[ryanparker]

Russell has hit a rough stretch lately. They've lost 6 of their last 7. Granted, 5 of the 6 losses came against teams they were "supposed" to lose to, but they didn't even compete in the previous two losses to Elliott and Ashland, losing by 31 and 35. Perhaps their confidence is shaken by the blowout defeats. I don't know.

The loss to Rowan County is disappointing because it was a game they could have won. However, Russell appears to be in a pack of 8 teams in the 16th region that make for tossup games every night. Russell, Raceland, West Carter, Lewis, Rowan, Bath, Menifee, and Greenup all appear to be about the same. Ashland, Fairview, and East Carter have separated themselves at the top of the region while Elliott and Fleming are not far behind.

This coming week is important for Russell. They get Boyd, the worst team in the region, and Lewis, a solid but beatable team, on Tuesday and Wednesday at home. Then they go to Greenup on Friday. These are winnable games for Russell. Actually, their next 8 games are all winnable games. They don't see any "top of the heap" 16th region teams until the final 2 games of the season when they face Elliott County and Ashland again. Those will be good measuring sticks to see how they improve over the next 3 weeks.

I think the defense and rebounding have been pretty good this season. They've just got to quit turning the ball over and find a way to score more points.