Puff

Excellent insight! Both of these men are excellent coaches. Coach Russell left on his own, he could have stayed, to answer one of the comments about the circumstances he left. His record speaks for itself. Yes he had great players but he developed them as well. Coach Wild was asked to take the job. He came to Bradford with the understanding his wife would be his assistant. His record in 2 years was something like 67-2. He too could have stayed but the "liabilities" he had forced him to decide between Bradford and his family. He made the choice almost all of us would have made. The reason John is still not in Bradford had nothing to do with the talent. When Bradford decided not to rehire his wife, they more or less broke the agreement and trust with John. What was he supposed to do? As far as the future, who knows? The "talent" is young but not like it was in the past. Coach Hampton did a good job and began developing the younger players that will be counted on in the next few years. He chose to go in a different direction due to other issues, mainly the school board and their dislike for the former boys coach. It seems coach Pascall is working very hard and the girls are improving but due to injuries and youth, have struggled. The freshmen and eighth grade classes are a good group and should be very successful. There are no more Richardsons, Tuggles, and Hensons though. The question that must be answered is will the few who have the power give him enough time? They are on their 5th coach in the past 6 seasons. That almost never works out. Why is no one asking why they have had such a turnover in coaching lately? 5 coaches in 6 years - girls, 4 coaches in 7 years for the boys. Good luck to the Red Devils and Lady Red Devils.

You know I picked Halls to finish 5th and was raked over the coals for doing so. Doesn't look to far off now does it. I also said Middle could finish anywhere from first to last depending on the availability of Romeo Luccissi (Love that name). He is very talented. I still think Trenton will be the team that comes out of the region with the next spot either Lake Co., Greenfield or Middle, depending which team stays away from Trenton until region finals. The teams that have been a little disappointing have been Dresden, S. Fulton, and Bradford. Thought they would be a bit better but there is still time. Looks to be an exciting time come February tournaments. Good luck to all the teams on staying healthy and playing your best when it counts.

sls, Can you give some insight why you are anti-Shepard? Many times in the past you have been critical of him, which is your right. I realize he has not won the big games since he has been at Milan but he seems to be a great person, a great school guy who wins a heck of alot of games every year. His kids always play hard and he plays alot of players. They also seem to me to get better the longer they play for him. The past 3 years the middle school teams have really struggled so I can see him having a difficult time coming up with the new district but I think he has done a good job. Is it personal or simply a difference of opinion? Thanks for your posts. You seem to have a broad knowledge of basketball. Are you a coach?

It still amazes me that someone like a school board member who only knows what is going on because he goes to PTA meetings knows more about how to coach basketball, and football, than the coaches, principal, or supt. Amazing that not 1 call was made to the administration complaining except the same parent-school board member, the same one who went on the field to confront football coaches because his son was not in the game. Hooray for Greer! Glad you left on your terms. You are better than you have been treated there.

OUCH! scotty that's a little rough talk

LadyK I mean no disrespect to Halls. They have a great program, but someone has to finish 5th. Based on returning players that is just my prediction. All of the district 16 teams have a chance to advance. I still think Middle College is the wildcard. They have 2 kids, if Romeo returns, that other teams will have a hard time guarding, and they could win the darn thing. If he is not back then I would pick them 5th. That is how good he is. Trenton with Doaks, other big kids and a ton of athletes, will be difficult to match up with. Lake Co can score from anywhere and has the most depth. Halls does have plenty of talent but lacks size, as always, and doesn't have the go-to guy like they have had in the past few years - in my opinion. Bradford has lots of talent back. You may see the most improved player in the district in Russell to go along with Thetford and Tate. The coaching change will benefit them because maybe now they will play some defense and add some guys who weren't playing. Lots of sophs. to help out that will make them a good team. I look for an exciting year from District 16. Now I may have to change my prediction on 15A if S Fulton has had a mass exodus. Have no idea who has left the team but regardless no one should replace Greenfield as #1 there. The rest could be a tossup. Good luck to Halls, ladyK

It will be awful tough for middle tennessee teams, especially since the Coach Lee has added Coach Hampton to his staff. Can you imagine Lee, Hampton, Haskins, and Rhodes all at the same school?

