The Highlander

There are some very good referee's in our district. One of our first games this year was a very tough game against a rival. There is a little bad blood between a couple of the kids, that we knew would spill over onto the floor. In both the girls and boys games, the ref's did an amazing job. And I told them. I do have a problem with the lack of accountability of the bad ref's. Wish we had an effective way to repor tthem.

Krich, I haven't seen enough of the Seven teams to comment intelligently this season. Only watched Unaka, Happy Valley, and of course, Cloudland. But, I think you are on the right track,from limited knowledge. I will speak up in defense of the Cloudland loss to Chuckey-Doak though. That was with only one exception in memory, the most un-evenly officiated game I've seen in years. CD shot 28 free throws to Cloudland's 8. And to their credit, they made the most of them. But 23 charity points is hard to overcome. We played 4 periods, plus an OT and Cloudland never made it to the bonus. I have never before seen a player with the ball held in triple-threat position, standing, squared-up, get run over, and be called for an offensive foul. No, she didn't throw an elbow, she didn't even move. Late in a close game, time for CD to commit an intentional foul. Everyone expected it, they still had three or four before we hit the bonus and started shooting. All the ref had to do was get it right, and she didn't. The same lady ref is the one that called the technical foul on Hughes. When Hughes went in for the break-away layup and got hammered, the whistle blew, Cloudland fans cheered, waiting to see if it was an intentional or just a regular foul. Incredibly, no foul called on CD, instead we got a technical on us, and they got two more charity points and the ball back. I've heard three stories on why she called the "T" and none of the three are the same. What I heard her tell the coach, what she told her fellow referee, and what Mr. Sanders printed in the Star, were three different stories. Oh well. No statistics, just a hunch, but I would be willing to bet that at least 50% of the whistles were from her. And since we were the home team, we had to pay them! Oh well, rant mode is now off! The Highlander

WestTN, We're working on it! Well-thought out rules, and accountability for incompetent referees are the two biggest areas of failure for the TSSAA. Not just my opinion, but that of a number of parents and coaches. I think nearly all the coaches, parents, and school administrators attempt to do the best they can for the kids, and their individual schools. Unfortunately, we don't always see the same from TSSAA officials. Thank you for any support you can lend in trying to get sensible rule-making! The Highlander

Silverpie, Yes we are penalized. Not playing at home is the penalty! You miss the point, and by the way we are about 50 seats short is all. We do not get to play at home because of a capricious and poorly thought out requirement from the TASS Control Board. Why should the smaller schools have to provide 4x or more the number of seats of their entire student body? That is utterly absurd. Cloudland isn't the only school in that situation. What should be done is to reduce the minimum requirement to a reasonable level. For us, maybe that is 750, I don't know. We don't WANT to play at Elizabethton, and shouldn't have to. We should be playing at home if we earn that right. It is only the small schools that suffer with this ruling, I'm unaware of any AA or AAA schools that have had to move their game. We didn't play at Rockwood, by the way. Never have in my memory. We played at Oliver Springs. And guess what, their gym doesn't meet the required minimum either. They have around 460 students I believe, should seat 1000. Again about twice the number of entire student body. The TASS rules are just not justified. Let's suppose it is about the money (duh). The TASS wants us to seat 1000 people. If the demand is only about 750 tickets at home, it will probably be a little lower if we play elsewhere, resulting in fewer tickets sold, and less money to pay the TASS for their "management" of our schools athletics. Where's the logic? Change the rules to something approaching common sense. That is what we should be demanding from the Board of Control in all their rule-making. The Highlander

Sparky, Just read your post after typing mine. I agree with you that there will be malcontented players and parents, no matter what happens. We've been through the playing time issue certainly, and that is the biggest single gripe. Most of it happens when the little kiddies move from youth leagues where everybody plays, into a competitive arena where the players that have talent, and motivation, and coachability are the ones that get the minutes. Coaches that want to win, will put the team on the floor that gives them the best chance, assuming the motivation and coachability factors are met. And at the high school level that is as it should be. I don't have a dog in this fight except to see two of our rivals going at each other! That in itself is kind of fun! The Highlander

