ALLSTAR MVP

Here's another side note, Campbell didn't have there starting middle b or nose the hole scrimmage.

Jones was a really good High School player.......as a sophmore ! But, I agree that one player won't create their high stature/ranking. I wouldn't however say they are "weak" or have only 2-3 average players to support Jones. I believe Scott, and jr's Hegge,Young, and Buckler among others would qualify as quality returning players. They will need to solidify some pitching needs (who don't) to compete for any District/regional titles but will still field a nice team. No shame in losing to a decent Birds team last year but a tough Newport squad and NC will make it a challenge to get out of the Districts. Probably not a top 5 but don't underestimate a talented team with a stud like Jones in the middle..........to bad he doesn't pitch !

Unless, of course there are more transfers ..............?????

Well, you could start with the '95 team that certainly upset a Covcath squad and made a run for the state title would be an example.........some others mentioned X, Male, T, TM (OH)......But for the doubters, I would bet some CovCath (& LexCath)faithful would have to admit that they thought their team was better than HHS in several different years in the "Dale" era yet stayed home after a tough loss to the Birds .........bet it kinda felt like the '97 Birds squad felt I'm sure.

Don't recall the the circumstances about the late entry to the field but do recall the tear away jersey (made famous in that era by Pruitt of Cleveland Browns fame) Anyway, short recollection of the HHS game and season was the 2-4 start that had the season turned around by the fumble recovery by Kenney Pabst against archrival NewCath (yes, before CCH knew what football was! LOL ....actually CCH beat HHS that year 31-7) anyway, the team was heavily dependent on underclassmen and really was a rebuilding season. It was however, a season when the seniors put it together and led the team to the playoff run they enjoyed. I have some recollection of a late fumble or INT by QB Stafford that stopped a late opportunity for HHS ?? Exciting game and exciting season for the Birds to even make it that far. Recall that this was the era of the infamous "sub-districts" that only required HHS to beat favored Newcath 15-8 and Newport 21-0 the following week to make the playoffs. Unfortunately that same format cost a very talented '80 team to miss out on playoffs due to a lone loss to a good Newport squad. (can you believe a 9-1 team not making playoffs in Ky. !!!!!!) (BTW. IMO '80 may be the best HHS team to not win it all ....other than '97 team.....but I digress !)

Don't recall the the circumstances about the late entry to the field but do recall the tear away jersey (made famous in that era by Pruitt of Cleveland Browns fame) Anyway, short recollection of the HHS game and season was the 2-4 start that had the season turned around by the fumble recovery by Kenney Pabst against archrival NewCath (yes, before CCH knew what football was! LOL ....actually CCH beat HHS that year 31-7) anyway, the team was heavily dependent on underclassmen and really was a rebuilding season. It was however, a season when the seniors put it together and led the team to the playoff run they enjoyed. I have some recollection of a late fumble or INT by QB Stafford that stopped a late opportunity for HHS ?? Exciting game and exciting season for the Birds to even make it that far. Recall that this was the era of the infamous "sub-districts" that only required HHS to beat favored Newcath 15-8 and Newport 21-0 the following week to make the playoffs. Unfortunately that same format cost a very talented '80 team to miss out on playoffs due to a lone loss to a good Newport squad. (can you believe a 9-1 team not making playoffs in Ky. !!!!!!) (BTW. IMO '80 may be the best HHS team to not win it all ....other than '97 team.....but I digress !)

Unfortunately, Newport Rec. no longer exists and they therefore do not have maintenance assigned for after hours and weekends. They can only maintain fields during the regular work day. It is a real shame as they invested "real" money and were on the way to a "showcase"- type facility. The fields were in great shape as Nick Rouse & Co. did a great job making them playable. I have to agree that coaches should not be allowed to work on the fields though as it is the quickest way to ruin a field. Take the rain-outs and be thankful that the fields are as nice as they are now........and Red would be proud! BTW. City tourney games are scheduled based on which Districts are competing (you cannot play at home) and there are City games played on these fields every year.

Ryan is a quality kid ....................the move is legit and justified and not an issue for KHSAA, period. I know CovCath will support Ryan's move and he will be fine at HHS again. Good Luck to this fine young man.

Hello.........did we all forget Bubba Mallery ! The hardest hitter from that position I recall. If I'm not mistaken, he anchored that crew for three years including an '81 State Championship

Unfortunately, there is only the one left locally........... located off #32 Eastgate. For those that remember, the decor is exactly the same, don't think they have done anything except cook food in there for the last twenty plus years! It is humble at best, but the food is terrific ! Privately owned/operated by two brothers but remember to bring cash, no credit accepted, no kidding! Trust me on this though, worth the drive as the food is terrific, Double R or Roast beef and HOT holster of fries..... great Christmas tradition to shop Eastgate and eat at Roys......we buy extra and microwave at home!

