Royal Expectations !

Tip Off Notes

Royals Preseason #1 with Mr. Basketball Favorite

The #1 Ranked Royals are talented, experienced, and determined to succeed. With Three Returning Starters (Darius Miller, Trevor Setty, and Russ Middleton) from last year's 28-3 team Mason County is at the top of the prestigious Preseason Coach's Top 25 Poll.


Tonight they start on the difficult path that leads to Rupp led by one of the best high school players in the nation 6'7" Senior Darius Miller who is the leading contender for the coveted Kentucky Mr. Basketball Award.


The Mason County Royals begin their much anticipated 2007 - 2008 Basketball Season in the Mr. Basketball Classic hosted by Tates Creek High School. The Classic will showcase some of the Kentucky's top players including Miller, Bryan Station's Shelvin Mack, and Scotty Hopson of University Heights.


+ The Schedule +

Friday 6:00 pm Tates Creek v. University Heights



Friday 7:30 pm #1 Mason County v. # 5 Bryan Station



Saturday 5:30 pm June Buchanan v. Berkmar, Ga.



Saturday 8:30 pm Tates Creek v. Mason County


( Games played at Tates Creek High Schoo )





+ Who to Watch +

Mason County : Darius Miller 6"7" Senior


The highly skilled and talented Miller is back for his 4th Year of Varsity competition.

Darius is the complete player and led the Royals in scoring last year at 18 ppg.

He has the ability to shoot the jumper or score off the dribble. He can post up for the pass or rebound in traffic for the aggressive put back or soft touch lay in. He can play clear out one on one or find his points in the team flow.

He is very unselfish and elevates the level of his teammates.

A soft spoken team leader, He's a hard worker on the floor yet his offensive game is smooth and polished.

He's fun to watch - way beyond his years in entertainment value.

Darius is also a shut down defender.

He can and quite often does guard the opponent's best player regardless of position and they normally find it difficult to post their regular numbers.

He is long, quick to the spot with excellent hands, has impeccable timing and is very difficult to score on.

Miller's court savvy is widely recognized and much publicized. He was one of the most sought after recruits in the nation this past year before deciding recently to sign a letter of intent to play at UK .

Darius is the consensus preseason favorite to win the coveted Kentucky Mr. Basketball.


what to watch courtside notes : does it all so smooth ... the complete offensive game - could and does play all positions ... is all over the court ... but especially you notice the one on one (or two or three) on the wing or at the top of the key when Darius can go to the basket, shoot the midrange jumper or drop the three ... or in the open court he is a soaring spectacle ... he can fly... and finish with strength and style ... then the fans shout out loud ... a rare player who can change directions in a split second and almost always shoots uncontested on any one on one drive ... very quick and agile with the ball ... effortless ... a nearly impossible stop for the defense ...


++++

Mason County : Trevor Setty 6'7" Senior

Trevor returns for His Senior Year as one of the Royal's experienced leaders.

As a starter last year He finished second on the team in scoring (12.5 ppg) and was among the best in the area in three point and free throw shooting percentage.

Setty is a rangy shooter and three point threat who poses match up problems for defenders because of his height and ability to shoot over the top or take his man on the drive.

He has a knack for the big shot and looks for the ball in dramatic moments.

A total team player who sees the court well , Trevor entertains as passer.

To complement his offensive skills Setty brings a solid defensive game with good anticipation and he has the size, quickness, and hands to disrupt the opponent and mix in some steals.

what to watch courtside notes : can sink the deep three from anywhere on the court ... textbook shot ... thrives on the big shot as turning point or game winner ... an experienced winner and confident under pressure ...



+++++


Mason County : Russ Middleton 6" 3 1/2 " Junior


A returning starter and a very accurate shooter, Russ often leads the Royals from the point. He finished among the area's top players last year in 3 point shooting and free throw percentage while scoring 12 points per game.

A strong, tough competitor who can spot up and shoot, pass, or take his man off the dribble, Middleton is a true triple threat.

Russ has posted considerable varsity minutes for the last several years. His valuable experience, even he's though only a Junior, should pay off for the Royals.


Middleton recently signed a letter of intent to play at Georgetown College in 2009.

What to watch courtside note : Has all around skills beyond his years and is an excellent shooter from the foul line always but especially late in the game.


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