coachjeffers

Great post. You are EXACTLY right.

Like I alluded to in my previous post, Wartburg has more talent than Oneida top to bottom. The only reason I only mentioned Fountain and Richardson was because they had the biggest game not that I thought the others didn't do anything. I sat there and was telling a Coalfield coach that we would be watching Wartburg in the C-ship the next two years, at least. That is in response to those "other seven" as you called them, not Fountain or Richardson, who won't e there in two years. Their Freshman and Sophomore guards are only going to improve on what is already very good. And, after watching what you called Warturg's "best game of the year", I believe even more strongly that Oneida depends on team play more than Wartburg, which has such great individual play they tend to allow ALL of their talent take on the other teams' players one-on-one whenever possible. Earlier this year Sunbright kept the one-on-one play to a minimum and controlled the tempo against Wartburg and beat them by 6. That is so hard to do, but might be the only way to beat them for any team in this district. No question West, Wright, and Jeffers have to have a big night Tuesday if the Indians even want to sniff toward a victory, but I think with the strength in talent at each position going to Wartburg, Oneida may need to adopt Sunbright's gameplan from that night back in December. I know the Dawgs are a better team since then, but has anyone found a way to beat them(other than that fluke down in OS, GO FIGURE). Anyway, try not to misunderstand me... I believe Wartburg has the most talent in D4A this year and the best talent at each position, except for Malicoat. They just use it in a way that is much different than anyone else in D4A. Btw, they have either the best or second best coach, as well. I would love to see what Marty Maxfield could do with the talent Joe Layne has, but Coach Layne is awesome. Not to take anything away from Sunbright and the talent their kids possess. I know Coach Maxfield wouldn't take anything for his bunch of players and he has done a good job this year with that group. I still think it would be interesting to see what Maxfield could do with the top talent. But, Wartburg certainly has a top-notch coach and he knows what he is doing. They are fun to watch. Also, the facility problems I mentioned were the lights going out, seating problems with the small boy getting hurt who was sitting down on the edge of the floor right before halftime of the Oneida/Sunbright game when two players fell over the kids that were sitting way too close to the playing floor, the probelms with the horn on both Friday and Saturday nights, the clock not working on one end, and in games on both nights the floor has been extremely slick with players falling when trying to plant and go or stopping. I'm not sure, but it looks like there is a film on the floor and it needs to be wet-mopped really well before they play again. Of course, I think Wartburg's floor is used like most school gym floors, for everything, and the use of boots, street shoes, and other footwear besides basketball shoes is wreaking havoc on it. I noticed Alex Fountain slipped several times including right before the time he missed the monster dunk in the first half, or I think it would've been out-of-this-world. It was awesome anyway, and he missed IT! Wow.

I am going to ramble, but I'm excited about Oneida's win. Wow! What a night of basketball! Did everyone that was at Wartburg get their money's worth? Congratulations Indians!!!!!!!!! It's finally here. Your chance to prove you deserve to be here on the this stage, with the big Dawgs! NOW, go out Tuesday and show those Dawgs you deserve to be the champs. Two great games tonight in spite of several major and minor facility deficiencies that just re-emphasized why this district needs to find a neutral site to host this tournament each year. It was kind of embarrassing to have to play a tournament game with such a woeful lack of basketball necessities. Anyway, I thought Cody Malicoat proved that he is still the premier player in this district. I also thought Alex Fountain played great, but he had such a much better supporting cast that his performance wasn't as obviously awesome. Still that was fun to watch until the officials got too involved and took Malicoat out of the game. In the Oneida/Sunbright game my worries about the Tigers all came true and one that I didn't mention earlier stood out even more tonight. That was Seabolt and his three point shooting. Miller and layups and put backs came to fruition, as well as Langley and Gunter breaking through any pressure with ease. Turner worked with those two in the back court to perfection and Gunter shot even better from the three point line tonight than he did in the prior two meetings. Coach Maxfield accounted for everything Oneida had to throw at him except for one thing tonight; Clay Jeffers played phenomenal. Shot 75%+ (I'm guessing), rebounded like a 7 footer (9 or 10 for the game), and had at least 5 steals on defense. When things looked dim on a couple of different occasions for the Indians, Jeffers brought them back nearly single handedly. I thought Noah Duncan handled the ball well, had no turnovers, and had some good assists which was ultra important. Jake Wright was covered by three people most of the game, but still managed some big buckets and even bigger rebounds and steals. But, the one thing I mentioned at the end of my last post was that this might be the game of the two best "team-play" teams and I believe that is what everyone got to see. I know Wartburg has a good team, but they play a lot of one-on-one ball and let Fountain, Richardson, et. al. create a lot on their own. Whereas, Oneida and Sunbright both depend on the team concept and working the ball around with more screens and ball movement to create open looks. Defense is more of a team concept for these two teams, as well. This might be due to Wartburg having more individual talent than OHS or SHS, but sometimes a good team that works together can overcome a team that has more individual talent at each position. That is what Oneida will be trying for on 2/21/12. Sunbright did it the first time they played Wartburg in the regular season. It can be done. It just isn't easy. Good Luck on Tuesday in the C-ship ONEIDA. It's been a log time coming to be able to say that. It really sounds nice. Now go get 'em.

