Intentional Foul

A huge congratulations to the RH girls and their coaching staff. They have really come together as a team the last few weeks of the season. With the favorable draw (RH playing Pike County Central in opening round) RH has a great chance of making it to Saturday morning. Now that RH has earned the right to go to Diddle, I hope that everyone's individual school preferences can be put aside - and everyone root for our 16th region representative. GOOD LUCK TO ROSE HILL AT STATE!!!!!!!

A disappointing loss for the kittens, although they went a lot farther than many believed. A lot of credit must go to Merle Kidwell for his game plan and the execution of it by his girls. I don't want to give the impression that I think Bradley was outcoached. Its just that with Russell's height, talent, quickness, and senior leadership, a good gameplan spelled doom for the younger and smaller Ashland squad. The future looks bright for Ashland since they only graduate one senior - Katelyn Stringer. Ashland fans may not realize it now, but Stringer will be greatly missed next year. Stringer may not be a top 15 player talentwise, but she may be the gutsiest player in the 16th. I will miss watching her play next year. Each year I go into the season with no real favorites, and as the season progresses I find myself following one or 2 teams. My favorite this year became Ashland. They never seemed to back down even when they were huge underdogs. Several times I saw them down by double digits only for them to fight back. what can I say - I like the underdog. This team had teamwork and grit. Next year, Ashland will probably be picked as one of the region favorites and I will probably choose another young and scrappy team to back. But, as for this year, it was fun to be a Kitten's fan.

OK, let me make sure I'm reading this correctly before commenting on this post. Scooter, are you saying that Fairview and Ashland would have turned down the request, if asked, for Terry to be honored during the 64th District Tournament for scoring her 2000 point? If this is the case, you are assuming a lot - especially if the assumption is meant to reflect poorly on the other district schools. Secondly, for the Queen request, are you saying that all the participating schools in the 16th Region Tournament were asked if Queen could be honored and they all said no Scooter, I've got to believe that I am misreading your comment. I don't think that even you would make such widespread accusations based solely on unsubstantiated assumptions. Please Scooter, say it ain't so............ Intentional Foul, my friend, it ain't so. I never intended any such interpretation. I have complete confidence that both Fairview and Ashland would have been most willing for Laura to receive the ball during the district. My point was that Boyd County, as tournament host, made the decision and moved on. The leadership of the Fairview and Ashland "congregations", I'm sure, would have, if consulted, added a hardy "amen". No doubt about that. Some may wonder why the ball was presented at the district tournament. Easy answer. Laura's father works away from home. She naturally wanted him there when she got her ball. This was the first, and could have been the last, opportunity. There was no clandestine intent. Just a nice story of cooperation. As for Queen, I am not certain of what caused the denial. I have heard a lot but I wasn't there. Scooterbob, my friend, I am glad it ain't so. I am still confused as to why you even felt the need to bring up the "other district" schools - but in the overall mood of goodwill and sportsmanship I am willing to concede this point. I most definitely would not want to be guilty of unwarranted assumptions.

I don't think that fans from East Carter would agree with you and I'm sure that Ashland hopes this is what Russell is thinking.

Oh, and by the way, I actually forgot the most important part of my post. I also believe that Miss Queen should be honored for her outstanding accomplishments sometime during the regional tournament. I have truly enjoyed watching her play over the past few years. She is not only a truly gifted athlete, but also a fine young lady.

...In regard to Laura, Rose Hill made the request to Boyd County, the host school, and Boyd County graciously consented. I'm sure that they didn't bother to seek the okay of the other district schools as may have occurred in the Queen request.... OK, let me make sure I'm reading this correctly before commenting on this post. Scooter, are you saying that Fairview and Ashland would have turned down the request, if asked, for Terry to be honored during the 64th District Tournament for scoring her 2000 point? If this is the case, you are assuming a lot - especially if the assumption is meant to reflect poorly on the other district schools. Secondly, for the Queen request, are you saying that all the participating schools in the 16th Region Tournament were asked if Queen could be honored and they all said no. Scooter, I've got to believe that I am misreading your comment. I don't think that even you would make such widespread accusations based solely on unsubstantiated assumptions. Please Scooter, say it ain't so............

East Carter by 7 Russell by 9 Russell represents the 16th at Diddle

I believe that West Carter was also your obvious winner in the first round game. If history tells us anything, it is that the obvious choice is not always the correct one.

OK here we go.... Rose Hill vs. East Carter Russell vs. Ashland Let the predictions fly..........

Congrats to Russell on a well played game against an excellent defensive team. Okoro definitely the difference in this one. If Russell continues to play like this (and there is no reason to think they won't), Merle Kidwell will be making his first trip to Diddle. The smaller Rowan players gave it there all, but it just wasn't quite enough against the taller Lady Devils. Rowan's loss was definitely not due to lack of effort. I willl especially miss the play of Megan Hughes. Pound for pound, she is the toughest competitor in the 16th region. She is a truly hard nosed player as well as a class act - a tough combination to find these days.

