deputydog

Sullivan North won the game 73-61.

Sure G-P should be the favorite next year since they are moving down in classification, but don't expect a cakewalk. And also, what does talent and strength have to do with coaching? The worst thing they could do is to underestimate these teams and coaches, but our region is used to it.

Cloudland definitely came to play last night. Tolley established himself early inside and they shot the ball well from the perimeter. Hampton got off to a fairly decent start but then Cloudland switched to a zone and the Bulldogs were unable to make any shots, I believe that they shot between 10-15 percent for the game. The way that Cloudland played was very impressive and if they carry that form into the District Tournament it could get very interesting between them, Unaka and University High. I can't say that I have seen them play any better than they did last night.

Very well put osubrutus. You hit the nail on the head. It is always hard for a coach to try and find minutes for all the players, but depth is a good problem to have. That is if the girls or boys buy into the program.

Need any information on Jacksboro Middle School Girls Basketball team. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

F.Y.I... I just heard on the radio that the games were still on but it would be varsity games only, beginning at 5:00. This was on WJCW 910 AM.

Obviously I watched a different game than some of you. I saw calls on both sides that weren't called. You talk about the undercutting, how about the illegal screens that were set all night and were not called? The refs let it get out of hand but is that Hampton's fault, I think not. You guys were complaining about the officiating when the teams played at Volunteer and you guys won 91-54. Give it a rest. With the talent that your team has there should be no excuses needed. Lindholm is the best player that I have seen so far. With all of that athleticism and depth I don't see any reason why you cannot beat Elizabethton or Central.

I know I am showing my age by this but two great shooters from the 70's at Hampton were Randy Waycaster and Craig Fair. Randy was more of a set shooter with great range while Craig had picture perfect form. This was before the days of the 3 pt. line too. I watched Craig score 48 points, still a HHS record, and if the 3 pt. line would have been in then he would have had over 70. They could really shoot the rock.

He had unbelievable range on his shot. He was in range as soon as he crossed half-court. He played at Haywood Co. if I'm not mistaken.

I played against him in the early 80's and you are right he was tough. Didn't he go on and play at Maryland? George Pitts was their coach then, so you can imagine what kind of team they had.

Everyone should keep the families of the astronauts and our nation in their prayers as well as all of our service men who are overseas in this tense time.

Congratulations Coach Smith and Highlanders. A big win for you in the conference. Keep up the hard work.

Well said Diggs9, I couldn't have put it any better myself, probably not as good as you did. A good mark for you. [Edited by deputydog on 1-20-03 7:17A]

It is obvious that you know nothing of what you speak so I am not going to argue with you. The coaching staff does a fine job and you should be glad that they are on your side.

They added Gatlinburg-Pittman and Cumberland Gap to their schedule as they are both new members of the conference. They also picked up Knox Catholic to replace Unaka who would not play. I am not sure where any of these games are as of yet.

It is nice to hear that you have gone into coaching now. Imagine the Bulldogs not being able to replace Kevin Harrison. It would be like Unaka trying to replace Cody Collins and Derek Cline or Elizabethton trying to replace Walter Brown and Lester Bailey. Good guards like that just don't grow on trees. The Moss boy is doing a commendable job for the most part. Like all, he has his moments both good and bad. And as for the discipline, the players that have done this are sophomores and I agree that there is no excuse for it but they will learn after they get some pine time because of it. You can second guess all you want but I continue to support the Bulldogs and Coach Hazelwood in all that they do. If that's what kind of fan you are maybe you should look for another team.

Here I am tdog. I try to stay out of things that don't affect me but I will state my opinion since you asked for it. It is true that I was impressed with U.H. at the christmas tournament at Hampton, but until they prove to me that they can focus in for four quarters and get over the hurdle and beat Unaka they are not the favorite in my opinion. Unaka keeps coming at you the whole way. If U.H. has trouble with the press they are doomed, not to mention the crowd noise that they will encounter at Snavely gymnasium tonight. I am going with the Rangers until U.H. proves to me that they can get it done when it counts. Tonight will definitely be an exciting game to watch.

Did Walter Brown play for the Cyclones or is he still out of town? I also heard that he may not be coming back, but you know what kind of rumors that you can hear. The Toppers will play the Bartlett team because they beat Tenn. High by 30. Should be an up tempo game.

You say that the Tolley boy seems to be a non coach's favorite...Well if he would come to practice every once in a while maybe he would be favored, as you say. No matter how good a player he is, and he could be a lot better if he would put some effort into it, he is still responsible for attending practices. No one is above the team, and until he learns this lesson he will never realize his potential.

Even though their record isn't sparkling as of now, they will be a force to be reckoned with come tournament time in 1A. Coaches Ensor and Smith will get things ironed out, just wait and see.

Are all three of these games on the road or what? Cloudland and Gate City would have been a good matchup. I am happy that Cloudland was able to fill out their schedule but once again I think it is absurd that they have to go out of state to do it when they should be able to fill it within their own county and surrounding area. Some things never change.

I was fortunate to witness three of the games last night and what dandies they were. First off North Greene beats Cloudland with a fifteen footer at the buzzer to win by one(51-50). Next, Unaka makes a three pointer with two seconds left to beat H.V. by three(66-63) and finally Hampton and Whitesburg went down to the wire before Whitesburg won out 78-72. Three great games that were not decided until the final seconds. That's what tournament action is all about. Saturday night's games will be: Cloudland vs. Happy Valley, Unaka vs. North Greene, Hampton vs. Unicoi Co., and finally for the championship will be Whitesburg vs. University High.

Any college that gets Mark will be glad that they did after they see what he can do. Size is often times overrated. It does help but speed and heart are great equalizers. Mark is a tremendous young man and a person that I would want to have on my team. Whoever get's him will be glad that they "risked" a scholarship on him. Players like him don't come along too often.

Coach Jerry White was genuinely touched by the brief but poinant ceremony last night before the 'Dogs played the 'Landers. For a man who has given so much to so many this brief ceremony finally gave him his moment in the sun. He had kind words for all of his former assistants and players as well as the fans who had supported his teams through the years. Having coached at both Cloudland and Hampton this was the perfect time for this. Thanks go out to Dave Ridenour from Athletic House for him making the trip up from Rutledge and having the Jersey made special for Coach White. And by the way, the fans were treated to a great game as both teams played hard until the final buzzer. All in all a great night for Coach White and those who greatly appreciate all that he has done.

A well deserved honor for all four. Especially glad to see that Barnett finally got some recogniton. He doesn't get the publicity that the others get but he iswas a key cog in the Highlander machine. Congratulations to all four.