ARE you not ready for high school basketball to be over ? I know that I am not. With only a few local teams left in the mix, and with me sitting at home for a few days with a virus, my mind starts to wander a bit for interesting things to write about. Sure I have playoff basketball and baseball and soccer , but its not quite time for that.
So I went to my what if list and came up with What if all the teams in Macon agreed to play a post season tournament (don't even know if its allowed by the GHSA) this year. For future years it could be a pre-season tournament. So I drew up a bracket, and I will play it on this blog.
Now to be perfectly fair, I added a few non GHSA teams, adding CFCA, Windsor, and Covenant in the mix. I know Matt Chambless would not back down and I am betting Michael Hicks and Jason Olivas from undefeated CFCA would love a chance to play a tournament like this.
So for the boys the first round looks like this. (By the way I did the seeding from what I think )
#1 Rutland vs play in game winner between Windsor and Covenant
#2 Central vs #11 Mount De Sales
#3 Westside vs #10 CFCA
#4 Stratford vs #9 FPD
#5 Northeast vs #8 Tattnall
#6 Southwest vs #7 Howard
I know that some of the games would probably be blowouts, but I also knew If I walked up to Matt Chambless and asked him if he would like a chance to play Rutland at the end of the year in the Battle For Macon, he would smile and say something to the extent of heck yeah lets do it, before quickly adding, "Can we have the game at my place " lol. We wont even think of the second round games yet, but I am sure we may have an upset in that first round.
Now I cant let the girls down.
#1 Central vs play in game winner Windsor vs CFCA
#2 Tattnall Square vs #11 Mount de Sales
#3 Westside vs #10 Covenant
#4 Stratford vs #9 Northeast
#5 Rutland vs #8 FPD
#6 Southwest vs #7 Howard
A couple of nice games in here and a couple of blowouts. Could Covenant play with an unmotivated Westside ? Or how about Stratford against a Northeast team that just shoots 3's the entire game. Really though it may take the second round before anything good happens. Coach Whetsel would be on me because he would want to number one seed, Coach Dixon at Rutland would think he is probably a little high. He still wins the line of the year award when I asked him about his teams 47 turnovers against Kendrick the second time the two teams played. He looked at me slowly, with a grin and said "47 turnover this game ? Well we are getting better. The first time we played them it was 52."
I want feedback people on facebook on here wherever because I want someone to think all of this work I am doing is interesting.
Go Rutland, Go Warner Robins, Go Crawford County, and Go Stratford teams. You are all we have left
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
heres what i think ghsa basketball
I am struck with a stomach bug or something that has left me at home the last few days, but I log on to my blog and see I have over 1000 hits in the months I have been doing it, so I feel like I need to put my thoughts in writing about the games coming up. Thank you for reading my thoughts,
I looked to see who Rutland plays on Wednesday and I quickly thought that it was another match up that the Canes should easily win. However, I have seen some things that worry me about Rutland's chances to win state.
The Hurricanes don't play up tempo basketball, they play frenzied basketball. Up tempo is not fast enough to describe it. They go on unreal runs because the other team cant eve get the ball up court for two or three minutes.
However, that does put them at a risk. Sooner or later, Rutland is going to get into foul trouble, and they do not have what I call a strong bench. They will have to survive at least one game where they get in foul trouble and will have to slow down. But I don't think that will be Tuesday.
Crawford County has no seniors and that is amazing for a team that plays with such poise. Clyde Zachary has waited a long time for a team like this, and I don't see Thomasville beating them on Wednesday.
Stratford head coach Jamie Dickey gave Quintez the keys to the boat last Saturday and he goes out and scored 53 and the eagles win. Good news about this Wednesdays road game ? QT will have a chance to score 50 against Greenforest. I don't really think they care how many points he scores because they beat people 103-30. Now, I don't think Dickey is going to let the Eagles get beat by 50, but I am fairly sure that the season ends for the Eagles.
The game that I would like to see tonight is the Straford- Tattnall girls game on Tuesday night. I saw a quote in the paper from Ed Smith today that said all the pressure is on Tattnall because Tattnall has beat them three times this year. Well I beg to differ, Ed. At his time of year, the pressure is on everyone. I have seen one of the three games the two teams have played this year and that was the one at Stratford. The Eagles led at halftime, but could not hold the lead. Tattnall has more athletes, and more scorers, and I really feel like they have Stratford's number. Do I think it will be close ? Of course it will be close, but Tattnall is a hungry basketball team. First one to 40 wins
I looked to see who Rutland plays on Wednesday and I quickly thought that it was another match up that the Canes should easily win. However, I have seen some things that worry me about Rutland's chances to win state.
