chattaauhoops

Great conversation with good points made by all. Kind of a zone vs. man defense argument- both ways have advantages. 1. Kid must have the ability and desire to play 2. Parents must support that desire and be honest about kids ability 3. HS coach must promote those talent worthy 4. Travel coaches Must have the right motive College ball IMO is an honor at any level. I applaud the 95% of kids who play ball to be involved, be a part of a team, learn life lessons and discipline and understand that they will never be a star or play at the next level. The 50% of kids who get very few minutes but sit the bench and cheer for their friends and don't quit over playing time. Volunteer Coaches who stay after practice to rebound for the kid who wants to get up some extra shots. That's what basketball use to be and still is for the majority.

Makes Sense. Easy fix though with those athletes.

Well stated. AAU and Exposure are very different but most categorize it all under one blanket. AAU should provide skill development and encourage team play and love of the game. Exposure IMO is for the very elite 5% that have a "chance" to play at the next level. "Exposure" before High School is mostly non existent.

Agreed. Kudos to both teams for seeking out good competition. These type games will pay off come playoff time.

This could be Cleveland's year. Tons of buzz around this team right now.

Who could be unhappy with 12-1? Congrats to Cleveland on an excellent record so far.

Yes I thought Tyner had some missed opportunities but I'm happy for those Brainerd kids. That game means a lot to the players on both sides. Brainerd vs McCallie will be a good one.

Interesting bracket for Best of Preps. Do I go all private or all public in the finals? Could be Baylor vs. McCallie or Tyner vs. Brainerd.....or of course a mixed combination. Either way, the boys side should be good basketball and fun to watch. Good luck fellas.

Probably. It will be fun to watch but maybe a slight edge to the Rams.

Coach High is a legend and produced quality young men who are now successful in life. And just so happened to win several gold balls. In that order.

Tyner is better than I thought. Red Bank has some work to do but they can get better. I want to see Tyner and Brainerd hook up.

That's a fair point and I respect that about the rural kids that can play. Those type are all over and are the ones that rarely have any shot of making these lists. I am for kids period. Any travel team that develops skills is a good thing. What I don't like is: For this amount we will promote you on social media, this amount we will promote you on video, etc. Most families cannot afford these promo packages.

I watched the game and was very impressed with both teams. Admittedly, I am a fan of HH and the talent is well documented there. I thought the young Rawls kid did very well off the bench. East is a team that could win it all again. They had trouble in the paint vs. HH's length. I know the debate about Penny coaching them, etc. but if we all watch the ESPN 30 for 30 about that program and his role, I believe he is doing it for the right reason. Penny could be doing a lot of other things with the $ he earned in the league. Those kids can play and are fortunate to have a skilled coach that can advance their skills.

MM- You are exactly right. Certain programs and "scouting services" that charge these kids tons of money is what has given AAU/ Exposure ball such a bad name. For many years, the programs we have offered are funded through hard work (car washes, hosting tournaments) by the kids, but NOT asking parents to write a check. I feel bad when I see these kids paying sometimes $1000's and then attending so many "exposure" camps so they can be "ranked." Trust me, College Coaches NEVER look at these so called lists and services.

Wow! lol

Disregard this list. It is strictly a promotion for kids who are in a certain program, play for a certain coach and is a somewhat pay to play system of attending NEB tournaments and camps. There are as many as 10-12 ommsions in each class that could be substituted and replace kids that are on the list. Not the fault of any kids listed or not listed - just a money making scheme for those involved.

Here's my assessment: Brainerd and Tyner will be the teams to beat in Chatt. Central lost some quality talent and Red Bank may have a good night somewhere along the way. I haven't seen Cleveland but heard Curry scored 40 last week. Maybe E Ham can challenge them in AAA? I hope the Ooltewah kids can bounce back and enjoy this season. McCallie is a little better than Baylor but never count on anything when those 2 play. Non Member HH is a must watch for hoop junkies. Lace em up and have some fun young fellas.

Congrats! Good win over a good team.

OR vs McCallie will be strong! Both have quality high level players and 2 of the best Coaches in the State. Shulman was our Coach at Chattanooga for years and had successs there while Green has big time experience in his genes and history. I love to see the good teams seek out good competition early rather than pad the schedule with wins.

Hamilton Heights and Bradley Central will be very strong boasting some of the best talent in the state. Sources say HH could be a top 20 nationally ranked team this year. 2016 had a great class of young ladies that have moved on to the next level from the Chatt area. It will be interesting to see who emerges this year.

My contacts in Cleveland are very high on Curry from Cleveland High. This could be a strong team to watch for as well.

I like Red Bank, some potential there -best of luck to your son. I don't know much about Soddy. Who are some of those to watch there? I'll try to catch them at some point. I'm just happy it's Hoop Time!

I believe practice begins today or tomorrow. I am excited to see our local guys compete and represent their schools after a hot summer of AAU and Exposure ball. How will Brainerd do after an incredible late/ post season run last year? Can Central compete without some stars that graduated? Will Tyner get back in the mix? I really hope that Ooltewah can move past the nightmare of last year and have a good season. These kids deserve some good vibes. Can the Owls and E. Ham knock out the teams up north in the Cleveland area? How about the privates? McCallie should be tough and Baylor is always strong and disciplined. I love to watch these 2 play each other. Hamilton Heights should be electric and we will anxiously watch to see so many of the Hawks commit and sign to play at the next level. Will our area compete with the Middle TN and West TN area. The next 5 months will tell. Good luck to all of our area teams, coaches and players. Stay Healthy and get your grades guys!

I see your points and admit some I haven't thought about. It would seem that there is pretty good revenue generated through the district and region tourneys in the % sent to TSSAA who had zero invested in those events hosted by local schools? I bet that $ is not shown in the report you mentioned?