Ntheknow2

Oh yea, this is a Central thread. However, without the discussion of the others teams, I suppose this thread wouldn't be nearly as long as it is. What else is there to say about Central?

Point made, and agreed upon. When Central beat Powell, they certainly took advantage of Smith's absence and exploited Powell's weakness on defense. That leads me to believe it was a fluke, especially since Powell has been playing much better team ball. I don't really think Central can and will do it again. Having said that though, this district is probably the toughest right now with the most good players and a team from this district should be going to the state. It will be very interesting to see how all of the the teams end up. Good luck to everyone.

Irishbball, I've been reading your posts since basketball season started in November. I usually agree with everything you've written and feel like you of all people have got no reason to defend your opinions. But I do disagree with your belief that Powell's McGaha is a questionable player. Regardless, as far as I'm concerned you earned your credit with me when you recognized Lee Smith as a player worthy of college basketball. I certainly have said that since I watched him start as a sophomore for Powell and believe that he is probably one of the best power forwards in TN. I will tell you, I've experienced some positive college team play under a coach fresh out of being a D-1 (Top Notch SEC coach and program) graduate student. Two important things this coach preached was that first of all, the secret of success with any college basketball program is the emphasis on passing and the reduction of turnovers. Secondly, if a man inside is open, then a pass to him puts the ball closer to the goal which has much better odds of scoring then an outside shot. Missed shots and personal mistakes will correct themselves. Incidently, all players make mistakes. Some players make many mistakes. After all, mistakes are what leads to learning, so if players aren't allowed to make them then made to deal with them, then they aren't learning anything. In my opinion, McGaha isn't being forced to deal with his mistakes. Sitting him on the bench doesn't force him to deal with his mistakes. Not making his team mates pass the ball to him because he doesn't catch a pass isn't forcing him to deal with his mistakes. No, Powell basketball chooses not to deal with his mistakes, therefore he is being short changed because he isn't learning anything. It just seems they either have no clue about how to work with this 6'7 kid or that they don't want to. Earlier in the year, I made an assumption that Powell didn't appreciate their advantages, now I'm convinced they just don't know how to use them.

I'll agree with you and you are right about not being fed the ball down low.

Well this all has been rather touching and sentimental. But can we get back to reality? If you want Lowe to have the experiences you had, then maybe he should consider stepping down and being the head coach for the super midgets, a group of kids below his own maturity. And btw, don't smart coaches usually know how to get the ball in the endzone? Just a question. I believe Daryle Smith graduated from Powell. Ever thought maybe he wanted his kids to too? And I thought that Baron Huber's mom and family are from Powell too. What's wrong with that? Yea I know Daryle was a little confused about where he wanted to be, but I guess he figured it out? Why read more into it? lol

haha...Knox County couldn't pay me enough to teach much less coach anywhere, which is more than likely another problem. I failed to mention that Maryville, Oak Ridge and also Alcoa pays teachers more than Knox County. At least that's the way it used to be. HTV can correct me if I'm wrong. And no I don't have all the answers, but I do believe I have some valid observations and arguments. As far as throwing rocks, I don't consider Lee Smith and Baron Huber as being recruited by Powell. They simply came back home once their folks realized that well...."there's no place like home."

Kelly Robinson: How can you say that no one would work as hard for the program? An "outsider?" Anyone who isn't from Powell is an "outsider?" You basically are proving my point about the dynamics of politics in Powell. There's a whole other world out there with people who know DIFFERENT ways of doing things and they are SUCCESSFUL. The Powell "way" has just not been working in case you haven't noticed. And if you're right about there not being any other coaches with experience, then explain to me how in the world Oak Ridge got yet another good head football coach?? Clinton hired Kevin Catlett, a good ball player...he didn't work out as the RIGHT coach for Clinton. Now look at what they are dealing with. Good players do not always make good head coaches. I seriously do not want to see that happen at Powell or any other community for that matter. Yes, Shattack is a Clinton son, but he also had been working with Oak Ridge's program which gives him experience with a top state contender. And BC, I completely agree with what folks in Maryville say about a good program recruits by itself. Look at both Oak Ridge and Maryville. They are top notch not only athletically, but academically too. Powell has always had the talent...meaning good ball players, good school, good parents, and good community members. But the community at large is yet to see all of their hard work pay off when the kids get to high school. It's really hard for me to understand why; knowing what has happened with their program for the last 3-4 years; watching with complete and utter dissatisfaction the panthers not be able to score touchdowns to win, anyone can believe that Lowe can help them win more than what Stephens did. Not only does a head coach need composure during a ballgame, but so do all of the assistant coaches in order to TEACH the players how to be that way and that just has not been happening with the panthers. Why that is needs to be addressed. Nonetheless, come what may.

