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Is Lewis County's winningest coach and future TSSAA Hall of Fame Inductee, Howard "the bear" Spears, being sought after for this job?

I heard the LCMS Lady Raiders made it to the semifinals this past weekend and lost a heartbreaker by 2 points. This 8th grade group should be big contributors to the Lady Panthers next year. Congratulations on a great year. Is there any truth that Mrs. Lee and Coach Smith are both retiring from coaching? If so, who are their replacements going to be. Those are definitely some big shoes to fill as they both have traditionally strong progams and successful coaching careers.

How did the games go last night? Did Jerry receive any flagrant or technical fouls?

A rematch is a great idea. This would give the students a chance to redeem themselves. The game seemed to go over real well with the fans to as they were really into the game. There was good sportsmanship on both sides and fun for all. I think Commissioner Tiller and Principal Pace should be brought forth this idea, as it would be good for the school.

That was great, hoopngal. I had to give you a good mark for informing us of the legendary Coach Smith's illustrious career both on the battlefield and on the basketball court.

How'd the games go last night? Give us a report.

Myself and other biographers try to keep these posts positive and about Legends. Brad Creasy has only produced negative activities in both high school and at the Courts and is most certainly not a Legend. If you want to read about fighting and foolish behavior go to the WWE website.

Only the devout followers of the Courts will remember this next legendary player, "Country" Robert Williams. Country Bob made his first appearance at Memorial Park on a bright Sunday evening in 1993 while passing thru Hohenwald in an 18 Wheeler on the way to Nevada. He stepped out of the big rig wearing not your typical truckers outfit of jeans, longsleeved shirt, and cowboy boots; but rather bright green jogging pants, a Reebok basketball jersey, and some Chuck Taylor Converse high-tops. With his adrenaline pumping due to an overdose of yellow-jackets, No Doze, and Folgers coffee, Country Bob stepped right in to a game replacing an injured Indo Williams. He led his team to victory and on to a 6 game winstreak for day. As he pulled out of the H.I.S. parking lot he blew his horn loudly for Lil' Jerry who was feverishly pumping his arm and promised everyone he'd return when he road back into Hohenwald. Bob did return to play and was one of the most notorious players ever to throw an elbow, thrust a hip, or feign being fouled. Certainly, no player was ever showered with more boos or unflattering nicknames. Bob once told Coach Grinder after a skirmish, "I don't fight. I agitate, then walk away." Longtime teammate, friend, and fellow trucker Bobby Young said of Bob, "Players and fans love to hate him. It's a love-hate relationship. Tell you the truth, if I didn't know Country Bob, I wouldn't like him either." Despite many of his on-court antics Bob had a brilliant career. In 6 bruising Courts seasons Country Bob made up for his minuscule vertical leap, slow feet, and sluggishness by becoming a master of posturing, muscling, and anticipating...plus fomenting trouble by pretending to be fouled, and drawing his opponents' ire. Bob always seemed to be nursing a brawl-induced shiner or broken nose. He was punched by some of the league's best players, including Terry Shipp, Floyd Tubbs Jr., Jonah Russell, and Travis McKissack. "We don't like him that much," Terry Shipp once told the Lewis County Herald. Nevertheless, Bob was one of the league's finest centers throughout the 1990s. Tragically in late 1998 with his back and knees aching, and his pride smarting from falling productivity, Bob retired 11 games into the season at age 36. Players throughout the league rejoiced sarcastically. Bob's former nemesis Travis McKissack told everyone, "There's going to be a big party at my house tonight. Everybody's invited." Although many despised his rough and sometimes dirty play, Bob was a pioneer in many ways. He proved that a truck driver could travel 1,407 miles cross-country yet still dominate at the Courts as soon as he returned home. He proved you could wear green and red jogging pants in the dead heat of the summer and still not pass out from a heat stroke. And finally he opened the door to a career in truck driving that other Legends (such as Michael Dunn and Bobby Young) would soon follow. And for all these accomplishments I say, "THANK YOU, Country Bob, for all you did for the Courts and for the game of basketball".