16 A prediction 1. lake county or trenton 3.bradford 4. middle college 5. halls Lake County, Trenton and Middle College are most talented with Halls suffering loss of 2 top scorers but will be very competive. Bradford returns everyone so they should be much improved. Middle could finish anywhere from 1st to last. 15A Prediction 1 Greenfield 2 south fulton 3 dresden 4 gleason Greenfield has shane,coach trevathan/durden south fulton always competitive dresden has 2 good guards gleason is well coached with a good big kid coming out of the region prediction trenton - greenfield

gleason is home to the region. They deserve the opportunity to host. Their new gym will be a great place and I know the administration and coaches at Gleason will put on a great tournament. Gleason should also be home to 15 a district but unsure. 16 A will probably be at Trenton or Halls since Lake Co. hosted last year. Should be an interesting year.

Good Luck John. Hit it again. You will be missed friend.

I do know Coach Greer and have seen every team he has coached. I have never heard any former player of his complain about his work ethic, knowledge of the game, style of play, playing time, practice time, excuses for losses, open gym, etc. until now.

ifiruledtheworld, Nothing definite but you hear what you hear. Greenfield you will know alot more about Greenfield than me. Will Coach Trevathan continue doing both? I assumed this was a one year deal to do both. Who will take over if he just does girls? Trenton to listen to all the Peabody fans, there could be one here, although I disagree. Coach Sisco does a good job. Will Coach Colvin be back? He has already retired once. I think he will do it one more year. Gleason Of course Coach Frazier will be back. I could see Coach Angelos at Gleason moving on. He does a great job and is a very competitive person. He just doesn't have much talent or numbers and may look for a different opportunity. I have no idea to his feelings and Coach Frazier is a great guy to work with as well as Gleason a great Community to support basketball. That may be enough to stay. Lake Co - Will coach Johnson continue doing the girls since he has taken over the principal job? I would assume Coach Whitby would stay with the team he has coming back. Halls- Both will be back Bradford Not sure of either. Both have young talent but may take too long to please. Dresden - I would assume both would return but would Coach Dilday be interested in Greenfield if the boys opened up? He helped there a couple of years ago Middle Don't know much about those guys but the girls sure have a coach in the stands. South Fulton - Both should be back

Robin, Thanks for what you do. We really are blessed to have someone in our area who does what all you and wife do. You really have an insight to West Tenn basketball. How about commenting on the future of 16A, boys and girls? Players to watch, programs to watch, coaching, etc.

While up until now, considering the regular season, you may be correct about match ups. But look at what I said. In a one game and out scenerio that size creates problems. I may not understand basketball but ask any of the coaches in the region which team they would not want in an elimination game - at Trenton. Everyone, even me, knows the potential. It's not like Peabody's big guys are a bunch of plodders. They are pretty athletic, as noted by your fellow tide fans on this Sisco bashing subject. Ya'll can't have both sides to the discussion. 1. We are so athletic we should be running and gunning. 2. The guys who are playing are not athletic enough to play Halls and Lake Co., etc. It would not be my starting lineup either but that is the way their coach has decided. How many teams really run and gun, I mean really run? Lake Co, while shooting a lot of 3's will often walk it down the court. Halls the same thing. Both of those teams Guess what both of those teams were yelling about playing another, lesser, district foe this year? SLOW IT DOWN and GET BACK!

Actually, Robin, Greenfield never trailed in the game. It was tied with a little over a minute left in the game. It was Greenfield's closest game in their tourny run until Temple. As far as Trenton/Sisco - it amazes me that he catches so much flack. Do the Trenton faithful have someone in mind, like bringing Harry the Hat back? Wait till this season is over and you may be wishing that you never bashed Sisco. In a one game and out scenerio, I will take talent over all else and Peabody has the most overall talent in the region. (Lake Co a close 2nd) I did not say the best team, obviously Halls and Greenfield have so far proved otherwise. But no one can match the size of Trenton. Ramsey at point guard creates a matchup problem because Trenton already has Doaks and Avery on the floor. If Mario is in you have 6'8", 6'6", 6'5", 6'3". That would cause problems for most AAA, AA teams but especially A. I agree that Trenton, especially at home, is the most dangerous team in the region.

