hsfan11

This too is my last post on this issue. You are not worth arguing with. Even after someone you care about and love asked that people stop attacking other players and the coaches, you continue to do so. This only serves to further prove that you do not care what other people think; you are set in your opinions and everyone else is wrong. You are not worth arguing with or discussing any of these matters with. GO IRISH!!

You are right, I do not know the circumstances you and your family are dealing with. BUT, that is the EXACT concept that should prevent you from attacking any players. The same that you have said to me can be said to you. You DO NOT know the circumstances behind that player's decision, which is why you should LET IT GO!!! Please, practice what you preach. I truly wish that someone would have said to you what you have just said to me. Maybe that would have prevented all of these attacks against one of the Irish players. I understand that you and your family may be upset over this loss. Trust me, I have been there before with my family as well; however, one thing I do know, attacking and blaming other players does not make anyone feel better or make the situation any easier.

CPG, LET IT GO!! You are blaming this loss on ONE player... if you "believe in the team concept", then you should accept the fact that the TEAM lost. Maybe this player made a mistake, have you never made a mistake? When you did make that mistake, did someone preach about it for days and refuse to let it go? I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate it if they did. I doubt that this player was thinking, "Today, I am going to completely neglect my teammates and enjoy doing so." She was probably faced with a very difficult situation with pressure from both sides. The fact is, we don't know what her position was or the circumstances surrounding her decision. Regardless of our opinions, nothing good can come of continuously attacking her for her decision. The coaches, players, parents, and fans should be PROUD of the Irish this year! They exceeded expectations and had a GREAT year! Fans and parents should be proud of the players and proud of the coaches. Can't wait for next year!!

Out there: Were you agreeing with Instructor 50? Or my response to Instructor 50?

Unfortunately, if and when the kids read this, they will know EXACTLY who is being talked about. Names or no names. I refused to refer to the player in question as "Miss Thing". In a situation like this, I am sure she and anyone who reads this would prefer her real name over the name rudely given to her anyday.

Instructor50: First of all, your efforts to remain "fair" and "objective" were completely unattained. It is obvious that you are a disgruntled parent that is blaming the coach, other players, and a few mishaps in the season on the fact that your daughter is not playing. Your response to Father Ryan's unfortunate loss to BGA is very immature and very juvenile. Granted, there were several mistakes made by the coach. As you said, she is a first-year coach, and yes, she made some rookie mistakes not only against BGA, but throughout the year. Rotating the line-up for the first part of the season was wise on her part; however, you simply cannot change the line-up for the first game of the region tournament. Fact of the matter is, every team has a starting five, the same five players (unless injury or illness comes into play) that start every game. Based on the big wins by the Irish throughout the season, it was blatantly obvious who the best five were. Much to the surprise of both the players and the parents, there were a couple of girls that started against BGA that have barely seen the court all year. As a coach, you simply should not do that, regardless of the results. If you noticed, one of the starters was pulled in the first few minutes of the game and barely saw the court again. Based on previous games and performances, it is clear to all that she should have never started. In response to the "two particular guards that should not be on the floor at the same time", it is clear that your disgruntled parent attitude is shining once again. As a big fan of the Lady Irish, I cannot even imagine which two players this senseless comment is directed at. Were you referring to Longhurst or the Smileys? If so, you are mistaken. According to the stats that were made available prior to the region tournament, Longhurst and the Smiley twins (along with Teegarden and Weisman) led the team in scoring. In addition, these three guards also led the team in assists and steals. I do not know about you, but this does not say to me: “They only pass to each other. They do not attempt to play defense. They never, never try to work the ball down low.” If the guards never worked the ball down low, then why is Teegarden the leading scorer? Does she steal it from the guards? I highly doubt it. Why do the guards lead the team in assists? What team are you watching? Maybe it would be in your best interest to request a stat sheet rather than relying on your own personal opinion, which is clearly influenced by your discontented attitude. As for Teegarden. “Miss Thing”? Talk about setting a bad example for the players and the team. I do not think that a person who resorts to calling names is in any position to talk about setting good examples. You have no right to label a player about something you know little-to-nothing about. You don’t know the circumstances surrounding her decision, if it was even her decision at all. None of us do. Do the kids run the family at your home? Do you know for a fact that it was Teegarden that made this decision? I doubt you do. Maybe her parents or Teegarden do need to re-evaluate their decision, but how juvenile of you to attack a player and call her names. Would the team be better off without the leading scorer, the leading rebounder, and the third best in steals on the court? If your answer is “yes”, then that just goes to show why you are in the stands and not on the floor coaching. I can understand the frustration behind “double standards”. The fact of the matter is, we are only seeing the outside of this team. We are not in the practices, the meetings, or the huddles. It is very possible that these double standards may exist, but attacking players is not the solution. Throughout your response, you take the liberty of speaking for the players and the parents. The credibility of your response is nonexistent. While you can refer to your daughter’s opinions and feelings, you are in NO position to report the feelings and opinions of the other parents and players. Your comments are dramatic and out-of-line (especially when saying that you will no longer contribute to the school). I only hope that the players are mature enough to avoid the accusations and drama you are throwing at them. If they can avoid this, next season will be a powerful team with strong senior leadership that will exceed expectations and the number of wins from this season. GO IRISH!