Sparky, Thank you for making my point about people living in glass houses not throwing stones. From up here in the clear air, it seems as though Cyclone Fans are a little touchy about the subject, for some reason. I can name, actually I did name come to think of it, basically a full roster that have transferred FROM Cloudland to other schools. I can't think of one that has transferred in. And I've been around Cloudland Lady 'Landers basketball intensively for the last ten years. I made no mention of Kristen transferring because of Len. Not sure how you inferred that. I was fairly certain softball had more to do with her decision than basketball, trying to remember events from a couple of years ago. And softball is definitely not an activity I have any interest in watching. Don't even know when the season is to tell you the truth. But I'm aware that Cloudland's team has struggled. Her brother also factored in the equation, Kristen isn't the only athlete in the family. For what it's worth, Len Dugger is an acquaintance of mine, and has been since our kids were in elementary school. I like the man. He has excellent basketball knowledge. My point was just that it was kind of funny that Kristen would be upset that someone transferred in. A little irony there for sure. Hence, the pot and kettle reference. Maybe I should add that I've known Kristen's dad for around 25 years as well. The Highlander

Victory, that is why I said it was "grapevine material." Sorry, didn't mean to confuse you. The relevant fact was the transfer status, and that is not disputable. We played against Johnesia several times, and she is a talented player, and from what I could see a fine young lady. I'm thrilled to see that ETSU is actually recruiting locally now. When I was in high school, it was easier to get an out of state coach to look at you than to get someone from ETSU to travel a few minutes to watch local talent.

Why stop with worrying about the state tourney format? Lets address some relevant issues with the TSSAA. For instance, why are small schools penalized and not allowed to play tournament games at home, even if they have earned it with a better record, because their gyms don't fit the TSSAA minimum? The minimum seating requirement for a single-A school is 1000 seats. That is 4 times the number of students in our entire school (251). However, the minimums for larger schools don't follow the same formula: AA schools must be able to seat 1250 students. For a school such as Unicoi County or Elizabethton, that amounts to about 2 times the number of students. AAA Science Hill, one of the largest schools in the state must only seat 1500 people. That doesn't even provide enough seats for their student population of 2158. So, there are at least two single A schools in the state that have been fined, placed on probation, and forbidden to host tournament games. Because they can't afford to have gyms that meet TSSAA requirments. Requirements that are unreasonable and unfair. I couldn't care less where we play the championship, I would just like a little intelligence and justification for their actions from the TSSAA. The Highlander

Sitting here lurking, I just had to laugh when I noted someone said Kristen was upset about having a new team member brought in. Have you forgotten that Kristen was on the CLOUDLAND team that won a sectional state championship in 8th grade, just before she was recruited to Elizabethton? And no, they didn't move, but she did change schools as a rising freshman. That same team also supplied two players to Science Hill, one of which I understand was their leading scorer last year, although that is grapevine material. And another is playing for Tennessee High. One additional player truly did transfer, to an Indiana school. Oh well, something sticks in my mind about a pot and a kettle.... The Highlander

Please pass the popcorn, extra butter.

From someone not directly involved with the Unaka program, I'll make a couple of comments. I have coached against the girls mentioned and watched them grow from gangly little girls to very nice young ladies. None of what is being thrown around is particularly fair to them, but guess what, life isn't fair anyway. With the debacle that is currently Unaka Lady's basketball in full evidence, no one who is to "blame" for making the Chambers/Wright change is going to publicly announce their part in what went on. We will probably never know for sure what happened, and frankly, I for one don't really care. I call Kenneth Chambers a friend. I doubt he is a perfect person or a perfect coach, but he is pretty good at both. I honestly am not sure I'd recognize Wes Wright outside of a gym, but I'm sure he is a pretty good guy as well. To blame either or both of them is not really correct I'm sure. Both were handed a decision and told to make the best of it. Whether or not it was a good decision remains to be seen. Was it a political decision? Probably. I don't think it had anything to do with the team's performance. As for the losers in the whole mess, it is the players from last year, this year, and probably the next few years. The focus should be on them and the team. Not on Chambers, Wright, the school board, the principal, or the parents. Again, I don't know what happened and why someone felt a change was needed. They certainly did get a new direction as someone stated they were wanting. If my child were a part of the Unaka program, I'd still be looking for answers, but the rest of us probably don't have any justification for the vitriol being spewed here. It would be better directed at the principal, school board, et al. It will make my beloved Lady Highlanders job a little easier in their district with a weakened Rangers team, I do know that. Still, I wish the best for the ladies that have to keep up the history of what was once a respected team. The Highlander

Thank you coachh

Yes, Krich, that is true. Four are Co-Valedictorian(s)! For that we are even more proud.

