BogeyMan

What a pleasant change of pace for Elliott County to have a good record and be ranked. The new coaching staff has worked wonders.

Coaching not the difference, but talent is. Ashland should win by more than 20.

If that is the criteria you choose to use, and not the best player, then I would pick Kelly Wells. Three regional titles in a row is hard to argue with.

No doubt those are three great players. You cannot in good conscience ignore Mayo. I can't believe I'm the one defending Mayo, but the truth is certainly hard to ignore if we are going to have an honest discussion. I don't care if he did transfer in and out of here after a brief tenure. I have been closely involved with basketball in this region for over 40 years and while here, he was the most talented player I have ever watched in this region, and that is not even considering what he has become since leaving.

It's tough for a two man team to win, but they beat Morgan County, and Morgan County seems to be better than Boyd County. After watching Boyd's guards I do not see how they can do anything with Jackson at all. You can keep Selby out of the game by pushing the ball hard, but Rose Hill doesn't seem inclined to do that. Euton can shoot over Selby all night, but if Selby is allowed to get physical it could take Euton out of his game. Rose Hill 57-54. Jackson gets 27 and Euton gets 21.

If Rex doesn't get the charge call, he'll get the T for arguing the blown call.

Bath's guards are decent, but no way the keep Elliott's guards "in check." Elliott by at least 30 and Ferguson will have a huge game. Bath has no one who can handle him without getting in a lot of foul trouble.

The meaning of any scrimmage game is hard to figure as well. Christian County will be a strong test for Elliott County. I look for a close game with a score in the 70's. This is the first team to match Elliott's talent level so it should be a good measuring stick.

Elliott plays man, but they double the ball and trap when they want to apply pressure or speed the tempo up. With their quickness it is quite effective.

They will need the important contributions off all of the top 7 players to reach their goals this year.

I agree he spends too much time inside and he draws a ton of foouls, many of which go uncalled. He gets more done inside than anyone I can recall for his isze. Knipp is much weaker than Ferguson, but his size is still an improvement over Elliott's inside game last year. Morgan plays hardbut is not near the presence inside offensively or defensively as either Knipp of Ferguson. Four of Elliott's starters are good rebounders and quick to the ball which really helps offset the size difference the face against good teams.

Selby had 10 of his 17 in the first quarter and pretty much was wore out. Elliott forced Boyd into 33 turnovers and shot almost 50%.

The first 7-8 play meaningful minutes. Flanery and Nickell are getting more time lately as they are learning to handle the ball stronger and getting to play late in the blowouts. They are small guards and opponents immediately press them with their starters when they enter the game. That is probably a big reason one of the other guards has to play late in the blowout wins.

Those two are excellent players. They are going to have a hard time beating good teams with scoring lines like 27,25, 6 and 5, though.

My thoughts on Greenup exactly. Elliott broke the "press" repeatedly and shot layup after layup. That style of play can work IF you can shoot and apply defensive pressure. Greenup does neither.

Any stats for this game? Did anyone beside Euton and Jackson score?

Selby scored when he was fed on the low post. However, he was tugging on his jersey and completely out of breath 4 minutes into the game. He picked up a couple of fouls just grabbing at quicker players. Knipp did a decent job on him defensively. The Faulkners and Chris Knipp completely disrupted Boyd's guards and they really could never get into an offensive set. Ferguson scored almost at will inside and out. A very dominating performance for Elliott. They go on those 10-2, 15-4 runs because of defensive pressure and the game gets out of hand quickly.

I tend to agree with about everyone's top 5 in some order, but I think Timmy Knipp is getting overlooked. I rarely say that any player is a D1 talent but he is the real deal. He has added wight and strength over the summer and can score from about anywhere. His ballhandling has improved greatly and he is becoming an excellent passer. His improvement is a big reason that Elliott is stronger this year. They really lacked size last year and his development has allowed Ferguson to play more on the wing and avoid foul trouble.

Let's look at that. Elliott plays the conference and District games they are required to, plus Mason County, the Fifth Third Classisc at LexCath and the All-A Classic. I'll match that against most schools around here.

Rose Hill's big two are probably better than Morgan's five. The Hill by 8.

East wins without the two starters. Greenup plays no defense and Drew Johnson will have a big night.

I did not say he wasn't a good player. I certainly challenge the statement that he would be the best player on Elliott's team.

I bet Zornes loves all these 20-40 point predictions. I am sure Elliott will be happy to play well and get the win. The score will take care of itself if Elliott plays smart and continues to force turnovers by playing such tough defense.

That sounds ominous!