KillerCats09

One thing that comes to my mind is that Newport should have a competitive team now. When you look at what their freshmen staff has put in place for the past four years you would think they should be a force in AA. Yeah I know the freshmen team had a bad season this year but they also played a tough schedule too. Newport's freshmen team has averaged 30 plus players each season. Where do they go? IMO whether you have Rice, Meyers or Turner they should be able to rebuild the program.

Coach Meyers is a great guy but I have yet to hear if he is even interested in the position this time around. Coach Meyers knows his football and could possibly turn the program back in the right direction.

I agree with you - Scott Turner is a good coach and possibly could be Dale's replacement whenever Dale chooses to retire.

Rice IMO is the best candidate overall for the Newport program. Hyder did all he could do to build the program back to respect. However when you have to constantly deal with off the field conflicts involving some players it doesn't help the program. Newport had and has talented players - however the time has come for Newport's program to get rid of players that create conflict - basically either you want build a sucessful program or you don't. The administration needs to let their coaches in all of their programs weed out the problems and rebuild them. Nick Rice will complete a lot for Newport if given the opportunity.

Rumor has it that Nick Rice is interested in the position. I believe he would be a good candidate to get the program headed in the right direction. Newport really needs to have a coach like Rice that will install discipline back to the program along with a staff that can produce. Coach Hyder will be missed - he is a good person but when you try to produce and you don't have the support that is needed it makes for a difficult situation. Coach Hyder I wish you all the best and thank you for all you have done for Newport overall.

Newport needs to improve on their defensive play. Seems like when they get down they loose focus on the game. They want to start throwing up a bunch of threes and not really making a lot of them in the process. Newport has alot of talent that hopefully Russell will harness before the Districts start. Perhaps it's time to sit some players on the bench until they can realize they need to listen to their coaches. I did notice that #40 on their JV team plays hard in the middle so maybe give him some play time on varsity.

I agree with you about Gordon. He handles the ball good and makes some good assist too. He is a player that will get stronger and stronger as the season goes on.

If Newport can play their game (fast pace) I see them winning this without a problem.

I played against Steve back in the day - he was a strong well individual then and I'm sure he is still the same - so I know he'll be just fine. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

My prayers are with your father and your family.

Good job Birds! Dale really knows what he is doing.

Lloyd 68 Dayton 42

I am glad Housely stayed with his game. When he was at Newport he played hard and I'm happy for him that he transferred to Holmes - at least there he will get some looks to go further with basketball and his education. Newporrt has for the past few years had the talent but never seems to get it done. IMO - there is a problem somewhere - just hope someone can resolve it.

Green is a descent player - he has good speed and a good shot too - but he lacks in strength. Green should have been hitting the wieghts over the summer - he is not a threat inside on defense or offense - more effective on the outside.

One thing I see as a problem for Newport inside is that Darnell is not a dominate figure in the paint. He in the past was not agressive and it all falls on McDaniels shoulders to do all the work under the basket.

I agree - it seems like Newport either doesn't stay with their game plan or gets to a point were it becomes a street ball game.

Newport has some talent but the biggest problem I see is rotation. Coach Russell is a good coach but hasn't always had a bench to rotate players in and out. From looking at their roster I just don't see a lot of players that they can roatate in and out which can make for a long night playing a fast pace offense that they need to run with Holmes.

So how many players is NCC missing because they are still in the State Finals for football? Not to take anything away from Holy Cross - cause I figured that HC would be tough this year and surprise some teams.

I had a chance to watch Whitley County play against Newport this season and WC pounded Newport. Highlands is a solid team and WC appeared to be solid against Newport but Newport is not a Highlands so I see Highlands winning this one by 2 td's. Now if WC can play a hard hitting game against Highlands they can possibly pull one off but I just believe that the Birds have too much experience. That is one thing I have noticed about Coach Mueller - he makes sure that he always has experience players - seems like the Birds know how to keep their jrs and sophs experienced. A lot of teams neglect what they have on the side lines and then wonder why they cannot compete.

Summit View has a solid team and I would bet to say that they also have a lot of support from their school too. SV is always in the local tournaments and that really helps you prepapre and have a better season IMO. Newport has talent but never gets involved in the local tournaments and one must wonder why - does Newport not get any support from their upper ranks or what - maybe this is why they have average to below average teams at the high school level.

Newport's freshmen may have a difficult season with the loss of both Merrill that transfer to Highlands this year. Newport's freshmen team will not be as skilled as the past teams have been so this may be a long season for the young cats.

I just forwarded word to the Newport 8th grade coach - hopefully they will get in.

Wow! I didn't realize I tossed the coin that high.

My prayers and thoughts are with you - God will truly take care of everyone.

Newport did play hard but as everyone knows - turnovers will do you end. Unfortunately the turnovers Newport had were costly. Newport's QB Collins - he's a good kid but no as experience as one would hope for but with some hard work and dedication he could be a big plus for the Cats next season.