[More Cowbell]

Most people are expecting to see them in the semis or finals because the bottom of the bracket is the weaker part, but almost everyone down there has as good a shot as SV to be playing Saturday.

I very much agree with you.

Last season at the state tournament, poor shooting and poor free throw shooting killed SV. Seemed like the whole team wanted to give the ball to EJ and watch him do his thing, but that got them beat last season and if others aren't aggressive besides EJ, then SV will be heading home very early.

Your assessment of last season's loss vs Elliott County is exactly as I saw it. It seemed that everyone tightened up and kept handing the ball back to Elisha for him to do something. If that happens this year, their stay in Lexington will be shortlived. Hopefully they can play with the confidence that we are used to seeing from them.

I agree with both you guys, there will be no easy games for Shelby Valley down at state. Some overzealous SV fans might be already chalking up an appearance in the finals, but most of the more level-headed fans know better. They could just as easily get knocked out in the first round as they could make it to Saturday night.

And I agree about the standing around and watching Elisha part. That will almost certainly get them beat, as that's almost what happened last night. The first half against Betsy Layne, Valley played good team ball, working the ball around to find the best shot. But once foul trouble sent Ashley and Taylor to the bench, SV spent the entire third quarter just sitting back and letting Elisha do his thing. Sometimes that might work, but when he has an off-night shooting like he did last night, it's a recipe for disaster.