Honest Abe

I think he will still play. I heard he was a bit burned out. He attended the Duke basketball camp this summer, and I was told he played really well. Definitely a huge asset to the team, as he was the only kid to register on the dunk-o-meter last season and by far has the best MRJS on the team. Both qualities that Soulja hold close to his heart.  8) We definitely need his athleticism on the court.

The best way to beat an aggressive and quick defense like WOS is to use screens, traps, and play action. Nederland has been successful against WOS in previous years running these plays. I wasn't present last night, so i dont know if Monte ran those type of plays. I would guess that Ned didn't run many screens or bootlegs. Even if they did, the timing on such plays is crucial, and usually doesn't start clicking in the 1st glorified practice. The Dawgs will be fine, and there is no need for bridge jumping!  ;D On the other hand, sounds like WOS will be making another deep run into the playoffs. Good luck to the Mustangs.

[quote name="uandme08" post="1245831" timestamp="1345151814"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101649.msg1245556#msg1245556 date=1345122429] No doubt Lubera (6'5") kid who graduated will be missed. Size may be a issue against 1-2 teams until football is over. We then add Couron and Washington who are both 6'4" with big bodies. In addition, Kimler brings athletecism to the team. He will likely be a defensive specialist. He gave K. Smith fits last season when the two teams played in Nederland. Last year's team started without any returning starters and only 2 players with varsity experience. Taking all of that into account, I like our chances: 1. Nederland 2. Central 3. Ozen [b][i]Soulja-From what I've been told, Ozen only returns Jakobi Jones, D. Sams, and Alex 'Duck' Williamsms from last years team. Jones and Williams were starters while Sams moved up from JV mid year and came off the bench.[/i][/quote][/b] We'll just have to wait and see about that...... [/quote] Sorry if I missed other players. The information I received was from a reliable source. Please add more players if there are additional returning lettermen.

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1245704" timestamp="1345136034"] What about LCM? What do they have this year? [/quote] Their big kid graduated off to McNeese State. I think he was the main reason for their success. PN-G may be decent. They almost pulled upsets over Ozen and Ned last year. They return the big 6'6" kid. If he improved on his foot work from last season, he could be dangerous. Not sure who else returns from that team though.

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1245663" timestamp="1345132441"] Trust me, Ozen is young with babies. [/quote] And??  ;D Silsbee and Ned were young last year, and they were fine. Since the expectation is low, I think they will play relaxed and do really well come season's end. I think their playoff experience will prevent them from going deep into the playoffs, but that's a topic for February.

[quote name="Stevenash" post="1245641" timestamp="1345130595"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101649.msg1245629#msg1245629 date=1345129900] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101649.msg1245575#msg1245575 date=1345125585] The race will be out of Central and Nederland this year. They will have the most experienced players. Ozen will be too inexperienced this season but will have the most speed out of all the other teams in the district. Ozen and Livingston will be battling for for 3rd and 4th spot. Ozen is just too young to make any noise this year. So, just take Ozen off the radar. Plus Ozen has several players leaving the program this year to attend other schools. On top of this, the top freshmen are reported to be enrolling into Central. Looks like Central will win State this year. [/quote] Ain't no way anyone is going to count Ozen out of the race. Nice try!  ;) [/quote] Dove just doing a little "poor mouthing".  In reality, he expects the Dove duo to help bring home the district title. [/quote] If you remember last year, not many gave Nederland much of a shot at the district title bc we lost so much from the year before. Too much basketball tradition at Ozen to think they won't be right there at the end of the season pushing for the district title. They may struggle early, but I have a feeling they will figure it out midway through district, similar to last year...

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1245575" timestamp="1345125585"] The race will be out of Central and Nederland this year. They will have the most experienced players. Ozen will be too inexperienced this season but will have the most speed out of all the other teams in the district. Ozen and Livingston will be battling for for 3rd and 4th spot. Ozen is just too young to make any noise this year. So, just take Ozen off the radar. Plus Ozen has several players leaving the program this year to attend other schools. On top of this, the top freshmen are reported to be enrolling into Central. Looks like Central will win State this year. [/quote] Ain't no way anyone is going to count Ozen out of the race. Nice try!  ;)

