pianoman10

LA loses Hayes, Jolley, Ramsey, and McCoin. And are still going to win the district? Wow. Did all the other district teams lose a lot of players? I can't imagine another team in the district being hit harder by graduation than LA. I guess time will tell who will emerge.

I have to say it's tough to see the outcome of a game determined by an official's call. I wasn't in attendance so I don't know if it was a bad call or not. I guess most peoples take on the call would be dependent on who you were rooting for. But as I listened to the broadcast, I must say I was amazed at the not fouling strategy of LA. You have 3 team fouls and down by 1 point and you let them kill better than a minute off the clock. From 1:35 approx down to 12 seconds then luckily you finally steal the ball? Was LA never going to foul? From the time McCoin stole the ball you had around 10-12 secs to use up 4 fouls(if he hadn't stolen it). Once the charge was called, then they had to try to commit 3 fouls in 3 secs. Even if you do that, a heave from the other end is the best you got. I've never heard anything quite like it. I've been to several LA games thru the years and had no idea who the "zombies" were or where the "social event area of reserved seats" was/is located. Gotta check that out

It was pretty easy to determine the boos were directed at the refs. They may have escalated somewhat from the student section when the DC player pointed at the scoreboard. Your point about the "losing team" is well taken. There is definitely something amiss with this team. Optimists would say 16-7 is a pretty good record which it is. But, sit down and make a list of the "good" teams they have beaten this year. Most figured the losses of Huitt and Melton would hurt some, but ample replacements were waiting in the wings. McCoin, who played really well a year ago, was one of the replacements as well as Beaty. No disrespect intended, but nobody in the district should be able to compete with this LA team much less beat them. Motivation, or maybe a lack thereof, seems to be part of the problem. Smith co. competed with them for 3.5 quarters, York hung around pretty much the whole game, Upperman should have beat them,a 30 point loss to SM, and then the loss to DC(who they beat earlier by 15 points). Any objective fan knows none of that should be going on. This team has good size, quickness, good shooters, and pretty athletic. The reason for their languid play is truly puzzling. This may be my last commentary for a while. I'm booked solid for concert dates for the next 8 weeks. When I check back in, maybe things will be improved.PM

I've got to wonder how much "class" was being demonstrated when the home crowd was booing either the officials or the opposing team off the floor. I'll take your word on the foul language, but the only hand jesters that I heard about were directed at the scoreboard. I doubt the TSSAA has any rules against that.

That is a correct score. 94-68. Something tells me you already knew that it was correct. It seems the cats are digressing somewhat. They lost to stone the first time by 2 in a game they should have won. Then lose round two by 26 and they were down by over 30 for a while. The prior game they beat a below average York team by 12. The loss of Huitt and Melton hurt them but their replacements(McCoin, Beaty) played a lot of minutes a year ago. Beaty's minutes a year ago took a major upswing when coach r.melton left. So inexperience should not be the problem. It also can't be depth because coach miller plainly stated, in his pre-game interview before the Macon Co. game, that this would be a MUCH deeper team than a year ago. It looks like they have some problems, but none that a weak district and 3 single A opponents(Pickett,Jackson,C'range)can't help.

It was definitely an entertaining game. One of the themes on this thread is how well coached both teams were/are. That may be the case, but the game management by LA in the last 1:30 was pretty bad. 5 point lead and possession of the ball They had no need to be taking any shots(maybe an uncontested layup)at that stage of the game. I'm pretty sure CRM would not have lost that lead, but he is no longer around here so that is a moot point.

Word on the street is that he has a high interest in the Livingston job. Closer to his home.

Just returned from my world tour and much to my surprise, Shocked to learn about Coach Richard Melton's demise. Was he not playing the right people's child, Or did a temper tantrum get too wild? I heard what was offered to him was completely unfair, But injustices in this town certainly aren't rare. Oh well, the dastardly deed has already been done, The important thing is the new coach is a school board member's son.

Why you say that ? Is this a home and home deal? I thought they played only the one game. Marshall by 4

Pretty good breakdown I guess. M Ramsey is very good but Huitt may be this team's MVP.

After reading the Hereald Citizen article and knowing what I saw Friday night/Sat. morning, it's obvious me and the HC writer were watching 2 seperate games. Obstruction calls are never easy except for the guy writing the HC article and they were real obvious to him (not to anyone else I'd say except Upperman fans) And I can see how your girl lost the "wrestling match" with the LA catcher. RK is the #1 girl wrestler on the LA girls wrestling team. TC, must be an Upperman grad. Write about the game buddy and quit crying about the umps. You/Upperman lost. Take your medicine and go on. If you play well enough, then maybe you will play LA again and hopefully, for your/Upperman sake, get some smarter umps.

Boy how time flies. I thought the COD had only coached 5 seasons. But if he has won 6 straight dist. titles i guess he's coached 6. Great halftime adjustments by the COD not giving up a point in the 3rd qtr. to the Bees. In the words of R.E. "LA has taken Upperman completely out of their game." Nice and deserved award for Jackson.

I have completed my concert tour and headed home. Just wanted take a minute to congratulate TJ and give Coach M a thumb up.