Young Haley was a prodigy of sorts, with legs like coil springs and the uncanny ability to shoot a 30 foot jump shot with a Winston Menthol 120 dangling from his lip, he had ability far beyond that of normal, non tabacco using athletes. Stricken with a case of premature balding, it shortened his blossoming high school career as birth certificates showed him to be 23 years old when playing as a freshman in high school. Carrying the shame of his subterfuge, Doc had no other alternative except to take his craft to the backcourts, an asphalt war zone located at the back of the elementary school, and later at Memorial Park. of his time. That is one of the best and funniest lines I've seen on CoachT.

I appreciate the good marks given to me recently. I work hard and research tirelessly to get these biographies to all the fans of the Lewis County Legends. I'll continue my research and hope to continue receiving good marks. Josh's stats were padded a little. However he averaged over 20 points, 10 boards, and did take many charges and shot well beyond the arc but I'm not sure the exact numbers. He was only 1 of only 4 or 5 players at the time to score over 1,000 career points in LCHS history. I think he's like the third leading scorer overall. More biography's tomorrow.

Joshua ˜The Diesel˜ Keltner was born and raised in rural southeastern Lewis County on the Maury County line near Mt. Joy. Growing up in poverty, the only material goods Joshua had was an old Larry Bird autographed basketball and an old homemade basketball goal nailed to a giant oak tree that was made by his father. Joshua˜s love for the game began growing when he was 7 years old and saw his brother Jonah playing basketball everyday with childhood friend and next door neighbor, Matt Santana. Joshua soon began playing with the two and was always badly beaten by the older and bigger boys. In 1997 Josh was quoted saying, ˜Getting the crap beat out of me all the time by my brother and Santana really made me practice harder so I could one day beat them the way they beat me. I stayed outside in the dark, cold rain, sleet and snow shooting free-throws while those two went in to a nice, warm house. I would jog up Teen Cothran Hill building up my leg muscles while they played Nintendo. I was always working on my game.˜ Joshua began playing organized basketball in the fourth grade in a Mt. Pleasant Pee-Wee league, for the mighty Red ˜Dragons˜. In his first year he led his team to the Championship, which proved to be a sign of things to come. In the next year Joshua again led his team to the Championship again and was planning on a 3-peat when he and his family was kicked out of the Maury County School System for living out-of-county. Upon his arrival at Lewis County Middle School, Joshua signed up for basketball under legendary head coach, Howard ˜The Bear˜ Spears. During his seventh grade season he led the Runnin˜ Raiders to the TNT State Championship, scoring 34 points in the season finale. In his Sophmore season at LCHS, Joshua was reunited with ˜The Bear˜ and led the Panthers to a 19 game consecutive win streak and onto the District Championship. He was named District MVP after averaging 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 charges taken a game. He continued to improve his Junior and Senior year where he became known as one of the most entertaining players to watch in the southeastern United States. His last two years with the Panthers, he averaged 36 points, 16 rebounds and although playing post, shot 79% beyond the arc. Although not fully recognized for his defensive skills, two of his biggest thrills in high school was holding future NBA All-Star Kirk Haston to 5 points in 1997 against Perry County, and then holding current Rookie of the Year candidate Marcus Haislip to 3 points in 1998 against Marshall County. After graduation Joshua was pursuing a Criminal Justice career at Columbia State and was trying out for the Charges basketball team when he suffered a career threatening back injury (when he was stabbed there by a former high school teammate). Joshua was so devastated he withdrew from school and joined the Lewis County Sheriff˜s Department where he is currently working as a School Resource Officer alongside another Lewis County Legend, Larry ˜Rodjo˜ Rodgers. When not caught up in piles of paperwork, Joshua still enjoys playing pick-up basketball and helping juvenile defenders turn their life around. THANK YOU, Joshua, for all you've done for the game of basketball.

