[Cardinalfootballguy]

Thoughts

[averagejoe01]

Thoughts

Martin county comes out and wins by 20+
Martin county from games I’ve watched are due a poor shooting performance, I think they start slow but no contest after 1st quarter. Keathly gives them some problems and he still gets 25-30 but cards win 82-54

[Cardinalstatman]

Thoughts

Martin county comes out and wins by 20+
Martin county from games I’ve watched are due a poor shooting performance, I think they start slow but no contest after 1st quarter. Keathly gives them some problems and he still gets 25-30 but cards win 82-54

Keathley is a solid player but I think Martin has the better player in Watts. Martin definitely has best supporting cast. I think Martin can throw enough defensively out there that it will cause pburg problems and they won’t be able to score.

[Red and Black]

I’ve been big on Martin county all year, most of you can see that if you go back and look at my posts. I think they’re the deepest, most talented, most athletic team in the region. This matchup is a decent one for Pburg though. I think Watts and Keithley are the two best players on the floor and the gap between them is probably a push. Then you go down to maybe Maynard and Estep for Martin and Napier and Allen for Pburg as the #2 and 3 guys, which honestly isn’t a bad matchup just looking at the top 3 players on each team. The problem for Pburg is when you start talking about the guard play, and that’s where I think Martin has a distinct advantage. Their guards are better passers, handlers, defenders and shooters than Pburgs. I think for Pburg to win this game they will need to keep the Martin co guards from getting hot and figure out a way to get the ball up the floor consistently and not turn the dang ball over before they get across mid court, which almost killed them against pikeville. Pburg guards will have to play smart, fast, complete basketball. Slone, Reynolds and Schutts don’t need to score a lot, but they will need to be a presence rebounding, getting steals, getting the ball across mid court, playing tough defense and distributing to the scorers all night long while limiting turnovers. I hope they can do it, because Martin’s got guards that will absolutely make them pay if they’re sloppy or indecisive or lazy. It’ll be a big test and I hope our boys rise up to the occasion. I think we will do it!

Pburg- 66
Martin- 65

Hail Blackcats!

[averagejoe01]

I’ve been big on Martin county all year, most of you can see that if you go back and look at my posts. I think they’re the deepest, most talented, most athletic team in the region. This matchup is a decent one for Pburg though. I think Watts and Keithley are the two best players on the floor and the gap between them is probably a push. Then you go down to maybe Maynard and Estep for Martin and Napier and Allen for Pburg as the #2 and 3 guys, which honestly isn’t a bad matchup just looking at the top 3 players on each team. The problem for Pburg is when you start talking about the guard play, and that’s where I think Martin has a distinct advantage. Their guards are better passers, handlers, defenders and shooters than Pburgs. I think for Pburg to win this game they will need to keep the Martin co guards from getting hot and figure out a way to get the ball up the floor consistently and not turn the dang ball over before they get across mid court, which almost killed them against pikeville. Pburg guards will have to play smart, fast, complete basketball. Slone, Reynolds and Schutts don’t need to score a lot, but they will need to be a presence rebounding, getting steals, getting the ball across mid court, playing tough defense and distributing to the scorers all night long while limiting turnovers. I hope they can do it, because Martin’s got guards that will absolutely make them pay if they’re sloppy or indecisive or lazy. It’ll be a big test and I hope our boys rise up to the occasion. I think we will do it!

Pburg- 66
Martin- 65

Hail Blackcats!

If it’s a low scoring game that will hurt Martin. I agree with everything you say though, just disagree with the outcome.

[Spud6]

If Pburg can stay away from getting into Martin Co's press and fast play style they could keep it close to the end. If they try to run with MC, which they know they can't and they won't but the good teams dictate the pace and I think Martin County is a good team.

[GeorgeLopez1234]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

[Cardinalstatman]

I’ve been big on Martin county all year, most of you can see that if you go back and look at my posts. I think they’re the deepest, most talented, most athletic team in the region. This matchup is a decent one for Pburg though. I think Watts and Keithley are the two best players on the floor and the gap between them is probably a push. Then you go down to maybe Maynard and Estep for Martin and Napier and Allen for Pburg as the #2 and 3 guys, which honestly isn’t a bad matchup just looking at the top 3 players on each team. The problem for Pburg is when you start talking about the guard play, and that’s where I think Martin has a distinct advantage. Their guards are better passers, handlers, defenders and shooters than Pburgs. I think for Pburg to win this game they will need to keep the Martin co guards from getting hot and figure out a way to get the ball up the floor consistently and not turn the dang ball over before they get across mid court, which almost killed them against pikeville. Pburg guards will have to play smart, fast, complete basketball. Slone, Reynolds and Schutts don’t need to score a lot, but they will need to be a presence rebounding, getting steals, getting the ball across mid court, playing tough defense and distributing to the scorers all night long while limiting turnovers. I hope they can do it, because Martin’s got guards that will absolutely make them pay if they’re sloppy or indecisive or lazy. It’ll be a big test and I hope our boys rise up to the occasion. I think we will do it!

Pburg- 66
Martin- 65

Hail Blackcats!

