[BlackcatAlum]

Who are you talking to?

I believe that gotcha2 was referring to warriorprides post.

[PC_You_Know]

The thing I have noticed over the last 2 regional tournaments is that PG play is VERY important, and Valley definitely has the best PG in the 15th region.

[uhavenoidea]

I believe that gotcha2 was referring to warriorprides post.

OK just checkin...i was like:confused:

[BlackcatAlum]

The thing I have noticed over the last 2 regional tournaments is that PG play is VERY important, and Valley definitely has the best PG in the 15th region.

True.

[uhavenoidea]

True.

I've always heard, you go as far as your PG takes you...

[EKY Sportster]

1. Shelby Valley imo has a slight edge just because they are deeper on the bench.
2. Paintsville has a good team but can get into trouble if they get in foul trouble.
3. I honestly think that one of these two will win the region.

You are 100% correct IMO! Paintsville so far has seemed to have solved their lack of team play that has hurt them in past years. And with an all senior lineup it makes them a tough opponent. But the lack of depth is a negative. SV has more depth and has met the challenges this year that they have faced. No way any team in the 15th should be able to beat either of these teams this year. Just a matter of which one will win it. I look for both to go undefeated in the 15th Region except for any games they play against each other.

As for the remainder though, I'd go with: (3) Pikeville, (4) ER/AC, (5) Everyone else on a given night, except Piarist, SF, BL which would have to round out the bottom.

[canewarning93]

1.Shelby Valley
2.Paintsville
3.Pikeville
4.Belfry
5.Allen Central
6.Phelps
7-10.Toss ups

[EKY Sportster]

SV has more big time exposure than Paintsville does.

Can't agree with you on that one. Not necessarily saying that Paintsville is better than Valley, but Paintsville has an entirely senior top 6 lineup and they have played some great teams over the past 4 years, 5 in some players case. That isn't to say that Valley hasn't done likewise, but you can't say that Paintsville hasn't had big time exposure.

[PC_You_Know]

Can't agree with you on that one. Not necessarily saying that Paintsville is better than Valley, but Paintsville has an entirely senior top 6 lineup and they have played some great teams over the past 4 years, 5 in some players case. That isn't to say that Valley hasn't done likewise, but you can't say that Paintsville hasn't had big time exposure.

2 of Valleys starters played in the National AAU tournament didn't they? I think that's a lot more exposure than just playing average competition for 4 years.

[Scotty doesn't know]

I would say 4-6 could be in any order on any day.

I'd completely agree. Kind of a big drop off after Pikeville.
I love Valley's team and they have shown me so much this year but Paintsville has also been impressive. However, Paintsville now has Bundy back and practicing. IMO that should give Paintsville a slight edge over Valley. Even though it does not seem the loss of Taylor has effected them much getting it still means that the team is not 100%.

[OffTheHook]

2 of Valleys starters played in the National AAU tournament didn't they? I think that's a lot more exposure than just playing average competition for 4 years.

And Slone didn't do this over the summer in Vegas and other spots?

[vundy33]

1. Shelby Valley
2. Paintsville
3. Pikeville
4. Pike Central
5. Belfry
6. East Ridge
7. Allen Central
8. Johnson Central
9. Phelps
10. Besty Layne

lol man how do you put Central that high?

Heres my top 10

1. SV
2. Paintsville
3. Pikeville
4. Belfry
5. East Ridge
6. AC
7. Johnson Central
8. Prestonsburg
9. Phelps
10. Magoffin County

Is this list close to being accurate? I'm just going with what I learn on the forums about these teams and players, I havn't seen a game this year.

[Sharp Shooter]

yeah thats pretty close considering u havent seen a game this year, 3-6 could beat each other on any night though

[Watchful Eye]

Let's wait and see what the All A shows us. I beleive we will be able to make much more INTELLIGENT comments after that tourny.

[warriorpride]

Pike Cental is going to improve.

[The Guru]

TOP 10???...and why?