Detroit, Michigan is known to millions of people for producing three things...automobiles, Kid Rock and James "Mighty" Mouse. Born in poverty stricken lower Detroit, James grew up longing to play basketball like his Piston hero's Isiah Thomas and Dennis Rodman. Each evening after being picked up from daycare, Mouse would play outside his modest home using a pair of his father's old work socks for a ball and an old Model A Ford tire for a hoop. These simple possessions was all Mouse had as a child. His only world was isolation and fear. Then one day everything changed. His mother informed him the family was loading up all their belongings and moving to Hohenwald, Tennessee. Upon arrival Mouse immediately became friends with another Courts Legend, Billy "Tiger" Dabbs. Together they worked on their game and became a terrific two-some at Memorial Park. However since this is Mouse's biography I will only focus on his individual accomplishments. In the summer of 1996 Mouse was consistently among Courts leaders in steals and field goal percentage. He wasn't quick, couldn't jump, and a damaged retina he received while in shop class hindered his vision. However he had what many youngsters these days lack, heart. And on top of that he had the most deadly hook-shot ever seen at the Courts since Travis McKissack. Mouse developed this hook shot after having to play against his uncle Larry Joe Hinson when he was younger because it was the only way he could get it over the larger law-man. A tragic end came to Mouse's career after leading his team to the 1998 Courts championship game against a team led by "Jumpin" Jonah Russell. Mouse's team was down 1 with 3 seconds to go when he posted Russell up and was fouled by him on a questionable call by head official Billy James. After Mouse nailed the free-throws clinching the win, Russell brutally assaulted Mouse on the way to his car. Although Mouse never got in a punch, Coach Grinder only saw Mouse take a swing and was forced to ban him from the park forever. Since that time many Legends have petitioned Mouse be reinstated, but Grinder has refused. Though he may be banned his legacy lives on, and for that we say, "THANK YOU, James Mouse, for all you did for the game of basketball."

This next biography is of the legendary Brian "Black Superman" Tibbs. He received this nickname from his longtime friend and teammate, Junior Tubbs, after doing a 360 dunk off an alley-oop thrown off the ground in between games at the City Championship Tournament. Tibbs grew up in a humble environment in South Central Hohenwald. He was the son of local entrepreneur and Courts Hall of Famer, Charlie "Hustle" Tibbs and was practicaly raised at the Courts. As a youth Tibbs began to show signs of a superstar in the making, when at the tender age of 12 he led his team to 12 straight wins in one day. A major setback came when Tibbs entered high school and fell for Trina Love, who was in the LCHS marching band. Tibbs decided that in order to spend more time with Love he'd join the band as well and not play basketball, much to the dismay of Panther Coach "Big Al" Ellison. Tibbs immediately put as much dedication into the band as he had the Courts when he was younger and soon became the Captain and a world class tuba player as well. After graduation Tibbs began playing more and more at the Courts and soon became one of the biggest scoring threats in Courts history. Known for his quick hands, explosive jumpshot, and incredible ups, Tibbs was the total package. However toward the end of his career, Tibbs was known more as a fraudulent scorekeeper than great baller. Tibbs now lives in his childhood home which is only 2 minutes away from the Courts, yet rarely spends time there. He opened a business in 1994 (RAW CUTZ) which he sold in 1999 for $2 million to Roy Dee Weaks, who immediately turned the music shop into a gym. Tibbs is still living off that money and hopes to one day build a recreational center for at-risk youth who lives in the Lewis County community.

