Boy’s basketball has gone under four weeks of business and now it is time for some worthless blog hype. Who’s ready for it? Let’s boogie.
RURAL RETREAT (1-6) (HogoOnline #20)
The Indians finally broke a 27 game losing streak dating back to the 2006-07 season by clipping Narrows 66-61 back on December 5th. Since then, the Indians have amassed a five game losing streak including an overtime loss to district rival Holston in the opening round of the Greever Crouse Memorial tournament. Things are certainly looking up for Rural Retreat despite the 1-6 record. The district appears to be wide-open and the Indians are definitely in the mix to accrue some district wins this season and build the program back up. They start the New Year with a trip to Floyd on the 5th and then make the short trip to Wytheville the next night. This could be a rough way to kick off 2009.
CHILHOWIE (2-7) (HogoOnline #15)
The Warriors may be the most disappointing team to some spectators this year. Thus far winning only 2 of their first 9 games and only managing 32 points against Marion in their most recent contest could spell a long season of trouble for Chilhowie. The Warriors are typically a favorite for second best in the district for basketball and have been there for the past few seasons and most speculated that this season wouldn’t be any different with the return of Tuff Williams. Unfortunately, for Tuff, he’s surrounded by a new starting cast and they have been unable to fuse together as well as coaches and fans had hoped. As with any Chilhowie team, the potential is there as the team is filled with athletes, but not as many basketball players. The Warriors kickoff the New Year at home against county-rival, Marion, in a rematch followed by uninterrupted district play until their home game against Grayson County is rescheduled. The Warriors have shown the ability to score plenty of points averaging 54.4 ppg but fail to stop the opposition from scoring as only three of their seven losses have been within ten points.
PATRICK HENRY (3-5) (HogoOnline #14)
The Rebels have vastly improved over the course of the last two seasons. In 2006-07, the Rebels finished an abysmal 3-18 and last year improved to 7-17. Although not indicative by the 3-5 record, the Rebels are certainly in route to better seven wins. The Rebs kicked off the year with a nail-biting loss to Virginia at home followed by a strong win over Mountain Mission in the First Bank & Trust tournament held at John Battle. A four game losing streak overshadowed the success of the first two games, but three of the four losses were within five points, including an overtime loss to Saint Paul (56-53) and a defeat at the hands of Oak Hill Academy’s Red team (35-30). Johnny Thompson and company were clearly no-match for the Radford Bobcats in the opening round of the Wythe County Christmas Tournament but PH only let the whipping make them better by rallying off consecutive wins in the final two nights of the tournament, topping Bland County and Fort Chiswell. PH kicks off the New Year on the 6th at home against Chilhowie. This game is sure to show how each team will measure up in district play as Patrick Henry feels as though a Division 2 tournament appearance is within reach.
HOLSTON (3-3) (HogoOnline #12)
What is the best way to follow up a disappointing end to a tremendous football season? Take your emotion to the polished hardwood floor provided by your school’s gymnasium. Thus far the Cavs have done just that. Led by Travis Gray, the Cavs have been a factor in proving that the district is about as even as ever. With barely any practice under their belts and fresh out of the Field House, the Cavs were handed a hefty loss by Oak Hill’s red team in the opening round of the First Bank & Trust tournament but managed to collect themselves after the first two losses to route the tourney host, John Battle, 77-63. The Cavs collected three straight wins, topping Battle a second time and squeaking by Rural Retreat in overtime at the Greever Crouse Memorial tournament held at Northwood. There is quite a lay period between the Cav’s last game and their next game. Holston was smacked by Division 1 favorite, Galax, 64-48 on December 18th and don’t hit the court again until January 6th at Northwood. This could give them time to catch up on the practice they missed due to pigskin play, or get fat and lazy. I would opt for the second choice but I don’t play a high school sport.
