justdunkit

I heard there was a lot of trash talking from Brainerd before and during this game. Seems like it backfired.  Come on Haywood and Coach Dancy need two more wins.

2017 was a weak senior class. The local standouts: Pratt(CC), Bromley(LEX), Cunningham(SS), Keith(HUNT), Pearson(BRU) and the others I didn't name are either headed for NAIA schools or Division 2 schools.

I dont think it was necessarily a weak class.  We sent four teams from the area to state, five if you count DII.  All those teams had some seniors leading the way.  I think one of the major setbacks for girls in this area is exposure OUTSIDE of this area.  I know personally 3 out of the 4 girls that got D1 offers play on travel teams.  I know personally that Crawford and Shutes play travel ball extensively and are recruited heavily.  Travel ball is not cheap and I would love to see a travel team for the West TN area.  I think that maybe the major reason we dont see so many offers.  What do you think? 

To my knowledge there are four ladies committed to D1 schools this year. Jones (MTSU), King (SIUE), Pipkin (UTM) and Perry (UTM).  Are there any others out there that I may have missed?  If not, why do you think an area so rich in girls basketball have so few D1 commits?

Who finishes where?? 1-4 is WIDE open with the injury to Tasia Jones.

I agree with you that 1-4 is WIDE open.  I'm not ready to crown Westview just yet.  They have an incredible post player in Deja but if you get in a running match with this team they cant keep up. And without Titi Vincent you lose speed and a good defender.  I think they will struggle without Tasia, and maybe some when she gets back.

South Gibson only district loses last year were to Westview  and they came in second in the district and region.  They almost beat Haywood in sectionals and it seems they have a stronger team this year.

Milan with coach Eddings and Xzandrea in the middle I think they have a shot at beating Westview also. X is a very athletic post and I think Eddings will be good for her. If they get good guard play they will be a tough out. 

Dyersburg is quick and if you get in a running match with them, Lady Bug (Jamirah Shutes mini me) will run you out the gym.  They also have a  larger post presence this year. 

I think we are in for a very entertaining season. 

Look for Xzandrea Moore from Milan to become a team leader this year on a very talented team.

Elli Pratt at Crockett County 

Cheyenne Cunningham at South Side

Allie Smithson at Gibson 

Justyce White at Gibson

Not sure if they are top tier players or role players in a good system. MOST of the girls in the top 10 can create a shot on their own. Haven't seen enough of the Gibson County girls to see if it's true of them.   I defer to GCPioneer might have more insight on them.

I didn't say a college coach needed anything to justify their decision, I said notice a kid. Notice- to become aware; bring to attention of.   An article can be used by a kid for their own recruiting.  I'm a transit to this area so I read this paper and several others.  Just strange to see such a glaring difference in this particular one.  Maybe that comes from seeing things in a different light. 

http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/08/29/chesters-pipkin-made-move-soccer-volleyball/89561000/

****I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE ATHLETE, I'M TALKING ABOUT THE REPORTING*** 

Now that I have got that out the way.  This is partially what someone said about bias reporting. When was the last time a Chester County volleyball player had a feature article? Or when was it newsworthy that an athlete changed sports especially a sport that is not their main focus?  

I bring this up because there are athletes out there that may need an article or two to get some people (college coaches) to take notice of them.  This area has some great athletes, some talents that have not been recognized.  I'm just saying shine the spotlight a little bit wider Micheal. 

How can a guy who has never won a region tournament game be considered one of the best coaches in west tn?

Who you talking about?

Carla Wyatt from South Gibson, hands down.  First year high school coach with 20 wins in a district that has AA powerhouse Westview.  Also reached sub state in a region that has Chester County, Lexington, South Side and Dyersburg in it.

Just quickly scanning the games listed, most all communities and classifications were represented. All the games listed that I have personal knowledge about were great ones...what's your point?

I am sure they were great games and I cant argue any of them because I was not there. A few girls basketball games that I think should have made it...

1. South Side vs Haywood girls with the game coming down to a full court drive with time running out.

2. Westview vs Chester County girls regional semi-final with two of the top players going at it and one forcing OT and the win.

3. Haywood vs South Gibson girls sub state SG down by 15+ early to come back only to lose in the final minutes with key player fouling out and another one getting hurt.

I think it was a great season for girls basketball and with a great crop of seniors this year I don't know if we will see anything like this upcoming season in West TN for a while. I just hope Michael can keep up.

I have not at anytime mentioned anyones name and actually stated that the players selected are good. So I dont see what your talking about saying, "getting on here and saying that any of these kids don't deserve it, well In my opinion is quite tacky"   I asked a question of who would be your pick? Someone stated that the reporter was bias and I agreed with them.  

At no time has anyone bashed any kid.  This post wasnt even about the kids it was the reporting. 

Hey Justdunkit,

Here is your girl at #1! (and well deserved!)

http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/07/19/top-rising-juniors-season/87319712/

Do you still want to claim a bias towards Chester, USJ and TCA?  Juat an FYI, the three girls that you claim that there is a bias towards are not just one sport athletes.  All 3 play and excell in multiple sports!  Two of the three kids you claim that Odom gives bias towards are allstate in  basketball AND soccer and the third is allstate in three sports (basketball, soccer and cross country).

