Tbob99

In my opinion, the team to beat this year is Clarkrange. However, they were also the team to beat last year, and fell short. I'm not as updated on West Tn, but this should be a great year for competitive basketball for East Tn with the front runner Clarkrange, Jackson County, Pickett County, and Van Buren County.

Without a doubt, Clarkrange is stacked. With Shaver and Cooper returning, they have someone who can take the ball in to the basket in cooper and someone who can shoot the lights out, shaver. With the addition of Meadows, they have the inside presence that teams dream of.

Van Buren is a maturing team that is only going to get better. Honestly, I am continually distracted by Bouldin when I watch, and don't really notice any other players. She is the offensive powerhouse that can carry a team far.

Picket county has one of the best coaches in the region. Though he's not won any gold balls, he has worked a lot of magic with the team he has, year in and year out.

Jackson County is always the favorite for 7-a and I have to say that I keep up with them more than any other team. Yes, they lost coe, and yes she was arguably the best player behind Davidson, but they still posses some great talent. Flynn returns on the roster as the PG, and my guess is that she will show everyone why her presence could have one the Gold Ball last year. She was a key component on the 2013 championship team, and a member of the 2013 All-Region Team, and Upper Cumberland's all Freshman Team. Lindsey Phillips returns as a post presence for Jackson County and remains one of the most physical players around, Cameron Sherril is coming back as a guard that usually makes smart passes and can shoot like no other, and Hannah Ragland who, though she hasn't seen much playing time, did phenomenal in the rounds leading up to the championship last year. The real hope for Jackson County may reside in the returning starter Kassidy Allen. She is probably one of the most athletic girls that has ever came through Gainesboro, maybe even all of 7a. She didn't have a huge year last year, mainly because she had to sacrifice her PPG in order to be the point guard they needed. She started since her freshman year, won a state championship, a runner up, and has been names to countless superlative teams. In short, she isn't a rookie anymore and I expect amazing things from her this year. But, EVERYONE still has to beat Clarkrange. And if anyone can do this, my hats off to them!

My advice would be, for any betting man, never to count out Jackson County. If Coe's hitting and Allen and Phillips play like they are capable, UC may be in trouble. Without the ability to make many shots above the foul line, Jackson county can have 4 players in the paint at all times.

So glad I was able to go to this game because it gave me a chance to see what I didn't get to see in the first matchup. Kara meadows was incredible! Her form was flawless, her attach unmatchable, and her threat undeniable. She dominated this game and is one of the main reasons why JC got destroyed on the court. She played like a senior. She showed her ability tonight and played 1000000 times better than last time (even though she played good then too). well done!

What we have to remember is this young lady is just a freshman and she will get a lot better. I have seen my fair share of ball players and i can tell you this she will dominate in a year or two. I really liked her game, nice shot, good form and can take it down low and score even at her young age. Lets not be so harsh on a 15 year old girl here. I promise you that every coach in the state would want her on their team.

Not sure if it was selective reading or what, but I was merely commenting on ONE game I seen her play. We could watch a bad game that Coe from JC or Cooper from C'Range had and say the same thing. I repeatedly said that she will be an amazing player based on the game I seen her play. I don't know how I can reiterate that anymore. I listed her as my choice for UC freshman of the year for goodness sake! I couldn't agree more that I would want her on my team, no doubt. She is a matchup nightmare in the paint and from what I've heard on here, she can consistently score outside the paint (I was unaware as she made one on JC outside of the paint to my knowledge.) to insinuate that I am downing this young lady's skills is absurd. But then again, I guess it's ok for you to talk about an entire team like Union city's inability to shoot beyond the foul line, and they're inferiority to JC, but not for me to comment on an individual. I'm not saying I think you're wrong for saying that about UC, as I completely agree, but you shouldn't be so quick to judge my comments.

Meadows shot and made a 10 foot jumper from the side to open the game. She looks very advanced for her age. Yes, she did walk a lot, but she will improve on that with experience. She has a bright future.

Completely agree, like I said, she will be an amazing player. I understand that you weren't comparing her directly to lady bird, I was saying that to compare her style to lady birds is somewhat of a stretch at this point, possibly not in the future. Also, I acknowledged that she is probably a better outside shot, just not in the game I watched, that's all. I don't have a dog in this hunt either, as I have only seen her play once. She is a very smart player, and I agree that coach Lamar with fine tune her abilities, as he is one of the best coaches in the state.

