8ball

No I definately graduated from Richlands -- and I do own property in Tazewell which I was living in from May 2008 - December 2008 -- I was renovating my family home -- I decided to move out and make the redo easier [if that's possible] and I back home in Richlands area just a few days before Christmas --

Actually, I live in Richlands -- work in the Richlands area schools and have had most of the Mafia in my class -- and additionally go to church with most of them as well. I read the VHSL rule book because it is something which was required of me to do -- not such a bad read -- I learned somethings. I support all the county schools -- I love great talent and good sportsmanship. If you read posts from me you will also see me supporting Ahmad when other's were dogging him -- I do have a great respect for Billy Wagner because he has not forgotten where he came from and is giving back to our community in the Second Chance Learning Center -- not to mention what he does for Tazewell Baseball [although most of what that baseball program has does not come from Billy but from the community, the parents, and the hard work of Lou]. My problems with the Mafia are following: 1. Cheering is great -- but when you DUMB yourself out you not only make yourself look bad, but your community and school. 2. Many kids know that many of the Mafia are 'good church going kids', and they are also members of the SCA, class government, school leaders, etc.. So when these kids see the Mafia attacking others [albeit all in fun] they feel that they are given permission to do the same -- also when others see these same church going kids do this they feel that if this is what church is I may not want any of it. As far as saying 'hey' I speak to many of the Mafia daily -- if you think you will know who I am -- you know my feelings -- I have not hid them. My love for Tazewell comes through a family that I have been priviledged to know for the last 20 years -- their children are now student athletes at TMS and THS -- and I do go watch them -- but I go watch Richlands alot as well -- this week for instance [last 7 days ]-- I have been at games or matches all week -- and have seen six of the seven district teams -- I guess my disappointment is more in the administration/parents at RHS for not setting and imposing the ground rules for the Mafia -- Kids will be kids and will do all they can get away with - Yes when I was at RHS as a student -- I was a very active student athlete and loved cheering in the crowd - but our administrators would not allow disrespect -- you see the way I see it is to earn respect you must first give it. The Mafia has so many great kids in it and it bothers me that they can't focus on supporting the school -- they have been compared to the Cameron Crazies -- but you will not see the Crazies targeting individual players -- they cheer with the best of them -- better than most -- but they do not single out individuals -- support your team!

If the "Mafia" read and stayed inside the rules for spectators as defined by VHSL they would be fine -- According to VHSL cheering for ones own team is encouraged -- but belittling the opposing team is not. They all could be removed from the game -- and should be when needed. It is not what they do to support their own that is in question -- but what they say against opposing players is completely inappropriate. Encouraging your own is great and welcomed, but as a RHS graduate it is embarassing to watch at times -- GREAT at times when they are really into the game and supporting their own - but not so great at others. I have watched three home games this year and during each they have violated multiple specific rules as defined by VHSL.

He and his family are in Maryland -- he underwent testing today and all of Tazewell hopes that he has a plan of attack no later than Maryland -- Let's all keep him and his family in our prayers!

Not complaining at all just clarifying where players were --

I just came from the Richlands Tazewell game -- most people think I am a Tazewell fan, but truth be known I am a RHS graduate. I remember when I was in school, Woodrow and Tom Hagy were the people in charge -- we had some rowdy fans -- most of the real out of hand ones were the 'old adults', [40+ years -- remember I was only 17 or so]. Tonight, however the RHS student section crossed over the line a couple of times. According to VHSL rules and guidelines -- fan support, signs or cheers cannot be demeaning to members of the opposite team -- tonight the student section chanted cheers that targeted Tazewell Athletes -- The called names and made mocking statements -- This all really bothered me, but they really crossed the line at the end of the game -- when Richlands had lost -- they pulled their shirts off and their upper bodies were painted blue with 27-28 on them -- This was totally inappropriate given the current situation. They won the Region IV game -- everyone knows how -- or at least knows the final play of the game -- the real reason I feel is that Tazewell was out coached -- Not one time during their chants -- even taunting the officials when they walked into the locker room at half time - did their principal come over and say -- "hey guys - I am glad you want to support your team, but remember to support your team and not attack the other." Nor did she say, " You represent RHS -- remember your behavior." This bothers me so much because I am a RHS graduate -- I get upset when people talk about Richlands fans but in truth I know their right. I remember when I was in high school -- our basketball team was playing at the Deadman Center in Radford in a district/region game [can't remember -- too many years ago] Anyway, the lady that was singing the Star Spangled Banner -- wasn't the greatest -- two RHS cheerleaders laughed under their breathe during her performance -- from no where Woodrow came out of the crowd escorted these two to the bus -- and on Monday when they returned to school they had 3 days in school during which time they were required to write letters of apology to everyone -- their parents, the school board members, the other teams coach, principal, the officials at Radford U and the lady -- they remember this -- and so do I I just wonder do these student athletes have any respect for authority -- we all have times that we don't agree with officials -- there is always players on our team and others that we don't always like -- but do we attack and belittle them -- RHS' principal was at the game -- she never budged from her seat. I don't feel that she or the parents of these kids are doing them the service that they deserve -- Richlands is loaded up with many talented athletes they should learn to be appropriate fans and support their own without these attacks -- if they did they would at the very least appear more intelligent -- The same 'old guys' that were in the gym when I was in school still set in the same seats -- and they just laugh at the student section -- I don't find it cute or amusing and many others do not as well.

