[Old School Hound]

They have plenty of talent now and have had enough for at least one regional title over the last 3-4 years if not two regional titles.  There is a clear lack of leadership on the sidelines and even more clearly a lack of player development.  People can make up excuses for one year but you can't use an excuse every year.  Clay used to be feared now they play with fear...especially in the post season and that is a direct reflection of their coach.  For those that will blame the kids and their lack of desire, etc, etc,...shame on you.

I can attest to the fact that I, as well as most fans of 13th region basketball have tremendous respect for the rich basketball tradition at Clay Co. You can't start talking about 13th region history without starting with Clay.  Having said that, I think what you said is true. The fear factor, when it comes to Clay , has dissipated over the years. Back in the seventies and eighties, when you played Clay, you were beaten before you took the court. You fully expected to lose. It's not that way now. You know when you tussle with the Tigers, especially in Manchester, that, while it's going to be tough task, you believe you can win. In fact, for most the top programs, I think they go into a game with Clay expecting to win.  That is such a change from a couple or three decades ago. I don't believe the talent pool has suddenly dried up at Clay. I'm in the camp that thinks there must be other issues, though I am going to leave that for my Clay Co. friends to opine on. They would know much more than I would.

I just know that Clay has only missed advancing to the region tournament three times in over 70 years and two of those times were in 2018 and 2019. That stat alone says that maybe something is amiss in Manchester. But what do I know?