marcvols

This Tennessee system is kind of silly - having to worry about who's winning and who's losing for match-up purposes. Oh well, guess that's where lady luck has a role.

For the best shot at longevity in the region, Cleveland MIGHT have been better off losing this game.

mocs, We had Smith with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. I don't know that I've seen a better passing big man in this area in my 10+ years here. He's quite a player.

Like others have pointed out recently, this region is a crap shoot. All are quality teams. I've seen where some have doubted Heritage, but they have some athletes with some size and are streaky shooters. Bottom line is, you better bring your "A" game or expect to go home. I would not be surprised to see any one of the participants qualify for substate. As you've pointed out, a lot of these games are about match-ups (strength vs strength or strength vs. weakness). As a fan, it should be entertaining. As an involved participant, it's enough to give you high blood pressure and lose more hair.

Looking ahead to the region: Halls/Powell will match-up with Maryville/Heritage Clinton/Oak Ridge will match-up with Farragut/Bearden This is as far as first round match-ups go.

Actually, Oak Ridge Cat, Clintonwon the title in 1997 and Campbell Co. beat Clinton in the 1996 title game. I agree with everything that mocs30 had to say.

If I'm not mistaken, isn't both the district and region at Cumberland Co.? If this is the case, I look for a couple of upsets and some early region matchups that may not have been expected. I still think that Bradley and Cleveland are the teams to beat (not taking anything away from several others).

Jones played a big role against us and yes, Shipwash did quit DURING the season; I have referred to preseason expectations earlier. Karns was supposed to be very good (don't take my word for it - look at the early season posters from Karns on this board, but better yet consider the opinions of the majority of coaches in the area) and they are very good. To continue to win when you lose your second leading scorer is indicative of the job that the Karns' players and staff have done. I did a little search and found the following (again this is not to diminish anyone's opinion, simply to justify my comments on preseason prognostications). Sept. 9 Clipper - 3AAA predictions #1 Karns- too many weapons and didn't lose much. Oct. 27 Khsbball - "Fulton is not the top team in Knoxville. The team to beat is Karns." Nov. 3 Khsbball - "Karns is the best team in Knoxville this year." Nov. 3 Campbelle2 - "I think Karns and Fulton will be the class of Knoxville." Nov. 16 yomomma123 - "Karns is the best though" Nov. 19 mocs30 - "Karns should be right around the top of 3AAA." Nov. 19 mocs30 - 3AAA predictions #2 Karns Nov. 22 bigcatt2 - 3AAA predictions #3 Karns Nov. 29 SqOCOugs - 3AA predictions #1 Karns

Karns returned Fersner, Jones, Shipwash, etc. - main loss was at the point

Rebounds in the first Halls - Clinton game were 55-30 Halls; turnovers were 24-9 (Halls with more) - so Clinton had at least 15 more shot attempts, thus more rebounds. Rebounds last night were 47 - 39 in favor of Halls. It's no secret that Clinton does not win games by rebounding (like last year) Clinton has seen triangle and 2 as well as tandem and three by multiple teams this year and yes they have won games with Dixon, Shoemaker, and Ford being the leading scorers. Bottom line is this - a person can look at all the stats they want to, but the one that matters is who wins the game (the only stat that matters); often times the difference in winning and losing is who makes a big play at a big time. Before the season started, one could look on paper and realize who should be good and who might struggle. Oak Ridge - returned a very good team (lost Gulmire) Karns - returned virtually everyone from a very good team Halls - returned most players from a region semifinalist and picked up a double digit scorer from a state tourney team Campbell Co. - returned almost everyone Powell - returned Smith, Ward , Roach (but most everyone else was green) Clinton - returned two starters (one coming off major knee surgery) and virtually no one else with much playing experience Central - returned McGill andWilliamson, but depth was a factor We can now see where the teams on paper compare with the teams in the standings. This is not meant to be a reflection on any team, player, coaching staff, school, etc, merely a factul observation of players and experience. There are a lot of good teams in this district and any are capable of winning or losing on a given night (the margin for error is small). I just don't think there is any need to criticize any of these players or teams who have fought their tails off during this most exciting season. Good Luck to all teams during their tournament run.

