Bearcat Bob

Just got home from the Madison County/ RE Lee game. Me and a group of East Rock folks made the trip. Glad we did. Lee has incredible size and talent. However, they are the most undisciplined, poorly coached team I have seen in a while. Go at them hard and they wilt. Madison plays hard on both ends of the court but there is no way they should have been able to overcome the size and athleticism of Lee...except they did. Lee jumped out to a 16-3 lead and acted like the game was over. Madison took their best shot and just kept coming at Lee. Late in the game, with the results in the balance, Lee's big men were more interested in making obscene gestures to the very large Madison crowd than they were on playing defense. I think GC has more ability/athleticism than Madison. They should be able to irritate and aggravate Lee into making stupid plays/actions. Lee's coach is a jackass who was applauding one of his players for yelling, 3 times no less, "F#$% You" to the crowd. Then when they lost, Lee players and coaches left the floor and basically refused to come out to accept the runner up trophy. Finally, one of the assistants and a bench player came out, took their trophy, flipped off the crowd and left. I have no respect for the staff at all. ER lost 2 times to Lee and they (Lee) acted even worse when they won! As a Bearcat, I find this hard to say...I hope Gate City beats the crap out of Lee. Go get 'em Blue Devils. Here's hoping the Leemen's season end on a 2 game loosing streak!

At least one of the four teams in the East Region semi's will end their season on a 3 game losing streak. All four were guaranteed 3 more games with wins in the Region quarters last night. So far example, if Amelia beats Madison Co Thursday (one loss), Madison would play the loser of R.E. Lee/Bruton in the Region consolation game. Say they lose that game (2nd loss). Then they play in the state quarter finals and if they lose that would be 3 in a row. Something is just wrong with that...IMHO. Is the West set up the same way? By the way, I thought East Rock was a lock for a trip to Richmond. However, Amelia came in and just blew the doors off ER. ER's "best" player went down early in the year. When he came back a game ago, the chemistry was spoiled, IMHO. But as a coach what do you do? Play with who got you to this point or return your "stud" to the lineup after a long injury? I think the latter really hurt ER. If anyone recalls, a couple of years ago, I said that Madison would be a contender as those youngsters aged. They are a win away but I think Amelia will be a tough task for them (or anyone else for that matter). Madison probably will not make the finals (lost their 2 big post players to an injury/grades and their shooting guard to a private school) but they have thrived without them.

VHS over the Dream Team?!? In the post season? And it was not on the diamond? Russian involvement?

...or could not get on the field at DB....

https://classicshaving.com/collections/wet-stuff Best website I have found for the good stuff . Order all my shaving needs from there. Of course, I do not shave from October 31 until February 1.

Perspective from the north of the border (Roanoke): If East Rock or Madison County stay out of foul trouble, both can beat just about anybody. ER's best player is finally back after an ankle injury. They have played a tough schedule and done well. MC lost their 2 big men in the pre-season (a 6'6 beast who was failing several classes so the BB coach basically told him not to come out), the other was a 6'7 shooting forward who lost a finger in a farm accident. Most thought they would falter a bit this year but they have thrived (14-1 I think). They only go 7 deep but are all basically interchangeable. If they had those 2 brutes (and the freshman guard who transferred to a private school), I would pencil them in as an odds on favorite...but they don't. Both ER and MC thrive when pressed, especially MC. They go full court pressure from the tip. ER has three kids who can light it up from dang near anywhere inside of half court. Neither has a true "big" in the paint but both have done well v. teams with big men. And maybe the mot impprtant thing, they both are well coached. ER and Spotswood have a big non conference game coming up. I would not be surprised to see either of these teams in Richmond. I personally do not think RE Lee will make it that far. WAAAYYYY too undisciplined and sketchy guard play.

There is a sophomore girl at William Monroe High School in Stanardsville, VA who scored her 1000 point last night in only her 39th game. She is the number one Sophomore in the country. Gino attends her games fairly regularly...as does all the big shots in the women's game. I am not much for watching girls basketball but have seen her twice and she is something to watch...Samantha Brunelle.

