[tezzy859]

Holmes Scoring: Pittman 23, R. Johnson 22, Herndon 8, Avery 2, J. Johnson 2, Hayes 2.......................Dixie Scoring: Pike 15, Raleigh 14, Hatton 10, P. Stansberry 9, Stahl 7, Smith 7, B. Stansberry 2...........Dixie made 5 threes P. Stansberry 2, Hatton 1, Smith 1, Stahl 1,..........Holmes made zero 3

[mahb7878]

Dixie came out and played Holmes physical, and the only players on Holmes roster that was ready to deal with that type of game were Pittman and Ricardo Johnson. Dixie punished Holmes and Holmes struggled to convert from the line when they were in the bonus. Holmes was very sloppy offensivly, rushing shots and passes to avoid the physicality of Dixie and that caused a bunch of turnovers. Dixie had a game plan and stuck to it and it nearly worked.

[mahb7878]

Had Pike not have fouled out midway through the fourth it may have went the other way. Holmes when motivated are very good, but when not, they are an average team. As much as a fan of the Bulldogs as I am, I was not happy tonight and this game very well could have ended up like the Ryle game.

[LeeCoUKFan]

Way closer than what I thought it would be! Congrats to Holmes on pulling out the close win!

[mahb7878]

Homes 27 for 39 from the line, Dixie 15-19.... The disparity in the amount of free throws comes because Dixie allowed no easy baskets, they hammered Holmes everytime there was a breakaway or easy look. There was also an "intentional" foul called on a R Johnson breakaway dunk attempt, and another hard foul on a J Johnson breakaway that resulted in him getting nailed across the face and he and the Dixie player getting up in each others face until players and coaches from both teams had to seperate them.

Elijah Pittman was also called for a "T" clear on the other side of the court at one point and I am not sure what that was about. If anyone can clarify that for me it would be appreciated.

[cooperjags]

I can't wait to see Holmes play Boone and Conner..

[Stardust]

Wow. I just can't figure Holmes out.

[jalfzou]

Homes 27 for 39 from the line, Dixie 15-19.... The disparity in the amount of free throws comes because Dixie allowed no easy baskets, they hammered Holmes everytime there was a breakaway or easy look.

It's disappointing to see teams go overboard on physical play to the point where one team goes to the line 39 times. That's an amazing stat. Ryle game wasn't nearly as physical. Bulldogs better get used to this tactic, though. That's the way the game is played in the 9th, especially by teams whose front lines are made up of football players. When Holmes was run-and-gun, everyone tried to slow them down in the districts and regionals. Now that Holmes has learned to play slowdown with the best of them, they're going to have to brace themselves for similar games, probably starting at Highlands on Friday night.

[kywldcat01]

Had Pike not have fouled out midway through the fourth it may have went the other way. Holmes when motivated are very good, but when not, they are an average team. As much as a fan of the Bulldogs as I am, I was not happy tonight and this game very well could have ended up like the Ryle game.

I disagree. Pittman also spent his fair share of time on the bench in the second quarter and 4th quarter. When Dixie made their run in the 4th, it came with the big guy on the bench.

When he was in the game, Holmes was much better at both ends of the floor.

[DortonWildcat5]

I disagree. Pittman also spent his fair share of time on the bench in the second quarter and 4th quarter. When Dixie made their run in the 4th, it came with the big guy on the bench.

When he was in the game, Holmes was much better at both ends of the floor.

Did you attend the game? If so what do you think kept this game as close as it was? I know you expected a much larger margin because in the prediction thread I think you picked Holmes by 24. Did Dixie play way over their head, or do you think Holmes played uninspired basketball . . . or both?

[kywldcat01]

Did you attend the game? If so what do you think kept this game as close as it was? I know you expected a much larger margin because in the prediction thread I think you picked Holmes by 24. Did Dixie play way over their head, or do you think Holmes played uninspired basketball . . . or both?

A little bit of both.

Early on it looked like Holmes was going to run away with this game and turn it in to route. Dogs jumped out to a 8-2 lead and then 11-4 after an and one by Ricardo Johnson. Dixie then went on a 7-0 run that was capped by an Elijah Pittman goaltend to tie the game at 11. Dixie took a 14-13 lead after an and one but three straight points by Pittman, including a sick two hand windmill dunk after a steal, gave Holmes a 16-14 lead after one.

Second quarter Holmes pushed their lead out to 18-14 but another 7-0 run put Dixie on top 21-18. Pittman responded with an and one to tie the game and then both teams traded baskets the rest of the half. Holmes had a chance to extend their lead at the end of the quarter but misses 1 of 2 on three straight trips to the free throw line. Holmes would head in to the half up 28-26.

Third quarter Dixie got the ball first and scored to tie it and it was game on from here. Dixie built a 36-33 lead but a foul by Pike on a Herndon 3 point attempt tied the game. Holmes then capped the 7-0 run with a Pittman jumper from the free throw line to put the Dogs up 40-36. Dixie responded with a Pike lay in, but Avery pushed Holmes lead back out to 4. Dixie then hit a 3 pointer to come within one and this is when the game would get interesting as Dixie's student section and entire gym erupted and started getting in to the game. Dixie was helped out during this stretch by three straight 1 of 2 showings at the free throw line by Holmes. Dixie eventually tied the game at 43 but Holmes scored the last 3 points of the quarter to head in to the 4th up 46-43.