I didn't say that - I was only informing as to where Corner was -- rumors around the gym tonight was that he was not eligible -- which is not true -- I was not at the Clintwood Tournament - but I was told that the first technical should have been a foul - and then he slapped the floor and the second one was called -- VHSL says double Ts and you set a game unless the principal appeals it -- you will never see the principal at THS appealing these Ts

Tonight during both varsity games the refs were awful. Tazewell was called on every little thing and in both of these games athletes fouled out for Tazewell -- They were calling touch fouls and then allowing other hard intentional fouls -- twice in the girls game one player was way out of hand and nothing was called -- I will give RHS coaches credit -- they saw her actions and after the second time took her out -- The girl's game would not have been even remotely close if the refs had called it more even --

Richlands' JV girls won by about 10 Tazewell's JV boys won by about 15 Tazewell's Varsity girls won by about 20 Jon Corner was not playing tonight due to a double technical in the Championship game of the Clintwood Tourney the other night --

I agree it is great to see TJ play basketball. TJ is now in fight mode -- he's roled up his sleeves and is ready to tackle this thing -- he's beat it once -- now we are praying he will beat it again -- Keep him and his family in your prayers!

Does the Skeens begin on Monday at 9 am? How long do you think it will run on Monday -- I really want to get down there one day - but I don't think Tuesday will be possible -- but if you know the schedule let me know -- Thanks

He moved to Richlands about two weeks ago and I was told that he will not be wrestling == I am unsure of the reason but that was the info I got???

Tazewell All Time Leading Scorer -- Allison Hunter 1251

Who is coaching Richlands' Varsity Girls? Originally it was Moose Cochran -- and I asked a RHS senior who was coaching them and was told Moose -- but these post and the rumor is that Palmer is now coaching them -- Just wondering

Ahmad is a great athlete -- probably the most naturally talented athlete that has came from Tazewell County in a long time if not ever -- but he did not score over 2000 points -- I don't know what his numbers were but I don't believe it was over 2000 -- Ahmad had great numbers in football, basketball, and track -- which is incredible -- I would never take anything from him -- I wish him all the best -- and if you read previous post I have had about him you will see I always defend him -- I would think he has records in all three sports at GHS -- I'll see if I can get his numbers -- But according to the county ADs Mark Little is the All Time Leading Scorer in basketball and Pauley is on pass to break that -- I am not sure what that number is but I will check it out -- As for Pauley he is at about 1250 [+ / - a few] the record he broke was Calvin Cockrell's 1214 but that was a couple of days ago. I don't think he has broken the All Time Record which is held by Allison Hunter -- I think it is 1262 [+/- a few]. I didn't see him play at Hurley the other night but I don't think he had enough to break her record -- it is coming though - he's really close to that.

You make no point -- Brandon Pauley was playing at Pocy under VHSL -- he did not change leagues -- if he had moved to WV or any other state then he would have changed leagues -- Let's say that Brett Favre was a QB for the Green Bay Packers and had thousands of yards passing and then he went to play for lets say the New York Jets -- both teams a member of the NFL [same league] does he get credit for all those yards passing -- Let's say Kareem Abdul Jabar was playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and moved to the Lakers -- would his points carry over Oh wait these things have happened and YES their points carried over -- the one difference in these guys and Pauley is that they had a free will choice to make this change -- Pauley did not -- I also have one more question -- Is everyone from Graham so prejudice against Pocy kids that they can't accept that YES Brandon Pauley is currently the ALL TIME LEADING MALE SCORER FROM TAZEWELL. I was amazed at the percentage of Pocy kids that decided to come to Tazewell instead of Graham -- but obviously they realized from their one day visit that they were not welcome -- Although I don't think Graham is accepting of everyone that lives in Graham -- they really only want those that are standouts -- I believe that in life their are Queen Bees and Wanna Bees -- Graham is my opinion is a Wanna Bee -- always has been and always will --

He is what he is "Tazewell's all time leading male player". You need to get used to hearing about it - because soon he will actually be Tazewell's all time leading male or female scorer-- and the game will stop again and he will get the recognition he deserves. I really don't know why someone from Graham is so worried or upset about this -- I do extend the invitation to you to come by THS in the Spring to see Brandon Pauley's ball setting in the trophy case beside all the other 1000+ point plus ballers -- He did not have the luxary of chosing where he scored these points -- he was forced to leave his school and transfer -- he did not go looking for a record that he could break== Soon, however he will hold the county record - so I guess it doesn't matter where he would be going to school. By the way -- who holds Graham's record and what are the numbers