NORTHWOOD (4-4) (HogoOnline #10)
Chad Bailey’s gents were not expected to factor heavily in the district race after losing several starters and key contributors from last year’s 11-15 squad. Graduation is a nasty beast but didn’t eat up Jeremiah Thompson, Ty Frye, or Dalton Combs among other key players from this season’s promising team. The Panthers have managed wins over John Battle twice, Fort Chiswell, and district foe Rural Retreat. Of their four losses (Grayson County, Marion, Bland County, & Lebanon) only one resulted in a ten point-plus margin and that was to Lebanon (67-39), a team many think will make plenty of noise in Region D’s Division 2 hunt. Using their big men down-low and the excellent shooting abilities of their guards, the Panthers have scored lots of points; However, not scoring quite as many points per game as they have in previous years in their first eight games but winning more games in that stint. In 2006-07, the Panthers averaged 59.1 ppg in their first eight followed by 56.6 last year. This year the Panthers are 56.6 again and off to their best start in the last three years at 4-4 versus 3-5 the previous two.
GEORGE WYTHE (5-4) (HogoOnline #9)
Joey Russell had waited fourteen years for the chance to coach the Maroons and thus far it is clear to all George Wythe fans, success will continue under Coach Russell. Were the fans ever worried? Doubtful. George Wythe has been producing top quality basketball players for years and this season is no different. Although the starting cast is all new faces, those boys are no strangers to the game atmosphere as all of those players had their fair share of playing time during last season’s tour of total domination. One thing is the same for George Wythe, they score a lot of points, really fast. They have eclipsed 80 points already four times this year and reached 78 twice in their first 9 games. Although only 5-4, the Maroons may take a while to gel together, but have all the makings of a typical Hogo champion. Thus far the Maroons have blasted Fort Chiswell twice, which is a team several other Hogo teams have struggled with in close games. The Maroons have been defeated by the Region C’s division 1 favorite, Galax, and the division 2 favorite, Radford. As well as by Pulaski County, the only team to beat GW last year in their state championship season. Next up for the Maroons is Giles, a team that took GW to the wire earlier in the season (84-82) followed by an at-home contest against Wythe County Rival, Rural Retreat. The Hogo better look out, this isn’t the rebuilding year for the Maroons many opponents were hoping for.
============GP ===PPG ===PAPG
George Wythe== 9 ==== 74.7===69.9
Northwood=====8 ====56.6=== 58.1
Holston =======6 ====55.0===58.2
Chilhowie======9 ====54.4 ===59.0
Rural Retreat===8 ====50.9===63.1
Patrick Henry ===8====47.0===52.5
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Girls start dribblin'
Girls basketball is underway and a few early season assessments are in order. What would a sports blog be without early unfounded and probably unnecessary hype? Well it would be a lame sports blog, if one at all.
Lets roll.
NORTHWOOD (2-1)
The Lady Panthers have high hopes for this season and rightly so. Kendra Nutter and several Buchanans, among others, propelled the Panthers deep into the Division 1 State Tournament last year and many of those players (Minus one Buchanan (Kasey) and Kimmy Boardwine) return this year. So far the Panthers have probably not met the expectations of many, but their early season schedule hasn't been the most forgiving. They kicked off the season with a low-scoring win at Lebanon over Allie Smith and Company. Smith's reputation might place her among one of the top players in the Clinch Mountain District. A day later the Panthers hosted last year's Mountain Empire season runner-up and tournament champion, Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers looked impressive and stumped the Panthers 81-54. On December 5th, Kendra Nutter and the gang edged out John Battle, 44-40 at home to move to 2-1. Coming up, Northwood travels to Marion to take on their Smyth County foe and then visit Chilhowie for a couple nights of Greever Crouse Madness. The Panthers are gearing up toward their meeting with Bland County on the 20th. The Panthers and the Bears could possibly meet again deep in the Region C, Division 1 tournament if all things go accordingly.
HOLSTON (0-6)
The Lady Cavs felt that this season would be a strong step in the right direction after losing only one senior (Megan Wilson) from last season's winless team. Unfortunately, Megan Wilson was a major part of Holston's game plan and her absence this year has been a direct result of the offensive struggles the Cavs have endured. Several Juniors from last season's team did not return to this season's squad except for lone senior, Autumn Lyon. The Cavs have endured losses to Galax, Marion, John Battle, and Saint Paul. The games won't get any easier from here on out, but the Cavs, led by Head Coach James Sullivan, never give up. Take last year's softball team for example. The Cavs were 0-13 at one point and as the season went along they only got better and better. Eventually the loses got closer until finally they won a game. Then Two. Then Three. Then a district tournament victory by upsetting Chilhowie, 5-4. Obviously basketball and softball are different sports, but the heart and determination remain a constant. Never give up and good things will happen.
