[Old School Hound]

When I began teaching your kids and grandkids decades ago, Madonna topped the Billboard charts with "Papa Don't Preach." I've given out a lot of grades since Madonna and I'm ready to give out another one tonight for Coach Pope on his first season in Lexington.

I was prepared to elevate Pope from B/B+  to A-/ A with a win tonight. But his team looked outclassed, unprepared, and less determined than their opponent. We saw this several times this season. Marked appeared overmatched by one of the weaker March coaches in the history of basketball. Still, 24 wins is admirable. The number of top 15 wins is impressive. Still found a way to get some good wins, even with the injuries. Rebounding and defense was a problem all season. The defense got better late in the season, but was poor again tonight. Too many times Mark's team seemed unwilling or unable to match the physicality and toughness of an opponent. Don't know if this is a reflection of the coach. Overall, good season for Pope. More positives , than negatives. Still, 12 losses, tied for 6th in SEC and blown out by Rick Barnes in your finale isn't good enough for an exemplary grade for a supposed blue blood school.  Mark needs to entice better, tougher players to the Bluegrass. Every championship team needs a couple of guys who play angry and with a chip on their shoulders.  Nice guys finish tied for 6th. 

Overall Grade:  86  Solid B



Your grade ???