Keathly and watts definitely best two on the floor. Then I think martin county’s next 4 are the next best. No discredit or disrespect to Allen or Napier, both are good players, just have to go with my guys. I agree with you on guard play with be significant in turnovers and the tempo in this game. I think Davis and Estep will hit some open shots. I think if estep and Maynard control the rebounds we will be fine.

[averagejoe01]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

[ElbertJohnson91]

As long as we share the ball and limit keathley the best to our ability, I think we will have the outcome we want.

[Cards2017]

Martin County has shown glimpses that they are the best team in the region. And at times it’s not close,  But they also have games where anyone could beat them. 
Anytime you have a player with Keathleys  ability if they can keep it close anything can happen.

 Martin county gets wild with the ball sometimes. Should be a great game. 
But I think Martin County will pull away late in the 3rd Quarter. Dials and Davis should be the biggest X factors as you know what you will get from Watts and Keathley. 

Martin County 76
Prestonburg 62

[Cardinalstatman]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

[averagejoe01]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

By “everyone contributing” do you mean Watts taking bad shots? That is only thing that will hold Martin back. That and bench play. Pretty weak off the bench if you ask me. They are young but don’t have and not getting the experience in moments they should.

[Cardinalstatman]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

By “everyone contributing” do you mean Watts taking bad shots? That is only thing that will hold Martin back. That and bench play. Pretty weak off the bench if you ask me. They are young but don’t have and not getting the experience in moments they should.

I like our bench, we have the Mills kid who is capable of getting hot and knocking shots down. Down the line may be young but they get a lot of basketball court experience in the summer and AAU. I think they will be fine when they are asked to play. Copeland stepped up in Tampa, marcum and pack both are freshman as well who I believe can contribute and help if needed.

[averagejoe01]

Martin Co should run away with this one. Beyond Keathley, Pburg doesn’t have anything to matchup with Martin Co. As long as Martin shares the ball and not play with ballhogs then they will score with ease. As long as Estep and Davis are guarding Keathley then he will be limited. I believe Martin co will be in the All-A region championship for a third year in a row.

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

By “everyone contributing” do you mean Watts taking bad shots? That is only thing that will hold Martin back. That and bench play. Pretty weak off the bench if you ask me. They are young but don’t have and not getting the experience in moments they should.

I like our bench, we have the Mills kid who is capable of getting hot and knocking shots down. Down the line may be young but they get a lot of basketball court experience in the summer and AAU. I think they will be fine when they are asked to play. Copeland stepped up in Tampa, marcum and pack both are freshman as well who I believe can contribute and help if needed.

Notice you didn’t disagree with bad shot watts. And don’t get me started on the mills kid. All I have heard is how good of a shooter he is and I’ve yet to see it. From what I heard is that Copeland kid looked just as good if not better in Florida. As far as marcum he has to grow before he can contribute, the other kid who is that? Not to bash Martin but I think it will be a couple of years before those freshman can help. Hope they prove me wrong if they had to play.

[Lcontop]

I think mc wins this by 15+ if they play there style of basketball. Pburg can’t guard them man to man like they did pikeville. No one is guarding watts 1v1 in this region. Dials and Davis start hitting shots in the zone and they have to come out of it and no idea what they will try to play. Maybe keathley will get hot and make a close game

[Cardinalstatman]

Martin is the better team, dare I say the region? I think we see multiple players in double figures again and my prediction is that estep and Davis each knock three to 4 threes down.

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

By “everyone contributing” do you mean Watts taking bad shots? That is only thing that will hold Martin back. That and bench play. Pretty weak off the bench if you ask me. They are young but don’t have and not getting the experience in moments they should.

I like our bench, we have the Mills kid who is capable of getting hot and knocking shots down. Down the line may be young but they get a lot of basketball court experience in the summer and AAU. I think they will be fine when they are asked to play. Copeland stepped up in Tampa, marcum and pack both are freshman as well who I believe can contribute and help if needed.

Notice you didn’t disagree with bad shot watts. And don’t get me started on the mills kid. All I have heard is how good of a shooter he is and I’ve yet to see it. From what I heard is that Copeland kid looked just as good if not better in Florida. As far as marcum he has to grow before he can contribute, the other kid who is that? Not to bash Martin but I think it will be a couple of years before those freshman can help. Hope they prove me wrong if they had to play.

Oops, I overlooked one thing. Everyone takes a bad shot here and there. It’s part of the game. You see it on every level. Does it hurt sometimes, yes but you can also live with it at times. Mills can shoot, he knocked down a couple threes against east ridge, he defends well and I think helps. I don’t disagree that Copeland can help and contribute as well. I wasn’t in Tampa but watched online and he played well. Marcum is another kid I believe can knock down a shot or help handle the ball if needed. Pack and Moore can help inside with rebounding and physicality. I think next few years the future is bright. 

however let’s not get sidetracked on foolishness, the next step is preparing for pburg.

[LCDAWGS1]

I think Martin wins this fairly easily. Prestonburg don’t have the ball handlers to handle very much pressure. Keathley will score a bunch because he’ll live at the foul line. Pburg will most likely play zone but don’t know if they can afford to. Martin county can really shoot it. I just don’t believe Pburg can play them man to man. As long as Martin can hit shots so they can get in the press I think they’ll be fine.

