MMcCroskey

Any GA fans on that can give us some insight to how Columbia is "seen" in GA? MentorFan posted some of the general background, but was curious about any "local" take on this team.

More accurate to say: Jon is my wife's son (my wife, the former all-state player from Dobyns-Bennett and one of the all-time top scorers for Maryville College). Best I could do for him was push his height up a little lol. I am proud of the lil scamp, tis true - now we see just how good GP can be when everyone knows who they are, and they are up against a very high-caliber team like Columbia!

Minor correction - the December 3, 2010 Union County vs Gatlinburg-Pittman (TN) game has the correct score, but it does not show as a district game, which it is.

Cory Billingsley - and he is considered one of the top 10 point guards in TN.

Now you guys know me better than this lol. I certainly know both Union County and Fulton are VERY capable teams with solid talent; so on any given night, they are dangerous as a cocked pistol. I greatly respect both programs, and anyone looking over these teams would be making a serious mistake. That said, at least based on play so far this year, both Fulton and UC have shown some spotty play. UC has losses to Jefferson County and Cosby as well as GP. The GP game was a barn-burner, to say the least, but it is also true Buckner scored 32 of UC's 54 points. Wouldn't you agree UC has to show a more balanced attack if they are to make a serious run to place 1 or 2 in the district? Maybe they can do that, but as I said before this season even started, guard play will be the key for UC. Fulton's challenge is chemistry. I realize that, although they are 2-7 atm, all of those losses were to solid opponents; but with the talent they have I do not think anyone would have predicted they would be 2-7 at this point in the season. A lot of "locker-room talk" has been floating around that would confirm Coach Wright has a serious challenge on his hands to get these guys playing as a unit. Basketball is a tournament sport, and all these records won't mean squat come February. I still think District 3AA is one of the most competitive in the state, so it certainly won't surprise me if UC or Fulton make a run at that time. But based on play so far, I don't think my post was unfair. BTW, it was great to meet you in person at the GP game, mrdrano. The GP-UC rivalry is fast becoming one of the top rivalries in the district. I certainly know the return trip to UC is going to be a great one, and can't wait to see the game! Merry Christmas all!

Ouch! (I mean, that had to hurt.)

Not sure of their exact record, but Wilson Central is showing 8-2 and Beech is showing 5-5 on unapproved website atm. Both are AAA to GPs AA. Wilson Central is shown as #2 AAA in TN currently here on CoachT; of course this early it is more guess than anything else I would agree. You never know, but GP scheduled all AAA schools this year for non-district play, other than their opener with Hancock County, and they currently sport a 10-1 record. Their only loss is to AAA Cocke County at CC, and as I recall they blew a 14 point lead in the 3rd quarter in that loss. No question, they will find out exactly where they are as they enter the first round of the Arby's Classic on Monday. Like I said, it is early, but it looks like Carter and GP are going to battle for the top of District 3 AA, but AE is young and shows serious potential as well.

GP took down Beech 50-34. Game was never really in doubt. At least so far, GP seems to have some serious defense. Arby's Classic will be an obvious test for just how hood Gatlinburg is. They face Sumter (SC) in the opener on Monday, 7PM.

GP takes on Beech in the finals of the Smoky Mountain Tournament tonight in Gatlinburg at 7:30. GP beat a very solid AAA Wilson Central 65-57 to make the finals. Beech downed Central Hardin to complete the pairing.

Second round action at the Smoky Mountain Tournament in Gatlinburg this Monday pits Gatlinburg-Pittman (AA) against Wilson Central (AAA) at 6PM. Should be a quality match-up. CoachT strength/success rankings show Wilson Central currently #2 in TN AAA, but I noticed no votes for them in the Top 20 fan poll - anyone have any insight on just how good Wilson Central is? I understand they have some very good junior year players. Looking forward to the game! Other championship bracket features Beech and Central Hardin I believe.

God bless with quick and complete recoveries.