As far as the "snakes" in and around the program, I know many people in and around the program and I don't think I would characterize ANY of them as being "snakes." In fact everyone I know is pretty much interested in making sure things operate in the best interest of the kids and for the kids. If Lowe were to be named head coach, I'm pretty confident that he will get the support he needs from his parents and community, but what other choice would everyone have? Everyone has to accept things he has no control over, right? And BC, if you consider "snakes" to be people who who advocate positive changes and speak out against a popularity contest, then I guess Powell may have a lot of your so-called "snakes." But I certainly don't see it that way. It's really a shame that Powell seems to run off good graduates who could make some positive contributions and changes for the community at large though. Here again, I won't weigh anyone down with examples, but the reason that seems to happen probably has something to do with the idea that politics in Powell seem to operate on a "Camelot" concept where there are supposed to be heirs to an "average" throne that is backed by supportive, caring community members. I don't know if there is a community anywhere with parents who care more about taking care of their kids than Powell's. And no I don't think Lowe holds MTSU's record for the most receptions. I believe somewhere I read that David Youell holds that, but I could be wrong. And don't get me wrong, Lowe is proud to be a panther and he is very encouraging. But what coach wouldn't be or isn't? However, I do maintain my stance that if Powell is interested in improving it's future chance for state playoffs and improvements, then the best choice for a head coach is someone who has that experience to offer.

I thought the Dragons would have it in the bag last night, but they just played like they were scared to death. They definitely needed more from Ford who basically played like his feet were stuck to the floor. And I guess kidd was right about the "recruits." If nothing else, I would have thought they would have given the Dragons more confidence. Like I said, it looked as though they were playing scared to death, but I'm wondering if that fear isn't coming from somewhere else. Like maybe Lockard's fear of Lee Smith. Couldn't blame him too much though....you never know what to expect from Smith these days. I think Powell is the moodiest team in the whole district, though. You never know who is going to heat it up for them or even if anyone will. Makes it really tough to anticipate how well they are going to do from one game to the next. In my opinion, I believe Hargis made the difference. He actually played with tremendous confidence, which is exactly what he hasn't been doing until the last two games. It's also good to see Jason Seymore lighting it up for the panthers too. I'm pretty sure the Dragons didn't see him coming. My prediction is that next year the panthers will rely heavily on him as a key player. Congrats to the panthers and better luck next time Dragons. It ain't over yet.

The rumor I've heard is that the Sevier County head coach is looking pretty good to Powell. I don't know how much truth there is to that or even if he has even applied. When told about it, my question was is he good? and the reply was "uhh, yea." Has he ever been to the state? "uh, YEA!" Just input on what is floating around. Word also is that Lambert looks good too. And yes, Lowe is 29, but still acts like he's 18. I can tell you plenty about how much good he hasn't done, but I won't. Powell's lack of touchdowns and lack of wins speaks volumes to that. And while he may have done a "decent" job as a player, that certainly doesn't mean he will be a good head coach. I still believe it would be a very big mistake to hire him as a head coach. Most of the time, just speaking to him in person I can't understand what he is saying. I can only imagine what it must be like taking instruction or direction from him. Surely if the applicants are as qualified as what they say, Powell will surely see some positive changes down the road.

geesh, are you a football player for clinton? do your school a favor and don't say another word...lol

duh? you're comparing apples to oranges

a recruit for what? his dad graduated from powell and his family lives in powell. oh and he's been at powell for the past three years too. don't think so.

