OS91

The leading scorer in the Knoxville Metro Area is a JUNIOR girl by the name of LAURA HALL from Oliver Springs scoring at 24 ppg and 5 assists per game. Cait is probably one of the top 5 freshman in the state, but to get on this post and talk about a freshman that is better than accomplished Juniors like Newman, Hall, Breechboard, Buley, Fuller, and Reed is way off. These girls have accomplished things that Cait hopes/aspires to in her high school career- state tournaments, national aau, recruiting, street and Smith All American. Being informed on the post and the talent of the Junior class might be useful in assiting you . Cait is going to be an amazing player, but to even compare her to these juniors in unfair to her let alone highly inaccurate. Let her be without unfair comparisons. She looks like she is doing just fine without people proclaiming her something she isnt at this point in her career. She has the ability to become a phenomenal player, but at this time she is just 20 games into her freshman season and will have a tougher time when she plays a tougher competition since Heritage has played a weak non district slate. [Edited by OS91 on 1-22-03 11:49P] [Edited by OS91 on 1-22-03 11:56P] [Edited by OS91 on 1-22-03 11:57P] [Edited by OS91 on 1-23-03 12:00A] [Edited by OS91 on 1-23-03 9:08A]

All those unbelievers that spoke out at that time are now on the bandwagon

schools that are recruting her? thanks...........

Cait is playing amazing for a freshman at Heritage, but as far as being better than any junior tn the state- She is nowhere close. not becasue of POTENTIAL talent, but for the mere reason she is young and only into 18 games of her freshman season. Its not even fair to her to make such comments for such a young player comapring and especially when this thread subject concerned Juniors, not freshman with aspiring potential. Buley, Hall, Newman, Fuller, Breechboard, and Reed are the class of the crop. As far as picking one over the other its difficult all bring something to the table the other doesnt. Buley seems to be the most convented recruit out of the bunch and recruting services are rating her as a top 10 player in the nation for junior class. Fuller isnt too far behind becasue of her athleticism/ability at 6'4.

67-46 OS [Edited by OS91 on 1-22-03 12:28P]

1. Oak Ridge, 17-1, The Lady Wildcats are 12th in the country and on a different level than other area teams, for now...... Angela Phillips, UK signee has the Lady Cats rolling. 2. Sevier County, 15-2, The defending AAA champs stumbled a couple times both times in Greenville. Once against the Lady Green Devils and once against a Washington state team in Christmans tourney. The good news for the Bearettes- no more games are scheduled in Greenville this year. 3. Knox Powell, 8-2, The Lady Panthers can compete against anyone. Ask Oak Ridge... Powell lost by only 4. Should be interesting to see how the rematch at Powell goes for the Black and Orange. 4. Knox Farragutt, 14-4, another team that can beat anyone. Farragutt's schedule has been murder. The Lady Admirals talent ( 3 Div. 1 signees) could propel them come tourney time to Mboro. 5. Oliver Springs, 13-5, Laura Hall and company have knocked off top notch teams ( McmInn Central & Giles County) playing one of toughest early schedules in the state. However, consistency seems to be the weakness as the Purple and Gold have lost to Kingston, Cumberland County, and Coffee County in games they should have won. The Lady Cats have the rest of the district schedule to work out the kinks. 6. Heritage, 12-2, The Lady Mountianeers are off to a solid start, but were beaten both times when facing tough competition. When Sevier County and Farragut visits Blount County, then Heritage will be able to measure themselves. 7. Campbell County, 12-4, Lafollete is a hard destination for ay team and this year seems extra difficult as the Lady Cougars are putting up some good numbers. Beating Powell sent a message, but losing recently to South Doyle (55-53) even with Buley) was ok, but cant let games like that slip away. 8. Seymour, 9-4, Brooke Johnson is as good in the post as anyone in East Tennessee, if not better. The Lady Eagles will need more scoring punch from other players to be a serious ocntender for a spot in Mboro. Playing tough AAA teams will help come tourney time against other AA teams that arent as battle tested who have played weak early schedules. 9. Harriman, 16-2, the Lady Devils are scorching single A opponents, but have sturggled losing to bigger teams- AA Kingston and Oliver Springs. The Lady Devils can make a statment when OS visits Harriman after getting beaten 40 in Decmener to OS. Look for the Lady Devils to possibly run the table on their distirct foes. 10. Alcoa, 12-2, The Lady T's are off to an exciting start albeit against a light scheudle, but still vastly improved over the .500 team they were last year. Little disappointed to see them lose by 60 to Oak Ridge.