I wasn't trying to contradict anything anyone had said about Alex Fountain being or not being a top 3, or the top junior in the state. I certainly haven't seen all of the junior talent in the state this year, but I'm truly impressed with the improvement to Fountain's game since last year. His mid-range,jump shot and open-floor passing skills have both grown to a level that have made him much more attractive to mid-major, DI scouts. His ball handling has improved and so has his conditioning, and while Cody Malicoat proved last at Coalfield (40+ pts) he is still a factor in this year's District 4A Tournament, Alex Fountain has established himself as the top player in District 4A. I realize Class A doesn't provide the talent night-in, night-out that college coaches like to see a player compete against prior to offering a scholarship, but AAU competition does make up for that. That is where I think Fountain has made up the difference in the last year. Playing for the Travelers has been a great experience, apparently. And, good for him. While I'm an Oneida fan and want nothing more than to see the Indians finally get a District Tourney title after a long dozen year drought, I have really enjoyed watching Fountain play. Except against Oneida. Indians, if Wartburg gets by Jellico and we get past Sunbright, it's time to give Fountain and the Bulldogs a loss from us. It's a little overdue. Good luck and work hard OHS.

Sure: ALL GAMES PLAYED AT WARTBURG HIGH SCHOOL Friday: Girls Tournament 6:30 P.M. #4 Oakdale vs. #1 Wartburg 8:00 P.M. #3 Oneida vs. #2 Oliver Springs Saturday: Boys Tournament 6:30 P.M. #5 Jellico vs. #1 Wartburg 8:00 P.M. #3 Sunbright vs. #2 Oneida Monday: Girls Tournament 6:30 P.M. Consolation Game 8:00 P.M. Championship Game Tuesday: Boys Tournament 6:30 P.M. Consolation Game 8:00 P.M. Championship Game .....and yes, Alex Fountain is pretty awesome.

The students didn't hit the players with their fists, but with paper airplanes. The booing is bad enough, but I've learned to accept that and it's okay to try to get in the minds of the other team. But I really felt embarrassed by our students due to the fact that it was really disrespectful to throw anything at an opponent. Do you have to show your opponent respect? I think their should be some measure of respect. I am all for the kids doing the body paint and holding the newspapers up while they're announcing the opposing team's starting line-up, but I felt a line was crossed. Kudos to Principal Kevin Byrd for setting a great example for the students to follow. At halftime of the boys game he recognized the veterans by asking them to stand and giving out Oneida hats, but went the extra step and had blue hats ready for the Wartburg veterans, also. Very nice Mr. Byrd. I'm not surprised though, I see you do little things every day to show our kids how to act Christian-like and respectful. Thank you Kevin. Awesome game played by Wartburg after they got past a first quarter that I felt Oneida outplayed them in. dropped 32 in the second quarter and that is by far the most any team has scored on Oneida in a quarter this year. Oneida has prided itself on defense this year and Wartburg scoring 73 was a major wake-up call. I believe these two teams are much more comparable than what we saw last Friday and Oneida will bounce back. Tuesday's comeback win at Sunbright shows they have what it takes to get up off the mat and get the job done. At Sunbright, down 13 with 4:00 minutes to go, and won it in regulation 49 to 48 on two free throws with :00.6 seconds on the clock. The boys really pulled together and Jake Wright played big in the 4th. It looks like Wartburg may have the #1 seed going into the D4A Tourney, but the way this season has gone it won't surprise me to see any two of the seven teams in the C-ship. There are still a few weeks to go in the regular season, but even though Wartburg and Oneida are on top now, the scores and games have proven this district could still be wide open come tournament time. No offense to Wartburg and Jellico, but it's time to get some fresh teams in the C-ship. However, I believe Alex Fountain and Coach Mike Reynolds are going to have some say in that. (Oh, and remember Wartburg has a huge home-court advantage for the tournament-- Just like every year!) I still can't wait to see how it plays out!

