the Stratford way

I have known Ed Smith off and on since his Brentwood days, which was a long long time ago. I am not friends with the guy but we talk when we see each other.   He probably didn't know my name until I started  working for the newspaper and covered his games. But I am sure he had seen me before, and  he probably at least one time wondered who I was. The reason for this is because he had several very interesting clashes with my brother when he  was at Monroe Academy and it was me probably at least once sitting behind his bench and yelling things that only a fan can yell.
But that was a long time ago.
I don't know how long Ed had been at Stratford, but I know it has been at least 8 to 10 years, and probably longer. I have always thought that he was a pretty good basketball coach, and he was always interesting to watch because, well he yells a lot. Ed yells at his girls and the officials and pretty much anyone he can find to yell at, and he usually has that pained look on his face while he is doing it .His teams always play very hard, and they respond to him in a positive way I would say he is a bit old school in his approach, but I don't have a problem with old school.
You see, I am old school too.
He doesn't mind winning games with defense, because well, he has to win games with defense. He just does not have that many skill players on the offensive side of the basketball.
I first saw Stratford play this year the first time they played Tattnall. They were coming off of a loss to FPD in a game where they scored 13 points. I am not talking 13 points in the first half, I am talking about 13 points in the entire game. How does a team bounce back from a bad bad loss like that ? Well they beat Tattnall that night to start a five game winning streak, which included wins over Wilkinson County and yep, FPD. And somehow, someway, Stratford won the region and have a first round bye in the state playoffs.
Lets stop the presses right now.
Ed Smith is the coach of the year in this state and probably any state this year.
Why?
Because he is winning a region title with a team that just is not quite there yet.
Now, make no doubt about it. This team will not with the state championship this year. I think everyone knows that. But that does not make for a disappointing year.


Lets talk about  some of these girls. Aysha Roberts the only senior who plays, has to be at least 22 years old now because I think she has played varsity basketball for 7 or 8 years. I mean she has always been on the team right ? This young lady is the epitome of the team player who knows what she is supposed to do on the court at all times. She does not load up a stat sheet and before this year I doubt she had scored 100 points in her entire career. Look at that same stat sheet and see that she scored 14 points in the region championship game.  She has led this team this year and has scored when needed while playing major defense against major players. I think I have heard that she plays like 4 varsity sports and she is the kind of kid that makes an entire school better. She has certainly made this basketball team better.
I have seen Carey Woodcock do a little bit of everything on the basketball court over the last few years. She was just a 3-shooter for a few years but has become a total offensive threat this year and has expanded her ability to put the ball on the court and get to the basket.
Stratford lost Evans McCook with a broken ankle and that will surely hurt, but it just means that its time for freshmen Nadia Reese,  and Mary Mitchell to shine even more. And please don't forget Drake Miscall and whoever the coaches add to the rotation with McCook gone for the year.
One thing is for sure. With Smith , Cassell and Wall on the bench, they will not get out-coached.
I will see the Central girls play tonight and  what a job Shelia Toombs has done with that team. Look for them to win one or two games in the tournament. FPD probably has the best player in Macon with Kate Patterson but they lack the consistency to go too far and the same can be said for Tattnall this year.
But really what do I know. I hope a local team steps up and makes a run

Macons top ten high school basketball teams

This is more difficult than I thought it would be.
I mean the top 2 teams were fairly easy and then the three after that were not too bad.
But really seriously trying to figure out if a Tattnall is better than a Rutland, well that is any
ones guess.
So sure, these are my guesses and some will disagree, but really, I think it would be accurate of all these teams played each other.


10} I may as well stir it up right now and list Central Fellowship as the 10th best team in Macon. Yes I am saying they would beat de Sales, Howard, and Covenant. Howard was the other one that could have slipped into that spot, but the Huskies have showed very little life since Christmas. Now the question is, Do I really think Howard would lose to CFCA? Maybe not but may right now they would


9}Northeast- They have some young talent and I need that young talent to start winning eventually. It wont be this year I am afraid but I believe that Northeast would beat the teams that they are ahead of on here just because they would press them to death,


8}Stratford- A down season got worse when Nate Brooks left but the Eagles have managed to continue to play good teams close. Close however at this time of year really does not do anyone any good right now. Look for Stratford to be back , but I am afraid it will be next year.


7}WINDSOR-This is the tough one. These guys have only lost once the entire year but they do play GISA basketball. However, they are damn good with at least three players who could start or get minutes on most teams. I thought about this one long and hard, but right now I don't see them beating any team in the top 6.


6}FPD- They are only at number 6 because they played Westside and got blasted. I know that was early in the year and Michael Walton's team is playing very good basketball right now, but when it comes down to it, I think number 6 is just right for them.


5}Tattnall Square- They may have been higher but they lost to Twiggs County on Tuesday, a team that they should not ever lose to, so I am wondering about them just a bit. We will find out very quickly where they are because they have FPD at FPD on Friday night in a key region game. Since I picked them higher than FPD, I expect them to take care of business.


4}Rutland- They have a huge region game at home against Westside Friday night and I hope that they will give them a challenge. Westside is on such a great roll right now that it may be tough, but a team has to protect the home turf right ??


3}Southwest- Had a huge win on Tuesday over Dodge to keep them in the region playoff fight, bit they need to find a way to beat Dublin on Friday to solidify their recent strong play. The Patriots can be very good, but they need to show the consistency of a good basketball team down the stretch.


2}Central- The Chargers are struggling just a bit right now but they deserve the 2 spot because nobody else has stepped up and taken it away. This team can still challenge the big boys for the region title and are capable of making noise in the state playoffs.


1}Westside- No brainer here the Seminoles have won 12 straight and even their manager scored in the last game. They may pop Rutland by 30 on Friday night. But I have a feeling that they may actually get tested. Watch out for Samone Reed, who has a big game the last time out.


Thanks to all who continue to support my blog. I am humbled by the numbers my last two blogs put up. I know this area is starved for coverage and I enjoy the feedback I get.
I will be at the Westside and Rutland game on Friday night. I cant wait to see the show