TankTalk

Way to go Lady Wildcats. Karmen Smith has to get my game ball for practically taking out Powell's leading scoring. The entire team played incredible defense and Oak Ridge hit some crucial shots down the stretch. After watching the game, there is no doubt in my mind who the district Player of the Year is and who the Coach of the Year is. After beating two top 10 teams in a week's time, Oak Ridge continues to get better each time out. The district tournament should be crazy!

That first game was a tough one to watch, both teams really struggled offensively. This is an important game and both squads are playing so much better. Has the potential to be a dandy, but Powell will be tough at home. They have a ton of experience and will be hard to handle.

Well I can't, but I just pasted what the Strohl man sent me. I will take it out of his illustrious stringer pay!!

Here is the score by quarters and the ind. scoring from the big upset tonight ... AE 13 10 14 10 -- 47 AC 15 9 10 12 -- 48 Austin-East: 47: Marsh 19, Anderson 16, LaKrystle 7, Allen 3, Burdine 2. Anderson County: 48: Rodd 24, Worthington 13, West 5, Bryant 3, Forbes 3.

The Oak Ridge girls remained hot with an impressive win over Jefferson County tonight, who came into the game as the No. 8 team in the AP poll. Keke Stewart led the Lady Ridgers with 23 points as they improve to 18-6 on the season. Karmen Smith played well, scoring 19. The Lady 'Cats led by as much as 16 in the game and dominated after falling behind early. Sets up a VERY important game this Friday night, when Oak Ridge visits Powell for first place in district 3-AAA.

I think you have a very valid point. However, some teams are made different. When losing such a dominating leader, I feel the scheduling was key to build confidence. Heck, I am no coach and the Lady Bobcats have played some tough teams, but we all know how fierce girl's basketball is across the state. It will be interesting if you are correct or not, who really knows. I know several of the girls on the OS team and love 'em to death. I wish them the best. I have had great conversations with Wright and some may never know what a true asset, not just on the court, he is to Oliver Springs. Expectations are a heck of a thing and with success, you get that. Since this was originally an Oak Ridge/Oliver Springs thread, the OS program is learning just a little of what Oak Ridge girl's basketball players have felt over that program's history. Think about playing with the ghosts of nine state championships hanging in your rafters.

Few things about this hypothetically game: First of all, there is no doubt the gate would be tremendous. Too many common factors involved for there not to be a huge crowd. I understand how scheduling is very tough, however. There should be NO question that it would be a money game. If you take this year, I do not think Oliver Springs would have anything close to an answer for Keke Stewart. Oak Ridge has had some problems, but with two seniors, one junior and a bunch of young players, that will happen. I respect the OS program and know a lot about it. They are so athletic, they would be able to run on OS as well. Their pressure, when on, would give the Lady Bobcats a lot of trouble as well. Dang, talk about two good coaching staffs! Jill Prudden is incredible and makes the best halftime adjustments of any high school coach I have ever seen and trust me folks, I have seen a bevy of high school hoop coaches. I am not just talking about girl's teams either, she is good! Todd Wright...his record speaks for itself. Just look at what this man has done for that program and the statewide respect he has helped bring to the OS community. Oh, don't think he isn't a heckuva X & O man as well! Todd will be the first to tell you, this year's team has a long way to go. Their schedule hasn't been as tough as in year's past and I think that was done intentionally to get his team some confidence heading into the postseason. That's just smart thinking. Anyway, the game won't happen and best of luck to both programs as the year winds down. I am just thankful that two great programs are so close to one another.

I was told to get my thoughts together very soon on this, with the first one being released early in January, which we are in now. Don't know the exact date, but it will be in the coming days.

I remember WAY back when I was involved with Operation Reach, how touching it was. Taking the young people around to do their shopping and learning what the holiday season was truly about. Sure, they would buy a few things for themselves, but it never failed that a young child would look up at me and say something like "My mom sure could use a robe" Or "My little sister would love this doll" and I would have to fight back the tears. It seems we all forget from time-to-time just what Christmas is indeed all about. Getting involved in programs for the under-privilaged is a fantastic way to keep that knowledge alive.

That's when they are coming out this year as well.

For the sake of my own personal protection, I plead the fifth!

AP voters turned thiers in last week ... should be later this week when they are released.

Great return...anyone else thought he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line?

I will be there...both days.

If anyone thinks I was questioning Riverdale's heart, I am sorry. I believe their record and domination of opponents speaks volumes about their heart. This game will be an incredble challenge for the Wildcats ... and should be a great atmosphere to watch a high school football game.

Coach Lussier said the Wildcats would be hitting the practice field around 9 a.m.

The big question...where do I go after the game to get my Karaoke on??

I think it would work, until you know who got their 99.9999 percent of the gate.

if ands or buts, the other public schools have turned in their uniforms and Coalfield is left standing.

Those stats are actually prior to the second-round game. Don't know why our website guru hasn't put the updated ones up yet, but they were in Friday's issue. He could have been in a hurry to get to the weekend, hehe.

This is not fuel to the public/private debate, but congratulations to Coalfield on being the No. 1 public school in Tennessee's 1A class this season, advancing further than any other in the 1A playoffs. Now, however, the level of competition will be a lot different, playing the private schools that do not recruit, but that do have the winning reputation that attracts some outstanding players. Of course, you don't have to be a private school to have players come to your school because of tradition.

"CoachT.com ... doing more for high school athletics than 100 gurus."

I know some good folks that come from Rockwood...

I was really shocked he wasn't mentioned much at all this season. But he is the type young man that could care less about the individual awards, just gives me something to gripe about.

And the fact it holds water amazes me. It has the biggest and most odd crown of any high school field I have ever seen. For you players and coaches for Rockwood, check it out when you are standing on your side...hard to see the other team across the way.