gvdevils

Gee, didn't most of those rumors prove to be TRUE ?

Why not at Greeneville then?

Can't argue the discipline issue you mention about last year. I totally agree with that. But what Burkey brought was a tremendous knowledge of the game, dedication, tactical approach, teaching ability, and motivation. Even through the "problem" last year, every person that stepped in to play, was playing at a much higher level and with much more confidence. That is not happening. Success this year is more to do with carry over from Burkey's system but it is dwindling. I do agree that this group of girls play hard but the determination is sliding in the wrong direction.

PTSportswriter - I agree with you on this one. I also think that this team misses Coach Burkey as much or more than Lyons. This group of girls have a tremendous amount of talent and can get that "drive" to win, but for whatever reason the current situation just doesn't bring out the best in any individual or as a team. The record of GVille doesn't really reflect the kind of play that they have been at. They would be just above .500 playing in Region 2, and lower than that in other areas. Maybe this game Friday night will be the coming out game of the real potential of this team.

Hey Johnny, you should have to watch that attitude day in and day out, at every practice, every game, for years, and years, and years. You're lucky to not have players like that, and only have to watch this one a couple times each year. On a side note, I absolutely hate watching Manuel play. She has to have the worst attitude of any player I have ever seen. She is so lazy! There were a few times when she let someone score when she could have easily stopped them from doing so. I don't know how she will make it at Georgia St. She seemed to care more about yelling at other players and her hair-do after the game than she did about winning the game. I wonder how long it took her to get her hair like that because it wasn't close to that during the game. 825531011[/snapback]

Only got to listen to some of their play last week. Saw they finished 3rd against some good competition. Sounded like turnovers cost them the first game, how did they look on Saturday & Sunday? What's the predictions on their upcoming Conference games with Morristown West and Jeff County? Should be a couple of good games that may determine the outcome of the conference in early Dec. Any thoughts?

No you won't read or hear much about it but she was suspended. I think she'll be back next week if the attitudes right. I guess a change in athletic directors is making a difference. Should have been done years ago. I heard it was an enjoyable game to watch Thursday night, all basketball and none of the WWF antics. Also, congrats to Megan, a real superstar and super person.

I had heard that Brobeck and Freeman were not playing this year????

Are any of the following going to play in college anywhere and if so where? Uner and Fleming - Sevier County Hodge, McInnis, Lawson - Heritage Davis - Jeff County White and McKnight - Greeneville Masengill and Hilton - Boone Tweed - South Greene Didn't see any mention of any of these yet.

I agree barb, actually on Thursday for the Girls Regional final, there were no television cameras, however they were there for the first two Boys semi-final games, but left once the Girls started. Then on Saturday, NO ONE. What a shame, 1st Greeneville Sectional victory, Miss Basketball Finalist who scored 40 points, close game much of the night, etc. I think our local businesses should remember this when their sales groups come around wanting to sell advertising. I was impressed with the Sun's coverage. Usually Greeneville gets second billing to the county even if they don't win, but not this time and three pictures! Now if we can just get the stats right.

barb, I totally agree with you. Finally in the last couple games, this team has come together and played as a team and supported each other on and off the floor. I think there is one common mission now. I also agree with your assessment of Burkey. He made some critical adjustments from a defensive and offensive standpoint that had Jeff County confused and frustrated all night. Good luck Jeff County, make District 2 proud and LET'S GO DEVILS!!!!!!!!!

Wow, 5 of the top 6 teams in the fan poll are going to be watching the rest of this tournament. Is this a fluke or is realism setting in?

Based on everyone's assessment here, then wouldn't you think that this year would have been the year to address this issue? Then, if fixed, next year could be another very successful year as well? Instead, it's been more the other way. Ignore, put up with, to the point of giving in. And it's had it's affects on all the other players, some that will be back next year and some that are not. That's my point.

Johnny Do you still see this as a fine team if that person is no longer part of the team? That's the issue. I for one don't see a huge drop off in the performance and success of the team if that happened. In fact I think that everyone would be surprised at what the end result would be. It might not even have to come to that if delt with properly. There's atleast three avenues to take: eliminate, tolerate/ignore or propagate/take over. So far the last option has been the norm, and it has been distracting and destructive.

barb You're right, teenagers will be teenagers, but there is also right and wrong, and teenagers should be taught this, and hopefully before they are teenagers. Even with that, good teams seem to overcome this and it is obvious. Sevier County, Jeff County, South Greene, Morristown West, Daniel Boone and even not so successful programs, have respect for their coach and each other. The back biting, foul language and down right contempt for authority may go on in these programs but it is not obvious between the lines on game night like it is here. And if it is in front of a crowd on game night, it must be present all the time. My advice, no more double standards. Demand respect. Don't drive the whole group to a lesser standard, rather strive for the ethical code of conduct to be raised by everyone. These are the things that you must do, winning games comes as a result.

ddw I would agree with everything that you stated with the exception of the part about parents. I, as well as others are not parents of these girls, only interested basketball fans and supporters of Greeneville sports. And I support those who on and off the court deserve to represent my high school, and that means more than just athleticism.

