DaveAAU

OT win for Morristown West over Memphis Central! Not a lot of buzz in this thread on just how good Mo-West is - their only loss the entire year was from Dallas Skyline while they were playing in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix AZ? I get the impression perhaps there are a lot of west TN posters on here unfamiliar with the strength of this team. We're making the trip over to MTSU Saturday to watch the game. I've watched Taylor Hall since she was in middle school and she is just now hitting her stride in reaching her potential. I'm not familiar myself with how good Riverdale is, but this should be a great championship game!

I took a group over to Walters State to watch that game, and I have to say it was a great game by both teams. I was very impressed by Powell and how smart they played, as well as their perimeter shooting. They have clearly proven they are a good team throughout their district and regional run to the sectional. I have to say though, it was heartbreaking for West the way the game ended. To fight back to tie the score and then break down on defense on that last second layup is a tough pill to swallow. They do have some consolation I guess in that the core group of starters will be back next year, and they only lose two seniors this year. Good game though by both teams, both were very well coached, and it was a great atmosphere to watch a game. Definitely worth the price of admission. Congratulations Powell Panthers!

I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head. I've brought my kid through the entire Claiborne school system (Midway, TNT, SMMS, Claiborne) and it's been a frustrating experience the entire time. I've seen parents transfer their kids other places to get away from it but we've tried to keep the faith that fairness would prevail. To those parents that have transferred their kids to Cumberland Gap they unanimously tell me the teachers are better and the school environment is much more conducive to learning. I know kids that live south of New Tazewell and commute all the way to CGHS to bypass Claiborne. Speaking of the "river rivalry" CGHS swept Claiborne last night in the girls JV, girls varsity, and even the boy's varsity game. The Gap has a winning streak started on Claiborne the past couple of years; I guess we'll see what happens when they play the makeup games back at CHS they postponed from December. There are some good teachers and coaches at CHS though - I don't want to generalize too much. Politics does play into too many hiring and team selection decisions - it's so entrenched it's actually nauseating. If I had to do it over again, it'd be a private school or we would move to Hamblen or Knox County.

Oops you jinxed it. Claiborne lost tonight at Gibbs by 9 points, who previously was 2-6. Coach Harville has done a good job with this year's team. They aren't the biggest or the most athletic but they do play with a lot of heart and hustle, and they have a couple of good shooters that compensate for other weaknesses. They played well in team camp last summer and it seems to have carried over into the season. I haven't yet figured out if they are that good, or the rest of the district is down this year. A case in point is their next opponent in Cumberland Gap, who graduated several key players last year, notably Adam Nelson. A review of their roster shows only one big man, 6'5" Timmy Ayers. I don't need my crystal ball to predict that Dennis Ramsey and Clark Debusk should have good stats Friday night and they better be ready to shoot a lot of free throws. The past couple of years the Bulldogs have had some success early in the season but stumbled in post-season play. Hopefully this year they won't peak early and have the energy to make a strong push in district tourney play. As Harville has said, it's not the games you win in December, it's the games you win in February that really matter.

I was at the game and agree, and I'm a Claiborne fan. The officiating was way too tight. They also called about 250 travels, many of them where the ball had clearly left the player's hand before he picked up his pivot foot. In one case, the player didn't move either foot but did a sweep ball fake and was whistled by a ref that was on the backside of the player without a clear view of the ball. We made a game out of it in the stands to watch for the bad calls, and there were many. The players themselves were just playing ball and it wasn't to the point where they needed to do that. Nothing was getting out of hand, but I will give them credit - they were consistent all night by calling everything they could think of, whether it actually happened or not. If you also look at the three refs that called this game, they are known to do this. We have a small group of refs that rotate around the region and as such get the same refs every year. They are so familiar to me I know how the game is going to be called as soon as I see them, and they know the players well enough to "anticipate" their calls. I wish the TSSAA would shake things up in this regard and get us some different officials, just so we would have more objectivity. For the same refs to work the same district every year, that just invites all kinds of things, and none of it is good for the game.

