CoachD33

Some interesting changes in store in West Tn. basketball beginning in 2005. Three schools are undoubtedly dropping to class A. McKenzie, Union City, & Riverside. Humboldt is possible depending on what some privates decide about jumping to D-2. USJ will be moving up to 2A with their multiplier and Dyersburg will drop down to 2A. Jackson Northside is on the bubble and could drop as well depending on where the breaks fall. Brighton is the only true upwardly mobile school as they become a 3A. Union City should fall into 15A and give it a much needed fifth team. McKenzie will join its county brethren in 13A and Riverside should replace USJ in 14A. If Humboldt dropped they could join Trenton in 16A. USJ moves to 12AA with Liberty/Southside. Northside would go here too. Probably some rearranging with 11AA losing McKenzie/Riverside they'd be down to three members. Dyersburg joins Dyer Co. in 13AA. Brighton replaces Dyersburg in 13AAA. I see Munford moving to that district as well. *This does not evaluate any changes in Shelby County which geographically is in West Tennessee.

Again you have lumped all West Tennessee teams with Gibson when it comes to schedule. Westview played at the Beach Ball Classic last year along with Jackson County and had similar results. If you want to pick at Gibson County's schedule fine but don't degrade West Tennessee basketball as a whole if you're not familiar with it. Very few AAA schools here outside Memphis though Jackson Northside has fared well recently. Best programs in Memphis area are in D-2. And yes as a geography teacher I know that the Tennessee River runs through the state twice. That's just a matter of natural boundary for grand divisions.

These two comments show your ignorance of West Tennessee basketball, and don't get offended about ignorance it just means not informed. I will give you that Gibson Co. has not played as strong a non-district schedule as some in the West, but to imply that being in the West makes the schedule weak is far from fact. 13AA is very good whether you people want to give them props or not. Their multiple wins over 1A power Trenton Peabody in recent years is a testament even if it's down a class. That brings me to your lack of knowledge on class A. The rest of the state has more titles in the top two classes but check which grand division has the most in small schools and you'll find it's west of the Tennessee River! Bring on the 13AA-7AA Challenge!

I thought Pope John Paul was a D-II. I counted 24 D-II football schools before any new movement.

Never mind! Just saw that numbers are posted at TSSAA. Thanks anyway!

What numbers are you crunching for this analysis?

I heard this as well. Looks like the only migrations to GC were assistant coaches. 13AA all the way!!!!!!!!!! Bring on the Upper Cumberland.

Haven't heard that but it makes sense now that Slick Rick Smith is headed to GC as an assistant and coach @ Spring Hill Jr. High.

Just to bring this thread up to date, Spencer Hoffman has been named Head Girls Coach at Marmaduke Arkansas. This is a 2A school in East Arkansas that has had a great deal of success. Hoffman was also quoted in the Union City Messenger that his former assistant, Katie Busby, is going to Gibson County to assist David Russell.

Eddie is a hard worker, comes from a great family in Martin, and has a good reputation. He has improved the programs at Fulton Ky. & Spring Hill. This will be his first chance to coach a program on solid footing. It would be hard for anyone to come in to 13AA with the kind of programs in the district but I know Eddie will work hard and if the talent remains OC will be very competitive.

Boy, things come to a screeching halt when the boards close for the Off-Season. All Quiet on the Western Front (AKA Tiptonville). Bret reportedly wants to keep coaching but has not been told yet whether he'll be allowed to. Look for personnel decisions to start falling into place in the next couple of weeks.

Just ask Daddy Rodney for an advance on the next season of the Devils.

Now that's a little more educational! Haven't tapped any sources lately. I'll see what comes up.

Quit running down your alma mater. You'd have learned how to spell that if you'd had me for Econ instead of watching Dirty Dancing!

Hopefully I'll be off the disabled list by November but I want sportsradiotn as my partner!

See my original message that started this thread. I proposed 1 vs 1 etc. at that time but I agree with the coaches making that call. As for it morphing into West vs Middle in some other fashion, we're getting away from the original idea. Reclassification may change the districts but we'll cross that bridge if/when it comes. I'd like to keep the focus on 13AA vs 7AA for now.

Robin, Oman could work but the small college gyms aren't big enough for an affair like this. I personally have nightmares of Oman and Trevevant's Odie Williams sinking a halfcourt shot at the halftime buzzer that was the ultimate difference In Obion's Sectional game in '99. But that's personal and off the subject. Think the venue depends on the format. Four schools can be easily accommadated at the large high schools like GC, maybe even six. If everyone came to the same site you'd have to get UTM & TTU involved.

In fact Hamer, Caldwell, & Delk swept the Mr. Basketball awards for rural West Tennessee that year. Quite a feat.

Thanks Sleep, now if we can get some of you guys to express ideas on the format of when, where, how, etc. and get past the "7AA would sweep" mentality we can continue forward. Like I said before I know some of you have contacts/relationships with coaches, administrators, maybe college people in your area. If some movers/shakers will take it past the message board level and make inquiries with these folks I think we can make it happen in 05-06. HeavyD is already working on it on this end. He asked for input by private message today for those who are Plus members.

Wheels are beginning to be set in motion. This could be a reality for 2005-06! Let's hear some more input on the concept from 7AA and elsewhere in 13AA besides GC & WV.

I would have to agree Tennisguy, compared to Westview, Obion, & Dyer particularly, Gibson Co.'s non-district schedule wasn't as strong.

We must establish venues before we can set the line. Are these neutral court?

No, but we are getting new bleachers. Much more comfortable than The Pit in '86!

Thanks for the kind words Robin. I knew I could count on you for some positive input on the series. It may not be financially rewarding but it sure would make for some great basketball.

Get your season tickets now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!