hedgehog

You are absolutely right. Central did play tough the whole way. Both teams fought hard to the end. Where did #23 for Bartlett come from!? I don't recall her being a real factor in any of their games I have seen in the past. But ... if she can continue to play the remainder of the season the way she played last night, it will definitely make it hard for people continue to run junk defenses at JJ - and win. She gave Bartlett a now fifth option. For one pretty good stretch in the game one would have thought she was the go-to player on the team. She attacked the defense, made some important shots, and had some key plays defensively as well. Congratulations to all the teams in the tournament for making the 2006 Dragonfire Invitational fun to watch! Now, if someone could find officials consistently good enough to give these girls who play so hard some 'justice'. Some of the calls last night, even throughout the tournament, were down right comical

Millington should beat Kirby by 20. Kirby struggles on the offensive end and hasn't played very hard on the defensive end in this tournament. They look confused a lot about what they seem to want to do.

In the first semi-final game, Central overcame a fourth quarter deficit to beat Houston. I don't recall the score, but both teams had trouble with free throws. Central forced countless turnovers with their half court trapping defense. In the end it came down to who executed best in their half court sets. It was a close game till the end, and I believe Central ended up winning by 3 or 4. In the second sem-final Bartlett went into the locker room at the end of the first half down by three. They overtook St. Michael's by starting the second half with a (10-0, I believe) run. They built the lead up to 15 or 16 until St. Michael's fought back with some long range bombs and key free throws to make it close. I think Bartlett also won by 3 or 4. St. Michael's is one of the most impressive teams in the tournament. They are not extremely athletic but they do a lot of things well. It may not be surprising to most that the Championship will put Bartlett against Central; two teams who know each other very well. This should be a very exciting game. Both teams should be at full strength, and we will see if Central can force Bartlett into the same kind of turnovers they have victimized three previous tournament teams with. For Bartlett, a key definitely will have to be can they keep their "Big Four" on the floor and apply enough pressure against Centrals superior (overall as a team) athletes.

THIS is why I love Coacht.com and TENNESSEE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL!

This question (and answer to it) is more complex than it seems on the surface. On the one hand you've got the built in question of "what defines a good vs bad coach". In high school ball, I don't care where you are, no one will keep a coaching job if they are a bad representative (and it becomes known) of the school and/or community. Secondly, the question of integrity was mentioned in terms of winning without it. That refers back to question one. Having a lack of integrity implies having a lack of character, being a bad representative, and thus, not being a coach for long. As it comes to "people skills" I have known many many coaches who were loved by players, parents, the school and the community, but could not win if they played a JV schedule. Everybody loved them because they were great organizers and communicators. They stayed around for years because of it. Sometimes keeping players, parents, and the community happy revolves around letting everyone know where you stand and being honest about it. NO ONE likes being manipulated, abused, or disrespected. If a coach is a manipulator, liar, or disrespectful, most schools won't have them coaching for long, I don't care what their record is. I can think of several coaches who lost jobs because of "questionable" decisions they made ON or OFF the court. In most places, high school sports is still about developing and building character in young people. No principal, school superintendent, parent, or community leader that I have ever heard wants people who do other than that in a high school program.

This class, as a whole, is probably as talented as any that will have come out of the Memphis area in quite a while. I am certain that many of them are already getting some real close scrutiny by some heavyweight D-1 programs from across the country. Without a doubt they are all leading their teams. Not to take anything away from those teams that have juniors and seniors playing vital roles on their teams, but as sophomores, these young ladies are the stars of their respective teams.

Another good one is "the running debate with the fan in the stands" that a few refs engage in. They want to explain how their vantage point on the floor is better than the seat you are about to get kicked out of. Then they let you know that THEY have the whistle and the striped shirt and not the folks in the stands. Good thing you don't find too many of these "exhibitionists" in the a crew on a given night.