The Hurricanes don't play up tempo basketball, they play frenzied basketball. Up tempo is not fast enough to describe it. They go on unreal runs because the other team cant eve get the ball up court for two or three minutes.
However, that does put them at a risk. Sooner or later, Rutland is going to get into foul trouble, and they do not have what I call a strong bench. They will have to survive at least one game where they get in foul trouble and will have to slow down. But I don't think that will be Tuesday.
Crawford County has no seniors and that is amazing for a team that plays with such poise. Clyde Zachary has waited a long time for a team like this, and I don't see Thomasville beating them on Wednesday.
Stratford head coach Jamie Dickey gave Quintez the keys to the boat last Saturday and he goes out and scored 53 and the eagles win. Good news about this Wednesdays road game ? QT will have a chance to score 50 against Greenforest. I don't really think they care how many points he scores because they beat people 103-30. Now, I don't think Dickey is going to let the Eagles get beat by 50, but I am fairly sure that the season ends for the Eagles.
The game that I would like to see tonight is the Straford- Tattnall girls game on Tuesday night. I saw a quote in the paper from Ed Smith today that said all the pressure is on Tattnall because Tattnall has beat them three times this year. Well I beg to differ, Ed. At his time of year, the pressure is on everyone. I have seen one of the three games the two teams have played this year and that was the one at Stratford. The Eagles led at halftime, but could not hold the lead. Tattnall has more athletes, and more scorers, and I really feel like they have Stratford's number. Do I think it will be close ? Of course it will be close, but Tattnall is a hungry basketball team. First one to 40 wins
Friday, February 20, 2015
saturday high school playoff basketball
I am going to give my feelings on the games involving local teams on Saturday,
Class A Private
Girls- Stratford- Our Lady of Mercy- Stratford head coach Ed Smith has found a way to win some games that his team shouldn't win, but this could be a tough matchup for the Eagles. The problem is, they struggle scoring. Taylor Reese is a standout and has had a week to get over the flu, so hopefully she will be full speed. It would be kind of cool to see another Tattnall- Stratford game in the quarterfinals of a state tournament, and lets go ahead and make it happen. Eagles win 40-36.
Boys
Stratford- Providence- I know nothing about Providence, except they are 18-9 on the year. QT, its time for you to take over and your shots up. The man tries so hard to be unselfish, but its time to shine. I like the Eagles at home to advance. Head up warning- Jamie Dickey may be the best dressed coach in Macon.
Tattnall Square- Aquinas - Aquinas beat Tattnall a week ago and the Trojans only scored 43 points I think. That's been the story all year for these guys. They really really struggle to score. But they are at home, and I expect them to find a way to win this game. Head coach Jarvis Smith will get it done.
AA
Crawford County-GAC - One game I would love to see. Oh my Crawford County will close the town and pack the gym for this one. I was fortunate enough to interview head Coach Clyde Zachary a few weeks ago, and he feels like he has a very special team. Jarrell averages 25 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists, and had scored over 40 twice this year, and ,,, cough cough,,, hes a junior....Knolton goes for 16 points and 12 rebounds a game and he is a ,,,,,sophomore,,,, role players galore here also. GAC is a still second round test however, but I will take Crawford County.
That's enough for tonight. I will do the rest in the morning
Class A Private
Girls- Stratford- Our Lady of Mercy- Stratford head coach Ed Smith has found a way to win some games that his team shouldn't win, but this could be a tough matchup for the Eagles. The problem is, they struggle scoring. Taylor Reese is a standout and has had a week to get over the flu, so hopefully she will be full speed. It would be kind of cool to see another Tattnall- Stratford game in the quarterfinals of a state tournament, and lets go ahead and make it happen. Eagles win 40-36.
Boys
Stratford- Providence- I know nothing about Providence, except they are 18-9 on the year. QT, its time for you to take over and your shots up. The man tries so hard to be unselfish, but its time to shine. I like the Eagles at home to advance. Head up warning- Jamie Dickey may be the best dressed coach in Macon.