I realize my username might be a misnomer, but at least it isn't as bad as sportsguru15. Man, what have you been smokin?!!! I've only seen the Smith twins play 4 times, but it was obvious the talent was there. Congrats to Perry Co., but to call those boys the choke twins is WRONG. They have done nothing but prove their worth for the last four years; AND they DO have a championship ring to show for their efforts. Oh, and akaGlazed, why are you glazed over? It's getting so old to here you guys from the West cry about the East teams being weak. Check the record Book, but I think that over the last twenty years the West holds only a 12 to 8 lead in State Championships in Class A. And right now, the top 3 teams in AAA are from the East. So step off. The West has loaded up Class A with private schools that DO recruit and I will admit the West is stronger. But, it's just like watching the NCAA brackets tonight, the system is set up to give teams that aren't the strongest the opportunity to experience the glory of playing at a level that brings those boys the feeling of jubilation they get to pass on to their kids, grand-kids, etc. And that shouldn't be taken away because the West has a higher number of schools that get to go out entice players to come play for their program because of academic excellence, better facilities, improved collegiate opportunities, etc. I realize private schools have more to offer and if I could afford it, or if my kids could secure scholarships, my children would attend private institutions. But, this does give them an advantage over public schools and the West is loaded with private schools. I am a supporter of Oneida High School athletics and I remember in 1994 when we went to the final four of the state only to lose to Battle Ground Academy. In the other semi-final game, Summertown lost to private school Goodpasture who was led by future NBA player Ron Mercer. From what I understand, Mercer was not from anywhere near the Goodpasture school(great recruiting, I guess). I can still remember that Friday night going out to eat with our coach, Bill Hall, and the head coach from Summertown and discussing the fact that we should find a gym and play the public school state championship somewhere on Sunday. Ha! Ha! But that has happened several times over the years where the public schools have had to watch the championship game from the stands, while it's all private schools in the championship game. Anyway, I digress. Hughes is a great player and would be a fine choice for Mr. Basketball, but the award isn't based on whose team goes the furthest. It would be nice if they could give co-Mr. Basketball awards this year in Class A. Probably won't happen, but the Smith twins deserve it. By the way, go Hampton and Cloudland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That certainly wasn't the case this past Friday when the Lady Indians played Oliver Springs in the final regular season game. There was a lot on the line! With a win, Oneida went from a five seed to a three seed in the District 4A Tournament and would get to host a first round tourney game on their home floor. Not to mention, this would be the first time the Lady Indians had swept OS in the regular season in longer than most of us can remember. They came out with intensity, sense-of-purpose, and focus that was as strong as they have displayed all season. The coaching staff made a masterful move not to press (I'm not convinced we have the personnel on this team to press anyone), but their half-court defense was stifling. Offensively, we were patient til someone got an open look and they knocked down shots that they're supposed to. This was a complete TEAM victory and while I realize it was only one game, I believe it could be the springboard that propels these girls to make some noise in the D4A Tourney. A win tomorrow over Sunbright in all probability would mean a third meeting this season with Coalfield (as long as they take care of their business with Jellico). I hope this "New-found" enthusiasm and intensity can carry Oneida into and through the D4A Tourney, because the twenty point win over OS Friday was not a fluke and they have already proven they can Oakdale to the buzzer. Of course, if anything about the history of the D4A Girls Tournament can aid us in predicting what the outcome might be this year, it's only that there are any one of five teams that have a shot at winning the title and landing in any order in the 2, 3, and 4 spots that will get you in the Region 2A Tournament. (Wow! What a match-up for the 4 vs. 5. OS is the 4, but has to be played @ Wartburg because of seating capacity? Is that true? Not an ideal set up, especially, considering Wartburg has already proven they can beat the Lady Bobcats once this season. It's a shame one of their season's will be over tomorrow night.). Good Luck Lady Indians. We wish you the best and truly believe you are strong enough to bring the district championship back to Oneida. Now, all you have to do is believe and go out do it. Remember, most of all, enjoy and treasure these moments; they're some of the best you are going to have from this time of your life (whether you are winning or learning how to win).

