[kywldcat01]

For Holmes, Elijah Pittman was a man among boys tonight for the Dogs. He did it all, from scoring outside, to driving and scoring off the dribble, to posting up and scoring with his back to the rim. I really believe Elijah is finally playing like the best player in the state and living up to his potential. I said in the predictions thread that he and Ricardo Johnson wouldn't let Holmes lose this game.

Both played extremely well. Despite being in foul trouble, Ricardo managed to score 15 points and hit some clutch free throws down the stretch to keep Holmes lead at double digits.

The X-factor tonight though was junior Kevon Rice. He had 8 of Holmes first 15 points and finished with 13 for the game. Second year in a row he has given the Birds fits.

Holmes team defense and movement of the ball on offense was the key to the W tonight. They moved the ball extremely well against the Birds zone and eventually shot them out of the zone and forced them to defend the bigger, more athletic dogs man to man.

Holmes started slowing the ball down up 16 at 61-45 and this was a big reason for Highlands somewhat making a game of it. Holmes came up empty on a few straight possessions which allowed Highlands to creep back in the game. This easily could've been a 20 point blow out for the Dogs.

Herndon, Hayes, and Avery all played well for Holmes off the bench. Herndon and Hayes both hit a couple big 3's and Avery played outstanding defense.

BTW, for those who said Holmes couldn't score I think you may want to re think that. I tried telling you guys if Henley lets them get out and run, they're more than capable of scoring some points. Holmes has scored 67 or more in 4 of their last 5 games. They have to continue to be consistent with their play though. They can't play well like tonight against a good team and then play down to the level of the competition against a lesser opponent.

All in all, a solid game by the Dogs against a veteran Bluebird squad.