jumper

I have 2 thoughts on this.

 

1). I can relate to everything such as loyalty and suggest "homeschooled" children could /should start their own CLUB of sorts for each sport during school year and play with clubs during club season.

 

2). My personal experience with home schooled children is that the excellence and maturity would be an asset to any program. Studies prove home schooled kids rank higher in most categories.

It will interesting to see what develops from adding clubs in Knox County and merging clubs in the area. Remember when we had 1 club? SMVC thank you CF. Love K2- national competition teams. PR for moderate players. The new VBall Academy - if it does officially open will have potential. It's great to see increase interest in the middle school age group as well. They will create more talent at high school and beyond. Each club will position themselves like retail; high, medium low. Qualified thru levels by price/quality/competition/opportunity. Personally, I like to see new clubs; it pushes existing clubs to improve. It also says a lot about the expansion and popularity of women's volleyball in East Tennessee. This is great for the game. Just like middle and west Tennessee(and nationally) the growth of VBall has expanded through new club programs and stronger interest; then better compensation--> then quality coaches. Ultimately better teams and increased opportunities for girls VBall scholarships. Go Go Volleyball!!

Where will the good coaches come from? Although players can become coaches, there is more valuable prerequisite than "I played college" or "I need a part-time job". Good coaches put a team first over personal interests, good coaches think of the values they create in a program over having personal goals. Thank you Pat Summit for your "12" rules. Wish she had played volleyball. Imagine!

Catholic may be the surprise of Knoxville. I think that by October they could beat Farragut and win the district.

I think Farragut may be as good as they are going to get. Catholic is better coached, and Farragut does not play well under pressure.

Good luck to all.

Farragut's team may improve- last year was first season with a new coach. They lost a few players -and lost some drama. Keep the drama away and they could be a team to beat. Parents - step back. I agree Catholic's coach is 'v ball' smart and a great person with a few very good players/leaders. Keep an eye on Hardin Valley he has his eye on a better season.......after all he was awarded; "Co -Coach of the Year".(by % improvement). I wonder if DB, Karns, Brentwood will make state or will it be new uniform colors.

 

How is central and west Tennessee looking?

Found out tonight that Farragut won the KIL based on wins and points scored against them.

Whoa. Can't have a winner before the tournament is over.......cuz still playing tomorrow. GPS looked strong; by far looked most dominant in the gym, Farragut hung in there for sure; perhaps most consistent- have lots of talent an experience. DIdn't see all the teams tonight. Most disappointing was Karns from previous years; they lost a lot of players, they and Powell are of the same level. Liked DB even with coaching in changes - team has cohesiveness and Franklin. Lots of very good volleyball considering early season. Coaches are smart to participate and mix it up to decide their lineups. I think it's smart to move kids a round, try different rotations to see what works in this kind of tournament. It's a bit early in the season to make solid rankings. But East Tennessee has some good teams in the collection seen tonight. But the State Tournament will look much different in my opinion.

I agree too. That most players should not rely on the high school season entirely nor should they leave it up to the club coaches either. I believe it as a combination of things when blended together can make the difference in opportunities for these girls. If the AC coaches or any coaches would coordinate with A.D. s and prepare a collection of materials and lists as well as workshops it could be amazing. It is sad to think a great player with potential and desire for college gets overlooked because a coach or parent 'didn't have a clue what to do'.

 

A Good Start-The NCAA web site is filled with information about many of these subjects but it takes action to make sure something becomes of it.

I wonder if middle and west Tennessee schools have programs in place to assist players thru schools and local clubs. I am glad AC has such a reputation , however not every player can move to one school; so all schools need to add programs and make this a focus. I bet the football programs have many of these steps already in place in most schools- volleyball needs to catch up.

At Karns the volleyball coach is not a teacher in the school- she is only the vball coach. I wonder if this makes a differnece in a coaches involvement. I don't think Farragut's coach is a teacher either.