Max, I was not trying to put you down, I said you have been there helping and trying to make OHS b-ball better. You've known me long enough to know "I wear my heart on my sleeve" when I feel someone is putting me or my efforts down. I am over the thing that happened at the parent meeting from a standpoint of moving on, but I continue to wonder if I failed these kids in my efforts to be their coach. To be quite honest, as I have had time to reflect on my time with these kids, I don't understand why Mr. Brown, Cheryl Butler, et. al. even considered Tommy Crowley and myself to come in and try to coach at OMS. Daniel Jacobs and Robert Queener had struggled winning games at that time, but I really feel thay would have won the same games the team won after Crow and I came on the scene. I sort of played basketball a long time ago and I had coached Jr Pro and AAU. Probably, the best thing I ever did in the sport was the SKILL program that Steve and I started and maintained for three years. We offered that as an alternative to Jr Pro for kids to learn fundamentals in a camp-like atmosphere. I'm not saying SKILL did the job of teaching, but I know I got to see kids learn, improve, laugh, and have a great time playing my favorite sport. Anyway, I didn't feel at the meeting you included yourself in the problem you presented. That's water under the bridge and I am over it. But, back to my heart on my sleeve, Max you and I have discussed coaches, players, and Oneida many times. When things have been stated about kids and what they lack, if I had coached that kid and felt they were doing well, I would let it eat at me. That isn't something you and I ever discussed, Max. It really souonds like I misunderstood your words. I felt you were laying blame, not urging for US to step up and do a better job. I am glad we got that out, but as I said before I know you've been there and doing your best to help. By the way, I hope Jacob, you, and Sean ( what a great surprise and quality person to be around our kids) are able to continue the turn around in OHS boys b-ball. We had some good times when we were riding high when Bill was coaching at OHS and I hope that my son and all of the boys get the chance to feel the fun and joy of playing at that level. Hey, youdontknowme, thanks for the props. I needed to hear that. As for the rest of this, Oneida needs to pull together and get behind these kids. And, youdontknowme, you're right, it is your opinion and there is nothing wrong with what you predicted. I challenge the team to make you wrong, just like you do, though. It seems we keep putting too much interest in sports and forget to see the big picture; we're here for short time to learn to be Christ-like and we should take every opportunity to enjoy life we get. How can we enjoy life when we are always arguing or fussing with each other? Remember, these kids read every word we put on here. Aren't we supposed to be examples for them? Let's get over it and find success in our lives other than wins and losses. Hey, Coach Stiltner, good luck in baseball this season. /smile.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile.gif" />

