The Highlander

I do have to say, I was very impressed with Brandon Nave's coaching abilities and the heart the Lady Cyclones gave in this game. They are to be commended. Mama Highlander.....

Now that's funny right there!!!

DCAATVOICE, I agree with the vast majority of your post. Not too sure about the return to a 2-man crew though. And Etown and I agree completely on the lack of accountability that the referee's have at this level. I had one rather heated disagreement with an official a couple of years ago. Basically the game was at the point where every person in the building that had ever watched a basketball game knew the opposing team was going to start fouling. My contention is that the officials should have had whistle in mouth, ready to blow at the first sign of the foul. Our player crossed half-court, and was immediately trapped by two players, trying to tie up the ball. Then they began fouling, gently. Still no whistle. Fouled a little harder, no whistle. At this point, tempers were flaring, they fouled a little harder, our player responded with her elbow, they tackled our player, banging her head hard into the floor, and elbowing her on the way down. Still no foul, just called the ball out of bounds on our player because she ended up laying on the sideline, with her head in the bleachers. Unacceptable. The result was the ejection of two of her family members, several bruises, a cut, and being on "concussion watch" for a couple of days. Since the young lady in charge was my daughter, the referee, opposing team's head coach, and I had two subsequent "meetings" discussing accountability. I believe we were able to come to a very clear understanding of where I expected their accountability to be, and the results of any future issues involving my family members, at least. I will not go into the exact nature of the discussions, but anyone with children can easily read between the lines. I followed up with the official at a game a week or so later, and prior to the beginning of play, we had a brief discussion to remind each other of expectations. Oddly enough, he called a pretty good game as I recall. My email to the T$$AA concerning the event received no response. They are not interested in accountability of their officials, only in the dollars they can bring in. One reason I feel the acronym should properly be written "T$$AA" not the incorrect "TSSAA." I'd love to know how we as parents, coaches, or school officials can hold officials more accountable for their control/lack of control or even outright prejudice/favoritism during ballgames. Unfortunately, I don't have anything to add in that respect. The Highlander

9A isn't the only place lacking decent, consistent officiating! Please don't feel singled out. Of course, most of us agree with the ref when the call/no call benefits our team, me included. At the CD/CHS game last night, we got away with at least one walk that was blatant, but so did CD. I think that in general, the "mistakes" in the game tend to even each other out. Although, one bad call last night sent us into overtime instead of the game ending if it had been called properly. To his credit, I understand that a T$$AA supervisor was at the game, and spoke with the official that made the bad call. I wish there were more oversight at conference and tournament games at least. What bothers me is the refs that intentionally make bad calls because they don't like a particular team, coach, player, or whatever. These should be reported, blackballed, or gotten rid of in some other manner. We have been able to successfully ensure one man will never be able to call a Cloudland game again, now if we can get his ex-wife and one other fellow blackballed, our refs will be overall much better. There are actually two men calling jv in our area that are far too old to keep up with the game, and really don't have good enough vision or quick enough reactions to even be doing that. To the person in this thread that said they had never seen a ref cost a team a game, you are either unfamiliar with basketball, haven't watched many games, are married to a ref, or are some other form of life. I can easily come up with three examples in my career as a coach and parent. Not many in all the years I've been doing this, but those three are very clear in my mind. Possibly, you actually meant to say that the ref cannot be blamed for most losses, and that is accurate. I feel that if you do all you can to ensure it isn't a close game, it will be much harder for the ref to be a factor, no matter how hard they try. Unfortunately, in a close game, officiating can very easily be the determining factor in which team will win.

Cloudland beat Johnson County in Mountain City last night, enough said.

