The COACH

I am not picking at either organization. I have always enjoyed watching the KGC Lady Pride & Memphis Elite teams play over the years. Both organizations have some wonderful athletes and coaches! I can speak from experience on this matter. I have had the opportunity to attend nationals on various levels (D1 to DII to YBOA). The girls were excited to attend "Nationals" when I attended these events. There was no less excitement for the girls depending on the level of the event. I can honestly see both points-of-view and understand your strong position on both ends. Let's please remember though that if this NEW RULE was conducted in an "open" forum where each vote was given equal weight, then it's not any 1 person, team, or organization that is to blame for the outcome. If any 1 person could control things, then I wouldn't be worried about who is going to be the next President of the United States. I can only do what I can do! My daughter no longer plays AAU (that is her choice). If she chooses to play AAU one day (that will be her choice). I will accept whatever rule has been implemented in whatever areana (AAU to YBOA) she chooses to participate. If her future team has a hard time qualifying for D1 nationals, then it sounds only wise to work towards the DII Nationals and so forth and so on. Attending the DII Nationals doesn't make girls any less excited for what they have achieved and realistically gives them a shot at playing and doing well against similar competition. I personally don't want to see my daughter attend a D1 event (when we really know they aren't good enough to attend) and getting beaten by 40 to 50 points in a game. The girls only will feel like failures after such a beating. I blame a situation such as that on the coaches and parents. When they should have gotten positive encouragement to work towards goals that are achieveable, some people tell them the wrong advice because they feel its a status thing and tell them that D1 is the only way. Shame on people like that! We as adults have a responsibility to direct and guide our children to make decisions....but, they ultimately grow up by making "wise" decisions. Everybody have a blessed day!

ptguard12..... That was spoken like a true fan of the sport and a true love for the "children." No reason to add to something that doesn't need clarification. I wish all the young ladies success (most important have FUN) during their respective school season and we will see how well Tennessee Teams will do again next year. Peace!

Spoken like a true and compassionate dad! I assume one of those young ladies was your daughter. My hat is off to this team. From what I hear, they are doing very well. I love basketball, especially when its played by classy people and Miles is a classy man who teaches people to play with heart and show respect. I wish your team nothing but the very best throughout the AAU circuit. I still have to disagree with you on the playing up issue. I know of several situations from my point of view and I am sure that you do from your point of view. Just remember - "One shoe doesn't fit properly on both feet." Have a great day!

I will second Eliteball's comment that there is no need to worry about the 14U teams from West TN. This age group has always been particularly strong throughout the state (with the West being no exception). The Lady Elite have 2 very capable teams of threatning at state. From the information I heard, Miles team was supposed to be a vvvvveeeeerrrryyyy slight bit weaker than James group, but Miles beat them at their local tournament. Of course a few of the post players on James were injured and unable to play in that game. I suspect that both teams will do well in sub-state and as for some kids playing up that was mentioned earlier. Everybody develops in their own time and if a child puts in the time and develops quicker then that child should play up and continue to challenge themselves. If other children see that then it will push them to work harder and attempt to catch the children setting the example. Besides with some kids playing up, other kids get an opportunity to show what they can do and not ride the pine with a Phenom always being on the court in front of them. Substates are around the corner....with states coming soon. I wish the very best to all the teams in TN. Ultimately, no matter who wins in TN, we all pull for the TN team(s) at Nationals. That team(s) is representing our state! Have a great day!

That will depend....you say depend on what! I have heard that the 15U Exposure team from the Memphis Elite is a group that will dominate any group in Tennessee. I contacted some of my contacts that have seen them play and they spoke very highly of them, but did mention that there were no good teams in their division to test this group. What does anybody else know about this Exposure group? They may not even be doing the normal AAU stuff. Maybe they can play a scrimmage with the 15U Team Pride, if they aren't doing the AAU circuit. Any comments

I am curious to see what somebody will say about how the 13U teams (statewide) would stack up against each other.....if we had state today. PTGUARD give this a shot. I have my opinions, but I don't want to give any opinions until I see yours. I enjoy the information on the 14U group.

Actually, I believe they don't have 14U team.....but, they do have a 16U Exposure group themselves. Don't know much about that group though!

Why is the Memphis Glory teams not participating in this event? Just Curious!

What about other TN teams? Is there a website?

That's basic basketball understanding! Yes, everybody would love to have Mama SHAQ, but few do. Please read the facts that were presented....those are the reasons they lost and not that they didn't have a 6'2" inside player. Case in point...ask how they beat the 14U Team Pride (state champions). They apparently didn't need the 6'2" player at that point...did they? I have no ties to this team, I only call it the way I see it on the court. They are the best team in the nation.....I am sure they will accept any challenge to back that point up. thumb

Please don't make statements that have no basis as mentioned above....I stand firm on my experience and understanding and observation. The game is not played on paper, but rather on the court. The best team in the nation for 13U got beaten as everybody can on any given day by just about anybody, depending on the circumstances. The best team is and was the 13U West TN Lady Tigers/Elite. I have watched hundreds of teams in that age group and stand firm that they were the best. Unfortunately, they can't prevail when they shoot approximately 15% and are called for approximately 78% of the fouls called during their respective losses. Sometimes it just wasn't meant to be! thumb

I read as well what you stated above.....Did anybody see the games and could anybody provide details as to what happened? I am extremely surprised about West TN losing. They were my pick to win it all. I am happy to see several TN teams finishing in the top 10. thumb

WOW! What happened to Shelbyville and West TN Lady Tigers/Elite? I picked West TN to win the 13U nationals. It looks like Oklahoma Select took their air out and Indiana's Finest took the plug out and caused their boat to sink. Did anybody see the games firsthand and could you provide in-depth information?

Please respond on this initial post, because this is something that I am curious about.

First of all its an honor to win the opportunity to advance to state. So all of these teams should be proud of their accomplishments. I know most teams so I thought I would help you out with a little insight into the teams that you didn't know anything about. THOUGHT I WOULD HELP YOU OUT: The Wings have good shooters (when their shot is on). You must respect the outside, because they will rip you if you don't. The KGC team is solid and actually my pick to win the state. Don't see too many areas that this team is lacking. Saw the Glory (Memphis team) and they are too overmatched on the guard spots. Their guards are too short so it will be tough to get a shot off, but they can pass fairly well. Their big people seem to get either in foul trouble easily and/or don't play tall (even though they are fairly tall). They may advance though, because they are in the weaker pool. I suspect they will finish 3rd behind the Trotters and Crushers though. thumb