Jadoka

I have lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana (2 with class system and 2 without) I do not have a kid who has played but as a basketball fan I have attended many games in each state. I really enjoy the high school game. I am a supporter of one class for the following reasons: 1. Excitement (More fans, David vs Golaith, press coverage, etc. ) 2. Scheduling (school size is not as important as quality of competition) 3. Money - (I believe more revenue is generated in KY and IN basketball) 4. Blue Chip Match ups (frequently blue chip players do not get the opportunity to play each other in the class system)

Do you judge the best freshman by potential or existing skill level? Most freshman teams are developmental type teams which means they work on issues that will allow them to contribute at the varisty level. These teams are about fixing weakness and the future, not necessarily just wins and losses....

It should be a case by case bases. Frequently some guys are on the team but not serious about the game. they do not do the work away from practice to help the team or theirselves. Blow-outs present the opportunity for dedicated players to take more risk and develop another part of their game wheather that be shooting the 3, ball handling etc. Somtimes it is a chance for a good player to come out of a slump or average player to develop the confidence in his shot to contribute better in a big game. In addition today 20 is not a big lead with the inconsistent refs and the 3 pointer. It is the coaches call, sometimes they make mistakes, sometimes they teach players lessons that are useful in life even if the player does not agree. Its the coaches call, if not successful he is the one who will lose his job.

How did Lenoir City look? They have a new coach so probably a new system, did they have any talent? Did Farragut's guy's play together? did any reserves for Farragut show any promise?

We are looking for a experienced shooting coach to work with middle school players in the knoxville/oak ridge area, can anyone recommend some good ones?

I think you have to favor the Memphis Teams and Oak Ridge and Future in a tournment like this due to overall depth. While several teams go 5-6 deep with excellent players in a tournment were you have to play 5-6 games in three days, the legs go so depth is more important. Jump shots tend to go away as the finals approach. Thus the teams that can play 8-9 with significant minutes and still compete at a high level have an advantage.

The team that plays the best defense will win this tournment. I have seen 4 of the 5 teams and they all have athletes. Point guards are also a key. Most of the point guards on these teams can not use their left hand or keep their heads up and against good defense that is a problem. Also from my observation the best point guards are some of the kids not playing point. This will be a fun one.

I am in the process of finding a home in the knoxvillie area. Which high schools have the best programs in Track. My son who is a 7th grader at Brentwood Academy ran 11.7 in the 100 and a 24.7 in the 200 this year. I would like for him to go to a good program.

Coach Patton in my opinion is the best teacher coach in Nashville for this age group. He coaches several teams I think his 14u team is called Wolfpack(not sure). He plays uptempo but it is very structured. He teached the finer points of the game and expands every kids abilities. In addition to the x and o's I believe he is a master of psychology and gets kids to perform beyond what they think or believe they can do. He does not need the most talent to win. If your freind's son is talented he would do well to land with Patton