BIG MATCHUP FRIDAY NIGHT!

South Point puts its undefeated record on the line against a team that nearly snatched the undefeated string from them three weeks ago in Fairland.

The Dragons avenged one of their losses last week by beating Chesapeake in the finals of the St. Joe Invitational as Michael Lamb led the attack.

This time, Lamb will try and outduel Todd Mayo, who poured in 37 on Fairland in the 72-71 win on Jan. 4.

For those who love high-octane offense and smooth shooters, head up to the beautiful new South Point gymnasium on Friday night. It WILL be a show!

GDT

The real problem with Spring Valley football...

...is the attitude of its so-called supporters. If you look underneath my story online about Brad Dingess being hired as the new football coach, you will find approximately 15-20 comments about why Dingess should not have been coach.

The truth is that no one knows how it will turn out yet. He could very well take the Wolves to the playoffs this season and be the best thing ever to happen to Spring Valley football.

Dingess is a smart guy and a good football guy. His players have told me personally that he is a player's coach and that they think that will help with the future of the team.

HERE IS WHAT WON'T HELP...All the so called boosters and supporters that would rather gripe about who didn't get picked for the job than support the person who did.

Until that happens, then any coach that gets the job will be behind the 8-ball.

Behind every good football program in this state is a community that supports that program. It is true in all three classes!

If you so-called boosters put as much effort and energy into supporting the program as you do griping about the current coach or the Wayne BOE, the Timberwolves would be a perennial playoff team in Class AAA.

If you don't like what I have said in this post, that probably means you are guilty of the above.

If you don't like me saying it, please direct comments and blame to me.

OVC is Cream of the Crop

Sorry it has been awhile since my last banter....preparing for my little one's first Christmas got a little more hectic than what I anticipated.

Now that teams are back into full swing and I have seen a lot of the area's talent, I have made some conclusions.

My first conclusion: the OVC is definitely playing the best at this point.

I went to the Fairland-South Point matchup last Friday night and I must say that the pace was likened to a college game. Both teams moved up and down the floor well, showcasing superior athleticism and basketball ability in comparison to the other teams I have seen this season. (NOTE: I have not yet seen Chesapeake..that's this Friday's itinerary.)

The athleticism is better, the shooting is better, the play is better and their results are better. Between Fairland, Chesapeake and South Point, those teams have two losses on the season -- one being Fairland's loss to South Point. That will change this week as Chesapeake will take on both Fairland and South Point with control of the OVC at stake.

As for WV, Cabell Midland has been playing well, but I'm not sure if they can handle SV's defense. Meanwhile, Huntington has the athleticism to beat both on any given night. And don't forget about Hurricane...they too have some shooters that if they get hot, look out! Watching that region develop this season should be enjoyable.

Best of luck to all teams as you start 2008. I'll be seeing a lot of everyone over the next two months!

GDT