Greetings Grainger fans! After the Claiborne game last night I saw this thread and tried to go back and review what had been posted to determine where last night's results fit into your season thus far. Over the last few years I've attended many Rutledge-CHS games and have become familiar with the faces of your players, if I don't recall all of their names. I was anticipating a great game driving over to Rutledge last night and felt as I was watching warmups that Grainger clearly had a matchup advantage, not only in size but experience at most positions. From my observation it seemed that rebounding and hustle were the difference in the game, with Claiborne crashing the boards and beating Grainger to the loose balls several times. I just didn't see the intensity I expected from Grainger I suppose. What perspective do you all have? BTW, you have a beautiful new school and gym! Very nice facilities and all of the people that were working the tickets and concession stands were very hospitable to the opposing fans. I will miss the old Rutledge gym though because due to its smaller size it seems that the home fans were more imposing. Last night they still made noise, but it just wasn't the same. At any rate, good luck with the season for both teams and we'll see you Jan. 23 in New Tazewell!

I've hesitated to post anything this season so I could wait and see whether improvement has been made. Last season I was at times critical but hopefully always respectful of everyone. Thus far, Claiborne has shown gradual improvement in offensive execution and has much better chemistry than last year, and I'll use the Grainger High game last night as an example: Grainger seems to have their own problems currently, but their roster is experienced and should have caused matchup problems for the Lady Bulldogs. Yet, CHS came out strong with an early lead, and aside from a brief lapse in focus late in the game they played well. I haven't seen the stats but Claiborne appeared to substantially out-rebound them and was clearly more aggressive on both ends. This was certainly noticed by the Claiborne fans attending who gave them a loud ovation at the end of the game. And a big shout-out to those CHS fans is due - there was about as big a turnout for the visiting team as for the home team. I also attended the Morristown West game, and one cannot expect Claiborne this year to matchup with them. M-W is just too fast and has too many offensive threats. Plus, Taylor's ability to defend the paint shuts down Ariel's ability to post up and score off the block, placing more pressure on Mize, Killion, and Lindsey Hall to score from the perimeter. With M-W's relentless press, Claiborne had difficulty just getting the ball into the front court, and lost control of the game practically from the tip. In the end though, it IS just one opponent in the grand scheme of the season and not really a predictor of how the overall season will end up. I personally think they are doing well considering they don't have a height, size or speed advantage against most teams yet compensate with, as their t-shirts say," hustle and heart will set us apart." One quick note on M-W: M-W will be proven in my opinion to be one of the best teams in the region, if not the state. As someone said, they have several talented players, and with the addition of Taylor they have a lot of post-season potential. However, Taylor IS their top player - the M-W coach said as much in the Citizen Tribune after the Cocke Co. game last Tuesday. The sports headline was even subtitled "Hall of a Night" due to her 23 points and 19 rebound performance. There will always be regret all around with her transfer situation, yet I know she has many friends and supporters still in Claiborne Co. that wish her well and hopes she can realize her potential at M-W and be successful at the next level. I certainly do, and will cheer for her regardless of who she is playing.

I just realized the inference to Morristown West yesterday after learning that Hall will be playing there this season. That will be fun to watch!

You are correct. That was what one of the player's mothers actually told me though, so I thought it was reliable info at the time. Incidently, that player transferred to CGHS. I just found out this week that wasn't true (Eli Brooks "supposedly" is the new coach for next year) but forgot about posting that. My sincere apologies for getting one of my own facts clearly wrong. Nice bait attempt with your first post. I don't coach for a particular school; that would be a conflict of interest plus cause problems with TSSAA rules. My background is with Kentucky high school and division I basketball, so this Tennessee thing is always an adjustment process. From where I come from, we breathe basketball every day of our lives, over here in this local area (I'm not talking about ALL of TN) it's mainly something to do after football is over with. The difference in intensity actually about drives me nuts sometimes. I'm not applying or posturing for any coaching jobs though, and have no agenda whatsoever if that's what you are insinuating.

BBBalls - thanks for adding info I didn't know to this "dialog" related to the volleyball scholarship. That makes perfect sense. I'm through trying to debate with people that are not interested in providing verifiable facts as a basis for their opinion. Some people think the truth is whatever someone in authority tells them. That works great in China, Cuba, and Russia, so it has to work for Claiborne High School I guess. Have a good summer everyone!

