DefendandRebound

One of the primary factors "holding them back" is sheer numbers. Ensworth has about 200 boys in grades 9-12. Since Ensworth offers virtually all sports, these boys get spread pretty thin. Football works pretty well since there are not that many sports in the fall season; basically, football, golf and cross-country. Winter offers more opportunities, but Ensworth is successful in basketball partly because that sport does not need the sheer numbers that some of the others do (about 14-15 on the varsity boy's basketball team versus about 45-50 for football). Spring is really hard for a school this size because you have baseball, lacrosse (btw, Ensworth was the D2 runner-up in boy's lacrosse the past two years) and soccer, all of which require some pretty substantial numbers. If there are 25-30 out for baseball, 35-40 out for lacrosse and 15-20 out for soccer, that is 75 boys, not counting sports such as tennis and track (Ensworth also more than holds its own in boys track and field). The best athletes are pretty much spread between these sports. In it's 3 graduating classes thus far, Ensworth has had athletes go on to compete at the next level in (of the sports of which you inquire) baseball, cross-country/track, tennis and wrestling. These students achieved individual success despite the fact that the numbers may have not allowed their teams to compete for championships.

 

On a slightly different, though related topic, most of the schools against which Ensworth competes are much larger; some approximate numbers for boys in grades 9-12:

MBA: 485

Baylor: 375 ( some of whom board at the school)

McCallie: 625 (some of whom board)

Christian Brothers: 880

Father Ryan: 450

BA: 225

 

Given those numbers, it is not hard to see that a school such as CBHS would have a lot more boys interested in (and good at) baseball than does Ensworth. The best comparison may be BA; they are extremely good at some sports but, like Ensworth, they are not competitive at the highest level at all sports. They do not have a lacrosse team, so they have more athletes available for other spring sports such as baseball.

 

Bottom line is that Ensworth really has nothing to apologize for, either athletically or in any other way. More importantly, as with most, if not all, of the other schools listed above, Ensworth is so much more than sports. Come see a play, attend a concert by the rock band or tour the art exhibits; athletic talent is far from the only talent displayed by the remarkable student body. The tone of your post implies that you may have some ax to grind; if so, go grind it and have yourself some fun. Most people at Ensworth are too busy pursuing their various passions to care.

I don't know if you meant to make this point but it is clear from what you've written that the size of the school doesn't directly correlate to athletic success.

Ensworth will walk through the state with ease. Not a lot to discuss. Going to be a few good games but you can practically go ahead and give the Gold Ball to Ricky.

Not entirely disagreeing with you. We've seen what they've done to the Middle/East during the regular season while the West teams basically showed that they are all pretty evenly matched. Still, Ensworth doesn't seem to do as well on the road as they do at home.... There might be a little room for doubt. As everyone knows, it all comes down to one game and anything can happen.

I agree i heard briarcrest cant shoot at all, but they have two huge guys. Are their big guys good enough to beat ryan?

I don't know that they can't shoot at all - just not as much of a sure thing from the outside compared to their inside game. Austin Nichols deserves his Mr. Basketball nomination - he is fundamentally sound and a good defensive shot-blocker and a steady alley-oop threat. He won't beat you by himself but game-planning for him makes his teammates better. Good luck and travel safely!

I agree with all the predictions but i dont see baylor contending with ensworth. Ryan can beat briarcrest, but they have not played well in their other two games they had to travel.

Although it is now late Feb., not December. I'm sure Ryan's coach knows to pack the paint against Briarcrest then hope his guys take and make good shots.

Baylor travels to play Ensworth. If Baylor can contain Ensworths guards and limit the touches from the big kid inside then Baylor has a chance. If Baylor were to pull this off it would be a great upset.

 

MUS travels to Chattanooga Mccallie. Mccallie must play a hot MUS tram that took out Brentwood Academy. Mccallie has loads of talent but can they get it going at the right time?

 

Not sure of the other games. Should be a good weekend.

Father Ryan travels to play Briarcrest. MBA goes to Christian Brothers.

McCallie's shooting percentage will have a lot to do with their success - MUS doesn't have their talent level but could win a close low-scoring game. Agree with your thoughts about Baylor/Ensworth. The Memphis games are closer to a toss-up with the home teams probably being favored.

Wow! That's a lopsided loss. CBHS must be good!

Could be good is a more reasonable conclusion. I think the fact that Christian Brothers was playing in their 10th game and MBA in their 3rd may have been a factor as well as the home court advantage. Still #1 teams find a way to overcome...

Who did MBA lose to?

Per The Commercial Appeal - Christian Brothers 62 Nashville MBA 48.

1. MBA

2. McCallie

3. Ensworth

 

I'd move McCallie up to #1 after MBA lost convincingly to another D2-AA member over the weekend.

1. MBA

2. McCallie

3. Ensworth

 

 

Top three in DII this year.

BA could hop up there too but I doubt it unless Weldon Garlington goes off

You'll need a team from the West - likely Briarcrest - to round out your final 4....