devildog

With the season winding down and no team seeming to take charge, how do you see the district shaking out? I don't see any team in our district capable of being competitive on the state level. This is in direct contrast to years past when 2 and sometimes 3 teams seemed a threat to win it all. Am I wrong when I say the district is somewhat down?

With the county finally getting down to business and finalizing plans for a new Lebanon High School, the question of facilites should be answered in the next 2-3 years. At least I certainly hope so.

You mean to tell me that Mitchell went 'zone' one time down the floor and them went 'man'? And then maybe changed back to 'zone'? Absolute coaching genious! I hope the other coaches in the district don't read your post. You are probably revealing top secret information and are possibly changing the very fabric on which coaching decisions are based. I'm just like you. I have a nose and I have an opinion. What I don't have, however, is a dog in this fight. I am neither from Cookeville or Murfreesboro. I have simply watched 7AAA basketball for years and am giving readers a take on what I think.

...........and as of now, they are 14-8 overall and 7-3 in the district. And, Coach Brown and the girls have done this with pure hustle and desire. Not to disrespect the girls, but the Devilettes do not a single girl that is reliable from the 3 point line. If they had a shooter or two, we would be including these young ladies in the discussion for the 'Gold Ball'. With a strong freshmen group and a solid 8th grade class coming up, I look for Lebanon to be District favorites for years to come. To think that only 2 short years ago, they were an absolute embarassment.

To put my 2 cents worth in, Mitchell has had plenty of talent the last few years and vastly underachieved. He put together a nice team last year and granted, he is currently having a fine year, but I can't forget the problems he has had in the past. Randy King just doesn't have off years. I agree his 'Talent' pool is much greater than White Co.'s (although his overall student numbers may not be), but in my mind that doesn't diminish what he has accomplished. He takes the talent and then he produces. Several years ago, when Siegel first opened its doors, he lost Oden, Jones, Ramsey and Roper, among others. It didn't seem to set him back one little bit. I'll take Randy King over Mitchell. As a matter of fact, I will take Keil, Turnham and Bray as well.

No doubt in my mind that O'keefe McCarver is not only the best playmaker, but also the best scorer and best player. As a matter of fact, I believe McCarver is one of the top players in the district. He is the focus of every teams defense, yet he still manages to get his 20 most nights. He has led Lebanon to a surprising 4-4 district record (I know the record books show 4-5, but the loss at White Co. on Tuesday does not count, kinda like the Oklahoma people don't count the loss at Oregon.) Ken has missed around 6 games for injury and suspension. He is just now getting back to 100%.

It wasn't a shot, it was a heave, from just inside half-court, and it wasn't a foul to Ken Melton, the supervisor of officials calling the game and standing within 10 of the play. It was called from 50 feet away by the official under the basket. A shame that Lebanon had to lose in that fashion. They had put themselves in postion to be tied for 4th with a win. But then again, when you go to Sparta, you have to take your vaseline with you.

What happened to Wortman? Is he coaching somewhere?

It will be homcoming and if I remember correctly, they beat the #1 Siegel Stars 74-58 during last year's homecoming. I agree it will be an uphill battle, but then again, so was last year's upset.

I would take McCarver over any of those 'Guards' except Allen. Even though Thomas, Smith and Wade are listed as guards, they are not guards. And, yes, I would take McCarver over Cutter and Carter. Carter? Gimme a break. There is, believe it or not, talent outside the city limits of Murfreesboro.

Don't give me the 'poor officiating' crap. It was weak both ways. I compliment Siegel and I instantly regret it. They got beat. Lebanon was the better team on this night. If not for some questionable calls, Lebanon wins in regulation. If Siegel hits some freethrows (from those highly questionable calls), Siegel wins in regulation. Just a great game. Don't ruin it with excuses.

Senior.

