Agent47

I didn't say say that I think Coach Dyer should have got the award. If I would have had a vote, I would have chosen Coach Morgan. And as for me saying that everyone hated DB, I was talking about the players and media. I didn't know the coaches voted for the awards, I thought the media dealt with that, so I'm sorry about that. I know many reporters and other media that really do hate DB so that's where that was coming from. The coaches don't hate them, they may be jealous of everything they have and their success, but they do respect them, not hate them. I'm a county school guy that just likes to see the little guys get recognized, that's all. I personally know Coach Dyer and have spoken with him about all the struggles that he has went through during his long coaching career and I was just sticking up for him. I'm happy for him whether he deserved it or not. Don't accuse me of "hating" because I respect DB as much as anyone. They were the only team, along with SH, that I was never able to beat in my 4 year career. Sure, I didn't like them due to the fact that I couldn't beat them during my playing days but that was a long time ago. I have met many DB players and coaches over the years, including Coach Morgan, and I have the upmost respect for how they play on the court and how they act off the court. Also, the "good teams" I was referring to were DB and SH. Now you can't sit here and say that East had as much athletic ability and size as DB and SH. Yea sure they had 3 great shooters and athletic ability has nothing to do with shooting, they worked hard to be able to shoot like that, it didn't come naturally to them like athletic ability does. The big kid you referred to, Kyle Barnes, was only 6-4 and he was the tallest guy on the team. Every team in the conference other than Crockett had 2 to 4 guys at least 6-5 or more and East's other players barely even reach the 6 foot mark. Not to mention they looked like a bunch of toothpicks running around out there, except for Barnes who is a big hefty guy. Now you can disagree with me all you want and argue with me about my opinion because that's the whole reason these boards were created, so thay we can express our opinions. But NEVER call me a "hater" because that's just flat out wrong and you have no room whatsoever to question whether I'm a hater or not because you don't know me.

Coach Dyer won the award because for the most part, everyone pulls for the underdog and East was the definitely the ultimate underdog this year. They were small, didn't have that athletic ability compared to the good teams, and weren't as strong physically. No one, other than themselves, believed that they would be as good as they were. I agree 100% that Coach Morgan did a great job this year and that Williams should have been recognized a lot more than he was. The fact of the matter is that East was the feel-good story of the year and everyone hated DB. And if you ask Coach Morgan about what he thinks, I'm sure the only thing he cares about is that his team is going to state, not that he didn't win coach of the year.

Yes, Shepherd is supposed to pitch against DB. The spotlight was not on him last year because of all the great players in the conference last year, especially the guys at DB. That's probably why you do not remember him.

Don't overlook DB. They played great against Bearden tonight and if they play like they did tonight, they can beat anybody. Ridgeway and Oak Ridge, however, I believe are the favorites to win it all this year. It should be a great tournament. Good luck to all of the teams.

Congrats to DB on this huge win. They proved me wrong along with a lot of other people. I hope they can take this momentum into the state tourney and pull off some more upsets.

Matt Shepherd looked great in the fall and has improved a lot since then. Other than him, the rest of the team is questionable. Tyler Gaby, Tyler Crowder, and Travis Mullins and a few underclassmen will surround Shepherd this year and they have to step up and play well if they want to be a contender this year. Those guys have some talent but consistency will be a major issue for them.

If Oak Ridge does those 2 things, SH has no chance.

Who are the best athletes competing this year and which teams are the best?

Bearden over DB - If DB can play their best game of the year, they have a slight chance of winning. Oak Ridge over Science Hill - SH has no chance. White County over Red Bank Cleveland over Siegel Clarksville over Hillsboro Antioch over Wilson Central White Station over Raleigh Egypt Ridgeway over Craigmont

I have never experienced Unicoi's student section because I have never played at Unicoi's court, so I can't comment on the student's sportsmanship. However, their players showed us respect and acted with class and integrity when I played them earlier in the season. They deserve to go play in the state tourney and I hope they get that opportunity. Good luck Devils.

It's not gonna really matter who wins because neither Dobyns Bennett nor Science Hill can beat either of these teams in the sub-state game. But if I had to make a prediction, I would have to say that Oak Ridge will win this one.

Congratulations Coach Anderson for all your hard work and dedication over the years.

It will be Science Hill and DB in the Region 1 Final.

Cocke County penetrates to the basket very well and their 2 big guys crash the boards relentlessly. They don't shoot many 3's but if left open , they can knock it down. SH should have no problems if they stop dribble penetration and force them to stay out on the perimeter and they obviously have plenty of athletes that can do that. I have SH winning by 10 or 15 in this one.

I think DB has the edge in this one. I agree that it will be a close game, but I just don't see DB getting beat until they face one of the Knoxville teams at sub-state.

In Northeast Tennessee, Matt Shepherd, who has signed with Tennessee Tech, is the best pitcher in that area. He throws consistently in the high 80's and has great offspeed stuff. He has looked great in practice so far and has improved a lot since last year. I look for him to have an outstanding season.

Sullivan East can be a dark horse this year only if the players surrounding Tennessee Tech bound Matt Shepherd can help take the load off of his shoulders.

Congratulations to the 4 teams that advanced to the semi-finals. I also want to congratulate Sullivan East for the great season they had this year, they just came up a little short tonight.

I played McDonald in the Arby's Classic. The quickest player I have ever had to guard. He's one of the best shooters I have ever seen. He left a lasting impression on me when i saw his feet flying above my shoulders lol. Based on my experiece playing him, he seems like the kind of player that would fit perfectly in Bruce Pearl's system down at UT. Personally, thats where I hope he goes. But if UT is not his choice, I hope its UNC, because i hate Memphis.

i hate to tell you but theres some homecookin at the topper palace as well. even if your best player is out, Science Hill still has lots more talent than central and should still beat them. and nobody cares who got whooped in the parking lot, the game is what matters, not who won out in the parking lot.

East's supporting cast were definitely the ones that showed up to play last night. Koree Deeb and Jordan Cross were their leading scorers. Dillon Faver stepped up and had a great game as well. But what won the game for East was rebounding. They dominated Volunteer on the boards and kept their composure the whole game.

Does anybody know anything about that McDonald kid that plays for Briarcrest?

I was hoping that UT would fire Bob Kesling and hire Tom as the new "Voice of the Vols," but o well.

Yea that is off topic but I agree. I was at the THS, East game and it looked like THS couldn't call out their plays because the place was so loud. I haven't seen many student sections around here get as loud as East's students did that night.