QSouth89

There will never be an even playing field. I recently moved to Chicago from Tennessee and I teach at a public school. The districts or conferences in sports in the Chicago Public League are based on competitiveness not size. Keep in mind every two years the conferences change. The power schools are in the red division, the next is green and then blue. If you win in consecutive years you or lose you move up of down. Playoffs are based on school size and classification, Illinois has 4 classes which is needed. There are just as many schools in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs than the entire state of Tennessee.

When does it end? Coaches, parents and fans, complained about the privates and wanted a complete split and got it, then there were rumblings a few years ago on CoachT about inner city schools and rural schools, now the complaint is public charter schools, magnet schools and open zoned schools. Lets do away with the state tournament and just give every school a participation championship trophy and not worry about who has a competitive edge.

2019-2020 Knoxville Catholic Fighting Irish Head Coach Mike Hutchens Record 25-4 Best Players: B.J. Edwards and Akeem Odusipe The 2020 team lost to nationally ranked IMG and Gonzaga College Prep out of Washington DC in their own Christmas Tournament. Beat Kennedy Chandler and Briarcrest (the 2019 state champions) 50-47 in the state championship game. All 5 of Knoxville Catholic's starters signed with DI schools: guard BJ Edwards (6'3), 4 star recruit, signed with Tennessee (now at SMU); post Akeem Odusipe (6'9), 3 star recruit, signed with Vanderbilt (transferred to Kent State, now at Tusculum College), center Handje Tamba (6'11) 3 star recruit signed with Tennessee (now at Weber State); guard Blue Cain (6'4) 4 star recruit now at Georgia and guard Presley Patterson (5'11) walk on at Auburn. Other notable Irish squads were the 2016-17 Knoxville Catholic team, finished the season 31-2, TSSAA Class AA state runner-up, team was led by Belmont guard Luke Smith and ETSU post Brock Jancek, they had a 28 game winning streak, lost to Maplewood 60-57 in the championship game. This team averaged 76 ppg and gave up 44 ppg. The 2021-22 Fighting Irish team was 28-4, nationally ranked as high as 17th. Led by BJ Edwards and Blue Cain. Team lost to undefeated Christian Brothers in the title game, 79-72 (defeated unbeaten Brentwood Academy in the state semi-finals). Edwards played with a broken foot in the state tournament which he injured in the MUS game, in the state quarter finals. 3 of their 4 losses were to Memphis teams CBHS, Memphis East, Bartlett, and national power IMG.

I agree, being spread like it is, I don't see how the TSSAA is making any money. 4 and 5 team districts, an entire football class in D2 made up of just 12 teams. In my opinion it looks bad. They should go back to 3 classes in basketball for DI, two classes for DII, in football 4 classes in DI and two classes in DII. But alas. it's not my decision.

Does anyone else believe that the TSSAA should return to 3 classifications in basketball?

I know a lot of coaches that were and are interested in the position at KCHS, I guess it's finding the right fit. Luke wanted to get into college coaching, so he took the opportunity that was presented. As far as Coach Blair, there are way too many stories floating around to know what is actually true so I don't want too or will speculate.

That would be good hire.

I moved out of state so I haven't been in the loop on what was going on with the new Coach. I do know that Luke Smith took a college coaching position.

Coach Parrot took over during the 2016-17 season. My son played for Catholic and they played Bearden twice that year. The Irish beat Bearden 82-51 at Bearden and then on senior night at Catholic they beat them 67-63. Bearden was really young then starting all sophomores. Catholic started 3 seniors and 2 juniors and finished the season 31-2 they were also the Class AA state runner-ups.

I use to coach at UH in the 90's with Joe McPherson. I love it when the Jr. Bucs do well.

I've heard rumors that Brentwood Academy was going to try and hire Coach Quarrels. I think he will stay in the college ranks.

I agree, if he goes back to high school, Brentwood Academy would probably be the place. My guess is he will stay in college. He will get hired as an assistant some where.

I assumed Oak Ridge was missing a few players because they usually have guys play both sports, the only rotation Catholic player that plays football is Quincy (maybe Aron), But then again I don't know who the new players would be for the Irish. Nevertheless a good win by Coach Blair and staff. I hope they do well this season, tough schedule for Catholic.

I use too, but not anymore, I coach out of state now, but still follow the Irish.

Not sure about the Freshman tournament from two years ago, but they won the JV tournament last year. Beat Catholic in the championship.