Other than Keltner, another famous Jonah made the Courts his home for many years and is undoubtedly a Legend in his own right. "Jumpin" Jonah Russell was born and raised in Northern Hohenwald's housing projects, one of Tennessee's most ravaged ghettos. Despite all the trouble surrounding him, Russell used his deftness with a basketball to steer clear of the drugs and violence that claimed many of his contemporaries. Fate, fortitude, and inspiration from unlikely places helped him persevere to become the pride of his family. Russell, who was nicknamed after his father, "Jumpin" Jerry Russell grew up in a two-bedroom apartment and was the youngest of two children. At age 10 Russell effectively became head of the household when "Jumpin" Jerry abandoned his wife and their children. Living in an environment that destroyed many close to him, Russell easily could have succumbed to the temptations of the street. "It's interesting," Jonah told the Lewis County Herald in 1996, "how guys who are into drugs are always looking to get other guys involved, as if they want company when they go under. Me? I was always into basketball." But basketball hardly seemed the natural course for the young Russell. True, he had decent height. But he was a skinny, painfully shy kid who lacked confidence on the court. He failed to make the basketball team his freshman and sophmore year at LCHS and nearly dropped out of school. Fortunately for Russell, and for all those who enjoyed his splendid Courts career, a man named Terry Shipp, then a community sports director and Courts Legend, entered the scene. Shipp agreed to tutor and mentor the youngster (for a small fee) and soon he made the team his junior year and by his senior season he had led the Panthers to the District Championship under legendary coach, Howard Spears. Russell continued playing at the Courts after high school and began improving each year. During his Courts career Russell was not flamboyant, just effective. A 6-7 post player, he was a formidable offensive force who was at his best when posting up a defender with his back to the basket, then spinning right or left to shake free for a lightning-quick baby hook shot. When duty called in 1997, Russell bravely enlisted in the Navy SEALS where he proudly served his country in Rowanda, Bosnia, and Yugoslavia. Russell was dishonorable discharged however in 1999 after he was framed by a jealous roommate. After returning home Russell never regained the dedication or desire to play basketball at the Courts that he once had. He now works for a large construction company in Hohenwald and rarely plays the game. Russell still holds the Courts record for most walks in a season (104); most fights at Memorial Park in a lifetime (6); most verbal assaults in a season (76); and is the only player who has ever attempted to throw a skateboard through an opposing players windshield. Not a man to forget his roots, Russell continues to be a presence in the troubled neighborhoods of Hohenwald, helping to run community programs and homeless shelters and counseling kids on the street. THANK YOU, "Jumpin" Jonah, for all you did for Lewis County Basketball.

One of the most famous Court Legends of all time is Herman "Creature" Grimes. He made his first visit to Memorial Park in the Spring of 1987 as a skinny short kid with no game. However he possessed two talents that hardly anyone then or anyone from that time on has matched: great hustle and the ability to call "Next". Creature was ahead of his time in the "Next" department, outcalling everyone until 1994 when David "Indo" Williams arrived on the scenes. In 1998 Creature called his final "Next" game and retired to work full time at Maury Regional Hospital. Among his many accomplishments include the Courts "Next" record at 3,392; the Courts total fouls record at 4,567; his infamous flagrant foul on Terry "Gooch" Shipp on a breakaway dunk which sent Shipp into the old Genesco building dislocating his shoulder; and his role in one of the top five greatest plays in Courts history where Drew Robinson bounced the ball off the ground and off the backboard and jumped over Creature for the reverse slam. THANK YOU Creature for all you've done. May your legacy live on forever.

Few stories are told that can touch one's heart the same way this next story does. Bobby "The American Dream" Young had to come into the world in 1971 under the harshest of circumstances. He was the youngest of nine children growing up in a small Hohenwald ghetto. His family sometimes went without food or heat, and the lack of bed space forced some of the kids to sleep on the floor. Bobby's father left the family when he was 3 years old, leaving Bobby's mother to raise the children. Ms. Young, whose courage inspired a 1989 television documentary, did her best to shield her children from the drugs, violence, and crime that plagued the neighborhood. According to the Lewis County Herald, one night, when thugs came looking for Bobby, his mother got out her sawed-off shotgun and warned them, "There's only one gang here, and I lead it. Get off my porch or I'll blow you off it!" Another night, when Bobby got home late, she grounded him for the entire summer. Howard Spears, then the Lewis County Middle School coach who tried to recruit Young, remembered, "You talk about abject poverty, human failing, suffering-they had all that in Bobby's neighborhood. You'd go in there and here was this young guy who's got this big smile. He was unbelievably optimistic for someone who had gone through all the misfortune that has occurred in his family. He was very focused." Young overcame these setbacks to become one of the most spectacular basketball players in LCHS history. Despite playing in the shadow of Donnie Ellison, he is one of only 5 players in school history to score 1,000 points, which he did in less than three full seasons. After a brilliant high school career he reportedly played ball at Michigan State before suffering a career threatening ACL tear his sophmore year. After leaving MSU, he returned to Hohenwald and began dominating the local ball courts in his patented American Flag Daisy Duke boxer shorts. He was recently named one of the top 15 Court Players of All Time and is still a threat when he finds time to play. When Bobby is not enjoying an ice cold beverage at Kelsey's, he is on the road driving commercially. THANK YOU, Bobby Young, for all you have done.