Prayers are with Kingston................

therefore the question shouldnt be asked. Its like the one kid in a class that keeps raising his hand and says "I dont get it" Clap Clap Clap Clap

Despite a stunning setback at Kingston last Friday, the Oliver Springs Lady Cats appeared prominently in newspaper sports sections across the state on Monday. Oliver Springs (12-5, 3-1) captured 38 votes in the season's first Associated Press Girls' Prep Poll, enough to edge out Giles County for the fifth spot. Many Lady Cat opponents also received votes in the polling, including McMinn Central (2A), Livingston Academy (2A), Giles County (2A), Jackson County (2A), Harriman (1A), and Clarkrange (1A). The Running Gold began the 2002-2003 season with three consecutive contests against AP-recognized teams (Harriman, Giles County, and Jackson County). Oliver Springs is currently 4-2 in six games against ranked opponents, with contests at Harriman (Jan. 24) and McMinn Central (Feb. 11) yet to be played. More...

OS has beaten ( just to clear up Iairball uninformed post ON THE ROAD OR NUETRAL COURT Clarkrange - neutral court at Livingston Academy Giles County- at jackson County Cannon County- at Farragut Grundy County- at Farragut

Obviously the elevation of OS Lady Cat Basketball has created a jealousy of some sort and hit close to home. Teams that OS has beaten. I think this more than ansers your uninfomred question of asking who OS has played. 1. McMinn Central ( probably top AA team in state) and OS might be the only TN team to accomplish this feat on the road or away. 2. Giles County ( state runner up in AA from last year) and will battle for gold ball again this year. 3. Clarkrange ( will battle for A trophy a top 3 A team) Also, OS has beaten very good teams in ( top 10 A) Harriman (by 40), Cannon County, Grundy County. Sure, OS was upset by Cumberland County and Kingston this year, but the Lady Cats are still very young. I dont think they will lose again until state tourney time. You sopke about OS losing on the road and finding travleing unfriendly, but I dont see anyone challenging OS in the districts or the region. Kingston caught the Lady Cats offguard and won. The lady jackets should be commended, but no one else is even close to OS in regards talent, exectution, and scheduling in Region 2. Their is a huge difference between OS and the rest of the field. So, why you think OS will have a problem with any team home or away is almost amusing, but lets let it play out and see who will be clapping come tourney time. CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

Westview might be as strong as anyone, but I hope their schedule doesnt hurt come tourney time. Alcoa, South Greene, Austin East, or maybe Kingston could pass through to the state tourney. I admit that any of these teams would have an uphill battle once making to Mboro. When you thinki of Tellico Plains, Meigs County, Walker Valley, and McMinn Central being in 5AA , then Livingston Academy, Jackson County, Upperman, and Cannon County in 7AA its scary to think only two of these teams can advance to the final 8.

or RPI used in college basketball. becasue a team goes 11-1 doesnt mean you are the best. Schedule measn everything and come late Febuary those teams are usually exposed.

and East TN I'm not taking anything away from the three programs, but Westview, Obion, and Gibson havent played a tough schedule and I hope for your sake that doesnt backfire on them when things heat up come tourney time when teams like LA< OS< JC, Giles, and MC are already battle tested and veterans.... That was more of my point... sorry if that ruffled feathers. But the lack of scheduling tough competition will be a weakness to the three teams from 13AA come tourney time. Look at your schedules and even try to debate that one of these teams have played top notch competition or teams that have a legitimate chance at winning the state chamipionship. ???????????

and has arguably has the best womens high school basketball in the country, there needs to be improvement in voting by the media. It seems that for one they dont want to take the time to study and exam teams from across the state and too easily just look at a won/loss record. The first AA poll clearly demonstrates a poor grasp of knowledge a AA basketball by some of the AA voters.