Kidd, you know that's not true. and here I am....shutting my mouth youre trying to tell me that the "new" recruits have done NOTHING???????? I dont think you even wanna go there. those boys have done a TON and you know it so I don't think you want to sell them short. But let's not forget there are plenty of "other" state championship teams that recruit too....."whatever it takes" as the halls red devils shirts read. And as far as I'm concern, Dixon and Dye have been pretty consistent throughout the entire season. They're a good combo. As far as anyone guarding them from Powell, well they did their 1st game, didnt they? But I guess they just weren't in the "groove" yet. At least this time they'll have someone to "just rebound." lol And no one is jealous, just highlighting the facts...clinton has some new blood in town and if you think theyve done "nothing" you should think again. The only ones who seem best at making stuff up would be the Orange Crush. I'm fairly sure theyve upped the level of practice for the dragonz and you should appreciate that buddy. Oh....and that's not making anything up! Good luck to both the teams.

hahahaha.....this is joke! Your "groove" consists of two recruits to compensate for your weak inside game. So don't act like your team has just been working out the kinks and that these are home-grown boys working it all out. I predicted at the beginning of the season that one way or another Clinton would come out on top....was I wrong? nope and I'm not wrong about the improvements Clinton has made revolves around their recruits. Nonetheless, that just goes to show ya what it takes for Clinton to make it as far as they do.

Not to mention, the panthers still owe them another loss. Guess that will happen in the district tourney. I completely missed what the Halls students were shouting at Lee Smith. All I know is that dad Smith got up and shut them up pretty abruptly, which was funny. I was glad to see Lee getting back to 100%. Hopefully that will improve more in the upcoming weeks. I agree that Connor made some shots that should have also had foul calls. I will give tons of credit to Varner. He gets position inside and keeps opposing players from getting rebounds. I hope Powell addresses that in the upcoming weeks. Another factor, Halls couldn't hit any of their outside shots and Powell's guards kept taking it to their defense up the middle....finally though! Hello Hargis, you are as good as Sharp if not better!! Say that to yourself everyday. Good win, Powell. You still owe them another loss if you face them again. Good luck next week at the Dragon Den. I'm pretty sure Clinton is hungry. Great district too!

the refs were horrible.....you had George Costanza, Barney Fife and Herman Munster. Halls got so many calls I'm suprised Powell actually won. Halls has always gotten by with a lot of cheap shot crap. And no they did not get the short end of the stick.....what game were you watching? and why does the word "overrated" keep coming up? yea panthers!

Let me see if I can spell this out for you. If you're basing your "opinion" on your thoughts and/or observations, then say exactly why (as in give an example) you think powell's players or even me for that matter have got bad attitudes. Frankly, I don't really care what negative things you say about the team...just make sure you can back it up pal. In this case, you obviously haven't. And as far as personal attacks....you're the one who came on here throwing out dumb comments. I just called you on it. That's not a personal attack. But if I call you a "moron," that would be a personal attack. I wouldn't do that though. Things speak for themselves. Lastly, if a tv announcer did say that, then I'm inclined to believe he is just classless and the only thing he should consider doing in the future is just taping the games without his unethical commentation.

Oh you think what I said reflects an "attitude" problem? You wouldn't happen to have an attitude problem would ya? Just do us a favor. Stop repeating the opinions of others, ok? and get one of your own that's based on more than what you see.

Uninformed comments like this are funny. Smith has been ill and did not play Tuesday night against Campbell County. He also appeared to still be ill last night as well, but he played the game til he fouled out. I don't think I can remember once that he ever came off the floor for a substitution until he fouled out. Keep in mind, he's been sick. I don't recall Hargis ever exiting the floor either. And Conners may have briefly, but he played a good game on the whole. If players have a bad attitude, it could be that they are having to deal with ridiculous, impossible demands that possibly no one is aware of. Bottom line, even the best players need breaks especially if they have been sick. Also, Powell began with yet another "new" starting line-up. Having said that, don't you think the ambiguity from game to game might make you have a bad attitude too? But here's some good news, at least the other teams don't have a clue what to expect either, do they? So the question becomes, what exactly is Powell's "game?" It would probably help the players and their seemingly "bad" attitudes if they were made to feel a little more secure about their abilities and that confidence was displayed by their amounts of playing time. IMO, every player on that team MERITS more playing time then what they are getting and that is just not happening. Lastly, in spite of ALL of that, Powell only lost to Oak Ridge by 3 pts, I believe. Oh well, rather than "win some, lose some," it's more like "WIND some, lose some."

