OS91

Meet Tennessee's top sophomore-Kayla Christopher and the rest of the talented Lady Bobcats. After 4 state tourney appearances in the last 6 years, OS makes the state championship game. Of course, the two years OS didn't make the tourney they were ranked in the top 5 ( including #1 in AA 3 years ago for much of the season) for almost almost the entire seasons. Why people are surprised Oliver Springs is making a push for the Gold Ball is baffling considering the last 6 years of Lady Bobcat Basketball. Congrats to an outstanding Group of Ladies who deserve every minute of this.

Oliver Springs loses only one of its staters and returns all everything Kayla Christopher who is arguably the best sophomore in the state of Tennessee regardless of classification. Clarkrange and Oliver Springs will be battling for #1 next year. Its a shame these two teams met this early in the format.

Oliver Springs will be one of the top 5 teams in all of East TN/Knoxville area.

Muffin, Didn't you discount Oliver Springs when I made the point at mid season that all the Middle and West Tennessee Classa A teams had better not underestimate Oliver Springs come tourney time? You made a comment that " you hear this every year from OS people" This was after I pointed out OS's schedule was far superior to many of the class A teams who were ranked ahead of Oliver Springs in the polls. Like Clarkrange and Jackson County, Oliver Springs plays the best schedule possible which provides 5-7 losses a year. OS beat Powell ( AAA sectional), Stone Memorial ( AA sectional), and only lost ONE game to class "A" competition all year- ( clarkrange). It lost to state champion Knox Webb, AAA power Cookeville, AA power Stone Memorial and Loudon. It would be wise to thing the winner of this tourney would be Clarkrange, OS, or Jackson County. They are battle tested. It was foolish to discount Oliver Springs as a challenger for the state championship especially considering its rich tradition and tough regualr season scheduling that prepares it come tourney time.

Oliver Springs being omitted out of anyone's top 10 is a huge mistake because of their 4 losses. OS losses were to undefeated Upperman ( most likely AA's top team), @ AAA power Cookeville, @ new AA power one loss Stone Memorial, and a very good 3 loss Loudon team. OS has beaten some outstanding teams as well like AAA power Knoxville Powell, AAA Campbell County, A Regional runner ups Greenback, and A powe Oneida. Hardly any other A school ( aside from Clarkrange and Jackson County) has a comparable schedule. That is why come tourney time I wouldnt be so quick to place an emphasis # of wins without assesing a team's strength of schedule into who is top 10 or a contender for the championship. Just some food for thought.

Oliver Springs's 5-8 do everything PG Kayla Christopheris one of the top 3 if not BEST sophomore in the state. She's averaging 21 ppg & 5 apg on a very good Oliver Springs team that should challenge for the Class A title. Who are some other players to throw into the mix?

Its pretty obvious JacketDad has a sever case of Kayla/OS envy. His nerve most likely gets hit anytime kayla's name mentioned based on his trigger happy responses. While this thread is cute and all naming good to very good sophomore and freshman in East TN, the reality is Kayla is the best sophomore in East TN and one of the top 3 sophomores in the state in ALL classifications. As a freshman, kayla made the Knoxville News Sentinel's 3rd team All East Tennessee's team. She's the leading candidate to garner the Sentinel's sophomore of the year. In recruting circles, she's considered the state of Tennessee's can't miss young PG and is commanding attention from the nation's best colleges. Its obvious that JacketDad is accustomed regional recruiting. His handicap on national recruiting issues should be noted and assesed as OS/Kayla Envy.

