Little Joe

****** According to the newspaper & radio in Dyersburg, she's got a severe sprain of her knee, not the one she tore her acl in last year..my guess is with college out of the way & my impression of Coffman, she'll be brought along real slow cause that program realizes she's the ticket to their goals & not a necessity to have her on the floor till tournaments plus it benefits the program getting the younger girls valuable experience for this year and next...hope she's well enough to play before then though...we'll see...

************* Obion is not this district's sure fire winner but should be in the race..this district is just too tough....Jana is good but lets see everyone play then decide who's the best player in the district...it appears the team that's the most healthy may occupy the top spot. Dyersburg was impressive at the jamboree & if their athletes can play together, they will be very tough..getting their big girl back healthy would probably push them above everyone else in this district and talk before she went down was that she was playing the perimeter so that matchup would be awesome... I can't wait to watch how this district shapes up....

I heard that both Dyer County teams had played before they got to Dyersburg...probably a good thing cause while the DC girls looked good, if Lake had been hitting anything, the score would have been closer..the only bad thing is that the district they're in is much tougher than Lake County. I hope they play Dyersburg before Holloway gets back so the game will be a little closer..I really enjoy close games during the season cause it gives you metal for the tournament... DC boys were the most impressive of any team there, in my opinion. If they can keep that up, a good year awaits... Can't wait to watch all the games!!!

*** Sorry for the delay..I tried going back & looking for paper clips but remember it was back about 3 years ago and they came in 3rd in the nation for that age group...if not mistaken...sorry I can't find more specifics than that at this time...

1) Obion..they return more proven players & based on last year, remain on top till someone knocks them off... 2) Westview...the level of talent is never that bare..names may change but system is proven & will be tough by tourney time..... 3) Gibson Co...yea, got fundamentals down but lack some experience & size plus depth may be an issue... 4) Dyersburg...really the big mystery of the district..lost alot when the big girl went down last year & if she's back strong, so will be this team...best watch them cause with Coffman and the athletes they have, if everyone stays healthy, could blow this district away but big IFs.... 5) Milan...almost as athletic as Dburg but fundamentals & coaching until proven, will continue to look up at the rest of this tough district... 6) Crocket Co...again, got some athletes & should compete but inconsistent & until that's resolved, always what could have been..interesting to see what that group that's played together for years will do their senior year... 7) Dyer Co....pray for them cause they'll have a tough year with alot of youth & growing pains along the way..... Again, Dburg the unknown...if they play like they're capable, watch out..this group suprised everyone a few years ago in Orlando so the ability is there...if healthy..Just my humble opinion though...

I think Roney has a shot if they have a good year. Holloway's situation will depend of if she's back healthy and finally aggressive on offense...talk is she's developed a 3 point shot so it will be interesting to see how successful that is...I would also think Delk from Jackson Northside may have a chance if she has a good year & her team can cause a stir.....can't wait to see how it pans out....

Great young lady with top notch parents coming from a class program and going right into another one...great match for everyone involved. Her unselfish play, determination and heart along with her ability will no doubt keep that program at or near the top the next four years...congrads!!!

I am shocked no one has mentioned any possibilities from west tn other than Trull?? What about the Delk girl at JNS or Roney from OCCHS? If the big girl from Dyersburg is back & better, she may have a shot as well... West Tn has talent too but it's probably a bit early to even be talking bout this....let's see who shakes out after the christmas holidays!!! I can't wait!!!

Roney makes this team go but Reedy can take some heat off her if she becomes consistent. If they have a good year, look for Roney to be mentioned as a AA Ms. Basketball candidate. Another thing that would help the team is no more distractions about their coach and the job he's doing but with the district they're in, no doubt a challenge remains. I think they're a bit soft in the middle & against an athletic team, they may struggle unless the coach's scheme is solid. My guess is they'll still end up in the top 3 of the district...

Talk going around at the 13 AA Tournament last nite was that it may have been Dyer County Coach Stafford's last game..anyone heard any truth to that? While I'd hate to see anyone knocked out of a job, I have not seen the talent cultivated and brought along this year like I thought it would. She appears to be a good person and class act though who may be in a no win situation & she's done the best anyone could have done... What's the word???

