[Fanman]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

[Tomcat91]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

As I said in the Ashland/Boyd Co thread, Ashland will never win anything of significance under this coach. I seriously don’t get the universal praise he gets. He beats up on the weakest region in the state & craps the bed against teams with a pulse. I’d shudder at the thought of his win percentage against good teams. The drop off from Mays is massive. 

It’s frustrating bc this is the most talent on an Ashland team in over a decade. Probably much longer than that. But, they’ll once again be one & done at state, if they even make it. It’s a shame they don’t have someone who can maximize the talent & make a serious run at Rupp. Look at last year in the S16 against eventual champion Lyon Co. Up 6 with the ball & a minute to play & you blow it?! And, it’s far from the only time he’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Apologies for the rant. I really don’t like going in on HS coaches & I’m sure most here don’t like it either. But, I just watched them blow games on back to back days & I’ve honestly just seen enough from this guy. They can do much better. This should be a Final 4 type team & sadly they’ll fall far short of that. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first person here calling myself out. I HOPE he makes me look like a moron but I don’t see it happening.

[Dave k]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

As I said in the Ashland/Boyd Co thread, Ashland will never win anything of significance under this coach. I seriously don’t get the universal praise he gets. He beats up on the weakest region in the state & craps the bed against teams with a pulse. I’d shudder at the thought of his win percentage against good teams. The drop off from Mays is massive. 

It’s frustrating bc this is the most talent on an Ashland team in over a decade. Probably much longer than that. But, they’ll once again be one & done at state, if they even make it. It’s a shame they don’t have someone who can maximize the talent & make a serious run at Rupp. Look at last year in the S16 against eventual champion Lyon Co. Up 6 with the ball & a minute to play & you blow it?! And, it’s far from the only time he’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Apologies for the rant. I really don’t like going in on HS coaches & I’m sure most here don’t like it either. But, I just watched them blow games on back to back days & I’ve honestly just seen enough from this guy. They can do much better. This should be a Final 4 type team & sadly they’ll fall far short of that. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first person here calling myself out. I HOPE he makes me look like a moron but I don’t see it happening.

[16BBall Fan]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

That may be true but lets look at the games. The Tomcats have played 4 games against teams ranked in the media's top 25 as of this week. They opened the season with the first 2 games on the current #2 and #8 ranked teams being Great Crossing and Hazard. They lost by 6 to Great Crossing in OT. They then lost at Hazard by 7 points. The defeated #14 ranked Danville Christian by 11 and they lost today by 6 to the #17 ranked team.

Now lets look at Boyd Co. they have only played 3 teams currently ranked in the top 25. They have played #15 ranked Ashland and defeated them by 6 last night on the Tomcats floor but they lost by 28 to the same Ashland team on their home floor and they were beat by 21 points on a neutral court to #5 ranked Bryan Station.

[Fanman]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

That may be true but lets look at the games. The Tomcats have played 4 games against teams ranked in the media's top 25 as of this week. They opened the season with the first 2 games on the current  #2 and #8 ranked teams being Great Crossing and Hazard. They lost by 6 to Great Crossing in OT. They then lost at Hazard by 7 points. The defeated #14 ranked Danville Christian by 11 and they lost today by 6 to the #17 ranked team.

Now lets look at Boyd Co. they have only played 3 teams currently ranked in the top 25. They have played #15 ranked Ashland and defeated them by 6 last night on the Tomcats floor but they lost by 28 to the same Ashland team on their home floor and they were beat by 21 points on a neutral court to #5 ranked Bryan Station.

Not sure what Boyd Co has to do with the conversation

[16BBall Fan]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

That may be true but lets look at the games. The Tomcats have played 4 games against teams ranked in the media's top 25 as of this week. They opened the season with the first 2 games on the current  #2 and #8 ranked teams being Great Crossing and Hazard. They lost by 6 to Great Crossing in OT. They then lost at Hazard by 7 points. The defeated #14 ranked Danville Christian by 11 and they lost today by 6 to the #17 ranked team.

Now lets look at Boyd Co. they have only played 3 teams currently ranked in the top 25. They have played #15 ranked Ashland and defeated them by 6 last night on the Tomcats floor but they lost by 28 to the same Ashland team on their home floor and they were beat by 21 points on a neutral court to #5 ranked Bryan Station.

Not sure what Boyd Co has to do with the conversation

Well because you said Ashland had not fared well against better teams in the state and while Ashland has played a lot tougher schedule just that Boyd hasn't fared that well against ranked team either. It was just fair and balanced for both teams.