I would give credence to your argument if you had your OWN facts straight: # 2 and # 9 -- Claiborne girls finished # 3 in the district behind Pigeon Forge (9-1), Cumb Gap (6-4) at 5-5. They finished as District Tournament Runner-Up in a loss to G-P however. Being "selected" as Co-Coach of the Year has nothing to do with how she coached, and with a 9-22 overall record, what was the criteria? What records did she set? None at LMU that I know of, and I have a complete set of stats back to the 1980's: 12 LORI CAPPS: 95-96 Lady Railsplitters 18-10 (7-7) avg. 1.8 PPG 96-97 Lady Railsplitters 14-12 (6-8) avg. 5.0 PPG 97-98 Lady Railsplitters 20-7 (10-4) avg. 4.2 PPG 98-99 Lady Railsplitters 9-17 (2-12) avg. 2.6 PPG on 40% FG shooting and 54.5% FT shooting (her SENIOR year!!) Karra Jackson averaged 10.4 PPG that season by the way...as a FRESHMAN. # 6 -- While it may be true that 3 only "left" the team. Several more got together over the summer and decided not to even play. It's all semantics but those that chose not to play should be counted in the total number of eligible athletes at CHS that could contribute to a more successful team instead of sitting in the stands. When they say out loud "I'm not playing because I don't want to play for this coach" - that should be part of the equation in this re-hiring decision. # 9 -- I would love to see a list of these players. If you make the assertion you at least should back it up. I know every single player going back to SMMS/Midway and don't know who is on your list but sure would like to find out. #10 and # 11 -- Losing Players/Transferring seems "drastic."? No offense, but have you ever played high school sports? There are players that transfer literally all over the U.S. to play for a school that showcases their talents. I know players that transferred every year they were in high school, going from West Va. to Rose Hill in Ky, to Ohio, then back to West Va. (you may know him by the name of OJ Mayo) and I could easily name a dozen more that "shop" schools year to year. The reality is, if any of these kids want to be in the mix for college scholarships, they have to select the team they play for carefully, and if it doesn't work out, then get the heck out of town. At the end of the day, there are anywhere from "three" to several kids impacted by this decision. Some will transfer, some will stay and simply not play, but all will be in some state of unhappiness. I don't think anyone on here has anything personal against the coach (I certainly don't,) but are just trying to be an advocate on behalf of the kids and get the program on the right track again. Through my position I have access to many families with kids attending Claiborne and they all, to the very last mother, are not happy with how things have transpired at the high school they are subsidizing through their school and property taxes. The Board, if they are tuned in at all, has to realize this issue will only escalate once school starts back. It won't go away - but they just might. I feel a political coalition forming this summer to unseat the district seats on the ballot this August, and to finish the job next election cycle. If you are aware of how the districts are drawn up, it only takes a few hundred votes to effect the outcome, and that's easily attainable, thanks mostly to our local citizen's apathy in getting out to vote. I hope things work out, but in all honesty, this upcoming season looks like last year, Part 2.

1. I know for a fact (I asked her myself in April) she wanted to return to Claiborne and play for the team again. The best scenario would have been to hire a new coach and the entire team reunite, and then have a successful season. Until now, the transfer option was merely in a discussion phase, not to the point of being acted upon. 2. I can't fathom what school board members could be thinking with this decision. It will become a backlash as they are up for reelection. Whatever politics were involved is just plain silly because that decision was political poison across the Tazewell/New Tazewell districts. I am firmly on the side of cleaning house in the next two election cycles with this school board and will vote for anyone other than an incumbent. 3. Even if we have a new school board though, the damage is done for this generation of kids. We can only hope a change for the better is instituted for future generations.

This is very disappointing news to hear, and part of a larger problem at Claiborne, and perhaps the Board of Education specifically. Coach Lyles does a good job with football and track, but the other sports really need some new leadership. Whether it is girls or boys basketball, or boys baseball, I continually have to just shake my head at the bonehead decisions that are being made at that school. The kids that cannot afford or simply do not have the opportunity to attend other schools are therefore getting cheated out of a quality athletic experience that will affect them the rest of their lives. There is nothing worse at that age than wasted potential, and a lot of these kids will never know how good they could possibly be. I was very lucky to have went to a school where the coaches were mentors and role models as well as experienced athletes and teachers and have wonderful memories of those years. It hurts me personally on behalf of my child and his friends that they are not getting even close to the same experience I had.

