whirlwind

We're prayin for you at Unaka. We hope you have a fast recovery.

Rockwood and Harriman's Baseball programs are highly respected in Region 1. However in 5 of the last 6 years a Region 2 team has been defeated in the substate by Unaka. Region 1 baseball may not be as good top to bottom as Region 2, but the top team is usually equal or better than Region 2's 1 or 2 seed. I would say before you go talking smack about other potential substate teams, you might want to consult Coach Adcox, or Coach Lane formerly of Rockwood, about the Trip to Carter Co. they will tell you that it is not a cake walk. Matter of fact CAK '03, Harriman'04, Harriman '05, Rockwood "06 and Harriman'07 have all fell in state tournament bids in Region 1. Now does this mean that it will happen this year NO, but don't disrespect region 1 because you think it is a chip shot win because it ISN"T. Good luck to all teams in the region 1 and 2, Make East Tennessee proud when you represent them in the state whoever they maybe.

First of all I am not trying to step on anyones toes so please don't take it that way. dchcindian When was the last time you have been to the state tournament? Have you ever been to watch the State Tournament? I have been to watch it several times and I have seen the team you are putting on the field this year and anyone in Region 1 or 2 WILL have a difficult time in the BORO!!!! You are going up against D1 prospects game in and game out and no one in this region has one prospect like that let alone a whole pitching staff of them. Unaka went 2 years ago and collected a handfull of hits in both games they competed in. They had 3 kids on their team that are currently playing or being recruited by NAIA schools and few D2 schools. If you don't want to take my word for it ask Rockwood, Harriman or Oliver Springs they will tell you reality sets in real quick. It is a great feeling to get to participate in the state tournament and IF you win play for the Region Championship and make it to sub- state, It will be the end of the road for most teams in Region one, simply because it takes more than one pitcher to get to the dance and based on what has been said that is all anyone in district 1 and 2 have, is one pitcher. So good luck to all teams in both districts, but becareful for what you say and what you wish for, because you might not be ready for what you are wishing for. Just like Unaka last year, they thought they could go to Hancock and they would roll over and they got upset, the same things could happen to you, so just play ball win your district and let it be decided on the field in the region before you put yourself in the State Tournament!!!!

This looks like a player is wanting to brag on himself a little. It looks like you are having a decent year, but let your play on the field do the talking and quit telling everyone how good you are. This Unaka team is not like the good Unaka teams of the past, those teams left it on the field and everyone knew when they came to play it was on. Nobody in region one wanted to play them as a matter of fact on the way to the state tournament in Memphis there was a article in the Roane County paper that said " Stoney Creek the Bermuda Triangle for Roane County teams." Those teams like Rockwood and Harriman were very good teams and didn't want to come to the creek and play for a trip to the state tournament. I have been present at some games and have nothing but respect for A.C. Ensor he is a good coach and will get his team ready for tournament time, but I don't think this team has enough players that are about the team, they are more worried about personal statistics. This could be one of the most talented ranger teams that Ensor has had, but will they live up to their potential? This remains to be seen. If you come together like the Ranger teams of the past you can accomplish great things, but if you don't it will be another year like last year. MESSAGE TO THE SENIORS...... Don't be the next class to drop the ball GET YOUR TEAM TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT, and bring the district and region Championship back to where it belongs STONEY CREEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My guess is North Greene or Unaka. Not to knock Hancock Co. but region one is much more competitive. Yes Hancock has two quality wins, but since when did district two become a baseball juggernaut. It takes more than one win to make any team a legitimate contender. Best of luck to all teams in Region 1

How did Unaka fare friday against HV?

I have watched them for a little bit, and I can say that when healthy, Unaka has 4 good pitchers that can win a game at any time. But I would like to know how you can say that any of those three you named are better than Pierce, he has been a dependable, and solid pitcher since he was a freshman.

To answer your reply, Chambers folded like a cheap suit in the region and struggled in the district, Peters battled arm trouble, and Peterson was a freshman. Pearce is the ace based on his success against the conference, and he is the most consistent. There isn't a team in the conference that has as much pitching depth as Unaka, if you were at the Jamboree you saw Hampton struggle with 2 kids that haven't pitched.

Are you referring to the Unaka game or the North Greene game?

Unaka threw their ace, and he allowed earned run, However, when you make 5 errors in the first two innings you arent gonna beat anybody that is any good. Unaka will be fine they just have to get going. They are playing tonight at Sullivan North at the Snowball classic and will play some tough teams in it, which should get them prepared for the conference.

How did everybody fare on opening day? Any conference play this week?

The second kid HV threw was Jake Hodge, he is their #2 behind Logan Bowling. UH is very young, they looked a little more polished than Hampton. After watching the Jamboree I think this is how it will shake out. 1. Unaka - looked big and slow, but was missing Colbaugh 2. North Greene- Athletic and scrappy missing Hopson and Peters 3. UH- Young and talented, could contend for the top two spots as the year goes on. 4. Hampton- Could compete for the 2 or 3 spot as the year goes on 5. Cloudland- Could sneak up on some people if over looked, had a pitcher that threw hard. Anyone else want to take shot at a prediciton is more than welcome!

For what it's worth I thought Unaka was decent but I saw all of the teams and North Greene scrapped more than any of them. They out hussled everybody. They played the best team there HV a tight game and Unaka and the other ones, struggled with the other teams they played. Unaka had trouble with some team called Holstin. Unaka may be the best team but there is definitley a toss up for second.

Unaka lost the Tayler kid, Hampton lost the little lefty and the shortstop, cloudland lost the Lanthorn kid, he's riding the pine at E town, UH lost Evanson and I believe Burton, and NG said they lost alot.

The conference could be pretty close this year, with several top players returning. So heres my guess 1 Unaka- Could have the most depth in the conference, with Colball, Peters, and D.Chambers leading the way. Early dismissal in the region last year by Hancock should have the Rangers out for blood. 2. UH/ NG - When North Greene has the Hopson kid on the bump they're pretty tough and the coach has found a way to get the best out of what talent he has. 3 UH/ NG- UH lost alot last year but should still be talented and could very easily challenge Unaka and North Greene for the Conference. 4 Hampton- Lost several last year but the coaching change could be just what the Dr. ordered. New excitment can breed new success, but the talent just might not be there yet. 5. Cloudland- May win 10 games this year. Could challenge Hampton Those are just standings the way I see it, please feel free to give your opinion, lets just hope for good weather and great baseball from all of these teams!!! Good luck to all