FT stats were: Halls 7-17 (at least 3 front ends missed in second half) Clinton 17-29 (started 9 for 21 and made last 8 when Halls had to foul at the end) I, too, have to wonder about the Sharp "cocky" statement. I love the way this kid plays. Does he carry himself with a "swagger?" Yes, but show me a great player that doesn't. The Clinton team has nothing but the highest regard for Cameron Sharp as a player or individual. And yes, Whitt has that same swagger. IMO, both have fun playing the game and mean no harm to anyone.

Play in games are this Sat. afternoon - Ibelieve at 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm (girls first) Monday night - Powell boys vs 6/7 winner 6:00 pm Karns vs. Halls 9:00 pm (Girls games at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm) Tuesday - Oak Ridge vs. Karn/Halls 6:00 pm Clinton vs. Powell/Central/CCHS 9:00 pm Thurs. - girls consolation and finals Fri. - boys consolation and finals

And a private school can offer more $$$$ - see MBA for further info

Clinton won this game at Clinton.

I can picture Coach Ogan saying that! Year in and year out, his teams play hard and you hear no excuses from him.

Does the six quarters in a day rule not apply here?

DCCAT, Do you think Jimmy Gaylor's name will come up at Oak Ridge?

Halls led this one from start to finish; led by 15 at half and held off a Karns rally in the second. Karns cut the lead to 3 on a couple of occasions but Halls held them off. A Clinton win guarantees second place A Clinton loss and the winner of tomorrow's Halls - Powell game finishes second with Clinton third. Karns is now locked into the 4-5 game (in either spot) and will be in Oak Ridge's half of the bracket; Powell or Halls will be in this half as well. Clinton will be in the other half of the bracket as will Campbell Co. and Central; the other team in that half will be either Powell or Halls depending on how things end up.

Letdowns after big wins are very difficult to avoid at any level of sports, but particularly when you're dealing with high school kids. Powell has a very good team an should bounce back fine.

Congratulations to the Wildcats. Coach Norris and staff have done a very good job against a very good schedule.

I have known Coach Weeks for several years and seen him in action. I think that he has a great mind for the game and very good intensity. Sounds like some players are not buying the team concept.

I just spoke with Coach Lockard and he was awaiting word on the game. I agree with you on the real possibility of not making it up if it is cancelled. While we certinly relish the opportunity to play AC, we both know that the District games are much more important and both schools have a somewhat hectic schedule over the next 1.5 weeks. Take care.

I'll try to simplify things from a Clinton perspective: Any two way tie and Clinton is the 2 seed Any three way tie and Clinton is the 3 seed: Clinton, Karns, Powell (Powell 2, Clinton 3, Karns 4) ; Clinton, Halls, Powell (Halls 2, Clinton 3, Powell 4) ; these are figured by using cumulative record against each other By my account, Karns is headed for the 4 seed, but could be 5 if Halls wins out As far as other head to head tiebreakers, I really am only concerned with Clinton's position.

"The surprise is Clinton; I would have thought they would have finished around 5th with all that they lost." I chuckle at this, but in no way am I trying to be a jerk. How many times have we seen a comment like this. Another favorite thought that seems to occur to many is that Clinton just has so many athletes; (all they have to do is roll the balls out and let them play). Maybe, just maybe, Coach Lockard deserves some credit for the development of players, strategy, motivation, and strong scheduling. I've said all along that there is a method to the madness with Clinton's style - it is a somewhat unorthodox style (more of a college approach), but very sound fundamentally.

If Clinton wins out and Oak Ridge loses to Karns, Clinton would have the tiebreaker as they would be 1-1 vs. Karns and Oak Ridge would be 0-2. Too much basketball yet to be played; let's just see how it works out.