For those who have started and kept this thread going about OHS basketball, Thank you. Steve Jeffers has done a great job for the middle school in the past five years. I feel Steve has been dealt a raw deal by several people. Should he run the same system as the high school, does he even try to teach fundamentals, why are his players not more disciplined, etc. Well, I tried to coach at OMS for about a one and a half seasons. I say tried because I know that parents and fans were saying the same things about me they have said about Steve. Max and those people might be right and Steve and I don't know how to teach basketball, but when no one else wanted that job Steve and I stepped up and gave our best. I have coached with Steve in Jr Pro, AAU, and at the middle school level, but I have never said or feel that made me a good coach. I haven't posted anything on CoachT in a long time because of my user name and the fact I am out of coaching. Steve hasn't boasted about being a great coach, either. Maybe I am partial to Steve because we are family or the time we have coached together, but I KNOW Steve tries to teach fundamentals. Steve conducts drills for passing, drawing charges, proper shooting form, ballhandling, defensive sliding, setting screens, and more. I have been there when he was teaching. I know the past two years have been criticized here, but what about three years ago? I realize My son, Chuck, played on that team and I am partial to him, but that team did show fundamentals and team defense along with a great attitude. Why does Steve not get more credit for that team. Those eighth graders on that team are now contributing to the high school program mightly. It really boils down to what the players bring to the coach. It's hard for a coach to put heart and a good attitude in every player he coaches and that seems to be some of the problems folks have had with OMS basketball. I want to see all of the schools Scott County do well. I wish we could all just get along. But, I am tired of talking about Steve Jeffers. He is doing a good job and if we had ahd a different coach I think the comments and criticizm would have been the same. 80sballer, you had a few good points, but man tone it down. And, Max, I owe you an apology. I was speaking about what 80sballer had to say and laughed. I took it more as "messin with ya" than serious. I reread that post tonight and I had to post this. Max has been around OHS b-ball and tried to help more than anyone that comes to mind from the nineties to present. I haven't agreed with everything he has done or said, but he was there to help. I did agree with the post about the comment Max had made about the fundamentals never being taught to these kids in Jr Pro and middle school. And I told Max about the fact it was uncalled for and offended me directly. However, I did that face-to-face with Max. It's unbelievable that so many folks can put down people that put there necks out to try to help through coaching, teaching, or just being a good quality fan when they won't get out there and do it themselves. I am not sure if people only coach in Jr Pro or AAU for their own thirst to be a coach as Max said, but at least we have people trying. And if anyone really feels that these coaches aren't doing the best for the kids, then roll up your sleeves and try to help make it better instead of complaining. Enough about that. This topic was started to talk about OHS boys b-ball and what next year holds. Well, first I would like to say thanks to Zach, Logan, Benji, and Brad for their effort this past season. You guys made us proud through your skills, leadership, and conduct on and off the floor. All of you have the potential to go on and be successful in life and I am positive you will. I was fortunate to have the oppurtunity to be with Benji, Zach, and Logan for a couple of seasons in middle school. You guys are quality people and I hope you are able to make Oneida a better place in the future as you become our leaders. As for Coach King and the players returning, the future is so bright you guys need to wear shades. Going .500 next year is a joke and that could be a failing season as I see it. Of course, Coach King thinks the same thing. He is positive about next season and believes in these kids. What's better, the kids believe in Coach King and his system. Now I hope I am not being too optimistic or putting to much pressure on Coach K, but a 20 win season is in store for next year. I think I am the first to say that on this topic, so, come on everyone join in and let this team know you believe in them. Next year is not going to be a third place year. These guys are going to finish first or second in the district regular season and make it to the Dist. Tourney 'Ship. Okay Coach, there's the pressure you wanted, but I already know you believe this is how things will go next season. Good luck guys and work hard this off season with Coach King, because next year is going to be special. Oh yeah, Coach, we'll help you work on that immaturity problem (ha,ha).

Thank you gsj. I didn't read your post before I posted a message in response to 72bear. I am glad at least one other person watched the same team I did this year. I probably took the post too personal, but I really did feel it was aimed at an innocent person (my son).

Answer, Thanks for the post. And, yes, it is a team sport. Winning the C'ship is all these boys wanted.....the individual awards really never came into their thoughts. It showed in their play that they were a TEAM when the only player to score in double figures in the tourney was Dalton Newport, who didn't make the All Tourney Team. The points were spread out and about even throughout the tourney. It's too bad someone can get on here and mar the play of someone with comments like someone else decided to put on here (see 72 bear). But, again, thanks for the post. This team and #12 had a great year. thumb

