bballnuts

Elizabethton is a strong team with talented athletes. They move the ball extremely well and their players can shoot the ball, however, I hope everyone realizes they didnt beat a state champion contender. As most people know, Kingston is very young. Their starting lineup was 1 Freshman (Tayler Smith), 2 Sophmores (Brooke Gentry and Katie Hardin) and 2 Seniors (Kayla Parks and Laura Fielden). Fielden plays limited time due to the severe knee injury she suffered. During the game, 2 other true Freshman played significant time, Jacklyn and Jennifer Givens. I dont know the girls name but she was #53, While Smith was in the game, she held her scoreless. Dont get me wrong, I think she's a good ball player, I had just heard a lot about her being 6'3 and very good. I think if all the hype was true, she should have dominated a 5'10 Freshman. I wish Elizabethton all the luck for a great season, but they should know that they beat, for the most part, a team of Sophmores and Freshman.

Fielden, Parks, Gentry Hardin and Thearp

The lady jackets beat Hancock County 46-39. It wasnt a very good performance by the jackets. On defense, they looked ok, however, offensively, Gentry and Smith missed numerous easy shots right underneath the basket. Those two must relax and convert the easy ones. The lady jackets outside shooting continues to be non-existant. With no outside shooting threat, teams will sag their defense into the paint making it extremely hard for the low post to score. Against a good team (Elizabethon on Saturday), they better take more shots from outside and convert them, Gentry and Smith better learn to make the easy baskets and the entire team needs to improve and improve fast at the free throw line.

Does anyone know what kind of teams Hancock Co. Hawkins Co., or Loudon have? I've heard Kingston has a young team. I've seen them play over the years and it appears to me they have some young talent but it needs to be developed. Gentry is a good ball player that hustles. Hardin has some ability as well. Martin is a player but must become more consistant in order for her to contribute. If these 3 develop and live up to their potential, Kingston can become a good ballteam. They have a good bunch of incoming Freshman as well. I've seen Tayler Smith play in Jr. High. She's tough on the boards and can score. Both Jennifer and Jacklyn Givens are agressive and can handle the ball if they stay under control. These 3 Freshman will probably see a lot of time this year. They have a lot of potential if they continue to progress. GO JACKETS