First of all I want to thank all 16 teams who competed in this year’s 2015 Whitaker Bank/KHSAA Boy’s Sweet 16. Every team represented their region well.
Second I want to thank Whitaker Bank, KHSAA and Prepspin for putting the great tournament. I was there for every game and enjoyed every minute. I also want to thank the workers/ushers/security/hospitality for doing an excellent job.
Every game was exciting and each team gave 100%. There was no give up on any end.
The tournament is perfect the way it is set up. Having the championship on Sunday, giving players well deserved rest and coaches time to game plan their opponents.
Favorites don’t always win. The top 3 favorites didn’t make it to the weekend. Ballard, Taylor County, and Knott Co Central.
Covington Catholic defended their title well advancing to the semis. They are a well coached and talented team.
I want to wish all the seniors the best at whatever they do after graduating. I can’t imagine the heartbreak they felt when losing or the gratification when winning.
Congratulations to Owensboro and Rod Drake for cutting down the nets.
I was very impressed by big man Justin Miller 6’7″ 246lb who was named tournament MVP. Miller averaged a double double throughout the tourney. The young man owned the paint. He has great footwork and ability to pass the ball with great touch. He averaged Miller showed courage playing through pain in the title game and thanked God for allowing him to play through the pain.
He also gave props to his AAU coach who told Miller in middle school that they would win the title his senior year. I want to congratulate Justin on his offer from Coppin State. I’m sure others will be in the mail or on Coach Drake’s voice mail.
Aric Holman 6’9″ was a defensive presence blocking and altering opponents shots. He had 21 points, 14, boards and 8 blocks. The talented Senior altered many more and plays well on both ends of the court.
Amazing Dunks, big 3 point shots, buzzer beaters filled the week and showcased Kentucky High School Basketball. The best were Boyle County’s Colton Elkins dunk over a Ballard defender,Aric Holman’s monster jam in the semis versus defending champions Covington Catholic, and Justin Millers put back slam.
There was no short of talent. Players that caught my eye were Cole VonDarf, Hagan Tyler, Jeramiah Bell, Colton Elkins, Justin Miller, Aric Holman, Dylan Sanford, David Sloan, Quentin Goodin, Tucker Sine, Terry Taylor, Jalen Perry, Camron Justice, Dillion Geralds, Parker Adams, Matt Rose, Dylan Sanford, David Morrow, Aric Holman, and Justin Miller.
All of these young men have worked hard to get where they are and have a God-given talent that can’t be taught. I personally want to wish each one the best next year whether in college or back in high school.
The stream from KHSAA and Prepspin was unbelievably crystal clear. It literally looked like an ESPN or CBS broadcast.
I want to thank everyone I met and worked beside throughout the week. Everyone was professional and their work reflected it. I want to thank Mista Tony for the memories we made this year and can’t wait until next season.
I cherish every moment from this week. Next year’s tournament can’t come fast enough.
Next I want to think every player and coach I got a chance to speak to or interview. I love my job and watching young people reach their dreams is gratification that I am doing my job.
It’s all about the kids and should be.
Owensboro won with great defense and by controlling the paint. Scoring easy buckets and grabbing rebounds were the key to their success.
I love covering high school basketball and can’t wait until next season and to watch the greatest show on Earth the Boys Sweet 16.
For upcoming highlights from each game and players visit www.kybasketball.tv