eagle79

Well, SportsEd, since you have entered the discussion I have a question.... Are any of you guys over there who have spoken out about all kinds of subjects (teacher pay, taxes, etc.) without concern of what people think, trying to stir the pot, are any of you gonna speak out about the situation with both basketball teams or are you gonna give "Just the facts, ma'am"? Just wondering, most of your readership doesn't get on here. You have dropped hints (ave 50 pt loss, 30 ave for 80 oppon. ave, etc.), but will you actually talk about what the situation really is? Is say "go get 'em" really all you can do? With that said, I do agree that we must continue to support the girls and boys at every chance. I have been through seasons similar to this and it all too easy to be discouraged.

"In order for Coffee County to be successful, they need to score more points than the opponent does. Once they do this, they will be fine and wins will come their way." Wow d2d, that's deep

14, I do agree with you, the head coach is ultimately responsible for the success (or lack thereof) on the court. What you have to realize is the situation Smith inherited here. Turner left this program with no foundation in discipline, work ethic, the things that can't be measured simply by saying: "There is talent". Yeah, we have tall guys, shooters, players, etc. However, these things don't necessarilly make a ball player. I am not an apologist for anyone, I think 2 years is time to see some improvement. Last year's team had a LOT more talent than this year's, next year's should be better with all of these juniors getting experience. I really think next year will be the test to see if Coach Smith is the answer. There will be a lot of seniors and usually 3 years is time to rid the program of problems left over from former coaches. We'll have to wait and see. I would like nothing better than to see these players and coaches have some success. We're all rooting for you guys to succeed!!

Here's an outside opinion: There was a lot of talent last year, all in one player. Micah was one of the best players I've seen athletically and emotionally. He dealt with having VERY little help in the best way I have ever seen a kid. With that said, he's gone. The VERY little help he had is all that's left. So, with that said, the best coaches show it when they win with less talent than the opposition. Obviously this is now an issue. One winning season in nine is pitiful. I wonder if the administration even shows up for games.

I am NOT saying AAU is the "core" of a program. I am saying it is the best route for players wanting to play at the next level. I have NO doubt that is a true statement. I DID NOT say ignore 7-12. That's what the local team and these little podunk local tournaments are for. What I'm saying is there are coaches (for a fact here) that discourage the TOP players from playing on these all-star squads. Brooke, Brittany, they should be playing in these showcase tournaments. Taylor probably could, too. Freije is an aboration. Look at the top players from every class in this state. Go to unapproved website and look at the rankings. I GUARANTEE anyone in the top 50 of every class is playing AAU. I know this is boys, but I don't know of a similar website for girls. If someone wants to play in college, AAU is BY FAR the best way to do that. If someone wants to play against the best competition, any of the top AAU teams could beat any of the best high school teams anywhere. I really don't think you have seen what AAU can do and what it's all about at these big tournaments. You seem to be thinking that the only colleges there are UT and UConn. All divisions of NCAA, NAIA, etc. are there. True, the best players will be picked up by all of the DI coaches, but the other players will be picked up by DII or DIII teams. Bottom line: better players=better teams=more wins. The best way to improve is to play DAILY against the best competition you can handle.

I'm not talking about players 7-12 on the team. I'm talking about the players that matter, numbers 1-5 or 6. They will ALL get better if they play more and against better competition. This is just common sense. Come on!! There is no way you can LOGICALLY say a player won't get better playing more. You mention Keil. Yes, he developed his players 3-15 with Warren County's AAU and offseason program. However, the players who carried his team, Randall and Reese, played with the Murfreesboro Nets and this helped them. It also helped the players like Cody Hillis and Kyle Thompson learn to be the man without Randall and Reese on the court. I guarantee if Reese would have played AAU the summer before his senior year, he would be playing somewhere right now.