Sounds to me that your point is actually guided at making sure "Coach M" gets as little credit as possible. Anyone with an IQ higher than 10 knows that the players deserve credit as well. Just seems to me that you are set to taking as much credit as possible from the coach. Makes it seem like you have some type of grudge against the coach. It is hard to watch your son sit on the bench, especially when he becomes an upperclassman. I realize that it may be frustrating and that it is hard not to turn that frustration into negativity against the team and/or coach. However, a true fan would not take that route. I may be wrong. You may not have a son on the team, but I am sure if I didn't hit the nail on the head, I must have came very close. Row 8 your detective work is excellent in theory but inaccurate but that's not a big deal. I see you are newly joined(YR). Welcome. Now let me give you a couple things. LAFan said he/she was of no relation to Coach M. That strikes me as odd because within minutes of RC post he/she knew exactly how many minutes TJ played against York. Must just be a good connection. As far as myself, I don't have a son on the team upper or under classman but my saying that wouldn't make any difference in what you believe so take it for what you think it is worth. Im my opinion, It's very possible that you ARE LAfan4life. It doesn't take a genius to get on this website and create several different names. I may be wrong. You may actually be a brand new poster. LAfan may not be related to Coach M. And you may not actually be LAfan4life, but I'm sure if I didn't hit the nail on the head, I may have came very close. It is funny how any observation that doesn't praise Coach M is always (according to a certain few on here) negativly agenda motivated. Oh well life goes on. I must go now. The pianoman will now bid farewell but may return someday under a different name if I can just figure out how you do that. I will wish good luck to LA even though I'm not a true fan according to Row 8.

I really couldn't care less if you are in a bad mood. Secondly, it was not my intent to get under anybody's skin. As one of the biggest Alan Shore's for Coach M, i was merely saying you defended the coach against what RC said by saying "you can criticize when his winning percentage falls below 80%. RC merely ask about a substitution and you come unglued. My point, which you obviously missed, was you can't argue with his record. But, some of the credit has to be given to the players. I think any Coach would tell you that including M. And as far as me, my son, family member, or friend's son goes, any fan could question a coach's decision without being mad about something as you are accusing me of.(that's alright though) By the way, why don't you tell us how your related ? I must go now. Liberace has a concert to get to.

Listen to the game and it sounded like LA had everything under control early. Just wondering why coach pulled most of the starters and let York back in the game. T J comes down and pops a three right off the bat and the rout is on. I know you want to give some players some PT but York hung in till the end with all the shuffling of players. I think T J committed his 1st foul with 13 secs to go in the game. What does that tell you how long he played. He might not have to wash his uniform 4 the next game no longer than he played last night. Not trying to be a critic b/cause I have faith in our coach just wondering why he un loaded the bench before the job was finished. RC, you should know better than to ever question Coach M. Look at his record. Surely LAfan and some others would be willing to give, at least, partial credit for his record to the players.

Both teams did play hard. Ensworth came out cold and fell behind. Then LA hit a spell where it seemed they got a little out of control givinG Ensworth the lead. Nice comeback by LA. I had a really good look at the intentional foul call and it was very questionable. Congradulations to Coach M for coordinating the late game comeback. Noone likes to lose but this wasn't a bad loss for the team and Coach M.

Predictions ? Should be a good game. Ensworth has a real good record. Congratulations to LA on a big win over Clarkrange. It was over early. Another good W for Coach M.

Great game from Jackson tonight. And another good game and W for Coach M.

I'm going to pick LA especially playing at home. I feel sure Coach M will have a foolproof gameplan to unveil.

I was after Coach Melton's job because the one I had didn't pay very much. But I have a better job now so I'm not after CM job anymore. The good thing is the schedule gets much easier. Looking for lots of wins in the next couple months.

Why on earth would the coach of Beech take out his starters with a 13 point lead in the 3rd qtr, just because the LA coach did?? Just because they gave up or he was fed up with starters doesn't dictate that the other team play their bench. If you have any issues it needs to be with your team and coach, not the other team. There is no rule written or unwritten that dictates that the team ahead has to pull off in the 3rd quarter just because the other team decides to play their bench. Your issue needs to be with your coach's decision and not Beech. I'm just a basketball fan and was at the tournament not rooting for a particular team. I saw LA play Antioch and as I said they looked really sharp. The next day they did not look that sharp against RedBank and I did notice that the coach made some substitutions against Red Bank that he didn't against Antioch. I'm assuming he wasn't happy with some players. The Red Bank game they just could not keep up with the speed of Red Bank and were outworked on the boards. It was a fast physical game and LA was not able to keep up. They have some incredible shooters and some good athletes, I just don't think they showed up to play on Tuesday and apparently not for the Beech game that I didn't get to see. Happy New Year. Couldn't have said it better myself mr jones. Why in the world only down 13 would the starters be pulled for the rest of the game? What was the issue? OK take on situations seemed to be a little skewed. I was somewhat surprised at the Red Bank score given that LA beat them early in the year. The Beech score was a real shocker. Figured Beech was pretty good but not that good. Things should get better for LA as all the games they got left, except for one, will be against upper cumberland teams. They're big city games didn't turn out very well, but maybe it will help in the long haul.

You are telling me that if you only listen to the game, you can't have an opinion. People can't always make it to the games. Negative? I thought I said impressive showing. I figured about as well as LA has played so far. Jackson sounded like he played well. Only making an observation and happy holidays to you as well. No. i'm not telling you that you can't have an opinion just by listening to the games. Never said that. Negative? Just in your own positive sort of way. Not so much from yesterday's post about the East Literature game, more from earlier posts. You said you listen to the radio and check box scores at times to keep up. If checking box scores and listening to the radio is how you keep up, how do you have enough knowledge to question so many decisions?...like who does and who doesn't get to play. Only making an observation and thanks for the holiday wishes. I commented on your continuing reference to youth. And the ONLY player I have mentioned by name is Jackson. So how many decisions have I questioned? But as you said I'm guilty as anyone of keeping this going.

You are telling me that if you only listen to the game, you can't have an opinion. People can't always make it to the games. Negative? I thought I said impressive showing. I figured about as well as LA has played so far. Jackson sounded like he played well. Only making an observation and happy holidays to you as well.