gottaloveit

Chemistry looked alot better last night from Riverdale. Coach may be able to right the ship after all. We will see how the new changes play out against Oakland. It seems like many have left the ship in Warren County. Not looking good for the future. Never seen a coach fired or leave before the end of the season. Could happen here. The first run through the district is complete and the district tournament seeds are starting to take shape. It appears that whoever gets the #1 seed whether its Siegel or Oakland will get an automatic bid to the region. The rest of the first round games should be battles. I understand that anyone can beat anyone on any given night but some teams match up better than others. Looking ahead which teams need to stay away from who. Its funny that so many are talking about Coach Hutto coming back to replace Keil when for years his assistant and former assistants talked about how much better they could do than him. By the way where is Coach Hutto lurking these days if not in the Wilson County System.

The standings for District 7AAA Oakland 7-0 Cookeville 6-1 (only lost to #1 Oakland) White County 5-2 (only losses to #1 Oakland & #2 Cookeville) Siegel 4-3 Riverdale 3-4 Warren County 2-5 Blackman 1-6 Lebanon 0-7 Each teams only losses are to the teams above them-No upsets? This is not the district 7AAA of years before, where anyone can beat anyone on any given night (or is it). The second half of the season begins tonight and will tell the tale. Good luck to all you ladies. Your thoughts? Well it appears the trend did not take long to change. White County I guess you answered my question first and Warren County almost walked out of here with a win as well. Oakland I agree it seems like the top three are separating themselves with Oakland the head of the class. Still early though.

How quickly we turn. Both of these coaches were revered last year and are being questioned this year. Coach Burks seems to have really been hurt by the departure of the football kids that would have added a lot. At the same time the chemistry has been off since this batch of football kids has come in. After winning a ring in one sport it seems to take away a little bit of hunger to succeed. Coach Keil at Lebanon seems to be struggling to adjust his style to Lebanon. It appears people understand his press much better now. A little half court pressure defense along with execution of the half court offense will cure what ails his squad. After defeating us last night and an easy upcoming game against Warren County in which they can work the kinks out the Oakland game will tell the tale most likely.

It seems that the pressure is about to pick up on some of the coaches in District 7AAA. The parity in the ranks of the district leads many people to put pressure on the coaches to swing that pendelum for their team. It doesn't help when one looks around the district at the difference between success and failure on the scoreboard. Oakland is consistently at the tops of the district with the leadership of Randy King. Therefore there is something to be said of giving a coach time to build his system. On the other hand, you can look to the success of a White County or Cookeville to realize the difference a change of leaders can do. I do not believe that the previous coaches were not doing a good job at those places. I just feel that sometimes certain positions are better suited for other individuals. It seems that at Warren County Coach Keil was able to get his players to perceivably overachieve, but just the opposite at Lebanon. Riverdale has what I believe to be a good coach that is having a hard time developing the on the floor chemistry needed to take things to the next level. Coach Harris at siegel has the opportunity to determine his legacy in Murfreesboro this year. If he is able to continue to have these young men mature and advance in the tournaments this season we could see a changing of the guard. It is obvious that Warren County's coach is having a hard time completing the transition to his regime. The close contest indicate something is happening just not quite sure what is needed to push them over the hump. Blackman though outmanned many nights is finding a way to battle to the end. Maybe this is the right fit for Coach Turnham. It took a change of venues for him. Maybe some others might follow suit. It is very difficult to change the perception of a coach at a given school. Much easier to reinvent yourself elsewhere if that is what is needed. Here is to hoping that all these young men work things out and continue to enjoy the profession.

Controlling the paint will be a must for the Warriors in this game. The Warriors inside game versus Oakland's perimeter game. Which match up will be the key late in the game? Riverdale must maintain a consistent rebounding edge.

This is one of those terms that is hard to define but will all feel like we know what it means (many times it is used as a kiind of comparison term). Some of the young men and women I have referenced as being athletic would not even compare to the athleticism of a Marion Jones or a Vince Carter. All I can tell you is what it is not because I see it every morning in the mirror.

If you take a look at the polls and strength & success ranking, weeding through all the Memphis teams ( as there can be only two that travel to the 'Boro) they provide some interesting speculation. Each poll has a substate with only one team ranked. I feel the region tournaments will be the most important factor in the North and South Substate games. Obviously most would agree Bradley probably comes out of their region with a home Substate game. I feel that whoever has to travel out of the Chattanooga region (3AAA) will have a hard time. I feel like one of the Murfreesboro teams (Riverdale, Oakland, or Blackman- Sorry Siegel wait a year- the rest of us won't be looking forward to it) will win the region and therefore host a substate game. Boy it would be nice to have a home team at the state. I think this is the year. In the north region I again think whoever has to travel into Nashville to play will have a difficult time. I feel like the winner of District 9AAA will win the region matchup against the Clarksville region and host a team and therefore go on to state ( could be Rutherford's own LaVergne). That would be sweet to have two Rutherford County teams in the State. Way too early to get our hopes up. But again it is interesting to look at the polls and start to predict who will host Substate match ups. Even though Brainerd is ranked ahead of Riverdale in Gomab's poll, according to the rankings they would have to come to The Reservation to play the substate game. Well games aren't won on paper so lets get back to the season in progress.

