Muhlenberg South High School, Greenville, Kentucky, 01-08-08
I decided to step out of the Fourth Region again tonight and attend a sweet rivalry game between to cross-county rivals up in the land of thumb-picking guitar players. Ah, yes, Eddie Pennington playing "Cannonball Rag" is almost a soundtrack for traveling through Muhlenberg towns and communities like Greenville, Powderly, South Carrollton, and -- my favorite -- Browder. I know a man who lives about a mile down the road from Browder, and he calls it "Outer Browder."
My wife had a meeting tonight, so when I decided to go to this game it was with the understanding that I would have our four year old and eight year old in tow with me. Traveling with these two is like a tour of bathrooms where ever we go. Whatever they drink goes right through them. It's kind of like me putting motor oil through the engine of my 14 year old pickup truck. It goes in the top of the engine and drains through seals at the bottom. As we were trucking between Rochester and Browder, my eight year old informed me that she had to use the bathroom. She fidgeted as I negotiated the twists and turns of KY 70 through a pitch black night and a driving rainstorm.
She sighed relief when we swung into the parking lot of Muhlenberg South's parking lot. I did too.
There was a big crowd on hand, and the gymnasium was nearly full when we got our tickets and inched our way to the bathroom and eventually to our seats. We were ready for the Suns and the Stars, even though rain clouds sped over Muhlenberg County Tuesday night.
The Suns jumped out to a quick 13-4 lead over their favored rivals. The Stars twinkled into this contest with a 12-2 season record and an unblemished record of 4-0 in the Third Region. Their only losses were against a ranked Louisville Eastern club and Siegel in Tennessee. South, on the other hand, was 6-8 overall and 3-4 in the Third. I was a little surprised at the early run the Suns put on North.
Neither team was shy about launching long range jump shots from nearly anywhere on the court. They launched so many scuds I started looking for Iraqi air force uniforms and national news correspondents wearing gas masks. I'm willing to bet that they caused air raid sirens to sound in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during the first quarter of the game. They were almost as accurate as Iraqis in the Persian Gulf War, too.
I feared for the rims and backboards at South's gym. At the end of the first quarter, the home team had a 17-13 lead.
For the South Suns, a freshman named Michael Civils ran the offense. He was cool and collected on the court, and I would've never guessed him to be a frosh until I found a crumpled up program after the game. He handled the ball well, and he had a good first step to the basket.
A couple of players for the North Stars caught my eye in the first half. Their center, Tommy Oates and a forward/guard named Erin Morris. I'm not sure about his name because I couldn't hear the public address very well, but I know his last name is Morris. He wear #12. Oates, knows how to use his body when he receives the ball on the post, and Morris is a good shooter and drives the lane well. Morris needs to learn to follow his shot instead of posing at the end of his follow-through.
The Suns took a 27-24 lead into halftime, but I knew they would have a tough time holding on to the lead after the break.
After the half, Muhlenberg North opened with a different approach on the offensive end. Instead, of launching scuds and waiting to see if Stone Phillips had to scurry for cover, they attacked the basket. They had a big size advantage on the South, and they decided to use it in the third. Oates got some buckets down low, and Morris, who looks to be about 6'3" took the shorter defenders into the paint.
The Stars outdid the Suns 16-8 in the third quarter and took 40-35 lead.
I thought that South might be done at this point in the game. They had no inside game and depended on the Iraqi air force -- Logan Diedrich and Matt Wolfe -- to try and save their upset bid. Diedrich, who has a quick move into the lane, gave up on that in the second half and only tried to shoot over North's defenders. When he shoots, he launches rainmakers that hit an apex about 10 feet above the rim and zip through the nets.
In fact, one of Diedrich's rainbow shots pulled south within four points, but North hit their free throws and continued to execute their inside game in the fourth quarter. Despite outscoring North 15-14 in the final frame, it wasn't enough to win. It should be noted that South outscored North in three of the four quarters, but the third quarter was what did them in on Tuesday.
North prevailed 54-50.
OBSERVATIONS
Scaramouche: Muhlenberg South's band rocks. I didn't follow their play list in the pre-game because I was worried about getting kids to the bathroom and getting to our seats. In the second half, though, they played "Back in Black" by AC/DC, which no doubt was done to emphasize that black is one of the school colors along with red and yellow. They also played Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." I've never heard a high school band tackle that one until Tuesday night. They did a good job. Can they do the fandango? Galileo magnifico! Bismillah!
Zebra Sparking: I've heard Third Region fans complain that the officials are too nice to Steve Sparks. I'll have to admit that they seemed to be rather chummy on Tuesday night. Maybe Sparks can mouth off to Billy Packer during an important game. Wait! Wrong Sparks. At times I thought I was watching an "eharmony" commercial when one official kept yucking it up with Coach Sparks.
What The Heck?: I noticed Muhlenberg North's students wearing camouflage t-shirts that read "Gitcha Sum..." I just can't even take a guess. I'm afraid to.
Lake Muhlenberg: If anyone attends a game at Muhlenberg South on a rainy night, beware of the part of their parking lot that doubles as a lake. It rained a lot Tuesday night. If it weren't for the parking lot holding water, Drakesboro would be flooded tonight. I thought I was going to have to put red and green outboard lights on my vehicle.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Adair County 70 - North Hardin 44
Adair County High School, Columbia, Kentucky
January 4, 2007
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Well, it's a new year and teams around the Fifth Region are getting back into the meat of their schedule. Friday night, I was really torn over which game to attend. There were so many district and regional match ups that I couldn't make up my mind. I was so torn that even gave Pick and Roll a call for his advice. I needed to go watch Taylor vs. Central Hardin because I haven't written anything on them yet.
So which game did I choose? North Hardin at Adair County. I've been waiting for this game since I looked at who the Indians played after the King of the Bluegrass Tournament.
North came into this game after playing the night before at district foe Central Hardin, a game which the Trojans won 64-54. I would've gone to that game, but I had to work that night.
In my Fifth Region Review, I stated that both of these teams played good in holiday tournaments. I would give Adair the nod on strength of schedule because they played three ranked team in the KOB: University Heights, Trinity, and Ballard. However, North Hardin is a very good and athletic ball team. I had seen both of these teams play and knew that this game could make an early statement in the Fifth. I thought the game was going to be a coin toss because both teams are very good.
North was 12-2 overall and 8-0 in the region coming into this game, and Adair was 11-3 and 5-0 in the Fifth. As I suspected there was a big crowd on hand, and Adair fans are true to their Indians.
North controlled the tap and got into their offense right away. They turned ball over, and I started to notice that the Trojans might not be as pumped up for the game as the Indians. Adair's Corey Helm capitalized on the turnover and busted a three on the right wing. When this kid gets set, watch out, because he hardly ever misses.
Both teams play man-to-man, but North was about a step behind on their end.
Adair was quick to push the ball, and they were ready to run North back up Dixie Highway. North Hardin finally settled down and scored a bucket, but Adair was on the warpath in the first. I believe they did the unimaginable in the first quarter. This is unofficial, but I had them making all their field goals in the frame. They led 18-9.
North Hardin is the type of team that lives and dies by the three. Their best threat, Maurice Gosa, hit six three point shots the night before at Central, but he could not find the mark in Columbia. I'm sure that he missed his first five three point shots in this contest.
