firefulmer

We'll miss those guys no doubt, But if coaches and team set a reasonable goal, our better players step on up and if we get additional development from the bench...we just may surprise some people. They'll have to set their own goal though. But possibly better than many think. Maybe WE'LL be the underdogs this time!!! Might work in our favor...you never know.

JUST DISCUSSUION HERE...that's all... Would like to have some opinions on these thoughts...Not sure what I think myself. I do know I care a great deal about this team. Some may seem harsh...not meant to be...at all. OK. I truly want to be fair to our Ball team (BOLIVAR) from this past year and it's time to really look at it it clearly....just plain, as it was. And I SURE don't mean to knock our major players, heck ANY of our players b/c they had there's coming anyway!!! And well deservred I might add. Let's be honest. Coaching can't win any games-only strategy/floor plan can. You can tell players how to react an if they do it-that's GREAT....if not....not so great> so we can leave the head coaching out of that part on this team. That comes to playing, for the most part. Did we have enough to truly fill out the bench with those good/great subs a team needs making a stretch run? Like if good players in foul trouble or need to rest? Who knows...maybe Rick didn't have the right horses(now he absolutely had some) this year(at certain times(!)-he knows his bidness better than anyone I personanly know) to do that..open question a question to still be flilled out. Was our play always up to the level it should be for a Bolivar Basketballl Team? I dunno. You guys know much better than me!!! But we can change it---quick!!! I'm not judging...just ASKING and thinking out loud I guess! And...you CAN'T win them all. Our guys had a great run. A fantastic run in fact. Bet on this guys...if we did put money down on a coach every year in the game...mine'd be on Rudesill EVERY TIME. Mainly based solely on odds. Look at his track record if you want to know. And how many Mr. Basketball's-or at least in the running? How many wins/losses? I recognize some may/do have more...but his is pretty darn good. Maybe some don't agree. That's cool. This post is mostly intended for the players who will be on the floor NEXT season...bc we've just got to have more people step up in order to acheive whatever goals that the coaches and the team sets. We have some good players...but they have to have support from the bench too.

Willie Kemp Wayne Chism Thad And possiblly... Lerry Grisham too

Man, I know you didn't ask me specifically, but Willie's best feature has got to be controlling the floor. I mean that joker RUNS the floor! That's why I'll miss him next year.

I see what you're saying, but I do believe that Wayne being in the 1st Mitchell game would/or very could have made 2 points diffirence! I mean a big guy like Chism being worth 2 or 3 points?! There's no way to know...but it's at least likely for that little amount of points. After all the 1st and 2nd game could be a LOT different. I care a lot about our Bolivar guys...but they were playing better in that game than they were in the 1st round with Mitchell in the tourney, I hate to say it...but it's just the truth. It just didn't fall their way. It happens to the best of them. But that doesn't necessarily mean we'd won the last onr even IF we'd one the ESPNU game. I mean, who knows?

Truhoops, I bet they had a hard time too!!! We've all been very fortunate in this area to have the type of talent we've had recently. In all teams, for the most part! I wish ALL these guys the best! I can't wait to watch 'em on TV and take the kids to the occasional game0s!!! They're crazy about those guys!

As a big time Bolivar Central fan, I just don't believe the standings matter all that much. Liberty came out on on top, and congrats to them too-prob a good chance at next year too-then they MAY go through a rebuilding time also....but if you look at the entire Bolivar/Liberty schedule...it just wouldn't matter THAT much. Now I give ALL congrats to Liberty b/c they did it in the end-and the hard way too...and that's what counts---the end result, and not the here and there standings. Maybe I'm wriong. Opinions?... before we shut it all down for the season??? I'm not knocking anyone. We didn't get that 3 peat tis time, well, so be it. Believe me, it made some of our guys SICK! There WILL be another time....don't doubt that one! NOT being a smart aleck-really-...I just have faith in our coach and his abilities to keep getting it done. And I hope we can keep having a great RIVALRY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Win or lose. But we'll all have to be subject to Juke's Humble Pie!!! Oh Lord. Ahhh...kidding Juke!!!

