raiderray

Not to appear to move the thread off the current trend, but I noticed that ole' Eual got a Crumbley quote into the game story today. I guess maybe someone got the hint?

Buc, you might want to dial back the sensitivity meter a little. Reading my post, I can see where you might infer that I was slighting your girls. It wasn't intended that way. I was referring to the theme of playing someone for the third time, and maybe taking them a little lightly. Bottom line, Boone played them 3 times, played them well, but lost three times.

This has become like telling inside jokes. The last two days have almost been a "Best of the IMAC thread". Barb, you can call them what you desire, just a long as they don't lay a She Devil(ed) Egg tonight!

DZ, per request! Upon reflection of the IMAC season gone by, I think the only team that lived up to expectations was Greeneville. Everyone expected them to be the class of the league, and they supported that assessment. They won despite losing 2 key players, and one role player from the previous year, but when you have two mobile, active posts that can step outside and hit the 3 along with being forces inside, then you can survive those kinds of personnel changes. I really think the Lady Green Devils will miss Deans more next year than they missed Forney this year. Both Morristown teams disappointed, for different reasons. To lose only one player off a substate team, West was expected to contend again. You can argue that the injuries they had caused their fall from contention, but I still think they should have done more with what they had. They would show flashes, and then revert to mediocrity. East, with the wealth of talent they had, should have done more with it. I think the "line change" playing pattern proved their undoing - early because of not being consistent from game to game, and later because the coach abandoned the practice, and the players that got court time looked uncertain of how to adapt to their new roles. Cherokee was disappointing early, but showed late the promise I thought was always there. I am not certain what caused the 2006 problems, the 2007 version looked pretty good. Maybe it took a trip to Alabama during the holidays to bring them together. Most trips to Alabama have that affect on people!!! Cocke County surprised folks not knowledgeable of the "freshmen", and the team Jeff County saw at the end of the season was vastly improved over the one they saw at the beginning. Some of that I believe was the home court factor, as Cocke County had trouble on the road against quality opponents. I may be too close to the Jefferson County team to be objective. The early 6-1 start raised expectations, but I think a team with lack of HS experience at the point proved to be a problem in late December, and once the team started trending down, it was hard to turn it around. They showed flashes late of the energy and talent they need to contend. I actually think Jeff County ended up about where most folks would have believed prior to the season. The early success made folks believe that better things were possible. I believe 2007 will be even more interesting, with some change in the traditional powers. Assuming everyone comes back, then I think Greeneville will prove to be less intimidating, with Cherokee and Cocke County providing some strong competition. West and East graduate a lot of seniors, and replacing those will be difficult. West gets the benefit of a strong upcoming freshmen class that won the Middle school league and tourney. East has some promising inside players, but I think their outside experience all graduates. Jefferson County has got to find alternate ways to score, and hopefully some inside help, although there is no size on the way. Although I don't predict 5 teams at 4-6, I don't think there will be an undefeated team and I think the league will be very competitive, from a positive standpoint. I wish good fortune to the Seniors leaving our league. I have watched most of you for 3 years now, and you have provided us good basketball entertainment. Best wishes to you with what comes your way. I think many of you have the talent to play at the D2/NAIA/D3 level, I hope you get the chance if you wish to continue playing. Should any of these ladies sign somewhere, it would be nice if it can get posted on this thread. By the way, I deliberately refrained from any comments about the refs. I was taught that if I couldn’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Although I stray from that advice on occasion, I decide to abide by it this time.

Is this a case of Thread Envy? Anyway, I echo these statements. It has been a fun bunch on here, and hopefully we will all be back next year! And PTS should get credit for starting the thread, but I think we all get credit for making PTS a legend in his own mind!

After the 3rd Cocke County game, Crumbey talked about her team not being focused on that game. From what I have heard about the Boone game, I think Greeneville might have lost some focus there also. I look for Greeneville to come out very focused tonight, and win by double digits. This is for the opportunity to host substate, and get the runnerup from Region 1. Having to play region 1's winner on their court (especially if that trip is to Oak Ridge) would be a tough row to hoe. Go Lady Greene Devils!!! GO IMAC!!

If nothing else, this thread has given me the opportunity to conduct a poll at my office. The subject? What if the hokey pokey IS really what it is all about?

Wow ROB! It wasn't a shot at Cait, it was a shot at the refs. I like and respect Cait. Saw her twice versus JCHS in Sub State, liked what I saw. Coached against her in fall ball this year, and I have a lot of respect for her game. I was just trying to say that the refs we had allow a lot of shoving underneath that we don't get in the IMAC, usually. I just picked Cait, because I know the name. Could have been Gaylon, or any other post with big rebound stats. As to the other poster who pointed out that there is no "over the back" rule in the rule book, then okay, split hairs. What was allowed to happen Friday night was akin to a bareback riding. Credit to Tenn High for going after it hard, and making the refs make a call. The refs refrained, and Tenn used that to their advantage. Jeff County did not. If Greeneville gets those refs tonight, then the game is over for Daniel Boone, Deans will have a field day. Go Lady Devils!!!