Midway through the second, North looked tired. Maybe they had one too many holiday meals. Adair County still had their hot hand and was not going to let up on the athletic Trojans. Darren Ballou began to heat up, and so did their point guard, Nick Fudge, who is Coach Mark Fudge's son.
I asked fans about Ballou to see if any college coaches were looking at him. Most said that his parents like WKU, but no one could say if the Ballou family has talked to Hilltopper Coach Darrin Horn.
Ballou had 10 points at the break, and his Indians led 33-18.
The third began a little ugly for Adair. They started turning the ball over, and it looked as if North was finally ready to show up for this game. They scored a couple of quick baskets and starting feeding their big man LaRod King. This offense helped because Adair's wide body, Cameron Murrell, got into foul trouble. Coach Fudge responded with a smaller lineup and started running against the Trojans. It worked, Adair had a 21 point lead at the end of the third.
Adair County fans could smell victory when the fourth quarter rolled around. Even Coach Ron Bevars had taken his seat on the bench. Adair came into this game rested and ready. Still, I could not believe how the game was shaping up. As I stated, I came in thinking it was a coin toss, but Adair prevailed by 26 points.
The Fifth Region is going to be KY Highway 55 this season. It's got to go through Adair County.
OBSERVATIONS
We'll Take Your Charity: Adair County is a great free throw shooting team. The Indians will make any team going down to the wire with them pay big time.
When I Wish Upon A Star: North Hardin fans say not to pay too much attention to this game because it means nothing. They're wrong. It's wishful thinking. If these two play again, North will think, "man, they've beat us by 26, what else can we do?" They also said that North was tired from playing Central Hardin the night before. I disagree again. They are kids, for crying out loud and kids don't get tired. How can you play and win state tournament games? They are played day-after-day. Now is the time for their players to get ready for those types of games.
It's A Small World After All: When the Adair County fan sitting next to me asked where I was from, I told him Breckinridge County. It turned out that his aunt was my first grade teacher. He said he started going to state tournament games the year Breck won it all in 1995, and he's been back every year since. That paled in comparison to the guy next to him. T.P. Scott has attended 663 state tournament games in-a-row. 663 games! I guess he likes hi basketball. Nice fans in Columbia.
Editor's astonished note: I'd like to meet Mr. Scott, and I hope you gave him the web address to the Pick and Roll. 663 games? I've pondered that, and I have decided that it has to be close to a record or maybe is a record. The Sweet Sixteen is 15 games every year, right? If my ciphering is right, then Mr. Scott has been to the Sweet Sixteen 44 times.
I've thought about all the college, high school, and pro basketball games I've been to in my 41 years, and I don't think I've been to a total of 663. I cut my teeth as a little boy on Kentucky Colonels basketball, Seventh Region (the great Ballard and Male High teams), and UofL basketball. I went to 40 college basketball games in the 1994-95 season (before I was married), and I've held season tickets to WKU basketball for the last six seasons. I'm absolutely astonished.
By the way, Pick and Roll is angling to attend all fifteen games at Rupp this March. It will tax the several dollar budget of the website and then I have to convince my wife and trick my boss.
January 4, 2007
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Well, it's a new year and teams around the Fifth Region are getting back into the meat of their schedule. Friday night, I was really torn over which game to attend. There were so many district and regional match ups that I couldn't make up my mind. I was so torn that even gave Pick and Roll a call for his advice. I needed to go watch Taylor vs. Central Hardin because I haven't written anything on them yet.
So which game did I choose? North Hardin at Adair County. I've been waiting for this game since I looked at who the Indians played after the King of the Bluegrass Tournament.
North came into this game after playing the night before at district foe Central Hardin, a game which the Trojans won 64-54. I would've gone to that game, but I had to work that night.
In my Fifth Region Review, I stated that both of these teams played good in holiday tournaments. I would give Adair the nod on strength of schedule because they played three ranked team in the KOB: University Heights, Trinity, and Ballard. However, North Hardin is a very good and athletic ball team. I had seen both of these teams play and knew that this game could make an early statement in the Fifth. I thought the game was going to be a coin toss because both teams are very good.
North was 12-2 overall and 8-0 in the region coming into this game, and Adair was 11-3 and 5-0 in the Fifth. As I suspected there was a big crowd on hand, and Adair fans are true to their Indians.
North controlled the tap and got into their offense right away. They turned ball over, and I started to notice that the Trojans might not be as pumped up for the game as the Indians. Adair's Corey Helm capitalized on the turnover and busted a three on the right wing. When this kid gets set, watch out, because he hardly ever misses.
Both teams play man-to-man, but North was about a step behind on their end.
Adair was quick to push the ball, and they were ready to run North back up Dixie Highway. North Hardin finally settled down and scored a bucket, but Adair was on the warpath in the first. I believe they did the unimaginable in the first quarter. This is unofficial, but I had them making all their field goals in the frame. They led 18-9.
North Hardin is the type of team that lives and dies by the three. Their best threat, Maurice Gosa, hit six three point shots the night before at Central, but he could not find the mark in Columbia. I'm sure that he missed his first five three point shots in this contest.
Midway through the second, North looked tired. Maybe they had one too many holiday meals. Adair County still had their hot hand and was not going to let up on the athletic Trojans. Darren Ballou began to heat up, and so did their point guard, Nick Fudge, who is Coach Mark Fudge's son.
I asked fans about Ballou to see if any college coaches were looking at him. Most said that his parents like WKU, but no one could say if the Ballou family has talked to Hilltopper Coach Darrin Horn.
Ballou had 10 points at the break, and his Indians led 33-18.
The third began a little ugly for Adair. They started turning the ball over, and it looked as if North was finally ready to show up for this game. They scored a couple of quick baskets and starting feeding their big man LaRod King. This offense helped because Adair's wide body, Cameron Murrell, got into foul trouble. Coach Fudge responded with a smaller lineup and started running against the Trojans. It worked, Adair had a 21 point lead at the end of the third.
Adair County fans could smell victory when the fourth quarter rolled around. Even Coach Ron Bevars had taken his seat on the bench. Adair came into this game rested and ready. Still, I could not believe how the game was shaping up. As I stated, I came in thinking it was a coin toss, but Adair prevailed by 26 points.
The Fifth Region is going to be KY Highway 55 this season. It's got to go through Adair County.
OBSERVATIONS
We'll Take Your Charity: Adair County is a great free throw shooting team. The Indians will make any team going down to the wire with them pay big time.
When I Wish Upon A Star: North Hardin fans say not to pay too much attention to this game because it means nothing. They're wrong. It's wishful thinking. If these two play again, North will think, "man, they've beat us by 26, what else can we do?" They also said that North was tired from playing Central Hardin the night before. I disagree again. They are kids, for crying out loud and kids don't get tired. How can you play and win state tournament games? They are played day-after-day. Now is the time for their players to get ready for those types of games.
It's A Small World After All: When the Adair County fan sitting next to me asked where I was from, I told him Breckinridge County. It turned out that his aunt was my first grade teacher. He said he started going to state tournament games the year Breck won it all in 1995, and he's been back every year since. That paled in comparison to the guy next to him. T.P. Scott has attended 663 state tournament games in-a-row. 663 games! I guess he likes hi basketball. Nice fans in Columbia.
