gogold

Playing Giles Co. is like pulling teeth and that's not any fun. There has been some barn burners the last 3 years and I don't expect anything different this year. My perdiction is still Purple and Gold for both games, but if that little Russell girl gets hot watch out, Giles Co. may end their drought. I figure ole John and Gail Wild will have her guarded pretty tight.

Coach Neal has been very successful in his stay at F-HU. I know this man and there were other reasons that at least 3 of these girls left the program. None of the reasons had anything to do with Coach Neal. I feel that the girls respect Coach Neal and like him as their coach.

Jess Russell has a really good stroke. She's a Giles Co. product. This is her senior year and if the school gets a up tempo coach it'll play into her game and she'll be tough on the outside, and if you jump out on her she's quick enough to take it to the hole.

This year will be tough to compete because of Freed-Hardemans age of players and Unions talent. I do believe that in the next 2 to 3 years they will be able to compete and beat Union. Union did not out recruit FHU's 2001-02 class this past year and FHU has started strong with this upcoming 2002-03 class. If they all stay, FHU will beat Union. Union has always been the Tennessee of this conference, but Freed has been knocking on the door the last 6 years. With the talent level that they are getting, they will be on a even ground to compete with Union in the next 2 to 3 years. It's taken a few years, but they are now starting to get the same level of players mighty Union has enjoyed for years.

If Freed Hardeman can pick up Jess that will give them 2 very good guards from 2 solid programs in southern middle Tennessee. I would like to see that.

Freed-Hardeman University(fhu.edu) announced the commitment of 2 quality players to commit early for the 2003-04 class. Ashley Helton, a 5'8 guard, from Lawrence County High School and Lauren Macpherson, 6'1 post, from Friendship Christian. Another great start for F-HU. Congradulations girls and have great senior seasons for you high school teams. The pressures off on where to go, now go out and have a big and productive year.