[tezzy859]

Congrats to my Bulldogs on a hard fought win.

[Strikeout King]

Congrats Holmes

[blue1424]

Congrats Bulldogs

[Crimsonfan]

Closer than I expected.

[mahb7878]

Way closer than I expected! They seem to be doing that alot this year

[Benchwarmer]

I called this one.
Congrats Holmes

[jalfzou]

Bulldogs were outscored by 20 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, yet they still win the game. In years past, Henley had a deeper bench, and could continue to carry the offensive momentum through the second quarter. Still, a win's a win. Holmes probably will be rooting for Highlands to take out NewCath in first-round district match-up. Loser goes home for the season.

[dortonite]

Looks as if Pittman was the difference in this game as well as the last few. Just looking at the stats it doesn't look like 'Rico' has an impact on the game as he did early in the season scoring wise.

[HollaBack]

The 9th region needs to adopt a 35 second shot clock!

[Uncle Fester]

Another exciting offensive explosion from the 9th Region.

Congrats to Holmes on another close win.

[kywldcat01]

Looks as if Pittman was the difference in this game as well as the last few. Just looking at the stats it doesn't look like 'Rico' has an impact on the game as he did early in the season scoring wise.

I said it at the beginning of the season...if anyone deserves Mr. Basketball from Holmes, it's Elijah Pittman. Kid is the most difficult player to defend in the state and when it comes to talent he takes a back seat to nobody.

Pittman finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. This has become an average day at the office for the big fella.

Here is Newcath coach Grant Brannen comments on Pittman after the game and also a few other tidbits about him:

.....Henley said. "Late there, we knew that they were going to let Pangallo go and create. If he got to the basket, we wanted Elijah to do his thing."

Pittman did his thing all night. The long-armed 6-foot-8 senior led all scorers with 23 points. He also had eight rebounds and three blocks.

"He changes everything," NewCath coach Grant Brannen said. "He's a matchup problem. He's versatile. He can shoot. And he's so long and he can jump. That last block, it's like he came from outer space."

Pittman kicked off the game with a 3-pointer on the Bulldogs' first possession that sparked an 18-4 first-quarter run. By the time it was over, the fourth-ranked Thoroughbreds had opted out of their man-to-man defense in favor of a 3-2 zone.

If Pittman doesn't win 9th region player of the year AND finish in the top 2 of Mr. Basketball votes, people are seriously overlooking this kid. Holmes can win without Ricardo Johnson. Without Pittman? They're an average team. I've said this since last year. Ricardo is simply too passive and too unselfish at times. Pittman wants the ball on every possessionn.

[kywldcat01]

The 9th region needs to adopt a 35 second shot clock!

Another exciting offensive explosion from the 9th Region.

Congrats to Holmes on another close win.

Ah...gotta love the uneducated posts from folks who weren't at the game.

1. Newcath played Holmes man to man in the first quarter and Holmes put on an offensive clinic, outscoring the Breds 18-4.

2. In the second quarter, Newcath switched to a 3-2 zone to force Holmes to be patient on offense and settle for jumpers. Obviously it worked, as Holmes was outscored 21-8 in the second quarter and 16-12 in the third quarter.

3. In the 4th quarter, Newcath took a 43-38 lead with 7:44 to go. Holmes defense held them to ZERO points the rest of the game and closed the game out on an 8-0 run, despite Newcath playing stallball the last 4 minutes of the game with Holmes up 44-43.

4. Holmes has traditionally struggled against Newcath over the years. Coming in to this season, Newcath had won 3 of the past 5 meetings between these two, with both Holmes wins coming last year during the regular season and region tournament. Before tonight, Holmes hadn't won at NCC since 2002.

Holmes coach Dave Henley said it best after the game:

"They're a tough team and we knew they weren't going to quit," Holmes coach David Henley said. "This is a tough place to play. ... You're never going to come in here and come away with an easy one."

5. For those who don't believe that this is a tough place to play, #1 Trinity only beat Newcath by 8 at Newcath....58-50.

6. Lastly, Holmes had the chance to seal the deal at the line late but with the Dogs up 1, J. Johnson missed both free throw attempts on a shooting foul and then after getting a defensive stop on the next possession, Pittman missed the front end of a one and one which allowed Newcath to keep the ball the last minute of the game and get a shot off with 7 seconds to go that was blocked and grabbed out of mid air by Pittman.

Credit Newcath for hanging in there and playing tough. They lit up from outside as well with seven 3 pointers on the night.

