dgeeman

We had two of those (miracle wins) last year...but not so dramatic as a last second shot to win...unfortunately with my son having two more years left...you might hear it a few more times. It looks like we get matched up in baseball at Ezell tomorrow and we are hopeful the tables aren't turned. You'll see at least 3 of the boys who played big roles on the basketball court on the baseball team....unfortunately my son plays soccer and his team is out. I will try to be more sensitive...obviously it still hurts a little. Psychologists say time heals. I pray I don't never get Alzheimers...however...it may be the only way I stop talking about that win...lol. I still like your style Asitis...I would welcome the opportunity to meet you some day. Don't know why we don't schedule regular season games with the cross-state regional teams. Take care! Gman

BigENS, Well first thanks for the compliment for the kid, but for a multisport athlete...he does pretty good with the biggest of the round balls, the main thing is for him is unlike other kids who are fair to middlin he has gotten the chance to play as a sophomore and has done well in his role. Trust me I could think of probably at least 20 other sophomores around Nashville if they were not at a big school could have put up huge numbers if they got to play. Now I don't really think Freud left because of a bare cupboard because he actually could have done the same thing last year. Hayden Ray, Bryan Duncan, and Blake Mitchell may have each only avg 3-7 pts their Jr Season and that was the same for Jenkins, Teague, and Gee in 2009-10. Nobody could have imagined the team chemistry of this year's team. Have you ever seen a team who had 6 players who scored double figure avgs and they only avg 65.2 pts a game as a team. I only hope there is enough of that around this year. Maybe Freud stayed to see the end of the 3 Amigos but I really think he leaves because of family, career thinking, but not because of a bare cupboard...actually I think he is working on or has already gotten an advanced degree as well. Don't be hard on the kids though. Personal stuff should really not be discussed here unless it is positive. From the guy who watched all of the games this season from the stands I think we can still get our $5-6 worth of basketball every game. Don't count us out just yet...after all the season is still 6 months away. I don't think there is any bias at the school...not sure how anyone can say that...sure there may have been some stupidity from time to time it happens everywhere. Located in Antioch Tn we have a very diversified enrollment. Red and Yellow, Black and White they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world. That is what I expect and what I have seen so far. Gman

Well 9aafan BigENS could have a point...why would someone want a job a little private school like Ezell? Here's the scoop on the coaching situation from the inside. I will only tell you what I know as fact. Coach Freud did step down after what I would say was a successful year considering the talent we had this season...to get to go to the STATE was an awesome accomplishment and the way it happened with a miracle comeback at USJ a lot of fun. We lose our coach and 3 senior starters and a team that played so unselfishly but what remains on the team is 3 of its top 4 scorers and the hopes of being competitive against teams like DCA, FRA, and USN in our Mid/East Division. Always was wordy...Coach Freud leaves mainly because of small children but steps down on the heels of a team who had 21 wins and a loss to the Eventual State Champions in the State Tournament. What I know to date on the new coach is that Bradley Farmer is at least "Interim Coach" but believe that he may be named or already is the Boys Head Basketball Coach. A former basketball player and asst coach at Goodpasture he was one of Ezell's asst coaches for the past few years. He has great rapport with the kids as well as the parents and was the overwhelming choice to take the reins of the program for this season. In the past you may have seen him wearing those plaid pants...I hope he keeps those hideous looking britches in the closet (more known for his golfing and golf attire I guess...you know I love you Farmer) But actually looked good when Freud was out due to technicals last year wearing a pair of slacks and sportcoat. There is your fashion lesson...no telling what you get on this website... I don't know BigENS...alot of times it doesn't have to be necessarily how big the program is to be successful as a coach. As in Freud who is leaving and as I have seen in Farmer so far...Wins are nice, teaching the kids about basketball is good, but if they can learn a little about life and God in our case through their coach...there is a lot of success that can be enjoyed by coach, players, parents, and fans. Hey the summer camps are around the corner...we'll keep yall posted on how Mr. Farmer and Ezell boys do. Could we be considered a rebuilding team this year? See ya on the hardwood, Gman

