Ranger

It seems to me that SK doesn't have a lot of problems beating the teams they should- like Walton. I am going with SK 62-36. Probably a different topic but in the games against better competition, the team seems to play more out of fear and from pressure and that is where they seem to struggle.

I am not sure I followed all that. However, if I am not mistaken, those same coaches were good enough to have won back to back state titles. I understand the one ball that scored took a strange bounce. When you get down, you have to try different things. Somtimes, it is better to have fresh legs even if they haven't played a lot in a particular year. Anybody have a guess where NDA plays next?

According to KHSAA website, NDA won 1-0. I don't understand why the regional games are played at different sites, especially out of state as already indicated.

This is an interesting string of events; father just offered the job last week (not sure if has accepted from what has been written), it is one of those opportunities that knock but the family is still comparing costs of living to apparently wherever they are coming from and they don't even know what neighborhoods are available in the area. With all that being said, the family/player wants to attend Conner and there is discussion in this thread about her eligibility. Maybe it is just me but it all seems kind of strange, almost a cart and horse kind of thing. If I were to uproot my family and move to a different area of the state for a "better job opportunity", I would likely not narrow my choice down to one neighborhood in a community but would look around the entire community; i.e. in Northern Kentucky you have Hebron, Florence, Walton, Alexandria, Independence etc. You can get from anywhere to everywhere in Northern Kentucky in 20 minutes. Not saying this is the case here, but I am always amazed at the stories you hear where a parent wanting a player to go to a certain school to be on a team precipitates some of these moves. It seems like every year some athlete's family moves so they can be closer to work, better opportunity for education opportunities etc. Amazing

Several pics at http://www.skpioneers.blogspot.com/

Wow, the only thing I can say is what a gutsy performance by the SK kids. The Enquirer sure gave them no chance this morning: "Ryle and Boone County appear to be the class of Northern Kentucky's Class 6A field, followed by a fairly sizable gap. Simon Kenton and Campbell County are on the other side of that gap. This game could show how big the gap between second and third is." I guess someone forgot to tell the SK kids that effort and heart can overcome perceived gaps. Congrats!

I guess if it depends if you consider the 3 spot a guard. In the games I have seen her, most of her points came from slashing through the lane or off put-backs. I haven't seen either of her coaches really use her at the point and I am not sure if her outside shot is good enough to be considered a 2 guard. Back to the other question about guards... Gray is the best. She has shooting range well beyond the three line and can create so much with her dribble. When she doesn't score, someone usually does as a result from her ability to drive the basketball. SK probably has the best point and 2 guard combination in the region with Tolliver and Conley. They have both been in the varsity ranks since early middle school. One of their strongest points is they can both play either position. SK also uses one of the Figgins twins at the 2 when she isn't playing the three. Their offensive sets with the high number of threes jacked up is probably more of a three guard system.

How did their varsity team fare against Boone and SK?

Yep, one was a knee and the other was from a broken nose.

Simon Kenton is getting two girls back who didn't finish the season last year.

Not a strong vote of confidence in your team.

Who looked better than expected; who looked like it was still preseason?

I don't think there is a huge revelation here. I believe the answer to the who was contained in a earlier post in this thread referenced above.

The Enquirer has done a much better job the past couple of years of covering NKY High School Sports although they still have a long way to go. The thing that has been the most notable thing to me about the Enquirer high school sports is that it is inconsistent. Some days, they have a half of a page covering a single game while the next day they won't even have a box score of the same team! One other thing I would like more of from them are stats like the Post had. The Post would give you comprehensive stats of every sport- you name it, they had it. I really like Ryan Ernst's stuff, I just hope there is more of it.

Simon Kenton will need to avoid the injury bug that has bit them every year since joining the 8th. South Oldham made a good run and returns everyone. Shelby is good every year and they have the region's top player in Gray. Anderson has some really strong seniors with a lot of regional tourney experience. Oldham had some up and down games during the season last year but played Shelby very tough in the opening round last year. I think by your comment that you feel 1 through 5 are kind of a toss up. After that, it all kind of depends. I kind of agree. 1. Simon Kenton 2. South Oldham 3. Shelby County 4. Anderson County 5. Oldham County 6. Carroll County 7. Owen County 8. Williamstown (my sleeper) 9. Walton 10. Trimble County 11. Grant County 12. North Oldham 13. Spencer County 14. Gallatin Count 15. Henry County 16. Eminence

In addition to the better man to man defensive principles mentioned, I would also guess that the number of 3 point shots taken per game is probably way up.

SK was starting 4 sophomores and a junior prior to the injuries that hit them. They only had one senior on the team if I am not mistaken.

Is there a radio station list anywhere? I wouldn't mind listening while I am away from my computer.

The huge exhaust fans aren't allowed to run during the game. It will really be a sauna with the warm weather today. Steiner has been using a ton of kids and will probably be the case tonight if it is 100 degrees in there like I think it will be. I hope for sake of the sixth man that every SK alumni and Indy resident makes the trip down 71 tonight. OC will fill the place on their own if last night is any indication. What an atmosphere that place has. SK 66 OC 58

This was the first game in quite awhile that Hurd looked like himself. He was looking to score and pretty much did so at will as Hester and Elbert were able to get it into him time after time. I might have missed it but it never seemed like Gallatin used a zone. Maybe that's not their game but guarding Hurd with 6 foot to 6'2" is going to be a struggle for anyone. He hit like 13 out of 16 shots? Besides the SK's bigs, the bench also seemed to be an advantage for SK as it has been recently. Steiner is using 10 or 11 guys pretty much game in and game out. Players who didn't see a whole lot of playing time earlier in the year are getting critical minutes now. Good Luck tomorrow.

This really never was a game after the 5-2 SK lead. They definitely looked afraid/timid and didn't project any confidence- almost looked worn out or beat up. By the looks of things tonight, maybe that is the case. Too bad but they are young and things should look bright. Congratulations on a great season and work hard in the off season to win the region next year. Shelby looked strong and one would thing on their way back to the state tourney. Could be an interesting match-up with Notre Dame if it pans out.

I actually think they seemed sluggish because they were being slugged on. I have a feeling that nobody knows how banged up Hurd is. Most of the time when he touched the ball, he had two or three people hanging on him. The South Oldham kids weren't tall but they were sure big. I agree that using Kohrs probably wasn't in the original game plan. He wasn't used much in the first half but Steiner had no choice in the second the way he was playing. Kohrs seemed to be in a lot of pain when he stepped up to the line for his and-one free throw. Let's hope 3 more days off get him that much more ready.

All depends on which SK team shows up- the one that plays with a confidence level that they can compete with anyone or the deer in the headlights team. If it is close, I will take SK because they seem to dig in during crunch time. If they fall behind, it could be a long night.

I think she was just used sparingly. I can't put my finger on it but they seem to miss her presence.

Any details on this game? I would have guessed Shelby would have walloped Oldham. Maybe looking ahead to Friday?