Editor's astonished note: I'd like to meet Mr. Scott, and I hope you gave him the web address to the Pick and Roll. 663 games? I've pondered that, and I have decided that it has to be close to a record or maybe is a record. The Sweet Sixteen is 15 games every year, right? If my ciphering is right, then Mr. Scott has been to the Sweet Sixteen 44 times.
I've thought about all the college, high school, and pro basketball games I've been to in my 41 years, and I don't think I've been to a total of 663. I cut my teeth as a little boy on Kentucky Colonels basketball, Seventh Region (the great Ballard and Male High teams), and UofL basketball. I went to 40 college basketball games in the 1994-95 season (before I was married), and I've held season tickets to WKU basketball for the last six seasons. I'm absolutely astonished.
By the way, Pick and Roll is angling to attend all fifteen games at Rupp this March. It will tax the several dollar budget of the website and then I have to convince my wife and trick my boss.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Barren County 66 - Glasgow 53
Barren County High School, Glasgow, Kentucky
January 4, 2008
I had a tough decision to make tonight. All week I planned on going to the Warren East at Bowling Green game, but this afternoon I realized that Glasgow would tip it up against their crosstown rivals at Barren County High School. I finally decided to head up to Glasgow to catch this important 15th District ballgame.
When I was in high school in Louisville in the 1980s, teams played in front of big crowds. On the night Male High played Moore -- Winston Bennett vs. Manuel Forrest -- about five thousand people attended the old Male High gym. Tonight, when I pulled up to Barren County High School, the parking lot was almost full. My heart started pounding, and I thought about the "old days" before ESPN and network sports convinced everyone that they had to watch professional basketball or big time college basketball before they could enjoy themselves. It reminded me of a time when people went to high school games because it was the most accessible basketball. Too often, these days, I find gyms nearly empty.
That wasn't the case in Glasgow tonight. The gym wasn't full, but a lot of people were there and electricity coursed around the place. I loved Barren County's gymnasium the second I walked into it. It's too bad I forgot my camera tonight because a good photograph would go a long way in conveying the flavor of the place. A Glasgow fan told me that it was built in 1977, and that they put a new court down in 2007. Seats go all the way around the court, and roll-out bleachers are at the top of the gym. Except, one end featured glass windows looking in on a first rate weight room and training facility. It's a very nice venue. If I had one complaint, it would be that the bleachers are not steep enough to allow fans to see the court very well. It's a very minor complaint and one easily ignored.
In the ballgame, Barren County came to play and Glasgow must have left their game on the other side of town. From the opening tip it was as if the Trojans took a rolled-up newspaper and smacked the Scottie dogs right on their cold, wet noses. Steve Riley's cagers scolded, "BAD DOGS," and the Scotties cowered in fear.
The Trojans opened with a sticky man-to-man defense, and Glasgow, which is a relatively young team, could not withstand the pressure. They made turnovers, and if they worked the ball inside, they could not finish the play. By the end of the first quarter I was ready to award them the week's "Bare Wood Award": NO FINISH. The Scotties really did play scared or at best they were tight through most of the game.
Every team has a bad night. Maybe it was Glasgow's night in which nothing worked. They seemed to be sleepwalking through the first quarter and found themselves down 15-5.
The Scotties continued to play scared through most of the second quarter. The Trojans stretched out to a 26-9 lead, and it was looking bleak for the Scotties. The "Dawg Pound," several of whom were decked out in togas, was real quiet. I sat with some Glasgow fans, and they had their heads in their hands throughout most of the second quarter.
But, Glasgow made a small run late in the half that kept the game from getting out of control. They cut the lead down to 26-16. I'm going to give a "Charlie Brown Blockhead Award" to Glasgow's Kerrington Bradley for fouling Blake Crabtree with just 0.8 seconds on the clock. Crabtree hit one of two, which let Barren County take a 27-16 lead into the break.
Fouling with 0.8 seconds is the kind of thing that makes a coach age almost instantaneously. Glasgow Coach John Tinsley probably aged a few months in the last eight-tenths of a second of the second quarter.
At the half, I felt like Glasgow saved themselves from disaster and gave themselves a chance to get back into the game. Still, they let Barren County control the tempo, something they are very good at doing, and the Trojans seemed to control the game.
In the third quarter, Glasgow tried to force the ball down the court and keep Barren County from setting up their half court defense, which stymied the Scotties. Glasgow, however, could not finish their plays. Their players don't help each other out, and a fan pointed out that they never move to the ball when a pass is thrown. They stand and wait for the ball to get to them.
With 1:40 left in the third, Barren County had a 49-23 lead on their rival. I'm not completely sure, but I thought I heard the Barren County public address announce where the Scotties' bus was parked. That was funny. I don't know if it was meant to be funny, but it was.
Barren County had a commanding 51-25 lead. Glasgow managed only 9 points in the third.
I started to wonder what I was missing down in Bowling Green, where the Purples were tangling with the Raiders from Warren East.
Early in the fourth frame, Barren County doubled the score up on Glasgow, 56-28. Ouch!
Glasgow wasn't going to roll over and play dead, though. Behind the leadership of senior Charlie Mudd, the Scotties mounted a late game rally. Mudd made a layup and then hit two quick three pointers, and it was as if he breathed life into his beaten team. I think he had 17 points on the night, 11 of which, I think, came in the fourth quarter. Barren County started playing just to finish the game, and they let Glasgow back into the contest. Coach Steve Riley had rested most of his starters late in the game, but he had to put them back on the floor to stop the little spurt Glasgow was putting on them.
It was too little too late from the Scotties. No one would que up any Led Zepplin "Black Dog" in Glasgow on this night. Barren County pulled out the victory 66-53. The game wasn't as close as the score indicates.
OBSERVATIONS
Life of Riley: It's been since 2000 that a coach not named "Riley" took a Fourth Region team to the Sweet Sixteen. I'm starting to think that a Riley coached team might be in Rupp this spring only it might be Steve Riley's ball team. I've joked for the past three years that they should name the Fourth Region Tournament at Diddle Arena "The Riley Invitational."
February 19th: The Barren County student section started chanting that date during the third quarter of tonight's ballgame. I couldn't figure it out until someone pointed out that several of Metcalfe County's ball players were in attendance. Barren County lost to Metcalfe in Edmonton the other night, and the return game is on Feb. 19th in Glasgow. I wouldn't be so anxious if I were a Barren County fan. Metcalfe has one loss and has yet to lose to a team from Kentucky.
Mother Hubbard: Barren County's Lee Hubbard has "got game." In the second quarter he got a rebound down on the blocks at the right side of the lane. He made a drop step, pivoted and went straight up with the ball without dribbling and without hesitation. I remember listening to Bobby Knight beef about fundamental basketball not getting any attention in sports highlights. Hubbard would've made The General proud tonight. That move was nearly perfect but not flashy. He still got his team a rebound and two points. a Glasgow fan told me that Hubbard is a real good kid. That's pretty good when a player is getting an endorsement from the fans of an arch-rival.
Break Out the Carl Perkins: Glasgow is sporting some flashy blue Adidas this season. I kept hearing Carl Perkins or Elvis singing "Blue Suede Shoes" every time I looked at their feet.