Yes maybe the right word should have been "Recurring Player". Most of the kids on Ezell's team have been there forever. We can dream about 7' or shucks a 6'5" guy might even fit the bill. I'm gonna put a little "miracle grow" on the kid...he is only 16" shy of being a 7 footer. Ezell Harding does a good job with the education a student can get for the buck. At around $7000-6000/year a student/athlete can learn a lot, participate in a number of sports competitively, and learn about God along the way. So here is a question...I heard that a team got disqualified recently about the 8 quarter rule...how does this play out in the case of Derica Wyatt, FRA's, starter since 8th grade...gotta be an exception to the rule there. How's that for changing the subject? GMAN

I sure enjoyed this past season! 1. The kid got to play! 2. Met some cool parents along the way! 3. Heard some good comments from some nice message boarders. 4. And saw a lot of talent on many teams this season. Congrats to ECS for winning it all. I guess there is some consolation to know your team was eliminated by the eventual state champs. Kasper lit us up for 31...like someone said, "He's the real deal!" Glad he graduated...he does graduate don't he. Was it my imagination but when the Mr. Basketball title was awarded...did John Glover look a little surprised? We played him too! Congrats to Mr. Glover for winning Mr. Basketball and thanks for helping my son get in the pictures in the Jackson Sun Newspaper. Austin is the one you were dunking over. I'm interested in seeing who comes back for next season, yall tell me what you got! Ezell will miss it's three seniors who take with them 1/2 of the points scored this season. They also take with them half of the assists as well. Hopefully we will return our top scorers Zach Jenkins (340) and Corey Teague (322) and Austin Gee our top disher (121) and maybe a few surprises coming from our bench and who knows we can always hope for a recruit or two. DCA and University School of Nashville have to be at the top for next year. FRA will lose a few seniors but will only reload with a bunch of Freshmen and Sophomores who have seen some quality time on the floor this season. MJCA made some waves before fading out during the stretch this year but they lose a lot of seniors this year...will Mr. Wankel have enough support next year? Talk about fading out...what happened to DCA? I was really surprised after winning out through the regular season that they dropped their last two games of the year. Did they lose their chemistry on the team? An injury? What happened. Well yall throw something out there...not much to do now that basketball season is over. And I think I am okay talking now that the season is over...no team secrets to divulge now Farmer except for the 7 foot guy that is coming to Ezell next year...whoops.

Thanks Asitis for another fine post. We look forward to seeing how things turn out tomorrow. Do you have a son that plays on the team?

I agree with 9aafan, Asitis, like I said in an earlier post I do like "Your style" do you have a son that remains on the team or a graduate this year? There are a number of us on this site that try to keep things positive...after all it is just a game. Thanks for the kind words about our kids...I think they try to play hard and are a good bunch of guys. Actually in this team there is a lot of love shown for sure this season...a lot of unselfish play (we have 6 players avg 10.1 - 12 pts a game)...and a genuine feeling that they enjoy playing with one another...it has and continues to be a fun ride. So what about an honest opinion on how the EHCS Eagles will stack up against the ECS Eagles...but this is funny ... I hope the only difference is the "H" in the name. I have not been able to find out anything about them...the Kasper player...is he a senior? a guard, forward, post? Is he surrounded by quality players...yall got beat by almost 30...are they that much better than you or did they catch you on a bad day? What can you tell us? Gman

Like all games there are always questionable calls from one side or the other. I was absolutely livid about many calls of the game. There was a clear charge that #5 took early in the game that was a "no call" that really set the tone for our murmuring and complaining. Late in the game #5 was whistled when he passed then charge...the video tape show the USJ player moving...at the time though I thought it was a legit call. It happens. We could replay the last minute 10 times and I honestly would not think Ezell would win again. But on this night...they did and we Ezell fans were greatful. But believe me we have been on the USJ side at least 4 other times this season...we had a game against USN and now USJ that seemed to have been given to us...but let's not take away the shots by Ray and Jenkins late...they were clutch. If you want a dvd give me an address and after our season is over I will send you one for a nominal fee if you are a USJ fan. If you are an Ezell Fan...I am selling these as the "Miracle at USJ" cause I can get a lot more money from them...LOL. I feel bad for the way USJ lost that game...but proud of the way the Eagles won it...look at it this way with gas prices so high...we were just being neighborly and keep yall from that expensive road trip. Just kidding about most of this. Good luck to yall next season... Gman

