[The_Messenger]

I agree with the part that the 16th Region is not as good as past years. Unfortunately some of the historically better programs are on a down cycle.

I still believe Ashland and Boyd are the best two teams in the Region. But give Ashland credit they definitely made a statement.

From the outside looking in and this is just my opinion, I think the culture surrounding Ashland athletics is just better other everybody else in the Region. Of course boys basketball is the marquee sport but all their sports are pretty good. School leaders and community leaders understand the importance extra-curricular play in the “Overall” education of students and they make it a priority. They have found a great balance between academics and athletes and excellence is expected in both.

I figure these two teams will battle three more times this year so we will see how those games go! Good luck to both teams.