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Having been involved with AAU for around 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase the past couple of years in the "one gym one weekend tournaments". This is because coachs and parents think that is an easy way to raise "necessary money" for their team. Therefore a team, that has access to a local gym ,decides they should sponsor a weekend tournament. Many of these charge minimal entry fees that would not even pay referee fees normally charged by an association of referees, they sometimes do not even have to pay the referees as there are local kids refereeing, nor do they have other expenses such as paid gate and clock attendants. This in the long run causes damage to the AAU program. What this is doing is KILLING THE LARGE TOURNAMENTS (ones that have 40+ teams, etc.) and the ones that are ran professionally each and every year. There are fewer and fewer teams available each year anyways, and when someone gets an idea to have a tournament at their local gym and a few teams go there, other teams are doing the same on the same weekend, and what you end up with is the large tournaments do not have enough teams to make full pools. The small tournaments end up losing also by cancelling the age division, due to a lack of teams, THEREFORE EVERYONE HURTS! The teams that are doing this should STOP, and go back to their old standard fundraisers (charging fees, donations, selling items, etc.). They are only hurting themselves. Once they have enough money to go to another tourney somewhere in the state, the Large in state tourneys do not have enough teams in the specific age bracket and the team has to travel to a regional large tournaments in GA, or some other state (therefore more travel and more motel expense). PLEASE LEAVE THE TOURNAMENTS IN THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO HAVE ACCESS TO MULTIPLE GYMS AND WHO HAVE RAN LARGE TOURNAMENTS IN THE PAST. This will insure that there are still AAU large quality tournaments still around the following year. THEREFORE, IT IS TIME FOR THESE "ONE TIMERS, ONE WEEKEND TOURNAMENTS" sponsored by local AAU teams to STOP THIS TYPE OF FUNDRAISING. Leave the tournaments to organizations that have been doing this for years that have access to multiple gyms and many teams. This way you can assure that quality AAU tournaments will have enough teams to make in each age pool, teams will not have to travel as far and spend so much more, and that there will be continuance of large AAU pre-substate tournaments in the future to help your team prepare for sub-state and to get better by playing good competition.

The Cookeville Sportsplex April 16th play day had 42 teams entered. We want to thank each of our teams that played in one or more of our 8 tournaments and playdays this 2005 spring AAU season. We averaged near 30 teams each tournament and this was our 7th season promoting AAU basketball through tournaments and sponsoring teams participating in spring basketball. We try our best to put on quality tournaments, and quality referees, and by using our facility with 4 courts to keep parents from traveling from gym to gym to play games. Again we thank all the coaches and parents as well that participated this 2005 season. Best of luck to the teams in substate and state. We still have one tournament left this spring, and that is the Boys Substate for YBOA on May 6-7.

When one pays $300 entry fee, there should be trophies and individual medals. Our pool and elimination tournaments this year cost $185, with no running from gym to gym to play games. All games were played in the same facility with 4 gyms. The shot clocks and score boards were ran with qualified persons of which we paid each $6 per hour and even the concessions stand operators were paid the same hourly rate. Further, all first and second place received trophies and all players on the winning team received a medallion. The problem with some tournaments is that coaches see tournaments as a way for a fundraiser for their team and get volunteers to work with no pay. That creates a problem, for the inexperienced. For large tournaments (those going on annually for several years) it decreases the number of teams as teams scatter over a specific weekend going to different directions and different tournaments. When we first started our UPPER Cumberland Shootout 7 years ago, we had large numbers of teams and had to turn away many after the deadline. Now, with so many single gym tournaments almost everyweekend, and less girls AAU teams, no one tournament (except Shelbyville) can get large numbers anymore. It is ironic, as there is not enough motels in Shelbyville to house the players/ parents, but the teams come basically because of the Insells and their connections. Apparently, the teams coaches think that college coaches will see their players there. However, since it is not NCAA sanctioned, no coaches should be in attendance. So a myth, is sometimes created for specific tournaments that seem to make many teams go there only to be disappointed afterwards.

