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As one of the top players in the 5th Region, Brandon Price is off and running much like his John Hardin Bulldogs in that they have wrapped up the 17th district top-seed and await the tournament while tuning up for the tournament. Price took time to talk about his state tournament experience at Rupp Arena last year and what to expect in what has been an interesting season so far.
What was your Sweet -16 experience like? Was this the first time that you ever played in Rupp?
Brandon Price: Yes. It was the first time that I actually played there. I was there when my older brother Ricky played there and got to watch them play. It was amazing.
Watching him play in 2006, did you ever think you’d eventually be there too?
BP: Yes. After he went there (Ricky), he’d always tease me about it and he’d say “You won’t get there “and I’d use that as motivation and now I’ve evened the playing field.
Did he give you much advice on what to expect when you got there?
BP: Yes. He just told me not to let the environment get to me and play the game that I had all season and I think I did that.
Was preparation for a state game any different from say a region title game?
BP: Well, the floor is bigger so you have to adjust and be in better shape.
Tell me a little about the distractions of going to state.
BP: Well, one of the differences is looking up in the stands and you see 18,000 people, but other than that I prepare no differently than usual.
Much was made of the fact that the teams competing at the state tournament do not get to practice there and sometimes have trouble adjusting to the background for shooting purposes.
BP: I think everyone’s first shot was an air ball. We were fortunate enough to practice at Kentucky’s practice facility. It definitely is not like shooting in a usual high school gym, but it was challenging. It took me about five or ten shots to zone in and get around to adjusting to the background.
Was Scott County the best team you faced that year?
BP: Yes. Definitely it was really challenging. Whenever I would drive there was so much to deal with. They were really good defensively.
You had some injury problems this year (ankle). You missed the first game and have been hampered in several others.
BP: I sprained it pretty bad. I have always had ankle problems. My freshman year, I sprained it for the first time and have had problems with it since restraining it.
This year’s team is very deep. You have missed games and there has been no drop-off.
BP: Definitely. When I wasn’t playing, Pat (Anderson) really stepped up. Even if I’m not in there, we have other point guards to step in. I’ve never missed a game as a player my entire high school career until this one so you know I definitely want to be in there.
Kelton Ford told me that you guys are familiar with each other.
BP: Yes. We’re friends and have played together over the summer. Roomed together at camps and played together. That game (the semis of the region tournament when John Hardin came from behind to beat LaRue County) was crazy. They jumped on us early and smacked us in the mouth. We were fortunate to come back and win. We still joke about that game to this day.
Did you have an idol growing up?
BP: Kobe Bryant. The way he prepared for the game every night no matter what. He’d give 110%. I really idolized him for that.
I once told Kelton Ford that his game reminded me a little of yours.
BP: Oh definitely. We both like to drive to the rim and hit the jumper. Our games are similar and I like to watch him play, too.
The 2012 team (John Hardin) got a game farther than the 2006 team.
BP: Yes. It was a great feeling that John Hardin in the history of the program advanced to the Elite Eight. It was really special.
Did it take a while for you to get over the final loss (Scott County)?
BP: I’m still not over it. I felt like we didn’t give our best performance.
