mamaball
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Posts posted by mamaball
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Bball and DM, I respect you both for your perspectives on this "issue." And I guess, in a way, it was good that PH expressed the perspectives held by many others who post and view these boards. As an educator, I vow to continue to train and I will work on not complaining. Hey, nobody's perfect!
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There is no foundation paying for anything. The foundation I mentioned is the foundation of a solid education - grades, attendance, and other extracurriculars that make a well-rounded student. You seem to keep rehashing your points. Please move on. You can't solve or expose all your perceived issues about Memphis girls' basketball on CoachT. Some coaches are good. Some are not. Some coaches cheat. Some do not. What else is new? You can find those types of comparisons everywhere and in any area of work, school, or play. The only problem is that too many people tend to believe that Memphis is the only city in Tennessee that has those issues. It's just not true and I needed to defend what I know was wrong. By the way, other organizations do take trips to reward the students. The honor societies, the high school DECA clubs, etc. Enough.
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BBE, nothing says "A" and you replyed and had to read the post. What I got from this post, as was posted, is "Many" and that is because it is the system and Memphis is trying to make the system be like private schools, Magnet schools, and some want all of the good players or AAU Teams want all of their players to go to the same school. Now thats all right with many of us but don't post or make out that its not being done and post it on here because of lot of those same students and players read these posts and know what is happening and you as an adult are saying, its all right to go around the system whether its legal or not. Its legal or the Memphis Athletic Director of Schools and the TSSAA would have called someones hand. But the rest of the State is looking at what Memphis is doing and how these foundations work, etc. It is acknowledged that the education system there needs some motivation and help. For something to be written that all school districts have major shenanigans going on is not right and tho justify something because of that is not right either. the Dragonmaster, a recent educator, knows that and posted the same on this site.
To do things to improve the educational system and GPA's or other things is all right and say what it is, and you have posted some of that. You have mostly been a very straightforward poster. But something seems not straightforward when some of the rules are bent and use athletics for students to take trips to Hawaii because of Athletics. How about trips because of spelling bees? How about trips because of 3.75 and above GPA's. maybe you will post back and say thats part of this but without athletics. And then the poster who started this post, at the bottom of it Said I think, something like "Why won't anyone play them". Give me a break. All of the State is for Memphis Schools doing better than they are doing and motivating their students. It is needed no question. Just tell us what is happening. How much is the tuition that has to be paid to take the option. This is done all over the state in special school districts and for good reasons as it it there. The cirruculum is better and the school system is better. IMO this is the reason there. Paying a tuition tells a student there are minimum gualifications they are going to have to meet to go to school there and if they don't they can't go. The thing many might like to know, where does this foundation come in? Sounds to me like a good idea. But like your example of Private Schools, where do all of these athletes come from in the same school? My first post has gotten me down to this point. Incentives work, no question about it. Tuitions have some benefits but others need to see what is working and traveling all over the United States and a foundation paying for tuitions, makes one wonder. but what works, works.
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Thanks Bball. I have the unsettling feeling that PH is not interested in understanding or even listening to reason. Maybe if we cut to the chase: THERE IS NOTHING ILLEGAL OR UNDERHANDED GOING ON THE GIRLS' BASKETBALL PROGRAM AT MEMPHIS CENTRAL. THE TALENT IS REAL. THE INTEGRITY IS PROVEN. THE STUDENTS ARE INTELLIGENT. THE COACH IS LIKE LIFE: HARD, BUT FAIR. And the record speaks for itself.
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OMG, it's not rocket science! Memphis Central, White Station, Ridgeway, Overton, Whitehaven among other Memphis City Schools are optional schools (sometimes called magnet schools in other areas). These schools have special areas of focus, for example college prep, fine arts, international baccalaureate, performing arts, aviation, etc. Any student from any area in the city can apply to attend that school through the optional schools program. Criteria range from percentile scores from TCAP or other standardized tests to auditions in some cases, conduct, volunteer hours, grades, etc. In fact, students who do not live in the city of Memphis can attend an optional school if the student qualifies and the parent pays the tuition (like a private school). Therefore, optional schools have the ability to attract students (players) from anywhere in the city as long as the student (player) meets the criteria for the program at that school. Some of the very best basketball players are also very good students. If a player is an exceptional student, that player has her choice of attending practically any optional high school, so why not pick one that also has an awesome basketball program. I'm sure that there are many other districts in the state that have similar programs under other names. There is nothing peculiar about basketball in Memphis, except that we are gaining national attention as a hotbed for talented players.
