coachcap

I have to agree with TBALL... There are certain areas that are just not that competitive, they have a few good caliber players but for the most part their teams just don't measure up. Rossview and Sycamore are in a couple of those areas and while I would agree they are a good average teams, they just wont beat WC, Hendersonville, Beech and they tied MJ who is struggling this year. Blackmon, Siegel and Riverdale are also better than average teams but lack firepower yet two of those teams found their way onto the list. I like that you use stats and research to present something that most people dare not associate their name with so we can all have fun with it but I think WC is catching just a tad bit of bias interpretation from a Beech fan. If it weren't for all the rain this year we wouldn't be talking about this because they would have played a more consistent schedule and the picture would be clear. Next week will be a huge week as they will play Hendersonville, if WC beats Hendersonville I say they have a shot to be a district representative in the regional. Whoever comes out of this regional will be a contender, if not favored, to win the State, its just that simple.

... and that's my shamefully bias interpretation!

This will be a fine run to the "boro" the smack is already starting.

I can't believe you left WC off the list after their only loss 1-0 vs. Beech. I would count them and Hendersonville both a cut above Siegel, Rossview and Riverdale. While those teams are good they have very few bats, Hendersonville is loaded with Bats but then it depends on which Hendersonville team shows up. They could sneek up and accidentally stomp somebody. O.o

I know it's your post and all but just because you guys (Beech) beat them in a scrimmage at the beginning of the year really doesn't count. Goodpasture is clear and away the best team in the mid-state.

Ah!! English only please!! ha ha! You are right in what you said you said. Of course the girls need all of that support. I think the point is that the coaches don't need parents trying to run the team, not that they all do, but some do.

I agree but it's all situational. Good programs are a success because everyone is working together with the same goal. I take issue with the whole Mommy, Daddy ball thing... Mom and Dad are at the core of any successful child and should be respected as such. Trying to push them aside like they never had a part grates at me. No they shouldn't be calling pitches from the stands, no they shouldn't be making out the line-up, no they shouldn't be calling out the coach in front of the world, that's simply an unfortunate part of the game that has existed since ball began. An experienced coach will identify this early on and confront it by having a heart to heart with that parent. If that doesn't help they know what the next step is... A travel coach would remove that family from the program... They then become team hoppers, talk about you on eteamz a bit and then fade away...

This thread is insane, while I agree there are some parents who take the game a little too seriously from behind the fence the opposite is true also. Parents, high school coaches, travel coaches and administrations are one in a coordinated effort, that if succesful will develope these fine young ladies into college athletes. It's a "GROUP" effort folks and if one part fails they all fail. Comprende?

What would a player be if Mommy and Daddy didn't sign them up at the park and went to the lake instead?

What would a player be if not for the travel coach who recruited, trained and seasoned them?

What would a player be if there were no ex players and coaches giving lessons?

What would a player be if a high school coach didn't give them positive feedback to a college?

What would a player be if school administrations didn't allow womens athletics? (Thank God for Title 9)

There is more to this than just a vague and ignorant statement about "Mommy and Daddy" Ball.

What would a player be if Mommy and Daddy didn't pay for, support and encourage their child to be all they could be and just decided to take a vacation every year instead????

The North Alabama Kraze will host the "KRAZE KLASH" on May 1, 2 & 3 at Webster Park in Muscle Shoals, Alabama for Ages 8U, 10U, 12U & 14U; Entry fee $125(8U), $225(10U,12U,14U); Awards to first and second place teams in each age division and tee shirts to first place teams in each age group.

Contact person: Michael Beck, email address: mbeck@tuscumbia.k12.al.us

 

The Kraze Klash is sanctioned by the National Softball Association. You can visit their web site at the LINKS section of our web page listed below.

 

Please visit our website for more information and and a list of Shoals Area attractions, also a list of area hotels (if needed), some hotels are offering special rates for teams attending any Kraze tournament. We will have these posted on our web page soon until then you may email me for this list at kraze14u@aol.com

 

http://www.northalabamakraze.com

This is a High School Board, there is a travel board below... Please don't start promoting tournaments here. If it's worth it's salt coaches will look on eteamz or sanction sites.

#5 Savanna Bell - Senior, Wilson Central

#9 Sara Beth Roberts - Sophmore, Mt. Juliet

These are two of the best I have seen this year, both have great arms, a good head for the game as well as big bats. The incredible thing is Roberts is just a sophmore and playing way above par. I've watched her for a couple years now, heck she was throwing girls out from her knees in middle school. Another to watch is Shelby Webb, another good sophmore out of Sycamore. Last I heard though she has been playing some 3rd in favor of a senior but you've gotta get that big bat in the line-up somehow. She should be at the top of some lists next year if she keeps her game on and head level.

Disclaimer: None of these players are my daughter for all you thread flammers out there!

