Morton

I posted this in the 3/4AA thread, but thought it was worth repeating, in a different version. TSSAA's desire to make everyone happy and give all schools an equal playing field has devalued the elite talent of this state in terms of football. Tennessee ranked as one of the lowest in the country for football talent out of high school. This is because TSSAA has strangled football programs from having year round football like they do in Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, and even Georgia. All out of fear of offending the rural/small town football fan that thinks their high school is getting short-changed at an opportunity for a state championship. Doesn't TN have EIGHT gold balls every year between D1 and D2? This is ridiculous. Some states still only have ONE. Does that Gold Ball in AAA really matter, when you couldn't play the 6A team and see if you could beat them, and I content that most of the top teams in all the top four divisions could compete with each other. The problem is that D2 schools have to abide by the same rules, so their players do not play spring ball, or summer elite camps, etc.... Private/public players BOTH suffer as a result. It is really unfortunate that exceptionally talented football players that could be five star recruits in another state are at minimum three star in the state of Tennessee because of TSSAA. This is the difference between a scholarship to a big academic school versus a junior college. Mind you.. TSSAA is just trying to make everyone happy, which is impossible. I look at schools they have lumped into AAAA for playoffs that population-wise should be AA at best, just because they have had success in the past. TSSAA is killing the state of Tennessee's reputation and the potential of our future athletes by six gold balls in D1 and two in D2, and by not allowing year round football. Allow these athletes to develop and have futures and the opportunities they deserve versus making them all suffer for the egos of some parents. Open the borders on counties and let their be powerhouses. It would be the best thing for these athletes futures, and would certainly stop this whole poor me syndrome on this site. Put the publics in one, put the privates in another, and let them play year round. Two gold balls.. One public, one private, and let the cream of the crop go on to playing on our TV Saturdays and Sundays and give back to their communities HERE IN TENNESSEE!!! Ready for the backlack... bring it...

Why the dead period? This is ridiculous!!

TSSAA has handicapped Tennessee football players from even competing with Florida, Alabama, Texas, etc.. for scholarships and looks from big NCAA schools because of all the rules/limitations placed on playing football in Tennessee. Don't we have SIX gold balls now? That is ridiculous!!! As a UT fan, it is embarrasing the talent this state produces. This is because every parent wants their child who plays football to have an 'opportunity' to win a gold ball. So much so, that a successful football program that is 2A population-wise, gets bumped up to 4A, so that they will not win. The rural/small schools want the urban/private schools to feel their pain to make an even playing field. This only hurts the kids that could have college educations and careers from football. The kids cannot play spring ball, have multiple dead periods, etc... You wonder why these other states have more kids going on to play NCAA and NFL? They don't have the TSSAA squishing their potential and dreams. Wake up Tennessee, and model your football programs so that the kids with talent, are not handicapped when it comes recruiting time. I know what you are thinking.. go private, play D2. Unfortunately, TSSAA makes them abide by the same rules as D1. If you ever want to see the elite players in this state go to the next level, quit handicapping them.

I would love to see Clarksville Academy pull it out... Well balanced team, and very tough defense. I guess we'll see...

I have been a follower of this district for a long time, and I just have to say that CPA's coaching is so much better than the rest of this district. DL has so much talent and athleticism, but every coach in 10AA knows how to prepare for DL, because nothing has changed in 20+ years. If they don't get points on transition, then it is the same motion play with either someone cutting to the basket or a three point shot. Hmm... not too tough to defend... especially if you press, and force them to a 1/2 court game. The DL/CPA game was game was great, and both teams played there hearts out. CPA always has the edge. I'm guessing CPA's basketball coach is not the coach of any other sports program - right? DL really needs to look at their girls basketball program, and make some changes if they ever want to get back to the Boro. East Lit and Hume Fogg are getting ready to be dominant programs with coaches that want to prepare their players for the next level (CPA has been there for two years, and I only see them getting better). Good luck CPA!!! Hope you kick tail, and go far in the state tourney!

I will tell you one thing about CPA.. they are very well coached. There were teams in their district that probably had more athleticism and talent, but their coach had them prepared for every game with the perfect game plan to frustrate their opponents. They are very disciplined players that listen to their coach, and do not make many mistakes. They have a balanced attack of strong inside play and reboundind, and are very productive from outside the arch. They are tough to defend. Man-to-man opens up the lane, and zone opens up the three point game. I've always rooted for one of their arch-rivals, but I must say it is nice to see this group who has persevered and worked so hard to make it this far. I've gotta pull for CPA! Make Nashville proud girls!!

I think with Jamie Webb back at DL, things are looking like a strong push through the rest of the season and the tourney. She makes Lipscomb well balanced. Great inside with Bridges, and incredible 3 point shooting by Salfley, Webb is the triple thread (great D, offense, and leadership). Looking forward to seeing these lifelong friends make it happen their senior year!!!!

Congrats to Kelli Cowan on her 1000th point!! Congrats to Jamie Webb on a 22 pt game! I think the top dogs are definitely CPA, East Lit, and David Lipscomb. I think East Lit's win over CPA was crucial for them in the standings. CPA is a mental team, and now East Lit is in their head. Dr No is right that DL gives up leads, this is because they never keep the starters in the game when they get a good lead. Lipscomb is all about giving all the girls an opportunity to play. This leads to a set of five on the floor that are not used to playing together in practice, much less in a game. While the varsity playing time is good experience for the younger players, it means no huge wins and sometimes losing games they should have won. This was DL's problem last year. The players were never able to get into a rythym because of too many substitutions. Mind you.. they have a solid program every year, so maybe losing a few games is worth the playing time for the younger girls. Remember.. this is nothing but standings for the tournament. My money is on Cowan and East Lit, but I'd love to see DL keep improving. CPA.. super experienced and some veterans that are used to winning. Great year for 10AA. I like the competition and make-up of this new district. Great parody and games the fans are really enjoying. As usual.. refing is subpar, but it is high school

I'm in the dark also Dr. No. I know that Lipscomb and CPA have had success against the publics. I think CPA has the edge, but Lipscomb will give them a fight every game(just like last year). Lipscomb is returning two starters (Bridges and Woods). Webb might as well have been a starter, because she probably has as much playing time as the starters last season. She is excellent and can play any spot on the floor. I'm guessing she'll be at the 4 spot as a starter. I think HFA is going to suffer without Bagwell. CPA has two great seniors, and are probably the best coached team I saw last year. I'm doubting that has changed. This is always an interesting district, and I'm excited to see what happens this year.

Great Win Lipscomb!!!

No posts on this volatile district the past few years... Last year, CPA won it, but with close competition from DL, FRA, and Hume Fogg. With FRA moving on D2, Hume-Fogg Bagwell-less, and DL graduating a crop of seniors what are your thoughts?

Gotta say I agree. I think that CPA/Bolivar is a toss-up. CPA's coaching is some of the best in the state, so they will be prepared. I am going to take a chance, and say Upperman beats McMinn. It is a close one, but I think Upperman may have the edge.

I have watched several district and region games this year (boys and girls) in different divisions. The reffing was just HORRIBLE when the local team was in the game. I'm glad that MC and DL had Spring Hill refs. It HAD to be more unbiased than some of the craziness I have seen this year. I watched a 1A game last night that was laughable. It sounds like both these teams could make it to the Boro. Let's hope TSSAA pulls out the ref A team!

Thanks for the details. I heard an audio-version on a phone call from someone who attended, and I heard it was a great game. One of those games where no one should have lost. Looks like the fans were the winners - huh? Again... good luck to both teams. Hope you meet again at the Boro!!!

Would love more details about the game?? DL and MC had such a great football rivalry, I'm sure it has carried over to bball. Three of DL's starters had their sites set on that football state champ ring. I'd love to see one of these teams make it all the way. Details???

Lipscomb wins 99-94 in double OT. Congrats Mustangs!! See you at David Lipscomb on Monday in a very tough sub-state game. Good luck to Marshall County in their game as well. Hopefully, we'll meet up again down the road.

Just got a text that they are in double OT.

Sounds like an awesome game!!! Would love DL to have that home court advantage at substate!! Final score?

ditto... keep the updates coming.

You are right. Marshall County fans were never on Coach T bragging about their ranking. As a matter of fact, their entire district was very quiet. I think most Marshall Co threads were started by other districts that knew they would face them in region, sub-state, state... etc... As a 9AA fan, I must tell you I am not surprised that Hume-Fogg pulled this upset. I watched this team play multiple times this year, and they are like a rabid pack of dogs... never, ever give up. Bagwell is probably one of the best all-around athletes I have ever seen. I saw HF down by 11 and take the lead in less than two minutes, strictly by Bagwell's defense, hands, and athleticsm. The only reason why they had losses or close games in 9AA, is because all teams knew to play zone against Gooch and double team Bagwell. Marshall Co probably had no film to know how to defend such an explosive player/team. Marshall Co is a great team, but I think HF had the edge just by the caliber of teams they played all season. Marshall Co is very similar in style to CPA and David Lipscomb, so Hume-Fogg was used to playing against a team with a big dominant inside player. I look forward to seeing Lauren March playing at MTSU next year. Marshall Co is a class school and program!!! You always hate to see the seniors pain after their last high school game. Just remember all the great life lessons they learned from this sport. They will be greater women in the future as a result of learning to win and lose gracefully, work as a team, commitment to a goal, and know that sometimes life just is not fair. The majority of these players will never play organized ball again. Just know their contributions to society will be impressive as a result of their basketball years.

I hope you are right! If Ezell wins tonight, they will have a pretty nice advantage with the semi's and finals on their home court. Good luck.

FRA and Ezell should be two of the top teams in the district. Davidson Academy is pretty good, but depends on the year. Knox Webb has a very good coach and has had a tradition of stand-out players. Things can change, but I predict FRA and Ezell to be dominant. Good luck to both of you next year. With those teams exiting, I believe that David Lipscomb and CPA will be the strongest teams in 9AA next year. Without Bagwell, Hume Fogg is going to suffer. East Lit and MLK will be the wild cards. I believe that 9AA is gaining Hunters Lane and Glencliff - right? I saw both of them play in the Overton tournament, and unless they have some strong players coming-up next year, they won't fair to well. This district, however, tends to bring out the competitors in everyone.

I think you need to add Evan Webb from David Lipscomb. He is just now turning it on... Best all-around athlete on the team, and best defender (needless to say dominating fource offensively). I suspect that he will get the numbers in the district and region tourneys.

Lady Mustangs!! You looked awesome on Senior night. I know that the emotion of the core-four had a lot to do with it. You had two starters very sick (one with Strep and the other toting a 103 fever earlier in the day). Way to persevere!! Your defense and rebounding were phenominal. I think you just might have the confidence to carry you into winning the district tourney. You should have a healthy team by then, since the majority of the team has been sick the last two weeks, you should be healthy first round. You have nothing to lose...Go for it!!

I have held my tongue all season, but have to give thoughts prior to tournament time... FRA is really impressing me. They are much quicker than any team, I have watched thus far. They were 100% prepared for the DL game tonight. You can tell these girls are watching film, and their coach set-up a defensive plan that kept DL from getting the ball to their sweet spots (Ellenburg and Wood). Unfortunately, DL's remaining line-up did not step-up. This led to some substitutions that affected momentum and led to even less scoring and more turnovers. DL shut down their big offensive threat (Wyatt), only to have Kaitlyn Smith dominate. She had an incredible game. I agree that some of the DL players have been/are sick, but that is no excuse for the butt-whooping they took tonight. FRA looked awesome, and DL looked desperate. I agree with HSSPORTNUT. DL's coach needs to let his go-to players play through the slumps in lieu of making some of the questionable subbing decisions (mind you I don't see what he does in practice every day). The only other team to beat DL this bad was the second time they played Hillsboro. Pitiful performance by the Lady Mustangs. The thing that puzzles me.. there were no DL starters in foul trouble... why not let the starters play? Score was FRA 10 and DL 9. DL pulls Keen and Wood (two of their best defenders). Why???? CPA has such good coaching that they seem to keep slipping through close games. I agree that Hume-Fogg is going to get them with Bagwell playing in this rematch on Tuesday. I give the defensive coaching edge to CPA, but give the athleticsm edge to Hume-Fogg. Maria Bagwell is probably the best all-around player in the district. I am especially impressed with her ability to steal the ball without getting hand-check fouls. She is smooooooth. Gooch is going to give Mitchell fits down low, especially if HF plays zone and double teams her. She can be easily pulled into jump ball situations (CPA passes low inside, and she tends to tuck and hold). She could draw so many fouls if she just stayed high with the ball. I'm sure she will be the best post in the district next year if CPA can master the lob pass over her shoulder. I'd say that MLK, East Lit, Pearl, and Ezell are the bottom four, but you cannot count any of them out. If DL plays like they did tonight, they will lose to Ezell and Pearl. It still will not lose them the #4 seed, but it will be a momentum killer for tourney. MLK's post height and strength is daunting. I believe they are finally starting to monopolize on that advantage. Pearl's 3 pt shooting is really good, and getting better every game. They know this is what they need to open the lane for Battles. I remember that East Lit was in the bottom four of the district last year when they faced #2 seed David Lipscomb in the first round of districts last year, and they won that game, and went on to region. DL is not going to have an easy ride in the first round regardless of where they land seeding-wise. Neither is CPA or Hume Fogg. MLK is improving every game and has a huge momentum right now. Pearl-Cohn is very athletic and can shoot. There is no easy win anymore (except for FRA tonight). It is going to come down to who wants it the most, and which coach is ready to put in the time to know their opponents and prepare their team. Preparation, heart and health. That's where we stand right now!! Maybe FRA caught the crud inflicting the DL team right now (really - just kidding). May the BEST teams win the tournament and put up a good-showing in the region. It's been a fun year (and not fun sometimes). Just a word of encouragement to the DL girls. You all have waited three/four long years to play in a varsity game. Remember that you are a team and great athletes. This is your last year playing together. Have fun and remember all the years in WNSL, Middle School, and JV. You went undefeated most of those years. You know that you have the chemistry and the talent...just believe in yourselves and play like coach Carter is yelling at you... push it!! Good luck to all!!