This post is to Mr. Bob 22: This is the information. The referee association that we used in the tournament that your teams (Celina) played in, is ran by a group from the Upper Cumberland. The persons (Sparta & Livingston) assign referees to each tournament. For your information at least one (G. Con______) or more worked at your tournament with others from the same group. This was told to me by the head of the referee association and that he assigned some referees to the Celina play day, as I asked where this particular person was at that day. This past weekend (April 2), the group of referees hired were from Lenoir City area, as the other association did a tournament in Murfreesboro. This association of refs do a good job overall. Any one will miss a call now and then, even the best of referees. But this is no reason to bad mouth a tournament, saying the refs are bad. Your team lost twice to a very good 11 yr. old team and the referees did not make a difference in the game. There were different referees on each of the games you played. Perhaps, if there is a next time and you want to pay extra, the association head will put 4 referees on your game.

This is in response to "Bob 22" posting. It is ironic that you state the officiating is bad. Then if so, why did you hire and use the same referee association (based out of Livingston and Sparta) that we did for your playday??? If the pricing is too high, then why are you even playing in AAU. You pay $250 to go play possibly two games in the AAU substate, plus $12 per player insurance, and an organization fee and not complain. However, you pay us $140 entry fee, get 5 games then complain because your 11 & under team gets beat, by a good team from Livingston. Ironic, isn't it! The referees did not miss the layups, and the referees did not miss the free throws, yet you blame them saying the officiating is terrible. Come on get real! Now, as for the way the the tournaments are organized, please state a specific issue you do not agree with and I will repost a comment if you so choose. If not, then just give me a call and I will gladly discuss anything you have to "gripe" about. I am sure your coach, Mr. Reeser, has my phone number.

Two playday remain, April 2, and April 16. Held in Cookeville, 7th year hosting AAU tournaments. Rates are at $45 per game. 1-4 games possible. Ages are 9-17 & U. Boys and Girls divisions, 4 gyms in one facility at Cookeville Sportsplex. 10% discount for multiple teams or teams that have already attended one or more of our 4 recently held tournaments. Please e mail request for info at rotaryaire@multipro.com or call Leonard Jolley at 931-432-6342, or cell at 931-510-3074. Deadline to enter is one week before the Playday. A credit card # will hold your spot to get you into the tourney.

The deadline is extended until March 22 (6:00 pm). We still need some more 10-16 teams. Cost is $45 per game (10% discount with multiple teams or if you have played in one of our previous 4 tournaments this year) Contact Leonard Jolley @ Cookeville Sportsplex 931-432-6342 home 931-510-3074 cell e mail for info and entry form: rotaryaire@multipro.com Also April 2 and April 16 is another boys playday. The mid-state Boys YBOA substate is May 7 at Cookeville, Tn. and hosted by Cookeville SportsPlex

We have had 4 tournaments already. We have two remaining boys Play Days left. The Dates are April 2, and April 16. The cost is based on the number of games you play ($45/game), less 10% discount if you have played this year or enter multiple teams. Contact Leonard Jolley @ Cookeville Sportsplex for entry form and schedule. Call 931-510-3074 (cell) or 931-432-6342 home. E mail request to rotaryaire@multipro.com

It's about time that the District 7AAA changes the district tournaments to a "neutral" site. After all, 7A and 7AA does this. The reasons are: 1. Games would be more fair, No home court advantage. 2. The facility at Oakland is pathetic, poor bathrooms, no district programs, etc., and low attendance. Upper Cumberland teams (like Sparta last year) knows how to hosts a district. Nice programs and good facilities. 3. How will teams fare when Lebanon host the tournament? No one likes that small gym. Why not pick a good location, like Tennessee Tech gym? This not will only bring in better crowds, but more money to TSSAA and a "neutral" court. The crowds in and around the Murfreesboro girls program are mostly a few parents, and that is it. It is time for a change, TSSAA wake up and change these venues for the districts.