Amen on this one for Willie! I sure would have hope'd he'd rather have had the Championship also....finished up with a fantastic H.S. career---I think he'd liked the 3 peat (Wayne too for that matter). No offense against Mitchell, Galiliee, Thad or Coach Johnson...but how many Mr. Basketball's does one young man deserve in a career? Maybe all, maybe just some...that's up for debate....but Willie, over 4 years of play, has EARNED his Mr. Basketball!!! Just my OPINION...not meant to offenend anyone. I respect Mitchell. Thad is one fine player...but it doesn't have to be called out in the paper(and I didn't see the actual CA quote---just on here). People realize that.

You pretty much got that right! It's at least a factor in it.

All I know is it will be interesting here in Bolivar to see what Coach Rudesill can put together with the athletes he'll have. I'm not making any predictions or anything, but he'll still have some talent to work with.

I've been unable to view/post for a few days, so I know I'm saying things that others may have said. But before we close it down this year I wanted to put my two cents worth in on these teams. Sorry so long-but it's 4 teams!!! Congratulations to the AA State Champions Liberty Tech. I said I'd give you're props when you earned them and you earned them straight up. In my circles there are differing opinions...and that's cool...but I feel that Liberty became one of those teams of Destiny. We've all seen 'em, teams where the odds might not always be with them...but they get it done. It's my opinion that this describes Liberty's run at the title. I felt that it opened Bolivar up to getting beaten when Liberty won that first game. You know, I was thinking that as long as we kept them from winning ONE, that the odds remained in our favor...but once they got that one win...I didn't think it was over by any means...but I thought it would be much tougher. I didn't post all that--but thought it. Hoping I was wrong. The Crusaders were on a mission and once they got THAT win, they turned on the afterburners and never looked back. To the Long twins I especially want to say kudos to you, 'cause what you did had to be tough!!! I don't know what else to say b/c ya'll have had a great ride and I congratulate you. Bolivar/Liberty fans...we've all got several months now, so by the time next season comes let's just have a good ol' rivalry instead of some kinda warfare. It's boys high school basketball. It's supposed to be fun and challenging...but it's not some battlefield in Iraq! And I'm not picking sides here so don't rag on me for this one. Mitchell...good job guys. Our teams had a hard fought battle and you wanted it and took it. So Galilee and Coach Johnson, congrats on a great run. Haywood...Coach V. my friend, I sure did hate it for you man. I just knew how much you wanted it esp. with Jarvis being a Senior. Now my homeboys from b-town. Man, this team has played some great basketball this year...but at times has been really hard to figure out! Many people feel the team played up or down to the level of their competition...and it lookas if that's true. Cost us 2 or 3 games I think, but I don't believe for one second that it was done on purpose...it's just the way it played out. Every season has it's quirks you know. I give total congrats to this team and the coaches for what all you have accomplshed these past 3-4 years(and before that too). If one looks at all the records and stats...there is a lot to be proud of. If no 3rd Gold Ball in a row...well so what? You guys have sure played some great b-ball in the last few years!!! Rudesill...you've got about 7 months are so before you get to do it all again. Don't you wish you could start tomorrow?????????????? HA! That's what I thought! I'm not even going to name basketball to you for a while! Congrats to the AA Champs Liberty, and God Bless all that play, coach and participate just so we can all talk about it!!!. Enjoy your time off. FF

Congrats to Willie!!! He is a fine young man who has dealt with a great deal of pressure due to his own abilities and his mother's illness. He is a very mature young man. But I've been able to get a little peek into what these young athletes go through when major colleges are recruiting them. All I can say is WOW. And I actually know very little...but enough to know its a load on a young person's shoulders. To have that pressure and keep your eye on the ball all the way to another state championship may be asking too much. A three-peat was always a longshot anyway b/c you just have to look at the odds. But I kept on hoping. You guys know how it is. And the team went a long way toward the goal. I am very proud of them. Willie desreves this. It'll be interesting to see who'll run the floor next year...but it will take some adjustment for me to pass by our gym and not see Willie in there, not just during the season, with a grin and a wave. Good luck Willie. And Wayne...you're no slouch either bud. Go up there to UT and help them rebuild thaat program. I still say you've been underrated by many posters this year...but I'm betting on you to prove some people wrong once you get to "the Hill". And Thad...I don't know you...but I saw you on TV News when you announced your intent. Good luck to you young man. You seem like a great guy with wisdom also. God Bless guys, Firefulmer

I haven't heard for sure yet, I know he really likes football...but he met Wayne and Willie in AAU, liked them and had a chance to move to Bolivar. I know that whatever chooses, Kedrick is one more athlete! That young man can step up and play almost ANYTHING. Haven't had him in calss...but I wish him nothing but the best. He sure did step up ad blay some ball for us!!! Good luck Kedrick!