[kywldcat01]

Bulldogs were outscored by 20 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, yet they still win the game. In years past, Henley had a deeper bench, and could continue to carry the offensive momentum through the second quarter. Still, a win's a win. Holmes probably will be rooting for Highlands to take out NewCath in first-round district match-up. Loser goes home for the season.

When Holmes' bench plays well, they're very tough to beat. (See Scott and Highlands)

Holmes got ZERO points tonight from the trio of Avery, Hayes, and Herndon and they end up squeaking out a 3 point win.

Those three had been playing extremely well lately. If Holmes wants to have postseason success, those three have to continue to play well.

[kywldcat01]

Holmes (18-5) - Pittman 8 6 23, J. Johnson 3 2 9, Slusher 3 1 7, R. Johnson 1 2 4, Rice 1 1 3. Totals 16 12 46.

Newport Central Catholic (13-7) - Meyer 1 0 2, Pangallo 4 2 12, Lampe 4 0 12, Giesler 5 2 12, Schmidt 2 0 5. Totals 16 4 43.

Holmes 18 8 12 8 -46
Newport Catholic 4 21 16 2 -43

3-pointers: H 2 (Pittman, J. Johnson); NCC 7 (Pangallo 2, Lampe 4, Schmidt).

J. Johnson also had 12 rebounds to go along with his 9 points for Holmes.

[Stardust]

Ah...gotta love the uneducated posts from folks who weren't at the game.


2. In the second quarter, Newcath switched to a 3-2 zone to force Holmes to be patient on offense and settle for jumpers. Obviously it worked, as Holmes was outscored 21-8 in the second quarter and 16-12 in the third quarter.

3. In the 4th quarter, Newcath took a 43-38 lead with 7:44 to go. Holmes defense held them to ZERO points the rest of the game and closed the game out on an 8-0 run, despite Newcath playing stallball the last 4 minutes of the game with Holmes up 44-43.

.

I could care less if NCC went to a 3-2 zone, HOW did Holmes defense allow NCC to go on a 21-8 run????:yikes:

I can understand that NCC was able to slow down the offense of the Dogs, but NO WAY whould NCC have been able to SCORE! That should be a concern! Never should the Breds have been able to go on a scoring run like that.

[Stardust]

During its run of four regional titles in five years, the Holmes boys' basketball team has treated most Northern Kentucky teams like B Squad practice opponents. Then there is Newport Central Catholic, a team that has beaten the Bulldogs in three of their past five regular-season meetings.

http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...2/2120383/

Heading into Thursday night's game, Holmes hadn't won at NewCath since 2002.

"They're a tough team and we knew they weren't going to quit," Holmes coach David Henley said. "This is a tough place to play. ... You're never going to come in here and come away with an easy one."

The Bulldogs defeated the Thoroughbreds 46-43, but the victory was anything but easy.

Despite jumping out to a huge lead in the first quarter and limiting NewCath to two points in the fourth, Holmes found itself in a game that went down to the final buzzer.

NewCath guard Grant Pangallo managed a 3-point attempt as time expired, but Holmes guard Ricardo Johnson blocked the shot to preserve the victory. It was a fitting ending to a game Holmes won with defense.

The Bulldogs trailed 41-38 heading into the final period, then fell behind by five points when Shaun Meyer opened the fourth-quarter scoring with a drive and layup. For the remainder of the game - all seven minutes and 44 seconds - Holmes held NewCath scoreless.

Holmes, ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches' poll, ended the game on an 8-0 run. Elijah Pittman blocked Pangallo's go-ahead layup attempt with 7.5 seconds remaining, then made two free throws to give Holmes a 46-43 lead and set up the last-second dramatics.

"Our kids really played good, solid defense and gave some more effort," Henley said. "Late there, we knew that they were going to let Pangallo go and create. If he got to the basket, we wanted Elijah to do his thing."

Pittman did his thing all night. The long-armed 6-foot-8 senior led all scorers with 23 points. He also had eight rebounds and three blocks.

"He changes everything," NewCath coach Grant Brannen said. "He's a matchup problem. He's versatile. He can shoot. And he's so long and he can jump. That last block, it's like he came from outer space."

Pittman kicked off the game with a 3-pointer on the Bulldogs' first possession that sparked an 18-4 first-quarter run. By the time it was over, the fourth-ranked Thoroughbreds had opted out of their man-to-man defense in favor of a 3-2 zone.

NewCath went on an 18-4 run to tie the score just before halftime, sparked by a pair of 3-pointers by senior guard Tyler Lampe. He finished with four 3-pointers and a season-high 12 points.

NewCath stretched its lead to six points in the third quarter.