We have and have had quite a few players who are good enough to play for these all-star teams. Other players could compete at a lower level. Most programs have an A and B team. The bottom line is the more you play the better you get. EVERY TIME. No matter what level. Our players have been discouraged for playing for any team other than the school team. You can only get so much improvement out of playing Cascade and these other single A teams at these local playdays and tourneys. So what if it's a showcase for talent. That's what these programs need. If we could produce a few more Leeann Pelhams and these kids could see the former players having success at the next level, maybe they would have something to fight for when their school team is down by 50 instead of giving up.

OK, I usually try to stay out of these discussions. I have friends throughout the program and I truly hope no one takes my comments personally. These are just some observations, rantings, etc. First of all, everyone needs to quit pointing fingers. The first place EVERYONE should look for improvement is themselves. This applies to players, coaches, parents, fans, EVERYONE. This situation is not one with one cause, but many. Players, you shouldn't need fans yelling, coaches babying, you should motivate yourself. This is a matter of having pride in yourself, your school, everything you represent. Quit blaming everyone else and simply go onto the court and PLAY BALL. HARD!! Coaches, teams are a reflection of you. When that reflection is "humiliating, embarassing" etc. you have to look at where it's coming from. Fans, the players listen to what you have to say. When you go home and run down the coach to them, they lose respect. When you go to school and tell them they stink, they believe it after a while. There is enough blame to go around. No one can point fingers. He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. There won't be many flying. p.s. About AAU, if you don't think it can help make better players and get them to the next level, you've never participated outside of middle TN and seen the college coaches packing gyms to watch players. It does work.

She is a VERY good coach. Her style may just be what a team like WC needs. The uptempo can cover up lack of talent in other areas. Depth could be a problem, however, many of the kids not playing might come back after a change.

Good idea. Is your resume coming in this week?

Great point. The visibly giving up is not the impression a coach should portray. If you don't want your kids to quit, don't quit coaching. With that said, I don't think the talent on the team presently measures up to other schools. I do wonder if WC can ever field a team as deep and talented as other schools. With this situation, if we are to win, our coaches must outcoach the other team night in and night out. That is a tough job, when you look at it.

No on both. I really doubt any of Riverdale's starters will NEED to play in the second half. With that said, I could see Burt leaving them in. He does have a history of leaving in stars and running up the score. If he wants to, he could do both. It's COMPLETELY up to Burt. Warren Co. has no say.

Tell us what you really think hoop. I actually think they will keep it closer, hey they beat Springfield AND Dekalb. P)

I am NOT saying this is a gimme. But, to compete in 7AAA, a team should be able to absolutely thrash any AA school in middle TN. There is NO way this game will be a thrashing. BTW, DC people, the tiger door thing is a joke. That is the worst example of a school thinking they are more than what they are I have ever seen. I love the environment, I love your team's enthusiasm, and I love the black and gold tiger stuff, that's my elementary school, but guys, lose the door, it's terrible.

Yeah, but who would stand behind the door and take the shot from it like the guy in Smithville? Not me!!

I am totally a supporter of WC. I WANT to see them do well. However, I do think it is a pitiful statement that Dekalb has become a game where there is some debate or doubt about whether or not we will win. This game SHOULD be a gimme. This game SHOULD be over by halftime. AAA teams SHOULD be our only rivals. Everyone else SHOULD be automatic wins. With that said, I think this will be a shootout, with it coming down to who has the ball last, too close to call. Pioneers, don't let that impressive Dekald entrance intimidate you :}

There are NO guarantees!!

Warren Co. had better win this one. There may not be many more this year.

What are the outlooks for these two squads?

So, where is Dye playing?

So, who won in each age group?

I give the edge to Brandan b/c of defense. Both are almost unstoppable on offense, especially at this level, therefore you have to go to the other end. Wright, by a block. Can't wait to watch a UNC-GT throwdown next year with these guys.

I should get one because I've been a member longer than everyone that has posted. Also, I know what good points were and I would give you one if we still could.

Speaking of Cumberland County, both of their coaches are expected to go to the new high school in Crossville. Has there been any word on the coaching search there?

Why was this thread moved from the boys' basketball board? There are other threads dealing with openings. That board will get MUCH more discussion than this one will. If a moderator would, please answer.