PS  everything in this world revolves around the almighty dollar and I would bet that there are 20 times the subscribers to The Jackson Sun in Henderson and Jackson as there are in Brownsville.  So, if there is a bias, it is probably financially motivated.  Welcome to Earth!

First of all I don't think if someone plays 12 different sports that should matter.  We are talking about 1 sport on this forum...BASKETBALL...and how the local paper represents the BASKETBALL talent. Second of all I dont live in Brownsville and I nor you, I suspect, know how many subscribers there are in either city.  And finally for you to say that the paper picks which athletes they report on based on subscriptions is a sad commentary for sports in this area.  I pray that this is just your view and not factual.

PS.  Also its got to be sad to think everything is financially motivated. Some of the best things in life are free.

If you are asking that question then you dont read the Jackson Sun that often.  One example is there is a D2 girls program that has won one playoff game in three years and that team and player is All West TN every year.  There is another program that hasnt been relevant for almost 20 years.  The past two years, with the help of ONE outstanding player, that D1 AA team has won the district, region and made it to state.  That player has changed a program and was only a sophomore but you rarely hear anything about her or the program.

Pay close attention and you will see 3 schools/players mention 85%-90% of the time by Jackson Sun.  I will not mention the girls because they are not the blame and are good players but so are so many others in this region.  If we are mentioning teams look for USJ, TCA and Chester County 

Just saw the Jackson Sun dirty dozen and it's way off. I agree with Westview and Middleton but no way Haywood should be ahead of South Side. South Side returns 5 kids who got 20 plus minutes last year. Haywood has 3. And Lexington probably is better than number 12. Peabody should be ahead of Gibson County and Gleason probably should be top 5. But hey it's politics.

Just read the Jackson Sun also its so bias its not worth the read.  Good thing the game is played on the floor versus in print.  Also tired of seeing the same 3 players always being mentioned.  It would be nice to see some diversity in that paper!!!

I'd put Fuller at South Side ahead of Dancy. Hes built a solid program and still get quality wins after losing outstanding players like Merriweather, Barford, Hicks and Mcneal. Anxious to see how his team does this year.

Im not comparing Dancy against any other coach or their accomplishments. I think he has done a good job with what he has to work with. The post was about "Best Coaches" and IMO Dancy is one of the best around.  

Haywood is a hotbed for talent, they always put a good team on the floor. Not saying he is not a good coach, but can he coach if he didn't have the talent is my question. Anyone can coach talent. Can he rebuild a program is what I'm saying. That would put him in another category.

Every time you respond you keep giving ammo as to why Dancy is a good coach.  Haywood IS a hotbed for talent but why were they never able to put a championship team on the floor. They lacked discipline and played "me first" ball. They had NBA players like Delk and Varnardo but never got out of the first round, if they even got out of their district.  If all this talent was in Haywood why hadnt they won until he came?  If anyone could coach talent why didnt any of those previous talent laden Haywood team win a state championship?

I know people might not like him personally but you cant hold that against what this guy has done.

Ok, that explains a lot.  I am fairly new to the area and didnt quite understand the preferential reporting.  I saw some girls that changed entire programs and they hardly ever get mentioned. Thanks for the insight.

This article had only 2 girl basketball players mentioned for 2015-2016 season.  Do you think it was a fair representation of the talent in the West TN area?  Who would be some of your picks?

http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/06/27/top-performers-season/86450450/

Why should they put more into facilities if he don't put the time in with his players. Do you ever see Dancy in the summer time? He had that team since middle school that won the state. So you don't really have to do much, but if you put in that extra work just imagine how good they would be. Not knocking him or hating on him, just don't think he is 1 of the best coaches. also, the team he put on the floor last year was no push over. 3 of his starters was playing major minutes so not really a down year

Prior to Dancy taking over how many 20 win seasons did Haywood have?  Every since he has been at Haywood he has averaged 20+ wins every season PLUS a state championship.  What Haywood team has won or even been in the state finals prior to Dancy? Your post shows how good of a coach he is if he can maintain a competitive group from middle school through high and win the ultimate prize.  All this guy does is win!!!

I think Kendal Dancy at Haywood has done the most with the least recently.  Not only did he lose a ton of talent to graduation he doesnt have alot of help from administration. If Haywood put a little more in their facilites and programs I think this guy could put state contenders on the floor every year.

Heard King has D1 offers. Is she that good?

She is probably one of the most athletic players to ever come through Northwest TN in a while.  She has only played 2 years of varsity basketball and has a D1 offer.  The offer came after she sat out a year.  THE KID CAN FLAT OUT PLAY!!!

I dont get the hype with Westview this year.  I dont think they will be as good as predicted.  Last year Westview barely beat Chester County in region semi's and the only reason Westview pulled it out was because of Jones.  Of course, Jones will not be there this year neither the defensive specialist Vincent.  Westview is coached well but I dont think they have what it takes to go back to state without those two components.

Your dark horses for this year will be South Gibson and Dyersburg.  Both showed well in district and region tournament last year.  They have some talented players in King for SG and Thompson for DG. Both teams have added some good role players and Scott is a beast at SG.

I heard that Briana Fields (Gibson), Morgan and Natalie Martin (Bradford) are going to Bethel. Hope Neyman (South Gibson) going to Blue Mountain College in MS.