Asitis, I like your style. And I guess it is easier to talk about other teams and hope that you don't let anything out about your own team in the process. I think that is why it has been so quiet on the Mid East side lately is well boasting usually doesn't pan out and if you boast about your team...well you end up eating "crow" most of the times. Well DCA is very quick around the perimeter. FRA has more trees than the Great Smokey Mountains, USN plays very aggressively, and Ezell...we seem to be always in the game and hopefully will be on Saturday.(not giving Asitis anything as well) Same thing here...good luck to everyone! and Safe travels. Missing the Lady Eagles game tonight I want to wish our Lady Eagles good luck against Fayette Academy. Go Eagles!

I certainly hope no one was affected by the storms that raced across our state last night but it has certainly been quiet on the boards since FRA's win over DCA last weekend at Knox Webb. I think the narrow wins on Friday shows that any team in the Mid/East division can beat anyone on any given day. So the big question is which team can put together a run of 3 games and become the State Champion for 2011. Is ECS a step above the rest? Is FRA peaking at the right time? Will DCA find their mojo? What do you think?

Gotta give credit where credit is due...congratulations to both the FRA boys and girls teams for gettin it done last weekend at Knox Webb. Got to give all the teams credit on both the mens and womens side for all playing like they deserved to be there. Pretty much went down as I thought as the semi-final games were played on the boys side as each victory was settled by 3 pts or less. Both games went down to the final seconds...and was touch and go for the final minutes. It was also good to see that the Kyle Kennedy (DCA) and Bryan Duncan (Ezell) get recognition on the All Tournament Teams which both were justified as well. Well it is my hope that the Mid/East can get more than its share of teams in the State in two weeks...so let go get them boys and girls!

Hey but I hear Knox Webb has it's own golf course? Maybe some of the dads should tee them up...how many strokes can I get from ya. Nashvegas odds on the Champions should be something like this... DCA 3-1 FRA 2-1 EHCS 1-2 USN 1-3 "These odds are posted for entertainment purposes only"

Well kinda glad that the Panther Pride was on the wrong side of that pick...lol...cause we Eagles wanted to play more ball. While definitely we should be not be too quick to say we will beat anyone...I would the last to say that we couldn't beat anyone. With the exception of the MBA, Friendship, and Lipscomb games...all the rest have been very close. Kinda excited to go to the land of Rocky Top and see how things pan out. Who knows with a few threes, a couple of charges, a few calls...there's no telling who might come out on top of the Region between DCA, FRA, Ezell and USN. BTW, I heard Ramsey got coach of the year...but based on talent and finish...I would have to tip my hat to the coach a USN for getting his team where it is today. However, after saying that I also tip my hat to Freudenthal and Farmer for our big victory last night and the privilege to go play in the Regions. Congrats to our Eagles and we'll see yall on Friday. I am still curious to see the rest of the All Region/District Team. I have heard about ours...but it has not been disclosed yet to the team...but inquiry minds want to know. Gman

The Davis boy is a hoss! We struggled against him for sure. Based on record I probably would have given the MVP to Nilan Hodge. Both play on teams that needed them both to carry them...Nilan's team finished higher at #4 vs #7. And I agree becoming all region should be based on the players performance only which I think most coaches would vote on. However, while it is easy to look at scoring only which most coaches may everyone knows there are a lot of other intangibles that should make a player "all region" for example "Defense" "Hustle" "Team Play" And the problem with DCA is the same with Ezell...if you have 5 or 6 guys who play pretty even...those players are not going to stick out much...and Webbs Davis and Cham Cham are a perfect example if they made it it is because they stick out on their team. So sure you can mention DCA's Kennedy, Erickson, De' Ewin, Javon Jones, and you probably need to but I have seen Colin Johnston play for a number of years...I think whether he's the coaches choice or voted upon by other coaches...he is a good defender and a solid competitor and deserves the recognition he has received. So who made the "All Region Team?" And where does one find this out.