Tattnall Square- Aquinas - Aquinas beat Tattnall a week ago and the Trojans only scored 43 points I think. That's been the story all year for these guys. They really really struggle to score. But they are at home, and I expect them to find a way to win this game. Head coach Jarvis Smith will get it done.
AA
Crawford County-GAC - One game I would love to see. Oh my Crawford County will close the town and pack the gym for this one. I was fortunate enough to interview head Coach Clyde Zachary a few weeks ago, and he feels like he has a very special team. Jarrell averages 25 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists, and had scored over 40 twice this year, and ,,, cough cough,,, hes a junior....Knolton goes for 16 points and 12 rebounds a game and he is a ,,,,,sophomore,,,, role players galore here also. GAC is a still second round test however, but I will take Crawford County.
That's enough for tonight. I will do the rest in the morning
Tattnall Girls
Saturday is a special day for basketball fans in Middle Georgia and everyone should be out watching someone play the great game of basketball. We have some teams in this areas that have a chance to get to a state championship game, but obviously hey have to keep the momentum going.
I wanted to first say congratulations to Tattnall Square girls coach Todd Whetsel for advancing to the final eight in the schools first year in the GHSA. I remember talking to him last year when the move was made, and he expected to win, but maybe not win as much as he has. But he has been blessed with a solid team, led by Kendra Greene, who scored 25 in Friday nights win. I remember watching Kendra play at Northeast as a freshman, and she was full of promise. She went through an ACL team last year, and looks to finally be at full strength heading into he crucial part of the season. With Liz Wainwright, Haley Gordon, Jordan Allen,and solid role players, Tattnall has a chance to make it to a state championship game. Please Todd, no sweater vest if you make it that far
I wanted to first say congratulations to Tattnall Square girls coach Todd Whetsel for advancing to the final eight in the schools first year in the GHSA. I remember talking to him last year when the move was made, and he expected to win, but maybe not win as much as he has. But he has been blessed with a solid team, led by Kendra Greene, who scored 25 in Friday nights win. I remember watching Kendra play at Northeast as a freshman, and she was full of promise. She went through an ACL team last year, and looks to finally be at full strength heading into he crucial part of the season. With Liz Wainwright, Haley Gordon, Jordan Allen,and solid role players, Tattnall has a chance to make it to a state championship game. Please Todd, no sweater vest if you make it that far
Monday, February 16, 2015
High School this and that
I know I know, my many many fans have been waiting for a post during some great region tournaments, but once in a while, I have to support my kids. I was in Charlotte watching Hayden swim at his conference meet, which they won.
I will be heading to Veterans tomorrow to cover the girls game against Bainbridge. Yes its a number one seed against a number four team, but from what I can tell Bainbridge was the top team in their region and the lost two straight in the region tournament. They have won 21 games this year, so they are no slouch, but the Warhawks have only lost once this year, so I expect them to take care of business at home.
Many of my top 10 boys are done for the season, but my Rutland big three are still around , as well as Central and I think both teams have a chance at a nice playoff run.
Now get out and see some high school basketball
I will be heading to Veterans tomorrow to cover the girls game against Bainbridge. Yes its a number one seed against a number four team, but from what I can tell Bainbridge was the top team in their region and the lost two straight in the region tournament. They have won 21 games this year, so they are no slouch, but the Warhawks have only lost once this year, so I expect them to take care of business at home.
Many of my top 10 boys are done for the season, but my Rutland big three are still around , as well as Central and I think both teams have a chance at a nice playoff run.
Now get out and see some high school basketball
Monday, February 9, 2015
Top 10 highscool players
Honorable Mention
Michael Hicks CFCA- He is a 5'7 ball of dynamite, who can get to the paint and score, but I really cant put him on the list as a senior who plays in the GICAA. His team is 23-0 heading into the region tournament, but I just don't know how he would do in the GHSA. Still he is a very good private school basketball player.
Jason Olivas CFCA- Playing through an ankle injury right now that has taken some of his explosiveness away. Another nice looking private school player who could probably get playing time at many GHSA schools.
Jordan Lane Covenant- Has a nice game and as a junior, could play in the GHSA.
Kentravious Jones Central- He probably deserves to be on the A list, but he is wildly inconsistent. Still, he is only a sophomore and he is a legit 6-9, but has to work on his body. His potential is unlimited though.