I'm a noob on these boards but nonetheless observant. I should have been more clear on the current player parent bit... Parents, including myself, all have built in pride when talking about their kids which is why I will not hype mine in any way here. I'll save that for her player profile I send to colleges. Just a hunch you didn't have a kid currently in a HS softball program based on the flavor of your posts...

Beech is good and they'll be a factor this year but I have no bias toward either team, having no kids on either side and being somewhat new to the area. I still say game 2 Central gets the edge! I may just have to find my way to the bleechers at Central for that game, it'll be a good one.

I hate to take off my mask but there are so many people who I would like to talk to and you are one of them Cascade11. I have seen you before and we have talked but you do not know who you were talkin to! /flower.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":flower:" border="0" alt="flower.gif" />

Who is this mysterious masked commentator???

Not a parent, he does not have that built in bias or pride that comes with being a current player parent. Not a coach, he does have a bit of righteous arrogance but not even a bad coach would ever comment on the things he throws out there like loser lists and the such. Not a tournament director, no self respecting tournament director would live in a trailer park. My guess would have to be.... A game official, yes you heard it right I'll bet he's an umpire!

On a second note, I do believe I called that Beech, Central game right on the button. Only one thing remains; can Central adjust and score a couple runs to put the district tournament on the must watch list in game 2.

Not a WC parent either but without a doubt Central is playing good ball. I have seen both teams twice this year and I believe this will be a fight. Leevie won't over power you like Kat but she is a very smart pitcher with a good head for the game and Beech isn't very deep, they'll have to have big hits from their top 5. Central's catcher, Savana, is as billed, very good. The out field with Gooch in Center is also solid. The infield is slightly suspect but still good enough with big bats to get the job done. They can definitely play with Beech and I give WC's bats an edge over Beech but they'll have to make them work against Kat to win. I would give this first meeting to Beech, simply due to the pitching, once Central's seen it the intimidation game is over and WC manufactures a close win in the second.

As much as I am suprised to be saying this, I must give the girls at WC their due. Wilson Central has earned a look for this list. More will be known after they play Beech but I've watched all the board hyped AAA power house teams this year, some of which are listed on this thread, and WC definately contends. They are playing with a confidence and drive that is seen in championship teams. Smart pitching, a top notch catcher, good bats through the line up, I say they'll be there fighting through the region and could end up in the "boro". I'm not conected with WC in any way, just gotta give CUDO's when I see a hot one.

I do not know what High School Coaches you are referring to but if you go more in depth you will find that several High School Coaches have drills that cover all this plus some.

Not going to be baited into coach references. Before anyone can point a finger you gotta point it back at yourself and ask what are you doing to improve the situation.

I was simply answering this question on what I think about practices and other developing comments on the subject:

"I think maybe one time outdoors in about 3 weeks. Are the players going to care like they should if the coach doesn't? It's terrible to scream at your team about mistakes if your not going to practice. What are your thoughts about practice? How much is to much?"

I'm sure some coaches in good programs who excel year after year, do have sound practice routines but those are not in question. What actually qualifies coaches in the TSSAA to coach softball? If I can provide any commentary at all that might push one to investigate and ask questions then I've done my part.

Kelsey Cartwright and I believe Auburn was mentioned at the tourney.

I disagree that pitchers should throw every practice. If they pitched the day before and have a game the next day...I don't want them pitching...much.

It really depends on the pitcher. If pitchers don't pitch at home...they won't be very good anyway.

That was just a general outline... Common sense should prevail not to wear out your starting pitcher the day before a game. Pitchers do need time in practice just as much as catchers and other skill positions in working on their game. Leaving them cold and at the mercy of mom and dad after 8 hours of school, 3-4 hours of practice, homework and whatever else is a fools errand. Time must be allotted to them during practice or the simply won't work and most coaches leave this out as they assume falsely they are working at home. When would that be, you have all their free time now.

Practice is a must at a minimum of 3 to 4 times a week if you hope to do anything at all. But if your practice does not keep the players in motion constantly your simply wasting your time and boring them. You must challenge your players in their respective skill areas; fielders should spend time and repetition every practice on fundamentals and plays where they are weak, bats should be swung about 75 times every practice through stations and hitting, pitchers should throw every practice working with their respective catcher or throwing live. It amazes me the amount of coaches I see that give absolutely no time to the pitchers and catchers when those two players touch the ball on every play and are responsible for about 75% of your teams overall defense. Never assume players are working at home, 9 times out of ten they are not, even on some of the best teams. Winning is paid for in advance by hard work!

This is more or less a travel team practice... High School, eh its rare but there are some.

I have to agree... Everyone can pick apart coaching styles but when you compare MJ's coach to most out there she's a good coach and fund raising is never a popular subject, especially with a new field. This team is young and still contending which is impressive in itself, every contest they have lost has been close and hard fought against some tough teams. They graduated 8 seniors, almost all with scholarships. Those are some tough shoes to fill, especially with Freshmen.

The Central game was an evenly matched contest with Central pulling it out on 2 key errors. I would say the upcoming game at MJ on Tuesday will be another hard fought contest. If MJ wins they will be right back in it as WC hasn't yet played anyone with any clout (Beech).