"We relaxed," Pittman said. "Teams should never relax when they're up by big numbers. You have to keep going. Especially up here. It's hard to beat NewCath at NewCath."

Pangallo and junior center Jake Giesler led NewCath with 12 points each. Jeremiah Johnson had nine points and 12 rebounds for Holmes.

The victory came at a crucial stretch for the defending state champion. Last week Holmes beat Highlands, ranked sixth at the time. Next week, the final week of the regular season, it will play host to No. 2 Boone County.

"Our schedule's pretty much been the same way ever since I've been here," said Henley. "It's kind of locked in. And it's never a breather. There aren't many easy ones."

[kywldcat01]

I could care less if NCC went to a 3-2 zone, HOW did Holmes defense allow NCC to go on a 21-8 run????:yikes:

I can understand that NCC was able to slow down the offense of the Dogs, but NO WAY whould NCC have been able to SCORE! That should be a concern! Never should the Breds have been able to go on a scoring run like that.

Simple...Holmes settled for jumpers in the second quarter and quit attacking the rim like they did first quarter.

Newcath got some nice looks and put together a run. They used a high/low pick and roll with Geisler and Pangallo and allowed Pangallo the option to drive or dish outside off the screen by Geisler and they had a lot of success with it.

With Holmes leading 21-8 Newcath closed to within 21-14 behind 4 by Geisler and 2 by Pangallo. Newcath then hit back to back three's to make it 21-20 Holmes. After Pittman hit 1 of 2 to make it 22-20, he picked up his 2nd foul of the half with 343 left. On the very next Newcath possession, Geisler scored down low to tie it at 22-22 and it was game on from here.

Holmes put together a 4-0 run to push their lead out to 4 at 26-22, but Newcath held the ball the last 45 or so seconds and I believe Lampe hit a big 3 at the buzzer to send it in to the half 26-25 Holmes. Big momentum changer though.

Holmes got the ball out of the half but turned it over on a bad pass. Newcath came down and hit ANOTHER 3 to give them their first lead at 28-26. Both teams traded baskets and leads for the next few possessions. With Holmes leading 33-32, Schmidt and Pangallo hit back to back 3's to give the Breds a 38-33 lead with 336 left in the third.

Holmes closed to within 3 at 38-35 after a Pittman put back, but you guess it, another NCC trey by Lampe pushed the lead back out to 6 at 41-35 Breds. Pittman responded at the other end with an and one to make it 41-38 Breds but NCC responded once again with a bucket by Meyer to make it 43-38.

From that point on, it was all Holmes. Dogs stepped up their defensive pressure and really attacked the boards at both ends and closed the game out on an 8-0 run. Key to the 4th quarter was Holmes quit settling for jumpers and started doing what had got them the 18-4 lead...attacking the rim and using their size and athleticism down low.

Another big key to the game was that Pittman didn't defend Geisler on defense. Rice did, and the D1 football player got the better of Kevon. Basically, Newcath out-hustled Holmes and executed better during that second and third quarter. When Holmes finally woke up in the 4th quarter, Newcath started playing stall ball to keep Holmes from putting together a run like they did in the first quarter.

[Stardust]

^ I love Jake, and have coached him in AAU Basketball, but I don't think he is a D1 Football player:Thumbs:

[trufan]

After seeing the score and the way this game progressed, a couple things are becoming apparent about this Holmes team.

1st-Holmes may be the best athletic team in the state. Having only scores and wildcat01's game analysis, Holmes can really get after other teams.

2nd-Having said that, the best way to play Holmes appears to be make them have to play basketball in a half court set. Take away their ability to run the floor and use all that athleticism and they become a very average team, especially in the 9th region.

Anyway, congrats go out to Holmes on their victory and thanks to kywildcat01 for the game details.

[Stardust]

My point is that Holmes has "SHUT DOWN" defenisve capabilities. NCC should never have been able to get the ball up the floor against the Dogs. NCC plays tough and hard, they flat out wanted it more than Holmes. Sure, Holmes is going to get everyone's best game, but let's be real, no one in NKY should be within double digts, NO ONE!

[Stardust]

After seeing the score and the way this game progressed, a couple things are becoming apparent about this Holmes team.

1st-Holmes may be the best athletic team in the state. Having only scores and wildcat01's game analysis, Holmes can really get after other teams.

2nd-Having said that, the best way to play Holmes appears to be make them have to play basketball in a half court set. Take away their ability to run the floor and use all that athleticism and they become a very average team, especially in the 9th region.

Anyway, congrats go out to Holmes on their victory and thanks to kywildcat01 for the game details.