1. SV- great team, but playing alot better than anticipated...great showings in the Jeffers. Tourn. and the New York Tourn. Elisha Justice was a good player, but this year he's developed into a great player...I dont know for sure, but im sure this kid has tremendous work ethic...I bet he put on 10-15lbs. of muscle on in the off-season...I know i was amazed when i say him...But the loss of Taylor Newsome MAY hurt them later..
2. Paintsville- Has all the tools to take the region...But it's hard to win it, when the tools dont want to work together every single night...For example, a contractor(Runyon) has a hammer(Slone), nails(Vanhoose and Bundy), and wood(Grimm)...But, you cant hold the hammer steady, the nails sharp ends are dull, and the wood is not sturdy...They have all the tools, but just cant build the foundation...
3. Pikeville- Has the regions best big man(Adams), Clevenger, and Honaker(3 of the Top 15 players in the region IMO)
4. Belfry- have been playing really well as of late...
5. ER- Region's biggest surprise just keeps on surprising...
6. AC- Started out strong, but have teetered out as of late, but look for Coach Martin to have this team ready to go come late march...
IMO it's a toss-up after these 6...

So...in essence, it looks as if you are saying, Runyon can't coach, Landon can't play steady enough to get the job done, Bundy and Vanhoose don't have what it takes to be effective and Grimm is not a strong enough player.
WOW......bold oppinions.
But here is my take, Runyon has proven to be one of the best and most respected coaches ever in the 15th. He has a great resume to back it up with.
Landon has improved greatly on needed areas and it shows in him being a much more rounded player, thus making him one of the most consistant players in the region.
Bundy was having his best season yet befor the injury, but I feel will continue his fine play.
Vanhoose is still getting into basketball shape after football, and his shooting touch is improving with every game, so.....he is as solid as ever.
Grimm is scoring around 20 a game and is still the first to dive after loose balls and work his butt off under the rim getting the dirty jobs done.
Throw in the hustle and defense as well as a scoring threat in Murray, solid bench play from Pack, and IMO, this bunch could build a very nice house.
I am not saying that they will win the region. But I wouldn't say that Valley would either.....I only guarantee on things I can guarantee.

I like Paintsville's chances.

[BasketBallonlyfan]

So...in essence, it looks as if you are saying, Runyon can't coach, Landon can't play steady enough to get the job done, Bundy and Vanhoose don't have what it takes to be effective and Grimm is not a strong enough player.
WOW......bold oppinions.
But here is my take, Runyon has proven to be one of the best and most respected coaches ever in the 15th. He has a great resume to back it up with.
Landon has improved greatly on needed areas and it shows in him being a much more rounded player, thus making him one of the most consistant players in the region.
Bundy was having his best season yet befor the injury, but I feel will continue his fine play.
Vanhoose is still getting into basketball shape after football, and his shooting touch is improving with every game, so.....he is as solid as ever.
Grimm is scoring around 20 a game and is still the first to dive after loose balls and work his butt off under the rim getting the dirty jobs done.
Throw in the hustle and defense as well as a scoring threat in Murray, solid bench play from Pack, and IMO, this bunch could build a very nice house.
I am not saying that they will win the region. But I wouldn't say that Valley would either.....I only guarantee on things I can guarantee.

I like Paintsville's chances.

This is the 4th year in a row everyone has liked their chances. Apart from their freshman year, it has been one and out in the regions. Paintsville has the talent, so either they need to play as a team all season long, or they choke when it comes tourney time.

[The Guru]

This is the 4th year in a row everyone has liked their chances. Apart from their freshman year, it has been one and out in the regions. Paintsville has the talent, so either they need to play as a team all season long, or they choke when it comes tourney time.

I agree.
It's now or never with this bunch.
We all know they have what it takes to win the region. And I am sure that a lot are tired of hearing that Tiger fans always think they are gonna win. But trust me when I say that Tiger fans are tired of hearing that Paintsville won't or can't because they have not done it yet.

[BasketBallonlyfan]

I think they are very capable of winning it. Just the same as they have been for the last three years. I think it will be more on if Paintsville wants to do what it takes to win it than it does anyone knocking them out of it. Shelby Valley is their biggest test as far as the regional goes. I also think the luck of the draw this year could be a factor in who goes to Rupp.

[FOX SPORTS]

What are you talking about? A lot of Paintsville's players have been starting since they were in 8th grade. The foundation was built 2 years ago. All they need is a little more depth and they would have the 15th region all wrapped up.

Does Paintsville have a big man to win the region???