The Firefulmer Bowl...whih wiil likely take place next November and be renmaed the HireCutliffief Bowll!!!

Galilee, I'm almost positive that those boys don't even reallly realize just HOW proud I am of them. As far as the surprise in the game went...I was a litlte surprised b/c it's been a long time since Riick worked them as hard in practice as he had the last couple of weeks-month. I mean that joker went really went after them...but they were content with it. Actually...they wanted to after it! We all said a tough/tight game, and it was. Coulda went either a way for a good while. Not sure, but maybe a little rebuilding year in 2007. Now Rudesill hasn't said that..but itf you kinda think about ti...it's prertty likely. Then if back to that, as a a coach, I've gotta believe he'll have 'em back at it. But I sure hated being unable to make the trip!!! Dude I was as disssasppointed as I've been in a long while. And...I told you we were respecting yuu! Dude...congrats.

montague1..I agree w/ all of that you said there. Willie is truly thr floor general at BCHS.

So it appears Firefulmer's on his way out (Yep...time to move on)...so down to some of my last posts/observations: *I want to give major kudos to the Bolivar Central High School Tigers. You guys have played one heck of a game and I for one am very proud of you. What an accomplishment guys!!!...look at the goals you've achieved and how proud you've made all of our city/county and many others. *So what! You lost. I know you hate it, but as the 'Ol sayin' goes...you just can't win them all. No way. *I know many of you guys know who I am. Please do whatever it takes to make a successful, happy life. We are very proud of you. * Even though they're friends of mine...I hope you appreciate your coaches. You have one of the finest head coaches in all of TN, and people all over this state realize it. * Good luck to all of you Seniors! I wish you all the best. And we'll be following your career. * I know you hear it a lot, but it is very true, class is important. And this team has shown it all season long. * Finally...Seniors - set your goals and never give up. Underclassmen - Next year, it is your turn. Give it all you've got, and accept nothing less than excellence. That's what our teams have always done. Firefulmer I'll see you at school, but I always wish you the best.

You're right. Rick is very food about spreading the playing time around whenever possible. That type of strategy helps this time of year too. In any case...t'll help them next year regardless.

I agree with Hoops (except the score) and jndfan, 15 min to go and we've got a toss up really. One game at a time...but BCHS wins this one. Totally respect Mitchell!!!...I just can't believe these BCHS Seniors go out on this game in this way. They'll pull it from the gut. As they have before at cluth time. Well guys, we'll know in about 10 min. Try to talk /listen to you all after the game!

They're both right up there at the top for sure...along with a couple others. I'm too biased to really pick. OK I'LL PICK...BOLIVAR 3-PEATS!!!! Man, I sure do hope so...they're all good now.

They're both capable of it! No matter what...just let them play instead of those petty calls. They're usually pretty good at the 'boro.Most of the time.

They'll (BCHS) bring it and they'll win. Experience, an A game and a total team effort who don't want to lose in the 1st round means a win against a fine Mitchell team. I think this bunch will get incentive due to the fact they don't want to play their final game as a Bolivar team. I hate to predict like that-especially in tourney-but that's my guess anyway.

Hoops, we'll know soon now, but Bolivar does tend to pull it out at crunch time. And it is crunch time. Man, I hate that crunch time play! They're good at it...but it sure is nerve racking to watch/listen to! Rhodes and Madden may have made some mistakes...but they've made some great plays too. Many others have also. We have guys in support roles that are very capable of helping Wayne and Willie. They haven't done it a whole lot this season...I hate to say it...but I agree. But they can do it and with only 3 possible games left, and judging from past history, I believe they'll all step it up. These Seniors don't want to go out like this. If they don't...then I'll be one of the first to offer congrats to whoever wins. No matter the matchups...any of the possibilities should be great games.

I was just trying to lighten it up. I know the last thread in the world you'd want to see was this thread again!!! That's all. So much tension this week...nothing wrong with a little fun...or a lame attempt at humor on my part I guess.

Yeah. I got your space right here MTB!!! Try to see if you can persuade people to bring home the 3 peat! Where it belongs!!! (yeah I want it guys...but I'm just ragging the rest of ya.) One at a time I know..but only 3 more possible games! Time's getting short.