[More Cowbell]

No offense, but I never said anything about the team needing to see good competition, just some of the fans that post outrageous things on this site. Don't get me wrong. I think Valley does have a good team....It just seems to me that a lot of the pro Valley posters on here really have no clue. I just, (in good fun, not trying to offend anyone) attempt to bring to light that, while they are a good team, there is a big diff. between Christmas Tourneys and State Tourneys and that there are several teams at least at Valley's level and several more above it. Case in point, 4 outta 7 with how many sweet 16 wins?? Again, not hating, just wish some posters would come down to earth.

I may or may not agree with that assertion, depending on what pool of teams you are talking about. If you mean the 15th region, then no, there aren't any teams at Shelby Valley's level this year, the Wildcats should be heavy favorites come March.

If you mean mountain teams in general, I will agree with the first half of the statement but not the second. There are several strong mountain teams around SV's level, such as Hazard, Elliott Co., and probably Knott (with Tate Cox). But I wouldn't say SV is below any of them.

If you mean statewide such as at the Sweet Sixteen, then of course I agree with you. There are numerous teams at Valley's level statewide, with many of them being substantially more talented. I'm sure if SV made it to Rupp, they would enter as one of the lowest-rated teams in the field, as do many of our mountain teams. I just hope that if they do make it, that they can represent our area as well as Paintsville did last year.