[Dave k]

Dave k.   Not the most talented ashland team in the last decade. 

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

As I said in the Ashland/Boyd Co thread, Ashland will never win anything of significance under this coach. I seriously don’t get the universal praise he gets. He beats up on the weakest region in the state & craps the bed against teams with a pulse. I’d shudder at the thought of his win percentage against good teams. The drop off from Mays is massive. 

It’s frustrating bc this is the most talent on an Ashland team in over a decade. Probably much longer than that. But, they’ll once again be one & done at state, if they even make it. It’s a shame they don’t have someone who can maximize the talent & make a serious run at Rupp. Look at last year in the S16 against eventual champion Lyon Co. Up 6 with the ball & a minute to play & you blow it?! And, it’s far from the only time he’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Apologies for the rant. I really don’t like going in on HS coaches & I’m sure most here don’t like it either. But, I just watched them blow games on back to back days & I’ve honestly just seen enough from this guy. They can do much better. This should be a Final 4 type team & sadly they’ll fall far short of that. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first person here calling myself out. I HOPE he makes me look like a moron but I don’t see it happening.

[HOOPFAN]

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

That may be true but lets look at the games. The Tomcats have played 4 games against teams ranked in the media's top 25 as of this week. They opened the season with the first 2 games on the current  #2 and #8 ranked teams being Great Crossing and Hazard. They lost by 6 to Great Crossing in OT. They then lost at Hazard by 7 points. The defeated #14 ranked Danville Christian by 11 and they lost today by 6 to the #17 ranked team.

Now lets look at Boyd Co. they have only played 3 teams currently ranked in the top 25. They have played #15 ranked Ashland and defeated them by 6 last night on the Tomcats floor but they lost by 28 to the same Ashland team on their home floor and they were beat by 21 points on a neutral court to #5 ranked Bryan Station.

You need to give the entire story. Those games you are talking about BC didn’t not once have all their players due to injuries.

Also BC schedule is brutal. The teams they played in Knoxville and Kingsport were state champions and prior state champions. Some of those teams are prep schools who finished in the top 2-3 in the states they represented. Preseason televised game on Fox vs Great Crossing was 3 point loss and was leading majority of the game.

Ashland does have a tough schedule and I do think scheduling tough teams help. I do not think Ashland’s schedule is any tougher than BC and BC is just now getting healthy.

[Ky1976]

Same ole song and dance for HOOPFAN

---

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

As I said in the Ashland/Boyd Co thread, Ashland will never win anything of significance under this coach. I seriously don’t get the universal praise he gets. He beats up on the weakest region in the state & craps the bed against teams with a pulse. I’d shudder at the thought of his win percentage against good teams. The drop off from Mays is massive. 

It’s frustrating bc this is the most talent on an Ashland team in over a decade. Probably much longer than that. But, they’ll once again be one & done at state, if they even make it. It’s a shame they don’t have someone who can maximize the talent & make a serious run at Rupp. Look at last year in the S16 against eventual champion Lyon Co. Up 6 with the ball & a minute to play & you blow it?! And, it’s far from the only time he’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Apologies for the rant. I really don’t like going in on HS coaches & I’m sure most here don’t like it either. But, I just watched them blow games on back to back days & I’ve honestly just seen enough from this guy. They can do much better. This should be a Final 4 type team & sadly they’ll fall far short of that. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first person here calling myself out. I HOPE he makes me look like a moron but I don’t see it happening.

I would agree with the assessment on JMays.  But who would you recommend being the head Tomcat.  I mean all RB has done is win 2 regional title in 2 years and you are calling for his head. Sounds like a coo!!!

[Old School Hound]

Guess they're not gonna win state...

[16BBall Fan]

Does anyone know if Elijah Neel played in this one I heard he was ruled eligible by judge yesterday but have been able to verify one if he was now ruled eligible or if he played.

[Tomcat91]

Same ole song and dance for HOOPFAN

---

Final from the Ed Stepp Classic at Woodford Co. Zander Carter led scorers with 21 points. 

Ashland has played a TOUGH schedule no doubt, but has not faired well against top 25 teams outside of Anderson Gym.

As I said in the Ashland/Boyd Co thread, Ashland will never win anything of significance under this coach. I seriously don’t get the universal praise he gets. He beats up on the weakest region in the state & craps the bed against teams with a pulse. I’d shudder at the thought of his win percentage against good teams. The drop off from Mays is massive. 

