What a first half of the season. These seniors were 1-18 as Freshman. These guys have worked for 4 years and have turned it around. Their coaches have worked years to help them on and off the court. This team is 9 - 1. In a smart move , the coaches made the schedule in a way that they could taste success early. Hard work has made a average team good and hopefully will make a good team great. To even get to the region tournament will be a big hurdle. I will concede they are not the most talented team in the district. They do not have the Stars of Siegel , the tradition and players of Oakland or the athletes of RHS. Then you have Cookeville , Warren , Blackman , and Sparta. This District is good this year ! But the guys have come along way. I recognize the journey these guys and coaches have been on and I am impressed.
On top of this , these guys have lost 2 juniors , who would have contributed this year. In theses 2 losses the team & coaches have supported Jon Austin Ash and Craig Hutto to the fulliest. They are still part of the team and feel fortunate to be a Blue Devil. To speak on the charactor of this team and their coachs : when JonAustin was Life flighted to Vandy Coach Kiel and several of his teammates were the first people there. When Craig was attacked by the shark in Floridia , team mates and Coach Kiel ,Brown and Mcdowell made the 10 hour drive immediately.
I wish them a State Championship but I know that is a long shot ! But I appreciate these guys for how far they have come from 1 - 18 as Freshman and commend the coaches for making a differenc. They are a Team. This is what High School sports is about !!!!!!!!!!!!! I know as Jerry Springer would say I need to go to Oprah!!! Enjoy the journey guys , you have earned the ride.