maroonandwhite

McMinn Central won by a comfortable margin.

Let's look at facts from the other side also. The press did continue until half. But with only 2 minutes gone into the second quarter all of Central's girls had played except 2. In fact if you look at the scorebook you will see 9 of them scored. The second five work hard for their playing time and are eager to score if given the chance. To say the eleventh girl on the team should not get to shoot or try a "3" when she is a point guard is not fair. Second half, no press or half court trap at all. Watch your game film to confirm and your scorebook to confirm that 9 different girls scored in second quarter. Second five in game halfway through third quarter , starters done for the night. Boyd had a very bad shooting night, they got good shots and just were not hitting. And you want to throw ugly comments at Central's coach, be careful, you are in a glass house. He did not initiate the confrontation or go into the hallway. She walked past the Central girl bench and came back in front of the Boyd boys' team to demonstrate in front of them what should not have of happened. He walked away as she continued to want to argue back to the bench so that the awarding of the game ball for 600 wins. Ask any of your own boys team and they will confirm that.

The tournament will be great this year as it was last year when Central and Tyner surprised everyone in the district and region tournament. Central, Tellico, Polk, and Sequatchie would have to be the favorites at this time I would think. Congratulations to Central Coach Johnny Morgan who was recognized tonite for his 600th win of his career. It came Tuesday night over county rival McMinn and tonite's route of Boyd Buchanan made it 601! Head coach since 1978. Great longevity for a coach.

What was the outcome of the Central-W.Valley game today in the holiday tournament?

Central girls will get there, they always do. Last year's freshmen got to enjoy some starting time, some good substituting time etc. This year the pressure is more on them and they will have to work through that, even when it causes a temporary benching and a younger player is put on the floor. Last year's upperclassmen went through that and they grew together as a team and made a great journey to the state. There is tremendous talent there that will continue to improve. The two seniors have a lot of experience, the sophomores have made a journey through the pressures of tourney, substate, and state play, and another group of talented freshmen wanting their chance. They will take some early losses, but they will gain steadily I feel.

Sorry to disagree, his coaching style has not changed in the years I have observed Central basketball. My daughter has been through that process and each time it made her more determined to hustle and come out on top. She would try to go through a wall for the two Central coaches. I think it is probably a lot tougher on we parents than the girls. Hang in there, you are noticing it more because I figure you have a daughter playing now that is in that position. Encourage and brag all you can on them. If your daughter is the one I am thinking, her shot is improving all the time. I was impressed during the Chattanooga Christian game with some great shots.

Who started Tuesday nite for Central? Paper says Lee was lead scorer coming off of the bench. So besides Lambert, Rayburn and Simbeck, who started the other two positions??

Tonite will show the ballhandling and defence side of Lady Chargers as they take on Pigeon Forge that has traditionally be a well coached and very competitvie team. In fact the first five or six games will have Lady Chargers running the gauntlet. Nothing like tough opening series of games to shape up your team!!!

While Jordan is out with injury I figure according to the DPA yesterday there will be a point guard like the Lee girl starting (freshman). The coach identified he was looking for a true point guard to free Lambert up for more scoring opportunities. As strong as Lambert is the other teams will definitely double her so she has to have some fast help. Lee is tall and fast. The other freshman Williams will be a strong fast back up that will get in your face on defense. What a young team that will finish strong. May take some early losses as they gell, but Coach Morgan's teams always improve as the season progreeses.

The DPA had a rundown of the McMinn girls this past week including the returning member from two years ago. It listed the 6 seniors and the next 4 players on varsity. The coach had good comments to say about a couple of his subs but he also stated the depth of his bench is his concern.

I hear that the M. Willliams and M. Lee made varsity. What about the Purkey girl of Englewood or anyone else? They lost 3 seniors, so I figured 3 more would make varsity. Anyone know?

I have heard that Madison and two other freshmen are pushing last year freshmen and upperclassmen for some serious playing time. I am proud of Madison and proud for her family. Great people. Another one that wore maroonandwhite! Tell G.J. to leave the dashboard alone! Surely she does not inherit that from her dad's side of the family!

Way to come in there MCHS and stir the pot up. I have been wondering where you've been. The four McMinn starters and the other one that Coach Q wants back are all wonderful players and girls. I root for them to win every ball game (except against blueandwhite) because they deserve a great senior season.

I agree with you, the ability to not have to go to the bench and the fifth player stepping up to the next level is the big question. I have heard the coach is trying to recruit a strong player back that did not play last year. I do not know if he has had success, but this would help tremendously. I have coached this girl and 3 of the starters in AAU. They are a great group that I hope for them a tremendous senior year of basketball.

The senior guard is Hearn that hit several crucial three's during the district and region games when starters were in foul trouble. These three's were one of the keys that kept Central advancing on through the tourney.