Elder statesman

I remember watching him play basketball in high school.  He was a good player, athletic, and tough to guard with his left-hand game.  The impression I got from him even back then was arrogance and attitude.  Doubt he's changed much given his baseball success after high school.  
With that being said, I am somewhat torn on this situation.  I feel like I was a tough parent with my kids concerning how they acted and represented themselves regardless of the situation.  My philosophy was always "win well, lose well".  I believe in respecting your teammates and your opponents.  I was not at this game but by reading all the comments it is my understanding that his youngest son was throwing a tantrum after getting out by throwing his helmet and cursing towards the opposing team.  When it is just one of your players, you reprimand them, set a severe punishment, and address the team that attitude/reaction such as that will not be tolerated.  When it is also your son, the parent side of you tends to react a little harsher.  From the video, I see him grab the jersey, confront his kid harshly, and shove him by the shoulder toward the handshake line.  I do not see any strike to the face and some mentioned.  Anyone who says that you shouldn't hold your child to a higher standard than the rest of the team has probably not been a parent/coach at the same time.  It's a very tough thing to do. It's human nature to react different to things your children do as oppose to things other children do. I do believe that it should be handled outside of the public/camera eye and away from the teammates simply because of the embarrassment factor.  I also believe that this situation cannot be fully judged by watching a video online.   One would need to have been present to witness everything leading up to that situation to truly get a feel for what happened.

I remember watching him play basketball in high school.  He was a good player, athletic, and tough to guard with his left-hand game.  The impression I got from him even back then was arrogance and attitude.  Doubt he's changed much given his baseball success after high school.  
With that being said, I am somewhat torn on this situation.  I feel like I was a tough parent with my kids concerning how they acted and represented themselves regardless of the situation.  My philosophy was always "win well, lose well".  I believe in respecting your teammates and your opponents.  I was not at this game but by reading all the comments it is my understanding that his youngest son was throwing a tantrum after getting out by throwing his helmet and cursing towards the opposing team.  When it is just one of your players, you reprimand them, set a severe punishment, and address the team that attitude/reaction such as that will not be tolerated.  When it is also your son, the parent side of you tends to react a little harsher.  From the video, I see him grab the jersey, confront his kid harshly, and shove him by the shoulder toward the handshake line.  I do not see any strike to the face and some mentioned.  Anyone who says that you shouldn't hold your child to a higher standard than the rest of the team has probably not been a parent/coach at the same time.  It's a very tough thing to do. It's human nature to react different to things your children do as oppose to things other children do. I do believe that it should be handled outside of the public/camera eye and away from the teammates simply because of the embarrassment factor.  I also believe that this situation cannot be fully judged by watching a video online.   One would need to have been present to witness everything leading up to that situation to truly get a feel for what happened.

I think the term “daddy ball” has been glamorized because of the explosion of travel ball.  In the past, AAU ball was an awesome tool to take advanced players and compete against the best.  Now, travel ball is a watered down version of that.  All you need is 7-8 kids, a little money for entry fees, and somebody to coach.  That coach is usually a “daddy” who builds the team so his kid can play.  
 
These parents think playing games is better than practice and that’s just not true.  You learn ball handling fundamentals in practice, you learn shooting form in practice, you learn post moves in practice, you learn how to make the right passes in practice, etc.  Kids who just play games only learn how to play up tempo street ball.  That’s why you don’t see a true point guard or true post player anymore.  Just a lot of shooters and slashers.

I think the term “daddy ball” has been glamorized because of the explosion of travel ball.  In the past, AAU ball was an awesome tool to take advanced players and compete against the best.  Now, travel ball is a watered down version of that.  All you need is 7-8 kids, a little money for entry fees, and somebody to coach.  That coach is usually a “daddy” who builds the team so his kid can play.  
 
These parents think playing games is better than practice and that’s just not true.  You learn ball handling fundamentals in practice, you learn shooting form in practice, you learn post moves in practice, you learn how to make the right passes in practice, etc.  Kids who just play games only learn how to play up tempo street ball.  That’s why you don’t see a true point guard or true post player anymore.  Just a lot of shooters and slashers.

Marion with big upset against graham last night.  I bet nobody had that on their bracket.

I think the truth is that the Falcons coach just isn't very good at using or developing talent.  He was brought in less for his credentials and more for the fact that he just wasn't Darren Reed.  He inherited a very solid Junior and Senior class for his first 2 years which made his job very easy early on.  But, just like with any new coach, you cannot judge them on their first years.  If they are still successful once they have cycled through with their own players then they can claim to be a success.  The numbers are there and Abingdon's strength program is very good, the coach just needs to learn how to cultivate the players.