Well, the Lady 'Landers lost 42-51 at South Greene on Tuesday. The 1st Q we had issues with turnovers, and were trailing at the end. The 2nd Q showed a little more poise, and we were able to pull out a slim 2-point lead at the half. SG came out on fire at the start of the 3rd, and blistered us for about 11 or 12 straight. They played very aggressive defense (actually did the whole game) and missed very few shot attempts. Again, we lost the turnover battle, were outrebounded, and just out hustled the whole period. In the 4th, we settled down and played Cloudland basketball. But it was too little, too late. You can't spot a good team 14 or so points and hope to win by playing one quarter. Our defensive intensity caused enormous problems for SG in the 4th, and I don't believe they scored a single point from the floor in the period. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong on that though. We were able to dig out and got within a handful, but ran out of time and had to begin fouling. SG didn't miss many free throws, and they managed the clock fairly well also. This was the first time our freshman had ever seen the SG gym, and they generally played more like freshman in this game. We had far too many turnovers and way too many dribble down and shoot possessions. I just don't feel we did a good job with ball movement. On many possessions, only one, possibly two players touched the ball before putting up a shot. Not good. But, playing at SG was pretty much a non-factor. I was very surprised at how little fan support they had. Other than a totally apathetic student section, I think Cloudland easily had as many fans in attendance. And the officiating was similar to when we played North Greene recently, two of the crew were the same. They approached mediocrity. A much higher level than I have come to expect in Greene County. For what it is worth, SG played a good game. They pursued well defensively, ran their offense well, and hit their free throws. As a smart guy said, free throws win games. SG was 23 of 30, we were 14-23. A difference of nine points, and the final margin in the game. The Highlander

I believe Cloudland will be making up the South Greene and Unicoi County games that were postponed. I think we will be playing them on the next two Saturdays. I do not know which is which yet though! We play the regularly scheduled game Tuesday at South Greene.

CoachH, sorry to reply on the "older" thread, but Old44 is correct. The center was a difference maker in the game. Avery had also lost to Mitchell County the preceding week, at Mitchell. Then exactly like they did Cloudland, beat Mitchell a few days later at Avery. As for film, I do have it. Some of the traveling calls on both teams were legitimate of course. I don't recall the number, but about 75% of the 33 violations were called on Cloudland. I actually recall seeing Clark called for traveling while dribbling the ball though. That one threw me!

Yep, the game at CHS was the one postponed. We haven't played or scrimmaged SG in a few years, and I haven't seen them play since then. They are always tough, and you never leave their gym un-bloodied. Good win tonight at Hampton. Very tough game, I think our largest lead was seven, and Hampton's was around six. Congratulations Lady 'Landers! The Highlander

Well, I'm back online after nearly two weeks of computer trouble. A new Dell fixed the issue. CoachH made a point by mentioning Cloudland's losses, I'd like to add something though. We lost at North Greene by 4, after only playing really the 4th Quarter. That was a bad night that started with a mouse in the girls locker room just before the game, then being introduced as the "Cloudland Lady Cyclones...or something" (yes, that is a quote from the announcer), and then included the typical Greene County officiating that featured a foul when no player was within 4 feet of the girl "fouled." Oh yea, when we actually made a sustained offensive run in the 4th Q, with NG unable to get the ball across half-court, the scoreboard mysteriously malfunctioned and derailed our momentum. To leave with a loss isn't ever good, but I feel like there were extenuating circumstances! The loss to Avery County was at Avery. After trouncing them in Tennessee, we knew we would have a fight to win at Avery. It is much like Greene County, with their own set of rules and referees. The only thing I need to mention is that there were 33 traveling violations called. And we lost by only a few in overtime. The loss to Sullivan South is inexplicable, and shouldn't have happened. We just didn't show up ready to play. I really wish we had been able to play the Unicoi, South Greene, and Chucky-Doak games that were snowed out. Along with the rest of you, I'd love to see how we really stack up. We are a very young team, even younger than last year actually, and I'm quite proud and excited by the performance of the team this year overall. And congratulations to Elizabethton, I'm glad to see a Carter County team at the #1 spot! The Highlander

A little more info on the Cloudland/North Greene game: We started VERY slowly, uncharacteristic of our team. My thoughts are that our Freshman actually played like Freshman against NG. Really only had one player that I thought played the full 32 minutes. We dropped behind to about 15 or 16 points (I don't recall), and then played Cloudland basketball in the 4th. Made a great effort to pull back, actually could have easily tied or won the game with the effort starting a little earlier. Poor shot selection in the final minute or two doomed the effort. On the other hand, this was a tough conference game for a very young Cloudland squad. Our Freshman have never played a conference game (excluding UH at home), first time they had seen the NG gym. And that gym is a tough place to play, with vocal and hostile fans, hostile referees, and so forth. Actually, I should say that the level of officiating was much higher than I expected from previous experience playing in Greene County. These guys reached a level of mediocrity. Much higher than usual there. And the "clock malfunction" during a strong 4th Quarter Cloudland run didn't help us. We had scored on a couple of possessions and stopped them defensively. NG was having trouble getting the ball across half-court, and the Big Mo was definitely in Cloudland's favor. That 3-4 minutes of inactivity took a lot of wind out of the sails and allowed time for the NG guards to take a breath and calm down from the pressure. Still, I think to only lose by 4 isn't too shabby. Look forward to playing them on our home floor soon. The Highlander