DZ, sorry, I have been out of it since Thursday PM. If anybody wants to know, I can quote you the mileage and driving time (reasonable speeds, that is) from the Vanderbilt area to Tennessee High. I think I need some time to think through my "final post", but I will take one shot here about Friday's Tenn High/ Jeff game. If these refs call a lot of Powell games, then I don't wonder that Hollifiield had such great rebounding stats. I don't think they have read the rules section on what is an " over the back" call. That is not a shot at Tenn High, I think they were the better team Friday night. But when you box out, and someone goes over your back and gets the ball, or tips it to a teammate, then as undersized as we are, it becomes a long night. I knew it was going to be bad when Nelson got a shot blocked by Nikata Jones, when Jones used the 1/2 tomahawk, 1/2 sweep motion, got ball, arm, head, etc, and nothing is called. We could never adapt to that style, and along with the zone press that Tenn High employed in the 3rd qtr, it proved too much for us. More when I have gotten over drive lag. Good luck Lady Devils!! And no one has pointed out the obvious, but District 1 is assured a sub state game this year. I know it has been at least three years, has it been longer?

Great First Post!

Krich, I have stayed off your boards all season becasue I was really disappointed in how it appeared that my girls at Unicoi were playing. However, it seems they might have righted the ship at just the right time. Congats to Mainer and Payge for getting over the hump in District 1!!!! Sadly, I have a real interest in some of the girls at Rutledge, so Friday night will be a double edge sword for me. Can't win for losing, as they say. Thanks to all you Tri County folks for making it informative and entertaining this year!

PTS has to be overjoyed that the "MEDIA" attention has turned from him to ole Eual!!!! Now, how about some game comments: Does Jeff County have a chance against Tenn High? Can Cocke County find a way to win on the road? Can Science Hill beat Morrsitown West at West? Will Sullivan South stay within 30 points of Greeneville? My thoughts: Yes Questionable Yes No.

1AAA Girls Source - Tricitiessports.com Consolation Game - Science Hill defeats Sullivan South 56-50 Championship Game - Tennessee High defeats Daniel Boone 48-34 Tenn High Daniel Boone Science Hill Sullivan South

PTS - All tournament team looks to me to have 3 freshmen. Or has all the pressure about calling Buda and Depew freshmen all year clouded your vision? I think the one surprise in the two "teams" was Jones at West being left off of either one. And Devon McIntyre's chance at MVP got derailed by Greeneville obvious focus on getting the ball inside last night. I will admit that going into this season I had no admiration for Deans the player. If you watched her, she is NEVER guilty of fouling, she had a winey attitude, and played a physical game that I thought at times was dirty. She has cleaned a lot of that up, although I still think she thinks she never fouls, but then again, few players do!! I think she is deserving of the POY in the conference, and I don't think Greeneville dominates the conference without her.

Man, what an open ended question!!!! I think Crumbey has grown a lot this year!! Now, before you start in, let me explain. At a preseason scrimmage at South Greene, I saw a very uptight coach BEFORE the scrimmage, and she didn't loosen up much during the scrimmage, even though her players appeared to be doing everything she asked for. Fast Forward to the Ladies Classic. She plays, basicly, 6 girls the first two games of the tournament, and pays for it in game three when her mainline players all dropped from fatigue at the same time. She also seemed to have no patience with anyone on the court except Carter and Deans. It appeared several girls were on a "don't you dare shoot" leash, and they played that way. She was doing a lot of quick changes of personnel, and that does not inspire confidence in players. Post Christmas - First Morristown West, and then Jefferson County (at least for a half) showed you could beat Greeneville if you were willing to give up the long shot to them, because they weren't going to take the shot. I think beginning with that week, she started to lenghten her bench a little (last Friday's game not withstanding), and started letting McIntyre and Lamons take the open shot. As a result, they rattle off 14(?) wins in a row, and are poised for the State run. In a nutshell, I think she started the season believing only in Dickson, Deans and Carter, and has grown to understand that McIntyre, Lamons and Collins are solid options and threats. If I had told you at the Ladies Classic that McIntyre would be the favorite going into the Championship game to be the MVP, you would have checked me in for observation. This is going to be a strong conference next year. The only school that I think has major concerns would be West, they are graduating a bunch of Seniors. Cherokee will be playing 3 or 4 Seniors, Jeff will be also, Cocke County will miss Bryant's size inside, but it just might free up some room also. Greeneville has to replace Deans, which will be harder than I would have believed at the start of the year. East graduates a lot of experience, but then when you play 15 all the time, that might negate that problem. Tonight - Greeneville and Cocke County. West won the game they wanted Friday night. Cocke County has the home crowd to help. Good health to all! Whatever happens tonight, we need a solid IMAC playing Friday!