Completely agree with this, but the size and physical ability this 6'3-4" girl has gives her a shot. The way she already plays, shoots, and handles the ball at her age implies that she has a pretty good work ethic, and desire to make herself into a real good player. One never knows exactly what the future will hold, but she certainly shows signs that she is worth watching.

I'm confused. Maybe it was just the game I watched of her (JC vs C'Range) but she did NOT handle the ball well at all. Almost every post move she made, she also traveled, whether it was called or not. I also don't remember her taking any outside shots. I'm not saying this girl isn't going to be good. More than likely she WILL be great, but as of now I think it's way to early to be comparing her to Lary Bird. She is a powerful inside force, I'm not denying that either, just pointing out ball handling fallacies and almost all her shots are two foot from the goal (just from what I seen).

Kara Meadows , the talented post player at Clarkrange may just be a freshman but plays with experience beyond her age. Her numbers should speak for themselves.

 

Other young talent playing big parts on their teams are Lexi Smith from Clarkrange and Destiny Carlton (freshman) and Makenzie Iles(sophomore) from CCHS.

I must disagree a little bit, while I think she is the best freshman in the Upper Cumberland, I don't feel she is enough to place on the first team, possibly the second. I noticed that she is raw and tall talent, as I call it. She repeatedly walked when trying to make a post move and lacked speed, HOWEVER, she is tall enough to shoot over the defender. Over time though, she will be taught how to be as basketball smart as cooper and shaver.

The meadows I was referring to about the second team isn't Taylor, as I feel she is a very unselfish and efficient point guard, but the meadows from CRANGE

Remember it's not just 7a, it's all upper Cumberland. My picks are as follows:

Player of the Year- Jaycee Coe

First team:

Jaycee Coe (JACKSON) ,

Kassidy Allen (JACKSON,

Cheyenne Shaver (CLARKRANGE)

Brittany Cooper (CLARKRANGE)

Marlee sells (LIVINGSTON)

Second team:

Taylor Meadows (LIVINGSTON)

karagen Turner (COOKEVILLE)

Kaylee Winningham (LIVINGSTON)

Jayna Ferell (PICKETT)

Didn't put a fifth because I think it's open. I don't feel that the Meadows girl has done enough to make second team, maybe third. I feel she is still raw talent. Next year, she could be a first team contender. IMO

What do you all think?

freshman of the year- The tall Meadows girl from C'Range.

Every year, the Herald Citizen releases it's all Upper Cumberland awards and honors. I feel that the UC is a hotbed for girls basketball players. Who do you have on the Upper Cumberland first team based on performances thus far? Also, freshman of the year, and player of the year? Post your mid season predictions below.

Allen did play great, I bet she had close to 10 offensive rebounds.

Yes she did. She has proved over and over again as a freshman starter on a state championship winning team, and a Sophmore powerhouse exactly why she has gotten the accolades and recognition that she has. I agree with coach brown that she will be the next SEC player from JC and I see a potential miss basketball. Probably not this year, but her junior and senior years look very promising. I am just overall impressed by her game, and have always been every time I see her play.

I'm going to have to agree with what has already been said. Jackson County lost because of a lack of playing by their secondary players. Allen and Coe dominated Jackson County's side of the game. Jaycee had quite a number of treys while Allen showed her true athleticism. I don't know the actual numbers but I'm going to guess somewhere around 15 rebounds, 11 points, 2 steals, and a few assists. She played her heart out tonight and left it all on the court. Too bad it was in vein for this game.

I'm going to have to agree with what has already been said. Jackson County lost because of a lack of playing by their secondary players. Allen and Coe dominated Jackson County's side of the game. Jaycee had quite a number of treys while Allen showed her true athleticism. I don't know the actual numbers but I'm going to guess somewhere around 15 rebounds, 11 points, 2 steals, and a few assists. She played her heart out tonight and left it all on the court. Too bad it was in vein for this game.