Congratulations to the Lady 'Landers! I wanted to revive the Lady 'Lander Update for this special event: On Saturday, the Senior Class won their 100th career varsity game, balanced against 24 losses. If my math skills are up to the task, this translates into a winning percentage just shy of 81%, or .806 to be precise. I don't think anyone would complain about a record like that, except possibly Coach Summitt! The Senior Class consists of: Coach Matt Birchfield Sydnie Buchanan Brooke Hughes Brooke Johnson Cassie Johnson Shellie McKinney Jordi Miller Danielle Potter These ladies, in fitting fashion, destroyed the same University High team that put an end to the Unaka season just the night before. Never trailing in the contest, they dominated every facet of the game. UH was never able to put together a run at the 'Landers, other than a few baskets during garbage time at the end of the game. Coach Birchfield subbed liberally throughout, and ended playing the bench. Early, the game was characterized by Shellie's ability to draw fouls and make her way to the charity stripe. Shellie was huge on the boards, and the inside combination of she and Brittany Reece, with great assistance from BJ Johnson and Sydnie Buchanan pretty much gauranteed second chance shots for Cloudland, and one and outs for UH. Shellie ended with 12 points. Jordi Miller was the game high scorer with 13 points, garnered through draining three 3-pointers. She also connected on a beautiful little jump shot in the lane on an amazing assist from Brooke Hughes. Highlight film type pass from Brooke by the way. Brooke Hughes added to the aerial display with her own bomb from deep in the corner a little later in the game. Her defense and passing were very good in the contest, and I don't believe she had any turnovers. Actually, without watching the film and counting, I believe the 'Landers had a total of nine turnovers in the game. That will help win games for you. BJ Johnson only put in four points of her own, but she accounted for six more assists in the game, at least one for a trey. Her stinginess with turning over the ball, and her defensive pressure more than made up for the lower than expected point total. I think BJ just enjoyed sharing the wealth Saturday! Sydnie B. played her usual understated game. She is the stealth player for the team. Her rebounding is uncanny, and she seems to always have the angle when the ball comes off the rim. Brittany Reece, sporting the Mother of all Black Eye's, still showed she is on a mission for this team. She had 7 points, but added a number of rebounds, and I think was credited with a shot blocked, not sure. She may be the most improved player thus far in the season. Again, I'd like to congratulate the Lady 'Landers on their 100th win. Not every high school team is fortunate enough to have a 25 win season. You have managed to average 25 wins per season for your career. That is to be commended. Good luck in the next round! The Highlander

Kayla, We have played against you and watched you for several years now. We wish you nothing but the best, and congratulations on the impressive point total! The Highlander

Well, the link works for me, but that doesn't mean I did it right! Thanks for copying it here. The Highlander

All, Here is a link (I hope) to today's edition of the Johnson City Press. The article gives a little more information on the program I mentioned in my post above. I am excited that the program exists, and even better, it is in East Tennessee. http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/Detail.php...TS&ID=67133 I met the Director of the program this morning and had a brief conversation with her, primarily centered around my daughter's entrance into the program. I didn't have time to mention this website and thread, but we will be meeting with her again in the near future, and if the opportunity presents itself, I will give her directions to the CoachT website. Regards, The Highlander

East Tennessee State University in Johnson City is addressing this problem with a new program. It was developed in conjunction with the US Olympic Committee, and is targeted at teaching the coaches and others that teach our children. I cannot recall the exact name of the program, which is bad since my daughter will be a part of it, but it was announced in October of last year. Part of the problem is that many coaches, phys ed teachers, and others are taught to have the kids "work out" in order to become better athletes. Unfortunately, many are not physical therapists, physiologists, or other trained professionals. This program is aimed at teaching them age and gender appropriate exercise techniques, and how they can become better coaches. It will also look at sports performance in athletes. It is the first program of its type in the United States, and I really feel like it will be a huge asset to the East Tennessee sports community at all levels. The Johnson City Press had an article on it if you feel like searching, or you can go the the ETSU website I'm sure. The Highlander

Cloudland's game against North Greene has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Friday), Feb 6

Cloudland girls VS. Sullivan South game for Monday Feb 2 has been postponed due to impending winter weather.