72bear, I don't know where you get your info, but you must have watched a different team than the rest of world that saw Oneida play this year. As for the coaching at home part, I hope that you're not referring to me. If you are, it's hogwash. This team was unselfish this year and that is the only reason they went as far as they did. Incidentally, if you want to look at the stat line, Laxton took more shots than anyone else during the tourney at Scott High. And that is the way it should be. He was one of the best shooters in middle school this year. I have tried to coach my son at home, though. I have had him work on ball handling, shooting, passing, and defense. But for you to ellude to something about a parent telling their son to keep it away from Laxton is insulting and down right dumb. If I had any indication that my son were doing such a thing, his basketball playing days would be finished. Since my son did play point guard this year for Oneida, I can only assume you were referring to him. You know, the kid that led the team in assists and took the ball to both sides of the floor an equal number of times to try to win games. I am a Christian and try to act in a Christian manner, but it's hard to do when someone talks about your son in a manner like this. When I first saw this post, I was furious. But, I calmed down and realized this person has no clue and might be a kid spouting off about something he/she is ignorant of. Coach Steve Jeffers of Oneida called his PG "unselfish to a fault" this year. I just think it's degrading for someone to get on here and spew out insults toward a player(s) when it's just not true. 72bear, I don't know who you are, but I will be praying for you. I hope that you will understand that the discourse you created with this post is not Christian-like and is unfounded.

riot, I figures out who you are. you forgot to mention that you guys beat the #1 team (Fairview) in the semis. That game was even better than the Championship game.

Amen. And I will second that sentiment. Fairview did a great job hosting the Area 2 tourney, as well. Go Rebels. thumb :justwrestle:

:justwrestle: bballplaya24, I don't care to step and give a prediction or two. First in the girls bracket: I believe Oneida is a team of destiny this year and will upset the Lady Bobcats from Oliver Springs. (remember, I'm an Oneida fan!!). These two play great defense and rebound well. I don't look for high scoring contest, though. OMS 29-OSMS 27. In the other game, I believe Wartburg, if they keep there turnovers to a minimum, will defeat Eagleton in a close game. Say 35-32. As for the boys, I believe if Mary Hughes can shoot as well as they did against Oneida they will advance. However, I don't believe that will be the case. Rockwood 41 - Mary Hughes 35. Of course, the other game is of more interest to me. Fairview is near and dear to my heart. I think the world of Coach Day and they have a group of classy and respectable kids. And, by the way, they can ball, too. Fairview 49 - Holston 41. Now, I gave you my predictions, let's hear yours.

thumb Answer, First of all, no one should get mad or be hurt by anyone's prediction. It's your true feelings and hopefully an educated GUESS based on what you have seen. Having said that, everyone knows I am an Oneida fan, but I am also a realist. The Lady Indians have had a great season and I believe these girls have the confidence to win this semi-final game. After talking to several of the girls, they really do believe they are going to win. Of course, that is what any baller should feel at this point. I have a huge amount of respect for Coach Bilyeu and the OS program. But, I have a feeling that the Lady Indians are ready for this test and this will be a monumental win for them. I know they need to catch a few breaks and the "keys to the game" you gave are legitimate, but I still think this a team of destiny. I have watched (and coached some) these girls since they were in Jr. Pro and were first learning the basics. This eighth grade group is special and I think it is their time. I am in no way implying that Oneida is more talented than OS. Coach Newport and Coach Pike are great coaches, but so is Sam Bilyeu. This game is probably going to come down to a strange play that goes in favor of one team that happened to be in the right place at the right time. I just hope the Lady Indians put themselves in that right place. Remember, this is basically the same team that had a lead with less than two minutes to go on OS last year. Regardless of who wins, this is going to be a great contest between two talented and motivated teams. GO Lady Indians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thumb

Well, I've been asking questions about OS on these threads, but I finally got to see them tonight. WOW!!!!!!!!!! I'm not ready to concede the semis to OS just yet, though. The Lady Indians are pumped. With two of Wearwoods better players not getting to the game on time tonight, the Lady Indians could have won by as many as 50 or 60. The final was 44-11. I was so impressed with OS, but if the Lady Indians play a near perfect game (few turnovers, 45%+ shooting, even or out rebound OS, etc.) then the game Thursday should be a barn burner. Being a realist and seeing OS play finally doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about Oneida's chances, but I love to watch these Lady Indians play. And they are pumped about getting another shot at OS. I always ask for predictions, but I am too much of a chicken to prophecy one on this game. All I will say is this has the possibility of being a great game. The fans I spoke with from the other areas tonight, feel this will be the best game of the tourney in the girls bracket.