Sorry kids but after watching last years State Finals, would have to strongly agree that LCA should be preseason #1. Beechwood has fine tradition and finds a way to be there in the end BUT.........if LCA doesn't end up with penalties and with they have returning personnel-wise AND the very sophisticated offense schemes that are as well executed as last year, the will be a favorite to win. As mentioned other teams have plenty of returning players, not sure they can match the quality of LCA returning player that fell just short last season.

You gotta love speculation, but a lot can change in a year. Many of these kids are still growing, maturing, and sometimes just starting to realize what it takes to be a player. Players are made in the summer.......teams are made in Oct. There WILL be some suprises next year! I've heard a few names mentioned out there but I'll try to add to the list. First, there are a couple of good teams from '07-'08 that had upper classmen that kept some potential on the bench. The Holmes kids are obvious and abundant. We have heard plenty about the Boone kids (happen to think a couple are a tad over-rated) but Cotton is overlooked and may outshine some of his more hearlded teamates. CovCath has some hidden talent including Wellbrock and I've always like Stephen Wilson too. Highlands also has the littlest kid with the biggest heart in Zack Lother and a sleeper in Corey Dill. NewCath has a super athlete that will put plenty on the board the next two years in Shaun Meyer. Some others to mention include Dylan Greene from Pendleton who always plays hard: Roenker, the three sport star at Holy Cross, and love the Bryan kid from Villa. AND guess what there's more !......... we'll have to see who walks out of the gym after this summer and made themselves a player ! As far as teams go....Newport is under-rated with McDaniel developing nicely and everyone returning. If they can find true leadership and not accept some of the "talented" disruptions back to their team they could be a contender. Short add on the top ten list............to early to tell (as I've discussed here) but I would have to state that some players mentioned simply got opportunity to show their skills on smaller or lesser talented teams so don't jump the gun. Also Mitch McLiesh is going to be a very solid player....could be a legitimate top ten/fifteen player next year as he is a very hard working & focused kid.

What a tourney ! Congrats to Mason on surviving. That is what happens at the Sweet Sixteen...surviving. A lot of discussion on fatigue, past "survivals" to get to the finals, etc. The make-up of this tournament does not always produce the "best team;" but it does produce a winner and they are to be commended for their Championship -- hang that banner! That being said, don't ever discount the effort of those that fell along the way. Many "best teams" have fallen, through the years, well short of even participating in the championship game. For those willing to belittle the accomplishments of a great run of the runner-up Bulldogs, ask yourself this: If Holmes was just matched on the regular season schedule v. Mason or LexCath, how many on here would have picked the dogs to win either game, much less beat them both...IN THE SAME DAY?! Mason Co. and Holmes survived this year and both should be honored for what they accomplished.

Sticking with my original feeling......if the Dawgs got by LexCath, the State Championship will come North ! Awesome job today, this squad has all the special qualities of a champion......poise, leadership, good decision-making, depth, and quality kids; not to mention great coaching. Go Bulldogs..........the 9th Region is behind you!

ER....don't think I don't like you from previous posts, I am on board with your assessment of Holmes for this year ! I agree that Holmes will beat Paintsville and has potential to go all the way in this tourney. I saw the end of Paint/Jtown and although impressed, don't see them staying with the Bulldogs. I saw Paintsville struggle with pressure and it wasn't the equivalent to what the Dogs play. Sloan is a real threat but his twenty won't be enough..........Dogs by 12 although it could stay interesting for awhile. If they play unselfishly and continue smart decision-making like last night, they can compete with anyone. A LexCath match-up could be could be an "instant classic" .......and if they pull that off I predict a State Championship.

Again, I appreciate your enthusiasm but "most likely having four 6'-6" kids in their lineup" is not the facts ..................it would however be a first for the ninth region and would obviously present match-up problems ....even for UK ! JK. Remember, 20-1 as freshman doesn't equate to 20-1 as JV or 20-1 as Varsity.......plenty of good ones out there to make it interesting for the Bulldogs and others.

WOW.....love the enthusiasm for Holmes ER and they are talented w/plenty to be excited about. Let's just pull the reigns in a little? A quick review indicates that every good player on Holmes will continue to grow with each adding at least two inches and NBA three-point range in the next two years! First, probably not going to happen.........second, are the rest of the kids in the region finished growing? I seem to recall that in addition to Boone having a heralded class of 2010, that NCC won the JV tourney this year, CovCath won the Frosh tourney last year, and HHS was 20-1 as freshman (only losing to a good Ryle squad in the semis) as well as being Champs of the State Tourney as eighth graders. The point being, none of those teams can claim to "have the 9th region run through them" any more than the other. They will all have the potential to be contenders in the next two years....some of which will be determined by who is added by surrounding classes or unexpecxted departures........regardless, the quality of play will be elevated but don't expect any of them to "not get beat by anyone around here" Should be fun to watch !