District Implications: Barren County stays right behind Metcalfe, which is 3-0 in the 15th District. The Trojans are 2-1, while Glasgow is even with one loss and one win. Allen County-Scottsville has played just one district game, and they are 1-0. Just like in the neighboring 14th District, a couple of good teams will end their season early, so seeding is incredibly important.
His Name is Mudd: I really like Charlie Mudd for the Scotties. He is the team's leader and a gritty ballplayer.
January 4, 2008
I had a tough decision to make tonight. All week I planned on going to the Warren East at Bowling Green game, but this afternoon I realized that Glasgow would tip it up against their crosstown rivals at Barren County High School. I finally decided to head up to Glasgow to catch this important 15th District ballgame.
When I was in high school in Louisville in the 1980s, teams played in front of big crowds. On the night Male High played Moore -- Winston Bennett vs. Manuel Forrest -- about five thousand people attended the old Male High gym. Tonight, when I pulled up to Barren County High School, the parking lot was almost full. My heart started pounding, and I thought about the "old days" before ESPN and network sports convinced everyone that they had to watch professional basketball or big time college basketball before they could enjoy themselves. It reminded me of a time when people went to high school games because it was the most accessible basketball. Too often, these days, I find gyms nearly empty.
That wasn't the case in Glasgow tonight. The gym wasn't full, but a lot of people were there and electricity coursed around the place. I loved Barren County's gymnasium the second I walked into it. It's too bad I forgot my camera tonight because a good photograph would go a long way in conveying the flavor of the place. A Glasgow fan told me that it was built in 1977, and that they put a new court down in 2007. Seats go all the way around the court, and roll-out bleachers are at the top of the gym. Except, one end featured glass windows looking in on a first rate weight room and training facility. It's a very nice venue. If I had one complaint, it would be that the bleachers are not steep enough to allow fans to see the court very well. It's a very minor complaint and one easily ignored.
In the ballgame, Barren County came to play and Glasgow must have left their game on the other side of town. From the opening tip it was as if the Trojans took a rolled-up newspaper and smacked the Scottie dogs right on their cold, wet noses. Steve Riley's cagers scolded, "BAD DOGS," and the Scotties cowered in fear.
The Trojans opened with a sticky man-to-man defense, and Glasgow, which is a relatively young team, could not withstand the pressure. They made turnovers, and if they worked the ball inside, they could not finish the play. By the end of the first quarter I was ready to award them the week's "Bare Wood Award": NO FINISH. The Scotties really did play scared or at best they were tight through most of the game.
Every team has a bad night. Maybe it was Glasgow's night in which nothing worked. They seemed to be sleepwalking through the first quarter and found themselves down 15-5.
The Scotties continued to play scared through most of the second quarter. The Trojans stretched out to a 26-9 lead, and it was looking bleak for the Scotties. The "Dawg Pound," several of whom were decked out in togas, was real quiet. I sat with some Glasgow fans, and they had their heads in their hands throughout most of the second quarter.
But, Glasgow made a small run late in the half that kept the game from getting out of control. They cut the lead down to 26-16. I'm going to give a "Charlie Brown Blockhead Award" to Glasgow's Kerrington Bradley for fouling Blake Crabtree with just 0.8 seconds on the clock. Crabtree hit one of two, which let Barren County take a 27-16 lead into the break.
Fouling with 0.8 seconds is the kind of thing that makes a coach age almost instantaneously. Glasgow Coach John Tinsley probably aged a few months in the last eight-tenths of a second of the second quarter.
At the half, I felt like Glasgow saved themselves from disaster and gave themselves a chance to get back into the game. Still, they let Barren County control the tempo, something they are very good at doing, and the Trojans seemed to control the game.
In the third quarter, Glasgow tried to force the ball down the court and keep Barren County from setting up their half court defense, which stymied the Scotties. Glasgow, however, could not finish their plays. Their players don't help each other out, and a fan pointed out that they never move to the ball when a pass is thrown. They stand and wait for the ball to get to them.
With 1:40 left in the third, Barren County had a 49-23 lead on their rival. I'm not completely sure, but I thought I heard the Barren County public address announce where the Scotties' bus was parked. That was funny. I don't know if it was meant to be funny, but it was.
Barren County had a commanding 51-25 lead. Glasgow managed only 9 points in the third.
I started to wonder what I was missing down in Bowling Green, where the Purples were tangling with the Raiders from Warren East.
Early in the fourth frame, Barren County doubled the score up on Glasgow, 56-28. Ouch!
Glasgow wasn't going to roll over and play dead, though. Behind the leadership of senior Charlie Mudd, the Scotties mounted a late game rally. Mudd made a layup and then hit two quick three pointers, and it was as if he breathed life into his beaten team. I think he had 17 points on the night, 11 of which, I think, came in the fourth quarter. Barren County started playing just to finish the game, and they let Glasgow back into the contest. Coach Steve Riley had rested most of his starters late in the game, but he had to put them back on the floor to stop the little spurt Glasgow was putting on them.
It was too little too late from the Scotties. No one would que up any Led Zepplin "Black Dog" in Glasgow on this night. Barren County pulled out the victory 66-53. The game wasn't as close as the score indicates.
OBSERVATIONS
Life of Riley: It's been since 2000 that a coach not named "Riley" took a Fourth Region team to the Sweet Sixteen. I'm starting to think that a Riley coached team might be in Rupp this spring only it might be Steve Riley's ball team. I've joked for the past three years that they should name the Fourth Region Tournament at Diddle Arena "The Riley Invitational."
February 19th: The Barren County student section started chanting that date during the third quarter of tonight's ballgame. I couldn't figure it out until someone pointed out that several of Metcalfe County's ball players were in attendance. Barren County lost to Metcalfe in Edmonton the other night, and the return game is on Feb. 19th in Glasgow. I wouldn't be so anxious if I were a Barren County fan. Metcalfe has one loss and has yet to lose to a team from Kentucky.
Mother Hubbard: Barren County's Lee Hubbard has "got game." In the second quarter he got a rebound down on the blocks at the right side of the lane. He made a drop step, pivoted and went straight up with the ball without dribbling and without hesitation. I remember listening to Bobby Knight beef about fundamental basketball not getting any attention in sports highlights. Hubbard would've made The General proud tonight. That move was nearly perfect but not flashy. He still got his team a rebound and two points. a Glasgow fan told me that Hubbard is a real good kid. That's pretty good when a player is getting an endorsement from the fans of an arch-rival.
Break Out the Carl Perkins: Glasgow is sporting some flashy blue Adidas this season. I kept hearing Carl Perkins or Elvis singing "Blue Suede Shoes" every time I looked at their feet.
District Implications: Barren County stays right behind Metcalfe, which is 3-0 in the 15th District. The Trojans are 2-1, while Glasgow is even with one loss and one win. Allen County-Scottsville has played just one district game, and they are 1-0. Just like in the neighboring 14th District, a couple of good teams will end their season early, so seeding is incredibly important.
His Name is Mudd: I really like Charlie Mudd for the Scotties. He is the team's leader and a gritty ballplayer.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Fifth Region Review
When Pick and Roll told me about his idea to start this blog, I told him that I would love to help him out. He knew that I was a fan of high school basketball. At first, I didn't know what kind of approach to take, but then I told myself to just go to games and see what I could come up with. I hope Pick and Roll readers have enjoyed my views so far.
