keemom

Greenback will definitely be ready to play. How likely are we to get unbiased officiating? Last year at Hampton we never had chance. We had Hampton fans apologizing in the parking lot because they were embarrassed at the obvious "home cooking" and the Knoxville News Sentinel even focused on the officiating in their coverage of the game. This group of girls have worked very hard to get this far. It will be a shame if they continue to play the way they have the last few weeks and don't at least get a fair shot.

Can anyone tell me if this game will be broadcast and were to tune in? A housebound grandpa would love to listen to his baby girl play.

/tongue.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":P" border="0" alt="tongue.gif" /> Excuse me for going off topic but, I do believe that the thread title mentioned Greenback and the posts here are discussing Greenback players!!!!!. I am pretty sure that both Sparks and Hammontree got as much as they dished out. Sparks was shoved to the floor on at least two occasions with no foul called. And Hammontree was fouled (uncalled) multiple times on most every shot she took and repeatedly by the press defense. Both players were called for quesionable offensive fouls. And as far as setting screens, it is hard not to shuffle your feet when your being pushed in the back. Maybe that's what made it "legal". The smaller, quicker players should have tried to use their speed to go around rather than try unsuccessfully to push thru. As for the difference in the number of fouls most of Oneida's came off the press/guard play not in the paint. And I can state for a fact that both players are working really hard not to get into foul trouble because of lack of depth on the bench. On several occasions Sparks made very smart decisions not to contest shots just to stay out of foul trouble. I can just imagine the amount of tissue wasted if they had brought the all out physical game that they love to play. And you can't fault Sparks for being so strong that players bounce off when they foul her! You have to give them credit. Greenback won this game because of heart and determination. Officiating had nothing to do with it. On a positive note, this Lady Kee team has played with heart and determination and have quietly overcame the adversity of loosing a key starter. Each player has stepped up in her own way and helped make up for the loss. Butcher has been critical in the leadership role - always stepping up when we need her. Best has been more consistant on offense and stepped her game up on the defensive end. Sparks has proved that she can be an offensive force while ruling the paint on defense. And Hammontree has continued to maintain her aggressive game over the last several weeks without protective gear (it hindered her shot) after surgery on her broken nose (curtesy of a Coalfield cheapshot). This is a special group of girls and it has been a pleasure to have had the privilege of watching them play and become outstanding young ladies over the last four years. GO LADY KEES!!!!!!

Jama Hammontree will have sugery on Tuesday. She has played the last two games and is not expected to miss a game. She is a gritty player who won't be stopped by "some little broken nose". However, her game is off alittle. It must be hard to see with your eyes/nose swollen. To Jama's credit she has continued to play aggressive/physical ball, in their face and after every ball. Cudos to you Jama. Just let me say that the elbow that broke her nose was one of the most blatant fouls that I have ever seen. I watched the game film to be sure. Several elbows were thrown on that trip down the floor with the last one flying above the offenders shoulder (she was shorter than Jama) to landing in the middle of Jama's face. And of couse our wonderful officials managed not to "see" any elbows flying - no foul was called. It seems that the officials feel that its ok for opposing teams to foul/hurt players who are more aggressive and talented. Maybe they feel that they need to even things up. Unfortunately what ends up happening is that great athletes wind up getting hurt. Chelsea Hooper, another starter, missed last night's game because of knee injury she suffered Tuesday night. Greenback doesn't have a game this week so she will be back before our next game.

Oh let me strongly disagree with you here. There has always been plenty of talent around Angela.......the talent has just been ignored, untapped and blacklisted. Maybe someone (certain coaches) just thought she didn't need help. I've always said that Angela is a great talent. I know that the situation is not her fault and its really a shame (for her and the rest of the girls) because basketball is a teamsport and one player can't go very far alone. I have a feeling that Angela has a big adjustment to make before she is successful at the next level.

Watched them play since fourth grade. Cait hands down. Both are great players but Cait is a team player and a great competitor and true sportsman.

Greenback definitly intends to give it their best shot. Tuesday night should shed some light.

In last years sectional game between Greenback and Hampton, two of Greenbacks starters had 3 "fouls" each in the first two minutes of the game. I don't remember how many were called for a team total in the first quarter but it had to at least 10 or 12 (just on Greenback).

Take if from someone who has been there.......talking to the coach, AD, principal, school board or press can be a disaster, even if the coach is way out of line. I filed a formal complaint about a middle shcool basketball coach becauase he and the principal refused to adress the issue. I was encouraged to do so by other parents whose daughters had suffered at this coaches antics. I did this in a very professional manner and followed appropriate protocol. I was not confrontational but insisted that my issues be addressed. EVERYONE including the county school administration agreed that the coach was out of line and he was asked to resign. (Sounds good doesn't, but alas no happy ending). My daughter was cut from both the basketball team and the softball team at the high school level. And everyone knew that she had been blacklisted, but when you are your friends are few and far between. And all those parents who wanted me to complain suddenly would not talk to me or my daughter anymore. My daughter was broken hearted that adults who she respected and thought were her friends suddenly weren't anymore. And I can't even begin to talk about the humiliation of being cut when you have been a starter and key player on every team you have ever played for (including some very successful travel teams). And yes we transfered to a school where my daughter has had signicant playing time since she was a freshman, was All State last year in softball and would have been able to play softball at the next level if she wanted to. SOOOO think long and hard before you complain. Even though she has learned a lot about the real world from this situation my daughter will tell you sometimes its better suffer in silence.

This is a great matchup. This is a much improved Lady Kee team. They struggled last year with ball handling but have worked hard to improve. They have had fewer turnovers in the last four scrimmage games combined than in some single games last year. They are moving the ball really well and have been able to get all five staters involved in producing points. Yes, Hammontree and company know that they have a lot to prove and they are ready to get started. According to Coach Lucier (quoted in the Daily Times) "They are hungry. They're about to kill each other in practice, so I'd really like to get on to some opponents so that they don't hurt each other". Let the games begin!!!! GO LADY KEES!!!!!

Greenback beat McMinn Central by 10 at Walker Valley.

Oliver Springs and Onieda will have to get past a strong Greenback team. Greenback returns 4 starters - three seniors and Hammontree (all state last year as a sophomore) from last year's sub-state team. All five of the starters are mature, quality players who have had significant playing time over the last three years. They have been strong in the off season, moving the ball really well with a minimum of turnovers and are truly playing team basketball. This is a special group of girls. Hopes are high in Lady 'Kee land.

Greenback plays Oliver Springs at GB on Nov. 14 (I think). Rematch of last year's Region 2 Championship game. Should answer a lot of questions early. It will be a great game.

Greenback starts four seniors and a junior (Hammontree - All-state last year). Also, another senior and junior who are strong off the bench. We only lost one player from last year's sub-state team.

Greenback's post players are two of the strongest, most physical you will see in East Tennessee. Greenback had a good day after a sluggish start in the early morning. Hopes are high in Lady 'Kee land!