coachinhoops

Guys I'm just stirring the pot a little...Don't get so testy...I still don't think Andy would be a likely candidate for the job...I maybe wrong...Oh by the way, at least I don't hide behind a keyboard and talk junk behind a screen name where nobody can see me...I don't see them firing me anytime soon, because I care about kids and I work hard...That's a hard combination to beat...I hope they bring in someone good for the kids and the community...That's what is most important...That's the part all you haters didn't see in the previous staff... They cared about kids and the community...I also stand corrected Crompton wore the legendary #8, not Ainge...

If by your photo of Eric Ainge in the number 8 Tennessee jersey you are implying that Andy Kelly will be the coach, I would seriously doubt it. That would cut way too deep into his golf time and last I checked he doesn't teach, which is a requirement for head coaches in our state...Try again...

Would the movie deals say anything about Jimmy Whitby?

If Siegel struggled to beat Cleveland then Bearden will beat Siegel by double digits.

This is definately not a surprise for anyone who knows basketball. Stone Memorial is a really good team when they play well. Do they have off nights where weaker teams can beat them? Sure...But all in all they are as good as anyone when they are on their game. Congrats to Coach Buck and Coach Capps and good luck in the semi's...

The rule has been upgraded this year...You have to keep your shirt tucked in as long as you are on the court...If you foul out, you must keep your shirt tucked in until you are completely off the court...If you yank your shirt out as you are walking off the court it is supposed to be an immediate technical...Sounds to me like the ref let him off the hook by telling him to tuck his shirt back in, and he made a poor decision to argue...Then that snowballed into 10 free throws.. Rules are rules...They aren't just rules when they benefit you...You don't just follow rules when they are convenient...If you try to live life that way you are selfish and have no discipline...Sorry, but I side with the officials completely on this one.

I think this is a bigger rivalry to Rhea County fans than it is to Cleveland. Cleveland has a bigger rivalry with Bradley, McMinn, and Walker Valley than with Rhea County...Truth be told Rhea County doesn't have a true rival. Sure we hate Cleveland but they hate the others more than us.

He has a chance to be a really nice player...Though only a sophomore, he can put the ball in the hole...

Congrats to Jalen as he exploded for 46 points in the Cleveland Rocky Top league. That is good news for the basketball Eagles. It could be his coming out performance, and maybe the beginning of great things for this young man.

Heard Wayne Miller released a statement that they had an overwhelming response for the position. That is interesting, because I also heard only 15 people applied for the job. That is definately not an overwhelming response. Also heard that Wayne said they had narrowed it to a really good prospect, who would be good for the program; then that person turned around that day and took the Kingston job. It seems to me that they are going to be stuck with a much less qualified coach than the guy that was forced out. SAD!!!!!

I'm at Rhea County High School in Dayton, TN

Tennessee Strawberry Jam The most fun your travel team will have all year. This tournament will be held the same weekend as the Tennessee Strawberry Festival. The festivities will include a carnival, a parade, and one of Tennessee's largest arts and crafts festivals. Lots to do in Dayton, TN for kids and adults alike that weekend. For more information contact Tony Williams (Tournament Director) at 423-368-5377.

Tennessee Strawberry Jam The most fun your travel team will have all year. This tournament will be held the same weekend as the Tennessee Strawberry Festival. The festivities will include a carnival, a parade, and one of Tennessee's largest arts and crafts festival. Lots to do in Dayton, TN for kids and adults alike that weekend. For more information contact Tony Williams (Tournament Director) at 423-368-5377.

I can assure you that I am not bitter. It was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had. I am in a much better place and will be able to stay here as long as I want without looking over my shoulder for backstabbing parents, or dealing with administrators that don't trust me to do my job. I have been here three years and though we have not been successful, I haven't had one conversation with an administrator about any basketball or teaching decision I've made. I also haven't had a single issue with parents about playing time or anything else for that matter. The only thing that hurt me about the Lenoir City situation is that I didn't get to finish what I started with this years LC seniors. I have stayed close to them all and followed them every step of the way. Now I have no ties at LC other than the great people who supported me so I really don't don't care what happens from this point forward. I just hated to see Coach Lee not get to go out on his terms like he deserved. As for the "schmuck comment" I retract it....After looking up it's meaning it was inappropriate. I was simply meaning that I feel for the person who replaces Joe, because there are major issues in that system and community that are simply too much for coaches to deal with. As someone said earlier...Why did Shane Wells leave?

The only thing I can say is thank God that he took me out of Lenoir City...I really don't care how it happened, but it was the biggest blessing of my professional career. I am where I am wanted and appreciated, and it has nothing to do with wins and losses, its about loyalty and character, where politics doesn't corrupt every single decision that is made. Where hard work and dedication is appreciated. Good luck to the fella who is stupid enough to take Joe Lee's place, because you couldn't pay anyone enough to put up with all the backstabbing, undermining, politically corrupted people of LC.

