softy11

Maryville and William Blount advanced

Yes, the WB coach was coach of the year last year. Lets face it, anyone who would have stepped into that position could have gotten that, she walked into a very talented team. Those players got her that award and by the way this year is going it is obvious. The competition in 3AAA has improved tremendously as well as the competition in 4AAA and 2AAA and it will make better players out of all them. I don't have a player on the WB team but have many friends, I have not heard any Mom/Dads saying much of anything. They are a class act and always have been. As far as the travel team issue, we all know it is true. You may not like it but as long as I have been around high school softball you don't see college coaches out recruiting and watching players. If you don't believe it go watch a ASA tournament with these girls playing and you will see those coaches all day long. Do you think Georgia recruited Blanco out of Maryville high school? I don't think so... High school softball has its place and it is a good thing for lots of girls. Some schools take it to a much higher level than others. But congrats to the girls who are dedicated and competitive enough to want more and achieve their goal by getting scholarships for a great education.

District tournamnet time is closing in, who will be in the top spots for 3AAA in East Tn? I had the opportunity to watch a couple of games with Maryville and they are looking tough, seem to be the top of district for now. They have a couple of tough games with Farragut and and William Blount coming up. William Blount should have been the favorite this year but looks like their coach has blown it as most expected she would. She has the most talent any coach would die to have and is so consumed with herself she don't know how to coach that must talent. Erica Tuck is a great pitcher going to Tn Tech and I have yet to see her throw a Drop ball or a change up. Any team can sit back and catch up to a fastball or curve and yet that is all she wants to call. Hear theres lots of problems at WB with that coach. Good luck to the girls that are moving on to college. You are all very deserving and I hate to see you go down like this but keep in mind high school softball is just practice for your travel season and college.

Very glad to hear. She is a fantastic player but an even better person and you should be very proud. It's good to know TSSAA realized they needed to change that rule. Good luck this season.

Not sure what her name is, I believe she transferred from out of state. Heard she was decent and would be a big help. Anyone in Blount Co. know her name??

Anyone know if any of the Blount County teams will be in anymore playdays? Season doesn't start for 2 weeks. I know the Beech playday is coming up in a couple of weeks but not sure if any of our teams are heading to Nashville area. Should be a good playday with a lot of great teams.

I think everyone saw what they expected -- not much. Most teams in this playday just wanted to get on the field and give all players the opportunity to get some swings in. Most of the teams I saw did not have all their starters in place. Some players were still in basketball last week. This was the first real test for the coaches to see what they really have. Maryville looked very small, and they are young this year. They always seem to pull it out in the end though.. Powell was missing a couple of players and didn't show much. Alcoa held there own but their district is pretty weak. They should do well with the addition on their new pitcher to help Green out. Heard William Blount did well, but you never saw their true starters on the field at one time. Tuck only pitched a few innings which is what most coaches did with their ace's. No reason to prove anything this early. The next couple of weeks will get interesting with scrimmages and more playdays. Coaches should have their starter set and the season will be off and running..... See you there......

Thoughts on Jeff County, Whitney Leon is their Sr Pitcher, she is decent but won't carry any team to the state, she was blessed last year with power hitters who aren't back this year. However the catcher, Dukes will be big for them. She is a power hitter and great behind the plate. Dukes is signed to MTSU Blanco will do her normal greatness this year but Maryville lacks pitching. William Blount should be very strong, if they are going to make a run to the state it will be this year. They have 3 players signed already with Sr pitcher Tuck going to Div 1 Tn Tech. They have the talent but do they have the coaching? That remains to be seen. If I had the talent of Tuck, SS- Hannah Smith and Catcher Cameron Cambpell, I would ride them all to the state tournament, but if you let Tuck sit so you can pitch your younger players you won't make it out of that district. Farragut will be strong again but lack of pitching and the loss of Stephanie Harris will hurt. Good luck to all...

Who does Thunder have that has signed at the next level?

When looking at the top pitchers listed, 5 of them play in the Fury organization. Haley Fagan, Lacey Walker, Erica Tuck, Anna Renfro & Fadnek. This is why Fury will continue to be strong this year.

I agree, they are all good quality teams, but Maryville won't be on top of this list. They are good this year but not where everyone is used to seeing them. They finished 3rd in district behind William Blount and Farragut. William Blount seems to be the leader of this pack and will keep this run going into next year with no seniors on the roster. I look to see William Blount going far into post season if they can keep there 3 junior stars healthy. Tuck is one of the best pitchers in the state and with Campbell behind the plate and Smith at Short Stop they are tough. Good luck to the Lady Govs..