Like Pick and Roll, I, too, have a job, but mine is a little different than his because I work a night shift in Elizabethtown. How do I get to the game? Well, my schedule allows me some days off during the week, but, in turn, I work a lot Saturdays and Sundays. It's really not that bad.
I thought I would give a Fifth Region review:
Adair County Indians
They're quickly becoming one of my favorite teams. They had a great holiday tournament season, but they suffered their first loss to an 11-2 Boone County squad in the Hoopin It up Classic. Then, they traveled to the King of the Bluegrass, where they had a tough first round draw against a very good University Heights team. They lost in overtime. They've played a very tough non-region schedule, which should prepare them for Fifth Region play. I'm sure that is what Coach Mark Fudge was wanting.
Adiar is ledy by 6'7" Darrin Ballou, who is only a junior, and from what I gathered from the KOB, he is catching the eye of some college coaches. The Indians are not wasting any time getting into regional play. They open up the new year with a game against always tough North Hardin on January 4th. Adair is 11-3.
North Hardin Trojans
I saw North Hardin take on John Hardin on December 13th. The Trojans have a slew athletes, led by point guard Maurice Gosa, who is very quick and loves to take people off the dribble. North Hardin was busy during the holidays as well. They went 3-0 in the Athlete's Choice Classic at Bardstown Bethlehem, and then went 2-2 in the KFC-Taco Bell Classic at Marion County, losing to Lexington Paul Dunbar in double overtime. Opponents better watch out for this team's quickness because they flat get it up an down the floor. They also have a good percentage from the three point line. Like I wrote in an earlier post, they have veteran coach Ron Bevars, who has an impressive regional tournament record, so don't ever count them out.
Larue County Hawks
Okay. I've been taking some flack from people around the Fifth Region over Larue County. I live there, and I'm good friends with their head coach, Paul Childress, so, naturally, I'm not going to let anyone talk smack about them. They have a 9-1 record, but some say they've played a weak schedule. However, if fans go back and look at the start of the season, they had three payers, two of whom were starters from last year's team, out with injuries. One of them is still out, and they're all seniors. Coach Childress was forced to play Junior Bryan Bault, who had never played one minute of high school basketball until this year. He must be pretty pleased with his team's early run. Bryan Bault? He's leading the team in points and rebounds.
I also like that Larue's coaching staff consistently teaches their young players. They give them a chance to play and make them learn from their mistakes.
Editor's query: Is the Wonder Woman of Kentucky County Clerks still in office? I always enjoyed working with her and got a kick out of telling people that I was going to meet Linda Carter in Hodgenville.
Bardstown Tigers
The Tigers may be as quick and athletic as North Hardin. I watched them dismantle Green County over the holidays. They are led by Demarco Phillips, who is a smooth, lanky wing player. They started the season with a seven game winning streak, but they ran into a good Allen County-Scottsville team ledy by Pick and Roll's favorite player, Jay "Pickle Juice" Starks. Look for Bardstown to go into regional play wide open and ready to kick into high gear.
Elizabethtown Panthers
I haven't been able to watch the Panthers, normally a Fifth Region power. Lately, they have been on fire, winning five games in a row after dropping four of their first five. Never county out a James Haire coached team. I hope to report on them later.
Taylor County Cardinals
Again, I haven't had a chance to see them play, but they've caught my attention. They beat Elizabethtown in the second game of the season, but they gave the win back to E-town in the championship game of the Coca-Cola Classic. The Cardinals also had a good game against Adair County, losing by only four in Columbia. Loaded with another Gumm as a three point threat, look for Taylor to maybe surprise some teams.
Like Pick and Roll, I, too, have a job, but mine is a little different than his because I work a night shift in Elizabethtown. How do I get to the game? Well, my schedule allows me some days off during the week, but, in turn, I work a lot Saturdays and Sundays. It's really not that bad.
I thought I would give a Fifth Region review:
Adair County Indians
They're quickly becoming one of my favorite teams. They had a great holiday tournament season, but they suffered their first loss to an 11-2 Boone County squad in the Hoopin It up Classic. Then, they traveled to the King of the Bluegrass, where they had a tough first round draw against a very good University Heights team. They lost in overtime. They've played a very tough non-region schedule, which should prepare them for Fifth Region play. I'm sure that is what Coach Mark Fudge was wanting.
Adiar is ledy by 6'7" Darrin Ballou, who is only a junior, and from what I gathered from the KOB, he is catching the eye of some college coaches. The Indians are not wasting any time getting into regional play. They open up the new year with a game against always tough North Hardin on January 4th. Adair is 11-3.
North Hardin Trojans
I saw North Hardin take on John Hardin on December 13th. The Trojans have a slew athletes, led by point guard Maurice Gosa, who is very quick and loves to take people off the dribble. North Hardin was busy during the holidays as well. They went 3-0 in the Athlete's Choice Classic at Bardstown Bethlehem, and then went 2-2 in the KFC-Taco Bell Classic at Marion County, losing to Lexington Paul Dunbar in double overtime. Opponents better watch out for this team's quickness because they flat get it up an down the floor. They also have a good percentage from the three point line. Like I wrote in an earlier post, they have veteran coach Ron Bevars, who has an impressive regional tournament record, so don't ever count them out.
Larue County Hawks
Okay. I've been taking some flack from people around the Fifth Region over Larue County. I live there, and I'm good friends with their head coach, Paul Childress, so, naturally, I'm not going to let anyone talk smack about them. They have a 9-1 record, but some say they've played a weak schedule. However, if fans go back and look at the start of the season, they had three payers, two of whom were starters from last year's team, out with injuries. One of them is still out, and they're all seniors. Coach Childress was forced to play Junior Bryan Bault, who had never played one minute of high school basketball until this year. He must be pretty pleased with his team's early run. Bryan Bault? He's leading the team in points and rebounds.
I also like that Larue's coaching staff consistently teaches their young players. They give them a chance to play and make them learn from their mistakes.
Editor's query: Is the Wonder Woman of Kentucky County Clerks still in office? I always enjoyed working with her and got a kick out of telling people that I was going to meet Linda Carter in Hodgenville.
Bardstown Tigers
The Tigers may be as quick and athletic as North Hardin. I watched them dismantle Green County over the holidays. They are led by Demarco Phillips, who is a smooth, lanky wing player. They started the season with a seven game winning streak, but they ran into a good Allen County-Scottsville team ledy by Pick and Roll's favorite player, Jay "Pickle Juice" Starks. Look for Bardstown to go into regional play wide open and ready to kick into high gear.
Elizabethtown Panthers
I haven't been able to watch the Panthers, normally a Fifth Region power. Lately, they have been on fire, winning five games in a row after dropping four of their first five. Never county out a James Haire coached team. I hope to report on them later.
Taylor County Cardinals
Again, I haven't had a chance to see them play, but they've caught my attention. They beat Elizabethtown in the second game of the season, but they gave the win back to E-town in the championship game of the Coca-Cola Classic. The Cardinals also had a good game against Adair County, losing by only four in Columbia. Loaded with another Gumm as a three point threat, look for Taylor to maybe surprise some teams.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Fourth Region Review 12-31-07
I wish I was armed with a bunch of statistics, but one of the shortcomings of writing from a fan's perspective is that high school sports fans have trouble coming up with statistics. Plus, I have this thing called a "job" that eats up so much of the time I'd like to following high school hoops and searching for statistics.