I heard over the weekend that the TSSAA is investigating a possible rules violation by one of the Panthers. It is believed Luke Curfman has received two Lewis County throwback jerseys (of basketball great Lee Burklow and football legend Wade Perry) from the HodgePodge. While Curfman insists the jerseys were given to him as a reward for making the gold honor roll this past 9 weeks, others insist it was for his MVP-type performances with the Panthers. HodgePodge owner Don Jones has declined comment. More as this story develops.

I heard a weird NBA All-Star/Faculty Game similarity too. It has been rumored that Mrs. Baxter is planning a touching ceremony at halftime of the Student-Faculty game in which she plans to honor ˜The Bear˜ Howard Spears by presenting a powerpoint slide show featuring highlights of his career, sort of like how they did for Jordan. Also set to perform at the halftime festivities (during the slide show) is Vernalisa Walker, who will sing the song "Hero" via Karaoke. She will be wearing a specially made throwback 1974 Howard Spears jersey/dress which is said to be similar to Mariah Carey's Jordan jersey/dress at the All-Star game. Finally it has been reported that Dr. Tim Webb is doing everything in his power to make sure Spears will be in the starting lineup at the Faculty game. He, along with other administrators and teachers have been applying continuous pressure on Duncan to give up his starting role so that Spears may start. Duncan still hasn˜t given in saying that it wouldn˜t be right to the students who voted him in. Spears has repeatedly said he is not looking for charity and is prepared to come off the bench. More as this story develops.

The Legends are going to play again Sunday at 1:00, come if you've been invited. I would like to see the 3 on 3 winners play the Legends and not just the faculty if they are so good. Can you imagine what the score would be if a team of these six (Josh Powers, the Lawson's, Josh Keltner, Bobby Young and Jason Alexander) played their six in a 7 game series? It'd probably be a 4 game sweep with the final score being 12-0, 12-0, 30-6, and 12-0 in favor of the Legends!

I see everyone's point and I'm glad it was put out there that these are a small group of 5-10 guys and not regular Lewis County fans putting these insulting and degrading posts on CoachT about other teams. Maybe other people in different cities will see this now and realize they don't represent all of us. At the games they seem to act fine, but I guess once they get on here it's a different story. I'm glad they are loyal and supportive fans which is something the team needs, but do it with honor.

Who will be playing in this highly anticipated match-up between the faculty and the students? Has there been a point spread given by the Vegas insider Howard "The Bear" Spears?

Last nights action featured the return of Larry Rodgers, who was joined on Team 1 by the Keltner's, ODB, McKissack and Gary Craig/Bret Hankins. Team 2 consisted of Evan Lawson, David "BIG GAME" James, Phillip Denton, Chocker Halfacre, Lantz Dabbs. Game 1 was won by Team 1 with Rodgers nailing 3 3-pointers late to mount a rally. Lawson was unconscious from beyond the arc and "BIG GAME" was on fire as well, but they couldn't stop Rodgers. Game 2 was won by Team 2 who was led again by the great shooting of Lawson and all-around play of "BIG GAME". Game 3 was won by Team 1, with Josh Keltner and Rodgers leading the way. Before Game 4, a major deal went thru that sent Jonah Keltner to Team 2 because of the departure of Evan. Game 4 turned into a loppsided victory for Team 1 as they were all unstoppable, shooting a team fg% of around 73%. Despite trailing 3 games to 1, Team 2 was not finished. Jonah took over the leadership role as he consistently fed and motivated the hot dynamic duo of Denton and James throughout game 5 and they rallied to win on a desperation 3 point heave by Denton. Controversey surrounded the ending of the game, as LJ was called for a foul on Jonah after he (LJ) apparently stole the ball and ended the game on a three pointer. The shot was waved off, and an upset ODB flipped-off the crowd and the officials as well as kicking Jonah in the shins as he walked by him. Team 1 held Team 2 on the next play, and ODB once again had a chance to win the game but was on the line as he launched a shot that hit nothing but net. Jonah again made the call against ODB, but was backed by most everyone including McKissack. LJ argued the call and again made rude gestures to the crowd and officials (which led to his 13 technical foul of the year). Team 2 then went down and Denton nailed the winning 3 off a pass from Jonah. Game 6 was as close as it had been all night with Lantz hustling, Jonah guiding, Chocker rebounding, and Denton and James filling it up for Team 2. However the chemistry for Team 1 was off as Rodgers got few touches and fewer shots as Josh (a post player) heaved three after three (he did shoot about 60%, to his credit). At the end Denton nailed a jumper to give Team 2 the victory and tie the series at 3-3, to which everyone then went home. Several players had great nights and were basically tied in the MVP race, including Josh Keltner, Rodgers, Evan, Denton, and James. No games on Wednesday, but possibly some on Sunday at 1:30, depending on who can play (post if you can).