You might be right - but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Anything can happen in girls high school basketball. No one predicted RH going to the final game of State last year either. I'm not a home-grown Ashland fan but I will say this young team has won me over. I love watching their teamwork and their hussle. Teams like this you should never take too lightly or you might find yourself on a long bus ride home.

Coach Bradley and his girls should be very proud - they finally got the signature win that they have fought for all season. Regardless of whether the Kittens win, lose, or draw against Russell on Friday, no one can deny the significance of this win for the Ashland girls program. For a team made up of 90% Freshmen and Sophomores to go to the semifinals of region and win at least 17 games is a great accomplishment. This Kittens team is accomplishing some things that I sincerely did not expect until next year. I also want to congratulate West Carter on a great season. I know that they are disappointed now, especially the seniors, but they really fought hard last night. The West Carter girls can hold their heads high. It was just a good night for the kittens.

I think that Russell will be more ready for Rowan this time around and Fortman / Okoro wont be denied in a low scoring affair. Russell 55 Rowan 49 I think that Webb for West Carter is on a personal mission to prove that she is a top player in the region and that West should be considered as good as Russell and Rowan. I do think that the Kittens will play with a "never say die" attitude and give West a game of it. In the end, however, West's strength (Webb), senior leadership, and free throw shooting end a successful year for the Ashland girls. West Carter 48 Ashland 42 Good luck to both teams!!!!

Russell vs. Rowan West Carter vs. Ashland Who win the battles of the heavyweights in the first game? Can Ashland pull the upset over the heavily favored Lady Comets in the second game? Lets hear some comments!!!

Good win for the Lady Royals. Queen and Terry once again playing to tournament form. The East/RH game should be a good one especially if East can avoid the slow starts that they have had the last few games. IMO East sometime gets away from the crisp pattern oriented offense that has been so successful for them in the past. If Tackett plays under control, Meyers is hitting the 3, and Sargeant continues to play well in the paint then an East win is very possible. Easterling has been developing his bench the last part of the season and this too may bode well for his Raiderettes against the short benched Lady Royals. Good Luck to both teams!

Congratulations on a big win for East Carter. A hard loss for the Lady Rams, especially for the seniors. I'm sure that the Raceland seniors are so very disappointed now, but in time they will look back on what a great season this has been for them - an All "A" regional title and a district championship (over rival Russell) are definitely accomplishments to be proud of. I wish all of these girls the best of luck in life after high school. If they show the same determination in life as they do on the hardwood they will do just fine.

What a disappointment for Miss Vanderhoof. She may not be on the court during the tourney but I'm sure she'll still be there giving her leadership. If any player can recover from 2 ACLs in 2 years it is Rachel Vanderhoof. She is definitely a fighter who won't be down long.

I agree Incognito-The girls in the region work too hard in tournament time not to get a little extra exposure.

I hope that none of the Raceland faithful have taken my comment to mean that Raceland is a "one-girl" team. I agree wholeheartedly that Trimble has molded some very good individual athletes into an extremely good team. I have seen Raceland several times this year and they exemplify the idea of cooperation and the "team 'concept". My comment was directed more at what a loss Vanderhoof would be because she is such a leader and competitor for their team. Good luck to the Lady Rams in Morehead!

Congrats to Raceland on a BIG victory. I hope that Rachel Vanderhoof's injury is not serious. All due respects to Seals, but I believe that Vanderhoof is the MVP of Raceland's success this year. She is the heart and soul of their team. Good luck in regionals.

Good win for the Lady Royals. Britt Faulkner did a very good job last night. I also thought that Rose Hill's bench took a step forward last night, especially on defense. Definitely a team effort. I spoke to one of the Ashland coaches and he said the Ashland girls are just fine and can't wait to get back on the court in Morehead. He also said that they are learning how to deal with big game situations - something that all young teams must learn to do. The experience of these last 2 district games should pay dividends for the Kittens in Morehead and for next season.

I've got to go with West on this one. I say West by 5. Should be a good championship game.

Fairview's Barker is definitely a cool customer under pressure. He is a joy to watch...A throw back to old school basketball - fundamentally sound! Congrats to Fairview on a very hard fought game and congrats to Ashland for the victory.

Congrats to Troy Lee Thomas and his fine team.

I too have to agree that if RH stays out of foul trouble then RH should pull out the win, but I don't know if it will be as easy as some of these posts are saying. Remember that a month ago RH lost to a Raceland team that Ashland has since beaten. Also how will the young ones play for RH in a championship district game? I also believe that the young Kittens may have grown up a little bit the other night against Boyd. Well, enough of playing devil's advocate. I think both teams are playing hard and with teamwork lately. I think it is great that regardless of the outcome, RH will have a chance to defend their regional championship with another trip to Morehead. Also it is nice to see Ashland make a regional trip after their absence for the last few years. Good luck to both teams!!!!!!!