fadeaway

"LJ is like a time bomb when he's playing basketball. It's not a matter of if, but when he's going to blow up."---Quote from Andy Lawson, November 2002. ODB does play with lots of emotion, however he was not always this way. Years of verbal abuse and physical punishment from opponents at the Courts have made him the way he is today. Illegal moving-screens from bigger and stronger players like Coach Smith (especially when you deliberately stick your elbow into a players cranium) are part of the reason for his rage. Constant smart remarks and trash-talking from players like the savy veteran Travis McKissack are part of the reason. And finally the low blows from cheap-shot artists like Coach Cox who hit him below the belt when he reaches for a steal are reasons for his anger. But it could be worse. If it weren't for the constant motivational and inspirational talks and overwhelming support from people like Larry Rodgers and the Keltner's, he would be a lot worse than he is today. I commend them for their efforts.

Travis McKissack is one of the best officials around. He works tirelessly studying the rules of the game and is prepared for any situation.

The Lewis County Legends have began spring training over last couple of weeks and hope to begin playing a full schedule of at least twice a week in the upcoming months. Several key players to note are the following: Travis McKissack - An early ESPN favorite for "Comeback Player of the Year", Travis has defied all odds by overcoming double knee replacement surgery to play one more year to give the fans a final farewell tour. Despite having to be given morphine shots between games, his play is back up to the level it was 5-6 years ago. Lil' Jerry Brown - ODB is also coming back from a knee injury, though it was not as career threatening as T-Mac's. His ballhandling is as good as ever and his defensive play is still top notch. Though he still occassionaly sees double (due to the malicious screen from Coach Smith one year ago that left ODB with a concussion) his three point shooting percentage is still among the leagues leaders. Jason Alexander - Jason has been absent to Spring Training so far but is expected to show up this week sometime. If his physical endurance is as good as it was during the fall, the other legends are going to be in for it.

How does this one look tonight? It's an important district game for both teams, and I hear they are evenly matched. Any predictions? Good luck to the Panthers.

There were the usual good games in Tuesday's Championship series with several great performances from both sides. The night started out with an exhibition game in which Jason, Andy, Travis, Venable, and Lantz won. Then Josh "Ben Wallace" Powers and Larry "MJ" Rodgers showed up and the series began. TEAM ONE was Jason, Andy, Powers, Lantz, Venable and ODB versus TEAM TWO which was the Keltner's, Cox, Rodgers, McKissack and Smits. Game 1 was won was by TEAM TWO with games 2 and 3 won by TEAM ONE. TEAM TWO battled back in game 4 and won and was led by the 3 point shooting of Cox. Game 5 was taken by TEAM TWO who took advantage of Powers' abscence and thus they were the Champions of the night. CO-MVP's in my opinion were Cox and Rodgers who had the hustle and outside touch going that was key to their teams victory. Josh Keltner played extremely well inside and out as well for the victors. On the losing side Jason was unstoppable as usual and was aided by the 3 point specialist Venable who shot over 60% from beyond the arc and also set a record for blocked shots in a 5 game series with 9. Powers, who was recruited by the Keltner's to stop Jason, ended up playing with him and did great as he controlled the offensive boards. It was a great series that will hopefully be repeated tonight when the duo of Shipp and Evan take the floor in their pursuit of the Legend's Championship Trophy. Tip-off is at 6:00 tonight!

Tonights scrimmages between the Legends could look something like this: Josh Keltner vs. J. Alexander Jonah Keltner vs. Coach Cox ODB vs. L. Dabbs T-Mac vs. A. Lawson Smits vs. Scaife Those are well-balanced teams and it could be a great 7 game series!

Due to the absences of several Legends from the line-up, the games last night consisted of 4 on 4 half-court action. One team was led by arguably the biggest Legend of them all, Terry "Gooch" Shipp, who made his debut at the Legends Conditioning facilities. He joined forces with Travis McKissack, Coach Cox, and Lantz Dabbs. Their opponents were led by Josh Keltner, who teamed up with his brother the "Legend", Andy "Tracy McGrady" Lawson, and the ODB himself, Lil' Jerry Brown. The games were said to be intense, with Shipp leading his team to an early 2-1 lead in the best of 7 series. However ODB caught fire in game 4 despite rampant trash-talking and cheap blows from his nemisis Travis McKissack and tied the series at 2 apiece. Andy "McGrady" played well the whole night, but really took over toward the end of game 5 scoring 9 of his teams final 10 points as they took a 3-2 lead. In the critical game six the Keltner's continued their great shooting from deep and shot down their opponents and took home the trophy. MVP was said to be Andy "McGrady" who finally overcame "personal problems" and play up to his potential for the first time in weeks. ODB was runner-up with three votes, who shot close to 45% for the night despite a severe case of frostbite from the last two times he walked home in the cold, frigid air after he became disgruntled at several of his teammates and refused a ride home. The action may continue sometime this week depending on the demand from Legends players (possibly Thursday).