I'd quit my job and do nothing but watch and write about sports, but my wife always lays a guilt trip on me: "The kids need to be fed" or "We need to pay the mortgage, electric bill, and gas bill." What's more important? Seeing that the kids are not malnourished or catching a match up between Logan County and Monroe County?
However, I can draw upon schools' records, opponents, and the games I have seen since Thanksgiving. Since the start of the season, I've seen seven of the sixteen Fourth Region teams play. I've seen Bowling Green, Greenwood, Cumberland County and Barren County play multiple times, and six of the seven teams have a good shot at winning the Fourth Region Tournament in March.
Barren County Trojans
Barren County played very well and won the Citizens First Classic in Bowling Green. They are well coached and execute their plays with precision. They are led by 6'1" senior forward Lee Hubbard and point guard Matt Riley. All five of Barren's starters are seniors, and they have seniors coming in off the bench. I always tend to favor experienced ball clubs when crunch time comes in March. When I start thinking about post season play in the Fourth, Barren County always jumps into my mind. They are 10-3 overall and 3-2 in the region, which doesn't really make my case very well.
Warren East Raiders
Unfortunately, the only chance I've had to see Warren East play was in the ugly, whistle fest they played against Warren Central on December 7th. Jordan Ellis spent most of that game on the bench in foul trouble, but Deangelo Kirk's shooting kept them in that game. East is 9-1 overall and undefeated in the region after four games. After the game against Central, I compared the Raiders to Rodney Dangerfield: "they don't get no respect." That still may be the case with fans, but I think Fourth Region coaches are giving them respect. I think they'll be jamming to some Aretha Franklin by the end of the regular season. They won the Murray Bank Classic and fared well in the Campbellsville University Classic. I'd watch out for them in March.
Metcalfe County Hornets
I haven't seen Metcalfe County play, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Hornets take to the Hardwood. They are 10-1 and undefeated after four games against Fourth Region opponents. They got fat on teams like Cumberland County, Monroe County, and Clinton County, but they beat Barren County in Edmonton on December 14th. Their only loss came in the Arby's/KFC Classic in Marion, Kentucky, at the hands of Ballou High School out of Washington, D.C.
We'll check back with them at the end of January and see how they did against teams like Warren East, Franklin Simpson, and Allen County-Scottsville. They play the Raiders at Warren East on January 12th, and I'm going to try my best to make that game.
Bowling Green Purples
The Purps are 5-1 against Fourth Region foes, with their only loss coming in the consolation game of the Citizens First Holiday Classic to crosstown rival Greenwood. Overall, D.G. Sherrill's squad is 9-3 with losses at the hands of Hazel Green out of Alabama and University Heights Academy. UHA is led by the tough tandem of Tyshawn Edmonson and Blue Chipper Scotty Hopson, and they played Bowling Green when most of the Purples' team was still playing football. After Christmas BG traveled to Morton's Gap and won the Hopkins Central Holiday Classic.
Warren Central Dragons
Is this the year that Tim Riley's reign over the Fourth Region ends. The Dragons are listed 11th in the region in overall wins, and they are 0-1 in the Fourth with a loss to Warren East. They dropped six games in a row, but the string included losses to Pleasure Ridge Park, Apollo, Hopkinsville, and the overtime loss to Warren East. St. Xavier (OH) wiped up the court with the Dragons in the Monticello Bank Classic, but Warren Central hosts the Greenwood Gators on January 4th for only their second Fourth Region match up. I just get the feeling that the Dragons are smoldering and will be breathing fire by the time district play starts. It would be foolish to count them out.
Greenwood Gators
I guess I've seen them play more than any team on the region. I even caught part of their game with Central Hardin in Murray on December 27th. They lost that game, but they beat Bowling Green in the Purples' auxiliary gym in the consolation game of the Citizens First Classic. The Gators are 9-6 overall and 2-4 in the region. They puzzle me. Sometimes they look great and other times they seem incapable. I saw them loose a heart breaker to Allen County-Scottsville on the opening night of the season. The Gators have no size, so they must execute with precision to beat larger teams. This is another team that I would not count out in March.
I'd love to write about other teams, but there's several teams in the region that have a shot at making some noise and Diddle on their way to Rupp Arena. The Fourth Region is absolutely wide open at this point, and I think there are several very competitive teams in it. January and February should prove to be exciting.
If any of my readers think I gave short shrift to their favorite team or overlooked any team, please comment and tell me so. I'm no expert, just a fan.
I'd quit my job and do nothing but watch and write about sports, but my wife always lays a guilt trip on me: "The kids need to be fed" or "We need to pay the mortgage, electric bill, and gas bill." What's more important? Seeing that the kids are not malnourished or catching a match up between Logan County and Monroe County?
However, I can draw upon schools' records, opponents, and the games I have seen since Thanksgiving. Since the start of the season, I've seen seven of the sixteen Fourth Region teams play. I've seen Bowling Green, Greenwood, Cumberland County and Barren County play multiple times, and six of the seven teams have a good shot at winning the Fourth Region Tournament in March.
Barren County Trojans
Barren County played very well and won the Citizens First Classic in Bowling Green. They are well coached and execute their plays with precision. They are led by 6'1" senior forward Lee Hubbard and point guard Matt Riley. All five of Barren's starters are seniors, and they have seniors coming in off the bench. I always tend to favor experienced ball clubs when crunch time comes in March. When I start thinking about post season play in the Fourth, Barren County always jumps into my mind. They are 10-3 overall and 3-2 in the region, which doesn't really make my case very well.
Warren East Raiders
Unfortunately, the only chance I've had to see Warren East play was in the ugly, whistle fest they played against Warren Central on December 7th. Jordan Ellis spent most of that game on the bench in foul trouble, but Deangelo Kirk's shooting kept them in that game. East is 9-1 overall and undefeated in the region after four games. After the game against Central, I compared the Raiders to Rodney Dangerfield: "they don't get no respect." That still may be the case with fans, but I think Fourth Region coaches are giving them respect. I think they'll be jamming to some Aretha Franklin by the end of the regular season. They won the Murray Bank Classic and fared well in the Campbellsville University Classic. I'd watch out for them in March.
Metcalfe County Hornets
I haven't seen Metcalfe County play, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Hornets take to the Hardwood. They are 10-1 and undefeated after four games against Fourth Region opponents. They got fat on teams like Cumberland County, Monroe County, and Clinton County, but they beat Barren County in Edmonton on December 14th. Their only loss came in the Arby's/KFC Classic in Marion, Kentucky, at the hands of Ballou High School out of Washington, D.C.
We'll check back with them at the end of January and see how they did against teams like Warren East, Franklin Simpson, and Allen County-Scottsville. They play the Raiders at Warren East on January 12th, and I'm going to try my best to make that game.
Bowling Green Purples
The Purps are 5-1 against Fourth Region foes, with their only loss coming in the consolation game of the Citizens First Holiday Classic to crosstown rival Greenwood. Overall, D.G. Sherrill's squad is 9-3 with losses at the hands of Hazel Green out of Alabama and University Heights Academy. UHA is led by the tough tandem of Tyshawn Edmonson and Blue Chipper Scotty Hopson, and they played Bowling Green when most of the Purples' team was still playing football. After Christmas BG traveled to Morton's Gap and won the Hopkins Central Holiday Classic.