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! Some of these guys act like they are prison wardens daring the inmates to make a move or be sent to "the chair". I've seen refs stare at kids for so long, by the time they actually look toward the table they have forgotten what they called and who the call was against!

Honestly, I don't know a whole lot about this year's White Station team. I've heard they have a new head coach. I know they also have some good young players as well (whose names I don't know); and an especially good (point?) guard who is also a sophomore I believe. Anything else I could add would be a guess; a wild guess at that. I don't like guessing. I don't mean to imply anything by saying a Central-Millington matchup would be a good game. A White Station - Bolton matchup might be equally entertaining, but based on what I do know, I don't think it is likely to happen.

You're right. I always get their names mixed up, partly because they are both super sophs.

Sometimes basketball is almost like a chess match. A lot of strategy has to go into the planning to making the most of any advantage at any given positions. Millington is a guard oriented team and would probably attack Central differently than Houston did. Houston's strength has got to be it's post play with solid senior Carolyn Boyd, and super soph, Sarah Watson ( This kid is a ball player!) With steady guard play they can be a solid team. Millington has some young ladies that can just flat out go. They might be a hard matchup for Central just because of their pressure, their speed, and their ability to get points from so many positions on the floor. Rob M, I know you didn't ask me the question, but having seen these teams I thought I would add my two cents worth. A Central - Millington matchup would happen in the second round of the Collierville tournament if both win their first round games. If it happens, it should be ONE OF THE BEST games in what looks like a great tournament. Good Luck Millington!!

Well Said; 'enuff' said!

No disrespect to either team, but Bartlett at full strength to begin the game gives Central an early knock out punch and it's over. Bartlett jumped out to an 8-0 lead before Central "forced" some turnovers and keep it close. I was wondering why Herring was out, and with her in the game, it probably could have been a different game. My observation is that the whole team plays ... 'tougher' when she is on the floor. Jasmine James did all she could, but with Thompson sitting out a good part of the second quarter in foul trouble that was an awful huge load for her to carry on her shoulders. Central pulled away slightly before the half ended with James and Thompson on the bench. The only one of their "fantastic four" that was on the floor when Central scored probably 10-12 in a row was Walker. From Central's perspective, they could have folded when they got down early, even though 8 points down is nothing to get worried about. Their relentless pressure kept forcing key turn overs even to the end when Bartlett tried to make a final push. Great Game from two very good teams. They, along with Millington, and most likely Memphis Northside again, are going to make for some exciting playoffs in Memphis come February.

This should be a great early test for both teams. Central's relatively young team is arguably led by Clantina Stewart (a junior), and seniors Jasmine Ellis, and Meredith Sratford. Central and Bartlett have faced each other in some tough, close battles over the years. While I have no idea of what their records are against one another, it is safe to say that their games have been close, and each team has beat the other at least once each season in the past several years. My prediction: This will be a classic!

Close wins in tight games go a long way toward helping the kids "learn how to win" in difficult situations. Sounds like your'e on track for a phenomenal year. Keep up the good work.

I heard that ECS played Millington to within three points tonight. Anyone got any details they can share? It's going to be fun to watch this team throughout this season. (Millington, that is)

According to Coach Whitfield, in the Commercial Appeal, Nikki Thompson is the "Fire", and Ashley Herring is the "Ice". So the "fantastic four" (and I am aware of the analogy to which you allude) should be Brianna Walker ...... "The Hulk", Nikki Thompson ...... "Inferno", Ashley Herring ...... "Ice Woman" and Jasmine James ...... "Ms. Lightning" (IMHO)

I concur. From what I've seen from her Bartlett teams, she always has them playing great defense and team ball. She has compiled a record of 80 wins against 16 losses in the past three seasons with undersized post players and great guard play.

I heard from someone that went to the game that the Herring kid didn't take a shot in the game but had some nice assists on drives and dish. Brianna Walker has matured in her position and will have a huge impact on the success of Bartlett. While last year Bartlett had "the big three", this year they have "the big four". It will be interesting to see what develops during district play. 14-AAA has two bona fide competitors in Bartlett and Millington. Haven't seen or heard much about Cordova or Bolton yet.