[uhavenoidea]

So...in essence, it looks as if you are saying, Runyon can't coach, Landon can't play steady enough to get the job done, Bundy and Vanhoose don't have what it takes to be effective and Grimm is not a strong enough player.
WOW......bold oppinions.
But here is my take, Runyon has proven to be one of the best and most respected coaches ever in the 15th. He has a great resume to back it up with.
Landon has improved greatly on needed areas and it shows in him being a much more rounded player, thus making him one of the most consistant players in the region.
Bundy was having his best season yet befor the injury, but I feel will continue his fine play.
Vanhoose is still getting into basketball shape after football, and his shooting touch is improving with every game, so.....he is as solid as ever.
Grimm is scoring around 20 a game and is still the first to dive after loose balls and work his butt off under the rim getting the dirty jobs done.
Throw in the hustle and defense as well as a scoring threat in Murray, solid bench play from Pack, and IMO, this bunch could build a very nice house.
I am not saying that they will win the region. But I wouldn't say that Valley would either.....I only guarantee on things I can guarantee.

I like Paintsville's chances.

I didnt say Runyon couldnt coach, i just called him the contractor per say..and what i was referring to was that it takes all those tools working together to build the house/foundation...I wasn't sayin anything bad about Landon,Vanhoose, Grimm, or Bundy...All i meant was that, if one tool is not willing to work with the rest then they will not win the region...

[The One and Only 13]

1. Shelby Valley- Shelby Valley is still top of the line in the 15th. Their youth, talent, and supreme bench depth is unparalleled in this area and most of the state. Don't be surprised to see the Wildcats suiting up on in the morning session of Championship Saturday at Rupp this year. They're that good.
2. Paintsville- This is by far the best team the Tigers have had around Landon Slone since he's been there. This is probably the only chance the rest of the 15th region has to knock off Valley.
3. Pikeville- The best of the rest. With the 6'10" Devon Adams patrolling the middle, Pikeville has a chance in any game they play. Matt Clevenger and Tim Honaker don't hurt their cause either.
4. East Ridge- The Warriors have been the biggest surprise in the 15th region thus far IMO. The play of Mike Rowe in the middle has been phenomenal and the 3 point play of their guards and their bench remind me a lot of the surprise 15th region championship team of 2004. Don't look for the tribe to fade anytime soon.
5. Allen Central- Allen Central has been modest so this year. The Betsy Layne upset earlier this year decreased the amount of respect people had for the Rebels but this is still a very good team. Aaron Crum has been streaky from the 3 point arch in some stretches this year but he has come up big a lot as well but Alex Hammonds has been the general for the Rebels this year. He penetrates and scores like no other in this region and he very well may be the best PG in this region.
6. Belfry- WIth Uk recruit Dustin May in the middle, this is a fast team. Steele's play at the point is going to be the deciding factor as to whether or not the Pirates will repeat in the 60th district and whether or not they can go deep in the post season.
7. Phelps- the Hornets shocked everyone by making the region tournament last year. They're not sneaking up on anyone this year. Hunt and Dotson are the two to look out for on the outside though as the Hornets have yet to impress me in their frontcourt. However, don't be surprised if they hoist the 60th district title at the end of the season.
8. Prestonsburg- the Blackcats have been inconsistant to say the least. Jordan Hall has been the consistant player for the Cats. He's underrated by a lot of people but he's a top 10 player in this region, don't doubt it. He can take over a game at any point. Just ask Pikeville or Shelby Valley. The Burg has got to get some better play from the PG position and their bench if they want to make a run.
9. Magoffin County- The Hornets lost a lot to graduation but still have some fight in them. Their guards have been playing well for them this year but they just can't seem to put together consistant play out of their post players. If they can get it together, Paintsville could be in for another shocker this year. That's a big if though.
10. Pike County Central- The Hawks haven't impressed me much this year. They have yet to notch a marquee victory but have some big games coming up to do so. Tyler Hamilton has yet to take over a game like PCC needs him to. He is the leader of this ball club and needs to accept that role.
11. Johnson Central- The Eagles have been hit hard by graduation and by tranfers and are not as dangerous as they have been in previous seasons. Ian Welch is crucial to the success of this team. Jaryd Crum is a great PG and has good vision but lacks the perimeter ability that this team needs. When these two players aren't playing well, Johnson Central is an average team at best.
12. Betsy Layne- Without Jared Newman, the Bobcats don't scare anyone. I have been impressed with the play of Josh Head in the middle but nothing else has surprised me. Brennan Case needs to be more of a penetrate and dish point guard instead of trying to shoot the ball from outside. That's not his strong point. There have been whispers of the return of Newman though. If they get him back, expect a huge shift of power in the 58th district.
13. Lawrence County- The Bulldogs don't have the guard play that they did last year and they need for Lewis Michael to be a lot stronger inside the post. He has looked timid so far this year and he's a big boy. Although, Lawrence County has probably made as much noise as they're going to make this year.
14. Sheldon Clark- The Cardinals have a young, inexperienced, and small ballclub this year. They won't impress you this year but they're up and coming so be prepared for Sheldon Clark to return to prominence in the next couple of years.
15. South Floyd- the Raiders have nothing this year. Wes Akers has done all he can to notch a win for the Raiders but they've come up about 20-40 points short in every single game. They have no bench depth, no post play, and no second option to Akers. I'd say something good about them but there's just not many positives i can derive from this team.
16. Piarist- While the Knights have one more win this year than South Floyd, it's still Piarist. They're big at all positions but they're inexperienced and still don't have the talent to compete with anyone.

