Objectivity

Ha, only a so-called Temple fan would come on a public message board and criticize a coach that got their team to the state championship game. You guys amaze me, you have been so spoiled by success that if you don't win the gold ball every year it's always someone else' fault. Temple's offense was fine, besides the fact that they didn't make a shot. Maybe next year the coach can shoot it for them.

No doubt that Kevin Templeton built Temple into what it is today. He turned it into a program. After he went to the college, Coaches Wadley, Skogen, and Marcum have all done an admirable job keeping that tradition going. I agree with asgoodasioncewas and others above, the Skogens came for a reason. The success that group had led to others wanting to come as well. As far as this year's team underachieving, that is a very unfair label till the season is over. From my vantage point, if Temple would have beaten Grace in either/or the District or Region final, Temple fans would not feel so strongly about this. However, you guys still made it to the state tournament, which is something to always be excited about. Basketball is a tournament sport, and it's funny how a couple of games over one weekend can erase the disappointments of a season.

Only at Temple would a 26-5 record and landing in the state tournament once again be underachieving. I wouldn't call it an "underachieving" year till the state tournament at least plays itself out. You never know what can happen.

Parents have the right to send their children to the private school of their choosing. Has Temple benefited from transfers? Certainly. Does that belittle what they have accomplished? I don't think so. Temple's program was built through the early 90's with little or no transfers at all. It culminated in a runner-up performance at the state in 98. When you build a program, that has a winning tradition, with a Christian school education, parents are going to feel good about sending their sons there to play.

Temple's region is weak, however, they consistently play a tough non-conference schedule every year I believe. As far as dynasty goes, what they have done has been impressive. The foundation for their success was laid in the 90's by some very well-coached teams with a strong emphasis on man-to-man defense and playing together. They had a nice body of work during that decade with a much tougher district (CCS, Boyd, Valley, Arts). This decade, they became more uptempo and talented with the arrival of one Skogen family. The Wadley and Mouw families, as well as transfers Dee Newson, Jeremy Sexton, and Jarrod Johnson certainly haven't hurt. They've had a ton of players. It's been an impressive run.

Gotcha

Why can't they start school at 8 and get out at 3 like mostly every other school in the area?

Indian, Did Art's coach really try to get into the other district instead of the one with Temple and Grace? I didn't know that coaches had any say in the matter.

Not trying to ruin the post about the game, but what would be the reasons for Arts not wanting to start up football? Not suggesting they should, just asking because I am not familiar with the school. I've always been impressed with the athletes they have in basketball.

That's a good point. Personally, I just feel that a large crowd of Golden Eagles will have little effect on the Crusaders. From what I can see, they are mentally tougher than the average high school basketball team. Temple's fans showed up at Vance earlier this year. Think they won't show tomorrow?

rooke420, My apologies. Poor choice of words on my part.

Temple does have a homecourt advantage. Although Temple never plays there (or hasn't this year), some of those guys have grown up in that gym. I am sure that James Kemp has shot just as many shots in McGilvray Gymnasium as he has in Vance. However, this is no reason for Grace fans or anyone else to "whine" about homecourt advantages. If they want one, they need to build a bigger gym so they can be a host.

Who did they get caught recruiting? (just asking because I don't know)

CSAS' season has been very similar to Temple's last season on many accounts. Both improving drastically over the course of the season, both starting the season with many inexperienced players. However, you are not taking one thing into account - Jeremy Sexton. He put Temple on his back last year and willed them to some victories, scoring 30+ in four post season games. No disrespect to Arts intended, but when you have the best player on the court, you always have a chance.