[goodguy]

I don't know about Holmes having their way with GRC, but I agree they should be too much for them because of their athleticism and length both offensively and defensively.

Holmes is a better perimeter team than you're giving them credit for though. Rico, JJ, Pittman, and Arnold all shot over 30% from the arc last year. That's pretty solid considering they're all 6'5 or taller. I agree though that if you force them to play a half court game it will benefit you, but as you saw in the Boone game, when they packed it it, Holmes KILLED them on the glass. Teams don't try to zone Holmes much because they always get burnt on the offensive glass and when you have a kid like Pittman down low with 86 inches of wingspan, it makes it kinda tough, regardless of how much size you have down there.

GRC reminds me a lot of Franklin Co from last year and Holmes absolutely torched them on the offensive glass and from outside. They just don't match up well with Holmes because of the ability of all 5 players to be able to handle the rock. I'd expect to see these match ups:

(Assuming Avery doesn't end up at Holmes...nobody knows what he's doing yet)

6'0 Mayfield v 5'9 Kendred
6'5 R. Johnson v 6'4 Stenzel
6'5 J. Johnson v 6'4 Rogers
6'6 Rice v 6'6 Purvis
6'8 Pittman v 6'9 Zollo

Zollo, IMO, will be in a world of trouble if he has to guard Pittman...he just isn't quick enough to guard him off the dribble.

One thing GRC has is size and strength, Rogers and Zollo on the boards, if they are disciplined and box Pittman out he has the tendency to reach and go over the back, thus getting himself in foul trouble.

Yes, JJ, Rico, Pittman and Arnold may have shot over 30% from the 3 point arc, but the majority of the outside shooting was done by Riley, Johnson and Ousley. They were Holmes' true threat from outside.

I agree Zollo isn't quick enough to guard Pittman from the wing, nor are any of the other GRC defenders when it comes to guarding Rico & JJ from the wing. That's why you pack it in and protect the board.

Teams that do this will have a chance at beating Holmes next year.