ALCOA, Tenn.--Imagine being cooped up in the office of a potential position coach of a bigtime Southeastern Conference school which is about 10 miles from your front door. Now consider that Tennessee wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor brought along head coach Phillip Fulmer, offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe and defensive coordinator John Chavis to seal the deal. You are in there for about two hours. You know about Tennessee. You know you could be one of the hometown kids playing before 100,000 Orange Bloods in Neyland Stadium on selected Knoxville fall Saturdays. When you walk out, you are more sure than ever you want to be a West Virginia Mountaineer, in part because you started recruiting WVU when you were a sophomore in high school, and secondly because when you met with Rich Rodriguez, you got a one-on-one in the big man's office. That and the fact that Butch Jones, the WVU wide receivers coach, had made you comfortable with your place in the class of 2007 and that at slot receiver you would have a chance to make an impact in the currently 4th-ranked program. Finally, WVU chaplain Danny Buggs, an All-American wide receiver from the South, was the kind of guy "I could talk to" when he made an unofficial visit last summer. "He was open, he joked around. He was different. He wasn't fake," Lanxter said. Though Tennessee put late pressure on the potential first-team All-State player from traditional 2A power Alcoa High, Lanxter remained firm on his commitment to the Mountaineers. Though UT hinted at a negative perception of WVU's supposedly weak schedule, and the jam-packed houses traditional in the Southeastern Conference, he said the Big Orange has since backed off. Lanxter came to Alcoa at first to play basketball. The Rockets also have a traditionally strong hoop program and the 6-foot-2, 185 pounder has skills in the area, evidence of which is that he has played on the national Tennessee Breakers AAU squad for two years (he also has run a 21.9 200 meters in outdoor track). But then head football coach Scott Porter, now Alcoa's principal, talked him into coming out for football. His decision to do so has paid off. He had caught 11 passes for 280 yards coming into last Friday night's game in the traditional power-I running attack where he is a stealth downfield blocker. He also plays corner and safety on defense, locking down on the other team's best receiver. John Adams, who played at rival Maryville High, but has coached at Alcoa for a long time said, "I have known Kyrus since he got here and I am telling you, he is a diamond in the rough. West Virginia got an absolute steal here. We have another player (defensive end Rae Sykes) who is being recruited by everybody. But this youngster, Kyrus, is going to be something on the next level," the Alcoa assistant said. Lanxter came to Morgantown with the Breakers for a summer AAU tournament two years ago and decided to go over to visit the football facilities because he was getting serious about playing football on the next level. At the time, the WVU staff did not know he was coming. So when he came back with the Breakers this summer, assistant coach Jones had made sure to invite Lanxter over. There he met with Jones and head coach Rich Rodriguez. The offer was extended there. Louisville had been considered the leader for the receiver, but after a summer camp experience there, he started leaning toward WVU. UT was a late suitor. But he is coming to WVU. "Really, I talked it over with my little brother even before I talked to my parents," Lanxter said of his final decision on where he would commit. He had eight offers on the table, including another SEC school, Ole Miss. "But I had told my little brother once that if he wanted to be a tuba player in the high school marching band then that's what he should do. Everybody's gotta find something," Kyrus said. The younger brother told Lanxter that indeed he has found something, and so he is going to be a Mountaineer.

Here is what we do know. Kyrus is a legitimate Division One player with numerous Division One offers. So, to throw some Rivals story of a player that never exsisted in hopes it gives your opinions a little respect and merit is comical and SEARCHING. Lets Touch base on erroneous posts and situations for a minute: HOw do we know you haven' made erroneous assertions? Also, have you honestly read what you have been posting? I case you haven't figured out, let me assist you on what everyone is thinking after reading your posts on how you are "secretly in the know" on this subject. This is what you sound like: " I have a friend of a friend of a friend that walks Coach Fulmers dog on Monday aned Friday" or " or I am the " Burger King Drive Thru manager" that Coach Fulmer come through sometimes"? You should have resigned last night when you had a chance.

He would have gone to Vandy insteaf if his decision was purely on academics. Also, WVU's 26 Rhodes Scholars ( you do know what a Rhodes Scholar is, right? ) which is ranks WVU top 8 of universities would not find your joke funny.

Just for the record, I am a UT alum ( under grad). However, I am a life long WVU fan and very close to the Mountaineer athletics. That being said, I'm a big UT fan except when WVU has played UT in basketball in the past. That beind said, as another poster pointed out, our Maryville Rebel fan is on record as stating UT never offered a scholarship to Kyrus. However, if we were going to drink this kool-aid, why does all evidence conflict with REB?. Scout.Com and and Unapproved Website all have UT offering a scholarship. Kyrus openly talks about the UT offer. Also, even a spokesman for TNpreps.com ( I believe) did an interview with WVUSports.com today. In this interview, he touched base on UT's offer. He stated Kyrus wanted to get away from home as reasoning for selecting WVU over Louisville and Tennessee. I know this is becoming a dead horse, but why doesn't Rebel reveal how he knows UT never offered and give his opinion on why so many other people, web sites, and media are wrong and he is right? Adiditonally, why does't he reveal reasoning for why Kyrus would fabricate an offer when discussing this with the media? Call me an idiot, but it looks like you are the one that is playing in left field ( without a glove) throwing a temper tantrum. Congrats! Maybe we should give you a high chair, bottle, and bib with a laptop to post with from now on.