There seems to be some validity to this rumor. More good news: If a new coach is hired, at least one of the key players that did not play this past season told me this week that she will return to CHS next year and play. Everyone is waiting to see if it actually happens and who it will be though. The team tried their best given the turmoil, and to a large degree overachieved late in the season. Hopefully that was a one time deal and going forward things will get back on track for everyone concerned.

Just thought I would mention the CHS principal has given his notice and is leaving I think at the end of this week to accept another job outside of the school system. I can't say whether this will have an impact on the coaching situation but with a new principal at least it brings in a fresh perspective. I was behind the bench at Rutledge and did not see anything that could be construed as bad coaching. The coaching staff and players did very well in a tough gym. I was critical a few weeks ago but the team seems to have adjusted and is doing much better now. I know, it would probably do much better with the other players, but right now we have to deal with the present season, not the past nor whatever happens next year. They are in a tough stretch this week, hosting Cumberland Gap tonight, G-P Friday, Union Co. Monday, and then Cherokee Tuesday. Let's support them through this and hopefully go into the district tourney with some momentum.

Cumberland Gap is solidly there. I think they remember the loss they had last year in the tourney and are determined to get past District play this year. Coach Wolfenbarger won't settle for anything less than 100% effort from his team the rest of the way. It's a bit of a toss-up among Gatlingburg-Pittman, Union Co., and Rutledge for runner-up: G-P - well coached team with a lot of poise. Would have the edge in a close game. Union Co. - fighting for respect and handed Cumb. Gap their first district loss Friday. Rutledge - the "cinderella" team and everyone's sentimental favorite to close out the Pioneers' last season on a high note. Claiborne and Pigeon Forge are at the bottom of the district this year. I'm not sure what is wrong with PF but Claiborne lost several seniors last year and are a year or two away from being at full strength. They have a decent group of juniors but the talent is more prevalent among the 2010 sophomores, so they should be better next year and peak two years from now.

The Rutledge-Claiborne game last night was one of the more exciting games I've seen in the district this year. The game initially was led by Claiborne but the Pioneers kept making runs to keep the lead close. In the 2nd half they were able to go ahead briefly but the Bulldogs regained the lead throughout most of the 4th quarter. Rutledge again with on a run behind an excellent effort by McBee hitting some clutch 3's and capturing several steals on inbounds passes, and with a few free throw exchanges sent the game into overtime. The OT period was mostly a free throw shooting contest behind intense full court ball pressure, with Rutledge making theirs and Claiborne missing several key shots, including a couple at the end that could have won the game for them. With only a few seconds left, CHS was on the line, down 1, with two double bonus FT's, and missed both of them. As always at Rutledge, the crowd was a huge factor in motivating their team to come back and pull out the win. I also admire the refs for not over-reacting to the crowd or the pressure they were feeling to make calls from both benches. Even with all the emotion, no one got T'd up last night. As Rutledge moves into the new Grainger Co. HS next year, I have to say I'll miss some of these exciting games in that old gym. Great game by both teams!

I wouldn't read too much into the G-P game. They also played poorly and lost against Pigeon Forge at home. Based on the way this week has went, I would give the edge to Rutledge for Friday. They've had several snow closings and shortened class days all week, and there is word today that another player has quit the team. That leads me to believe they don't have a positive mindset right now, but that's just being in the area and not actually watching practices. One thing is for sure, their bench depth has all but disappeared. If they get into foul trouble, they will be hard pressed to fill positions. Rutledge is a tough place to play anyway, so if your girls play aggressive but under control and the crowd is vocal you should get the win.