OS lost to Livingston Academy by 10 on their homecourt in a Tourney. Its true you didnt see OS best basketball at the LA tourney, but OS is very deserving of this ranking consider the schedule they have played. Making a coment that OS couldnt finish in the top 3 in 7AA is a more of a joke. OS would beat LA and Jackson County at Oliver Springs ( ask Mcmminn Central who is the best overall AA team) and in my opinion at least tie for 1st place in 7AA. Also, OS has beaten McMinn Central, Giles County, Jackson County should be number 2 in this poll and McMinn Central #1. Teams like Westview, Gibson, and Obion havent played the schedule that MC, JC, LA, and OS have. It goes to show you records mean everything to uninformed media. Think about jackson County losses have come against- Shelbyville by 2 ( top 15 team in country), Clarkrange ( top 3 team in A), Oregon City, OR ( top 10 team in country by 10) also lost to a another top 30 in U.S. program in Wilmington , DE. tourney. If teams are going to be penalized for playing schedules in the AP, then throw it out. For instance look at Alcoa- the Lady Tornadoes at #7 have played one of the weakest schedules in basketball and have only 2 losses.When Alcoa finally did play top notch competition - Oak ridge they were blown off the court by almost 60. Instead of won loss rankings being the emphasis of rankings, schedules should be just as important

What is the difference between the Kingston girls at the beginning of the season and now that has made the difference? I have only been to one OS game at Farragut over Christmas break since moving to DC. So, this message board is the only way to keep informed.

OS had a huge letdown after beating McMinn Central. This loss will show the Lady Cats you cant just simply walk onto the court and expect to win especially when playing a talented county rival. As for OS, this loss shows that there is still alot of work before tourney time. Its better to have a letdown like this in the regular season instead of the districts, regions or substate. Again, great win for Kingston!

OS will have a tough/tough time repeating the task of knocking off MC again in Athens.

OS sent a loud message last night in defeating A McMinn Central team that was considered one of the top 5 teams in the entire state regardless of classification. Even though OS has lost four games, the Lady Cat's schedule has seen some of the best teams/players in the state. With wins over Giles County ( AA state runnerup last year), Clarkrange( top 3 team in A), and the win over McMinn Central. Losses to top notch AA programs Jackson County ( 3 time defending AA champs) and Livingston Academy were on each school's home court. Coach Wright has done an amazing job of pitting the Lady Cats against the best compeition in preperation for tourney time. This will pay huge divedends come late Feb/March. Teams like Jackson County, Livingston Academy, Giles County, Upperman, and McMinn Central have always done the same, now come tourney time OS will be battle tested/prepared when it faces top notch competition this year. Great win last night!!!!!!!!!!!

In the 90's Knox Webb Chanted when losing " That's alright that's OK, You are going to work for us someday"

I havent seen or heard of Coach Wright being in too many altercations/words with opposing coaches or fans, so I would think this was a one time deal and from what it sounds like, the heated exchanges was provoked. I dont think OS coach should be labeled something he isnt. Coach W has done an amazing job in scheduling and building one of the better programs in the state, so one altercation ( whether it was warranted or provoked should not lable him accordingly as Chicago suggested) is hardly anything to be alarmed about. Furthermore, OS doesn't have a history of running up scores and always display sportsmanship on the highest level.

to that nature. I'm sort of suprised that Coach Wright would make comments about running up scores on opposition. Its to no one's advantage to make such a prediction. It usually causes a distraction. Could you speculate on why such a comment was made?

nm.

I am suprised that many posters are selling OS short. This game could turn out to be very interesting.