[bball_fan]

From what I have heard, Hobo and the young talented players coming up to Central from Mullins and Johns Creek all really like the new coach. I've spoke with Coach Kidd about him quite a bit and I get the impression he will be a great fit for this team, which will be young and very talented with Hobo being the senior leadership. Talking to a lot of the players, they really believe they can challenge Betsy Layne and Johnson Central for region next year which I would love, but I think that alone speaks volumes for the 8th graders, freshman and sophomores on this team. Not taking anything from the upper classmen on this team but Central's future is very bright. How good they are next year I will believe will depend on how fast some of the younger players mature, a few specifically...Meade, Belecher and Blankenship. Hobo and Luster of course have talent and experience from last year but will need help. I think there front court will be there big question mark this year. If it develops quickly, they could be the dark horse to win the region if not one of the favorites by season's end. If you add Varney from Belfry which I read earlier, I believe they are one of the three preseason favorites.

My one prediction though for the coming years, get use to seeing Betsy Layne and Pike Central clashing for the region title. Both teams have a TON of talent coming up that I do not believe has peaked quite yet.