Mariah Pietrowski

[krichunaka]

Since the first season of this century, we've truly enjoyed writing about our local Ladies, and recently, we've added Online Broadcasting to our overall coverage. The most rewarding aspect of going worldwide has been the occasional email from one of our Nation's Finest, telling us he or she heard the sounds of home. Imagine that, while serving your country, you're listening as your friends or relatives run the courts in Mountain City, Elizabethton or Erwin. Sweet!

 

Most of the action we broadcast or write about occurs in what we call the "Tri-County Seven." The rationale is simple: there are a lot of other teams that more-readily catch the busy eye of the bigger media. We don't compete. We enhance, because, we feel that they deserve it. Most importantly, however, we just feel that our gals play some pretty good ball, and we want as many of you as possible to know it.

 

We've had the opportunity to meet so many very good people - Coaches, Fans, Recruiters - but the Players are at the forefront. And we have some great ones, some who are now readying to choose colleges, while the vast majority are underclassmen. One Elizabethton family has one of each.

 

The Pietrowski family is fortunate to have two of their three daughters play varsity ball for our number one team. Michaela, the senior, is a tremendous, six-three post player who simply put, can choose if, and where she wants to play. She's that good. At ONLY six-one, Little sister, Mariah, brings a burst of energy to the court. So many times "Lil Piet" has delivered the talent, energy and toughness required for Elizabethton High School to be the best team around. She's the Kevin McHale of the Tri-County Seven.

 

Until now. Mariah suffered a probable season-ending injury against Happy Valley three nights ago. Everyone is near-certain it's the dreaded A C L.

 

Mariah is already drawing inspiration from senior teammate, Marti Bush, who suffered, then successfully recovered from a torn A C L a couple seasons back. Not long before Marti, former Lady Cyclone star, Whitney Bishop, made one of the most improbable recoveries after trashing her entire knee. Whitney was part of the driving force that initiated the current Elizabethton High School success; and this, after the doctors told Whitney she'd be lucky to ever walk straight again. Up on Stoney Creek, Unaka's only senior, Sallee Taylor, is still fighting the effects of consecutive, devastating injuries.

 

Amazingly, and her teammates will never forget, Mariah was back on the court for Thursday's Senior Night. She just wasn't playing basketball. Instead, she was patting backs, serving water, cheering, anything to contribute. Even more than the injury, that had to hurt; that deep-down kind of hurt. But you'd never have noticed by watching Mariah's smiling face. Talk about your Team Player.

 

God Bless you, Mariah!

[auntkim]

Sounds like this young lady is a true inspiration....May she get healed and healthy soon!!! Best Wishes to her.........

[mkhhawk]

Very well written post krichunaka. I know none of the players you mentioned and very little about the teams. But it still brought a tear to my eyes. We wish her the best with her knee but rest assured this young lady will go far in life.

[coachtcyclone]

QUOTE(krichunaka @ Feb 9 2007 - 01:35 PM) 826365107[/snapback]

Since the first season of this century, we've truly enjoyed writing about our local Ladies, and recently, we've added Online Broadcasting to our overall coverage. The most rewarding aspect of going worldwide has been the occasional email from one of our Nation's Finest, telling us he or she heard the sounds of home. Imagine that, while serving your country, you're listening as your friends or relatives run the courts in Mountain City, Elizabethton or Erwin. Sweet!

 

Most of the action we broadcast or write about occurs in what we call the "Tri-County Seven." The rationale is simple: there are a lot of other teams that more-readily catch the busy eye of the bigger media. We don't compete. We enhance, because, we feel that they deserve it. Most importantly, however, we just feel that our gals play some pretty good ball, and we want as many of you as possible to know it.

 

We've had the opportunity to meet so many very good people - Coaches, Fans, Recruiters - but the Players are at the forefront. And we have some great ones, some who are now readying to choose colleges, while the vast majority are underclassmen. One Elizabethton family has one of each.

 

The Pietrowski family is fortunate to have two of their three daughters play varsity ball for our number one team. Michaela, the senior, is a tremendous, six-three post player who simply put, can choose if, and where she wants to play. She's that good. At ONLY six-one, Little sister, Mariah, brings a burst of energy to the court. So many times "Lil Piet" has delivered the talent, energy and toughness required for Elizabethton High School to be the best team around. She's the Kevin McHale of the Tri-County Seven.

 

Until now. Mariah suffered a probable season-ending injury against Happy Valley three nights ago. Everyone is near-certain it's the dreaded A C L.

 

Mariah is already drawing inspiration from senior teammate, Marti Bush, who suffered, then successfully recovered from a torn A C L a couple seasons back. Not long before Marti, former Lady Cyclone star, Whitney Bishop, made one of the most improbable recoveries after trashing her entire knee. Whitney was part of the driving force that initiated the current Elizabethton High School success; and this, after the doctors told Whitney she'd be lucky to ever walk straight again. Up on Stoney Creek, Unaka's only senior, Sallee Taylor, is still fighting the effects of consecutive, devastating injuries.