I would hope the AC coaches would be interested in overseeing such a program. A large kudos to them to do that. Are you gonna ask 'em?

I am somewhat familiar with the Karns senior class: I understand all 5 seniors will be playing at the college level and all with scholarships. A mixture of DI (1), DII (2), and DII (2). At K2 Club the same is true with the 18 team across the board for playing volleyball. The seniors are from: Farragut, Alcoa, Oak Ridge, Karns, Catholic. The seniors who wanted or needed scholarships did receive athletic scholarships - supplimented by academic scholarships to go where they wanted.(some did not necessarily want to play volleyball more than they wanted to attend a specific school).

 

I also think high school coaches should be more helpful (as AC) in guiding parents and athletes in such an important decision. Thousands of dollars are at risk in addition to loosing a chance at a more preferred school if they don't work on this early enough. High School coaches and athletic directors may not be skilled in this area but could invite college coaches and host a seminar for parents and athletes to insure they understand the process. This doesn't take much and I believe college coaches would jump at the chance to be a speaker at these events.

 

Also-It would be nice to have something like a clearing house-list of student/athletes and how they got recruited; what was the deciding factor and what did they actively do to get 'noticed'. I know the K2 senior from Karns signed in November so she obviously was sure about her choice earlier than many.

 

I think this also says a lot about the importance of volleyball at the collegient level. $$$$ for Education.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/dec/06/dream-comes-true-at-karns/

She, coach at Karns, was a co-coach of the year shared with the Hardin Valley Academy coach who improved their team greatly with his first season as coach. Farragut doesn't play them but am aware he was left out of the article as well. He may be a coach/team to watch as many of their teams are doing so well.

This is complete crap. DB's setter was the best volleyball player in the state. Not to mention best setter. Their Middle is better then all three of the middles listed as well. How can you say they did a good job selecting this team? Find me a better outside than Riverdale's OS as well.

 

I am not saying the kids on the list arent good. I think the coach of the year should have been Karns coach. Who wins at Karns? Ever?

Well, I agree about the confusion about not having any players selected from the #2 place state team. DB did not have great final match with Ravenwood however those players/team got there beyond other teams. As for Coach of the year- - - can't agree with Karns. I still agree with head coach from Ravenwood on this. nothing against Karns coach but directed at your comment. So it brings up a very important question as to the selection process. Come on people. If one selection or lack there of is questionable then all are in question. It kinda hurts the validation of the whole process. as for Karns- 3 AAA Ashley Feris has never been listed as an outside hitter until this All State Team selection. Is that a mistake? We always hear about the " 2 Big Middles from Karns".

Can't help but wonder what took so long. Really, just curious. I just hope the list is worthy of the wait and that coaches presented truly top players not just their favorites. I admire coaches who really think hard about the overall talent of a player and her position to represent the state. Sports writers you had your work cut out for you depending on the collection of nominations. Many top players participated in the State Tournament-(last year/2010), some played on teams which did not make it to the buro. I have a few I hope will make the list - they are outstanding players and because they have scholarships -college coaches think so too.

 

I am also curious as to the reason this year's choices are presented so late. Since the season ended Halloween and the All State team is usually nominated, voted and presented before Christmas....... I just can't help but be interested in the timing this year. Congratulations in advance to the players.

It is frustrating only because just about every other state in the union has an All-State team. And most years before teams were posted late December. now it is mid January. It's not clear to me why it is taking so long. Other than needing more nominations to vote on for each position. The TSWA rely heavily on coaches to appeal specific players; reading articles and stats when available.

 

Some coaches market furiously for certain players. (Like the Oscars) Only players nominated can be voted on. Texas homepage clarified this and warned parents, friends and family from posting disappointing comments when their results were presented. Remiinding them that they can not vote on a player if they were not nominated even if they wanted to.

Sorry for the delay in posting, but I have been slammed by the start of club. Obviously Jumper aka Karns asst coach, was ... misinformed.

