[charlie22]

It's not completely just the jump up in size, it's the quality of opponents. Cov Cath, Dixie Heights, etc. all play a tougher opponent week in and week out that Ashland. Additionally, with the new alignment for 2011, Ashland has dropped back down to 4A, which more realistaically reflects their enrollment, etc. for the 09-10 year, their enrollement was 951, with 466 boys, while Dixie Heights was 1393, with 722 boys, JC was 1040 with 499 boys, etc. All things considered, I think 4A is right about where they need to be, and have a more accurate reflection of the enrollment size and available student population from which to draw players, etc for that level of play. For example, in 05-06, enrollement at Ashland was 966, and at LC was 833 (total). In 09-10, it was 951 at Ashland and 726 at LC. A lot of variables come into play, such as the off season programs, support of the administration and fans, etc. But in the end, 4A is the right home for Ashland, and I believe they will go a little deeper into the playoffs year over year and build a fan base to back that level of support again. Leon was ahead of his time a little when he coached at EKU, and it was just great getting to see how he thought and coached up close during my time there. I think it translates well to high school.

Fair enough, but keep in mind that CovCath and JC are also moving down to 4A so Ashland will have to continue to contend with them, as well as Highlands. Further, while they no longer may have to contend with Dixie, they now have to possibly deal with LexCath and Boyle in the playoffs. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but if I was a Tomcat fan, I'd rather have stayed in 5A.