GovMan

Well lets see ... where do I start?

To Rebelsman ... You'd be amazed at how much and how long I've watched not just Lee but all of Maryville's boys play.

To RollTide & Ballonu ..."contend for region and maybe substate without Lee" and "can beat any team in the state without Lee" ... whatever you guys are smokin', I want some.

To Ballonu ... when you mentioned my "stupid messege" I wrote -- I think that's spelled "message." But then again, I AM the stupid one. Also, read just a little closer my friend before you fire off your harsh replies .. I DID NOT say the Heritage would probably beat Maryville (without Lee) -- I said they (MHS) would not be a heavy favorite.

To Surf4life ... man, call me an "idiot" ... that's ok, I don't know you and you don't know me. BTW, what is Science Hill's record against Maryville and William Blount this season?

And finally, to all ... Maryville really did play a great second half (without Lee) against Wheeler. I'm assuming from the way you all talk about it, Wheeler left their starting team in the entire game and that their coach didn't sub freely in the second half so that his starters could be resting for the next day?

This is fun. I don't need to call anyone an idiot or call their "messeges"[sic] stupid to state my views and opinions.

The GovMan

It's too bad WB couldn't square off against Science Hill this year so that the Toppers could prove your point about WB not being "nearly as good".

Oh yeah, they did play ... what was the margin of victory for the far superior SH team? Darn it, that's right ... WB beat Science Hill. I'm sure it was just a fluke.

Let's be real honest. WITH LEE ... Maryville is in the upper echelon in their district and has a real chance to advance (although they are not a lock as proven in last year's regional tournament loss to WB). WITHOUT LEE ... they are mediocre at best and would not be a heavy favorite against a single team in their district (including Heritage).

Houser, Stoutt, Eppilitto (sp?), Tipton ... all are solid role players, but this team has been and is built around Humphrey's production and when it's missing, it spells trouble.

This may sound like I'm knocking them ... I AM NOT. I am speaking truth. Those who watch this team much, and can make an open-minded evaluation would have to agree.

The GovMan (waiting for the rocks to reign down)

Can there be any question that teams like Science Hill and DB have been way overated?

If those teams played in the same district as Maryville, Bearden, William Blount, Farragut, etc. they'd be "middle of the pack" type teams.

Evidently there's not a lot of comp in the tri-cities area this year.

GovMan

LordInfamous,

Five starters were tution students, at least one more lives outside the city limits but has a mom who teaches in the city system ... I'm not sure he's counted as one of the five or not.

You're making a good argument, but get all your ducks in row on numbers.

By the way, are you referring to someone in particular when you say WB has Heritage zoned players. Not disputing your word, just aren't aware of who you're talking about. I know there was Reese last year ... who was obviously there because his dad was coach. Are there others?

Here's another good one ... several WB zone players have ended up at good old Greenback over the past few years. William Blount MUST do a better job of "selling" its program (if you will ... maybe not the best choice of words) to some great athletes in the 1,800 member student body who don't ever go out for football.

GovMan

-spreading the love ... good friend with Coach Quarrels and Coach Ellis ... cheer for MHS every game but one each year ... avid supporter of MHS girls basketball ... not accusing anyone of recruiting ... longing for the day the Blount County schools can compete on the same level as Maryville in sports and in academics ... was once recruited by a county high school myself!!!-

I think it would be a stretch to say that no tuition students started or played a major role on the team. Now as far as that fact that they may have been there since elementary school, that very well could be.

I'm pretty close to Josh Lawhon. I'm not sure what finally led to him sticking with William Blount. I don't know if his parents attempted to get him in at Maryville and failed, or if he decided to go to WB to stay with his peers from his elementary/middle school. I do know that his little brother, John, has transferred to MHS (tuition student) after starting the year at William Blount. He's a freshman who's a great athlete and yes, a great academic student as well.

I hope George stays put as coach ... the only move I'd want to see him make is to Willy B!!! (just dreamin').

GovMan

Just wanted to let everyone know about my nephew. He's just turned two and he's already hitting over 50% of his shots from 2 - 3 ft. away on his Fisher-Price "Slam & Jam" goal.

His footwork is still a little slow on d, but he can jump off the corner of the couch and slam it home.

Is anyone aware of any aau teams for 3 & unders?

Any other great 2's & 3's out there? I understand there is a kid out of middle tennessee who can already dribble his nerf ball behind his back and between his legs. I'd like to see his birth certificate! I'm saying he's at least four.

GovMan

First of all ... from the outset ... let's make one thing clear -- this is not a "Maryville's recruiting players slam" ... are we clear on that?

Now, having said that, I think it is common knowledge that the quality of football, quality of coaching, and quality of education at Maryville normally results in some members of their team being tuition students from outside of the city limits. If, as I understand, the City begins to reduce the number of tuition spots available, will this have a "felt impact" on the football team?

Just curious as to what you Rebel fans think. The first person that starts cussing me or throwing rocks at me for throwing out the old "you've got all our best county players" can just shut up. I'm not whining. Actually, I'm dealing with the issue in my own family even as I write this post.

GovMan

The only time I'm not for George and the Reb's is when they line it up against my Govs. Someday ... someday ... hopefully in my lifetime, we're gonna get you all.

By the way, Friday the 13th, MHS vs WB on the hardwood at WB. Lee just ain't gonna be enough this year. WB is deep ... but struggling to be honest. They've got Farragut on Tues, MHS on Friday, and Science Hill on Saturday. They desparately need to win at least 2 of those 3 to get back on track.

GovMan

Go Rebs, bring it home.

The only team in the area of the Clinic Bowl this weekend that might have a shot against Maryville is the Blue Raiders of MTSU. Even then, I would probably pick the Rebels.

Absolutely no weaknesses on this team. I don't even think any of the "initial" academies--with the best players free tuition can buy--could compete with MHS this year.

GovMan

One of Blount's stud's is hurting ... (wing Dustin Rose has an ankle sprain) but he'll probably be ready. Won't make much difference. With him, Blount wins by 12 -15 ... without him they might just win by 8 or 10.

Blount was one player away from being better than Bearden last year (that player being Bearden's point guard Alex Oliver, who's now gone). Even with Oliver, Blount beat 'em over there last year. Bearden lost alot, Blount is better this year than last.

Gov's should be rated in Gomab's top teams ... they will be before season is over.