 

Amazingly, and her teammates will never forget, Mariah was back on the court for Thursday's Senior Night. She just wasn't playing basketball. Instead, she was patting backs, serving water, cheering, anything to contribute. Even more than the injury, that had to hurt; that deep-down kind of hurt. But you'd never have noticed by watching Mariah's smiling face. Talk about your Team Player.

 

God Bless you, Mariah!

 

 

 

Very good post!

I listened to some EHS Football this season while working nights at the Eastman.

I was very pleased to have the game on the internet.I cant pick up WBEJ inside the palnt or in Kingsport but Kim Birchfield and Chris Williams and Will Righter made me feel like I was in the stands.I hope you guys do it again next year!

You are up on EHS sports,tell me who will coach Betsy Basketball next year!

[coachh17]

Mariah,

I enjoyed teaching you, coaching you a little, and most importantly watching you grow into a fine young lady and a great basketball player. I was saddened to learn about your injury, but it will not be the end for you as a player or for this team. I know your character and you are a fighter who will come back stronger than before. I also know the character of your teammates and they will rally and support you. They will push you in your rehab and you can push them to reach their goals. Now is the time for Cyclone spirit and Cyclone pride. I know you will all be successful and I am wishing you the best from afar. Go Cyclones!!!!!!!!!

[CycloneFan]

Very touching post krich and coachh17. As a good friend of mine predicted, the team last night used Mariah's untimely and unfortunate injury as a rallying cry. Coachh, you were so right when you said that "True greatness is measured by how you overcome adversity." That applies to all of life; not just sports.

I could not be prouder of the girls and their coaches, no matter how things turn out from here on. They are all truly Champions in every sense of the word.......

 

And godspeed your recovery Riley!!

[bucdaddio]

Good Luck and a speedy, complete recovery to you, young lady.

 

It has been a real pleasure watching you play this season, even though you have beaten my beloved Lady Trailblazers every time.

 

Best wishes to a classy young lady....................

[krichunaka]

QUOTE(mkhhawk @ Feb 9 2007 - 01:56 PM) 826365144[/snapback]

Very well written post krichunaka. I know none of the players you mentioned and very little about the teams. But it still brought a tear to my eyes. We wish her the best with her knee but rest assured this young lady will go far in life.

 

 

 

mkhhawk, Thanks so much. I'm sure there are many others who have experienced the same fate, or worse, but I just wanted to offer a few encouraging words to a very nice Lady Cyclone.

 

Hope your team's doing great.

[krichunaka]

QUOTE(coachtcyclone @ Feb 9 2007 - 02:01 PM) 826365150[/snapback]

Very good post!

I listened to some EHS Football this season while working nights at the Eastman.

I was very pleased to have the game on the internet.I cant pick up WBEJ inside the palnt or in Kingsport but Kim Birchfield and Chris Williams and Will Righter made me feel like I was in the stands.I hope you guys do it again next year!

You are up on EHS sports,tell me who will coach Betsy Basketball next year!

 

 

 

You're very kind to mention a few who have contributed to the broadcasts. Will Righter was at the Wrestling tournament in Afton with C. Y. Peters yesterday. He's a very good writer and organizer who will soon re-awaken the SportsEdit website with articles from the T-C 7, and beyond. He loves Wrestling, Hockey, the College Scene and the NFL.

 

While not losing sight of Mariah's situation, I can only say now that a few names have been mentioned, to include Mike Wilson. Righter is also watching that with interest; he and I had a very good conversation with Coach Wilson Thursday night. But the real bombshell will be from another Seven school, and soon. The Star's Wes Holtsclaw and Tim Chambers are locked and loaded with that and other stories; will be very interesting.

 

Back to Mariah, Fan, please keep us updated.

[Indian]

The only thing is, a lot of current players probably have no idea who Kevin McHale is, lol. That's a really good compliment for anyone who doesn't know.

[CycloneFan]

Just a suggestion: When Krich starts the new tricounty thread for this week, we can all put our two cents in on coaching rumors. That way we can try and keep this thread on topic. I think Mariah goes back to the ortho doctor in about 10 days. In the meantime physical therapy will be instituted. She is a strong-willed young lady with, as krich pointed out, a strong support network at home/school/and team, which bodes well for a successful recovery.

[POST2POST]

Very touching post Krich, I am sure Mariah is thankful for all the well wishes. We'll all miss watching her play out the season but she'll be back. The people taking care of her are some of the best around and with the support of her team, coaches, family and friends it will be a challange she'll meet. I'm sure of that.