O'Showen Williams Stratford- He is a little up and down and sometimes doesn't need to score, but he deserves to be mentioned. Stratford cant win with just one player, and he is the other guy that makes the Eagles go.
Calvin Slaughter Tattnall Square- He is leading a good team in scoring and has continued to improve. Has to score for the Trojans to make a playoff run.
Antonio McKinney Windsor- Best player on a good team
Now for the top 10
10- Dhavon Moore Westside- Yes he is only a freshman, but its time for him to step up. Westside is a disappointing 12-12 heading into the region tournament. The 6'8 point guard averages 14 points a game and 7 rebounds, which is pretty good for a 15 year old, but the season might me over very soon.
9-Dallas Smith Rutland - Averages 15 points and 10 rebounds, can run the floor and finish with power. I don't think they run plays for him, I don't know if Rutland runs plays for anyone, they just run, all night, every night. Dallas finds the ball, and scores.
8- Jeremy Braswell Rutland- He averages 20 points a game, and does a little bit of everything for the Canes.
7-Tyler Wheeler Westside- goes 15 and 10 every night, rugged inside force who will play football in college. Needs to dominate in the region tournament
6-Anterius McCoy- Central - Averages 22 points a game and just a sophomore, if he shoots well the Chargers can go far
5-Justin Slocum- Southwest- The forgotten man because Southwest just hasn't won much. They did put together a four game winning streak late in the year with Slocum doing a lot of the damage. A 6'5 kid who has a nose for the basketball.
4- Santez Kinder Northeast- I'm not sure why this team isn't winning basketball games. Kinder averages 27 points a game and the team is full of athletes. , yet they have a losing record on the year and will probably be done by the weekend.
3-Derrick Evans Jr Central - I think he is a college basketball player for sure and has the grades to go along with it. Seems like he has been starting at Central for about six years. He has a full understanding of what coach Andre Taylor wants to do. Sometimes he scores, sometimes he doesn't need to score. But he is always one of the best players on the court.
2-Quintez Cephus Stratford- Yes Cephus is a great player and will probably sign at a big D1 school. There is no doubt that he could start on any team in Macon. But today, in my opinion, he is not the best player in Macon.I did not move him out of the top spot because he is playing poorly. I moved him because someone else is playing a little better. Lets see how the top few lead their teams in the playoffs.
1. TyLik Evans- Rutland- He moves to the top of the list and really this is a no brainer- He averages 23 points a game, 7 assists, 6 steals. and 5 rebounds a game. The 5'7 guard is no doubt the fastest player in the area, and handles the basketball like no one else. If you are a basketball fan, this is the one MUST SEE kid in the area.
Remember, my opinions only. Feel free to leave comments
Michael Hicks CFCA- He is a 5'7 ball of dynamite, who can get to the paint and score, but I really cant put him on the list as a senior who plays in the GICAA. His team is 23-0 heading into the region tournament, but I just don't know how he would do in the GHSA. Still he is a very good private school basketball player.
Jason Olivas CFCA- Playing through an ankle injury right now that has taken some of his explosiveness away. Another nice looking private school player who could probably get playing time at many GHSA schools.
Jordan Lane Covenant- Has a nice game and as a junior, could play in the GHSA.
Kentravious Jones Central- He probably deserves to be on the A list, but he is wildly inconsistent. Still, he is only a sophomore and he is a legit 6-9, but has to work on his body. His potential is unlimited though.
O'Showen Williams Stratford- He is a little up and down and sometimes doesn't need to score, but he deserves to be mentioned. Stratford cant win with just one player, and he is the other guy that makes the Eagles go.
Calvin Slaughter Tattnall Square- He is leading a good team in scoring and has continued to improve. Has to score for the Trojans to make a playoff run.
Antonio McKinney Windsor- Best player on a good team
Now for the top 10
10- Dhavon Moore Westside- Yes he is only a freshman, but its time for him to step up. Westside is a disappointing 12-12 heading into the region tournament. The 6'8 point guard averages 14 points a game and 7 rebounds, which is pretty good for a 15 year old, but the season might me over very soon.
9-Dallas Smith Rutland - Averages 15 points and 10 rebounds, can run the floor and finish with power. I don't think they run plays for him, I don't know if Rutland runs plays for anyone, they just run, all night, every night. Dallas finds the ball, and scores.