I think you meant Randy Tate. I am sure this would seem to be devastating to most teams. I remember a number of times were Coach King has done something similar and the same things were said. It always seems that they end up being better for it. I think that that is what makes his teams so tough to defeat year in and year out. I know that other coaches in the district and state know the game extremely well but it seems that Coach King always seems to play his cards right with the egos and emotions of his players. I too think that you could see the same standings at the end of the year but expect many changes along the way. The will be some serious upsets along with some suprising blowouts. THe mental game will be the most important this year as many of the teams are well balanced and equally talented. Coaching will tell the tale I think. That is what I have always loved about 7AAA. Good luck to the Warriors this should and could be the year just keep your eyes on the prize and not in the mirror.

3-0 Riverdale Wins over Blackman, Oakland, Warren County 2-1 Blackman Wins over Lebanon, Siegel 2-1 Oakland Wins over Lebanon, Warren County 2-1 Siegel Wins over Cookeville, White County 1-2 Cookeville Win over White County 1-2 Lebanon Win over Cookeville 1-2 White County Win over Warren County 0-3 Warren County Next District Games Jan 9 Riverdale-Cookeville Blackman-Warren County Oakland-White County Siegel-Lebanon Who could ask for more for Christmas than to be sitting atop the district with "team chemistry" still the question on everyones mind with the football guys just getting in the swing of things? It sure is nice to see all the teams of the Boro at the top as well. It may not stay that way throughout the season but could this be the sign of the future of 7AAA. Many have questioned whether the talent level in the Boro could stand another high school, considering no one has gone to the state since the last split (I feel that will change this year). Will these standings hold up late in the season or are they just fodder to be tossed about until we get to the meat of the schedule come Jan. This is going to be an even more hectic Jan-Feb stretch with the extra games and no first round bye to play for.

3-0 White County Wins over Cookeville, Warren Co, and Siegel 2-1 Blackman Wins over Siegel, Lebanon 2-1 Cookeville Wins over Siegel, Lebanon 2-1 Oakland Wins over Lebanon, Riverdale 2-1 Warren County Wins over Riverdale, Oakland 1-2 Riverdale Lady Warriors Win over Blackman 0-3 Siegel 0-3 Lebanon Next District Games Jan 9 Riverdale-Cookeville Oakland-White County Blackman-Warren County Siegel-Lebanon It looks like there is alot to talk about till then. It will have to be talk, because not much has been decided as of yet. Big win tonight by the Lady Warriors heading into the Christmas Break. Not a time you want to be winless in the district. Not with the 8 team format of this years tournament. What are the surprises and observations so far of this district and all the youth that is being served by the Boro? Maybe it won't be long until the Boro is sweeping the district's top four spots into the region. Lets start with a Boro sweep come Jan 9. Could it happen this early?

It seems that this years team is very relaxed in terms of the coaches and players. When you are expected to win you find yourself being more conservative as you don't want to lose it. The fleas flicker was a sign that is not the case with this staff. Great job. Play your hardest and let it all out on the field. A loose Riverdale Squad takes the Ridge over just like the Pit Just don't drink the water guys

This thread is really surprising. It seems that even though Warren County has gone through everything they have over the years they have the opportunity to make a terrific hire. There is some speculation that we may lose one of our assistants (Riverdale) to the position or they possibly have a shot at Smith (Ezell). Either way it seems that Warren is in a pretty nice position regardless. First of all you have two assistants that are familiar with the problems as well as the tradition. Then you throw in to the mix a very proven head coach that knows the game well enough to write a book about it and win a state championship. It seems that they can do no wrong with their choice. The real question will be will the community support their new chosen leader. Give them the time it takes to win. My question would be to those in the mix of those in the crowd at the Warren Co games. Whom would you give more time? A guy with hometown connections or an outsider that has proven his worth. It seems that that may be what might frighten away the idea of hiring Smith. That those in the stands might spend everynight wishing they had hired a hometown guy. Talking to some guys I know from Warren Co they said that the principal was on the staff with Coach Rankin when he was there. How can you say that he is part of the problem as he was also part of the tradition that is so embedded in everyones minds? Here's to hoping that Snow and Britton stay put. Good Luck Warriors on the long road trip this weekend

This game epitomizes what is great about each of these communities. This is why the young men strap it on at an early age. Should be a great one. Gotta head down the road to check out the Warriors. Good Luck Riverdale

I would have to say support your region. Check out the Smyrna game or come check out the Riverdale-Franklin Co game. I know I am different in this but I like to see when someone in our region does well. It solidifies the idea that we have a very tough region and Rutherford County athletics are among the best.