PATRICK HENRY (2-2)
The Rebels had the honors of opening their season against defending Division 2, Region D champion Virginia High. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the Lady Bearcats were everything they were cracked up to be and left Glade Spring with a 63-43 victory over PH. The Rebs were a part of this years annual tournament hosted at Twin Valley High School. The Rebs opened up that tournament against a possible Division 1, Region D contender, Council, in which they lost 58-43 but took on Hurley in the next round and won convincingly 45-28 to finish third in the tournament. With a little confidence and one win under their belt, the Rebs went to Lebanon, their former Hogoheegee nemesis, and walked away with a 43-36 win. Now with consecutive wins, PH takes on a pair of AA, Southwest District teams, Tazewell and Marion. This should be a good warmup for district play, even though the Rebs have a lay period from December 19 until January 6 when they take on Chilhowie in "The Hot Box".
CHILHOWIE (3-2)
So the Warriors aren't the team they were last year, but they still bring a lot to the table. Krystal Patton and Heather Hash are two returning starters from last year's Final Four team and thus far this season have showed some potential. Neither Marion or Grayson county were matches for the Warriors defense, as Chilhowie held both teams under 30. However, a rematch from last year's state quarterfinals against Virginia High shed light on a different story, as the Bearcats stopped the Warriors 62-46. The Warriors returned to the Highlands Union Bank Tip-Off Classic at Virginia High again this year, and have already endured two close bouts. Some last minute poise by the Warriors aided them to a low-scoring one point win over Lebanon, 29-28. Their luck would change the next night as they suffered a close defeat at the hands of Sullivan Central, TN, a team the Warriors lost to last year by the same margin in the opening round of the tournament. Chilhowie is a team with a lot of promise and potential, but the inconsistency is a direct result of the new faces and lack of varsity experience presented by several of the starters and all of the bench. Chilhowie takes on the Bearcats again Saturday in a consolation round of the tournament and then hosts the Greever Crouse Tournament.
RURAL RETREAT (1-2)
If you've ever heard of the term Dark Horse, the Rural Retreat Indians are the ideal definition. They had a second place finish in the district two years ago, and last year, although with much fewer wins, still caused many close calls between themselves and the districts stiffer competition. This season the Indians return long-time starter, Charlotte Reasor, who had 26 points in the Indians lone win this season over Grayson County, 50-34, as well as 17 in their home-loss to Bland County (63-37). If your'e doing the math, Reasor is scoring almost half of RR's points every game. That is quite a contribution. Although the Indians were no match for Bland County either time this season, the Bears may be a favorite to win the Region C, Division 1 championship, so perhaps they were not a good measuring stick for the Indian's capability this season. Coming up is yet another strong Mountain Empire team, Fort Chiswell, then onto the Greever Crouse tournament at Chilhowie. Charlotte Reasor and her tribe of Indians can and will upset teams this year.
GEORGE WYTHE (2-3)
So far the Maroons have had the unfortunate privelege of playing some of the best teams in the area. The Maroons were blasted in their opening game against Radford, who looks to be a promising favorite in Division 2, Region C this year. The Maroons then dropped a close one to Auburn (53-50) and then a nail-biter to Pulaski County, 59-58. Strong schedules always pay-off in the end and the George Wythe athletic department knows this. Ashley Buckhannon and Lacey Price have propelled the Maroons in their two wins over Fort Chiswell and Galax. Buckhannon, a lock for a district player of the year nomination, has wrecked Hogoheegee defenses for years now and is no concealed weapon. She can lay points on in big, robust numbers, so far with 23, 23, 33, 21. Coming up, the Maroons have rematches with the three teams who beat them consecutively (Radford, Auburn, and Pulaski). It will be a tough stint for the Maroons but games against good teams will payoff once the district schedule starts on January 5th at Rural Retreat.
Lets roll.