I hate to hear that about Dan and Larry Joe. Two really good guys who will be missed. Not surprised about Butch, although he also will be missed. He can retire in less than a year and doesn't do this for the money. One of the hardest working coaches out there. Look out for a couple more openings in that district as well as 2-4 openings in region 8 A. Again almost all being the coach's decision.

Actually in West Tennessee I predict there to be more openings than usual. In almost every case it will be the coach's decision.

Coach Whitby has done a good job this year, no doubt. I am sure he is a very good coach, his record speaks for itself. Lake County, however, has not needed "turning around." 3 or 4 years ago they were in the state tournament under a fine coach, Brett Johnson. They should have won the first game but could not throw one in the ocean. They won the district the next year as well. They were going to be down a little and won very few games under Whitby his first 2 years with a young, inexperienced but athletic teams, and one of the worst in the region the last 2 years.They have progressed very well in the 3rd year. Coach Greer has only been at Obion for 1 1/2 years. Remember Coach Hoffman coached the boys the year Whitby left. His teams, while not winning many this year, have been very competitive and defeated some good teams. He is a very good coach, turning aroung programs at Camden, Milan, and on the college level. Maybe it is not a good fit at Obion, but he is one of the best coaches in the area and it would be hard to find anyone of his character, knowledge, and compassion for the game. Good luck Coach Greer and the Obion basketball players.

I have to say that those of you who are bashing Coach Sisco do not know him. He works extremely hard, harder than most of the coaches in the area. He sacrifices his time and efforts to make Peabody the best team he can. He scouts opponents - he watches more tape than anyone, knows what each team does, prepares his team, practices perfection, expects results. Who do you want to coach at Peabody? Just because they are struggling right now, does that make it his fault. Loss of 6 guards hurts. Lack of senior leadership hurts. Is your memory so short that you don't remember last years success. Was he a good coach then and suddenly forgot everything about basketball? Did his "system" fit the players last year? If you remember the region tourny last year you had 3 plays at crunch time that probably changed the game. 2 bad shots by a freshman and 1 bad shot by a player in for defensive reasons. Doaks or McCuller did not touch it. I know they were suppose to - per the coach in time outs- but the players did not execute. Every time a team struggles, the coach gets blamed. Coach Sisco is a fine man, a good teacher in the classroom and on the court. Who or what else do you want? I don't recall Peabody winning any state championships in the past. Your expectations may be a bit high.

I haven't seen any of those play but if you don't have Merideth Richardson in the top ten, it is not a valid ranking. There may be better shooters, ball handlers, rebounders, defenders, passers, etc but the difference between her and others: She can guard you but you cannot guard her.

Whoever has the best players looks like the best coach.

Lake Co wins easily against Bradford.

Bradford and Scotts Hill will not win 5 games combined this year. Greenfield is the real deal and will be very well coached. They are one of the hardest teams to defend because they can put 5 scorers on the court at a time. Trenton has different strengths. Doaks is unstoppable. You can not let him catch it. They will be very hard to match up with having Doaks, Avery, Gentry and quick, but inexperienced guard play. They have tremendous athletes and are also very well coached. West Carroll will be much better. Webb and Taylor are scorers who will be much improved. A change in coaching has lifted their program, not that Roy did not do a good job but a different philosophy has rejuvenated them. Huntingdon is very talented but I think they will be the team that gets upset in the region, only because they haven't done it yet. JSC, very talented, but I think they are a year away. Middleton or Adamsville will have been there, done that. Should be a fun year. Good luck to all the teams and hope everyone stays healthy.

Good luck to Coach Glisson. He will land on his feet and have a head coaching job next year. Someone will be lucky to get him. Greenfield is in fine hands with Coach Trevathan, a great young coach. Good luck Willie. If I can help in any way, feel free to let me know.

Don't know about Hayner but Allen is NOT a done deal. Not sure if offered and if it has, there would be some issues to deal with.