Hmmm... Recruiting? Hah! All I'll say is this, good players with obsessive and highly supportive parents will move, transfer or pay whatever tuition is necessary to get their kid in the right program, whether it be public or private. It is simply their choice and the TSSAA hasn't found a way to stifle personal choice yet on those with the means to get it done. I don't see a problem with it, if that's you're passion, run with it and don't point fingers at the coaches, the parents are the movers and shakers, the coaches just do a good job at what they're supposed to do. Win!

I use the term obsessive very loosely as most of us here posting on these boards can be categorized in that column...

As far as the picks go, Beech is looking very strong among the middle TN AAA teams but not overwhelming. The Soddy tournament will reveal more to this fan as there are some powerhouse programs in that tourney. That should be a battle royal this weekend if the blasted rain will stay away for a bit.

Ok, Wow... I did alot of research in this since this rule has changed so much since the last time I opened a rule book. Here are some quotes right from the 2009 NFHS rule changes. This is truly a catch 22 situation now as it completely depends on the umpires view and interpretation.

"Improvements made in this area due to clear definitions and rules changes

OBSTRUCTION

* Requires a clear defensive infraction

* Two conditions must exists for obstruction to occur:

1) Defensive player is blocking runner??™s access to a base or path without being in possession of the ball

2) Runner is impeded or hindered

* Both situations must be present

* If a fielder is blocking a base without the ball and the runner has not been impeded in any way ??“ NO obstruction

* Impede = slowed down or path is altered

* If fielder obtains the ball before runner is hindered ??“ NO obstruction

* If the fielder??™s location limits the runner??™s access to the base or path AND the fielder does NOT yet have the ball ??“ OBSTRUCTION"

These are not my words folks but it seems to me that the runner should be out from the picture, BUT it gets real muddy when you start to read on interference and the whole "runner should avoid contact on an initial play on the ball." The question becomes, was the ball in the glove before the runner began to become hindered?

Either way I cannot fault the umpire on the call, he was trying to enforce these new rules obviously so my initial knee jerk reaction was... wrong. O.o.

Can't say I like the rule for a home plate play but it's obviously designed to avoid players from knee blocking a base in this case. I think it takes away from the excitement of the home plate calls. Just my thoughts on the subject. I would prefer a mandatory slide rule myself.

I guess I can always expect to be corrected and I don't mind it's good to see people who love the game as much as I do. I apologize for my older interpretation as I drew on my old school days for that one... The term "plow" is all a matter of interpretation and the runner does have a right to the basepath, so long as they are not lowering a shoulder, bull-doging the catcher, or chopping at the ball the runner can run through the player impeding the basepath. So my original statement stands on that one, the players are playing at a high level and fast pace, I would never ask a player to slow up because a catcher is standing in the base path.

Based on the photo I can see two things, 1) The runner was trying to do exactly that but did so half heartedly and 2) The catcher clearly has the ball with the runner a step from the plate but I would say based on the current rules as quoted in this thread that the call could go either way. I don't like it but I can see it using those rules. Hard to expect a cathcer to play home like a 1st baseman.

I'd have to agree on most of the picks but... The rain will likely wash the day again (another shameless plug for Fall Ball!)

Upsets: Greenbriar looked pretty solid and deep early on, not to say a State contender but they did look good. I'll go out on a limb and say they upset Station Camp although this may be the closest contest of the day.

Side note: I think MrNoItAll was at the MJ game vs. Beech. The MJ crowd was indeed upset with a tight zoned official that seemed inconsistent on his calls forcing MJ to pitch to the batters far more than she should have resulting in a couple nice hits for Beech. Overall, I beleive this was a subtle at best, Beech simply muscled past MJ with some timely hits and hard throwing. MJ, for a young team, tested Kat and made her pitch a good game, definately no push overs. All in all it was simply a rivalry, I didn't notice any heated exchanges or poor judgements made by anyone. It was a good game.

If the ball beat the runner there was no obstruction, period. The catcher has the right to the spot if the ball is in possesion or a play is close... If the runner was there before the ball she could simply plow through the catcher causing her to muff the catch, in any case the obstruction call doesn't sound like it was in play, it was simply a "bias" call or an umpire that was unfamiliar with the rules. Unfortunately, that seems to part of the game nowadays as was said before the TSSAA has no evaluation process.

Put a sock in it until after Soddy Daisy. That is where the rubber meets the road, it can be a humbling experience as it is usually one of the toughest tournaments of the year. If you can come out of there smelling like a rose you have a team poised to contend in the state.

Coffee Co. will get their metal tested in the Soddy tournament. It has a way of humbling the best of us...

ya got me.

Ok... One question. How do you leave MJ, WC and Beech out of the picture? Beech could be in the top 3 and MJ is on record edging out Knox Central in the MTSCA... No love for district 9. O.o We are always represented when rubber meets the road.