It’s frustrating bc this is the most talent on an Ashland team in over a decade. Probably much longer than that. But, they’ll once again be one & done at state, if they even make it. It’s a shame they don’t have someone who can maximize the talent & make a serious run at Rupp. Look at last year in the S16 against eventual champion Lyon Co. Up 6 with the ball & a minute to play & you blow it?! And, it’s far from the only time he’s snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Apologies for the rant. I really don’t like going in on HS coaches & I’m sure most here don’t like it either. But, I just watched them blow games on back to back days & I’ve honestly just seen enough from this guy. They can do much better. This should be a Final 4 type team & sadly they’ll fall far short of that. If I’m wrong I’ll be the first person here calling myself out. I HOPE he makes me look like a moron but I don’t see it happening.

I would agree with the assessment on JMays.  But who would you recommend being the head Tomcat.  I mean all RB has done is win 2 regional title in 2 years and you are calling for his head. Sounds like a coo!!!

I’m not calling for his head. I just think they can do better & I think his ceiling is one win at Rupp if he gets the right draw. I haven’t given any thought to a replacement bc I know it’s not realistic. But, Ashland has deep pockets & can get a proven, elite coach. But, I know he can’t be fired right now & I’m not suggesting it. 

I acknowledged him winning the region. But, any number of coaches could do the same with the rosters he’s had to work with compared to the competition. Boyd Co is the only serious, consistent threat in the 16th region. It’s nice that he wins games he’s supposed to win. But, it’s not like he has to navigate some impossible gauntlet to make it to Rupp. Beat one legit team most years & you’re in. No offense to the rest of the region. But, that’s been the case in recent years, with few exceptions.

[Ky1976]

Tomcat91 you definitely have a name just not willing to reveal it. RB has done a fine job,  the coach that had to replace a JM would have there hands full.  Nobody in KY ran a hs program like Mays. From spending money one these kids, strength coach, trainers, NCAA certified events that helped all athletes (nobody else in the 16th is willing to tackle that) equipment, food, hotels, locker room upgrades, the outside people don’t have a clue what they done to the region when he left.  But to think you can get someone better right now than RB is crazy. Please explain whom you are thinking. You do know Ashland has fired it last what 4 coaches. Who really would want that job.

[Fanman]

Does anyone know if Elijah Neel played in this one I heard he was ruled eligible by judge yesterday but have been able to verify one if he was now ruled eligible or if he played.

I don't think he did, but I could be wrong. Here is the video of the game if anyone wants to go back and watch. 

[4 Quarters]

Ashland has a nice team, but lacking on size.  They will always have trouble beating teams that have a lot of quickness.

[Hooperregion]

Does anyone know if Elijah Neel played in this one I heard he was ruled eligible by judge yesterday but have been able to verify one if he was now ruled eligible or if he played.

He did not play. From what I understand is KHSAA judge recommended him to be eligible and now everyone is waiting on KHSAA commissioner to make final ruling. There is a timeline and deadline but I am not sure the actual date.

[Ky1976]

Tackett has 10 days from judge final ruling. Most of the times it coincides with judge. Obviously this time it’s different.

[Tomcat91]

Tomcat91 you definitely have a name just not willing to reveal it. RB has done a fine job,  the coach that had to replace a JM would have there hands full.  Nobody in KY ran a hs program like Mays. From spending money one these kids, strength coach, trainers, NCAA certified events that helped all athletes (nobody else in the 16th is willing to tackle that) equipment, food, hotels, locker room upgrades, the outside people don’t have a clue what they done to the region when he left.  But to think you can get someone better right now than RB is crazy. Please explain whom you are thinking. You do know Ashland has fired it last what 4 coaches. Who really would want that job.

I honestly don’t have a name & haven’t given it any thought. I realize that he’s won enough to have job security & that I’m obviously in the minority. But, I’ve watched nearly every game he’s coached & I just don’t see anything special. He’s great against weaker teams & the 16th region. But, again, there are tons of coaches who would do the same with the talent RB has had & against the competition he’s faced.

Most years in the 16th region he’ll have to beat one decent team to make it to Rupp. ONE. So, winning the 16th region isn’t a great barometer, IMO. He loses practically every game against good teams. He panics late in close games & has a tendency to run clock instead of putting teams away. I don’t think he’s a BAD coach. I just don’t think he’s the guy if state championships are the goal. He might be a savant with the bureaucratic stuff, but, he leaves a lot to be desired on the floor, IMO. Agree to disagree.

