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Congratulations to all of the finalists as it is truly an honor to represent your team and state with this nomination! It's especially good news that 7A is being represented once again IMO but I am partial to this district. LOL For KGM: Most likely, Leonard will not play the post position at the next level. She plays the 1,2, and 3 position in AAU, and colleges have seen her play these positions. You could ask Coach Gary VanAtta, Trevecca's coach, about her ability to play the guard position. The team placed 7th or 9th in the Nation this summer with her playing guard. You could also get opinions from her other AAU coach, Tiffany Woosley, about her ability to play any position on the floor which she did for her team when they placed 3rd and 7th in the Nation. Perhaps you should tell Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, MTSU, Florida, and several other colleges that she won't be able to play there because they seem to believe she could help them. Perhaps you will admit you were mistaken when she decides where to go. Showing some respect would be a smart move. ( As for high school, Laken has shot over 33% from the 3 point range this year and last year, which is considered good, so you were wrong on that one too.) Oh and size doesn't really matter. Look at Alysha Clark for MTSU. She is not a big girl but she sure can play like one. It's the size of the heart that matters, IMO. Again, Congratulations to all of the finalists! You have earned the nominations, so enjoy the moment!!!

A TEAM WINS AS A TEAM AND A TEAM LOSES AS A TEAM! I hated to see the JC girls season end last night, but I do believe all things happen for a reason. We try to tell our kids to be thankful in the good times as well as the bad times. Even after the loss last night, I still thanked the Lord for what He has given us each day. Basketball is a small but fun part of those blessings. Pickett County played a tough game, and it worked. Congratulations on a great win. Go on and represent 7A well. I don't know why some people feel the need to get on here and say things that will hurt a player, but it happens all the time. None of the players can help what other people get on here and say. I do know that Laken knows she didn't play her best last night. The first thing she pointed out was the weaknesses that she has and what she needs to work on during the off-season. She hasn't blamed anyone else, nor will she ever. She cares about her team, and she will continue to care about them, win or lose. That's what a great teammate does. As for the statement, "She doesn't have anything to prove", she would never say that. She knows that she has a lot to prove, and she knows she needs to continue working hard every day. It truly takes a lifetime of striving each and every day to get better as a person, player, mom, dad, or anything else. When can a man really say "I am all that I should be?" I think the answer is never. Laken can't be responsible for what anybody gets on here and writes. She is only responsible for what SHE says and does in this life, thank goodness!!!! So, don't assume that Laken agrees with any of this garbage that is written on CoachT. Matter of fact, she has a strong distaste for this site and will not even read it!!! To Taylor and Talicia: It's been great watching you play. I wish you the best in the future. We have enjoyed getting to know you and your families. We've made some great memories along the way. Take Care and God Bless You in everything you do.

You are too easily insulted! First of all, I love watching the talent in this Upper Cumberland area play, and we have some very good teams that are well represented by players and coaches. But let's be realistic for a minute: How many of these girls have 2 players on their team that will go on to play big time college ball? One poster said that only about 3-5% of all players even receive scholarships which I would agree sounds realistic to me. We played a team with 2 exceptionally good players and they had us beat in height and muscle and probably speed. Somehow we managed to make the plays we needed to make at the right times. I was excited to see our girls play like that, but that is the past, and today is a new day. What we did yesterday doesn't matter; we have to set our sights on this next run of play. CRange is undefeated which is a great accomplishment for any team, but I do think it benefits any team to stay level-headed and grounded. I know you don't represent all of the fine people in Clarkrange, but I find your comments to be arrogant at times. I really think great players learn to have respect for other great players or they usually end up wishing they had.....

Let me remind you that you were the one that got offended when I talked about the caliber of the players on that Florida team. I was just asking you to explain to me where that caliber was on your team? I'm not the one that is bragging, I'm just asking you to back your opinions up which you can't. Pride goeth before the fall.... remember those words...

Yes, Options86, I will agree with you that Clarkrange's matchup zone is a good one. Both times that JC and Clarkrange have played, it has been an absolute battle defensively. Will JC find a way to beat Clarkrange offensively? That is the million dollar question.

KGM, since you think that was an absurd comment, please tell me who on Clarkrange's team will play for LSU or Wake Forest? My point was that I saw Jackson County girls play at a different level that particular game which caused them to beat a very great 3A team. We haven't brought that game against your girls yet.........

Thanks Indian for your logic. Some posters are so quick to jump on to the wording that other posters use. I was talking about the team that Laken was playing on this summer, and just like you were able to realize, I was complimenting the play of the James girl. I believe if you look back at other posts, you will find that I have never, nor will I ever, bash or talk down about another player or team. Some posters like to hide behind these names as they spew out their venom. More power to you, but I will take the other road less traveled.

I actually thought the referees did a great job. Our JC girls did not play their best last night and they got beat by a good Clarkrange team. I had some family in watching the game and their only complaint on both teams was why do they stall the ball so much? They thought the game could have been more exciting if both teams had run the floor and really played a faster pace game. I tend to agree; it was almost boring at times to watch. But anyway, congratulations to the referees and to Clarkrange.

Way to go Jordyn! This is a great accomplishment; keep up the good work!!

Congratulations to the Clarkrange girls on a good game; you were the better team last night! To the JC girls: we will have another opportunity and remember ONE and DONE! You have to win when it really counts.