I think the truth is that the Falcons coach just isn't very good at using or developing talent.  He was brought in less for his credentials and more for the fact that he just wasn't Darren Reed.  He inherited a very solid Junior and Senior class for his first 2 years which made his job very easy early on.  But, just like with any new coach, you cannot judge them on their first years.  If they are still successful once they have cycled through with their own players then they can claim to be a success.  The numbers are there and Abingdon's strength program is very good, the coach just needs to learn how to cultivate the players.

I think the truth is that the Falcons coach just isn't very good at using or developing talent.  He was brought in less for his credentials and more for the fact that he just wasn't Darren Reed.  He inherited a very solid Junior and Senior class for his first 2 years which made his job very easy early on.  But, just like with any new coach, you cannot judge them on their first years.  If they are still successful once they have cycled through with their own players then they can claim to be a success.  The numbers are there and Abingdon's strength program is very good, the coach just needs to learn how to cultivate the players.

In my opinion, Ridgeview lost more than Honaker.  Frazier and Sutherland were the heart and soul of the Wolfpack last year.  Both teams had some very talented JV players move up so it was actually a good matchup.  

There was also a couple of "Freshmen" phenoms last year at Central and Eastside on the ladies side who were both turning 16 while other freshmen are 14-15.  It makes them sound so much better when everyone is saying they are just a freshman but their maturity and strengths give them an advantage over other kids in the same grade.
You guys could argue the merits all you want but 95% of the time a kid is held back it is strictly for athletics.  McClung was great either way but if he, Ervin, and Dean aren't held back then they probably don't fully accomplish everything they did.  Especially his overall scoring record.  

I have to disagree with a lot of that.  I have coached many youth teams, both boys and girls, and over the last 10 years it is very noticeable how things have changed.  Maybe not for all schools but for the consistently successful programs in the 80's/90's the coaches were typically hard-asses who demanded respect and held players accountable during practices and games.  Even today, the really successful programs like Gate City boys and Wise Central girls will have a much different standard those players have to live up to if they want to play.  These coaches can demand that because they have the community and administration support (and they have consistently won for many years).   I am also a firm believer that varsity athletes should be held to a higher standard than other extracurricular activities.  If you are looking for simple good fun competition, I would suggest numerous rec leagues and/or pick up leagues.  I do believe high schools sports should be fun but more with the pride and success on the field or court.  If players are looking more at just having fun with friends, they can do that anywhere.  You talk about what kids want out of high school sports, but have you considered what coaches want.  My belief is that coaches want respect and for their athletes to buy in to their philosophy for success.  I think they want players who are willing to do extra work on their own, have a team-first mentality, and strive to be coachable.  Coaches get paid very little even if they actually only worked during season.  To be successful, coaches have to be all-in for the program all year long.  When practices and games are over and the parents and players go out to eat and celebrate, the coach is probably already analyzing past and future games.  They are home watching film while their families are eating dinner and watching movies.  They make road trips to scout teams while everyone else hasn't thought twice about the next game yet.  But, I get it.  Just like criticizing officials, it's easy to sit in the stands and question every little thing coaches do.  I can't say that I haven't done that over the years but I try to keep reminding myself to give them the benefit of the doubt.
 I am pretty sure I now know the example you are speaking of, and I know both coaches so I can assume by your comments that you were not a fan of the coach that left.  In my opinion, what makes a coach successful is not how likeable they are but rather their in-game knowledge, how they adapt to their situation each season, and how well they prepare their team in the off season.  I actually think the coach that left is a great coach but with that being said, sometimes the coach and their situation just don't mesh well which I think was the issue in this example.  I wish the best for both coaches in the future.  Time will tell if the "fun" coach is the better fit.

I can't say that I know any inside information for this situation, but I do have some theories.  I believe that the culture of youth sports has changed so much with this generation that it forces coaches and administrations to adapt in how they relate to the athletes.  IMO, kids these days are more emotional when it comes to being coached and parents are too involved in the day to day practices.  Past coaches could rant and rave, even yell and cuss at their teams and the players would just let it go in one ear and out the other.  Deep down they knew it was simply the coach blowing off frustrations and a tactic to get their attention for more focus.  Now you have to be very careful with your tone and words or you get demonized quickly.  This very much differs with each school.  What works at a Gate City, may cause an uproar in Big Stone Gap and vice-versa.  It comes down to that school's culture and each group of parents culture.  If that is the case with Bostic and his team, someone will have to be willing to change if they want to succeed.  Not necessarily for this situation but in general I am old school and personally think these kids need a little ass-chewing occasionally to motivate and steer them in the right direction.  And, I also personally think parents need to stop being so quick to raise hell every time their kid comes home complaining.  

