just provided made things real simple for you boys. And how did this quote taste... "Jones said Miller has offers from a bunch of schools, including Belmont, Tennessee Tech, Morehead State and Lincoln Memorial." -via Courier Journal. Three D1s and a DII. Not too shabby if you ask me.

First of all, "I know for a fact that Brian was a walk on and gave it up before the semester even ended at UK." Wrong. Brian was at UK for a year and a half. That break you think he took, had a torn labrum repaired and was on medical redshirt. He also wasn't necessarily a walk-on. He made a 30 on his ACT and was going to school free, meaning no need for a scholarship. Your first comment was that after hearing all of that, you still only know of 1 DI player?? So do non-scholarship players not count for DI players?? That is the most silly thing I have ever heard. Is Durrel White a DI player?? Fact is, like I said to begin all of this DI talk, each of these guys were recruited and signed by DI teams. By signing, that means you are not a walk-on, that means you are a recruited commitment. It may not be a scholarship player for whatever reason, but it doesn't mean walk-on. And Justin did play a full season. Glad to know you have your facts straight. Here is a link to Cumberland's statistics page from last season. http://www.cumberlandcollege.edu/athletics/baseball/stats/FinalSeason%20Box.html And what exactly does this mean: "I like how you said you were a "3rd generation D1 athlete." Nice to hide behind a name."??? ukbellco14, you did a heck of a job handing the ball off to the players that mattered in high school. Congrats!!

A few?? haha Graduating class of 1999 Jason Goodman- Spalding University NAIA David Kelley- Lincoln Memorial DII Josh Robinson- Lincoln Memorial DII then West Virginia State DII Chad Adkins- Lindsey Wilson NAIA Lee Hardin- Cumberland College NAIA Graduating class of 2000 Derrick Wynn- Northern Kentucky DII then Union College NAIA Jeremy Skidmore- ETSU DI then Union College NAIA Class of 2001 David Chedester- Greeneville College DIII Class of 2002 Brian Powell- Kentucky DI then Georgetown College NAIA Class of 2003 None Class of 2004 Justin Stewart- Cumberland College NAIA Justin Harris- Union College NAIA Vince Powell- Morehead State DI Josh Burns- Maryville College DIII then Lincoln Memorial DII Class of 2005 None So much for just a few right?? That is 13 off the top of my head with 3 that were recruited and signed by DI schools. Hey baseball God you want to know how big a difference one player can make on a team why don't you ask Brian Powell, who was the only senior on the team in 2002. That team started 6 sophomores 2 juniors and Brian. How much can difference can one man make on a team when he plays middle infield, why don't you look at how things turned out that year?? Let me just help you out, they went to the Final Four. Brian never pitched one inning for that team either. Which means he made a difference in every other aspect of the game, baserunning, fielding, hitting, and most importantly leadership. How much difference can one player on a team with one collegiate material player (neither of the two juniors played college ball and the other kids were sophomores and undeveloped) make when going against a team with 5+ future DI players, why don't you look at how they did against Boyd County in the sectional tournament?? Let me just help you out with that one, they beat them. They beat Boyd County, who was then the defending state champion on Boyd County's field while they had 5 DI players on their team. So tell me one player can't make a big difference in baseball and I will laugh in your face just thinking of how many ways you are wrong. And bellco14, thanks for the email. I learned a lot about how awesome you think you are and how much PT you could be getting. I'm not even going to respond. I don't seek fame from others or try to take credit for talent that was ultimately given to me (not earned). In fact, I forgive you brother. My only response to you is “What doth it profit a man to gain the entire world but lose his very soul “? and "Blessed are the humble in spirit For theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."

I see where you are coming from and in a lot of ways, I agree. I couldn't go without defending our boy Macy.

How would someone who doesn't know Miller well, know what schools are recruiting and how hard they are recruiting him?? And then provide facts like they have copies of his recruiting letters or tapes of his phone calls?? Get real.

Please, Macy is a great coach, they have just been very young these past two years. 01-02 2nd in OVC 02-03 2nd in OVC 03-04 3rd in OVC While I do think that some people can learn the game well without ever being a part of it, I totally agree that someone who won Mr. Basketball in the state of Indiana (legendary for their high school basketball), who was an All-American in college and part of a national champion team, and played 10 years in the pros with the Suns, Bulls, and Pacers is a better judge of talent, simply because he has been around great talent all of his life. Do you actually think you are a more "qualified" judge of talent than any current college basketball coach??? You may know the game compared to the guys on this forum but come on. They don't give those jobs to anyone.

I can actually agree with a lot of your post. I do think if he played on a better team his shot attempts and maybe even his ppg would go down. But I stand by my opinion that he would shoot for a better %. One stat of his that wouldn't be affected either way that also compliments his shooting ability is his free throw %. Call it an easy shot anyway, but he makes them more often than pretty much everyone in the state. I think he is like 7th or 6th, can't remember. He shoots 85% from the charity stripe. Now that is one stat that would go unaffected.

I think that the schedule has allowed him to make more threes but I think his percentage would be even better from the arc if he was on a better team and not drawing the complete attention of the opposition. I think Middlesboro plays as good as schedule as a team from any other region except regions 6, 7, 8, and 11.

I watched a Lexington game yesterday between Bryan Station and Lafeyette and I can assure you, he will be a key player for either of those teams tonight. We just agree to disagree I suppose. If he can shoot 43% on a team with no other threat translating to a couple of hands in his face, then he can shoot at least 43% man up. bellco14, Morehead state gives scholarships in everything but football. Don't know if the other schools have offered or not. I simply know they are recruiting him hard.

If you sent an email, resend it because I didn't get it. Also you were wanting to know some mid-major teams recruiting him or DI-AA, I mentioned earlier in the thread that Morehead St. (OVC), Southern Ill. (Missouri Valley Conference), and Belmont Univ. (Atlantic Sun Conference) are all heavily recruiting him. Jim Schue, I think it is crazy that you would think a guy who has made 139 3's this year at 43% wouldn't be the shooter on other teams. I am a Middlesboro grad but I have also expressed disgust in our basketball program several times. I think Miller is the best player we have had since Buell in early 80's (McDonalds All-American). The 13th region isn't the best all the way through but mind you 2 of the final 8 teams left in the tournament last year are from the 13th Region, including the defending state champion. He has also lit up Clay County and North Laurel on a few occasions and these teams have been historically solid every year.

HAHAHA!! I 100% agree!! :thumb:

In closing with our debate, this long time ago recruiting game that I was a part of was within the past 5 years. I have since taken the high road (academics) over sports and am well on my way to getting into dental school. I doubt the game has changed much in 2 years!! And about that comment I made, if the shoe fits, wear it. If not then don't let it bother you. Now, onto the point of the thread, I think defense is the most coachable aspect of the game. More so than ball-handling, shooting, and maybe even passing. I truly doubt that a top notch coach looks and Miller's defense abilities and sees them as a lost cause. The kid loves the game and could probably step up his defensive game if a coach were to ever hold him accountable. And if you give Miller 15-20 a game, he is a solidified starter. Also, because Miller brings such an offensive weapon to the court, they can make defensive adjustments to get him on the court. Switch to 2-3 or 1-3-1. Either one would make his defensive abilities far less demanding.