The Jason they are referring to is not Fite, but a guy from MTSU.

Lewis County - 56 Perry County - 0 42-0 at the half.

While Mel was a great shooter, I don't feel he had a great all-around game like the others on the list. Also he wasn't one to play a lot as he prefered the diamond over the courts (the reason Larry "Legend" Rodgers is also not on the list...softball). As far as "Chocolate Thunder", I don't think he had a dominate four-year run which was the minimum amount of years I went by for people to be considered on the list. He was great in his prime, but living in Centerville hurt him in my rankings. If there is anyone else you would like to get recognition from me who hasn't, I'd like to know.

I have noticed there have been very few people at the Courts lately and the action is dying down. I'd like to take the time to remember those who I feel are the top 10 players in Courts history since the games were played at Memorial Park. They are in no particular order and I'd like to see some feedback from the Legends, players, and fans who have been a part of the Courts through the years. When James "DOC" Haley left the game in 2001 at age 48, no Courts player had ever scored more points, accumulated more steals, grabbed more rebounds, had more assists won more Most Valuable Player Awards, played in more games, logged more seasons, or performed at an older age. His list of personal and team accomplishments are perhaps the most awesome in Courts history: Rookie of the Year, Nine-time Courts MVP, 28-time All-Star, and winner of 16 Courts Championships. No player has achieved as much individual and team success as did Haley. The John Havlicek of the Courts. Although not as tall as the game's other legendary centers, TRAVIS MCKISSACK has capitalized on his strength, quickness and tenacity. Ferocious on the boards, he was the Courts rebounding leader six times in a seven-year span. An equally crafty scorer, he averaged a double-double for the first 10 years of his career. He could beat an opponent by using an infinite number of post moves, and had a knack for getting to the free throw line as well as being able to nail the high-percentage shot in the clutch.. Since 1989, when Billy Dabbs began keeping offensive and defensive rebounds as separate categories, McKissack ranks first on the all-time list in offensive rebounds, and second behind Terry Shipp in defensive rebounds. The Karl Malone of the Courts. One man who personified hustle, consistency and excellence in all areas of play--as a scorer, a passer, a rebounder, a defender, a team player, and perhaps above all, as a clutch performer was the "LEGEND" Jonah Keltner. There are few who can be considered a better passer, shooter, and defender than Keltner. He was a classy, confident, hardworking player who thrived on pressure and inspired teammates to excel. Keltner was idolized by Courts fans and basketball purists of all allegiances. His heroics, ranging from seemingly impossible reverse layups to miraculous 25-foot bombs over multiple defenders, never ceased to amaze those who followed his career. The Larry Bird of the Courts. Combine a deadly jump shot, tenacious defense, obsessive perfectionism, unabashed confidence, and an uncompromising will to win, and you've got EVAN LAWSON, one of the greatest players in Courts history. During his 12-year playing career at the Courts, Lawson has become synonymous with brilliant basketball. He was the third player in Courts history to reach 10,000 points (after Doc Haley and Clinton Reeves). If he was to ever catch fire, which he often did, he could be seen shooting a thirty footer and hit nothing but net. One of the most explosive scorers ever, Lawson still enjoys playing and mentoring younger players at the Courts. The Jerry West of the Courts. The great and spectacular "White Wonder" Clinton Reeves was the dominant player of his era, an innovator who changed the way the game was played. He was a wizard with the ball, performing feats never before seen: midair spins and whirls punctuated by powerful reverse lay-ups. Reeves was one of the first players to make extemporaneous individual expression an integral part of the game, setting the style of play that would prevail in the years to follow. Arguably the best player in Courts history, Clinton ranks second in scoring, steals, assists, and field goal percentage only to Doc Haley. The Michael Jordan of the Courts. One man who revolutionized how the game was played at the Courts was Terry "Gooch" Shipp, who did many great things that weren't all measured by statistics. For instance, his rules of the game were officially adopted back in 1989 by Memorial Park officials and still are the foundation block which younger guys play buy today. But despite his creativity for rule-making, he is best known for his dominating play over the years. While his offensive game was unstoppable his ability to leave his man and slide over to cover an opponent driving to the hoop was startling. He was unmatched at swooping across the lane like a big bird to block and alter shots. It was his defensive efforts against Drew that won him the Defense Player of the Year award three straight years from 93, 94, and 95 at the Courts. The Wilt Chamberlain of the Courts. Arguably the games most unstoppable player, Josh "SHAQ" Keltner" was the most awesome offensive force the Courts has ever seen. Asked to name the greatest players ever to play basketball at the Courts, most fans and players would put him at or near the top of the list. Dominating the game as few players in any sport ever have, Keltner seemed capable of scoring and rebounding at will, despite the double and triple-teams and constant fouling tactics that opposing teams used to try to shut him down. His ability to beat you down low and then take you out deep for a three pointer cannot be matched. The Shaquille Oneal of the Courts. Robert "Downtown" Brown possessed the ideal physique for the game of basketball. With his incredibly long arms and legs, Brown presented an unforgettable image at the Courts. He used his physical gifts to excellent advantage during his 5-year career at the Courts, becoming one of the best inside/outside players the game has ever seen. Along with Shipp, Brown formed one of the greatest grudge matches the Courts have ever seen. Brown had an uncanny ability to nail the high-percentage shot in the corner which was all but impossible to guard. Before his untimely death in 1995, Brown, a gracious, dignified, and disciplined man, was an ideal ambassador for the game. He was the epitome of class, and no player was more respected. "As a basketball player, Brown was the first to truly take the torch and become the spokesman for the Courts," said friend and former coach Mel Stevens. The Kevin McHale of the Courts. Probable the greatest player ever at the Courts is Drew Robinson. He was clearly unstoppable on offense and a great defender was well. A passionate competitor with an untempered desire to win, Drew has the highest win percentage in Courts history at 85.4%. Although he only played at the courts for 4 short years, he holds many records. Known for his great shooting touch and ferocious dunks, Drew was never fully challenged at the Courts and moved on the play college ball for Chamanade, a small D-1 school in Hawaii. Legend has it one day Drew will return and save the Courts from going extinct, which it is on the brink of now. If he does, crowds will once again flock to the courts, not necessarily to play, but watch possibly the greatest player Hohenwald has ever seen. The Jordan/Magic/Bird of the Courts. The "Great White Hope" Bobby Young is one of the best all around players the Courts have seen. He learned basketball on a rutted, dirt playground, the only facility available at his childhood home in Pleasantville. Growing up, Young had to shoot socks through a bike tire whose spokes were torn out. This hard work payed off as Young was one of the best players at LCHS and later at the Courts. Although the trucking business and other adventures kept Young away from the Courts for many years, he is back now trying to regain his form and shooting touch that made him the MVP at the Courts back in 1998. The Rick Barry of the Courts. Best Known Players in Courts History: Herman "Creature" Grimes - Known because of his hustle and ability to call next. Retired because of lack of competition. "Wild" Bill Dabbs - the greatest statistician the Courts have ever seen. "Country Bob" - is there anyone better at hacking you down low and talking trash all day long. "Smits" - a Courts legend on the brink. Almost catching up to Billy Dabbs on the record list of most consecutive days spent at the courts. David "Indo" Williams - Ranks in the top-5 in three different categories. Second all-time on the "I've got next list", fifth in career steals and third in turnovers. Thank You to Bill Dabbs for the stats used in this post. [Edited by fadeaway on 10-2-02 11:02A] [Edited by fadeaway on 10-2-02 11:03A]