I can't say that I know any inside information for this situation, but I do have some theories.  I believe that the culture of youth sports has changed so much with this generation that it forces coaches and administrations to adapt in how they relate to the athletes.  IMO, kids these days are more emotional when it comes to being coached and parents are too involved in the day to day practices.  Past coaches could rant and rave, even yell and cuss at their teams and the players would just let it go in one ear and out the other.  Deep down they knew it was simply the coach blowing off frustrations and a tactic to get their attention for more focus.  Now you have to be very careful with your tone and words or you get demonized quickly.  This very much differs with each school.  What works at a Gate City, may cause an uproar in Big Stone Gap and vice-versa.  It comes down to that school's culture and each group of parents culture.  If that is the case with Bostic and his team, someone will have to be willing to change if they want to succeed.  Not necessarily for this situation but in general I am old school and personally think these kids need a little ass-chewing occasionally to motivate and steer them in the right direction.  And, I also personally think parents need to stop being so quick to raise hell every time their kid comes home complaining.  

You forget that it was the same when Jody Fuller was ran out of town as boys coach.  All it takes is someone with more connections wanting the job.  Phillips was able to get it done then, now I would assume it’s the same with Rife.  A good team coming through and somebody thinks they know better how to use it to win.  

Wise by 25+.  Honaker had too many turnovers in their game and wise is much better with defensive pressure.  It’s simply a different game at the 2A level.  Just like Carroll county (3A champ) beats wise by 20+.  Speed and depth increases with bigger schools.

My theory for the mountain 7 drop in attendance is simply the fact that most of the teams are at the stage AFTER their best run.  Most teams are rebuilding.   You have Gate city post Mcclung/Ervin/Dean era.  Wise isn’t close to what they were with McCamis/Hayes. Abingdon team doesn’t have 1 starter from last years state final team.  Even district leader Union isn’t the team they were last year.  Losing Rasnake and Cusano hurt a lot.  Ridgeview started out well against weak competition but not really strong now without Gabe Brown.  Battle and Lee are still Battle and Lee.  All schools lose the fan following once they drop in talent.  

Ramsey only played 3-4 games.  Missed the Arbys and was done before the first Union game.  Should not be considered.  Carter has really stepped up this year.  He’s had some big nights.  Bartee is a player as well.  

That was in the McDonald's classic at va high.   They have never been in the Arby's tournament

I think GC could get back to being a contender with the new coach and atmosphere.  It will help with the Mcclung and Ervin era ending as the focus among the youngsters will gradually shift back to football for the school.  It will take time for the consistency to come back through the youth programs.

I think GC could get back to being a contender with the new coach and atmosphere.  It will help with the Mcclung and Ervin era ending as the focus among the youngsters will gradually shift back to football for the school.  It will take time for the consistency to come back through the youth programs.

While I have no respect at all for TJ as a coach, I would never wish injury on a kid.  They have a limited number of years to have fun and make memories.  After that it’s time for the rest of your life to remember and cherish those days.  In my opinion, with the loss of Mullins and now McCamis, Wise would be lucky to have a .500 season.  Gate city, abingdon, union, and Battle should be too strong for them and Ridgeview has the potential to be in that mix as well.

I am not arguing the Abingdon/VHS rivalry because I think it is probably one of the best  in swva.  Va high had been a staple in baseball for years.  That is why I think a district with abingdon, va high, John Battle, etc. would be much better all around. 
I actually agree with the statement about this just being a good group coming through, that's why I compare to gate City basketball and union football.  Once their group of studs leave they wait for the next group. 
Even though abingdon is listed at 3A, their numbers are not over the line by much and part of that (as told by the AD) is because of the students coming to the vocational and special education departments from other schools in the county.  Vhsl should have just left VA as a 3A system. Things were much simpler.

Speaking of special teams this side of Roanoke, the mid nineties had council and twin springs battling for 3 straight year's and sold out pretty much every time they played.  Each team had multiple college players with 1 D1 player each.  Council played Oak Hills gold team in the VA High tournament championship and lost by only 9 points after being tied at the half and within 4 late in the 4th.  Stacy Ervin, cousin of Zac Ervin, was the reigning career point leader until the kid from Floyd Co. Broke his record recently. Then council won state in 2001 with D1 player Brad Nuckles who is also in the top 10 for single season and career points.  GC is having a special year but by no means are they the only special small team to come through here.