Bubba Wilson

It appears all summer ball has been cancelled at KC for the present time. Some of their players are playing for other teams as a result. Most are involved with football. Sounds like no one other than Hulett has a clue as to who has applied, who is doing the hiring or when a coach will be in place. It seems like a difficult place to coach to begin with, now no summer work for the team, possible transfers. Who would really wants to step into that situation? Granted, it would have seemed like a top five team returning if Elam would have been left in place, now I can not see it being a very successful situation.

Winning Big and Having Fun along the way would be my top guess as to how these programs keep their kids motivated and wanting to play. There are so many other things today for kids to be involved with. Kids do not play the game for the same reasons. I would say the smart approach is not the one size fits all mentality.

I agree Hank. It would be nice to see that much interest in the sport again. Everyone has their theories about what has caused the change in attitude, but I would suggest looking for answers from schools like Highlands, New Cath, Beechwood, etc.....those that have sustained the interest for many years and maintained a high level of play as well. I wonder what these teams have done differently to keep the athletes motivated year after year?

I think Brody Jones, Tommy Bailey and Derek Mahan also are still playing and would be in the 10th grade. It appears, injuries, lack of interest, etc have taken it toll on this class. Corbin usually has around 55 to 60 players on the team each year. Numbers may pick up once offical practice starts after the dead period. A lot of kids are not used in the passing scrimmages along with commitments to summer baseball, basketball and of course family vacations.

I would think that Nick Mills, Nick Howington, Brady Foley, Mitchell Frederick would all seeing some major playing time this season. I am not sure how many other Sophomores are left on the team now? I have heard rumors of less than forty five total players might be the entire Redhound squad this season.

We will see once the season rolls around. I agree he is the QB for now. It would appear he has been groomed for the position thru the 9th and JV ranks and now is his time to take the reigns. To pull the plug on him now would be almost like wasting the last two years of prep time IMO. Obviously, that time should have been spent developing a signal caller.

I hope Rob Jones and the Raiders to make it to Rupp this year. Rob has lived most of his life as a part of McCreary County Basketball and Lord knows no one has put more time, work and energy into the basketball program than him. Wayne County will be very good as well. If the Raiders take the district then they should have a good shot at winning the region as well. If Wayne can upset them in the district then their path becomes much more difficult more than likely. If the Raiders shoot the ball well then I like their chances. The freshman big man also gives them a back to the basket player that they have needed for many a year. Best of luck to Raider Rob.

Looks to be improved with Danville and GRC on the schedule this season.

I know Ditka used the Fridge in goal line situations with the Bears. Maybe Coach Farris could use the Big Dogs in the backfield when the Hounds get near the goal-line in similar fashion. I can not see how most lines could stop three big guys like that for a yard or two when needed. Bottom line is Manns is a kid who will do what is best for his team. If he is needed as a tackle, tightend or defensive end, he will do his best to help the team. If more players shared this approach the entire team would be much improved.....IMO.

Manns at QB.....might be able to run the M-Gunn next year. Direct snap it to him and get out of the way.....lol Nick Mills played some FB in middle school as well if I recall. Talk about a power Backfield. Watkins, Manns and Mills. Three yards and a cloud of dust.

Sounds like Knox Central is doing a search to find the best person to fill the position. Central will have a lot of talent returning. This team should be very guard laden and if Miller will move into the post a bit more they could very well win the region in 2010. Tony Patterson starred at ETSU and I think played a year or two of basketball overseas as well. He would be an interesting hire. Do they have a search committee or will the Principal and site based do the hiring for this position. Teaching positions might also dictate which direction the Panthers are leaning.

Great list, one addition I would make is D.J. Wilson from Clay County. He showed me alot of heart last year in their regional game with South Laurel. He made some tough shots and was able to create his own scoring opportunity until he tired late in the game. I think this young man deserves to be on any list of top ten players.

Eastern is a loaded team. I was impressed with them in the Sweet 16. If they can find a deadeye shooter I can not see many teams in Kentucky beating them next season. They really rebound the basketball and have several good athletes to run the floor. Best of luck to the Eagles. They seem to be a class act.

Sounds like Mitchell will help the team one way or another. Not sure what he would do as a tighend though.

Will Mitchell change positions or just hang it up if he does become the starter this season?

That was just a name I have heard being mentioned. Not sure if Jody wants to do it or not. Vorbeck might be a good tightend as well. Duncum did not play last year and I doubt he will play this season either from all indications. Is the Igo kid playing football this season?

The Last name has been good to Coach P and the Hounds with Isaac being a solid player for the last three years as well. I agree the twins and their brother are bright prospects for the future.

I would be surprised to see the Wilson girls get a shot at running the point this year. They are young, but Coach Parsons has been known to pull a trick or two from her sleeve.

Those two guys would be great additions to the staff. Garmon and Mouser are well liked by the kids and might pull a few more out for football. They both have good personalities and kids want to play for them. I would give that a big thumbs up. Who were the middle school tightends the last three years or so. I recall a couple who were good blockers and one who caught the ball well during the 7th grade season, but was rarely used during the 8th grade season. The 7th grade coaches at CMS do a super job, those guys know how to motivate kids and teach them the game of football.

I heard Jody Mouser maybe coaching football next year for the Hounds. He was a great player and would be a super coach to develop the younger Hounds.

Matt Taylor is a great athlete and could easily run the QB position. That would be a positive move considering Smith is out for the season more or less IMO. I heard that Manns was moving to Tackle and Howington was getting some reps at Tightend? Any truth to these rumors as well? At 270 plus Manns could be a force on the lines for the Hounds no doubt.

I would say finding a good point guard will determine lots for the Lady Hounds.

I can.

Clay would be my pick, due to the number of players they have returning. I am not sure the Tigers can beat Corbin and South on back to back nights to win the region though. So, I would say the winner of the 50th district will again be the 13th regional champion for the fifth consecutive year thereabouts.

Some schools are doing all the things above starting in January. Basketball is about halfway thru when this takes place. Of course the passing stuff is going on now. My point is what are coaches supposed to base playing time on? If a kid does not show up for weights, agilities, conditioning starting in January. Then decides to play basketball for three weeks in June and misses the passing scrimmages and football workouts. Or better yet goes to both and tries to workout for three hours then go play basketball of the evenings and gets injured or dehydrated? Where does he stand in July against players who have worked and put in all the time in the weight room, etc since January? Other than beating them out in practice, where can this player hope to fit in the depth chart?