coachescorner

North Hardin @ Adair Co is cancelled for tonight 1/8.

We played St Henry and Coach Faust does a great job. They had a kid that could really shoot the ball. I only got to see a little bit of Pendleton Co but they got to the Final 4 so they must have played pretty well. Walton Verona had a nice team up there as well. I didn't see any team that I would call "great" but there were several real solid clubs up there. Out of the 5th region, Central Hardin and Taylor Co both had nice camps.

I left before the finals were over but NCC and Elder (some color) were getting ready to play. NCC beat North Hardin in one semi-final and Elder beat Pendleton Co. Well run camp, several good teams. NCC has 2 really solid guards and a big kid inside that played very well.

I know that from the 5th Taylor Co, North Hardin and Central Hardin will be there.

North Hardin vs. Franklin County is also part of this classic.

The kids that made the team made a commitment to be at the tryout, the other kids chose to play AAU. These juniors that made the team will get two scrimmages against the seniors to help them prepare. Don't slight these kids, they will represent the state very well.

Tim Davis will be coaching the Junior All-Stars this summer. They will play 2 scrimmage games against the seniors. Hopefully by next summer they will also play against Indiana's juniors.

I would agree with the chemistry statement but Corey Jackson made the team because he was one of the most consistent players throughout the entire tryout. Outside of Middleton, no one played better than Jackson for all 3 workouts. He opened alot of eyes and earned himself a scholarship to Southeastern Illinois Junior College.

Size is an issue every year in this game. Indiana always has a handful of 6'7, 6'8, 6'9 kids that can post and step out as well. There's just not much size in Kentucky. Add in the population difference between the two states and Kentucky is behind the eight ball before the game ever starts. There is one thing not too be worried about, Kentucky has two of the best in the business on the sidelines. These kids will be ready to compete for Coach Hopper and Coach Listerman, if they aren't they won't be around long!

Team is not picked on politics anymore. There were 13 region coaches of the year that selected the team. There are always good players left off of this team due to the fact that 40 try out and only 12 earn spots.

I know this process has evolved over the past few years with the involvement of the KABC running the tryouts. It think the breakdown now of who gets tryouts are as follows: 1) 16 KABC region players of the year. 2) Top 10 vote getters as voted on by coaches throughout the state. 3) 10 selected by statewide media. 4) 4 selected by a committee that includes the head coach and the game chariman. There are always going to be deserving players left off. But I will say that the process is a whole lot better than it used to be.

I'll take Grayson by 12.

Grayson also has one of the best juniors in the state in Travis Johnston. I believe he won 3rd region Player of the Year. He is really fun to watch.

1-Hazard 1-Grayson Co. 1-Central 1-Eastern 1-Lex Cath. 1-Holmes 1-Shelby Valley 1-Anderson Co. 2-Grayson 2-Eastern 2-Holmes 2-Shelby Valley 3-Eastern 3-Shelby Valley 5-Shelby Valley 138

Grayson will give Adair fits with their dribble penetration and kicking out to shooters. They have as many shooters as Adair. This game will come down to Grayson's ability to contain Ballou. If they can keep him from dominating the game, I think Grayson wins rather handily. This game also could end up being somewhere in the neighborhood of 35-32 or 42-38. Both teams love to run sets. Very good first round match-up and after seeing both teams several times I give Grayson the nod. I'll take the Cougars by 7.

JH is every bit as quick as Bardstown just not as big.

John Hardin is somewhat streaky but if they are hot--they can be very dangerous. They also play 8-10 kids where Adair really only plays 6. Their quickness could also cause Adair some problems. Should be a great afternoon of basketball in Marion Co.

17th District Final

5th and 6th are switching this year.

Not sure about Thompson's knee. He is going to have it checked tomorrow.

Great game by both teams. There were some serious athletes on the floor tonight. There was a foul called at the end of regulation and then waved off by the same official that called it. Great game between 2 very well coached teams. Would love to see these 2 hook up again.

Huge game for both because the loser will have to face a very good Campbellsville team in the district semi-finals. With the game being at Adair, I'll take the Indians by 9, setting up a 4th meeting between Taylor and C-Ville.

I know that Ballard had several guys that played football and some young kids that are very athletic. Year in and year out Coach Renner does a great job and they are always a tough out in March. The 7th region is tough as always.

Back and forth game. North got a 10 pt lead at one time, but Adair clawed back and built a 3 pt lead with about 1:30 to go. James Berry hit a big 3 for North and the Trojans were able to hang on for a big 5th region win. Adair was led be Helm with 18, Ballou had 14. North was led by Greg Johnson with 19 pts.

Final.