Seems right and makes sense.

Game time decision.

Thanks BoDawgs! Having 12 teams then makes it a little more simpler and easier to understand...while I would like to get into the mix of selecting teams to advance...as with Ezell's games any team can play up or down to their potential. The potential for upset is too strong going into this year's Regions at Knox Webb. While Ezell has only 1 loss going into the finale vs FRA the fact is our one loss to this point in our Division includes comeback wins against Knox Webb, USN, Webb, and MJCA. Any game can be turned by bad officiating, sickness, etc. At this point all the records are out the window! In a few days the pairings will be out...and with a little luck, hot shooting, and crazy officiating...anyone could be found in Knoxville in a couple of weeks. Personally...I would like to see Ezell there. Good luck to all the teams and may the best teams advance! Gman

Help me out here...with 11 teams in the Division...how does the Region Tournament work? Predictions DCA 11-0 FRA or EZELL 10-1 FRA oR EZELL 9-2 USN 8-3 MJCA 7-4 KNOX WEBB 6-5 WEBB 5-6 DAVIDSON 3-8 SAS 3-8 ZION 3-8 RIVERSIDE 0-11 I know the 1-4 Host a game to get the privelege to go to Knox Webb. So 5 plays 11 to see who plays USN Does 6 play 10 to see who plays the loser FRA or Ezell at #3? Then does 7 play 9 to see plays the winner of the FRA or Ezell game and the big question does #8 get a bye and plays DCA? Help me if you can. Gman

The Eagles get a nice article in the paper today from the Nashville City Paper. http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/sports/preps-ezell-harding-gets-healthy-cranks-offense-again-playoffs Nice article...but from here on out...it is really about advancing to the next level. Good luck and may the best teams...do just that.

Boy Howdy that is a good post!!! Love the Color on the commentary!!! Ya paint a pretty picture. And thanks for the FRA "emphasis" assuming you're a fan. Apologize for few recommendations there but will soon have a better picture after the FRA vs Ezell game on Feb 10th.

Congratulations to the following Coach T Message Board Posters... Who voted for: Donelson Christian School (As the Champions of Division II-A Mid/East) Whether you voted because DCA is your favorite team or because of your wide knowledge of Tennessee Prep Basketball the DCA Wildcats have made all of you look good!!! Real Good! But more important than that is congratulations to the boys at DCA for getting the job done and congratulations to coach Preston Ramsey. crimsontide43 , bballfan9009 , possumtownshady , sortsfan2222 , wildcats52 It looks like Ezell and FRA game on February 10th will decide who will finish 2nd and 3rd place. As a side note I know that Knox Webb probably has one of the best facilities in the state...but could someone in middle tennessee please outbid them next year for the Region Tourney? The thought of most of the middle TN teams traveling to Knoxville for the tournament sure doesn't appeal most of us. Gman

Yep a bucket this year at the buzzer would have given us a 28 pt loss instead of 30. Unfortunately we ran into a tough Lipscomb team without our big men and they literally owned us. They pretty much won every aspect of the game from defense to offense and even the referreeing. THAT GAME WAS JUST OOOUGLY!!! Hopefully better days are ahead. It appears that it is going to go down to the FRA vs Ezell Game on Feb 10th for 2nd place in the division. Hopefully some of our big guys will be ready to play at that time. Hey something good was that we got to see Morgan Risley play tonight. After a summer time eye injury it was good to see him play...he's had a tough recovery. Ups to him for his courage and comeback. Prayers coming your way for total healing and recovery Morgan. Gman

Look for all 5 nothin a hundred and nothin of the Gman to be posting up in the paint tonight!

I would say in this day and age that it might be time to bring in the video replay but in our case a chance for coaches to appeal with the use of Video replay. Though it may be too late for the game being played it would seem logical to allow coaches to appeal such calls with the use of video. Everyone video tapes these days...if the video without a doubt shows the reversal of the call or calls...let the student/athlete play. gman