8- Jeremy Braswell Rutland- He averages 20 points a game, and does a little bit of everything for the Canes.
7-Tyler Wheeler Westside- goes 15 and 10 every night, rugged inside force who will play football in college. Needs to dominate in the region tournament
6-Anterius McCoy- Central - Averages 22 points a game and just a sophomore, if he shoots well the Chargers can go far
5-Justin Slocum- Southwest- The forgotten man because Southwest just hasn't won much. They did put together a four game winning streak late in the year with Slocum doing a lot of the damage. A 6'5 kid who has a nose for the basketball.
4- Santez Kinder Northeast- I'm not sure why this team isn't winning basketball games. Kinder averages 27 points a game and the team is full of athletes. , yet they have a losing record on the year and will probably be done by the weekend.
3-Derrick Evans Jr Central - I think he is a college basketball player for sure and has the grades to go along with it. Seems like he has been starting at Central for about six years. He has a full understanding of what coach Andre Taylor wants to do. Sometimes he scores, sometimes he doesn't need to score. But he is always one of the best players on the court.
2-Quintez Cephus Stratford- Yes Cephus is a great player and will probably sign at a big D1 school. There is no doubt that he could start on any team in Macon. But today, in my opinion, he is not the best player in Macon.I did not move him out of the top spot because he is playing poorly. I moved him because someone else is playing a little better. Lets see how the top few lead their teams in the playoffs.
1. TyLik Evans- Rutland- He moves to the top of the list and really this is a no brainer- He averages 23 points a game, 7 assists, 6 steals. and 5 rebounds a game. The 5'7 guard is no doubt the fastest player in the area, and handles the basketball like no one else. If you are a basketball fan, this is the one MUST SEE kid in the area.
Remember, my opinions only. Feel free to leave comments
Thursday, February 5, 2015
tattnalls Haley Gordon
I have found that I really enjoy this blogging thing because I get to write about the insides of some of the stories I get to write for the newspaper.
I will quickly admit that I have wanted to write about Haley Gordon since I found out that she had Cystic Fibrosis almost two years ago. I was fascinated that she was managing to play high school basketball at a high level with a serious illness that she has to conquer every single day.
I interviewed Haley on Monday and right away she showed the maturity of someone much older. She has a firm grasp of what she has to do every day to stay healthy, and it doesn't seem to get in her way.
We talked for almost 30 minutes and she was very open and relaxed talking about a very difficult subject.
Haley did admit that she has her moments of "why me" but was quick to point out that she doesn't have them very often and when she does, she will cry it out for five minutes in private and then be done with it. She is determined to live her life with Cystic Fibrosis, and not let Cystic Fibrosis live her life for her.
This young lady gives a lot of the credit for her health to basketball and believes that all the running she does on the basketball court helps to clear her lungs. She knows that when her career is over she will have to replace that cardio with something else.
Haley also had back surgery last year and had an infection in her lungs which was causing her to spit up blood, and that was a worry to the point that she considered not playing her senior year. But medication has cleared that up, and she is having a wonderful year on the basketball court.
Haley has the strong support of her parents, Stephen and Robin, who I now consider friends, and her sister Allie, who is a standout softball player and a member of the basketball team. The only time Haley teared up during the interview was when I asked her about her relationship with Allie. I will admit that I almost teared up seeing the love she has for her sister.
When I first had the idea of this story, I truly wondered if Haley would want her story to be in the newspaper. But she did not hesitate at all. Her friends know the deal and know that even if she is spending the night somewhere, that she will take the 45 minutes to do a breathing treatment. That's just Haley.
Go see Tattnall Square play before the year is over, and when 33 drills a long three, clap just a little louder. Haley G is the real deal as a young woman.
I will quickly admit that I have wanted to write about Haley Gordon since I found out that she had Cystic Fibrosis almost two years ago. I was fascinated that she was managing to play high school basketball at a high level with a serious illness that she has to conquer every single day.
I interviewed Haley on Monday and right away she showed the maturity of someone much older. She has a firm grasp of what she has to do every day to stay healthy, and it doesn't seem to get in her way.
We talked for almost 30 minutes and she was very open and relaxed talking about a very difficult subject.
Haley did admit that she has her moments of "why me" but was quick to point out that she doesn't have them very often and when she does, she will cry it out for five minutes in private and then be done with it. She is determined to live her life with Cystic Fibrosis, and not let Cystic Fibrosis live her life for her.