Congratulations to the Mary Hughes Boys team. They playedf a good game tonight against an Oneida team that looked dazed and confused. Oneida finishes 16-5 which is the best year they have had in about twelve years. Even though the game looked ugly they didn't give up. I hope all OMS fans are proud of the effort they gave this year. Only one thing to do now.................... GO Fairview Rebels in the boys bracket. OMS is pulling for you to carry Area 2 to the finals we hope. Also, I got to see the Oliver Springs girls tonight................Thursday is going to be a tough task for the Lady Indians. A near perfect game will be needed to get past the Lady Bobcats, but we're pulling for you. Go Lady Indians. My son, Chuck Jeffers played his last middle school game tonight for Oneida, along with seven other eighth graders, and words can't describe the way we feel in this home. But, it's only a game and the sun will rise tomorrow. I can't say enough about the Lions team that beat the Indians. Good luck to Mary Hughes in their quest for a Sectional title. No offense to the Lions, but Scott County pulls for their own, and we are rooting for the Rebels to win it all. I spoke to the Tourney director, Scott Hensley tonight, and I just want to say what a good job that Catons is doing running the tournament. In closing, I want to send out a special thanks to Coaches Steve Jeffers and Tommy Chambers for the job they did this with the Oneida Indians squad. It really hurts to end the season the way we did, but it was a good year and IO wish a very good group of 6th and 7th graders the best for next year.

highlandermom, Did you play for Norma or Huntsville? Those are the only two from Scott County I remeber going that far. Actually, I believe Norma had a a couple of undefeated girls teams when I was in middle (elementary) school. Nonetheless, I agree with what you have to say. If we can let our kids play and enjoy the game, teamwork, teammates, and all of those other great learning experiences without putting too much pressure on them, middle school athletics is great. I got to play in four tournaments in middle school and one of those was a four team tourney our school hosted. I would loved to have had played in the format our kids have today.

TBK, A couple of the PJ fans said that they were undefeated before the Area 2 tourney. They said the OS loss was in a scrimmage?!? Was it a scheduled game that counted?

Answer, Believe me!!! I know the Oneida v. OS semis is not a sure thing. I was just curious about what you thought if that matchup played out. But, you're right, there will be time for that if those two do meet.

Statman, I agree that the champioinship was NOT a fluke for Rogersville. I watched them in the quarters and semis and knew they could ball. It is an awesome feat that OS has put this run together over the past three or four years in middle school ball. I used to think that the runs of Shelbyville, Clarkrange, et.al. were incredible. I wish there was a simple formula to get a program on a track that OS has going. Thanks for the info.

Statman, I know Rogersville went undefeated last year. Was OS undefeated going into the championship game last year? I can't remember. It's hard to believe that OS might be stronger than last year, but it seems they always have great players coming into the program each year that give them their perennial powerhouse status. The thing I like about OS is they are classy. There isn't a lot cheap talk from the coaches or players; they just go out and get the job done. With OSHS dropping back to 1A and into the same district with Oneida, these eighth graders are going to see each other for next 4 years fighting for district standings and tournament titles. There were several years back in the late 80s and early 90s when Oneida girls basketball was almost guaranteed a regional and sub-state tourney birth. Oneida HS still has a lot of talent, but the competition is there and is going to get stronger with OS moving down. Should OS and Oneida win their quarterfinal games and meet in the semis at CAtons Chapel next week, we can all get a glimpse of what the next four years might look like. Oneida played OS tough in the semis last year and maybe wore the Lady Bobcats down enough to help Rogersville. However, Rogersville was tough and played great ball, but this year is going to be just as interesting. This should be a lot of fun to watch. Is anyone willing to make predictions about an Oneida v. OS matchup in the semis? Come on!! Someone step on a limb and get some lockerroom fodder rolling to fire these ladies up. Of course, they probably don't need it. This is the makings of a great rivalry.