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Congratulations A-E!

Good post PAntherbert. I would also like to add that everyone on the White Station team received exposure because of the success of the team! When Dane Bradshaw won MR. Basketball, his numbers weren't great, but his winning percentage was a great compliment to his skills. Other players (subs included) whose numbers also weren't great went on to accept college athletic scholarships. Having a strong basketball program at a school is almost as important as a player's abilities. Colleges know that if a player comes from a reputable program, with a history of developing quality players, it's a good chance that this player can contribute on the next level. Tell the parent to sit down & wait his turn. If the program is worth it, the wait is worth it.

This coach sounds like he was coaching at a private school where he's not judged on wins and losses. Too often, that's not the case, and the coach is going to play the best post player in the post. It is not unheard of in high school coaching to put college prospects in a position to display abililties that a college recruiter might not see if a concerted effort is not made, but most coaches will utilize an offense that will allow that prospect to show the skills that will be transferable to the college level. When this occurs, everyone is better for it.

Katrich Williams -Tyner 2000 Points, Over 700 steals! nuff said

I totally agree with you on that Turtle. I saw A-E play 2 times previously, and I knew somebody was missing, but I couldn't put my finger on who it was. What was the deal with her not making the trip? I hope A-E returns to their old selves. Additionally, the word "clinic" was used to show they controlled the game throughout, not any type of domination. It was a long way from that, but it was clear that Brainerd was more prepared for this meeting than the meetings in the past. PS- That dude did eat her up out there, and it looked like he was challenging anybody else to come out.

Brainerd used a version of a match-up zone, with someone keeping an eye on the left-handed shooter from A-E. They were able to get away with it because Brainerd has some quickness as well, although Brainerd's starting point guard missed most of the game due to foul trouble. Brainerd tried to avoid the press by leaking a guard out on shots. This initially hurt them because they were getting killed on the boards early, but A-E didn't convert, and it resulted in a lot easy baskets for Brainerd. Brainerd also has the luxury of having 3 good ball handlers in the starting line-up. When the starting pg went out with foul trouble, the 2 guard moved over. When she needed a rest, the 3 guard took over, and she actually did a better job at handling the pressure. When A-E was able to press it was semi-effective, causing turn-overs after the press was broken by coming up from behind and tapping the ball away. Brainerd made the adjustment and the rout was on. Nakisha Strickland was impressive inside against A-E's post players.

Excellent post, with great points. Particularly about the lack of emphasis on grades and ACT scores. I've seen a large number of athletes (basketball & other sports) fail to go to college at all because of a lack of focus on education. Even though the problem is evident in other cities, Memphis was called a "Recruiters Nightmare" in an article written in the Commercial Appeal around 2001 (go to http://www.corpun.com/uss00101.htm). Generally speaking, the Memphis community (especially parents) need to place a firmer emphasis on education, and it does not need to begin after the kid scores 30 in a game. Before anyone gets upset, I'm speaking this from a standpoint of a former D1 athlete, a parent, and a former teacher & resident of Memphis.

I agree, you can't count them out, but I was sorta disappointed in the way they played. I think they really battled for the 1st half, and when shots didn't fall, they sorta folded. It also appeared (body language) that the point guard may have been sick, even though she played well enough to keep them close for most of the game.

I'm not aware of Brainerd playing in a tournament in Memphis. If it was for DII schools, I doubt it.

Congratulations Jackie! You're "Top Shelf" material. Good luck @ MTSU. It's been great watching you play over the last couple of years.

Brainerd put on a clinic last night versus Austin East. They appeared to be very prepared for the game. Austin East didn't help themselves by missing several easy baskets (as well as free throws) early on, but Brainerd was clearly the better team last night and should get significantly better when Courtney McDuffie becomes eligible (transfer). Congratulations to the Brainerd Coaching Staff!

Wonderful young lady, with a beautiful personality, and great work ethic. Congratulations to Treesy. The Chattanooga-area sports fans are proud of you.

Skills & body size, Juric- Attitude, McMAsters, but both are young and should have time to develop the areas that need strenghening.

That makes too much sense!

I would have to agree with you Coniglio (as well as Ice Cold). Talent- wise this year isn't as strong as last year (2004-2005) or the 2002- 2003 year. The talent is spread across the county, and I think that it has some advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is that it gives some kids to play that normally might not make some of the better squads from the 70's, 80's & 90's. It also should force (I hope) coaches to develop a team concept and teach better basketball. There are several disadvantages. Teams are watered down, and it limits the number of competitive squads. It also, to a certain extent, limits the development of players because you have younger players that are coming along not being pushed because the upper classmen ahead of them are no better than they are. One last area (that I can think of) that this hurts is recruiting. Coaches are drawn to winning programs, as well as programs with "multiple talents". IT allows them to make the most of their recruiting dollar and these programs will probably advance far into the State Tournaments (where there are other talent loaded squads), which will allow recruiters to stretch their money even more.

Man, that's good to here! Thanks for the info.

I'll have to disagree with you on this one h-town. Granted I've only seen McNeil play about 5 or 6 times, it appears that he controls the game and makes his teammates better without forfeiting his offense (Randall Smith does this as well). I think he's the one person out of the ones mentioned that I would want to have the ball with the game on the line. 9 out of 10 times he's going to put your team in a position to win. However, I do agree with your other picks.

With that type of stat, he must be a senior. Has he signed yet, or is he flying under the radar?

If this is the case, and I'm not doubting it or confirming it, it is a shame. The teams in that area deserve better coverage. They have quality programs in most sports and compete at a high level to be in a small area. Hats off to the sports programs in Bradley County!

He'll get major looks because of the points made by bledsoebtheboys & spydaman. He's a 6'9 sophomore that blocks a lot of shots. He does need some work on aspects of his game. He plays on a guard oriented team (as most are in the Chattanooga-area) and he doesn't have a lot of opportunities to get in an open space away from the basket much. Let's hope that the 2 off seasons before his senior year are beneficial. Some others have catulpulted their stock in less time (without being 6"9).

Wells can play and he knows it! He'll have to tone down the attitude a little in order to be considered a reputable prospect. I think he'll step into the role of a leader (talent & attitude) and make a nice DII player.

Side bar from sports: I read that Soddy Daisy is graduating a very high percent of its freshmen classes. Way to go SD!

I' m with you on this one Red Raider!

I think at this point it is the one rivalry that is providing the highest quality of basketball. Some people may say Brainerd & Howard, but both teams are young, and at this point, in my humble opinion, only Howard is holding up that end of their end of the stick. No knock on Coach High and the job that he's doing. Brainerd is just young, and hadn't learned what they need to do on the court (and off) to win.

Thanks for YOUR insight. Did Powell and the youngsters step up or did they get overatched?