That rule also only applies specifically to post season play.

Congratulations on a great start to what looks a lot like a very successful upcoming season. Remember some earlier advice- play it close to the vest. Parents can be a coach's worse nightmare, or they can be one of a coach's greatest asset if he doesn't alienate them unneccessarily. I hope it doesn't happen, but if your team suffers any downturn, some parents might use some totally unrelated comment to try and get their own agendas moving and causing all kinds of strife. Be careful.

Very good post, and great observations about travel/AAU/exposure teams. Historically, once the girls reach "recruitment age" even the exposure teams from middle tennessee come knocking trying to get those players to play for them. Some do. The vast majority of interest in players come from their summer ball experience. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, but if high school coaches can have some kind of coverage to point to it would be a lot easier to get recruiters at least interested in their kids.

AAA: Take your pick on the order. And besides, it is still early yet so don't hold me to this. It will be good to see how these teams look about midway through the season. Injuries, team chemistry issues, star performance, and a host of other factors could come into play as the season rolls along. What I know so far: Shelbyville 4-0 no surprise at this start! Wilson Central 1-1 lost to Riverdale! Cleveland 3-0 big numbers stingy on defense Bradley Central 2-0 reserve judgement Greeneville 1-1 past performances shocked many Mt. Juliet 2-1 knows about winning: period Hillsboro 1-1 shaky start but may come around Heritage 3-0 Oak Ridge 2-1 Bartlett 1-0 Riverdale 2-1 up and down early. consistency improves Ridgeway ??? No Lakendra Phillips, Jazmine Taylor et. al Memphis Northside ??? Minus Candace Rucker, not as strong Morristown West Farragut Hendersonville Siegel Cumberland Co. Smyrna 2-2 graduated six seniors 2006 Pick One

Anybody who knows anything about the Commercial Appeal's all metro teams know they select a Division I, large school, Division I, small school, and Division II team which also includes players from Arkansas (West Memphis) and northern Mississippi. Much like that is done to keep everyone happy, their dandy dozen reflects that same desire: to keep everyone happy. I don't know of any coach that brags openly about being ranked in the CA's "dandy dozen", so I guess that reflects how little it means to them. The poll is for water cooler conversation. I just wish their coverage of prep basketball was more accurate and more thorough. Every year everybody complains about the poor coverage, and every year it is as bad as all the previous years. It is not their priorty to cover prep sports. Memphis, Shelby County and West Tennessee in general have too many great ball players to not get them more recognition. A lot of people would be shocked at the number of excellent ball players in schools outside of the MCS system - not to knock MCS. In all, for things to change it would have to involve a community wide push for it.

Coach Gat, I'm just wondering, are you a poker player? I hope you take what follows as simply the sincerest form of support I can offer you, and nothing else. (like an insult) I have read your posts with interest, and I am supportive of all the enthusiasm you have for your program, the motivation you use to instill in your players the right ethics of hard work, teamwork and a never give up attitude. Keep in mind that like a good poker player you should not "show your hand" until you are ready to call. You have a tendency to over explain yourself to people on this board when the truth is YOU DON'T OWE THESE FOLKS ANY EXPLANATIONS! I think you have done a great job in turning around your program already, as evidenced by the thrashing you gave Munford. (It was impressive, in case anyone should ask.) Don't be surprised that the more successful you are, and the closer you get your team into playoff contention, people will begin "throwing things" at you on here to get you off stride and off track. My guess is you have built a lot of support here, but as your team becomes more successful you, (they) become a threat to some other teams' success. Play it close to the vest. Be selective about what you share about your team's matters. Internal matters probably would be best kept away from "prying eyes". Keep motivating your girls. I believe in the end you will be up there with the "biggies". Good Luck with the rest of your season.