"I may be wrong they have won 11 in a row. I don't think you really understand how hard it is to win games. " At what price is a win? I think that it becomes "hard" when you have to deal with the stuff that has nothing to do basketball. And that's present in every program but somethings just shouldn't be accepted and tolerated just "to win ballgames". I hope I'm wrong, but I think Thursday may be a test of wills. Good luck Lady Devils, play like you are capable of.

This isn't a young vs. old problem. It isn't a playing time issue for these players. The ? that is not due to coaching knowledge, it's probably one of the best in all of TN. One bad apple doesn't have to spoil the whole bunch, but if you let it set there and rot, then the rest of the apples begin to stink as well. I don't think that his teams in the past have had to deal with this type of problem. Those that played for him wanted to play and wanted to win, and as a team. Sometimes lifes lessons are not all about wins/losses, but rather about respect and Community.

Yes, the devils have won something like 10 in a row, and yes they are deep and talented, the coaching situation is still a big ?, and no I don't think it has anything to do with parents/boosters wanting things the way it was. Just wait and see, I think the shell has come off of this egg, and it is getting really messy. The sheriff needs to show some discipline. Someone on another thread talked about Jefferson playing as a team, that is what Greeneville needs, and needs now! Actually, the name sheriff is not a good choice, it's called a COACH, a sheriff is a political term. And that's more what is being practiced than coaching. We had the politics, now it's time to coach that talented group of kids and deal with the bad attitudes.

I saw the game tonight against Cocke County and I now know why people were talking after the Science Hill game, just not sure why not on here. Greeneville is in complete turmoil. Not sure who's really running this team anymore, but it's not the coach. Greeneville is two at most three games away from elimination. I've seen some of this "show" over the years but this team is at an all time low. Thursday will probably be ugly. The patients are running the asylum.

I started a thread asking about any problems that are lurking at Greeneville, and I notice it's not here now. What happened to it? I haven't seen their last two games and would like to know some feedback. Anyone see the Science Hill game?

Although I've not seen every game this year, I have seen plenty of them over the last several years. This is one of the best Greeneville teams that I've seen. Defensively, the Green Devils, are shutting teams down. It's nice to see everyone on the floor playing defense. That's probably as much of a key to their success this year as anything. Manuel and Lyons are statistically putting up some impressive numbers, but I believe at the heart of this team are the two seniors. Mary McKnight has come a long way since last year. She now has confidence to score and is physically getting better inside. Alex White is the core of this team on both ends of the court. She plays hard and is the most unselfish player that I've seen. Watching how Morristown West sets screens for their point guard on every trip offensively, if White had that offensive set and green light to shoot, she'd have better numbers. She's content on playing her role, which has contributed to the success Greeneville has had. Stephanie Freeman also plays a key role in rebounding and picking up the physical side of the Green Devils defensively. My only concern come tournament time, is that Greeneville must stay balanced and get contribution from all 5. You cannot win at Regional, Sub-state and State level by trying to just get everything from a couple of players. When they get stopped, someone has to step in and pick up where they left off. This West game showed me that they have the talent even when one of their best is playing up to par. Good work and good luck, Green Devils.

I wouldn't base the decision for the Girls job on the Boys current coach. I just don't see Coach Duncan staying at Greeneville much longer, maybe not even next year. It would be a shame to match the girls coach to a coach that isn't even there any longer. As for needs: 1. Greeneville has one middle school that feeds into GHS. How simple can that be? They need a coach who is willing to start a program at the sixth grade level and is interested enough to get an offensive / defensive system into place starting at that age. You can't wait until they show up as a Freshman and say, Forget everything you know, this isn't middle school anymore, now you learn my game strategy. 2. Greeneville needs someone who will put aside the politics and glad handing, and teach TEAMWORK and Defense, at all positions! School records should be focused on wins and District/Regional/Substate Championships not individual performances. (Sevier County is an exceptional example of this) 3. Greeneville needs to support this new coach with stronger support as assistants. The Jr. Varsity needs to be revamped and importance shown to it. It's your near future. 4. GHS needs someone who this group of girls will respect. You can't teach, discipline, mentor, even reward someone without respect for the coach. I could probably go on, but this is a good start. Who's willing/capable of doing these things. Of the names I've seen, only a couple I feel are up to that caliber.

No excuses this time GHS. The political board is wiped clean and it's time to use some of that Administration skill set to find the GIRLS program a well qualified, team building, enthusiastic, hard working basketball coach.

Greeneville 62, MW 51. MW never really in this game. Made small comeback early in 4th quarter, but lead was never threatened. Good game for Manuel, and Bryant came out of her scoring slump. This team, if it continues to play as a team, can go somewhere. On any given night, they can find someone to pick up the scoring. Just wish we had a little harder schedule during the season, that could prove to be the weakness. Where's Daniel Boone, Tennesse High, Sevier County, etc. on this year's schedule. Hate to play these teams in the Regional without some experience against them.