 

PR is nothing more than a recruiting tool and a way for the Karns coaches to put some easy money in their pocket and have off season practice. K2 is real volleyball, designed to improve the skill level of the player. It is apples vs oranges.

 

I am not going to compare the 2 programs because there is nothing to compare. K2 is the only real club in the area.

I-Jumper is not a coach or assist coach either....a parent of Farragut daughter. I have to respond to the other post regarding tournaments: PR also attends tournaments that K2 will attend. Granted some tournaments are 'invitation only' but very few usually for the more established clubs. Invitationals feel the same as others. PR has club and power teams for 'fun' but will still be very competitive. I am sure the PR coaches would be interested to know they aren't as hard working as K2 coaches? I just don't think anything of that statement. But the season will tell. PR players are from Cookeville, Anderson CO, Morristown, Farragut, Webb, Catholic, Gibbs, etc. none of which are interested in moving to Karns. why can't there be 2 or more great clubs in town? I think it is good.

I know this is a club team question but was not sure yo would check there so i will post it here too.

 

What kind of response have you had so far for this tournament? more so on 18 17 and 16 year old age levels?

What type of teams have signed p or that are at least looking into attending? just wondering the level of play.

 

Thanks.

Sorry Roba22, It appears unless you are attacking something or opening the opportunity to allow K2ruth to attack either Karns or Phoenix Rising they won't reply. I heard there weren't enough 18's to build a team for K2 so far. Could be the cost, could be the light has already burned out on the 'brand new club'. Phoenix Rising is growing-Directed by Coach Williams (Karns). PR club had so many schools represented trying out this year; added more teams and growing. New coaches too. Adding more teams for several age groups. Club is alive and well in Knoxville. We are playing PR this year and looking forward to it. Good coaches, same tournaments. Better deal.

Well wishes from East Tennessee also. Get well soon. Posts are awaiting.

Nice post Volley2.

It is obvious you are very devoted to this coach. I am in the east tennessee area and have seen her coach during a few matches. She never yells at the players and is in control every step of the way. I have read 'bashings' about her but I think I would count the negativity as Envy. She doesn't seem to need to recruit if she is that desireable. "If you coach them they will come." I have always thought that girls need more than a few skills and fundamentals to give their all to a team- they want to be loved too................ G o o d v a l u e s.

Who would get your vote?

I agree Bigfoot. Karns wasn't dominated at all. I was really impressed by Karns...they just got beat by a couple of good teams. Indy prob played their best match of the year and Karns just couldn't close.

 

The top 5 or 6 teams in the state were all good.

Well put. Considering the close scores I agree that this years top 5 were as even as they could be. No blow outs or runs with them. It is at state that they need to play their best game. It will be hard to pick top honors of players with such a collection of outstanding girls. I was impressed with Karns' 2 hitters one can play back row as well as any middle I have seen; Ravenwoods top 2 as well gave Ravenwood a distinct advantage. I predict Raptors will take it all. Looking forward to the battle today.

I these brackets are correct sounds like the top half got screwed! TSSAA IS A JOKE! More than likely they are seeking a huge crowd from siegel! Karns, D-B, Ravenwood should be very upset. Three great teams who get screwed again by a bunch of old men sitting around a table. Anyone from siegel on that board? Ive seen it before! Tired of this and will not attend and pay money to see anymore TSSAA STATE TOURNMENTS! What a joke!

I agree. Ravenwood, Dobyns-Bennett and Karns should be upset. One of the 3 top teams will be eliminated early- no way around it, allowing the teams with weaker records (based on what I see) to push through farther. I am sorry to say that we may have a blow out in the finals and no body likes that. ( no disrespect to any team intended). If the officials setting up the brackets did a great job it will be proven by a tight match in the finals. We shall see.