Doodle, it's getting old. If you have documentable accusations and proof, go to the T$$AA and let them figure it out. Otherwise, please leave it alone! If any team had a right to gripe about the recruiting, it would be Cloudland, and we aren't. Kristen moved for academics, basketball, softball, whatever, and she has done well. Good luck to them. Actually, her 8th grade year, we won the Sectional State Championship. Off that team we lost Kristen to Eton, another to a Sullivan County team, one went out of state, and two went to Science Hill. Would we have been better if they stayed? I don't know. I do know we moved on, have fielded solid teams, and gone on with life. Sure wish you would.

CoachH, I've got to point out that the soft schedule we have played has a lot to do with the snow situation. Games against Unicoi and South Greene were postponed due to the several feet of snow we have had while you flatlanders dealt with an inch or two. Hopefully, they will be rescheduled before conference time. Our team was young last year, and is even younger this year. I'm quite proud of the way they are performing to date, other than the loss to Sullivan South. We lost by a very narrow margin at Avery County, which is akin to playing anyone in Greene County, they have their own rules and their own referees. The Harriman tournament was a good experience for the team. Sunbright is very weak, Rockwood is a little better than their record, but certainly not a 'Boro team by any stretch. The South Sumter, FL team was quite good. Two of the girls had just beautiful jump shots, if left un-harassed. They were the undefeated 17-0, #1 AAA team in Florida when we beat them. Good win for Cloudland, we never trailed in the game. The Highlander

Well, the weather did indeed mess up schedules. We did not get to play Unicoi County, unfortunately. That will be a good game. Cloudland had a really good schedule lined up, with several tough teams to play before the Christmas break. That isn't working out too well. Don't know what you flatlanders have, but we have another maybe 5" of global warming so far today. As I recall, if Greene County schools are out, they are not allowed to have a game, so the South Greene game may or may not be played on Monday. Dang. Anyway, we pounded Johnson County, good production from underclassmen, balanced scoring, but basically a scrimmage. Coach Whitt and I met, I like the guy, and I think he is instilling some pride, fundamentals, and direction to their team. Before too long, they may be a team to contend with. The Avery County game was very ugly, as I had predicted. Tough loss in OT. I was told by a media member keeping stats that we were whistled 33 times for traveling! Not sure I've ever seen that many calls! Oh well. We needed a close game, and losing a non-conference game isn't the end of the world.

Well, we will be playing at home Thursday night, games beginning at 3:30. That's the good news. On the other hand, it is Johnson County, a team we've already played, so while its good to play, it isn't as nice as playing someone different. Then on Friday, we play at Avery County, NC. Avery is a very good team. They match up well with us, and it is a huge rivalry, just like Hampton. And, we are playing in NC, which is like playing in Greene County, you know the "rules" are just a little different in both places. And they will make them up as they go on occasion. We beat them handily in Roan Mountain, frankly in part by doing what doodlebug is griping about with Dugger. We jumped on them hard very early and never let up. Pressure defense creates turnovers, turnovers creates points. The Highlander

Hate to sound like I'm taking up for Len, but in the first quarter, don't let up. If you can put the game out of reach in the first half, then back off. Seems to me that when you play not to lose, or play to protect a lead, instead of playing to win, that is when you get beaten.

Hate to hear about Casey, she is a sweet girl, my daughter spent time with her at basketball camps over the summer and really likes her. Hope Kristen didn't have too much dental damage. I remember well the collision Brooke Johnson had with the wall at Unaka a few years ago. We would just like to play a game this week, against anybody. I'm not sure you guys in the flatlands understand we have 12+ inches of snow in Roan Mountain. The Highlander

By the way, good win for the Lady 'Landers last night. Beat Avery County, NC 64-47. I don't think we ever trailed in the game, and played a relatively solid 32 minutes. Congratulations Ladies! We play them again soon though, and they will be fired up, out for revenge, and playing at home next time!