If you read all my posts i have stated that JC is stronger at the guard position than C'Range is and that C'Range has the advantage under the basket, i was talking in general about losing one of our best players. Coe is not a point guard but yes she can play that position. Kassidy Allen is a very good player but not a point guard but can handle the ball. The loss of a presence like Mak would be a huge void for anyone to fill and JC does it more by committee now. Basketball is all about match ups and just because one team beats another one by "X" amount doesn't necessarily mean they would beat a different team or they wouldn't. UC has a good team and IF they can hit a shot above the foul line this year then they have a great shot at winning the title, if not then i don't like their chances.

Yes I know you've stated that, I was clearing it up for anyone that only caught this post. I feel JC is in a much better position to win state as well because of Union City's lack of ability to shoot past the paint.

Post players that is. They are smart and well coached, but are not that big of a presence inside. However, Phillips is one of the most aggressive players I've watched.

Well if we are all so lucky as to have our teams make it to the glass house then we will find out! Clarkrange was picked preseason #1 in our district this year so yes they have the talent to compete with and beat Jackson Co. now that Flynn is out with an ACL. We will know more about that match up after Friday night, but no matter who wins that game it will be just one of 4 or 5 games these two teams will play and the only one that counts is the LAST one!

I have to somewhat contrast your comment. I feel that the weak spot for Jackson County isn't on guards, as Coe is one of the best shooters and a very good ball handler, Allen is one of the most athletic girls to come through JC and can shoot when needed (state tourny last year), and attack with efficiency, and Cameron Sherril who can knock the bottom out of a three and is very smart at seeing the floor. So I would argue that the problem is the loss of Hensley, not in anyway saying that Flynn isn't important, but our posts has been proven to be somewhat weak.

Another player that i feel has stepped up this year is Cameron Sherril. By next year, she will

Be a seasoned, and very talented player.

In my opinion, Jackson county is still the team to watch. Between Jaycee Coe and Kassidy Allen, they have the experience and talent to lead a team to yet another state championship. I feel like Allen doesn't get the credit she deserves. She's done a lot for the basketball team in her two seasons as a blue devil.

Kassidy Allen and jaycee Coe had a combined 51 points. Very impressive. Allen lead the Blue devils with 26 Points, and Coe added a large 25. What a duo. Any thoughts on how they'll do against Clarkrange, seeing the performance from Last night?

Coe had 5. I have never seen Coe shoot this well. But...Gville did a terrible job guarding her.

Agreed! Her shot was flawless, and g-ville dropped the ball on defense.

I'm in no way saying they weren't good, they played an Amazing game, BUT it can and will get even better! I would love to know the number of threes made. Warden had two, Hannah had one, Allen had one, and there's no telling how many Coe had.

Jaycee Coe dominated with 31 points. She shot the ball better than ever. Kassidy Allen played extremely well, scoring 20 points and showing the extent of her athleticism. Other players that contributed quite a bit were Claudia Warden, Hannah Ragland and Cameron Sherril. Though their game wasn't the best it's ever been, they were still adjusting to losing the point guard.

I see a lot of potential in James Coe, a Freshman Guard from Jackson County High. JC definitely isn't know for their boys basketball but he is an up and comer. Both his mom and dad played college ball and his sister is signed with UK. Saw him tonight and he played way above his years.

Don't really understand the need to even bring the Jackson Co. Team into the discussion. EHSfor3 simply said UC will be better than ever and how they played even wothout Amber Fair then Tbob99 goes in the above stuff about rankings and other crap.Hopefully everyone stay healthy this year and makes it to the Boro so it can be handled on the court. Player rankings are for college scouts.

You don't see the need to bring JC into the discussion? Really? I do, because there is a good possibility that they may be facing off. I was merely stating a fact of the rankings. And for you to say that the rankings are only relevant to college coaches is absurd. The rankings are a reflection of their talent in respect to basketball, therefore, in order to contemplate match ups, we can view the rankings and make predictions. So it's not "crap" but, instead, useful.

I agree that Coe and Allen are better than Fair and Hudson...

However, I am saying take his rankings with a grain of salt because they are clearly not accurate, that is backed up by not only my opinion but, college coaches' opinions and more credible ranking sites.

I can see what you're saying. However, I'm not saying that Coe is a solid number 3 or Allen is absolutely the rank he put her. My point wasn't the numerical placing, it was just to show who was ahead of who. Numerics weren't as important.