[Appalachian Cat]

I think this season will be exactly like the last two or three seasons. Ashland will be your 16th champ, Boyd will beat them once or maybe twice, but not when it matters. The rest of the region will be just chasing those two.

Agree.  Ashland has too many weapons including the Regional MVP.  The Smith kid left Boyd and is with the Tomcats now as well.  This was a huge blow to the lions.  Ellis was the consistency on the team and they don’t have a replacement for him.  I liked his game. 
I think Russell will be better than most think.  I don’t think they can get Ashland this year but this is the year that they turn the corner.  The 25-26 season it will be Ashland at 1 and Russell at 2.  JMO