Intentional Foul

Congrats to Boyd for knocking off a Kittens team who as been playing very well lately. Both teams shot very poor percentages as Ashland shot in the high 20s and Boyd in the low 30s. I would predict that Ashland shot about 2 for 20 from 3 point range with some wide open looks. Ashland's usually a very good long range shooting team - just one of those nights. But Skaggs stepped up and had a big game (15 points). Skaggs height in the middle was definitely the difference. Badgett held to only 2 points I believe. Boyd fought hard as they always do and won despite the loss of their court leader Katie Cheney. This should be a very promising sign to Boyd fans as they find ways to win despite their loss of Cheny and Walmsley.

Great win by the Kittens especially playing across the river. I also heard it was Ironton's senior night. This must have been a little more motivation for Bradley's team. Even though I was not at the game last night, I have seen Ironton play this year and I was impressed. A very athletic team (especially #14) with some very good shooters. At the time I saw Ironton, I believe their record was around 11 - 2. I personally wouldn't have picked the Kittens to win this one. It looks like some of the 16th region teams are starting to gel a little bit.

I know that Coach Thomas is passionate about his coaching duties and only a serious ailment could put him down. My prayers are also with him and his team.

I hate that Raceland lost this one, but I'm still proud of them. It sounds like they played their hearts out, played great defense, and represented the region very well. Tourney experience like this will only help Raceland at the end of the year.

I hate to hear this for Katie. After fighting her way back from the previous ACL surgery, this just doesn't seem fair. One thing I do know from seeing her play for several years is that she is the ultimate team player. She will do all she can to motivate and "coach" her team from the sidelines. I also hope for her speedy recovery.

Looks like it was a heartbreaker for the Kittens against a 15 region opponent at their place. Was the game as close as the score indicates? Pretty low scoring affair for both sides. Was it poor shooting percentage or just the pace of the game? If I'm not mistaken, the kittens have been on a small winning streak until this loss. How 'bout it Bailey (or anyone else in the know), are the Kittens ready to challenge any of the 16th region elite or are the youngsters still a year away?

I admit I would not have expected this!! Congrats to Lewis on a very good win.

I hadn't heard anything about this. This will be a HUGE rule change for Kentucky High School basketball. Head Coach, do you have any more info on this?

In Kentucky, the penalty for changing schools after playing varsity basketball only applies to high school students. An 8th grader can play every minute of every varsity game and still be free to play for another high school as a 9th grader.

I have not seen Bracken County play this year, but they should not be fooled by Fleming County's 6-11 record. U Reach I Teach is correct when saying that Fleming is an aggressive and physical team. Coach Orem has done a good job with her squad this year and they are very capable of beating teams with more impressive records than their own.

I disagree - if you are slowing the game down a team's best ball-handlers (guards-usually smaller people) will probably have the ball more than anyone else. Also a huge part of strategy is dictating game tempo. A shot clock would have a major impact on how coaches prepare and execute their game plan.

Thanks Bailey. Sounds like a pretty good win for the young Kittens. Looks like Ashland had pretty balanced scoring. Who's next for Ashland (when and where?)

Some people may not think RH's boys get enough print in the Daily Independent, but I think that their girls team is very well represented.

Final

How good is Coal Grove this year? What is their record? Also hasn't Ashland won a few in a row? What is their record?

I agree Rambler. Fortman is always a force on both ends of the court. For her to hold Vanderhoof in check offensively is definitely an achievement.

Congratulations to both teams for a hard fought game. This game is a true indication that the region could be won by numerous teams. I thought that Fortman did a tremendous job for Russell scoring underneath in the first half, but that Raceland's hussle/rebounding really kept the game close going into halftime. In the second half I was impressed by Raceland freshman Brooke Keeton. She seems to be getting better and better as the season progresses. I think she could be a real force for the next 3 years. Raceland was forced to press at the end of the game which allowed Fortman and Orkoro to get some fastbreak points that contributed to the Russell win. On a side note - Over the past few weeks I have notices a lot of posts (in both the boys and girls forum) about inappropriate fan behavior. I just want to say that I thought both the Raceland and Russell fans were very well behaved last night. This is refreshing to see, especially during a rivalry game.

16th62 I believe you are being overly optimistic. Both West and East are in the upper echelon of the 16th region, both have good coaching staffs, and it is a rivalry game. Rivalry games usually don't end up in huge blowouts. I will agree that playing at West is a big advantage for the Comets (but even without home court advantage East fans will come by the busload) Why do you predict such as blowout????????

I believe that Ashland goes to Sandy Hook tomorrow. Elliott's nice showing in the All A has some people thinking that they are "turning the corner". Any predictions on this game between 2 very young teams? Most players on both teams are freshman or sophomores.

I expect this to be a very competitive game between 2 rival teams. I agree that Raceland's home court advantage is a huge plus for the Lady Rams, but in the end I think that Russell's size will win out. I think the winning margin will be under 5 points, however, so sheer hustle and grit will play a big part in the final score.

Ah yes, human nature once again raises its ugly head; All joking aside, Scooterbob, I do enjoy watching your Royals (both girls and boys) on the court. None of my "jabs" are directed toward your teams. I wouldn't be surprised if both of them make impressive runs in the 16th region tourney.

SB, I never said which group I believe you to be a member of. Your "perception" of my general comments disappoints me.

So, just for the record, it appears that you admit that many of your comments (seemingly based upon clear and indisputable evidence -no hearsay of course) are in fact just matters of perception. It is refreshing to finally hear that your comments are just as biased as the rest of ours on BGPs. I love the discussions on BGPs, but it does seem that there are 2 types of posters: Those that have their opinions, but are also open to the views of others AND those who are very inflexible in their thinking and who like to play the victim card for their school whenever possible -usually denegrating another area school in the process. And you know what ---I wouldn't want it any other way --its what makes BGP such interesting reading!!!!!

Gotta go with Ashland 60-54

Whose fans and whose coaches?