BadCat

JBS will think they got hit by a train.

I don't know how anyone could "heavily favor" either team in this game. If either of he twins heat up,and one of the other is likely to, then Lee is a winner. Brandenburg is one of the best point guards in the region, and Taulbee could start at that position most anyplace else. Fetters can defend anybody, and can flat jump out of the gym. I am telling you, he got a crucial tip-in during the first half Friday night and it looked as though his waist was even with the top of everyone else's head. (I'm sure frontrowfan recalls the one of which I speak, because it kind of changed the momentum at that point of the game). Rich is big and strong, and is not intimidated by anyone inside. Johnson is another good defensive player, and Lee doesn't lose much when he is in the game. I don't think that fans on the east end of the region have seen Lee and Estill enough to understand how good the 56th district was this year, and what kind of threat BOTH of these teams are. It is just as likely a Lee vs. Estill final as Hazard vs. Leslie.

Thanks for correction Professor. I have been on committee that picked all tournament team a couple of times, and it is HARD not to let regular season play affect your choices. Rich deseved award, I don't think Lee beats Estill without him.

Hazard.

Lee has played Jackson twice, so they know what to expect from them. I haven't seen Cordia, but know they beat Jackson late in the year. I' ll take Jackson by 5 or less.

No player has improved the way Caleb Fetters has from last year to this. I am as devoted a Lee County fan as you will ever see, and I didn't even know who he was when the season started last year. Every other kid from Lee has improved as well. Leslie might win, but it will not be by some of the margins I have seen posted here. Lee County beat Lexington Christian soundly, and they are probably as good as any team in the 14th. Lee has also beaten Estill four times, and if you believe that to be a small accomplishment, just ask the folks at Jackson City and Hazard how happy they are not to play the Engineers in the first round. I certainly hope Leslie's players and coaches are giving Lee as little respect as I am seeing here, but I bet they know better.

I knew it. Would have bet my last nickel on it.

Haven't drawn yet. Not until tomorrow. These are predictions.

All tournament team was exactly how I would have picked if I had a choice. Rich and Fetters deserved individual awards, but if Estill had pulled it out, would have gone with Dixon for MVP, because, as usual, I agree with Professor.

Actually ARC, Lee is 8-0 against elite eight. 4-0 vs. Estill, 2-0 vs. Jackson, 2-0 vs. Wolfe. Lee is 10-0 vs. 56th district teams this year, and I seriously doubt that that has ever happened before. How about it Professor? I do agree with your point ARC.

I kind of agree about MVP award, except that I think Billy Joe Hearn Award is based on entire season rather than just tournament, but someone correct me if wrong. If so Rich is deserving. The game was true defensive struggle, and Caleb Fetters is one of best defensive players I have ever seen, and was rewarded with 56th defensive player of year award. As far as Tourney MVP, I would have gone with Dixon. He is big, strong, can really handle the ball, score (inside or out), and rebound. I like his play even better than region POY winner Gilbert. He has better attitude, and is much more team oriented. Ken Brandeburg also played excellent tournament, and will only be better next year. Also, let me commend folks that ran the tournament this year. Huge crowds, but traffic control and hospitality top-notch. Excellent sportsmanship from teams and fans. And I love that train whistle from Estill County band.

Thanks Gold Sunrise. I hope Lee County doesn't have to play Estill again. Trust me Dixon is a horse. Whichever winner draws Estill had best know they are subject to early exit next week.

Both teams let nothing on the floor. Dixon had free throw to tie with 4.5 let and missed, Lee hit last two free throws. Classic game. Lee County gym packed, probably record crowd. (Can somebody edit thread title, I cant get my piece of junk computer to open "start a new thread".)

Way to go tigers! Professor, when do we get those burgers at White Flash? I can usually go for about ten of them. Wife won't get around me for a week.

No easy draw in tournament.

Yes they have some good sized kids. Dixon is a big strong boy that can put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. Some talk above about Lee overlooking Estill, but that won't happen, as concern was that Bobcats would overlook Owsley. We have seen enough of Estill this year to understand perfectly what can happen. Estill may beat Lee, but it won't be because Lee underestimated them

Professor, we used to redshirt kids at Lee and you all too at Owsley to get that extra year of growth. Don't do it anymore, and it was part of the reason Lee County faded in 90's.

I think Powell was outmanned this year, but I don't think the have a senior. Anybody know for sure? If that is right, they will be much improved next year. Another year makes a big difference with teenage kids, size and strengthwise. I look for Owsley and Breathhitt to improve for the same reason

No doubt about Hazard and Leslie. You win the district, and then supposed to get an easier draw with a runner-up. No such luck this year. Winners and runners-up are going to be about the same. No easy draw anywhere that I see.

I really believe that tis won't be the last time Lee and Estill play this year. I believe they may be the best two teams left. I believe Lee will win at home. The game that scares me will be on the nuetral floor at Knott, if it happens

I don't understand the surprise here. Powell finishes 8-17, 1-9 in the region with a lone win against Owsley. Estill one of three best teams left in region, and very possibly the best. Estill should have won big, and they took care of business.

Coach Wright should have thrown one of those three games in the regular season so that Lee wouldn't be in this terrible position of needing to pick up that fourth win. Everyone knows it is easier to win later if you lose a couple earlier! Come on guys, being 3-0 against a team is an advantage, not a detriment, common sense tells you that. Lee may well lose to Estill because Estill certainly has the horses to pull it off, but it is NOT going to be easier for them because Lee has already beat them three times. I'll take Lee, because they have proved that they can win.

Good level for Gilbert. Linsey-Wilson in particular plays a competetive brand of basketball.

I'm going to pick Wolfe, but very low confidence in that selection. I believe Stamper will be the difference

Estill overcame that pesky "hard to win three" factor an completely dominated Powell. Estill is a top regional contender, and the game friday with Lee will be a barn-burner. If you are coming, better be there early because house will be packed.