I thought it was a sloppy game both ways..the Lady Rebs probably had homecoming on their mind & who knows where the Lady Trojans had their mind. Pretty obvious though the team that wanted it more, won....congrads...hope both teams go far in the tournaments....

I'd have to say the Lady Trojans of Dyersburg... Injury hit them hard & as a result, several younger players are getting serious playing time now that should make them a favorite next year but imagine how tough they'd be this year with all their girls playing...... The suprise, I guess, is that in spite of all the injuries, no one still wants Dyersburg girls come tournament time...... this year or next year!!!

I bet the Lady Trojans would like another shot at JNS...the teams split the regular season & the last time they played, the Lady Trojans were still trying to find their roles plus we now have Strayhorn back..besides playing JNS means we're in the regionals and anything can happen from there.....

Big win! They may have been overlooked a bit but no doubt Coffman would say it was one game that showed some progress the girls have made thru their hard work...They have been slowly adjusting to playing without Holloway (thought her name was Kayla) or Strayhorn and it's good to hear that their confidence is finally coming back & they are playing like they're beginning to get comfortable in their new roles..congraduations lady trojans on a big win & it was great to have Strayhorn back.....finally!!!

Got somethings to say regarding talk bout the Lady Rebs Coach.....leave the man alone & let him coach... I have heard ever since about the second week of December, bad mouthing towards the coach & his program...1) remember Spencer, 2) whoever you get to replace him could be worse since Obion's record regarding coaches is not the best in the state, 3)since bad mouthing coaches has been done for years with how many state championships hanging around the pit, why not try lifting him and the girls up with positve feedback and support rather than tearing the man and his program down......and if all that fails, try harder to remember Spencer!!!

I managed to watch Obion Co a couple of times during the Dyersburg Christmas Tournament & they have some problems..not sure what they are though...good, hard working group of girls, no doubt but don't think a Westview win will be an upset at the Pit or anywhere else the way the girls are playing now... No doubt they'll bring the effort and heart and unless Westview can match their desire & play some defense, those lady rebels could get a big district win.....

While attending games since Holloway's injury, I have noticed some panic and confusion in both players and fans regarding their play. Granted, the injury bug has hit the team hard this year but two messages I want to deliver in this forum... One to the girls, have faith in yourself and your coach. You played this summer without Holloway for the most part and did great...get back to basics & trust in each other..otherwise, this season has the possibility of getting away from you... Second to the fans, trust the coach cause after all, it is his program. Now, I am not the biggest Coffman fan at times but he's running the same plays he has always ran with or without Holloway and Strayhorn...been doing that since he arrived there so the girls should know the plays but he can't be accountable for execution cause the kids do that and that is what the problem is now.. Besides, did they not do the same thing during their AAU runs, with Holloway in foul trouble most of the time from what I heard, and had great success?? Bet he was a great coach then.... Times like these test everyone from fans, coaches to players..let's support one another cause in this district and region, only as a family will we succeed....My guess is they'll do much better once they regain their focus so let's only provide positive feedback till they do...help the situation don't hinder it.....

I'm keeping Kayla in my prayers and encourage everyone to do the same. From what little I saw friday nite when she got hurt, my money's on her coming back better than ever because of her determination to be the best, the obvious support from her family and the quite apparent fact that she's captured the hearts of her coaches, teammates and fans that support dyersburg high school sports..not to mention the extended family she touched this summer playing for nike.... Ger your health straight, heal up properly then come back and dominate...look forward to seeing you compete again soon....

I was very impressed with Gleason's performance against Dyersburg. Lake Co impressed me against Dyer Co but Gleason is no Dyer Co.... This early in the year, I say Gleason has the advantage but by tournament time, if Lake Co's coach can get his big girl to play with some of the same hustle the Wallace girl and the point guard did, look out... Lake was impressive and will only get better... Gleason by 20 this time around... Another great game will be when Gleason plays Dyersburg again in their Christmas Tournament.... Wonder if Lake Co girls will play in any holiday tournaments?? It could only help them get experience and exposure for the second season......