Finally, someone who seemingly understands what I've been saying all along! What excuse do the panthers have for losing those games or not even making a decent showing against teams like Maryville and Central. Yes, the players are out there, but their style of play is coming from those who are supposed to know what's going on. It was absolutely amazing to watch Maryville adjust their game and basically shut Powell's game down the first time the two teams met. As for the Central game, personally I think both teams played basically the same, but Central managed to execute what Powell could not for reasons that were obvious. And BCat, I'm basically indifferent to the hire of the new baseball coach. I sort of see that situation in the sense that Inman is brand new to the career and he has high hopes of doing well with something that he has always enjoyed. Frankly, that's the energy that new teachers bring to the profession and that's why he was hired. Unfortunately, his hard lessons are waiting around the bend as it is for any new teacher and coach. He's just glad to have a job, eh? Regardless, I certainly hope things work out for him, but it's going to be difficult. I thought Lawson did a good job given the circumstances and find it appalling that his program did not seem to be regarded as one as important as the football team's needs. I'm sorry but any head coach should be given priority over assistants, regardless of the sport. And Cale certainly had A LOT of responsibility and I don't think that was honored. Nonetheless, water under the bridge.

First, many would say the situation with the baseball coach was "complicated," because first of all it was just wrong what was done to him and where was the teachers' union during that? Secondly, I do believe he was tenured or close to being tenured, not really sure, and the coach who came in was not tenured, please correct me if I'm wrong. I suppose that could be considered an "apples and orange" situation because it was a tenured teacher who got the shaft not a non-tenured. And yes, I was referring to the movement of non-tenured teachers, but I was also shedding light on a situation that proves the schools can get what they want by bringing up the baseball coach. My last point is that there are several teachers at Powell who are not tenured and even those who are planning to retired and those who probably SHOULD be retiring which means there's a real opportunity there for a head coach. Furthermore, isn't tenure supposed to be four years at the same school? If that's the case, then my question is, is Lowe even tenured? and if he is, how long has he been tenured? not long, no doubt and yet another reason why he is inappropriate for head coach. If he gets the job, I'm afraid Powell will be the joke of Knoxville or remain the joke......who knows.

My response to this is to consider the situation with Powell's head baseball coach last year? Wasn't his schedule changed to make room for another coach? No, he wasn't asked to leave, but given the situation...his new teaching schedule...did that not influence his decision to either remain head coach or request a transfer, which he did and got. It's my understanding that schools reserve the right to move a non-tenured teacher to another position at another school if necessary. Positions at desired schools are not guarenteed to non-tenured teachers to my understanding. Is that not correct?

Ironically, what I've heard disputes what you say about the lack of choice and interest. I've heard there's a lot of interest in the job. And I don't think the principal should care about making political enemies to be honest, especially if she makes a good choice AND it's in the best interest of her players/students. One would certainly hope that administrators are put into their positions based on their ability to make good decisions and that they are respected for that. Politics can only do so much when it comes to dealing with facts and the fact is Lowe just is not appropriate for the job.

Isn't it assumed anyway by applicants that they have to be teachers? And what about this angle, doesn't Powell have a lot of teachers who are NOT tenured? Meaning that there's no guarentee that their positions will be held at the school til next year? I'm thinking what BCat is saying about Lowe getting the position is true though because he's already in place is a reality though, unfortunately. Guess we can hope for the assistants, eh? geesh... Regardless, that's still pitiful for the players because it only supports the idea that it's not about how hard you work, but who you know. Guess Powell manages to keep that message alive.