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Since my daughter graduated from Memphis Central and is now playing at a D1 school, I feel compelled to comment on this particular dialogue, especially because I want to defend Coach Nikki Bray and MC.
My daughter was in the optional program at her middle school, which was one of the many feeder programs for MC. When word of her talent got around the city, there were many high school coaches who crossed the line to RECRUIT her. They called my house, approached me and her father at games, etc. The only coach who did not do this was Coach Bray. In fact, we watched other teams play all the time; my daughter was impressed with the way Coach Bray interacted with her students; she loved the testimony of the other girls who played there and loved the curriculum. The exposure that Coach Bray planned was a bonus; sponsors who believed in the school stood up and the girls themselves raised funds by washing cars, selling candy, etc. Coach Bray works hard to keep her program clean and she earnestly goes out of her way to instill that philosophy in her players.
While I must confess that she hit some adolescent bumps and did not continue in optional programs after her first year at MC, my daughter kept her GPA up, we (her parents, Coach Bray, her instructors, and the awesome staff under principal McCullough) stressed that without that foundation, she could not play. But it was the integrity of that program at MC that impressed us the most. I know that Memphis does not have a good reputation in its own state; sometimes it is deserved. There are those of us who try to live above the pettinesss by constantly proving our naysayers wrong. Excellence is the answer.
There are surely enough athletic shenanigans going on in any high school in the state; why pick on Memphis and MC? I'm sure you have your reasons sir. However, I am afraid of what those reasons are.
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Wow! That is commendable, Coach Gat. Congratulations to both young ladies and to you and your team for an outstanding season. I know that your influence in their lives can only add to their success at the next level. We'll be watching.
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I wonder if they'll both stay at Central and not transfer. Players do often transfer. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them ends up at East next year(just a guess).
I should hope not. For many of us, the two of them have become forever linked with Central High School and Coach Niki Bray...not to mention Central has an impressive academic and graduation record, so for them, it hasn't only been about the game....thank goodness!
It was indeed a great opening run for Danielle and Aaliyah and, as a parent, I am so blessed to know them. Though my own daughter is graduating and moving on to college, I will make it a point to go watch them play and to let them know they have my support. That's an investment worth making.
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Easy fed you are going to make people mad. Give them bulletin board material.
I know, right? Ease up Fed. It ain't seemly to brag about somethin that ain't happened yet....Let the ladies do their talking with their game...Go Lady Warriors!
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The Memphis Central Lady Warriors have indeed earned their spot; they answered all doubt with excellence; they were ignored and dismissed (we caught that remark about the "cute" uniforms). We parents noticed that they stuck together when they were picked apart. The coaching staff kept them focused and they learned to lean on one another for strength and confidence. And of course, they do have God-given talent that they worked hard to develop.
We who always believed are with them all the way.
Congratulations Lady Warriors, Memphis Central coaching staff, team managers, parents, friends, et al.
And now, the rest of the story......
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Oh yes, the Lady Warriors played really well tonight. I was surprised that the Overton Lady Wolverines' coach benched four of the five starters at the end of the first half. The Lady Wolverines put up a valiant fight though. I wonder where the local TV coverage was. They did cover the West Memphis Arkansas high school games. They won too. /dry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="
Oh well.....
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Good luck to all Memphis area girls.
However it goes, I'm hoping 2 of the 8 teams at state will be strong Memphis area teams making a focused run for the hardware.
Now, that's what I'm talking about!
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I guess there is just not much interest in women's hoops in memphis. the U of M women's team is pitiful. The commercial appeal won't cover games. coach T post can't get responses. Heck lets do away with memphis High school girl's hoops and just let the AAU teams do it...There are so many of those jake legs out there that think they know basketball there is no need for high school coaches.
OMG Guyoutwest! Did you say that out loud? /ohmy.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":o" border="0" alt="ohmy.gif" /> I was thinking the same thing! What do you think is the source of this apathy towards women's hoops in Memphis? It can't be that the teams aren't worthy of coverage. Plenty of action, great teams, memorable competitions, packed gyms on some occasions...oh dear, what could the matter be?????