My Last Post: I'm fed up. Fed up with the animosity emanating from this forum. Over the course of the last few years, I've written a number of posts, nearly all on the Cloudland Lady Highlanders. However, I've been a part of the Tri-County Seven discussions and contributed as much as my limited knowledge and abilities allow. In past years, I wrote a synopsis of each of Cloudland's games and posted in the TC-7 thread. Last year, I decided to stop hijacking Kim's thread and I posted the game comments in a Cloudland Thread. Strangely, yet predictably, I had someone actually remark to me that I had a lot of gall to think our games deserved their own thread. Since I posted for enjoyment, and to support and boost our girls, I was taken aback. For that reason, and for the negative turn the forum was taking, I just stopped posting altogether. Several rather more articulate and knowledgeable people have also ceased participating here for similar reasons. I have refrained this year from posting for the most part, only answering direct questions. In the future, I'm not sure I will even read the message forums. The scoreboard and strength rankings plus the schedules for the respective schools we are playing can provide all I desire to know about our upcoming opponents. I would like to ask everyone to remember something, and to please try to accomplish one task for me. I'll get to both in a moment. First, I'd like to tell you a little about my perspective on local basketball, and why I even care. Yes, I'm a Highlander fan. Some even call me the Voice of the Highlanders. And while I live and work in Roan Mountain, and my children attend school and play for Cloudland, I have deep roots in Carter County and East Tennessee. For well over a decade, my children and I have been a part of basketball in East Tennessee. I coached in Youth Club, and eventually was elected President of the Roan Mountain Youth Club. As a part of that group, and then in school ball, my kids have played against and made friends with others from every school in the county. At least a couple of the girls from Unaka have spent time in my home, and one stayed with my daughter at the Lady Vols Basketball Camp. I have family at Unaka, and at least one very special friend playing for them now. At the Cloudland/Unaka game, I cheered just as hard when they scored as when mine scored. Incidentally, at that game I looked across the gym and saw a group of Elizabethton's former players. During the boy's game, several of Cloudland's players sat intermingled with them, laughing and flirting with the boys. Together, as friends. At Happy Valley, a former coworker's daughter is one of my favorite players. I've watched her develop from an awkward little girl that tried sooooo hard, into a beautiful talented young lady. No other player I've seen has any more determination than she. We have competed hard against them for years, but we still cheer them on when they play a non-county foe. The Hampton girls have been strong competitors since grade school youth club. Yet I follow their progress and cheer their successes and bemoan their losses just as they do. Unless they are playing Cloudland of course. Coach Tolley is a friend, as is his wife, by the way a Cloudland teacher. I call Ken Chambers, Matt Birchfield, Leon Tolley, Kelley Oliver, Len Dugger and several others friends and acquaintances. Dana Hill at HVMS asked me to leave his practice when I walked in unannounced. We competed strongly in middle school! He did it with a smile on his face, I should add. In every post I've made, I have made a determined effort to only post positive comments. Always. Re-read my old game coverage. I had a positive comment about every player. If they played poorly, I would mention their hustle. If they shot badly, I discussed their great defense. Keep in mind that this forum is not limited to the adults. Believe it or not, the players read this as well. It isn't, or shouldn't, be all about basketball. These children will live and work together for the rest of their lives. Don't think that they will not go on to college and/or work and never associate with anyone from The Enemy Community! I have friends and family in every corner of Carter County. I bet you do too. Yes, I support Cloudland before anyone else, and you should continue to boost your chosen affiliation as well. Just don't do it to the detriment of either players, fans, or coaches at another school. Strain to keep your posts upbeat and positive. The negativity is very off-putting and does nothing to benefit anyone. Do I always accomplish my goal of impartiality and perfect sportsmanship? No, just ask at least one local coach! But I try. This thought of only writing positive remarks is what I ask you to remember before you hit the "Add Reply" button. If a post will not benefit your team, or someone else, don't make it. The task I want you to accept is to turn this forum, and in particular Kim's wonderful Tri-County Seven thread, into a place to celebrate the accomplishments of our area athletes. This isn't the place to attack another poster, another team, and certainly NEVER a player. These are children, and they should be nurtured, protected, and encouraged. If you can't do that, please either leave the online community, or at least stop posting. The Highlander

...But last night's spotlight shone directly on Cloudland. Jordi Miller was hitting from a mile away, and we saw a couple nice, mid-range jumpers, which bodes very well for tournament time, when many a gunner has trouble hitting from long-range. And, the younger players could be at least as successful as the current starters. The future looks bright on the mountain.... Gotta point out that the "younger players" include a core group that played on the Middle School State Championship team in the 8th grade, so they have a little success behind them already. You saw a couple of pretty threes from two of them last night, and a bunch more if you watched the JV game. The Highlander

Sad, isn't it? We really feel for the seniors on this team. Their frustrations were obvious. Like krich said, suffering emotionally. So, my question is, what did this 'different direction' really do to the young ladies on the creek?

Freshman lost to them by one at Science Hill in one of the best games I've seen in a while. Then played them again at home and lost by about a half dozen.

King is correct. The only one I'm not sure of is LeeAnn Strickland, I just don't remember her. The others are right on. Oh yeah, Tammy Bare, mother of current cheerleader Paige. Just now thought of her. BJ is an awesome player, and congratulations are in order. The Highlander