Warren Central Dragons
Is this the year that Tim Riley's reign over the Fourth Region ends. The Dragons are listed 11th in the region in overall wins, and they are 0-1 in the Fourth with a loss to Warren East. They dropped six games in a row, but the string included losses to Pleasure Ridge Park, Apollo, Hopkinsville, and the overtime loss to Warren East. St. Xavier (OH) wiped up the court with the Dragons in the Monticello Bank Classic, but Warren Central hosts the Greenwood Gators on January 4th for only their second Fourth Region match up. I just get the feeling that the Dragons are smoldering and will be breathing fire by the time district play starts. It would be foolish to count them out.
Greenwood Gators
I guess I've seen them play more than any team on the region. I even caught part of their game with Central Hardin in Murray on December 27th. They lost that game, but they beat Bowling Green in the Purples' auxiliary gym in the consolation game of the Citizens First Classic. The Gators are 9-6 overall and 2-4 in the region. They puzzle me. Sometimes they look great and other times they seem incapable. I saw them loose a heart breaker to Allen County-Scottsville on the opening night of the season. The Gators have no size, so they must execute with precision to beat larger teams. This is another team that I would not count out in March.
I'd love to write about other teams, but there's several teams in the region that have a shot at making some noise and Diddle on their way to Rupp Arena. The Fourth Region is absolutely wide open at this point, and I think there are several very competitive teams in it. January and February should prove to be exciting.
If any of my readers think I gave short shrift to their favorite team or overlooked any team, please comment and tell me so. I'm no expert, just a fan.
Friday, December 28, 2007
King of the Bluegrass Tournament
Adair County vs. University Heights Academy
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Everybody is talking about Scotty Hopson, but pound-for-pound Adair County's Kalen Kimberland was the best player in this game. He had a tough assignment: guard Hopson.
I like to watch players during warm ups and see how they prepare themselves for the game. Hopson was dancing to the music played over the loudspeakers, but the Adair players looked focused. This was the first time I've gotten a look at Adair County since last season's Fifth Region Tournament, and they looked stronger, especially the 6'7" center, Darrin Ballou.
A friend of mine from Louisville joined me and wanted to see if I could be wowed by Scotty Hopson. Instead, Ballow wowed me.
When we took our seats, I noticed we were behind Scott Padget. I could tell by his ears. He's a heck of a nice guy and was talking to everyone around him.
Hopson got fired up quickly when the game started. He scored six quick points, and then he let me down. I remember what Pick and Roll said about him in Bowling Green, and I saw what he was talking about. He's got great potential but needs to get his game face on.
I liked what I saw out of Adair County. I looked forward to a Hopson-Ballou match up, but to my surprise, Kimberland started guarding Hopson. Kimberland is only 5'11," so he gives up eight inches to the Blazers' blue chipper. He plays great defense.
At the end of the first quarter the Blazers had a 16-14 lead.
Darrin Ballou is quickly becoming one of my favorite players, and I hear he is big on WKU. I think he would be a good fit for the Hilltoppers. He shoots good from the floor but tends to force some of his shots He was stronger than Hopson. Ballou needs to work on his free throw shooting.
The second quarter went back-and forth. Hopson stood around a lot and looked lazy. His teammate, Tyshawn Edmonson took up the slack by doing most of the scoring in the second quarter. It's rumored that UT is looking at Edmonson (editor's note: I've also heard Florida). UHA still had the lead at the half, 33-28.
Adair County made some adjustments to start the third quarter. They started feeding Ballou down low, and he was finding the basket. It didn't take long for Hopson to switch over and guard Ballou, but Ballou took it right to him. He is stronger in the upper body, and he pushed Hopson around quite a bit.
With 5:00 to go in the third, UHA Coach Randy McCoy called a timeout and was red faced. At the end of the quarter, the game was tied at 49.
The game was living up to its hype.
With his team in a battle, Mr. Hopson decided to show up. He took charge in the fourth quarter. He is quick off the dribble and really elevates on his jump shot. He just doesn't impress me. I don't know why.
The game went to overtime with the teams knotted at 58.
In the extra frame, Adair County's Kalen Kimberland showed why he was -- pound-for-pound -- the best player on the floor. He scored nine of his game high 21 points in overtime. After a timeout, UHA threw a 2-1-2 zone press against Adair, and it caused the Indians a lot of trouble. With 6.6 second left in the game, UHA had a two point lead, but Adair had the ball. They had a shot at tying it up, but Ballou turned the ball over. UHA won a good contest, 65-63.
OBSERVATIONS
Beam Thee Up Scotty: Hopson has a lot of growing up to do before he plays the college game. His attitude is sorry. Scott Padgett said the same thing about him. If he ends up at UK, I hope BCG can mold him. He is athletic and has great hops.
Editor's Observation: Pick and Roll was never in the military, but he knows that soldiers, sailors, and Marines call the thick rimmed, ugly, military issue eyeglasses "BCG's." That is their lingo for Birth Control Glasses. I'll let the readers make the leap in logic, but calling Billy Clyde "BCG" could get...well...ugly.
Double Dog Adair You: Adair County is going to be fun to watch again this year in the Fifth Region. Ballou and Nick Fudge (in my opinion the best point guard in the Fifth) along with Kimberland will carry the Indians deep into the regional tournament. Ballou and Fudge are both juniors, so they'll be tough next year, too.
Editor's Note: I've got to take "A Christmas Story" out of the DVD player.
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
Everybody is talking about Scotty Hopson, but pound-for-pound Adair County's Kalen Kimberland was the best player in this game. He had a tough assignment: guard Hopson.
I like to watch players during warm ups and see how they prepare themselves for the game. Hopson was dancing to the music played over the loudspeakers, but the Adair players looked focused. This was the first time I've gotten a look at Adair County since last season's Fifth Region Tournament, and they looked stronger, especially the 6'7" center, Darrin Ballou.
A friend of mine from Louisville joined me and wanted to see if I could be wowed by Scotty Hopson. Instead, Ballow wowed me.
When we took our seats, I noticed we were behind Scott Padget. I could tell by his ears. He's a heck of a nice guy and was talking to everyone around him.
Hopson got fired up quickly when the game started. He scored six quick points, and then he let me down. I remember what Pick and Roll said about him in Bowling Green, and I saw what he was talking about. He's got great potential but needs to get his game face on.
I liked what I saw out of Adair County. I looked forward to a Hopson-Ballou match up, but to my surprise, Kimberland started guarding Hopson. Kimberland is only 5'11," so he gives up eight inches to the Blazers' blue chipper. He plays great defense.
At the end of the first quarter the Blazers had a 16-14 lead.
Darrin Ballou is quickly becoming one of my favorite players, and I hear he is big on WKU. I think he would be a good fit for the Hilltoppers. He shoots good from the floor but tends to force some of his shots He was stronger than Hopson. Ballou needs to work on his free throw shooting.