Great post and excellent analysis. Holmes is too athletic on the defensive end to allow teams to even make it a half-court game. They are content with that and do not clamp down with a Press that can, and I say can only if they commit to it, can keep a team from even getting the ball up court.

In no way should Holmes have allowed the Breds to get the run they had yesterday. I'm a Holmes liker, not a hater. But this team has lived on the edge for much of this season. To often teams are allowed to make a game of it with Holmes relying on their mental confidence that they can come back. Well that is going to bite them if they are not careful.

[trufan]

My point is that Holmes has "SHUT DOWN" defenisve capabilities. NCC should never have been able to get the ball up the floor against the Dogs. NCC plays tough and hard, they flat out wanted it more than Holmes. Sure, Holmes is going to get everyone's best game, but let's be real, no one in NKY should be within double digts, NO ONE!

No one should be, but they are.

[trufan]

Great post and excellent analysis. Holmes is too athletic on the defensive end to allow teams to even make it a half-court game. They are content with that and do not clamp down with a Press that can, and I say can only if they commit to it, can keep a team from even getting the ball up court.

In no way should Holmes have allowed the Breds to get the run they had yesterday. I'm a Holmes liker, not a hater. But this team has lived on the edge for much of this season. To often teams are allowed to make a game of it with Holmes relying on their mental confidence that they can come back. Well that is going to bite them if they are not careful.

Do you think this Holmes team has become content with what they have accomplished in the past and not be as focused this season. What a lot of people call "senioritis".

[Stardust]

Do you think this Holmes team has become content with what they have accomplished in the past and not be as focused this season. What a lot of people call "senioritis".

I've said since the beginning of the year that this team has no "Leader" on the floor, not the kind like they had with Ariz two years ago. They do not have that "Coach on the Floor", and that is what really keeps this team from maintaining focus and intensity.

Talent - second to none.

Passion - shown only in spurts

Commitment - ?????

[EasyMoney]

Holmes will be lucky to get out of the 9th this year, and if they do, they will have serious trouble with theiir first game at Rupp

[kywldcat01]

After seeing the score and the way this game progressed, a couple things are becoming apparent about this Holmes team.

1st-Holmes may be the best athletic team in the state. Having only scores and wildcat01's game analysis, Holmes can really get after other teams.

2nd-Having said that, the best way to play Holmes appears to be make them have to play basketball in a half court set. Take away their ability to run the floor and use all that athleticism and they become a very average team, especially in the 9th region.

Anyway, congrats go out to Holmes on their victory and thanks to kywildcat01 for the game details.

Honestly, I really don't even know what the keys are to beating this Holmes team. Holmes was forced to play a half court game against Highlands' zone Thurs night and lit the Birds zone up for TEN 3's.

In last night's game, NCC came out in a man and got ran off the floor in the first quarter, 18-4. They switch to a zone and it was like Holmes had never seen a zone before. They quit moving on offense like they did against Highlands and simply passed the ball around the perimeter looking for jump shots.

My point is that Holmes has "SHUT DOWN" defenisve capabilities. NCC should never have been able to get the ball up the floor against the Dogs. NCC plays tough and hard, they flat out wanted it more than Holmes. Sure, Holmes is going to get everyone's best game, but let's be real, no one in NKY should be within double digts, NO ONE!

Holmes did "SHUT DOWN" NCC last night. 43 points speaks for itself.

When you have offensive mental lapses though like Holmes has had throughout the year, it allows good teams like NCC to creep back in the game.

It's Holmes offense that lacks at times...not their defense. Their defense has been stout all year and the most consistent aspect of their game.

I also disagree that no one in NKY should be within double digits of Holmes. Coming in to this season, I said Holmes would have a tougher time getting out of the region than last year.

Why?

The 9th region is loaded with quality teams this year. All of the teams that were young last year are all now veteran groups with more experience. (Conner, Ryle, Boone, Highlands, Dixie, Newcath)

Great post and excellent analysis. Holmes is too athletic on the defensive end to allow teams to even make it a half-court game. They are content with that and do not clamp down with a Press that can, and I say can only if they commit to it, can keep a team from even getting the ball up court.

In no way should Holmes have allowed the Breds to get the run they had yesterday. I'm a Holmes liker, not a hater. But this team has lived on the edge for much of this season. To often teams are allowed to make a game of it with Holmes relying on their mental confidence that they can come back. Well that is going to bite them if they are not careful.

Holmes doesn't press because they don't have the overall depth to press. In 07/08 Holmes went 11 deep with no realy drop off. That team had a first five and second five that would have been top 20 in the state and top 3 in nky. Holmes hasn't had that luxury the past two years, only going 7 or 8 deep.