[averagejoe01]

If they both shoot well and everyone else contributes their normal averages, then it’s nothing to worry about at all.

By “everyone contributing” do you mean Watts taking bad shots? That is only thing that will hold Martin back. That and bench play. Pretty weak off the bench if you ask me. They are young but don’t have and not getting the experience in moments they should.

I like our bench, we have the Mills kid who is capable of getting hot and knocking shots down. Down the line may be young but they get a lot of basketball court experience in the summer and AAU. I think they will be fine when they are asked to play. Copeland stepped up in Tampa, marcum and pack both are freshman as well who I believe can contribute and help if needed.

Notice you didn’t disagree with bad shot watts. And don’t get me started on the mills kid. All I have heard is how good of a shooter he is and I’ve yet to see it. From what I heard is that Copeland kid looked just as good if not better in Florida. As far as marcum he has to grow before he can contribute, the other kid who is that? Not to bash Martin but I think it will be a couple of years before those freshman can help. Hope they prove me wrong if they had to play.

Oops, I overlooked one thing. Everyone takes a bad shot here and there. It’s part of the game. You see it on every level. Does it hurt sometimes, yes but you can also live with it at times. Mills can shoot, he knocked down a couple threes against east ridge, he defends well and I think helps. I don’t disagree that Copeland can help and contribute as well. I wasn’t in Tampa but watched online and he played well. Marcum is another kid I believe can knock down a shot or help handle the ball if needed. Pack and Moore can help inside with rebounding and physicality. I think next few years the future is bright. 

however let’s not get sidetracked on foolishness, the next step is preparing for pburg.

Hope you are right about living with bad shots but I’ve seen it for years, it always comes back to bite you. Seen it a lot last couple of years with Hale and now with Watts. Probably worse with him if you ask me but talent gets by with it. Hope to see Martin in the championship cutting nets down.

[BCF4L]

I can’t give much input because I’ve not seen Martin play but I know Watts is athletic. Top to bottom they’re the best team in the region and I’ve said it from day 1. But if any of you guys coach for Martin Co and use these game plans you’re talking about using, you may end up losing. That’s all I’m going to say.

[ElbertJohnson91]

I can’t give much input because I’ve not seen Martin play but I know Watts is athletic. Top to bottom they’re the best team in the region and I’ve said it from day 1. But if any of you guys coach for Martin Co and use these game plans you’re talking about using, you may end up losing. That’s all I’m going to say.

We will be alright. We’ve got the one and only Skyler Morrison on our side

[15thRegionFan1515]

Keathley sure can play, but prestonsburg doesn’t go deep. If anyone outside the starting 5 has to step in much due to foul trouble, it would be tough. Cheering for pburg and would love to see the upset, but Martin County is a tough one to handle and I look for them to make their way to the championship

[Red and Black]

Is there a possibility that these games are postponed due to weather? Who makes that decision, khsaa?

[ElbertJohnson91]

Is there a possibility that these games are postponed due to weather? Who makes that decision, khsaa?

Wednesday night and Thursday’s night games should be played. The problem will be the championship when this next snow comes in

[BCF4L]

Keathley sure can play, but prestonsburg doesn’t go deep. If anyone outside the starting 5 has to step in much due to foul trouble, it would be tough. Cheering for pburg and would love to see the upset, but Martin County is a tough one to handle and I look for them to make their way to the championship

One could argue that their bench is why they beat Pikeville. Cade Nairn and 8th grader Graham Shutts played masterfully for the Blackcats off the bench.

[BCF4L]

Is there a possibility that these games are postponed due to weather? Who makes that decision, khsaa?

The game was moved from Wednesday night to Thursday night. Basically pushed the tournament back a day.

[-STAT-]

Pburg sure is riding a huge wave of momentum, I think that will carry them in this game and they'll compete, keep it close with Martin Co but think the athleticism & experience will put Martin Co over the top. This Pburg team has been impressive the last few weeks and credit to them for turning things around, I think Martin Co still wins by double digits, but will be closer than most people are thinking.

Martin Co- 73
Prestonsburg- 60

[Jagsforlife]

Martin county wins 85-67

[Blackcat 4 Life]

I will be the first to admit, I was wrong about this bunch. Prestonsburg has completely done a 180, and are playing some of the best basketball in the region. Keathley continues to get his, while playing within the system and getting everyone else involved. Allen and Napier are playing well, but most importantly they have taken on a leadership role. Our role players are improving and they seem to be getting more confidence with each passing game. Beating Martin County is going to be a tall task, but we are playing with confidence and who thought we would beat Pikeville. I believe it will be a very competitive game, and If I were a betting man, I would say Martin will win, but regardless of the outcome, these kids have shown they can compete with anyone in the region. Hail Blackcats!

[KyGymRat]

Martin is so talented it’s untelling what the score will be. But with Keathley you can write in the book 30pts and start from there. If they do a good job shutting down the others around him. Score will be lopsided for sure. If they focus to much on Keathley might be a tight game. 
Watts and company poised to make a deep run