[More Cowbell]

Wow, nice post, TOaO13.

For that to be your first and only post so far on BGR, you did a great job analyzing each team in the region. You made excellent points for why you ranked each team as you did.

The only thing I would change from most people's posts is the top 2, however. I know Shelby Valley is the defending champion and they have had some impressive wins, but I think that you would have to put Paintsville #1 right now. With Valley losing Taylor Newsome for the year and Paintsville apparently getting Blake Bundy back, I think the slight edge has to go to the Tigers.

[The Guru]

I didnt say Runyon couldnt coach, i just called him the contractor per say..and what i was referring to was that it takes all those tools working together to build the house/foundation...I wasn't sayin anything bad about Landon,Vanhoose, Grimm, or Bundy...All i meant was that, if one tool is not willing to work with the rest then they will not win the region...

So you were not saying that Landon was like a shaky hammer?
You didn't say that Bundy and Vanhoose were like dull nails?
And you didn't say that Grimm was like a piece of wood that wasn't sturdy?
Yes you did....
And I agree with your analogy, but with a twist.
Landon is the hammer but he has to be steady.
Bundy and Vanhoose have to be sharp game in and game out to hold the structure together.
Grimm has to be strong and resiliant and hold up under pressure.
Runyon has to make sure that everything is done properly so this thing will last!
If they all do this, then good things can happen.
I guess I just didn't like the way you had described the "tools" of the Tigers. But I hope we understand a little better now.

[uhavenoidea]

So you were not saying that Landon was like a shaky hammer?
You didn't say that Bundy and Vanhoose were like dull nails?
And you didn't say that Grimm was like a piece of wood that wasn't sturdy?
Yes you did....
And I agree with your analogy, but with a twist.
Landon is the hammer but he has to be steady.
Bundy and Vanhoose have to be sharp game in and game out to hold the structure together.
Grimm has to be strong and resiliant and hold up under pressure.
Runyon has to make sure that everything is done properly so this thing will last!
If they all do this, then good things can happen.
I guess I just didn't like the way you had described the "tools" of the Tigers. But I hope we understand a little better now.

I did say that....But, look at what you said...You basically clarified, reviewed, and repeated what i meant...I really do think we understood each other though...:Thumbs:...Landon(the hammer) has 2 be steady...Bundy and Vanhoose have 2 be sharp like (nails), Grimm has to hold up under pressure(wood), and Runyon(contractor) has 2 make sure everything is done properly...oh yea...thanks again for clarifyin my post up 4 me...

[Lisa Douglas]

It's like this.... it's "put up or shut up" time in Paintsville. Go Big Blue!

[AV22]

that is what i say too
i think paintsville will win the 15th region

yeah boy:letsparty

[BurntTires]

I would say 4-6 could be in any order on any day.

I would also agree.

[Larry Legend]

I think that until someone from this region beats SV you just can't place them anywhere except #1...

[ZAG]

lol man how do you put Central that high?

Heres my top 10

1. SV
2. Paintsville
3. Pikeville
4. Belfry
5. East Ridge
6. AC
7. Johnson Central
8. Prestonsburg
9. Phelps
10. Magoffin County

Is this list close to being accurate? I'm just going with what I learn on the forums about these teams and players, I havn't seen a game this year.

Central was that high because they have beaten Belfry, Phelps and East Ridge..all of which are on your list...When they actually play they are verygood...both games against allen central they let them get a 20 point lead and then tried to work back...they have proved that if they would come out ready to play and not wait untill the second half that they can beat them to..They are not terrible like some of you would like to think