I think it will be close at the first start of game, but by the end CHS will be the winner 10-15 points. The phenom (Lanning) will be stopped by CHS defense, and will Riverdale will struggle to score 35-40 points. It will be a whole different game that it was at Riverdale

To Oakland: Being at practically all Cookeville games the past 6 yrs. I do not remember a time we ever played a zone anyways. I think most coaches know that and know that Cookeville normally plays good defense. It should be a great game.

This post is for OAKLAND. It looks like most feels that Oakland will win. but..... Cookeville I think will win it, but it will be a close game. It is "homecoming" for CHS, and one of your Oakland players will also be coming "home". A trivial fact you probably did not know, but your star guard, Tabitha, started her career in Cookeville. And , without my picking her way back in the 5th grade at Prescott, she may have not been playing bb, but soccer. I was helping as an asst. coach, and the head coach (B. Dawson) had already picked the team in an earlier tryout. One girl quit, and he asked me to pick from one of the alternates. I saw a girl that did not know hardly how to dribble (left or right hand), but I saw the quickness and the desire there. After placing her on this traveling elementary team she went on to greatness and the rest is history, as she helped her teammates to an undefeated season (Prescott 6th grade) and at Avery Trace (8th grade). Yes, we beat Mt. Juliet (on their home courtl) also. At the beginning of her freshman year, the family had to move based on a job in Nashville area. She has played many games with these Cookeville ladies, including school, YBOA, and AAU ball. All of these girls are close friends, and with each of these seniors they will probably play at their best. I am sure all will be glad to see Tab. We wish that we could have kept her family here in Cookeville, but a job around here did not develop. She has had a great career at Brentwood, Shelbyville, and now at Oakland and we wish her the best if she later pursues college ball. But most of all we hope that Cookeville will pull out a win. If not, it will be a great game between the best two teams in district 7AAA. But after, the game, win or lose, I am sure the Cookeville girls and Tab will hug and still be good friends. Go Cookeville!

Not to disrespect JC in any way, as they are a good team and yes it was their home court, but... Cookeville has been playing up and down this year. When they think they can easily win they play non-aggressive and without enthusiasm offensively. This has cost them two games where they had beat the team before. They could easily be undefeated at this time. When they perceive a team to be very strong, they play well. Sometimes, they appear content as long as they win by a few points, but not being able to put away a team early with a big lead may later haunt them. If Cookeville would get the mental aspect down and realize that any team can beat you on a given night, and loosen up and not play so structured of an offense, work on their turnovers and passes to the open player, they will be a contender to be reckoned with.......But, in the meanwhile, one will just have to wait and see each night as they face the other opponent. Hopefully, when district tournament comes around, they will have their "A" game and be ready for the challenge.

This will probably be a great game. If Oakland is as good as the poster (Oakland T) brags on them, then Sparta may go down in defeat. But, if not and Sparta is capable of beating anyone if they come with their "A" game. And, on the other hand, Sparta is like a lot of teams (especially Cookeville). When they conceive a team is strong, they play strong and when they get it in their heads a team is weak and they can win, they play poorly. Alot of teams are playing that way now. It will be an interesting game. First to see if Oakland is as tough as they appear and secondly if Sparta is playing well and can step up to their elite game.

Now that there is 3 or so district games played, anyone has any new predictions?? Is Oakland too strong for anyone to take down??? Let's hear those comments. I think Oakland will go down to one district team.

Any predictions out there on who will win this tournament???

Hey, you Sparta folks, get on here and post something! Just 2 hrs. away from tipoff in the biggest rivarly in the Upper Cumberland AAA ball. Let us hear your opinions. Should be a real game with the team that wants it the most the winner. I know it will be a full house, come early. Both girls and boys games will be Upper Cumberland basketball at it's best.