[Ky1976]

Tomcat91 you definitely have a name just not willing to reveal it. RB has done a fine job,  the coach that had to replace a JM would have there hands full.  Nobody in KY ran a hs program like Mays. From spending money one these kids, strength coach, trainers, NCAA certified events that helped all athletes (nobody else in the 16th is willing to tackle that) equipment, food, hotels, locker room upgrades, the outside people don’t have a clue what they done to the region when he left.  But to think you can get someone better right now than RB is crazy. Please explain whom you are thinking. You do know Ashland has fired it last what 4 coaches. Who really would want that job.

I honestly don’t have a name & haven’t given it any thought. I realize that he’s won enough to have job security & that I’m obviously in the minority. But, I’ve watched nearly every game he’s coached & I just don’t see anything special. He’s great against weaker teams & the 16th region. But, again, there are tons of coaches who would do the same with the talent RB has had & against the competition he’s faced.

Most years in the 16th region he’ll have to beat one decent team to make it to Rupp. ONE. So, winning the 16th region isn’t a great barometer, IMO. He loses practically every game against good teams. He panics late in close games & has a tendency to run clock instead of putting teams away. I don’t think he’s a BAD coach. I just don’t think he’s the guy if state championships are the goal. He might be a savant with the bureaucratic stuff, but, he leaves a lot to be desired on the floor, IMO. Agree to disagree.

Like I said earlier RB is not close to JM in terms of how he runs his program.  Mays was much older and wiser, kinda been there done that.  Mays ran his program like a small college it was unbelievable to watch.  Budget for his Ashland team was crazy. I don't think no HS coach in Ky does that, the work he put into Ashand first no coach wants too full with. I believe RB is the best coach in the 16th at its not close that don't mean Ashland wins ever game.

[HOOPFAN]

Tomcat91 you definitely have a name just not willing to reveal it. RB has done a fine job,  the coach that had to replace a JM would have there hands full.  Nobody in KY ran a hs program like Mays. From spending money one these kids, strength coach, trainers, NCAA certified events that helped all athletes (nobody else in the 16th is willing to tackle that) equipment, food, hotels, locker room upgrades, the outside people don’t have a clue what they done to the region when he left.  But to think you can get someone better right now than RB is crazy. Please explain whom you are thinking. You do know Ashland has fired it last what 4 coaches. Who really would want that job.

I honestly don’t have a name & haven’t given it any thought. I realize that he’s won enough to have job security & that I’m obviously in the minority. But, I’ve watched nearly every game he’s coached & I just don’t see anything special. He’s great against weaker teams & the 16th region. But, again, there are tons of coaches who would do the same with the talent RB has had & against the competition he’s faced.

Most years in the 16th region he’ll have to beat one decent team to make it to Rupp. ONE. So, winning the 16th region isn’t a great barometer, IMO. He loses practically every game against good teams. He panics late in close games & has a tendency to run clock instead of putting teams away. I don’t think he’s a BAD coach. I just don’t think he’s the guy if state championships are the goal. He might be a savant with the bureaucratic stuff, but, he leaves a lot to be desired on the floor, IMO. Agree to disagree.

Like I said earlier RB is not close to JM in terms of how he runs his program.  Mays was much older and wiser, kinda been there done that.  Mays ran his program like a small college it was unbelievable to watch.  Budget for his Ashland team was crazy. I don't think no HS coach in Ky does that, the work he put into Ashand first no coach wants too full with. I believe RB is the best coach in the 16th at its not close that don't mean Ashland wins ever game.

RB is the understudy of JM. He even sounds like him when he coaches. That high pitched squeal. Budget for the team or NIL offers for electric bills,rent, or cash offers. ?? JM has had a bad reputation everywhere he has been. Look at MC now. The Powell County game is an example of how he runs it. That’s what you get when you’re paying bills to come play there.

JM and RB couldn’t coach or develope a team if their lives depended on it. They rob and steal from the 16th region to deplete the competition. Then have the audacity to act like they are the James Naismith of basketball in the region as coaches. Ky you truly are special and again. Ask anyone outside the region if they think they are respected. Fan bases or administrators. You’re going to hear a resounding NO! A mediocre coach with half a brain could win with teams them two have assembled not developed.

If they wanted to earn respect. Develop those Ashland kids and win with them. Just like the rest of the region! Don’t go shopping in someone’s else cupboard.