We were so excited to hear about JJ committing to Georgia; she is very deserving of a scholarship like that, and she will make an impact with their program I'm certain. We have always enjoyed watching her play during travel ball and we always knew she would make it big somewhere. We hope she will have a blessed Senior Year and it will continue throughout her college years. Lake has always liked chatting with the Memphis coaches, too. They are a class act!!!

Very well said, DuKnowDaGame, and I totally, 100% agree with you. People sometimes forget the "IT" factor, which I believe includes "Heart" and "Desire". I think when a game is on the line, it comes down to who has the most HEART, especially when the talent is strong on both teams. I hope the JC girls bring the "Heart" tonite against CRange. If they do, it will be over with. Hey, if you know the James girl, and it sounds like you do, tell her the Leonard family is wishing her the best. Keep up the good work!

I agree with you. Molly Heady did get some critical offensive boards during the second half of the first game, and we even sent her to the freethrow line when she tried for the putback. You know Coach Brown knows this better than anyone, so I look for him to have made several adjustments to stop this from happening again. Rebounding is crucial for this game tonight. Freethrows will be too. The weather has been kinder in the Fentress and Jackson County areas, so we will be GAME ON!!! I am so excited and can't hardly wait to see a GREAT game!!!

CLASS A: JACKSON COUNTY LADY BLUE DEVILS! I saw the JC girls play in December in Florida against a 3A team with 2 DIVISION 1 signees (one to WAKE FORREST and another to LSU), and our JC girls won that game. We will not play any team in our district or state that was close to being the caliber of that team. After seeing that game, I am convinced our girls can bring home the gold again and make it a repeat year for a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!!! For 2A and 3A: I like the looks of Upperman, Marshall County, and Bartlett. Jasmine James and Laken Leonard met up in Florida during the AAU game. Leonard's team won, but James is a great player. I think she has the drive to get her team to the STATE!! Either way it will be great again this year!!! Good Luck to all on the Final Stretch!!!

Way to go Jordyn and Lawrence County!!! We knew you could do it!!!! Keep up the great work!!!!

Coach White and the RBS girls will be at the game according to what we were told today because Coach White wants his girls to be there. The RBS guards will be there, but they will be in the stands watching the game. The RBS girls are good, but it would be a mistake to underestimate the guards at JC. JACKSON COUNTY has exactly what they need in GUARDS. They will get the job done, don't worry. /rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":rolleyes:" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" />

The key to this game is REBOUNDING, DEFENSE, and FREETHROWS. Jackson County girls have improved in all three areas since our first meeting with CRange. I expect the game to be an even better one than the first meeting. Garland, Stafford, Warden, and Bowman have all stepped up their game in big ways. Also, Bowman and Adkins are both healthy again and hungry to play. These girls are putting things together at just the right time. They have everything they need to be very successful as we enter the final stretch. Clarkrange has a perfect record at this point, so all the pressure is on them to keep it that way. The atmosphere will be absolutely fantastic and it will most likely be standing room only. The #1 and #2 teams with Brown and Rogers at the forefront squaring off. Coach Brown will definately bring some surprises to this 2nd meeting. You can bet he has done his homework!!! Coach Rogers has attended at least 5 of JC's games since our last meeting, so we know he has been busy trying to get a game plan together. I hope we have a great night of basketball; no injuries; good sportsmanship; great referees; an awesome crowd; and a victory for our Lady Blue Devils!!! Either way it turns out, I sincerely hope that all the young ladies remember what a privilege it is to step on that floor each time they play!!! Have some fun and play hard!!! /hungry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":hungry:" border="0" alt="hungry.gif" />

Jordyn Luffman and the Lawrence County Crew: We wish you the best on the rest of your season. Your friends over here in Jackson County are keeping up with you and the great season you have going so far! Keep up the good work; you have what it takes to be victorious!!! /hungry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":hungry:" border="0" alt="hungry.gif" />

Congratulations LASHAY!!! I hope you keep having a great year and we are looking forward to seeing you play on the college scene, too. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

Congratulations KD!!! Keep up the great work you are doing in the post play, except when you play JC!!! /rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":rolleyes:" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" />

Congratulations on a great game JC girls. You kept it close, only 2 points difference at halftime. Clarkrange had 3 girls to score: Heady 21 (12 for 16 on freethrows), Phillips 9, Reed with 16. Jackson girls had 4 to score: Leonard 20, Bowman 9, Garland 6, Warden 2. Clarkrange played 7 players while Jackson County played 8. Clarkrange didn't go as deep as I had been hearing. Overall, it looks good for the JC girls. Not bad after losing 5 key players from last year's squad while Clarkrange lost none and gained Heady. Rebounds were the key to this game IMO>>>>

Win or lose, I enjoy playing a quality team like Upperman. They have a good competitive program year in and year out. I agree that the coaches are doing the right thing by continuing these types of games. It's great for the players as well as the communities.

Not absolutely sure but we have received word that Lauren Wasson has decided on Trevecca. If this is true, we are happy to hear the great news. Coach VanAtta is a class act and highly motivational. Coach VanAtta already knows what a great player Wasson is. Best wishes on your Senior Year and your future from your friends in Jackson County.

Congrats, Jessy! We are so happy for you. You have always displayed a winning attitude and a love for the game. Your friends from Jackson County wish you the best for your Senior Year and your future at UAH.

Did some researching on Brown vs. Rogers and I was somewhat impressed with the findings. Out of the previous or most recent 14 games between Clarkrange and JC, Brown has been victorious 11 times!!! That's amazing and it says a lot about the superior coaching of Brown.....