Hoopster-007

Interesting.....

44-41.......3 points?

Ditto. She has a nice team.

Is Faith no longer playing for GCM?

Yes, 21-5A (Barbers Hill, Humble, Crosby, Dayton, and Kingwood Park) is "closer" this season than I've ever seen. Only room for 4 teams..... Should be very interesting!

Please know I did not perceive any ill intent whatsoever. I was simply curious as to your description or opinion relative to the team's "underachieving." I recognize the disparity in teams in many districts where players have a good idea what teams they have a good shot at beating/losing; however, those games 10 points or less can go either way. For me, if I lost a game by 10 points or less, I accepted full responsibility. In general, being "plagued by turnovers, defense, and some team management" is a coaching concern. There's still time to get back on track. Thanks, I appreciate your opinion.

OK, I will bite. Why do you think the team is "way better than this...underachieving?" I would guess it safe to assume you are of the opinion Dayton should have W's against KWP & Crosby?

Lol....yes, g'kids and kids are great! I would love to "watch" a David & Goliath battle...a top Class A/2A...versus a top Class 5/6A; however, it's a different situation if I am in the shoes of that top 5/6A team and I am beaten. :-) I have no doubt there are very good, well coached Class A teams that I would definitely enjoy watching. I enjoy watching "good basketball" irregardless of the class or ranking. There are exceptions to the rule, but the speed of the game, for one, changes. I applaud those players/teams/coaches who are able to make the adjustments.

Yes, I assumed it easy to pick Lumberton. REBgp, it's been a while since I've watched 4A or below girls' high school basketball, but I have watched and been around enough 5A and 6A to formulate a firm opinion that the individual and/or team play of the top 6A teams are "typically" more competitive than the individual and/or team play of the top 5A or below teams. Surely, I see the positives or incentives for 2A state ranked Evadale, e.g., "At 10:30 game Evadale def 5A Santa Fe 57-29;" however, I am hesitant to see the same positives or incentives for the top 5A/6A state ranked teams. May both teams continue to do well and improve for the play-offs.

Thanks! Same to you.

OMG. Touchy...lol???? My apologies..... I didn't anticipate or consider that my comment would be perceived as a coaches only dialogue. I have no dog in the fight. In fact, I'm glad Lumberton is doing well, and I sincerely hope you guys go deep in the play-offs. I take no offense with you strictly wearing a "supporter" or "fan" hat. However, I was not wearing that same hat. Perhaps it's nice to be able to claim "the Raider girls have done pretty well the last few years," but I approached you with bigger expectations for Lumberton. I applaud you as a Lumberton fan where it "does matter...cause you support your Raiders, no matter where or who they play." I think I like my hat a tiny bit better because it allows me to reflect how gold is purified "by fire."

Respectfully, does it matter? No disrespect for the other teams, but it baffles me that Lumberton is in this tournament. Perhaps there is a method to the madness?

Duncanville dominated the Championship Game. Too many athletes and too much talent for North Shore, who had a great tournament!

Bronco/Cat Fan, speaking strictly as a "fan" of the game and able to see the same "big picture" you are seeing, I wholeheartedly agree with you. Unfortunately, situations and circumstances have a way of fogging up that same picture based on where one is seated.

Awesome! Congratulations Lumberton! Continue to make it happen!

North Shore Mustangs: I believe it was Rudy Tomjanovich who said, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." Today, I had the opportunity to watch the North Shore Mustangs defeat Clear Springs 71-52. The Mustangs may be small in size and number, but they play hard from the beginning to the end - baseline to baseline. More importantly, they know their roles. I must admit underestimating this North Shore team by comparing them to recent teams. While the recent teams may have been larger in size and number with multiple styles of play, Coach Campbell's system provides the opportunity for each player to play to her individual strength for the betterment of the team. Ms. Chasity Patterson (#15) was able to break through Clear Springs' press and double-teams dishing dimes and hitting big 3's; Ms. Alyssa Okoene (#12) pulled in rebound after rebound; and Ms. Victoria Blakenship (#23) came off the bench and scored 29 points. "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." North Shore, good luck tomorrow in the semi-finals against SA Brennan, and perhaps the championship game against Duncanville.

Great schools indeed. But I have to admit I am astonished that North Shore is currently ranked #1. Perhaps I err by comparing this North Shore team with several others they've had in recent years. One team, for example, that was led by Point Guard Lauren Flores, who today, remains holder of many records established at the McDonald's Texas Invitational. Perhaps, Coach Pam Crawford and Clear Springs' game against North Shore will help me understand whether or not I am underestimating their current team. Classic bracket? Barbers Hill would be remiss NOT to play in the top brackets. It remains to be seen whether several players can consistently score in tougher games "and" actually become stronger down the line. I have been a fan of Barbers Hill girls' basketball for quite some time, with my favorite team being the one that was apprehensive about moving up from 3A to 4A, but had a hell of a season! That particular team had a heck of a play-off game against a "stacked" Dickinson team that consisted of multiple players who went on to play at the College D-1 level. Yes, Samantha Hardin, Kassie Silva, Tracie, Shannon Mudd, Paris Carter, and Keely Rivera were a treat to watch, and they set the foundation for BH girls' basketball outside of the 3A division! Yet, in my opinion, last year's BH team was one of the most athletic and best team I have witnessed to step out on the court. I personally thought they were good enough to play in the 6A State Championship game - but underachieved. Most certainly, over the years, the Barbers Hill Little Dribblers Program has produced competitive players to represent the Lady Eagles. Now, this season is going to be somewhat of an adjustment for Barbers Hill because of their youth and inexperience at the guard positions. Hopefully, you are right and the team will get stronger. If not, expect those young guards to get pressed and pressed and pressed most games. Although BH has one of the top recruits in the State of Texas at the 5 spot, that could be greatly frustrated if the ball doesn't cross half-court as much as it should because of turnovers. Good luck this weekend. The McDonald's Texas Invitational is NO joke! But don't forget...........the Crosby Lady Cougars are licking their chops. :-)