Tri-County Seven

[krichunaka]

1-) Elizabethton

2-) Happy Valley

2-) Unicoi County

2-) Cloudland

5-) Unaka

6-) Hampton

7-) Johnson County

 

On paper the Lady Cyclones and Lady Blue Devils are about even, but for a little over a quarter, Science Hill reminded Unicoi County that games aren't played on paper.

 

Elizabethton is experienced, steady and confident; the most consistent, and only Tri-County Seven team to go unbeaten (3 - 0) at the Happy Valley Thanksgiving Classic. Different combinations of Marti Bush, Michaela and Mariah Pietrowski provide a strong and deep post game, and Victoria Hopson was one of the top guards/wings in the tournament. Big test in Greeneville, Tuesday, before Thursday's home opener against Hampton.

 

Happy Valley jumps into the three-way tie (even though they lost to the Lady Highlanders), based on hustle, and the fact that neither Cloudland, nor Unicoi County played consistently well. The Lady Warriors matched Science Hill's intensity to the end, something the Lady Blue Devils did for only one electrifying half. Coach Glenn Fisher was frustrated with his veteran team's performance, and played his second unit a lot against Sullivan East.

 

But this doesn't suggest the Lady Blue Devils are bad, but rather, that they'll have to play more consistently to reach their potential. The fact that the bench maintained the lead over Sullivan East demonstrates their ability.

 

Meanwhile, the Lady Highlanders didn't have one solid, start-to-finish outing in three games. Credit quality competition against Tennessee High, the Lady Warriors, and Daniel Boone, but Cloudland has the depth and talent to play much better. Where Elizabethton, with four starting seniors, has the veteranship to play at a high level after Cameron Crapps' graduation, so far Cloudland lacks the leadership they'll need to be successful now that Jessica Lunsford and Heather Banner have moved on.

 

Unaka lost twice in Pickett County. The host Lady Bobcats defeated the Lady

Rangers by fifteen, 62-47, and in Saturday's game the Lady Rangers lost to Smith County's Lady Owls (and their six-foot-eight Freshman) by 21.

 

Hampton is young, small and under the direction of Leon Tolley, their fourth head coach in three years. They'll get much better.

 

We'll learn more about Johnson County when they visit Unaka this Friday night.

Edited November 26, 2006 by krichunaka

[bucdaddio]

Having seen all these teams in action now, except Johnson Co. and Unaka, i would have to agree with your thinking. The Lady Cyclones look as good as their fans had hoped. Very solid all the way through the roster. Not sure why Arin Anderson has not seen any playing time, but maybe that will work itself out.

 

Unicoi's consistency will get better as the season goes on, and Happy Valley certainly proved themselves against Science Hill.

[coachh17]

1. Elizabethton (Solid 4-0 start.)

2. Unicoi Co. (Exposed a bit against Science Hill.)

3. Cloudland (Not as good as I thought, not yet anyway.)

4. Happy Valley (No size.)

5. Unaka (Will take time.)

6. Hampton (Not as far behind Cloudland and Unaka as I thought.)

7. Johnson Co. (I haven't seen them.)

[ghostbuster14]

The Lady Landers didn't play 2 their capability! They did at Cosby but not at H.V! Hopefully they will do so against Unicoi. Go Landers, play like I know you can!

[osubrutus]

Due to the inability to attend many games, I am going to limit any posts or comments this year. Unless time permits, I will stick with being a father and family man (Yes, I'm whipped), instead of a basketball wanna be guru.

 

That being said, from what I've seen and heard...

 

1. Elizabethton

2. Unicoi

3. Cloudland

4. Unaka

5. Happy Valley

5. Hampton

7. Johnson Co.

[screenandroll]

Obrutone, say it ain't so (whipped). Funny how time and responsibilities mellow one out. Do agree at this time with everyone's number one pick in Elizabethton. Know it is still early but each team that played in the Happy Valley tournament gave the other teams a glimmer of hope. Thought all of the teams played pretty inconsistant. Not just with the skill level but with also the intensity level (mostly). Skill level will inmprove throughout the year but these teams had better improve on the intensity level if some of them want to match or better the results from last year. Teams can't get in the habit of playing in spurts.

 

Bucdad, who is this Arin Anderson you have mentioned? Is she new to the program at Elizabethton?

 

1. Elizabethton (deserves this ranking)

2. Unicoi County (didn't really seem interested in playing in tournament)

3. Cloudland (did beat Happy Valley)

4. Happy Valley (at times showed signs of being able to play at times didn't)

5. Hampton (played one good half, one not so good)

6. Unaka (may take a while to develop)

7. Johnson County (have to rank last until they play)

Edited November 27, 2006 by screenandroll

[GLee]

Little to go on....... but I'll see some this week

 

1. Elizabethton (Unicoi will give them more than they want)

2. Unicoi (Suffered a bump on the road........and thier ego but it will make these girls stronger)

3. Cloudland (Will always get after you in a BIG way)

4. Happy Valley (Proved alot but undersized)

4. Unaka (Will grow by leaps and bounds)

6. Hampton (Will grow by leaps and bounds)

7. Johnson Co (McCloud's play will not look as good this year......not much help)

 

 

These are ratings with blinders on..........I have only seen jamboree action so far and don't see too well anyway

 

Erin Anderson..........a very tough gal who will battle anyone for a rebound. Anyone!

[CycloneFan]

1. EHS

2. Unicoi

3. Cloudland

4. Happy Valley

5. Unaka

6. Hampton

7. Johnson County

 

 

Should get some good feedback this week with several games between these seven.

[krichunaka]

The usual tough, early-season schedule for the young Lady Rangers, who are now 0-4 after tonight's loss to the Lady Cougars of Sullivan Central.

 

Unaka will play at Unicoi County Thursday, and then finally the home opener against Johnson County.

[CycloneFan]

Krich:

Sounds like growing pains for the young Ranger squad. How did the game against Central go? I honestly thought the Rangers would beat the Cougars.

Coach Chambers will get them on track.

[Rangerbook06]

1. Elizabethton

2. Unicoi

3. Cloudland

4. Happy Valley

T5. Unaka

T5. Hampton

7. Johnson County

 

Bucdaddio, Arin Anderson saw some minutes this past Saturday against UH. And GLee is right. She's a spitfire, and she isn't afraid of doing some dirty work down underneath.

Edited November 28, 2006 by Rangerbook06

[krichunaka]

Here's approximately what this week's ratings would be if we use a seven, six, five, four, three, two, one scale. *First place = 7; Second = 6; Third = 5, and so on.

 

So far this week, with seven participants:

 

(Approximate)

 

1- Elizabethton - - 49

2- Unicoi County - 42

3- Cloudland - - - - 35

4- Happy Valley - - 31

5- Unaka - - - - - - 22

6- Hampton - - - - -16

7- Johnson County - 7

 

Whataya think?