"what was up with lanxter cramping so much last game?? i hope they have a good conditioning program at WV lol." No Worries on the strength and conditioning. WVU strength and conditioning coach is possibly the best at the college level as is evident by WVU's up tempo style of football. WVU's workout facility is the 3rd largest in America. Here is a look at it: http://www.msnsports.net/page.cfm?section=9615

"Tennessee offered Lanxter about two months ago, about the same time the WVU pledge came through." Are you guys University of Tennessee alums? That would explain the lack of reading comprehension.

"They may but based on what I know it is unlikely unless he has a monster year. Some issues with Kyrus and football have kept some away and it's not his athletic ability" You jsut can't help yourself, can you? Another astute observation of yours, eh? Now you giving opinions on why some schools have stayed away ( suggesting he has character flaws). This was a thread that was to congratulate him on his commitment. A commitment to one of the top 5 teams in the country. But, you have used it to for other purposes. However, anyoen with sense can see that your opinions are most likely attributed to ignorance and being the lack of class. Your true colors ( Maryville red and black) are coming out. UT ( top 20 team) offered and so did ALabama ( top 25 team) , Louisville ( top 15 team), and so did Minnesota ( perpetual bowl team). Also, Vandy and Ole Miss offered. Seems he was in no shortage of "top" teams wanting his services. Btw, just so you know, Its Pretty pathetic ( stating UT didn't offer when they clearly did and then suggesting he has character flaws) that you have taken this route instead of just saying "congratuations". Good Job!

From another website Scout.com : Lanxter said "We have lost two games and that's the most games I've lost since I was a freshman," he said steadfastly". WVU is 1-1 in Tennessee this year. . If he signs in February, it will be the second prospect the Mountaineers have beaten the Volunteers on in two seasons--the first was redshirt freshman and former High school All American Greg Davis, who prepped in Virginia just outside Washington, DC. BTW,You can make assertions all you want ( including I'm dishonest) to cover up either you crying over spilled milk or more probable your ignorance on this issue. What you are suggesting is: A) Lanxter is lying to the media about UT offering. Which is sad for an adult to do base don Lanxter directly discussing UT's offer. Scout and Rivals recruiting also being in error over this as well. What would an objective person think when reveiwing this situation? Especially considering you are a Maryville Rebel fan? The evidence overwhelmingly states you are either A) Highly biased and throwing ludicrious comments around to devalue his commit or you are simply ignorant on the issue. The reality is Lanxter was offered by UT. Its really not that big of a deal in the big picture, but is always comical in recruiting when an in state player goes elsewhere for a fan of that state university to attempt to say their school didn't offer as a way to devalue him going eslewhere. I'm sure most Tenenssee fans are happy for Lanxter. Its not like UT will miss a beat at WR with his decision elsewhere.

Just because Lanxter made a decision to attend another school other than University of Tennessee, its baffling to me that you "suggest" he wasn't offered because he chose another direction for his education/football? Tennessee does an outstanding jobof keeping mostof its home grown talent in state. There are exceptions to the rule. Some kids want to get away from home at age 18. Anyway, Congrats agai to Lanxter on a tremendous choice. He will make the Mountaineer Naiton very proud.

Tennessee most certainly did offer Lanxter. Here is a porition of an aritcle from Unapproved Website ( the premeir recruiting service): Lanxter was considering Louisville and Ole Miss at the time of his WVU offer and Tennessee was starting to come in. After a summer camp visit to Louisville, Lanxter nixed the Cards. That left Ole Miss and WVU and the hard-rushing Vols. Tennessee offered Lanxter about two months ago, about the same time the WVU pledge came through. He decided however that the Vol campus was just "too close to home." Even though members of his family want to see him in Orange, he said Sunday night, "It's just not for me." "I think Tennessee will continue recruiting me. But I sat down with my family today and talked it out. They're supportive of my choice. West Virginia isn't that far away and they can still come and see me play. "Coach Jones and Coach Rodriguez told me they wanted more wide receivers in the program so they could balance out their run game. They told me Sunday they had been waiting for my call. I'm glad I did. I'm going to West Virginia," Lanxter said.