This young lady gives a lot of the credit for her health to basketball and believes that all the running she does on the basketball court helps to clear her lungs. She knows that when her career is over she will have to replace that cardio with something else.
Haley also had back surgery last year and had an infection in her lungs which was causing her to spit up blood, and that was a worry to the point that she considered not playing her senior year. But medication has cleared that up, and she is having a wonderful year on the basketball court.
Haley has the strong support of her parents, Stephen and Robin, who I now consider friends, and her sister Allie, who is a standout softball player and a member of the basketball team. The only time Haley teared up during the interview was when I asked her about her relationship with Allie. I will admit that I almost teared up seeing the love she has for her sister.
When I first had the idea of this story, I truly wondered if Haley would want her story to be in the newspaper. But she did not hesitate at all. Her friends know the deal and know that even if she is spending the night somewhere, that she will take the 45 minutes to do a breathing treatment. That's just Haley.
Go see Tattnall Square play before the year is over, and when 33 drills a long three, clap just a little louder. Haley G is the real deal as a young woman.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
signing day and observations
I WAS FAR FAR AWAY from the Roquan situation, but as the parent of two recruited athletes, I love going to cover the signings of kids who might not be going to UGA or the bigger schools.
My first stop was Central High School, where Jesse Hicks reigns, and Coach Hicks makes signing day a special event. He was quick to say that he was going to take as long as he needed to get the point across that Central football was on the way up
Coach Hicks asks his kids to speak at the ceremony and first up was Christopher Sparks. When Mr. Sparks got to the podium to speak, you could tell that public speaking was not something he was really comfortable doing. It took him a minute to get started, but then he told a story about his arrival at Central only two years ago after attending Southwest before that.
Sparks remembered his first days, when he really wasn't thrilled about being at a new school. He admitted to openly saying that he wasn't thrilled with being at Central, and admitted that his quarterback Derrick Evans told him to just go back to Southwest. But he didn't and soon became one of Evans favorite receivers. Two years later, Sparks was on the podium, signing his letter of intent to Albany State. He could not quit speaking about the relationship he had with his mom, Rosalyn, and that he saw his signing as a birthday present to her, since her birthday is tomorrow.
Robert (Bobby ) Cummings was next. This kid has impressed me for years, because he is one of those athletes who always competes at a high level, but is somewhat under the radar. Not only does he play on both sides of the ball, he also plays basketball, where he basically has the role of defensive stopper and let the other kids get the glory.
Cummings came to the podium with cell phone in hand, and his speech was prepared. His smile had the room from the minute he started talking, and he thanked all the right people. This is the kind of kid that college coaches will love, and I am sure he will be quite successful at Benedict.
I then traveled to Forsyth where head coach Brian Nelson had fiver players sign today, with the promise of four or five more expected to sign in the near future.
Tyler Camp was a joy to talk to and he obviously gets it. He admitted am obsession to getting a scholarship after getting serious about football in the 10th grade. By the time he was a junior, he admitted to staying up until 2am in the morning many nights, sending game film and emails to coaches until he started to get interest. Western Kentucky got him early and he never wavered, and at 6'3 and 300 pounds, expect to see him play for WKU, a D1 team that played in a bowl last year, very soon.
Demarcus Davis and Quen Head both are headed to West Georgia, where they both think they can get immediate playing time. Davis is a talker for sure, and it was interesting to hear that after college, he wants to come back and coach at Mary Persons. That is saying a lot for the love he has for the football program that developed him.
Malik Bledsoe and JT Stokes , both receivers, signed with Wingate, and when I asked them how difficult it would be to compete against each other for playing time, they both looked at me and had almost the exact same answer, which was basically that they would both find the field early, and that they would remain best friends regardless of who found the field first. But, they both were very excited to play in an offense that has 5 receivers on the field for most of the game.
Yakima Wilson form Central signed to play soccer at Mississippi Valley State, despite tearing her ACL in October. She was stuck on the school after they stuck with her after her injury. Wilson was also quick to point out that Jerry Rice went to school at Mississippi Valley, a fact that not many 17 year old girls would know.
