A response for Leemen

[Truthforyou]

Leemen,of course we all knew what your response would be. You are wrong on both, but way off on one. George is a good player, but when there is athleticism on the other team, he struggles. Now struggles, is a weird term here. He still gets his points, but it's like watching Karl Malone averaging 27 points vs the Bulls and saying he was better then Jordan. It's just not true. I've seen Lee twice and especially against spotswood, he was not the best on the court

Now, the best coach in the valley is an easy one. Edwards. You put Hatcher 2nd. Not close. I would put him somewhere between 7th and 9th. And that's because I feel there are a couple of JV coaches that might be in front of him.

Could you imagine what Edwards would do with this Lee team? What about Gale? What about Diggs?

I still believe Lee will cut down the nets, but after watching the spotswood game, it is very clear, the younger Hatcher is over his head trying to improve a good team into a great one.

 

[RELEEball]

Leemen,of course we all knew what your response would be. You are wrong on both, but way off on one. George is a good player, but when there is athleticism on the other team, he struggles. Now struggles, is a weird term here. He still gets his points, but it's like watching Karl Malone averaging 27 points vs the Bulls and saying he was better then Jordan. It's just not true. I've seen Lee twice and especially against spotswood, he was not the best on the court

Now, the best coach in the valley is an easy one. Edwards. You put Hatcher 2nd. Not close. I would put him somewhere between 7th and 9th. And that's because I feel there are a couple of JV coaches that might be in front of him.

Could you imagine what Edwards would do with this Lee team? What about Gale? What about Diggs?

I still believe Lee will cut down the nets, but after watching the spotswood game, it is very clear, the younger Hatcher is over his head trying to improve a good team into a great one.

From my post on the other thread, you know we disagree about George being the best player in the Valley district. I do agree with you about J.Hatcher being the second best coach. I think that Broadway's Walton is not far behind Edwards. IMO he has done a excellent job at Broadway and his teams always show big improvement from where they start the season. As for Hatcher, this is a good season to see where he is as a coach. If he can get this Lee team to improve defensively, P.Hatcher's trademark, then they will have a much better chance to cut down the nets.

 

[sharkfan83]

I've not even seen the George kid play....But he's committed to Marshall University. That's about all I need to know about him. The kid is legit and rarely will play against anyone that is better than him talent wise at the high school level.

 

[AntGZee]

I wouldn't anoint Lee champs just yet. The Martinsville Bulldogs will have a lil bit of say so in that regard.

 

[sharkfan83]

I've actually got MHS beating Lee after beating FC but losing to GW.

 

[leemen]

On George being the best player...I stand by that. On Hatcher being second...I stand by that as well. He has taken some not so typical Lee teams over the last couple of years and still competed at a high level. He played very tough schedules and won conference championships as well as making regional runs. Now...is this year a big test? Sure! I think Paul Hatcher who I admire greatly would be in the same spot with this Lee team right now. They are 12-1 and their only loss was to a powerful Spotswood team. Lee had a bad stretch in that game and it cost them. Lee was down 34-30 at the half and went cold in the third and Spotswood built a huge lead. Lee did fight back to within 7 late in the fourth. That huge lead was 16.

On Lee cutting down the nets...I hope that's the case! I do think their is a lot of work to do before then. Martinsville is a huge test Saturday and win or lose...it could be the first of two meetings this season. Lee has a dangerous Harrisonburg team before that on Thursday and Broadway tonight.

If you look at the Valley District to this point this season...there is no doubt that Lee and Spotswood are the class of the district by far. There are some teams that are improving and could be tough down the stretch.

I think all the players and coaches mentioned are deserving of credit as well. Those kids at Spotswood can play and Edwards is a great coach and good guy. To be honest I wouldn't mind seeing him get a title. I think Walton does a great job at Broadway, Diggs will do well at Waynesboro and the Harrisonburg coach seems to be turning them in the right direction.

Regardless of the results of the Martinsville-Lee game Saturday...it's good to see those two getting together in the regular season. I would love to see a holiday tourney in the future where Lee, Martinsville, Brunswick, and Spotswood were involved....now that would be a tradition rich tourney.

Speaking of Brunswick....are they going to make a run this year? They've been up and down and I do know they always play tough schedules.

 

[BigWinners]

Gate City will be a factor in deciding then state championship

 

[AntGZee]

I agree, Gate City will be a huge factor.

 

[sharkfan83]

GC can/should be a factor....but they have a ways to go yet. Their inability to put the resilient teams away has cost them 3 games. Each game in the Arbys they played they was the most talented/athletic team on the court. Two of those games they led by near 20 pts. Gotta close out games like that after punching teams in the mouth early on.

GC has also come up a little rusty on shooting from the charity stripe as of lately. That, along with poor rebounding, needs to be cleaned up and quick. Against the Mountain District teams it won't make a difference.....But shooting 60% from the stripe in the playoffs (providing they make it) will send you home immediately.

Ultimately I think GC will be a factor in who wins the title....But they have a long ways to go and most definitely need their big 3 to stay healthy. Hopefully Dean makes it back for the Union game this Friday....They are gonna need him with Union playing the way they are right now. They have finally hit their stride.

If I had to make a guess right now I'd say Lee, East Rock, Martinsville, and GC are the biggest contenders for the time being. Another team or two from the East and maybe one more from the West may surprise later on....But for now those are the Big 4 for me.

 

[BigWinners]

GC can/should be a factor....but they have a ways to go yet. Their inability to put the resilient teams away has cost them 3 games. Each game in the Arbys they played they was the most talented/athletic team on the court. Two of those games they led by near 20 pts. Gotta close out games like that after punching teams in the mouth early on.

GC has also come up a little rusty on shooting from the charity stripe as of lately. That, along with poor rebounding, needs to be cleaned up and quick. Against the Mountain District teams it won't make a difference.....But shooting 60% from the stripe in the playoffs (providing the make it) will send you home immediately.

Ultimately I think GC will be a factor in who wins the title....But they have a long ways to go and most definitely need their big 3 to stay healthy. Hopefully Dean makes it back for the Union game this Friday....They are gonna need him with Union playing the way they are right now. They have finally hit their stride.

If I had to make a guess right now I'd say Lee, East Rock, Martinsville, and GC are the biggest contenders for the time being. Another team or two from the East and maybe one more from the West may surprise later on....But for now those are the Big 4 for me.

GC did have some leads in the Arby's, but you gotta consider just how great those teams are. The NYbteam in particular was very, very good. GC must be more consistent from the stripe and needs to realize they must go 100% at all times.

Union is playing very well, but as a Union guy, I'm not sure they can compete w GC. Not enough horses.

 

[sharkfan83]

After tonight's performance against Lee.... Nothing surprises me with this GC team. Whether or not Ervin was out sick and Kimbler was playing sick. Still should have never been any closer than 30 pts.