NORTHWOOD (2-1)
The Lady Panthers have high hopes for this season and rightly so. Kendra Nutter and several Buchanans, among others, propelled the Panthers deep into the Division 1 State Tournament last year and many of those players (Minus one Buchanan (Kasey) and Kimmy Boardwine) return this year. So far the Panthers have probably not met the expectations of many, but their early season schedule hasn't been the most forgiving. They kicked off the season with a low-scoring win at Lebanon over Allie Smith and Company. Smith's reputation might place her among one of the top players in the Clinch Mountain District. A day later the Panthers hosted last year's Mountain Empire season runner-up and tournament champion, Fort Chiswell. The Pioneers looked impressive and stumped the Panthers 81-54. On December 5th, Kendra Nutter and the gang edged out John Battle, 44-40 at home to move to 2-1. Coming up, Northwood travels to Marion to take on their Smyth County foe and then visit Chilhowie for a couple nights of Greever Crouse Madness. The Panthers are gearing up toward their meeting with Bland County on the 20th. The Panthers and the Bears could possibly meet again deep in the Region C, Division 1 tournament if all things go accordingly.
HOLSTON (0-6)
The Lady Cavs felt that this season would be a strong step in the right direction after losing only one senior (Megan Wilson) from last season's winless team. Unfortunately, Megan Wilson was a major part of Holston's game plan and her absence this year has been a direct result of the offensive struggles the Cavs have endured. Several Juniors from last season's team did not return to this season's squad except for lone senior, Autumn Lyon. The Cavs have endured losses to Galax, Marion, John Battle, and Saint Paul. The games won't get any easier from here on out, but the Cavs, led by Head Coach James Sullivan, never give up. Take last year's softball team for example. The Cavs were 0-13 at one point and as the season went along they only got better and better. Eventually the loses got closer until finally they won a game. Then Two. Then Three. Then a district tournament victory by upsetting Chilhowie, 5-4. Obviously basketball and softball are different sports, but the heart and determination remain a constant. Never give up and good things will happen.
PATRICK HENRY (2-2)
The Rebels had the honors of opening their season against defending Division 2, Region D champion Virginia High. Unfortunately for the Rebels, the Lady Bearcats were everything they were cracked up to be and left Glade Spring with a 63-43 victory over PH. The Rebs were a part of this years annual tournament hosted at Twin Valley High School. The Rebs opened up that tournament against a possible Division 1, Region D contender, Council, in which they lost 58-43 but took on Hurley in the next round and won convincingly 45-28 to finish third in the tournament. With a little confidence and one win under their belt, the Rebs went to Lebanon, their former Hogoheegee nemesis, and walked away with a 43-36 win. Now with consecutive wins, PH takes on a pair of AA, Southwest District teams, Tazewell and Marion. This should be a good warmup for district play, even though the Rebs have a lay period from December 19 until January 6 when they take on Chilhowie in "The Hot Box".
CHILHOWIE (3-2)
So the Warriors aren't the team they were last year, but they still bring a lot to the table. Krystal Patton and Heather Hash are two returning starters from last year's Final Four team and thus far this season have showed some potential. Neither Marion or Grayson county were matches for the Warriors defense, as Chilhowie held both teams under 30. However, a rematch from last year's state quarterfinals against Virginia High shed light on a different story, as the Bearcats stopped the Warriors 62-46. The Warriors returned to the Highlands Union Bank Tip-Off Classic at Virginia High again this year, and have already endured two close bouts. Some last minute poise by the Warriors aided them to a low-scoring one point win over Lebanon, 29-28. Their luck would change the next night as they suffered a close defeat at the hands of Sullivan Central, TN, a team the Warriors lost to last year by the same margin in the opening round of the tournament. Chilhowie is a team with a lot of promise and potential, but the inconsistency is a direct result of the new faces and lack of varsity experience presented by several of the starters and all of the bench. Chilhowie takes on the Bearcats again Saturday in a consolation round of the tournament and then hosts the Greever Crouse Tournament.
RURAL RETREAT (1-2)
If you've ever heard of the term Dark Horse, the Rural Retreat Indians are the ideal definition. They had a second place finish in the district two years ago, and last year, although with much fewer wins, still caused many close calls between themselves and the districts stiffer competition. This season the Indians return long-time starter, Charlotte Reasor, who had 26 points in the Indians lone win this season over Grayson County, 50-34, as well as 17 in their home-loss to Bland County (63-37). If your'e doing the math, Reasor is scoring almost half of RR's points every game. That is quite a contribution. Although the Indians were no match for Bland County either time this season, the Bears may be a favorite to win the Region C, Division 1 championship, so perhaps they were not a good measuring stick for the Indian's capability this season. Coming up is yet another strong Mountain Empire team, Fort Chiswell, then onto the Greever Crouse tournament at Chilhowie. Charlotte Reasor and her tribe of Indians can and will upset teams this year.
