[Squid]

Ashland will indeed be very good. But, I'm wondering where all the "depth" came from? They didn't play very many kids last year; 7 maybe? Three of those graduated. East Carter played around 9, as did Rowan, 10 minutes or more per game and both have 7 of those kids coming back. Both played only sophomores and freshman on the JV squad and had very nice records and beat Ashland's JV. It looks to be a 3 team race; however, I'm not convinced Ashland has enough scoring to complement Connor inside to be the heavy favorite some would have us believe. Add to that a relatively weak schedule and I believe it is much competitive than some think. They could always prove me wrong!

You make some good points, HD. When I talk about Ashland's depth, I'm saying that Ashland returns not only three key varsity players (Connors, Hanners, Dietrich), but also the impact players that move into starting time and role playing spots from both the JV and Freshman teams. They have some very solid players in the younger groups, that can (and will) have something to say about the outcome of varsity games this season.

I think we are basically saying the same thing, in terms of how the Region will play out. I'm not crowning Ashland - not until they earn it. Rowan will definitely be a power, as they have been for the last half decade. I think East will be in the mix, but I do think they are a bit behind Ashland and Rowan.

All three of those teams will be the co-favorites, but any one of them can be beaten by the other two - or someone else may step up as the season goes along.