The second quarter went back-and forth. Hopson stood around a lot and looked lazy. His teammate, Tyshawn Edmonson took up the slack by doing most of the scoring in the second quarter. It's rumored that UT is looking at Edmonson (editor's note: I've also heard Florida). UHA still had the lead at the half, 33-28.
Adair County made some adjustments to start the third quarter. They started feeding Ballou down low, and he was finding the basket. It didn't take long for Hopson to switch over and guard Ballou, but Ballou took it right to him. He is stronger in the upper body, and he pushed Hopson around quite a bit.
With 5:00 to go in the third, UHA Coach Randy McCoy called a timeout and was red faced. At the end of the quarter, the game was tied at 49.
The game was living up to its hype.
With his team in a battle, Mr. Hopson decided to show up. He took charge in the fourth quarter. He is quick off the dribble and really elevates on his jump shot. He just doesn't impress me. I don't know why.
The game went to overtime with the teams knotted at 58.
In the extra frame, Adair County's Kalen Kimberland showed why he was -- pound-for-pound -- the best player on the floor. He scored nine of his game high 21 points in overtime. After a timeout, UHA threw a 2-1-2 zone press against Adair, and it caused the Indians a lot of trouble. With 6.6 second left in the game, UHA had a two point lead, but Adair had the ball. They had a shot at tying it up, but Ballou turned the ball over. UHA won a good contest, 65-63.
OBSERVATIONS
Beam Thee Up Scotty: Hopson has a lot of growing up to do before he plays the college game. His attitude is sorry. Scott Padgett said the same thing about him. If he ends up at UK, I hope BCG can mold him. He is athletic and has great hops.
Editor's Observation: Pick and Roll was never in the military, but he knows that soldiers, sailors, and Marines call the thick rimmed, ugly, military issue eyeglasses "BCG's." That is their lingo for Birth Control Glasses. I'll let the readers make the leap in logic, but calling Billy Clyde "BCG" could get...well...ugly.
Double Dog Adair You: Adair County is going to be fun to watch again this year in the Fifth Region. Ballou and Nick Fudge (in my opinion the best point guard in the Fifth) along with Kimberland will carry the Indians deep into the regional tournament. Ballou and Fudge are both juniors, so they'll be tough next year, too.
Editor's Note: I've got to take "A Christmas Story" out of the DVD player.
King of the Bluegrass Tournament
Madison Central vs. Louisville Trinity 12-26-07
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
I just didn't see myself sitting in Lebanon all day, so I jumped in my truck and headed to Louisvlle to watch the King of the Bluegrass. By the time I ventured through Springfield and Bardstown to I-65, my belly was growling. I kept telling myself to make it to Shepherdsville so I could get some of that Boot Leg Bar-B-Q. That hit the spot. I needed a nap, but I knew I had to get to Fairdale High School to see some hoops.
Barbecue and basketball! There's no better combination except maybe a well executed give-and-go.
I got there for the 2:30 p.m. game that featured Madison Central against Trinity, Louisville's perennial football powerhouse.
Madison Central is powered by 6'7" Aaron Morris, but I though he looked a little lazy on defense. Although Trinity is not know for their basketball, they started out by taking it right to the Indians. The place was packed and most fans were there to watch Morris, but Trinity held him scoreless in the first quarter. They held a 16-11 lead after one quarter.
Trinity kept the momentum at the beginning of the second, but it didn't last long. Morris could not be silent, and his team showed a lot of patience on offense. They pounded it down low to Morris, and he used his height to a sizable advantage. Trinity had no answer. He's also good out away from the basket. He scored 12 points in the second, and the Indians took a 32-30 lead into halftime.
Trinity has a lot of heart. they hustle up and down the court, and they were determined not to be blown out by MC. Trinity is well coached, and a gutsy guard named Matt Chambless led them on the court. The Shamrocks kept it close and were getting under Madison's skin. At the end of the third, the Indians still had just a two point lead, 43-41.
Both teams entered the game with a 5-3 record, which surprised me because they both played better than 5-3 ballclubs.
It was a really good game. Madison Central had the lead most of the way, but they never had a big lead. Trinity stayed after them, and with five minutes to go they MC had a five point lead. The Shamrocks were not finished, however. Led by Chambless, they tied it up with three minutes left in the game.
The Indians hit their free throws down the stretch, and it made the difference in the game. They got lucky and won 60-57.
OBSERVATIONS
He Ain't Catfood: I'm sure Aaron Morris is on someone's recruiting list. He is a senior and will be a steal for some team. He does need some polishing (not much), and he had a quiet 23 points against Trinity. He is silky smooth.
Fear the Rocks: Trinity has no fear. They had a balanced scoring attack and a sticky man-to-man defense. They just got into a situation where they had to foul and Madison made their free throws. If they play like they did today, they may surprise some people, too.
Editor's Note: I noticed that Allen Feldhaus, Jr., is Madison Central's coach.
By Chris Gregory, Fifth Region Correspondent
I just didn't see myself sitting in Lebanon all day, so I jumped in my truck and headed to Louisvlle to watch the King of the Bluegrass. By the time I ventured through Springfield and Bardstown to I-65, my belly was growling. I kept telling myself to make it to Shepherdsville so I could get some of that Boot Leg Bar-B-Q. That hit the spot. I needed a nap, but I knew I had to get to Fairdale High School to see some hoops.
Barbecue and basketball! There's no better combination except maybe a well executed give-and-go.
I got there for the 2:30 p.m. game that featured Madison Central against Trinity, Louisville's perennial football powerhouse.
Madison Central is powered by 6'7" Aaron Morris, but I though he looked a little lazy on defense. Although Trinity is not know for their basketball, they started out by taking it right to the Indians. The place was packed and most fans were there to watch Morris, but Trinity held him scoreless in the first quarter. They held a 16-11 lead after one quarter.
Trinity kept the momentum at the beginning of the second, but it didn't last long. Morris could not be silent, and his team showed a lot of patience on offense. They pounded it down low to Morris, and he used his height to a sizable advantage. Trinity had no answer. He's also good out away from the basket. He scored 12 points in the second, and the Indians took a 32-30 lead into halftime.
Trinity has a lot of heart. they hustle up and down the court, and they were determined not to be blown out by MC. Trinity is well coached, and a gutsy guard named Matt Chambless led them on the court. The Shamrocks kept it close and were getting under Madison's skin. At the end of the third, the Indians still had just a two point lead, 43-41.
Both teams entered the game with a 5-3 record, which surprised me because they both played better than 5-3 ballclubs.
It was a really good game. Madison Central had the lead most of the way, but they never had a big lead. Trinity stayed after them, and with five minutes to go they MC had a five point lead. The Shamrocks were not finished, however. Led by Chambless, they tied it up with three minutes left in the game.
The Indians hit their free throws down the stretch, and it made the difference in the game. They got lucky and won 60-57.
OBSERVATIONS
He Ain't Catfood: I'm sure Aaron Morris is on someone's recruiting list. He is a senior and will be a steal for some team. He does need some polishing (not much), and he had a quiet 23 points against Trinity. He is silky smooth.
Fear the Rocks: Trinity has no fear. They had a balanced scoring attack and a sticky man-to-man defense. They just got into a situation where they had to foul and Madison made their free throws. If they play like they did today, they may surprise some people, too.
Editor's Note: I noticed that Allen Feldhaus, Jr., is Madison Central's coach.
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