Alcoa's speedy 6-2 WR Kyrus Lanxter commits to one of college football's up and coming powers at West Virginia University. He'll fit in perfectly at WVU's where innovative head coach Rich Rodriguez ( inventor of the spread offense) needs an abundance of WR's to run his complex offense that's taken college football by storm. Lanxter chose WVU over Tennessee and fellow Big East Power Louisville. ALso, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Vanderbilt offered. No doubt WVU's Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia last season and WVU's top 5 ranking this season were huge. Also, a chance to play for a National Championship in the next 2-3 years played a role in Lanxter's decision. Congrats to him on an outstanding choice!

Congratulations Lady Cats! 3rd State tourney in last 5 years.

Tread carefully Gr8one. I would hold off on making erroneous assertions os who is a truckdriver. If you actually were in the "know" you would feel goofy in even making a statement like that considering the target of that insult. Trust me.. people aren't laughing with you, they are laughing at you in regards to such a blinded idiotic comment.

Unaka fans have arrogance confused with confidence.

krichunaka, I see your point on being in the northeast corner of the state and having to schedule long trips to fill out a Out of District Schedule. I have to admit I didn't realize Hampton beat up on Greenback this year. Btw, I will be the first to show up and eat crow tommorrow if Unaka wins. Have a safe trip down 81 & 40.

I need to quit doing four things at one time. LOL Replace York for Livingston Academy. You see OS has played so many top teams throughout Tennessee over the last 5 years that its difficult to keep up with. 3 years ago OS played Livington Academy twice ( once beating them the year they were AA state champs and losing to the Lady Wildcats in the AA semifinals in Mboro). THis year OS played York institute twice. York are Livigingtson Academyare similar schools in Middle Tennessee known for this basketball tradition located just 15 miles from each other. Anwyay back on topic. While Im certainly not bragging about losses to very good teams from OS's big time class a Scchedule, OS middle of the row teams on their schedule were better than the best teams from Unaka's schedule. Also, OS as a program in general certainly doesn't need to brag about losses to elite teams. It's record over the last 5 years in AA speaks for itself. Anderson County, White County, Coalfield, Oneida, and others would have been the best teams on Unaka's schedule if they competed in Upper East Tennessee. The bottom line is, Unaka is going to be playing in one of the more hostile enviormenents in girls high school basketball & playing a caliber of team it rarely faces. The reality is the upper East Tennessee A Region procuded a runnerup with an average 17-12 record ( against average to below opponents) and a champion according to coacht.com with a losing record ( again against average to below average schedule). Yet, Oliver Spring's region had two exceptional teams like Coalfield & Oneida eliminated in region play. If those two teams were in the upper East Tennessee region, they would still be playing basketball. Don't get me wrong, Unaka has a cute little team. But, they are about tot walk into a Cats den with big time basketball awaiting and a rowdy student section nortiously known throughout the state for greeting opposing teams.

My bad on stating Cloudland lost to Unaka. I still stand by my comment that Unaka, Cloudland, & Hampton combined didn't play the schedue Oliver Springs did during the regular season. Did any of those teams play Livingston Academy twice? Clarkrange once? Oak Ridge once? Franklin County once? Coalfield three times? Oneida three times? Knox Webb once? Did any of the above teams play in the Mid South Tourney? My point is, typically teams that schedule powers certainly have an advantage during the tournies. Also, I was talking more from a Class A stand point than AA. Almost every year the Single A representitives from East Tennessee comes from the Knoxville area for the Single A tourney.

Lets be realistic for one second. OS most likely would be playing in the AA sectional this year if still in AA. Beating three very good teams in Coalfield, Oneida, & Greenback to have prepared them for a deep run geared toward making some noise in Murfreesboro. While Unaka's win over Cloudland was impressive, Cloudlands won loss record as a reflection of playing in upper East Tennessee. In addition to playing very good single A teams like Coalfield ( 3 times), Oneida ( 3 times), and Greenback ( twice), Oliver Springs has played some of the better teams ( AAA, AA, A) in Tennessee in Knox Webb, Oak Ridge, York Institute ( twice), Clarkrange, White County, & Franklin Country. Additionally, throw other god programs like Anderson Country ( twice) & Jefferson County ( twice). My point is, playing at home and with the caliber of schedule & tradition of the OS Lady Cat program and various intangibles, Unaka is walking into a one of the toughest enviorements in high school basketball. OS 64 Unaka 40