This should be one of the premier 7AAA district games Fri. night, and a classic Cookeville-Sparta showdown. Regardless, both teams will play hard as both will probably be pumped, and could possibly go either way. I believe in the end Cookeville will prevail and that is based on the depth of the team vs. Sparta. But if Sparta is "hot" in their 3 point shooting, it could be different. I will go with Cookeville 10-12 points. Note that Livingston is not "down" as some think. They hit 10 (3 pointers) Tues. night and was gunning for Cookeville. LA played exceptionally well. In the end Cookeville found a way to pull it out, even though there was a lackluster performance for the Lady Cavs.

It was interesting that the best 4 teams in the tourney was all in one pool with an above average team in the 5th spot. Even the 5th team could have beaten any in the other pool. Who made the pool up? Tops: Lost to Bullets by +15, beat Pacesetters 30+ and Blue Devils 25+, Won by Forfeit with Comets Bullets: Lost by 8 by Pacesetters, Won 30+ over BlueDevils, Won 15+ over Top Guns (who won the 17U State), lost to Comets (which forfeited two games on Fri night to the tops and pacesetters). Normally, a team has to check in prior to first game, or otherwise forfeit their remaining games. A player or players can check in late, but the team is supposed to check in at their assigned time. The Clarksville Comets missed their first two games (pacesetters & top guns), therefore going up +13 in the pool. Bullets played the comets (3rd games for Bullets in less than 18 hrs.) with comets fresh and lost by 1. This caused the Bullets not to advance to Sunday playoffs and knocked them out. In summary, the pools were lopsided (4 strong teams in one pool- any one capable of beating each other-depending on fresh legs), with only 1 medium to strong team in the other with 4 weaker teams. Somehow, not evenly divided up. any comments?

A one day team camp for 5, 6, 7, and 8th grade school teams is planned for Sat., June 12, 2004. The entry fee is $100. Deadline to enter is 1 week prior to camp. Three games for each team entered. For entry form or more info, e mail to the following: rotaryaire@multipro.com or call 931-432-1415 All games will be held at Cookeville SportsPlex in Cookeville, Tn.

The Ga. Miracle wanted to change the original schedule because they had played the Tn. Extreme already and just wanted to play a different team. They (Crossville's coach and Ga. Miracle) worked it out themselves by switching with each other with the 11:00 original game on court # 1 with Warren Co. Therefore, Warren Co. will play Ga. Miracle at 11:00 am and Tn. Extreme will play Crossville at 12:15 pm. All other games remain the same.

Schedule is as follows: 11:00 AM Warren Co. vs. Tn. Extreme Court # 1 West Tn. Mustangs vs. Nashville Blue Devils, Court # 2 12:15 pm Georgia Miracle vs. Crossville, Court # 1 1:30 pm Bullets vs. West Tn. Mustangs Court # 1 Warren Co. vs. Nashville Blue Devils, Court # 4 4:00 pm Warren Co. vs. Tn. Extreme, Court # 1 Bullets vs. Ga. Miracle, Court # 2 Crossville vs. Nashville Blue Devils, Court 4 6:30 pm Bullets vs. Tn. Extreme, Court # 1 Ga. Miracle vs. West Tn. Mustangs, Court # 4

There are eight strong teams entered in the 16, 17 age bracket for the Play Day at the Upper Cumberland Shootout in Cookeville on April 17. Teams entered at this date is Tn. Extreme, Alabama Heat, Georgia Miracle, West Tn. Mustangs, Warren Co., Crossville. Nashville Blue Devils, and Pistol's Bullets. All games are held off Exit # 286 from I-40 at Cookeville Sportsplex. Games start at 11:00 am and continue throughout the day. Scouts and recruiters are welcomed.

We need one more team in the 16 yr. boys division for a play day in Cookeville, Tn. for Sat. April 17. Cost is $120 for 3 games (full games-no running clock). Need entry by Tuesday night, April 13. Call 931-432-1415 for entry info. All games are at Cookeville Sportsplex.

Thirty five teams will participate this weekend (Sat. April 3). Several next year school teams are entered. Come to Cookeville Sportsplex and get a preview of UC basketball for next season. Games start at 8:30 am and continue with 4 courts going all day until the last game at 9:20 pm.