I think traditionally, only the final 4 end up with players on all tourny team. Last year, Ashley Kyle, POY for the conference season had a 17 point performance in a losing effort in the the play-in game, and did not make the tourny team. Based on that: Greeneville: Deans, Dixon, McIntyre(MVP) West: Cross, Jones, Thayer Cocke County: Depew, Buda Jefferson: Nelson, Elliott Ewing deserves a spot, she scored 24 points Wednesday to pick up the slack for Price, who scored only 2. One note, my list would mean 3 freshmen and a sophomore make the all tourny team.

PTS, I think it becomes moot the moment she catches the ball. With .3 seconds, all you can do is tap it. If you catch it, the game is over, no matter whether the clock starts on time or not. "Theres a lot at stake in the consolation round, perhaps? I think the preferred result is to go to Science Hill and not TN High for either team." I would NOT assume that Tenn High and Science Hill make it to the District 1 championship game. Daniel Boone looks like they are on a roll, so there might be upsets there tonight. They were a preseason favorite to contend, if I recall correctly. Buc, want to share your opinions on that?

Ole Buc got bored with his Big 9 threads, no one will talk to him. Welcome to the IMAC thread Buc, glad to have you for 10 days or so! Hopefully, you will be able to give us insight and perspective on the Big 9 region reps. Be careful of Barb, she gets ornery every once in while!

The District One Final 4 is now set : Tennesse High (1) versus Sullivan South (5) Science Hill (2) versus Daniel Boone (6) Boy, that seed outcome looks familiar! Do you think Crumbey, O'Neil, Potts and Galyon will sit together Saturday Night and compare scouting notes? I bet ........... NOT!

DZ, the one man Haley Nelson Booster Club! As for next year, just what we need, more guards! We need to get Doc to get the stretching machine out, and get some of our 5'-8" girls in it. Maybe by next Fall, they could be 6'-0"!!!!! If I was PTS I would be holding out for pitching help. Oh, that's right, Storey already graduated. Think they would take Tyler Stepp for Depew?

No offense taken, I asked you to correct me if I had the wrong impression!! One other semi tactic question for discussion: If you go all year playing, essentially 12-15 girls 12-15 minutes a game, and then come play-off time, play 8 girls, with some playing 22-25 minutes, are those girls so conditioned to only playing 15 minutes, that they don't know how to pace themselves to play 25 minutes? I just say that, because I think fatigue had a part in how East played down the stretch last night, and even your radio announcer made a comment about fatigue playing a part in the West loss. I know that players who are aware that they are going to play the whole game, can set a pace for themselves which allows them to be able to play the whole game, and give a very consistent effort. I see it all the time, players who do the same conditioning, are essentially in the same shape, but yet if you thrust a "role" player into a more prominent role, minutes wise, they run out of gas. So I think there is a mental aspect to how much you are playing that is essential to being able to survive playing 30 minutes of a game. To much thinking on my part, probably. DZ, I bet the vote is already in, but I think she is certainly all-tournament, just off last night.

I was amazed she took that shot. I thought she was going to pull it back out, and make East work a little. It really looks bad if it doesn't go in, because she was the only red shirt in the area. But it did go in. One comment about tactics at the end. Take this with a grain of salt, and Trotter Coach, feel free to correct me if I don't give Orrick credit, but coming out of a timeout, down one, when you obviously need a stop, and have to deny the ball or play all over the half court on defense, why wouldn't you have a more moble girl on the court than Orrick? There were a couple of times late that no matter who she was guarding, if they went out high, she couldn't stay with them, and it gave Cocke County an outlet when they got in trouble. Again, and this is going to look like backtracking, but I think Orrick is a very good player, and a presence inside, but I think in that situation, you needed someone a little quicker on the defense end of the court.

I got there at halftime of the first game, but "heard" the collison on the radio. We had a similar call in the 2nd game, first foul of the game. I will say that the "tieups" seemd correctly called in the 2nd game. But on the radio, at least, it did sound like a lot of jump ball calls. I was surprised at the call going against Holt, my experience is that 90% or more of those type fouls go against the defensive player, even if they got there first, which what happened in the 2nd game. We have seen that play happen several times in the last two weeks, and every time it goes against the defense, except this time.

I am very proud of the fact that we have kept this tread open through 645+ posts. So in light of that, lets not digress at the end of the season into a grouch session. I really appreciate a recent comment by a supposedly new person to this thread that we were providing good insight into the conference and the individual games. I would really like that to continue. Our bantor has been fun, and in good humor. Let's try to maintain that. My daughter knows someone on just about every team in the conference (the age of MYSPACE!) and plays or has played AAU with several. I enjoy keeping track on the ladies, and really appreciate the comments made in here about the various schools. There are many other threads on some other sports that cannot stay open for 45 posts, let alone 645. I am not saying that we are currently having problems, but I don't want to see us go in a bad direction.

Way to go Lady Patriots!!!!! Now Haley has a chance to play, and if you can win Friday, she gets to play on her home court next Friday. You had lots of great energy tonight, and completely took Cherokee out of their game. Everyone contributed, played hard and controled the game for the last 19 minutes. See everyone Friday! What could be better, Friday night, Jefferson County versus Morristown West, neutral court!!! Make the drive Patriot fans, these girls deserve your support!