PantherTown

Hearing that they are hiring a local middle school coach.

For what it’s worth, there was a former player from Wilson Central during the Bond years who became an Assistant for Bond at Oakland. I can’t remember his name, but I do know that he got in trouble and left Oakland. I believe it was something pretty substantial, but he’s now a coach at a prep school in Tennessee. Not sure if he’s an option, but I’d definitely look into it.

Bond left the after the 2014-2015 season after having 3 freshman starters, all who had ridiculous parents who I believe all came from West Wilson. I believe he had 4 State Tournaments appearances along with 5 sub-states. Now, 2 additional State Appearances at Oakland. The new AD, David Jennings, I believe was an assistant at WC under Bond during many of those successful years. Problem is, I don’t think there is great interest in the job. I would not hire any assts. etc. Unfortunately, due to the lack of interest, there won’t be a “great hire”

In my opinion, it is used to develop players for the next level. Not only for the experience of playing with the shot clock prior to playing for University, but also to increase the amount of possessions in the game. More possessions = more development. I don’t think it’s valid to refer to the strategic side of it. Teams that “stall” are generally the inferior team. In fact, most teams that “stall” don’t do it for the purpose of the score being low. It’s merely a product of a team wanting to: 1) draw a team out of a zone. OR 2) Make the defense extend their pressure allowing for more space. I don’t think the shot clock being implemented drastically effects the game of Basketball. (Except of increased scoring

Not sure the reason why, but I know that he went to Oakland for a year. Coached JV, I believe. Not sure his reason for leaving SC or Oakland.

Agreed. I don’t Side with Bearettes. With and without him on the court, Oakland dictated everything. Tempo, where shots were taken (for the most part, who took the shot). A four-point play and two turnovers by Oakland in the last 3 minutes allowed EH an opportunity. Not discrediting EH. After all, shear determination almost prevailed.

Haha not sure Oakland would prefer that , but I’m sure they certainly won’t back down. Would love to watch this Oakland team with their Star from last year Keishawn Davidson. Believe he transferred to prep school. (But Memphis is challenged with that annually.)

Went to the EH/Oakland game. Oakland dictated from the tip. Led by 7-11 points the majority of the 2nd half, just never put them away. EH never stopped playing causing Oakland to turn it over several times. Both were solid teams. 3 or 4th chance I’ve had to watch Oakland. Good defensive team. Doesn’t have a true rim protector. Offense is limited. They are young, but pretty fun to watch.

Nothing above that I would change.

Has generally been the case with 9AAA as a whole for many years.

There are some great matchups here. I have not had the chance to watch the East TN teams this year. Brentwood and Franklin sweep 9AAA. I have not watched Cleveland/EH but I’ve seen Oakland/Blackman several times. Both teams are extremely well coached and will be tough to beat. (Not discrediting Cleveland/EH.) East has to be the favorite for the remainder of the year, I would assume.

How long does Carney make it at WC? Hot Seat or no? I like the guy, but would assume the school wants to get back to hanging banners like they were in the Bond era. Thoughts?

And Oakland will likely have a huge crowd being a few miles from MTSU. Not saying that will phase Southwind as they seems to have a few guys that will play at the next level -- but it certainly does not hurt Oakland by having the entire school cheering them on

That's good to know. I'm not too knowledgeable of Memphis teams this year other than East. I know Oakland is one of the lesser teams in the tournament -- I just know how Coach Bond played at Wilson Central before taking the job at Oakland. Winner of this game should make it to the Finals, Indy nor Bearden should be able to play with either of these teams

A game that no one has talked about on any thread is Oakland v. Southwind. Southwind is definitely the more athletic team but Memphis teams typically do not see a lot of zones. Oakland's coach, Troy Bond, is notorious for running zone. He runs a lot of 3-2 against not shooting teams, and a 1-3-1 / 1-2-1-1 trap that has bothered teams. They also have a sophomore (maybe junior) guard that has offers from MTSU and a few MTSU- level teams, that can score in bunches.

Also, who are top players from each team to watch?

Mitchell looks to have a straight shot to the Finals, who is likely to meet them there? I'm not too familiar with the bottom half of the AA bracket, who is the best team to meet Catholic for the Gold Ball? Southwind looks to have the highest possibility of getting to the Championship, with likely meeting East/OR... Any thoughts?

I like Oak Ridge against any team not named East - hopefully OR and East don't get matched up and have the Championship game in the first round. Good luck !

Single A you have Humboldt, AA has Knox Catholic, AAA has Memphis East are the teams to beat -- are there any teams that could derail these teams and hoist the Gold ball? Any teams you think could make a run for the title?

Sure did.. I believe they finished 3 or 4 in Regular season District play. Murphy kid has been playing Westbrook-like

I'm not going to act as if I know a lot about the Chattanooga area teams because I do not. But I disagree with what a lot of you guys are saying. Blackman is a great team that got out-coached and out-played in the Region Championship, and probably over looked Oakland since they had already beat them 3 times prior. WV looks to be a very senior led team that can shoot the ball well, I do believe that Oakland's ability to switch from zone(s) to man each time down the floor will bother WV. I have not watched EH nor do I know anything other than what you guys have mentioned on here, but Blackman is very good. They typically have 3-4 guys that rebound very well - that can also handle the ball and can shoot/score. If EH plays man, I say that Blackman wins. I haven't gotten to watch Brentwood this year, but if they play like they have in years past, I give them the edge over Northeast. MJ/Indy should be a good one..

Any predictions on tonight? Blackman @ EH WV @ Oakland

Indy is a better draw for MJ than Brentwood would be in my opinion. Coach Allen typically does a good job of taking a team's top player out of the game and making the surrounding cast beat them. Not sure if Indy has enough fire power around Murphy. With all that said, Indy shouldn't have won their district but managed to do that. Should be interesting! Good luck to both!

He had the opportunity to go to Lipscomb a few years ago. Not sure how many years he has left to retire.. then he can "double-dip"

FootballFan, thanks. No doubt WV or EH want to win to stay away from Blackman, but Oakland has shot the ball well recently. Biggest difference from the Blaze and the Patriots is experience. Oakland has had 1 freshman and 2 sophomores playing the majority of the game in recent contests. Blackman is senior led and is definitely the better of the two. Coaching wise, Workman has done done wonders since being at Blackman. Bond at Oakland has now been to 7 (maybe 8) Sectionals since opening the basketball program at Wilson Central in 2001. Looking forward to each Sectional, Good Luck to all teams. Hoping for great games!