Well, they knocked off Bolivar in style, but although this AA team out of Jackson is apparently 9-1, there is no schedule or even a mention of them on the Strength-Success list that I can see. Obviously this team has been overlooked in more ways than one ! Any way to get some solid info up on this talented team that is looking like a contender in TN AA ball this year? All i can find is just one ranked senior on the infamous "unapproved website" and well down the list at that. Do we have a "Hoosiers" in the making?

From those of us in another part of the state, ty for posting these sort of things, always nice to see talent from other parts of the state!

www.berecruited.com is at least an excellent way to contact just about any college out there across just about all sports, male and female. Modest cost, and basic info is free.

Seems a bit harsh, but the simple reality is late transfers are notorious for causing "chemistry" disruptions, and are thus a 2 edged sword (no matter how good the talent). Look at the Miami Heat atm . That said, Coach Wright is, from all accounts I have heard, a very good coach. I think a better judge of Fulton will be made further in the season. Additionally, Bearden is one of the top AAA teams in the state. Underestimating Fulton still seems a mistake, based on the talent they have available.

Don't blame ya lol. All I can say it the incident at Cocke County is just as represented, what happened happened. The incident with Jefferson County is VERY much different than what is being represented, and it has obviously gotten terribly personal. Unfortunate, but such is the way of net message boards (sigh).

TY for the kind words about my son Jon and GP. Thank goodness he takes well after his All-State (Kingsport DB) and Maryville College "Wall of Fame"er mother! While I managed 4 years of exclusive bench play in my high school days, there is no doubt my contribution was at best some height lol. I thought your Govs looked to have more than solid talent in warm ups, and we will see how they can progress as the season unfolds. That said, GP had just come off a VERY frustrating loss to Cocke County last week. Even with an off-shooting night, they had Cocke County down 16 points at the half. Cocke County did a GREAT job of showing how heart beats raw talent by storming back in the second half as GP showed some serious lack of focus. GP had no one to blame but themselves, and the frustration showed as Jose and Mo headed straight to the locker room after the final whistle. I know these boys well, and I honestly don't think they realized the disrespect they displayed by not lining up after the game. Coach Placeres, I can assure you, immediately let them know the error of their lapse. Their removal from the starting lineup was only part of it. GP had alot to prove, and it was unfortunate for William-Blount that they were the next game (and it never hurts to go 12-19 from 3 as a team). Mo's brother Walt did not play because he is on the final days of rehab on a football injury to his foot. I think you will see him back in action very soon. Maryville College is where my wife and I met, so you can imagine it has been a part of Jon's life his whole career. Coach Lambert has shown a strong interest in Jon for many years, and has been very supportive of Jon in his basketball. Being DIII, they are limited in what they might be able to do scholarship-wise, so we will have to see. I can confirm Jon is currently receiving serious attention (including offers) from several schools, but has not yet made a final decision.

BIG gratz to Cocke County on their WELL deserved win tonight over GP. They showed tremendous heart in coming back like they did to win that game. Our GP team has some serious soul-searching to do. (not sure why this posted twice, and I can't delete one . . . so I have to say Cocke County did such a great job, it was worthy of being said twice )

BIG gratz to Cocke County on their WELL deserved win tonight over GP. They showed tremendous heart in coming back like they did to win that game. Our GP team has some serious soul-searching to do.

Always a tragic break to see something like this happen. It was a pleasure to watch him work during the Rocky Top League, and I'm sure colleges are well aware of his talent. God speed to Jordan and his family.

Good article on the 2010 field: http://www2.tricities.com/sports/2010/nov/21/prep-basketball-arbys-field-unveiled-cross-may-be--ar-668605/?referer=None&shorturl=http://tricities.com/ar/668605/

They did the matchup/drawings on Sunday . . . trying to get a copy asap.

Gratz AGAIN on the win over Oak Ridge! Cocke County takes serious momentum into their game with Gatliburg-Pittman on Monday - has the makings of a GREAT game.

Big Gratz to Cocke County on the win over Farragut! Makes the GP game that much more important for both squads in this early part of the season.