GEORGE WYTHE (2-3)
So far the Maroons have had the unfortunate privelege of playing some of the best teams in the area. The Maroons were blasted in their opening game against Radford, who looks to be a promising favorite in Division 2, Region C this year. The Maroons then dropped a close one to Auburn (53-50) and then a nail-biter to Pulaski County, 59-58. Strong schedules always pay-off in the end and the George Wythe athletic department knows this. Ashley Buckhannon and Lacey Price have propelled the Maroons in their two wins over Fort Chiswell and Galax. Buckhannon, a lock for a district player of the year nomination, has wrecked Hogoheegee defenses for years now and is no concealed weapon. She can lay points on in big, robust numbers, so far with 23, 23, 33, 21. Coming up, the Maroons have rematches with the three teams who beat them consecutively (Radford, Auburn, and Pulaski). It will be a tough stint for the Maroons but games against good teams will payoff once the district schedule starts on January 5th at Rural Retreat.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
HogoOnline Exclusive: Interview with GW boys head coach, Joey Russell
An era of excellence has come to an end and a new face emerges as leader. Al Copenhaver has set an awfully high mark as long-time coach of the George Wythe Maroons, the Hogoheegee's boys basketball powerhouse. Now, Joey Russell takes the reigns on a program coming off of an epic state championship season. He was generous enough to take a time-out and lend some insight on just who this new head coach is for the Hogoheegee.com community. Check it out..
1. What is your high school and college alma mater?
H.S. – Chilhowie College – Mars Hill College
2. Thinking back on your high school sports career, what was your most memorable moment?
2. Thinking back on your high school sports career, what was your most memorable moment?
During my senior year, we defeated the first place ranked Castlewood Blue Devils in the second round of the Hogoheegee tournament to advance to the championship.
3. Is there a coach from your childhood or high school days who inspired you to become a coach?
3. Is there a coach from your childhood or high school days who inspired you to become a coach?
Jeff Smarr, John Goodwin, and Jack Henderson
4. Have you had any other coaching jobs and what were they?
4. Have you had any other coaching jobs and what were they?
Head Varsity Baseball at GW for 9 years, Assistant Football at GW for 14 years, Assistant Basketball at GW for 14 years
5. You’re now taking over a perennial powerhouse program following the great Al Copenhaver. What are your thoughts toward this opportunity and how long have you wanted this job?
5. You’re now taking over a perennial powerhouse program following the great Al Copenhaver. What are your thoughts toward this opportunity and how long have you wanted this job?
We graduated all our starters and we have a completely new staff. I guess I should be nervous but I am excited to begin the job I’ve been preparing 14 years for.
6. A state championship will be hard act to follow. Minus several key players from last year’s team, what are your expectations for this upcoming season?
6. A state championship will be hard act to follow. Minus several key players from last year’s team, what are your expectations for this upcoming season?
We aren’t worried about last year. In fact, we don’t talk about it. We are preparing for this year. We have plenty of experience on the team and hope to make a run in the district and the region.
7. If you could put one team on the schedule that isn’t there now, who would it be?
7. If you could put one team on the schedule that isn’t there now, who would it be?
I don’t know – I wonder who the Hogoheegee.com visitors would like to see?
8. Thinking back on the last several years of the Hogoheegee, are there any specific players or coaches that stand out in your mind?
8. Thinking back on the last several years of the Hogoheegee, are there any specific players or coaches that stand out in your mind?
Well, Al Copenhaver and the George Wythe Maroons, of course. Beyond that – the Hogoheegee has quality coaches; I respect each of them and what they are trying to do with their teams.
9. The competitiveness in boys basketball (top to bottom) in the Hogoheegee has somewhat dropped off from the last six or seven years. Do you see it regaining that competitiveness any time soon?
9. The competitiveness in boys basketball (top to bottom) in the Hogoheegee has somewhat dropped off from the last six or seven years. Do you see it regaining that competitiveness any time soon?
I would like to see it get more competitive again. I can’t predict when that will happen; the VHSL is going to re-align the size classifications soon. That change will really shake things up – it will be interesting.
10. Finally, since we are now in the information age, what online sources or internet websites do you use (if any) for high school sports?
10. Finally, since we are now in the information age, what online sources or internet websites do you use (if any) for high school sports?
I stay away from most online websites due to the negative postings regarding players and coaches. GW’s schedules (including changes due to weather, etc) are posted on highschoolsports.net by our athletic director and I refer to it often; that is probably the only one.
Thanks Coach, and good luck this season!
Monday, December 1, 2008
HogoOnline Exclusive: Interview with NW Coach, Chad Bailey
When it comes to good basketball coaches in the Hogoheegee, its hard to overlook Chad Bailey. Bailey, a graduate of Holston High School, has taken the Panthers from the Hogo's cellar and turned the program around by providing the building blocks for success with consecutive 10+ win seasons and a Region C tournamnet win. Instilling confidence in his players has been his primary goal for building up the program, and so far the results speak for themselves. Coach took time out of his coaching routine to share a little bit with the Hogo-Online community. Check it out.
1) You graduated from Holston High School, what was your most memorable sports moment from there?
I remember playing with some really good teammates. Guys that were fun to play with and we all got along well. The one moment that stands out is beating Rural Retreat late in the season at their place. We avenged a lost from earlier in the season at home and although I don’t remember stats I do remember feeling like I played well and contributed.
2) Was there any significant figure in your childhood or high school years that inspired you to become a coach?
The one person that stands out is my father. Even to this day I seek his advice and value his opinion. Growing up my dad always supported me and pushed me to be the very best I could be. My dad has always worked very hard and I will always remember that. I believe that you lead by example and watching how hard my father worked to support our family reinforces that principle.
As I got into coaching Dyer Jackson and Doug Reavis really impacted my coaching style. Coach Reavis was the football coach at Ft. Chiswell and I just remember his intensity and discipline. Coach Jackson helped to influence some of my basketball philosophy, especially when it comes to full court pressure. Today I look at what Bruce Pearl has done at the University of Tennessee and how he has taken an underachieving program and now has made them a consistent top 20 program. I have been fortunate to work camps and talk with Coach Pearl and his staff. They have a great family atmosphere and a dedication to hard work that is worth emulating.
3) What other coaching jobs have you had and how did you fare?
My first coaching job was as an assistant football coach in Halifax County Virginia. I was an assistant on the middle school football team and we ended up going 8-2. We had some great athletes, of course our high school had 1700 students and our middle school had about 1200. I then moved back to southwest Virginia and became the head 8th grade basketball coach at Ft. Chiswell Middle School for two years, also assisting with the varsity. Danny Jonas, the AD at Ft. Chiswell gave me my break in basketball and I will always be grateful. As far as my two years as an 8th grade coach we were a sub .500 team but I tried to get all of the guys fundamentally sound so when they went to the varsity level they would be more prepared. I do remember my last year at Ft. Chiswell the varsity had a pretty good season. We won eighteen regular season games but fell in the MED Finals which kept us from going to regionals.
4) What attracted you to the coaching job at Northwood?
I felt I was ready to take over as a head coach at the varsity level and actually saw a story by Tim Hayes in the Bristol Herald Courier that Coach Dunham had resigned. I remember dreading playing Northwood when I was in high school so there is some basketball tradition and we are very fortunate to have great facilities, some of the best in Virginia.
5) Is there one team you wish you could place on your schedule that you have not yet had an opportunity to?
Twin Valley would have to stand out. We played Twin Valley my first year and got drilled but that was around my fourth game as coach at Northwood. I believe Twin Valley is the measuring stick when it comes to Division 1 basketball in southwest Virginia (not taking anything away from Galax). There is a clear dedication to basketball and they are very well coached.
6) What opportunities do you see for this year's varsity Panther team?
I am very excited about this year’s team and think we have a chance to be special. The initial problem is that we are very young. We return only three players from last years’ team and NO starters. I see some growing pains early in the season but it will all depend on how this crop of juniors step up and play with the big boys. We have good ball-handling, really good shooters, and a two post players that are 6”7. However, when you deal with teenagers confidence is a huge factor. So far I like what I see out of our guys in practice. I can tell them how good they can be but until they see it and believe it themselves we are a big question mark. My job as coach is to show these guys how successful they can be and once they see that I believe this team can be the most successful team I have had here at Northwood. We want to compete, period. Whether it is in our non-district schedule, district, or regionals we want to show that we belong. I believe the hogoheegee will be very competitive. George Wythe will reload, Chilhowie will compete and is talented. Patrick Henry, Holston, and Rural Retreat will be better as well so we know that we will have to bring our A game every night. We hope to be back in the Regions this year and go farther than we did last year (won our first regional game but lost in regional semis)
7) Do you have any feelings toward the playoff structure adopted last year?
I like the playoff structure adopted last year but would like to see some changes, some of which we have already seen. It is tougher for smaller schools to compete and with the splitting of divisions I like the parity that is in single A basketball. I did not agree with the premise that everyone makes the regional tournament. I believe that is an honor that should be earned. I would also like to see more clarification when it comes to seeding. We were seeded 8th last year and felt due to our accomplishments we were higher than 8th. I am also watching to see if the VHSL adopts a five or even six division classification. Although I am a supporter of the current playoff system I would like to see closer numbers statewide. In the current system you may have a school from Region D like St. Paul with 200 students playing a school from Region A or B with 650 students. However, I am glad to see the VHSL addressing these issues
8) What is the single greatest coaching moment you've had at Northwood?
There are three that stand out for me. The first is beating Pocahontas to snap a 26 game losing streak. As I mentioned before confidence is one of the hardest things to instill in high school athletes and I was so proud of those guys that night to overcome what we faced the previous year. The second moment was beating Lebanon 68-55 at their place. It was only the third time Northwood had beaten Lebanon and the first time to ever win at their place. The last would have to be our victory over Bath County in the regionals last year. It was the first time Northwood has ever won a regional boys basketball game and it was very special to me and our team.
9) When you think of southwest Virginia or Hogoheegee basketball from years past, what players, coaches, and moments stick out in your mind?
Calvin Talford would definitely have to be number one. He was amazing to watch and see the things he accomplished on the basketball court. There are too many other athletes to mention although another stands out in my mind and this is Stephen Fields from Chilhowie. I remember being at Holston one night heckling him and he just smiled and started talking with us. I looked at a buddy of mine and we both agreed we couldn’t give him a hard time. That really stood out to me.
10) And, of course, what is your favorite website for high school sports?
I remember playing with some really good teammates. Guys that were fun to play with and we all got along well. The one moment that stands out is beating Rural Retreat late in the season at their place. We avenged a lost from earlier in the season at home and although I don’t remember stats I do remember feeling like I played well and contributed.
2) Was there any significant figure in your childhood or high school years that inspired you to become a coach?
The one person that stands out is my father. Even to this day I seek his advice and value his opinion. Growing up my dad always supported me and pushed me to be the very best I could be. My dad has always worked very hard and I will always remember that. I believe that you lead by example and watching how hard my father worked to support our family reinforces that principle.
As I got into coaching Dyer Jackson and Doug Reavis really impacted my coaching style. Coach Reavis was the football coach at Ft. Chiswell and I just remember his intensity and discipline. Coach Jackson helped to influence some of my basketball philosophy, especially when it comes to full court pressure. Today I look at what Bruce Pearl has done at the University of Tennessee and how he has taken an underachieving program and now has made them a consistent top 20 program. I have been fortunate to work camps and talk with Coach Pearl and his staff. They have a great family atmosphere and a dedication to hard work that is worth emulating.
3) What other coaching jobs have you had and how did you fare?
My first coaching job was as an assistant football coach in Halifax County Virginia. I was an assistant on the middle school football team and we ended up going 8-2. We had some great athletes, of course our high school had 1700 students and our middle school had about 1200. I then moved back to southwest Virginia and became the head 8th grade basketball coach at Ft. Chiswell Middle School for two years, also assisting with the varsity. Danny Jonas, the AD at Ft. Chiswell gave me my break in basketball and I will always be grateful. As far as my two years as an 8th grade coach we were a sub .500 team but I tried to get all of the guys fundamentally sound so when they went to the varsity level they would be more prepared. I do remember my last year at Ft. Chiswell the varsity had a pretty good season. We won eighteen regular season games but fell in the MED Finals which kept us from going to regionals.
4) What attracted you to the coaching job at Northwood?
I felt I was ready to take over as a head coach at the varsity level and actually saw a story by Tim Hayes in the Bristol Herald Courier that Coach Dunham had resigned. I remember dreading playing Northwood when I was in high school so there is some basketball tradition and we are very fortunate to have great facilities, some of the best in Virginia.
5) Is there one team you wish you could place on your schedule that you have not yet had an opportunity to?
Twin Valley would have to stand out. We played Twin Valley my first year and got drilled but that was around my fourth game as coach at Northwood. I believe Twin Valley is the measuring stick when it comes to Division 1 basketball in southwest Virginia (not taking anything away from Galax). There is a clear dedication to basketball and they are very well coached.
6) What opportunities do you see for this year's varsity Panther team?
I am very excited about this year’s team and think we have a chance to be special. The initial problem is that we are very young. We return only three players from last years’ team and NO starters. I see some growing pains early in the season but it will all depend on how this crop of juniors step up and play with the big boys. We have good ball-handling, really good shooters, and a two post players that are 6”7. However, when you deal with teenagers confidence is a huge factor. So far I like what I see out of our guys in practice. I can tell them how good they can be but until they see it and believe it themselves we are a big question mark. My job as coach is to show these guys how successful they can be and once they see that I believe this team can be the most successful team I have had here at Northwood. We want to compete, period. Whether it is in our non-district schedule, district, or regionals we want to show that we belong. I believe the hogoheegee will be very competitive. George Wythe will reload, Chilhowie will compete and is talented. Patrick Henry, Holston, and Rural Retreat will be better as well so we know that we will have to bring our A game every night. We hope to be back in the Regions this year and go farther than we did last year (won our first regional game but lost in regional semis)
7) Do you have any feelings toward the playoff structure adopted last year?
I like the playoff structure adopted last year but would like to see some changes, some of which we have already seen. It is tougher for smaller schools to compete and with the splitting of divisions I like the parity that is in single A basketball. I did not agree with the premise that everyone makes the regional tournament. I believe that is an honor that should be earned. I would also like to see more clarification when it comes to seeding. We were seeded 8th last year and felt due to our accomplishments we were higher than 8th. I am also watching to see if the VHSL adopts a five or even six division classification. Although I am a supporter of the current playoff system I would like to see closer numbers statewide. In the current system you may have a school from Region D like St. Paul with 200 students playing a school from Region A or B with 650 students. However, I am glad to see the VHSL addressing these issues
8) What is the single greatest coaching moment you've had at Northwood?
There are three that stand out for me. The first is beating Pocahontas to snap a 26 game losing streak. As I mentioned before confidence is one of the hardest things to instill in high school athletes and I was so proud of those guys that night to overcome what we faced the previous year. The second moment was beating Lebanon 68-55 at their place. It was only the third time Northwood had beaten Lebanon and the first time to ever win at their place. The last would have to be our victory over Bath County in the regionals last year. It was the first time Northwood has ever won a regional boys basketball game and it was very special to me and our team.
9) When you think of southwest Virginia or Hogoheegee basketball from years past, what players, coaches, and moments stick out in your mind?
Calvin Talford would definitely have to be number one. He was amazing to watch and see the things he accomplished on the basketball court. There are too many other athletes to mention although another stands out in my mind and this is Stephen Fields from Chilhowie. I remember being at Holston one night heckling him and he just smiled and started talking with us. I looked at a buddy of mine and we both agreed we couldn’t give him a hard time. That really stood out to me.
10) And, of course, what is your favorite website for high school sports?
Two websites stand out. The one that I have followed since I have been coaching is Virginia Preps. I am impressed with what Zirkle and Robert Blakey have done with reporting high school athletics in Virginia. I was honored last year to be a part of the “Coaches Corner” segment and I have been able to follow certain teams and even get scouting reports from this site. The second would have to be Hogoheegee.com. It is great to see our district get further exposure and I like the way the site is laid out. I check both of these sites daily and am honored that you would choose me to do this interview.
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