I know a number of the 7AAA girl's teams were competing in the Shlebyville playday. How did they look? Scores and player performance Is there any chance that the we might be able to send another representative to the State I know sending two will be near impossible with Shelbyville's strength this year.

I think early on in his career here at Riverdale he was settling some old scores that others were not aware of and sending a message. I think he got the word out about himself and Riverdale football.

Perform Miracles? What does that mean? Do you not think that Lebanon has talented athletes? I am personally glad to see them hire Keil, as I was afraid we would loss our new assistant. Someone from Warren Co recently told me though that things were not as rosy there for Keil. For all the bad mouthing of Hutto that former assistants have done it appears one of them will have a chance to show what they can do with it.

If the shooter never shot the ball and received a ten second violation would the two violations cancel themselves out and then result in a jump ball or would the lane violation supercede the count. I do not have my rule book available and cannot recall the ruling. Itching for school to be let out to head to the glass palace. Sounds like Trousdale is playing real well.

Just a thought about formating for district tournaments? Some districts have expanded to the seven team format. Why not force a play-in game for the 6/7 seeds and allow the top two seeds byes to the second round? I have to say I am torn with this proposition. I love the possibilities of an underdog defeating the favorite in the early rounds. You have to show up to play everynight in basketball. Many times though the 6 and 7 seeds games are laughers anyway. Why not create some excitement for these teams and possibly momentum with a play-in game? You can also look at from the perspective that they have not accomplished the things throughout the long grueling season that the others in the district have. Do you as a district want your 2/3 seeds being upset in the first round of the district tournament when they have proven over the long haul of a season that they are the better team, but rather just slip up on a given night. The excitement over finish second as opposed to third would create an even tighter race in many districts. Some only look at it in terms of staying away from the 1 seeds bracket ( difference between 3/4 seed). I truly do not have a grasp of the right answer for this one. I have to say it intrigues me to think of the importance of every seed and not just who gets first and who stays away from the one seed. What do you think?

What are some of the area districts checklist for breaking ties for seeding in the district tournaments? (ie. W/L vs top ranked teams, overall W/L, others?) When do they simply go to the dreaded coin flip?

My apologies if my spelling or grammar are in error in the above post. If it leads to my losing my job I will have my application ready for BK, I don't like that special sauce. Just a question, but is it not illegal to have contact with a student-athlete until they have officially enrolled in your school. Not trying to stir trouble just wondering for future consideration in dealings with students. What can/cannot talk about with prospective athletes?

I have to say this is a very sad situation. It appears it is once again one of those issues that insights anger in those with opposing views. Some feel the coach, actually any coach, has the right to do what it takes to win. In fact some believe that others should look the other way when a successful coach steps beyond the line. That brings about an interesting question. What line exist between coach and player? This is probably a question for a whole new thread. Others feel the young person should be the focal point of athletics. It is hard for many of us to even comprehend an idol, like a coach we respect and admire, of being accused of wrongdoing. On the other hand some feel the same way about their children or friends. I think that puts a young man like Troy in a very ackward position. He seems to be very loyal to both his friend and his former coach. Personally I feel like both parties could stand to step back from this situation for a moment and examine the moccasins of the other. Ben has admitted his decision making was not the best in the way he chose to handle this. I also feel that many where stunned when Coach Smith decided to call out Ben in the local media. That may be sacreligious to many to say a coach is wrong but it happens. I have to admit that I have mishandle situations with players. I hope though that none of them have lead to situations in which we could not coexist within the team. My only comment to these two, would be to not let this fester and don't think it will just go away. Neither party seems to be happy with the way things ended. But at some point just like with my wife you have to agree to disagree and learn to live on. Don't ignore it, It will continue to eat at you if you feel you have truly done someone wrong.

I think it is interesting that we correlate many times how good a high school student athlete is based on who recruits him or her. Of course we always search for the "experts" opinions but they do overlook many kids and some times feel their are things that will keep a successful high school player from acheiving that same success at the next level. In regards to the point about the best running back in the Midstate as opposed to the whole state, this is where we live and who we get to see each weekend. It is hard to measure up West/Middle/East until the playoffs. We are all obviously a little biased about where we live we are on a high school football board about Tennessee teams only. In fact I think it would be a good debate that appears to be brewing on the thread as to the best back in Rutherford County. With that said I think that Jacques is probably being recruited and invited to the bowl game because of his defensive prowess mainly. Not to take anything away from him I just remember him more for his defense and have noticed the coaching staff appears to be limiting his time on the offensive side instead of defense. Good luck to all in the coming weeks. I hope to see everyone healthy and at their best this playoff season. Should be a great one with no clear cut favorite as in years past.