I thought this thread was about basketball and who has a chance to make it to Richmond. I don't get to see the SWVA teams anymore (I did get down to the Arby's Classic for one session while visiting family--GC was not playing). Who has the kahonies in SWVA besides GC? How is Graham? I thought they would be strong this year. Has R-lands Dream Team ever really developed as oft predicted? Union any good? I need to catch up and I am way tooo lazy to go back read through all the previous threads!

I can see that in my absence, the marauding throng from Gate City have set siege on this board after devouring their own. I would normally be a bit apprehensive about this incursion but I doubt the GC faithful have met such a stout foe as the Hammer. When asked about hold backs, folks up here in the Valley will look at you with a most puzzling expression. When explained, most just roll their eyes. The only thing comparable is the practice of reclassifying when public school students transfer to private schools, usually in the 9th grade. These students repeat the 9th grade in the private school. There does not appear to be an equivalent in the public schools here in the Valley or in the BRD. I will say this about the GC defense of their hold back practice...thin skin is usually the result of a guilty conscious. I personally could not care less about hold backs, throw backs, wet backs (well, maybe), green backs (yeah right), etc. Why so indignant when it is brought up? If it is legal, go for it. On a side note: Yes. Yes I am quite impressive Great City. Thank you for noting. I am also humble and unassuming.

Gate City may win the State this year but there are some really good teams in the East. The state does extend past Roanoke. I have seen East Rockingham play 4 times, Madison County 3 times and RE Lee 2 times. 2 of these teams are solid from top to bottom; play good team defense; are disciplined and well balanced. When Rogers returns for ER, they will be even tougher. They were leading Spotswood by 10 when he went down with an ankle injury. Ending up losing that game by 5 I think. Madison beat them at their place by 10 or so and ER returned the favor at their place by about the same. Madison is 10-1 or so with wins over 3,4 and 5A schools. They have played without their big post player so far but he is expected to return after the semester. RE Lee is really good as well. Their lack of discipline will be their Achilles Heel. The top of 2A basketball is pretty good comparably speaking. Maybe not as deep as some years past but the good teams are really good. P.S.: For what it is worth...After exhaustive research, none of the Valley teams utilize the "hold back" practice either.

I have not been on here in quite a while. But after watching the Richlands SD game, I just had to say something. I was absolutely impressed with Richlands in this game (especially at the end). They did something that seemed impossible with that last drive. Congratulations and good luck next week.

Paper Tiger's humor me greatly. Resorting to profanity is another sign of insecurity. BFH-- I asked one question and I am out of line? Head on back to the woodshed. Trumper...if you think I am mad, you are seriously mistaken. And trouble from Paper? I get it that this forum is his safe zone. his security blanket if you will. But it is not mine.

You need to chill out. Confidence is silent. Insecurity is LOUD.

Good gawd...you have the thinnest skin on Earth. Instead of Ryno, I think I will start calling you Paper; in reference to your paper thin skin.

So Union held Richlands to only 21 points in regulation as well? Just checking...

That is better...

But you said being the defending champion should get a good look but you can't base this year on last. Okay. Agree. But then you said that if the defending champ struggled against a team EXPECTED to go 0-10, that is a disqualifier. You are basing the 0-10 prognosis on that teams prior season. Can't have it both ways. Either last season counts or it does not.

I am laughing at a major college giving rings for playing in the NIT. Good grief. Set some real expectations.

Maybe they will give VT a ring for that as well!

Yeah, I know my post is silly...almost as bad as VT ordering rings for the NIT showing...

BREAKING NEWS!!!! The Hokies have just ordered rings for all athletes who maintained a 2.0 GPA last semester! Both will be honored at noon on Monday with the presentation!! All are welcome to attend!! BYOB!!

The biggest advantage to being held back is probably academically. I could have started school a year earlier than I did because of my October birthday. My parents decided against it. So I was 18 basically my whole senior year. That made a big difference in my maturity level. Being 19 as a freshman in college I think made it easier for ME to transition to college life, studies, sports, WEEKEND MIXERS, etc.

9 years ago tonight, ASU upset #5 Michigan...looking like another upset for the Mountaineers?

My brother is an Appy State grad...he is in heaven right now.

Hate Fall?!? I love the fall season. The leaves are changing; hunting season is starting; crisp morning air is the best during the Fall; grass does not need mowing; and fall baseball season starts. I love the Fall, GMan!