Fourth quarter Holmes held around a 3 point lead for the first few minutes until a Dixie 3 gave them a 51-50 lead. Holmes had a chance to take the lead on their next possession but Pittman missed a wide open two and dunk and Dixie would then push their lead out to 53-50 and the ball. Ricardo Johnson then got a steal and dunk but a tech called on Pittman after the play pushed Dixie's lead out to 55-52. Holmes responded with a 8-0 run though to go up 60-55. Dixie then went on a 5-1 run to close within 1 at 61-60 with 33 seconds left. Holmes pushed their lead back out to 5 (65-60) after 4 straight free throws from Herndon and Pittman with 18 seconds left. Dixie got a 4 point and one after a made 3 and free throw by Hatton but Ricardo Johnson made 2 free throws and Pittman blocked a final 3 point attempt to seal the win for Holmes.

Dixie pretty much came in and played physical the whole game against Holmes. That was the biggest difference IMO. It also hurt both teams that there was over 30 fouls called in both halves. Officiating was horrible and really kept either team from getting in to any type of rhythm. Dixie also benefitted from Holmes poor free throw shooting during key moments in the game. Dixie fans did say afterwards though that this was the best they had seen Dixie play all year.

[mahb7878]

I disagree. Pittman also spent his fair share of time on the bench in the second quarter and 4th quarter. When Dixie made their run in the 4th, it came with the big guy on the bench.

When he was in the game, Holmes was much better at both ends of the floor.

I don't know if Holmes would have lost, but I will say when he came out Dixie was just starting to gain momentum and I think he would have helped. Being the fact he was there leading scorer and all.

I actually at one point, and I know this will sound bad, was hoping Dixie would pull it out. Holmes just isn't getting it. If they get to Rupp first and foremost, and then play like this vs. Christian Co., Scott Co/Lex Cath, and then whoever wins the 7th, there is no way they will get back to Sat. Night this year. They really need to wake up and do it fast. It is one thing to look like this in Dec and early Jan, but its getting close to crunch time, they need to get it together FAST

[kywldcat01]

I don't know if Holmes would have lost, but I will say when he came out Dixie was just starting to gain momentum and I think he would have helped. Being the fact he was there leading scorer and all.

I actually at one point, and I know this will sound bad, was hoping Dixie would pull it out. Holmes just isn't getting it. If they get to Rupp first and foremost, and then play like this vs. Christian Co., Scott Co/Lex Cath, and then whoever wins the 7th, there is no way they will get back to Sat. Night this year. They really need to wake up and do it fast. It is one thing to look like this in Dec and early Jan, but its getting close to crunch time, they need to get it together FAST

Holmes had a stretch like this last year too late in the season and then turned it on when the post season came around. I guess that's why I'm not too worried about them.

Take away Holmes 51 point win over Cooper and Holmes average margin of victory against region opponents is 13 ppg. That's if you include this 3 point win too.

Dogs will be fine.

[Stardust]

Holmes had a stretch like this last year too late in the season and then turned it on when the post season came around. I guess that's why I'm not too worried about them.

Take away Holmes 51 point win over Cooper and Holmes average margin of victory against region opponents is 13 ppg. That's if you include this 3 point win too.

Dogs will be fine.

I agree and have been saying that for several weeks myself. I have just been dumbfounded this year, they certainly do not want to allow bad habits to linger into their repeat year

[kywldcat01]

I agree and have been saying that for several weeks myself. I have just been dumbfounded this year, they certainly do not want to allow bad habits to linger into their repeat year

I agree...but Holmes is also playing a schedule that is much more difficult than last year's and they also have that target on their backs because of the state championship banner hanging in the fieldhouse.

The next four games should tell us a lot more about this Holmes team:

2/5: @ Highlands
2/6: v Warren Central
2/9: v Boone Co
2/11: @ Newcath

[Stardust]

^ Agreed

[Dawg 81]

I am a life long Bulldog fan, but I was at the game sitting by the Hatton family due to the fact they have been life long friends. Up a couple rows but near. From playing ball with Ron and Brandon being a friend of my son Jeremy. Dixie played the game, the way we used to play when we were young living in Covington. If a team can get into Holmes head and make them argue among themselves. Any team can beat them. Dixie was not intimidated and def. talking smack all night, hard fouls, and to be honost~almost street ball. Congrats to my Dawgs on the win, keep your head Dawgs. hh: Let your playing abilities do the talking, don't sweat the small :flush:. Dawgs forever :1: CCH never :Thumbs:

[Benchwarmer]

Congrats Holmes with your great victory over Dixie.

[Stardust]

I am a life long Bulldog fan, but I was at the game sitting by the Hatton family due to the fact they have been life long friends. Up a couple rows but near. From playing ball with Ron and Brandon being a friend of my son Jeremy. Dixie played the game, the way we used to play when we were young living in Covington. If a team can get into Holmes head and make them argue among themselves. Any team can beat them. Dixie was not intimidated and def. talking smack all night, hard fouls, and to be honost~almost street ball. Congrats to my Dawgs on the win, keep your head Dawgs. hh: Let your playing abilities do the talking, don't sweat the small :flush:. Dawgs forever :1: CCH never :Thumbs:

:Thumbs: fun post to read :Thumbs: