BEARCLAW

It was unfortunate the young man was injured, but he received the injury because he caused the foul. Would you like to see the tape of the game? Yes there were a ton of bad calls BOTH WAYS. GP lost because a better team beat them. Coaches are allowed to "push" the officials as far as they will allow with comments. There are set rules as to where the coaches have to stay while they coach. GP coach doesn't "push" that rule, he just plain ignores it and needs to be set down.

KEV...... What a game! GP lead up to the end. Seems the Grizzlies are still a "comeback" group. Both teams played a good game. It was a VERY physical game. One of GP's players and Skylar "butted" heads and the GP player ended up with a pretty bad cut over his eye. Officials let things get a little too rough. Lot of pushing and hip pushing under the goals. Too many bad calls BOTH WAYS. Although I'm sure some will say the calls were very "one sided", the Grizzlies received a lot of bad calls as did the Highlanders. One thing I can't understand is why the officials continue to allow the GP coach to stay out of his "box" and spend as much time out on the floor as the players. I guess someone needs to ask some higher up TSSAA officials why a coach is allowed to spend so much time on the floor during play. Good mind tactic though. Sure wouldn't fly if I were playing. One trip down the side court and he wouldn't be out there next trip.

boxn1 did you see the crowd's reaction to that final tip by Humphrey? They sure didn't expect that game to end the way it did. Great win Grizzlies!

Come on KevB. Where is there a better shot than this one? I'm hurt! /dry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="

/popcorneater.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":popcorneater:" border="0" alt="popcorneater.gif" /> How "bout them Pioneers. What a game! The Pioneers just won't quit! This may be the last season for them, but they refuse to die. Comebacks, treys, steals, they did it all! Take nothing from the Longhorns - they played a good game and gave it all they had. Almost pulled it out but the Pioneer Spirit was just too much! Way to go Pioneers. Better get on your toes Unicoi... next on the list! Go Pioneers!

Hoosier, you said it all! No doubt about McBee in the tournament or the DISTRICT either. Hope Johnson County is ready cause they will sure need to be! The Pioneers are pumped and ready. This is their last year, and they are going to make the most/best of it all! Expect a great game at Chuckey Doak Tuesday night!

Right on KevB! Talk is cheap. We'll see what happens on the floor at Chuckey-Doak. Neutral floor for all, and fan's don't have the liberties they have at home. It will be interesting - always is. The Pioneers are on a roll and the corn will pop!

HUSTLE_WILL_WIN - exactly what the Pioneers did tonight! Sullivan North never knew what hit them. Remarkably, it was a fairly well called game - officials from outside our regular group! They missed some calls for North, but followed up with a few for Rutledge. Great job tonight officials! Sullivan North put up a good fight and played an EXCELLENT game. Great sports on the floor and on the bench. Both teams should be commended. Good examples of what champions really should be. How did your Highlanders do in their match-up? I'm sure it was a good game as well. I love to stir the pot on here and needle you guys over in Sevier County, but it's been a good year all the way around. I guess next week in the Regionals at Chuckey-Doak will tell the tale. Whoever is there will play well. Hopefully we will support them as strongly as they play for us! See you up there!

Hustle Man, Bring it on! Rutledge is ready and waiting. The Pioneers can take the knocks, and can hand them out as well. Hope you enjoy the "atmosphere". It will be different to what "North" is used to. Better get there early if you want to sit down! It will be a good game, no matter what! By the way, we play the game one bounce-one shot at a time. What do you guys do?

KevB, what you've said is an understatement! North doesn't have a clue what lies ahead of them- on and off the court. All this foolishness about fence fans, unruly parents, and everything else all those above have grumbled about can't compare what awaits North Saturday night! I've watched student sections harass visitors everywhere in the district. None can compare with the Rutledge Rowdies. I had an official tell me he looks forward to coming to Rutledge because of the atmosphere created by the Rowdies. Do student sections harassing officials and opposing teams affect the game? Ask anyone in the district. Union County, Claiborne County, Cumberland Gap, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and everyone else has an active student section that knows how to get involved. Throw North into that inside the Rutledge gym - and it WILL be packed - and you've got the makings of an interesting game. Hope to see all there Saturday night!

KevB, I'll be a Grizzlie and wear the blue and "Auburn orange", but I won't get over loosing the Blue and White, and the Pioneer. It's useless. The reasons were admirable at the beginning, but as usual some have to whine and cry for what they want over what's best for everyone. At least the Pioneers showed enough class to protest and then move on with it. Maybe for the best anyway! I'll live with it, cheer for them, support them, but will always be a blue & white Pioneer at heart! You should have seen the Pioneers last night in Claiborne! They were hitting on all 8 (4 if you drive one of those annoying rice burners)! Union played well, and both teams showed a lot of class and sportsmanship on the floor! Hats off to both teams and both coaches. The fans got into it a little too much, but that's basketball! Pigeon Forge will be a tough game Tuesday night. We've been able to handle them through the season, even in their crib, but a three-peat will be tough. If the guys will play together, pass the ball for the shot and not the stats, and REBOUND missed shots, we should handle them. Either way, it will be a good game!

Right you are KevB! What a game. The Patriots gave it a run for the money, but once again this year the Pioneers have made a fun for the money! They may not have won the regular season, but either way it goes Tuesday night they've pulled another one! The Pioneer spirit just won't die. It keeps bringing the Pioneers back home to Rutledge. Should tell folks something, we need to be the Pioneers and not the Grizzlies. Since noone is coming over, we don't need a name change! But, what's done is done. They may take the name, but the spirit will live on! Good game Patriots! Class act Coach Jesse! WAY TO GO PIONEERS! /tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":P" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" />

Well.......CARLTON, I didn't see any dancing. Rutledge defeated Claiborne in a FANTASTIC game. They meet Union County and the GREAT Coach Jesse around the big Bulldog tonight. You can bet it will be a good game. Both teams come to the "Bulldog" with what it takes to win. It will depend on how many times the ball falls through the orange hoop. Rebounding will be a biggie as will the treys. All the makin's of a good game. Coach K of Rutledge will have his gameplan and strategy well set before the Pioneers arrive at the gym. He was able to lead them to victory last year, so fingers are crossed for a repeat! By the way, if EAGLEFAN is listening, the road over was MUCH better last night. No need for pitstops along the way this trip! See you there tonight!

Thanks EAGLEFAN85! For some reason agitator sort of dropped out for a while and here he is back again. Seems to appear during tournament time every year. Saw him at Claiborne tonight and I'm sure he will be there the rest of the time. If you are looking for him, look for a tall bald guy sitting near the top on the Bulldog section. You can't miss him! Great game tonight between Rutledge and GP. I can't say I like the outcome/final score, but it was a good game. Ignore agitator and he'll go away. Just wants to argue.

agitator53, you need to get a life. I'm sick of all this crying. Either support the coaches and teams in the district or shut up! It's tournament time, regular season is over. Get over it.

EAGLEFAN85, Sorry you didn't get to see the dance. So the fans were telling you guys they thought you were number 1, hmmm bet I can guess how they were doing that. Union County was in our crib last night, and put on a good shooting performance. Coach Jesse came ready to play. The Pioneers put up a valiant effort, and had the game at one point late on, but things changed. Good game! All make for some good match-ups and games in the district tournament. It will be interesting. Maybe the Highlanders and Pioneers will meet again and we can get past all this "mushy" stuff and get back to some good old arguments on coaches, officials, facilities, and even Vinegar Pie! Enjoy the bumpy ride back over to Claiborne County!

Either way, the tournament games are going to be good! I just hope the officials rise to excell for the occasion!. Hate to keep harping, but the officials who should be calling middle school ball have really done an injustice to all the hard work our kids have put in. They deserve much better!

Dang EAGLEFAN85, nothing gets by you. Thought you might have packed your bags for another stay for the tournament on the state line! Forget the vinegar pie unless you are just adicted to vinegar. Get a burger and some fries topped with a piece of chocolate or apple pie! Take a minute to visit Vetran's Overlook and enjoy the view back towards the Smokies. Doesn't get much better than that! The tournament games will be some of the most exciting we've seen in a while, in my humble opinion! Some good teams and great players - the recipe for some exxxxxxxciting games. And, let's not forget the coaches, they do contribute a little to the game. I'm sure all the drama classes will pay off, especially under the goal. I'm polishing the Oscar tonight for best actor in the tournament. May even have one for the coaches. After the little "dance" CGs coach did Friday night after the victory, we may even pull the dance teams and cheerleaders off the floor for his halftime show. Let's just hope there won't be any "costume malfunctions" during the dance routine!

Thanks a lot VEERMAN8133, I had EAGLEFAN85 convinced the game was at CG. Now he'll find us! Not a bad idea on the shoe deal. Keep us updated!

Thanks EAGLEFAN85 for clarifying your statement. How many points did "coach" get last night? Get any fouls? Just kidding! You know, I just hate it when a good game gets held up forever for halftime activities. Least that could be done is warn everyone ahead of time so they can plan a few more minutes in the dressing room getting ready for the second half. Time-outs at the end of an already lost game? Well..... I believe I'd rather have a coach who never gave up than one who accepts the inevitable and rolls over for a good old belly rub. Man, you guys need to get out more often. Coach was just trying to let you enjoy the beauty of the north side of East Tennessee. Can't let you have all the pretty mountains! Everything else aside, our district has some of the best talent anywhere. Can you imagine the team we could have if we put all this talent together? Unbeatable! I hate to bring it up (not really), but how were the officials? Bad as usual? We had one pretty good one last night, but the rest are ready for the glue factory. Mind games! Coaches are getting pretty good at them. Who knows what might happen if you stall enough? LIke I told VEERMAN before, we've had some pretty good "drama coaches" in the district. Who knows when some of that might pay off. I'd really like for us to get back to just plain old raw talent, dribble the ball, shoot - rebound when necessary, and leave the rest for Hollywood! Won't be long before we are awarding trophies for district winner, MVP, tournament team, and an Oscar for best actor, supporting actor, and director. Come to think of it, some of the officials might get one of those! See you back over in Claiborne County at CG in a week or so. Buckle your seat belt for the bumpy ride over again. Looks like the new road may finally be getting close to open. Thank goodness. My poor old kidneys can't take many more trips! Not a "spring chicken" anymore, but still able to CROW when I need to! ALWAYS A PIONEER!

VEERMAN8133, As they say in the cartoons - "You're a good man Charlie Brown!" Now as for EAGLEFAN85 - let me assure you the "Rutledge Faithful" are still alive and kicking. Who said Rutledge would cruise through the season with no looses? Am I getting that old that I don't remember making that statement? If I did, guess I was wrong! How did GP do at Claiborne last night? Regardless of what the score is/was at the end of the game, the Pioneers will always be number 1 on my posts! VEERMAN85 - man did we ever see a good game last night! Can't say I'm happy with the final score, but both groups of young men played well. The Panthers were just hitting on all 8 cylinders last night. By the way, we hired an acting coach for the men's team this year to help out with "questionable" fouls. You know, as I think about it - several other teams in our district must have hired the same acting coach to help out on their floors as well. Sure does make for an interesting game. Bad calls? Let me say up front that there were some pretty strategic calls both ways, and the Panthers just flat out rebounded and hit their shots to win the game. No crying about that one. (Just for you EAGLEFAN85.) I agree something has to be done about the officials. I think we may just change to another association and get a different crop of "the same". At least it will be different! I'll be the first to say I wouldn't get out there and do what the "striped blind" do for any amount of money they could offer. Been there and done that in softball/baseball. Enough for me. By the way EAGLEFAN85, I was a sorry official. That's why I got out. Don't have to hit me in the head with a rock many times to get my attention! The true shame is that the kids put so much work into getting where they are just to have officials who didn't spend enough time "practiciing" themselves to get ready for the games. Let me say up front, I've seen some good officials in our district this season. Everyone makes a bad call from time to time. Even me, EAGLEFAN85, and I'll admit to that. But...... when it gets as consistent as it's been lately, the good officials have to suffer on the court with the rest of us. Point in fact - I watched the b-team officials practicing their hand signals and calls behind the bleachers before the game started, and this wasn't their first ATTEMPT at officiating. I say ATTEMPT because that's the lowest term I have to describe what they did and not be censured on the post! I think I'll start taking a video camera to the games and taping the officials. Forget the players, just the officials and start sending in DVDs of what they are/aren't doing after every game. If enough did that and hilighted the REALLY BAD OFFICIALS, then maybe TSSAA supervisors/administrators would step in. I think one problem is they can't get anyone of QUALITY to step in. Coach McBee had to explain rules from the TSSAA Rule Book last night to one of the officials and he at least had the guts to admit he made a bad call. Faint................ Anyway, good game Panthers. As always the trip across the hill to CG was worth the trip. Just wish the score had been different. See you guys at CG in a week or so at the tournaments! EAGLEFAN85 I still owe you a bag of "corn". VEERMAN8133, I'll get you one too and we can grumble together. GO PIONEERS!

VEERMAN8133, how true - how true - how true. I know the cheerleaders are nice looking, but that's not where the official's attention needs to be. Seen that a lot this year. One official missed a call at his feet because he was flirting during play and one of the other officials had to make the call. I've also seen male officials flirting with female officials during a b-game while waiting for the varsity to play. Come on guys & gals, you are getting paid to watch the game and keep things in line on the court - not off! Sorry veerman8133, but I'm going to have to pull for the Pioneers tonight. Will definately be a good game either way!

VEERMAN8133, YOU ARE THE MAN! What are your predictions tonight? Rutledge at CG - don't you feel like CG will win easily tonight with homecourt advantage, most talented, most depth in the district? GP has a tough one. Will be an intersting night - expect overtime! The recruiters are everywhere looking over the talent. Hopefully the "fat boys" won't slow the game down too much, and the blind boys won't let too many get away. ANY NIGHT OF BASKETBALL IS A GOOD NIGHT - JUST BETTER WHEN THE WIN IS ON YOUR SIDE!

Eaglefan85, Good for you! I'm trying not to be one-sided (unless it's Rutledge and it just is.....) Most of the games lately have been just that. Rutledge drew a foul in Union Co when one of the coaches stood up to give instructions to a player. The official nearest to the coach had no problem, but the YOUNG - INEXPERIENCED official came from the FAR end of the court to call a technical. The official should have been evicted from the gym right then. That call is only one of many, and yes - I know GP and everyone else is getting the same at home and on the road! Do bad calls make a difference in the outcome of the game - sometimes/most of the time. Hence, the true ability of the players and coaches is masked by the inept ability of many of the officials we are getting in this district!

BOXN1, I think the answer to your questions will depend on the officials. They are pretty much controlling win/loose right now - or at least are trying to. None of the teams have as much chance on pure ability this year, it depends on how the officials make their calls. The Pioneers may have a chance if the coaches will stay in their seats and off the floor in the officials faces. Not to say that Coach R, D, McB, and K aren't doing a good job they are! As far as that goes, the rest of the district is in the same boat! I agree, Gap takes the top, but Rutledge will take #2. Not sure where CG will end up.