Rumor is the flag football league in Hohenwald is to be starting soon, around the first of October. I heard it's under new leadership and should be great fun. Is anyone from the surronding areas interested in playing? Anyone interested needs to post and let the commisioner know.

. [Edited by fadeaway on 9-17-02 8:13P]

There was more great action at the courts today as several Young Gunz squared off against a couple of Legends. There was much excitement and fun in the five game series. This day, as the others recently, went by great with no fighting or arguing among the players. I guess it just depends on who is playing as to how much bickering and unfriendly trash-talking goes on. I hope everyone continues to come to the courts the rest of the week and those who have quit coming will find their way back. If anyone else has any good comments please post them so more people will start playing again. We even have nets now!

Tuesday was a great day of action at the Courts as some prime-time players showed up for some great games. The legends and young guns integrated and played well together for many games. There were Memorial Park Hall of Famers Terry Shipp, Evan Lawson, Jonah and Josh Keltner teaming up with Young Stars Adam Melton, Mike Creasy, Tim Watson, Ryan Reynalds and Jeff Sparkman. It would be great to see more of this action on a day-to-day basis at Memorial Park. I would love for everyone to show up Sunday at 2:00 (whether you're a Lewis Countian or not) and have some more of these great games. Everyone has been getting along great and hopefully this will continue this weekend. So bring your water bottles and towels and let's play ball. Some commitments here on Coach T for Sunday would be great!

After hearing this, I immediately purchased season tickets to the Raider home games. I can't wait for the season to get underway.