In honor of February being Black History month I'd like to make a list of the top 10 most influential African American Legends to play at the Courts. 10. David "INDO" Williams - Best known for his quick defensive hands and for breaking Creature's record of most consecutive days having next. 9. Bryan Tibbs - His score-keeping ability (which he's allegedly passed on to the Keltner's) and sagging pants with no underwear on are unforgettable. He also had mad game. 8. Floyd Tubbs, Jr. - A great leaper and trash talker whose rebounding ability has rarely been matched. 7. Kenny McGill - Arguably the quickest player in courts history with a pull-up jumper that was second to none. His unique vocabulary gave us terms such as "YAAAACKUUM" and "THREEEEECOLAA". 6. Lil' Jerry Brown - Straight outta the streets of Little Rock, ODB was the first person under 5 foot to be selected to the Courts All-Star team. 5. Eric from Lawrenceburg - His leaping and dunking ability could only be topped by Drew. 4. Mike "Chocolate Thunder" Dunn - In most opinions he's one of the top-5 Legends of all time; as fierce an inside player as anyone the courts have ever seen. 3. Robert "Downtown" Brown - Brought prestige and honor to the courts and was a friend to all that played. 2. Drew Robinson - The best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be. 1. Charlie Tibbs - Most famous for breaking the color barrier by being the first black athlete to appear at the segregated middle school courts in 1957, while at the tender age of 13. His first season was a struggle as he battled for acceptance among his white peers. But it was worth it, because he opened the door for countless African American athletes in Lewis County, who since then have made major contributions to the history of the courts.

I was wondering when/if you were going to include the Panthers in your rankings? They are currently on a 9 game winning streak. Check them out sometime.

The Legends met once again Wednesday evening to a packed gymnasium of screaming fans (actually it was the middle school girls softball team holding tryouts!). The games were very lopp-sided, with Bobby "BUSCH" Young showing up at the last minute. Despite having taken a 6 month lay-off from the game of basketball to focus on his billards career, the "American Dream" showed why he is one of the greatest legends of them all, consistently nailing jumper after jumper while averaging about 5 steals a game. Love him or hate him, you have to respect his ability to dominate a series the way he did last night. Fung was on TEAM 1 and joined by "The Future"; the Reynalds twins--Ryan and Chris (who was formerly known as "Smits" but has now been dubbed "YAO" by several players now that his game has improved dramatically); and the Ole' Dirty B himself, Lil' Jerry. TEAM 2 consisted of the Keltner's, T-MAC, Lantz Dabbs, and "Sugar" Shane Lowery. From the beginning, TEAM 1 dominated. They shot around 73% the entire night, and won the series 4 games to none. The Co-MVP's were Young and ODB. The Keltner's left the gymnasium in shame and refused to comment to Hulon Dunn after the games when he asked how they felt this series would hurt their ranking as one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. When asked about the alleged point shaving, Jonah responded that he never consciously cheated in any game he participated in (when Dunn followed up by asking about subconsciously cheating, he declined to comment). However Josh responded that any score altering he may have done in the past, he only did it only carry on the legacy of Bryan Tibbs.