[16thregioner]

I WISH it were the old days where players didn't transfer. It was more fun seeing school spirit and loyalty. Players playing for the name on front of the jersey rather than the name on the back. Those days ended over a decade ago, though, when Lebron made his decision and formed a super team in Miami. It became more acceptable for parents and kids to seek out a school where they could WIN rather than play for one where they might lose.

We in the 16th region have now devolved to a point where virtually NO team wins without transfers. That is the sad reality. Check out every fall team sport in our region just this year. EVERY winner is led by players from other schools, areas, or even states.

While most recruiting battles are waged within the same county, the schools in Boyd and Greenup stand at an advantage because 7 of the 16 schools in the region are in these 2 counties and because you can get to Ohio and West Virginia quickly from these 2 counties. Boyd and Ashland schools are at an even bigger advantage because they are in a district with Rose Hill and Fairview, both which were intentionally athletically decimated by Ashland via the KHSAA.

For these reasons, I find it particularly fun to see a Bath, Fleming, Elliott, Lewis, Menifee, Carter, or Morgan pop up and contend for the region in some sports sometimes. They are SEVERELY disadvantaged underdogs.