I attended the Farragut-Karns match and observed a few questionable calls and also accidental whistle blow of the down official (she did acknowledge the miss-blow- however it disrupted the winning point.) just weird. While I do understand there is alot going on to call I can say there were a few calls favoring both sides; it wasn't one sided. I might add that were missed calls by line judges on several occasions, in my view and mind these were incorrect. I did not see the guarded aim you refer to of the up ref.

 

However last night was not the worst I have seen. Is it due to laziness, ignorance or momentary daydreaming perhaps? Favoritism is least appealing of all. I am sure I have seen this over the years and all we want is: "May the best team win". Yes, Really. With that being said, Let's hear it for the many correct calls and great refs out there!!!!.

Congrats to the remaining schools in our Region- Karns and Farragut

Congratulations to Karns for win over Farragut in 3 games. They host Sullivan South Thursday - with home court advantage I see Karns with a win. They are playing well; with the way they played last night they are a tough team to beat. Farragut did well with only 1 senior; they could give DB a run. However they split with Anderson County in some tough matches last night. Good Volleyball!

It is a mystery to me as to why schools choose different tournaments. As you mentioned - drive time is certainly an issue. Start time related to school schedules may be one, if they start early on a Friday may not be approved by administration. Competition- mixing it up in various areas of the state or outside the state can introduce various styles of play and different refs to the competition.

 

Money/funds may also have a consideration when looking at tournaments. If you only have so much to spend where will you spend it?

 

Personally I wouldn't want to continually play district or regional teams; I like to mix it up with ranked teams outside the area to test what you got.

We were watching schools at 2 gyms; at Baylor Farragut actually scared Brentwood as they came close to beating them.

Not sure why- just wild and crazy luck with lots of fun. I think it frustrated B.W. Farragut's team may have lacked a win but they played with such fun. B.W. made several mistakes in a row and Farragut took advantage of it.

 

Brentwood, Riverdale and Karns all split for a 3-way tie nearing the finals.

Wow! Coach Williams has a great record. More than most have given her credit for. No wonder the Karns program is successful with her experience and drive. Many posts have been critical of Karns; however this record speaks for itself.

I should have given an earlier update!

 

I still think Bearden is the class of the district.

When I saw that they had lost I spoke to a couple of the parents and found out that there was a horrific accident that day involving 3 of the girls classmates which resulted in multiple serious injuries and a fatality.

Last night AC handled CAK easily and will play Catholic on T which will be a good test.

It is Karns and AC as the best, looks like Bearden, Maryville and Catholic next.

Sorry to hear about fatalities in the AC community. Update: Karns, Maryville, Oak Ridge and Heritage played right before the Maryville/Alcoa Football game at Heritage last week. What I saw: Karns was all over everyone. Scores of 25-9, 25-11 etc. Karns did not play Oak Ridge but the way the Karns team took out Maryville and Maryville split with Oak Ridge they will have to pull it out of a hat to beat Karns. Karns has multiple hitters and defense too. Oak Ridge had a few strong players; they loose one to overseas studies very soon. However we all had a night of football; lots of action to the end.

I also tried to juggle both locations thru out the day to see as many teams as could. I agree with a previous poster about Soddy Daisy's energy, They are impressive, AC did well to adjust and has a balanced offence and defense. Several teams ran out of steam; at Red Bank (not sure it was the hot gym ) but Karns had some great moves with every player but seemed to run out of energy. They had one player a bit under the weather someone said.(?) I noticed they made changes in the rotation a few times- maybe testing the waters? They weren't challenged however as I agree the better collection of teams were at E.R. Catholic looked out of sorts they are missing a key player they said, a middle or O.H.. Can't wait to see more of Soddy Daisy and A.C. this year.

EAST AGAINST WEST!

Clubs should band together to increase the level of play in East Tennessee. So much energy fighting at each other could be used to pull up the region instead. Let's all support any team from East TN to state. Support Clubs and an increase in players to represent our area.