[More Cowbell]

2 out of 3 does work here since both teams had many of the same players.

As far as the all A goes SV got the trophy and it is a nice accomplishment but Elliott won the imagination of the basketball world,when you have ESPN doing articles on your team that is just a little bit bigger than winning the all A.

The Mason thing is valid because Mason was ready to play both teams,even though the game was at Elliott the tv cameras were rolling and Mason gave extra effort.To be honest Mason really and truly should have won that game at Rupp,they didn't have a chance of beating Elliott from the get go.

I agree with your point both teams fans will say their teams should have both games.

All in all this has been a great debate,both teams are pretty good,truth of the matter is neither could beat Holmes to win the title.

Which teams if any in the 15th will challenge SV next season.

I still say that the point differential in the Mason games is not a good point of comparison. From what I understand, Elliott has a great home-court advantage (just like SV) and rarely loses at home. You have to admit that the home court helped Elliott out in that game. My take is that if Mason played SV at Robinson Creek, you likely would have seen a 12+ point margin as well...

You are right in that Elliott did capture the hearts of the casual fans both across the state and throughout the country, thanks to all the pub on ESPN and in the Herald-Leader. Not saying they didn't deserve it, because they did, but SV could have just as easily been the team in the spotlight as well (mountain teams always make good underdogs). But in the end, winning an All-A state title is quite an accomplishment, one made even more special because Valley had to beat one of the best teams in the state to do it. Myself, I wouldn't trade that for any number of write-ups in the paper.

I do agree with you about one thing, that neither team would have beaten Holmes. Obviously Elliott had their shot at them and got beat by 10 points, and I think SV would've fared about the same against them. Holmes was just too good.

As for the 15th, it is Valley's to lose for one more year. Top contenders will again be Lawrence Co. and Johnson Central, but just like this past year it would be a monumental upset if SV doesn't take the regional title. If SV does win it, that would make them 6 regional titles in 9 seasons, starting in '01-02.

How about the 16th? Although he is a fine player, I don't guess Knipp will be able to carry Elliott to the regional title all by himself, so who will be the top contenders? Ashland? East/West Carter?