I managed to catch their game at Dyersburg, against a very good AAA team. I agree with their C+ rating for that game too. Perimeter folks can handle the rock & provided decent pressure but interior defense seemed shakey....I would not be too concerned though cause that's why they play nondistrict games, to sharpen those skills for the games that matter most...... No doubt, based on what I saw, they'll be ready to roll when district play starts....They did not run as much that game as they did last year...guess that was my biggest suprise......still got those shooters nailing those threes though!!!

First of all, mrbigster, I appreciate the help in pointing out the obvious to others who read this merely to seek out something to argue about. You put it very well and I appreciate knowing that some on this format, take the time to read before responding.... Second, let me clarify that I was NOT saying Dyersburg was throwing away this season merely because of a lack of experience. I have full confidence in their ability and as the season progresses, experience will come which should make them tough in tournaments...unlike other schools, I don't see Dyersburg playing this year merely for next year or future years benefit....that program, like Westview, Gibson Co, Obion, and other programs throughout the state, play fully expecting to compete for championships EVERY year......as they will this year...much unlike other programs I will not mention on this forum.......

Let's face the facts...Dyersburg is one of the youngest teams in our district..They are going to have several up and down games before they settle down and play up to their potential..no need for anyone to panic...they got alot to learn & no doubt Coffman will use every opportunity provided to get them ready for the second season (tournaments)... I hope they are quick learners though cause Sat afternoon was ugly...against a very good, well coached Gleason team too... Hudson was impressive as were the rest of the team... Hope to see them at the Boro with the lady trojans!!!

I agree...Dyersburg will struggle...folks need to remember though that (a) Coffman is a defensive minded coach & girls that don't commit to defense, won't play long and ( Strayhorn's biggest asset is her defense & if the point guards they are now using play defense the way Coffman wants, they'll stay put & he'll use Strayhorn as shooting guard...defense wins championships not offense.... Every team I've seen play has alot of work ahead but that's why tournaments are at the end of a season....... It will be a great year, no doubt......

Fall league showed me nothing cause most teams did not play with core players and coaches make a big difference. I see District 13 breaking down as follows: 1)Dyersburg...more athletic than last year and when these girls mature, coupled with the coaching already in place, they could be a dangerous team that makes another run at the Boro.. 2)Westview...new coach a winner and got core players back but without defensive mind set, not sure how far they will go.... 3)Gibson Co..coach makes them dangerous but unless Dudley plays defense & gets help on offense, she can only carry them so far in this tough region...remember last year... 4)Crockett Co..too many core players returning who are athletic but got to commit to fundamentals. If they have not done so and gotten better, Obion will overtake them.. 5)Obion Co..hard working gals with heart no one can question but slower foot speed than teams mentioned above and not sure how they will match up against more athletic, quicker teams..remember Austin East 6)Milan...returning some talent but fundamentally not as solid as teams I rank above them..could suprise though... 7)Dyer Co...not in same class but playing for experience towards next two years....again... The teams in the other district that I look to advance are: 1) Haywood Co...too athletic and quick...a total team package if they have some maturity and commit to defense...my guess is they will give District 13 fits... 2) Jackson NS....their bigs are coming back..if they get decent guard play, could be a tough team.. 3)Covington...considered a sleeper team cause they have athletic girls who only lack fundamentals..not sure how much they've progressed over the summer but we'll soon see.. 4) USJ...another coach who's impressed me... If the girls listen, play with heart similar to Obion Co, could suprise some teams come tourny time!! But, as said before...that's why they play the games.. I look forward to the season & like everyone says, every nite will be a war!!! Both districts have quality coaches and no doubt the one who can make and apply game time adjustments will have a slight advantage as well.... Good luck to all the teams & I sure hope one of them brings the gold to west Tn.......

thumb I'd just like to say congrads to both teams... MJ is the best & after the performance of their kids, well deserved!! I noticed when they left, they were respectful and complementary of the Lady Trojans and their program as were MJ's fans which speaks volumes for that school, administrators and community... As for the Lady Trojans, not enough can be said as to the respect you earned as players, coaches and fans for the heart and effort displayed....folks will be talking bout that game for many years to come no doubt..... Outstanding job by both schools...I think anyone there would agree, the atmosphere witnessed Sat nite is what high school basketball should be all about...there were no losers Sat Nite!!!!!