Actually Brandon Pauley is the all time leading male scorer -- the all time record is currently held by a female -- Brandon should have no problem reaching the all time male or female record -- he is less than 50 points away -- and she is supportive of him and him breaking her record. She understands that he had no control over him moving to THS. I am sure that he would love to be setting records at Pocy, but the powers that be took that opportunity away from him. He has made the transition to Tazewell and has been embraced -- not only for his athletic achievement, but for the person that he is. Tazewell is proud of Brandon and applaud him in his achievements. When the season is over I am positive that he will have a ball placed in the trophy case with his total points -- and hopefully some little boy or girl will look at that ball and say I want to break his record -- The Brandon Pauley that I know would applaud that student athlete and his/her accomplishment when his record is broken. True athletes have respect for the achievements of other atheletes -they realize the work and commitment that it takes to reach goals. The record he broke was that of Calvin Cockrel [1214 points]-- who played for THS in the mid 70's. This record held until 2005 when it was broken by one point and then that record was broken the following year 2006 - I have been honored to watch several of these records be set and broke and hope to be there when Brandon sets the new mark. I really don't know why anyone would question him being the all time leading scorer if one the current record holder is ok with it and two he had no control over his school closing -- it is not like he went looking for a school that has a record which he felt he could achieve the current record --

Complete contradiction of your first post -- where you said they don't play as a team -- to be quite honest with you I think they get along well on and off the court, but if they are not best of friends off the court as long as they are ok while in the gym that is all that is expected of them.

Breanne is back -- and it is really sad about Sarah the entire team wishes her the best-- Have you seen them play -- you say they are not playing as a team -- on the night the hosted Blacksburg they only had 5 players -- one was playing soccer in GA, one had a family situation, one was out of town, and then Breanne was sick with mono-- so the team was not there -- I can't see you traveling to Blacksburg or even Bland and unless you were at the game tonight you have not seen the team. They played well tonight -- scoring 88 points -- lost in overtime but still played as a team -- I would love for you to send me a personal message as to which players get credit where credit ISN'T due. I'll even buy you lunch anytime you would like and we can discuss this -- I look forward to your contacting me!!

There is really no elevation in this change if indeed there is a change -- as a JV coach he is listed as an assistant basketball coach -- and so where he serves this position is usually at the descretion of the head coach, the AD and the administration. All coaches must be notified 30 days prior to the season starting of any changes that will occur that will affect their pay and or contract -- this change would not affect either as his contract reads assistant coach and his pay is that of an assistant.

The true age of a seventh grader is 12 not 13. The rule of 5 applied to the grade equals the students appropriate age, for example if you are in grade 1 you should be 6 -- #12 is good, but I am not as impressed with her as some are, she is not the best in SWD -- one of the best-- I believe #14 for Tazewell and #20 from Grundy can play with her -- and the Tazewell girl is twelve and the Grundy girl is eleven -- and a sixth grader -- I am not from Grundy but she is really that good -- handles the ball well -- keeps her demeanor -- and can really shot. Tazewell's #14 plays great defense and is quick-- and her defense makes for good offense from her as well. Richlands' #12 is a shooter -- not alot of defense nor does she handle the ball as well as she will need to if she is going to play on the wing -- but she has time and potential to improve -- she appears to enjoy the sport and hopefully she will continue to work and get better -- these three could prove to be very competitive against each other in years to come -- that is if they all still play. Girls are funny like that they play all the time and then all of a sudden turn 15 or 16 and just stop.

I don't think Holly Bowman is the best in SWD -- she is good at times but somewhat sporadic -- we'll just have to wait and see who makes the big plays in the tough games -- that in my opinion is the best. I think Grundy and Holly Bowman travel to Tazewell tomorrow for what I believe is the first SWD game of the season for either the boys or girls -- I hope to get to that game --

I have to go with Richlands -- I do think that if RHS wins it will be a very hard fought game they won't be any walking all over Brookville. Experience is a key factor for Richlands this year but traveling is not in their favor -- I do hope that many RHS fans show up tomorrow and support the Blues. The key factor for Richlands in this game will be using their mental ability to be the best prepared possible. I feel certain that athlete to athlete Tazewell has much more raw talent than Richlands and we all know who won that game-- but Richlands uses the talent they have better and more efficent-- and this year what is lacking in physical ability is made up for in the mental capacity and their ability and willingness to study film and dissect their opponents. Good Luck Blues!

I was in Grundy this week and spoke with some girl's bball parents -- they said they are hopeful of a good season, but don't feel confident. As for Richlands 7th grade -- they are good -- but several kids are hold backs -- they also play alot of AAU ball -- I like Fred and think he does a good job, but this team would be doing well with almost any coach -- I wonder how long this will last -- kids get tired when everything is centered around one or two players -- If you really want to see a good female athlete -- check out Grundy's middle school team -- they have a girl #20 who is a true 6th grader and she is really good -- she handles the ball well and can shoot the lights out!