Offensive mental lapses are the reason that several teams (Dixie/Newcath) have been able to play with Holmes....not their defense.

Do you think this Holmes team has become content with what they have accomplished in the past and not be as focused this season. What a lot of people call "senioritis".

I think their biggest problem is they don't always stay focused throughout the course of a game. They have to learn to play 32 minutes and realize that nobody is going to roll over for them once they jump out to a big lead.

Holmes seems to lose focus whenever they get a big lead. They don't have that "killer instinct" this year like they have in years past. Honestly, Elijah Pittman is the only one who seems to take control of a game when things start getting interesting. If you get to see this kid play at Rupp (assuming Holmes makes it there), you guys are in for a real treat. Kid flat out gets after it at both ends of the floor and his length and size make him a matchup nightmare.

Holmes will be lucky to get out of the 9th this year, and if they do, they will have serious trouble with theiir first game at Rupp

Same thing was said about Holmes the past two years because of late season struggles...see you at Rupp.

[goodguy]

Honestly, I really don't even know what the keys are to beating this Holmes team. Holmes was forced to play a half court game against Highlands' zone Thurs night and lit the Birds zone up for TEN 3's.

In last night's game, NCC came out in a man and got ran off the floor in the first quarter, 18-4. They switch to a zone and it was like Holmes had never seen a zone before. They quit moving on offense like they did against Highlands and simply passed the ball around the perimeter looking for jump shots.



Holmes did "SHUT DOWN" NCC last night. 43 points speaks for itself.

When you have offensive mental lapses though like Holmes has had throughout the year, it allows good teams like NCC to creep back in the game.

It's Holmes offense that lacks at times...not their defense. Their defense has been stout all year and the most consistent aspect of their game.

I also disagree that no one in NKY should be within double digits of Holmes. Coming in to this season, I said Holmes would have a tougher time getting out of the region than last year.

Why?

The 9th region is loaded with quality teams this year. All of the teams that were young last year are all now veteran groups with more experience. (Conner, Ryle, Boone, Highlands, Dixie, Newcath)



Holmes doesn't press because they don't have the overall depth to press. In 07/08 Holmes went 11 deep with no realy drop off. That team had a first five and second five that would have been top 20 in the state and top 3 in nky. Holmes hasn't had that luxury the past two years, only going 7 or 8 deep.

Offensive mental lapses are the reason that several teams (Dixie/Newcath) have been able to play with Holmes....not their defense.



I think their biggest problem is they don't always stay focused throughout the course of a game. They have to learn to play 32 minutes and realize that nobody is going to roll over for them once they jump out to a big lead.

Holmes seems to lose focus whenever they get a big lead. They don't have that "killer instinct" this year like they have in years past. Honestly, Elijah Pittman is the only one who seems to take control of a game when things start getting interesting. If you get to see this kid play at Rupp (assuming Holmes makes it there), you guys are in for a real treat. Kid flat out gets after it at both ends of the floor and his length and size make him a matchup nightmare.



Same thing was said about Holmes the past two years because of late season struggles...see you at Rupp.

Don't agree with the "bolded" statement above. The ninth is not loaded with "Quaility" teams. They may be a little above average when compared to the rest of the state but compared to the strong regions in the state, they are not quality teams. This can be proven by the lack of ninth region teams in the top 20 rankings in any poll and their limited out of region games.

Compare the ninth regions records against good out of region games, they actually have not performed well at all. All the teams listed above don't have a single "signature" out of region win except for Ryle and they beat Lafayette when three of their players were suspended for a game for disciplinary reasons.

[kywldcat01]

Don't agree with the "bolded" statement above. The ninth is not loaded with "Quaility" teams. They may be a little above average when compared to the rest of the state but compared to the strong regions in the state, they are not quality teams. This can be proven by the lack of ninth region teams in the top 20 rankings in any poll and their limited out of region games.

Compare the ninth regions records against good out of region games, they actually have not performed well at all. All the teams listed above don't have a single "signature" out of region win except for Ryle and they beat Lafayette when three of their players were suspended for a game for disciplinary reasons.

My point is, it's tough for any team to dominate the 9th region like people expect. The last two teams to do it were the 07/08 Holmes team and the 04 Covcath team...both average margin of victory was around 20 ppg.

Just because there aren't any teams in the top 20 doesn't mean the 9th region isn't a tough region. I'd personally rate it the 3rd best region in the state. There's atleast 8 teams that could be top 5 in the majority of the regions around the state. (Holmes, Highlands, Boone, Newport, Conner, Ryle, Dixie, Covcath)