Sparky answered the question about Kristen. She transferred after 8th grade. Actually, that year Cloudland won the Sectional State Championship, and then "donated" a number of players to other teams. Kristen to Eton, Christy Goodman and Brittany Mathis to Science Hill, a sub to one of the Sullivans, and another player moved to Indiana. Kristen and Christy are starting at their respective schools now. Questions #2 and #3, I really can't answer. I know players have moved/transferred/etc. but don't really care. If they follow the rules and move for academic or athletic reasons, it is no ones business but their own. I think there are several threads that address the transfers, in mostly a negative light. Even though Cloudland has lost some good players, I feel it is everyone's right to try to improve themselves. That is the American Way afterall. The Highlander

On a more serious note, I hope Krich is fine too, just taking a break from the drama and incessant whining on CoachT. I have been absent for a while myself, just popped back in to see what has been happening since the season started. For what it is worth, I have seen all the teams play at least one game, except Hampton. I agree that Eton is at #1 right now, and having watched Science Hill play, I don't think they would give Eton too much of a game frankly. They have neither the depth, nor the overall performance right now. Good to see the former Cloudland Sectional State Championship team doing well, we donated a starter to each of the Science Hill (Christy Goodman) and Eton (Kristen Powell) teams, so we follow them with a little interest. I think CoachH has done a pretty good job of ranking the teams, and recounting their performances to date. I'm a little surprised that someone (can't remember who) ranked Cloudland below Happy Valley and Unaka. We lost a total of two players from last year, only one a starter, and in exchange picked up the strongest Freshman class we have had since the Brooke Johnson/Jordi Miller/Sydnie Buchanan/Shellie Mckinney class a few years back. Honestly, I think that the Tri-County Seven teams are somewhat improved from last year overall. Happy Valley, Unicoi County, and Johnson County have new coaches in place. Elizabethton, Hampton and Unaka have now had a couple of years with their coaches and are getting used to new systems. Cloudland has a good mix of the old with Matt Birchfield as Head Coach, and the new with Kenneth Chambers, Rusty Chambers, and Jordi Miller on the bench. We started last year 5-1, and we are at the same record as of this morning. The loss to Sullivan South was unfortunate, I don't recall them actually beating us in a number of years, but my memory isn't what it used to be. Lack of effort until 3 minutes into the 4th quarter accounts for the "L" but we still managed to pull back up from a 22 point deficit in a short period of time. Looking forward to a fun season, The Highlander

Now that's funny right there!!!

As you can see from the above post listing the seating requirements, the TSSAA has shown again, its inability to do basic math, and to follow any sort of appropriate logic. The small schools are the ones being penalized with this inane rule. For instance, at Cloudland, we have a student population of less than 250 students, but are required to provide seating for 1000, 4 times the student body. Yet an AA school such as Elizabethton must only provide seats for 1250, which (going from memory only) is about twice their student body number. A AAA school, such as Science Hill, one of the larger schools in the state, only must seat 1500 people. As I recall, they have nearly that many students. There is no logic, no linear formula, no thought involved in the TSSAA rules for these requirements. The smaller schools can't afford to build gyms that large for the most part, and they should not be required to provide that number of seats. The TSSAA would do well to refocus a little thought on these numbers. As someone else said, stop putting TSSAA income ahead of the needs of the schools and athletes. The Highlander

Cloudland fans: The University high game scheduled for Jan 19 will be played AT University High. The make up game that we missed against UH will be played on Saturday, Jan 30 at Cloudland. Both games will start at 5:00 and no JV girls game. The Unaka game scheduled for tomorrow night at Unaka will go on as scheduled with JV girls starting at 3:30 (unless we get a foot of snow tonight). The North Greene make up game is still being determined. The Highlander

Well fans, scratch the previous post about North Greene and Cloudland playing tonight. It's been postponed again. Gonna shoot for Friday night (Jan 8) at North Greene.

Cloudland teams vs North Greene game is all messed up.....Cloudland WAS scheduled to play North Greene at home on Friday Jan 8. In anticipation of more snow, those plans are changed. NOW, Cloudland will play North Greene AT North Greene, Thursday, Jan 7. Varsity play will begin around 5.....I know, its confusing! The Highlander