[Van Hagar]

Listen, I’m not throwing off on KC. Three region titles in a row is probably a bigger accomplishment now than it was 30-40 years ago. And they were the better team last night, with the emphasis on ‘’team”. As I’ve said all year, North’s lack of physicality and poor team defense concerned me.

  But now make no mistake—the big stage affected Knox two years ago, they got blown out in a game where they were honestly the better team. This year, yes Ashland is the more talented team. But Ashland also was a dumb coaching decision (not fouling while up three with just seconds left) from losing in the region semis to a middle of the road West Carter team. Hopefully KC will compete, and it’s perfectly ok with me if they win. I actually feel like guys like Turner and Chadwell won’t shrink in the spotlight.