It was a great day spent talking to great kids. Don't just go crazy over the D1 kids, go crazy over all the local athletes who signed today. They deserve it
My first stop was Central High School, where Jesse Hicks reigns, and Coach Hicks makes signing day a special event. He was quick to say that he was going to take as long as he needed to get the point across that Central football was on the way up
Coach Hicks asks his kids to speak at the ceremony and first up was Christopher Sparks. When Mr. Sparks got to the podium to speak, you could tell that public speaking was not something he was really comfortable doing. It took him a minute to get started, but then he told a story about his arrival at Central only two years ago after attending Southwest before that.
Sparks remembered his first days, when he really wasn't thrilled about being at a new school. He admitted to openly saying that he wasn't thrilled with being at Central, and admitted that his quarterback Derrick Evans told him to just go back to Southwest. But he didn't and soon became one of Evans favorite receivers. Two years later, Sparks was on the podium, signing his letter of intent to Albany State. He could not quit speaking about the relationship he had with his mom, Rosalyn, and that he saw his signing as a birthday present to her, since her birthday is tomorrow.
Robert (Bobby ) Cummings was next. This kid has impressed me for years, because he is one of those athletes who always competes at a high level, but is somewhat under the radar. Not only does he play on both sides of the ball, he also plays basketball, where he basically has the role of defensive stopper and let the other kids get the glory.
Cummings came to the podium with cell phone in hand, and his speech was prepared. His smile had the room from the minute he started talking, and he thanked all the right people. This is the kind of kid that college coaches will love, and I am sure he will be quite successful at Benedict.
I then traveled to Forsyth where head coach Brian Nelson had fiver players sign today, with the promise of four or five more expected to sign in the near future.
Tyler Camp was a joy to talk to and he obviously gets it. He admitted am obsession to getting a scholarship after getting serious about football in the 10th grade. By the time he was a junior, he admitted to staying up until 2am in the morning many nights, sending game film and emails to coaches until he started to get interest. Western Kentucky got him early and he never wavered, and at 6'3 and 300 pounds, expect to see him play for WKU, a D1 team that played in a bowl last year, very soon.
Demarcus Davis and Quen Head both are headed to West Georgia, where they both think they can get immediate playing time. Davis is a talker for sure, and it was interesting to hear that after college, he wants to come back and coach at Mary Persons. That is saying a lot for the love he has for the football program that developed him.
Malik Bledsoe and JT Stokes , both receivers, signed with Wingate, and when I asked them how difficult it would be to compete against each other for playing time, they both looked at me and had almost the exact same answer, which was basically that they would both find the field early, and that they would remain best friends regardless of who found the field first. But, they both were very excited to play in an offense that has 5 receivers on the field for most of the game.
Yakima Wilson form Central signed to play soccer at Mississippi Valley State, despite tearing her ACL in October. She was stuck on the school after they stuck with her after her injury. Wilson was also quick to point out that Jerry Rice went to school at Mississippi Valley, a fact that not many 17 year old girls would know.
It was a great day spent talking to great kids. Don't just go crazy over the D1 kids, go crazy over all the local athletes who signed today. They deserve it
Sunday, February 1, 2015
this and that
I just watched the Super Bowl and for a change, it was actually super. I had no dog in the fight, so I watch the game a bit differently than most. My friends just look at me when I watch sports on TV with them, because many times during the game, I say what will happen before it happens. I also have a knack for saying exactly what the announcers are going to say, except I say it 30 seconds before. They will just kind of look at me and smile, and it is one of my talents that gets me absolutely nowhere.
I always try very hard not to blame a coach, because when my brother coached, It would pain me to hear everyone blaming the coach for a loss. For the most part, coaches do a great job, and they take the profession they have chosen very seriously. Sometimes the other team is just better.
I have also seen my fair share of poor officiating. I actually saw an official tell a coach to not be so joyous after his team makes a good play. I saw that this week. I honestly could not believe that an official said that to a coach..
Hey everyone, get out and watch a high school basketball game. We have an abundance of talent in the area, and these kids deserve to be watched
I always try very hard not to blame a coach, because when my brother coached, It would pain me to hear everyone blaming the coach for a loss. For the most part, coaches do a great job, and they take the profession they have chosen very seriously. Sometimes the other team is just better.
I have also seen my fair share of poor officiating. I actually saw an official tell a coach to not be so joyous after his team makes a good play. I saw that this week. I honestly could not believe that an official said that to a coach..
Hey everyone, get out and watch a high school basketball game. We have an abundance of talent in the area, and these kids deserve to be watched
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