All kidding aside, what's comforting is that, for the girls (ladies) who love the game, develop their skills through hard work and determination and great coaching, life in the game goes on. They get their glory from knowing they did their best, played their hardest and stayed in the game. The end results always speak for them.
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DoUKnow,
At this stretch of the season, that post had me laughing out loud! You need to be writing a sports column! I love your take on things, even when you're biased...but you've got a right to be, as do all of us parents! Go Lady Warriors, Go Lady Panthers, Rock em Lady Trojans, and everybody else vying for the throne! For lots of us parents and supporters, this is our last year in this level of the game, and I can say I am very proud of the way every one of these ladies has carried herself. All the best all the rest of the way......
An admirer
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Congratulations JJ! We are so proud of you! And you do indeed deserve this honor, because you earned it. Best to you at Georgia!
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Why can we not understand that rankings mean NOTHING. The state tournament in March is all that matters.
Rankings do mean something. IMO, they gauge the progress of the teams; ultimately they will determine who is making progress toward even being relevant in March. Half of the journey is getting there, isn't it? Plus, nature abhors a vacuum....we gotta do something in the meantime besides show up at the games, support our teams, yell till we're hoarse, gripe about the referees....well, you get where I'm going....it's just fun and it's a part of the season. Each team wants to know what they will face in March. Don't gamblers check a horse's record (strengths and weaknesses) before placing a bet? Nothing personal, it's just part of the business of high school, college, and professional basketball.
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Sarah Watkins signed with the Razorbacks! Not UALR
OOPS! I'm sorry!
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Jasmine Hassell, C, Wilson Central, 6'2 - signed with the University of Georgia
Lauren March, C, Marshall Co., 6'1 - signed with MTSU
Jakerra Simmons, PF, Marshall Co., 5'10
Dymon Raynor, C, Smyrna, 6'2 - signed with MTSU
Alex Adams, PF, Smyrna, 6'0
Ashley Robinson, PF/C, Millington, 6'0- signed with the University of Memphis
Brianna Tubbs, PF, Bradford, 6'0
Summer Waggoner, PF, Forrest, 5'11
Haven't seen but have heard about these:
Hannah Dawson, PF/C, Shelbyville, 6'0 - signed with Samford
Sarah Watkins, C, Houston, 6'3 - signed with UA (Little Rock)
Jamila Ajanaku, PF, Memphis Central, 6'1 - signed with MTSU
Angie Ramey, C, Kenwood, 6'2
Madelyn Hutson, C, Ravenwood, 6'4
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Just a note to say I really appreciate the perspectives offered on this board, especially by those more intimate with the game than I am. It helps, but only when one is open to other perspectives. And when it comes to all things basketball, since that is my daughter's passion, I am always willing to learn. Happy Season to all and best wishes for a great new year!
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Memphis Central 52 Country Day 48, I believe. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me. I did see MiMi Ajanaku being interviewed after the game by Central's Vincent Hawkins and she was holding the third place prize plaque.
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Yep, you're right. We shouldn't be whining and crying. But can we feel badly for our team? It helps us get over it. We can't diminish our team's effort. They played very well, no doubt, to come within one point of beating the #12 team in the country. But Rob, it HUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRTS! /sad.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad.gif" />
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Final Score: 51 - 50
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I watched this game online. I wondered if I was the only one who thought that calling a fake foul at the final buzzer was illegal. And I remember that the sportsters always say: The game should never be determined by the referees, but by the players. Well, not this game, but it wasn't the first one called crazy and it won't be the last. The Memphis Central Lady Warriors did us proud by running neck to neck with the #12(?) ranked high school girls' team in the country, only to lose by one point. Ouch! We can only do what every other team does and that's play on.....
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The correct spellings of the names of the two players from Memphis Central: Jamila "MiMi" Ajanaku and Jasmine "JT" Taylor.
Deeply appreciate you for posting those results; it was difficult to find that information elsewhere.
Memphis Central at Iolani Classic
in Girls Basketball
Posted
How exciting for them! So proud for that team, that coach (Bray), our city to be represented in such a timeless classy arena! GO LADY WARRIORS!