I hate to admit it but Cutter is the real deal. I was very impressed with his game. He hit 3 three's with people all over him. His game has improved tremendously since last year. He still, however, turns me off with his shenanigans. His smirks when he scores or makes a nice pass are unnecessary. His jawing with the crowd is certainly uncalled for. And, lastly, his general demeanor is just something that I don't appreciate as a basketball fan. I also was impressed with the intensity of the Siegel team. They played harder tonight than any Siegel team I have ever seen. This could be Coach Harris' finest coaching job. I really wish people could watch Lebanon's O'Keefe McCarver night in and night out like I do. If he played for one of the Murfreesboro schools, CoachT would be full of him. He is as good as any guard in the league not named Chaisson. He can shoot (yes, even as good as Carter and Cutter), penetrate and get to the hole almost at will, and can 'D' up with anyone. He could be the MVP of the district. I can't think of anyone that could be more valuable to their team than him. Congratulations to Coach Keil for a great game plan and a nice win.

By blocking out.

.....and Lebanon @ Wilson Central

I think you may be overlooking Lebanon. They are regularly picked low and usually surprise. Last year they beat Siegel and knocked Oakland out in the district semis. They split with Riverdale and had Cookeville beat twice, only to lose both by 2 on late controversial plays. Last year they had to replace 5 starters. This year, they are doing the same. They put a whupping on Culleoka (admittedly single 'A' but a good single 'A') and looked really good in the process. They are typically agressive and well-coached. That being said, I like: 1. Oakland 2. Blackman 3. Lebanon 4. Riverdale 5. Siegel 6. White Co. 7. Cookeville 8. Warren Co.

I guess I get to quote myself. Lebanon played 94 feet and got after Culleoka's tail. They won 62-44 and Culleoka looked totally out of sync. Lebanon jumped up 11-0 and led by that margin pretty much the entire game. Demario Williams went out in late in the 3rd with Culleoka down by 11. I was really looking forward to seeing Williams play but was sorely disappointed. He played out of control the whole night and outside of a couple long 3's, was a nonfactor. Lebanon's Alex Johnson (and others) did a fantastic job of defending him. Lebanon's defense was absolutely dominating. If they can keep this up, they should be able to play with the big boys in the 7AAA.

I agree that Lebanon is generally overlooked and usually surprises in the district. I believe it could happen again. They have the aforementioned O'keefe McCarver and Ken Walton. They also have some inside muscle with Herschel McCathern and some solid role players in Alex Johnson, Terrence Logue, Conner Burger and some good young players led by Xavier Smith. I look for Lebanon to, again, cause some shake-up in the district. With the graduation problems of Siegel, Cookeville, White Co. and Warren Co., I see Lebanon in a good position to finish in the top half of the district.

They did lose their 5 starters, but have able replacements. Ken Walton is as explosive (in several ways) as anybody in the district and O'Keefe McCarver is going to surprise people with his leadership. A big key will be if their big man, Herschel McCathern can develop. He is young and raw but very talented. They have strong role players to fill out the team. It will be like last year. Possible low expectations, but hopefully a big surprise in the district.

I reckon' we'll see.

Lebanon will have a new starting five, which means I really don't know how they will do. One thing I do know, however, they will play 94 feet and they will get after your tail! If you play for Coach Keil, you play with heart.

With the coaching change at Lebanon, do you think the Devilettes will be better? I know the new coach, Darian Brown, is working hard and is optimistic. I, too, am optimistic. He has more girls (around 35) in the program than in the last 3 years put together. I am looking forward to seeing them play.

I'm sure Mr. Hassler will be involved in the process, as he should be. I assume that Mr. Benson will do the dirty work and they, together, will hire the best person for the job. If I remember correctly, Kip Puryear was the principal when the Dillegard was chosen. I don't know the circumstances surrounding her hiring but I think it is safe to say that Mr. Puryear's input would have been disruptive at best.

I was stunned when Jones reentered the game. Siegel had made a little run and was back in the game. It was a desperate move. I sure didn't understand it. Like I said on another thread, Dodson is crazy to watch. I can't decide who's in charge.

I couldn't agree more. The decision is in very capable hands. Sup, Memaw?