One of the issues is this....No loyalty at Lenoir City...The other part that is hysterical is the jeolousy of parents...I will not mention any names but you can figure this out....You have a really classy lady, who works her but off in the booster club...She does not manipulate, and her kids are both tireless workers with alot of ability...All the parents think that her daughter only plays because she pulls the strings....No people, she plays becuase she is the best player...I hope you get what you want and she transfers....Then you will see just how bad you are...That being said, congratulations Coach Lee on standing firm and forcing them to fire you....You are a man of tremendous integrity and you never sold out for anyone....I am proud to call you a friend and only wish you were treated with the respect that you deserved...Good luck old friend.

I still say a rating system would work. It's just a matter of someone wanting to make the broken system actually better. The current system has zero accoutability for a ref that absolutely blows it or one that has no clue what they are even talking about. A ref can toss a coach anytime they want and coaches have to sit out two games and pay a $250.00 fine on the first offense. What about the ref that can't even count to 5 or 3? Or a whole set of officials that call more fouls on a team that sets in a zone the whole game than a team that presses from the opening tap to the final horn. These are the areas of the game that need to be addressed. Can't address them without fixing the current system. I wish refs would spend more time trying to get calls right instead of asking kids to tuck their shirts in properly or making sure their wrist bands are worn correctly. It is a mockery. I also can't stand the ref who thinks that fans came to watch them more than the game. Ok I've ranted long enough.

Since the home team has a game administrator attend the games, you could have them evaluate also. Administrators or athletic directors would not be as biased as the coaches involved, therefor could give a little more objective evaluation. Bottom line though; nobody would look to do this because it would actually give the coaches an opportunity to be involved in the process. As of now all the power and ultimately control comes from the officials. This would at least offer a means to improve a flawed system.

It would definately show trends though. If both coaches thought the official was bad, and this trend continued one might be able to why he/she is reffing varsity games. It would at least bring accountability to the profession. I would think that refs who take pride in their importance would welcome the idea of merrit pay. I as well as other coaches can't blame officials for a loss, but at least I could be part of fixing the problem.

I have a solution to all problems referee. In the age of technology it would be simple. The TSSAA with all their money could have this in place in less than a month. Step 1. Have a company create an internet program that keeps a running calculation of an officials rating. (Refs with a 5star rating are the best down to 1star the worst or rookies) Step 2. Have all referees of varsity games on a database on the TSSAA website that instantly goes into the program mentioned in step 1. Step 3. After each game coaches from both teams are required to rate all three officials based on the following criteria....(Professionalism, Respect, Effort, and Knowlege of the Game) The knowlege of the game part would be the only gray area, because some coaches don't know all the rules. If there was a question about a specific rule then there could be a comment part to this section. If the coach was right then the ref could be corrected. If the ref was right then the coach could be corrected. Everybody Gets Better! Step 4. The program would automatically tabulate the ratings and keep a running talley through an officials career. You have it set in the beginning that a certain percentage of high ratings gets one star, two stars, three stars, four stars, and five stars. An official has to maintain that percentage to keep that pay grade and status. Step 5. The 5 Star officials make more money than the others (This would give an incentive to be better) They also get to advance in the tournament. With each star you get a pay raise. I also like the thought of the refs displaying their stars on their uniform as a matter of pride and status. Step 6. Schools who's coaches do not rate the officials of a particular game would be fined by the TSSAA. (In time this would pay for itself). The question is this....Do we really want it to get better? I can't see any reason that this wouldn't help....Please post if you think this would work....if not why?

Did someone not play for Redbank? Looks like Bradley is going to be very good this year.

Classy post chill...Love it when people try to be jerks and get outclassed. Good luck to the AC Mavs this season.

I would think that Webb vs Oak Ridge would be interesting with Ricky Norris coaching against Oak Ridge, the school he left. To beat all, it is the season opener for both schools.

Rick Rudesil from Bolivar Central is great as well as Jody Wright from Fulton. You won't find teams that play harder and more fundamentally sound defense than these two. If we are going to include retired coaches then, Butch Hopkins had a matchup zone that was devastating to opponents. Nobody wanted to play against it. Sure wish I could teach it like he did.

Coach Buck is an outstanding coach and an even better person....If you had a clue what his peers think about him you would understand that...He is one of the most respected coaches in East Tennessee...Yes coaching lesser talent to success validates the reasoning behind him being a good hire...He is as good of a coach as there is around...You will see when he has studs to work with...He also like, Norris won't play politics and he will have discipline....Something Oak Ridge will need...