Ah, I thought when this thread was updated we would be talking basketball instead of rehashing the same old issue. Regardless of the current situation, and I've been critical in the past for full disclosure, I say let's just finish this season out and let the administration handle it at the appropriate time. The girls that are now on the team are putting forth a huge effort to win and need everyone's support the rest of the way. This team is going to have some toughness and character to it eventually, due to the adversity they've faced this year. Now for the basketball: Union Co. visiting Claiborne Tuesday night - will the Lady Patriots adjust their game plan from last time or will Nickel take it to them again? What pace favors each team? Will Union be able to get a win in district play at the expense of the Lady Bulldogs? Last time Union Co. from what I remember didn't get a lot of help defense so I expect that to be corrected this time. The counter for Claiborne is to recognize the help and find open teammates. Something I observed at the Pigeon Forge game that is a recurring weak spot for Claiborne is ball control. It sounds obvious, but a team with a weak offense absolutely cannot afford a lot of turnovers and has to make every single possession count. Patience and Poise are two things these girls need in the worst way. That said, Union Co. may try to disrupt, deflect, and deny every pass and shot - I know I would. Winning formula (for either team): Ball pressure (shutting down 2 of 3 options, usually shot and pass, leaving dribble) = turnovers, offensive fouls * To make ball pressure work, there has to be help and recovery if beat off the dribble, and with skip passes there has to be a "beat the ball" attitude to close out open shooters. Looking forward to the game. Go Lady Bulldogs!

Congrats on the win last night Rutledge! Just checked out the paper and saw you beat CGHS last night. As for Union County, they are trying hard to get a district win so traveling into Maynardville you might face a team that is ready to play ball. Pigeon Forge beat them last night 55-39. Just prepare the players to focus and block out the fans because they are always loud and rowdy. Good luck again Friday!

Interesting thread here. I think I agree with most of what everyone has said. As someone (obviously by my handle) involved in AAU, I've seen too much focus on one sport gone too far. It will and has burned out many a kid, but these are not the ones we hear about since they don't get the coverage that the D1 success stories receive. My own kid, who is a sophomore, got to the point this year where he just hated to practice basketball and it's my fault. I had him going to back to back camps and playing all summer without much of a break, and that's been a ritual for several years. Even with a 30 day "vacation" from mid-August to mid-Sept. he still was burned out by the time the season got underway. He has tried football but always went back to bball as his primary sport, but an unintended side effect of all the focus on skill development is he's lost a lot of hunger/enthusiasm to get better. I was a gym rat growing up and would play pickup games and practice for hours on my own or with whoever was available to play. That was simply what was expected in order to realize one's potential, but my motivation came from within, and that's the key difference I think here. External motivation leads to burnout more so than the competitive desire that comes from within. A coach has to recognize not only talent in a player, but desire and love of the game as well. Without the latter, the player will never realize fully their potential, but will probably end up hating to play the game eventually and burned out. What the TSSAA is trying to do IMO, is limit the mandatory off-season practice time and leave it up to the kid and their parents, as it should be. Given the time of year, it isn't that hard to find a court for a kid to practice on his own if he really wants to. Summer leagues and the travel circuit can be a good experience with recognition that the kids need a balance of other sports and other activities as well. Too much of anything, for anyone, is unhealthy and especially for school-age kids.

No problem. Yes, Powell Valley and Forge Ridge High Schools consolidated into Cumberland Gap for the 2003-2004 school year. Each new high school graduated their original freshman class last year. The old high schools are now elementary schools through 8th grade. When the schools were under construction, there was a naming project initiated by the school board. In the beginning it was suggested not to name the New Tazewell school "Claiborne" for risk of the misperception that it was still going to be a namesake county school. Ultimately the name remained popular enough that they decided to use it anyway. They do have an entirely different mascot (Bulldogs vs. Blue Devils) and the colors are slightly different so there was still an effort to give the school a new identity. Both schools have the exact same layout and student capacity and are identical except for exterior awning and roof colors.

Ha! You all fuss amongst yourselves over in Grainger County like we do over here in Claiborne County. /laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":lol:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> Seriously though, after watching Cumberland Gap last night I think your girls stand a good chance against them if they come out and play hard and really pressure the ball. Claiborne played them pretty hard but lacked the depth down the stretch. CGHS has a couple of girls in the front court that are big enough to be physical inside so rebounding on both ends will be a key factor. They may come out flat after the emotional win (their first ever against CHS) so take it to them from the tip and force them into catchup mode if you can. I remember Rutledge as being a pretty tough gym to visit anyway, so I believe the Lady Panthers are in for a rough game. Good luck!

I'm sure you know this, but use of the word "County" in reference to Claiborne High School is offensive to Cumberland Gap High School, and I'm a Claiborne fan. Just had to point that out because it is frequently written up that way in sports stories and here on the boards. It implies that Claiborne is the county school, which it is not. Both schools are equal in stature.