Participants in this thread are to be commended for their fair assessment and cordial responses. That should be noted considering it was HHS v. CCH !!!!! Thought it was an interesting, kind of "laid back" atmoshere at the gym last night, not a typical energy associated with rivalry.....did anyone else sense that ? To the game...........thought CCH played a great strategy against HHS particularly the way they "crowded" McGraw to not give him easy look/drives to the basket and forcing Eaton & Hurtt to become part of the offense. McGraw still played a great game as my pick as POY. Highlands lacked offensive options to offset a very balanced CovCath squad. Great season for the Birds despite some real adversities throughout the year.....good luck to Nic and I'm sure Greg will get opportunities to play on! Greg McGraw was one of those rare HS players with talent/quality kid that was an absolute joy to watch play....good luck to you ! Thought the officiating was ok.......certainly not worse that 9th region. It is widely understood that every other region calls a less "tight" game and I think it favored CovCaths make -up more so than HHS, particularly Simpson's "finesse" style. Several calls to note, one being the out of bounds fiasco noted earlier but I thought the no-call on the kicked ball affected the game the most (4pt. lead to 7 pt lead). Regardless, the officiating did not decide this game. CovCath played the better game and utilized their bench very well (how does Kowolenek foul out with almost 5 min. left) Anyway,Grimes proved once again that he is the true leader of a nicely balanced team. I was also impressed with Schmerge and Maile was the difference in This game. He was the only one, from either team, that finished down low. Despite the obvious contact....he finished strong. Good game plan and adjustments.......thought HHS dodged a bullet when CCH slowed the tempo in the second, but didn't connect on their jumpers but they adjusted throughout and clearly dictated the style/pace of play. Two very good teams with seasons to be proud of............... congratulations to the Colonels, they earned the right to move on......Good Luck.

Not sure about "tired legs" but certainly with "warm bodies" as HHS was apparently minus McGraw,Simpson, and Kowolonek. Oh well, maybe they'll meet these three in the regional...............or not.

Guess what.........this isn't AAU and Euton, Jackson, etc. play elsewhere. Once again it's all about the Boone Sophs......guess what, Holmes, HHS, CovCath, etc have some sophs that are equal the measure too. If I had to pick a team of class of '10, I'd start with Rico and go from there. If you want to see the best challenge of the favorite getting out of the Region, stick with Highlands and CovCath. If you want the best team to represent the ninth region in the "Sweet Sixteen", stick with the Bulldogs. Let's call it what it is, Holmes is the best Team in the ninth region, period.

Holmes handled HHS by about 15 ............... there were no dunks

Haven't seen everyone play yet but I would have to make note of Highlands and CovCath as excellent defensive teams. Thought Boone was a little less intense than expected, only saw Newport once but that night they looked good. I am anxious to see Holmes this year, I'm sure they are as advertised knowing/having seen all their players before. Brossart ?????? not sure where that came from !

Drew Simons isn't a basketball, football/basketball, or basketball/football player so I guess they will have to go on without him AND Nic Simpson ! To the point at hand........... I have been impressed with the play of the team regardless of who is out there. Coach Schlarman has obviously created something that is working pretty well. With the exception of the Shelby Co. game (without McGraw and hotel fatigue!) they have performed very competetively and the senior leadership is strong. The development of the younger guys is encouraging ............who knows, maybe coach knows how to develop a "basketball" team after all.....stay tuned !

Gotta love the new Boone Co gym......very nice, Add the new Cooper High, Ryle and Conner gyms and the Boone Co school system has plenty to brag about ! Holmes is spacious and seats well for viewing but you can't beat Mason Co. The old St. Henry and Holy Cross get the "quaint" nod and unfortunately Highlands has to rank at the bottom; poor seating, space constraints, lighting, ventilation, lobby, concession.........should I go on !

Sounds like a pretty fair synopsis of the game....... I would just add that Boone continues to be hailed with a "young" team but HHS not only got superior play from Kowolonek & Watson.....it should be noted that Grote, Grubbs, and Lother (all soph.) were the only subs and all gave quality minutes. Not only did all the younger players in this game from both teams gain valuable experience, it is obvious that this little rivalry that started in AAU will be fun to watch in coming years. Regarding the outcome of this game, the youngsters were the second story, the difference was the play of McGraw (clearly the best player on the floor when he plays, so far this season) and the leadership of the seniors from HHS. regardless of when Simpson or McGraw is missing, the leadership from seniors is most evident......that's what will allow this team to compete for a Regional championship this year.