[quote name="BMTSoulja1" post="1245584" timestamp="1345126548"] [quote author=dogs1218 link=topic=101649.msg1245582#msg1245582 date=1345126457] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101649.msg1245575#msg1245575 date=1345125585] The race will be out of Central and Nederland this year. They will have the most experienced players. Ozen will be too inexperienced this season but will have the most speed out of all the other teams in the district. Ozen and Livingston will be battling for for 3rd and 4th spot. Ozen is just too young to make any noise this year. So, just take Ozen off the radar. Plus Ozen has several players leaving the program this year to attend other schools. [b]On top of this, the top freshmen are reported to be enrolling into Central. Looks like Central will win State this year.[/b] [/quote] Is that a confirmed fact? [/quote]Even I'm not buying that one.  You must not have seen our 'staff' in action.  8) [/quote] The Central coach won Coach of the Year Honors last year,  ::)  ...come on man!  ;D

No doubt Lubera (6'5") kid who graduated will be missed. Size may be a issue against 1-2 teams until football is over. We then add Couron and Washington who are both 6'4" with big bodies. In addition, Kimler brings athletecism to the team. He will likely be a defensive specialist. He gave K. Smith fits last season when the two teams played in Nederland. Last year's team started without any returning starters and only 2 players with varsity experience. Taking all of that into account, I like our chances: 1. Nederland 2. Central 3. Ozen Soulja-From what I've been told, Ozen only returns Jakobi Jones, D. Sams, and Alex 'Duck' Williamsms from last years team. Jones and Williams were starters while Sams moved up from JV mid year and came off the bench.

[quote name="BADSANTA" post="1245202" timestamp="1345039252"] Only on a Republican ticket! [/quote] It's usually the 'other side' who doesn't seem to care what others think about them, i.e. Joe Biden!  ;)

[quote name="Mr. Buddy Garrity" post="1245424" timestamp="1345075447"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101592.msg1245419#msg1245419 date=1345074876] Anyone know the capacities of the stadiums in SETX? I would guess The Butch is the largest, followed by The Reservation maybe?? [/quote]look on the Texas Bob site. for the most part its accurate. [/quote] Thanks.

Anyone know the capacities of the stadiums in SETX? I would guess The Butch is the largest, followed by The Reservation maybe??

We obviously need something to talk about. While I am impressed by some of the records help by Yates's kids in sports other than basketball, I may pull out the rest of my hair if I read one more post about them. Let's talk some local basketball. More specifically, 20-4A. I know it's a long way until the season begins, but summer ball is over, and the school year is just around the corner. Who wins district this year in 20-4A? Last year, Central and Nederland shared the district title, but Ozen went one round deeper in the playoffs before bowing out in the Regional Semis. Central and Nederland both lost in the Regional Quarterfinal game to KW Park and Ozen respectively. After sharing the district title with Big Ned, Central lost their best leader and the district's MVP to graduation. However, Central returns 3 (maybe 4) starters, 5-6 lettermen, and some Freshmen kids who could make an impact. If they can find a new leader, they will be seeking back to back district titles. Nederland has won or shared the district title three years in a row. Big Ned returns 4 starters, the District Offensive MVP, three 1st team all-district selections, plus 6 additional lettermen. Just like two seasons ago, this will be a Senior heavy team. Ned has plenty of leadership and experience and play great team ball. Will Big Ned make it 4 years in a row? After dominating District 20-4A for about a decade, Ozen lost the most to graduation. The Panthers only return one starter and a couple of lettermen. However, Ozen is one of those team's who 'reload', not rebuild. Ozen will not be 'big' this year, so they will have to rely on speed and quickness which is plentiful. It is anticipated that the 'Little Doves' will make a huge impact. It may take a couple of tourneys before they get going, but there would be no surprise to see them back on top in 20-4A. Who knows, maybe a different team steps up this season? Livingston maybe? Either way, it looks like it will be another competitive season in 20-4A. Disclaimer: I don't 'know' all of these team's like some of you. Please help me with the details that I missed. I am also not familiar with other teams in the district such as LCM, Livingston, Lumberton, PNG, Vidor

[quote name="BADSANTA" post="1244586" timestamp="1344885900"] Sports Yates would own your school in besides basketball. Here is a list and their Alumni who achieved it. 1. Dominos- Raymond Harper ( won 487 straight games from 83-87) 2. Craps- Nathan Goolsby ( rolled 236 times beofe rolling a 7 circa 1991)  3. Cursing- Alice Davis  ( used 27 curse words in one sentence before using a verb) record still stands. 4. Rock Paper Scissors- Allen Phillilps ( won 33 times in a row) 5. Rock skipping- Rosevelt Potter ( skipped a rock 18 times in Lake Conroe) 6. Skipping class- entire 1995 class ( started the year with 453, and 123 graduated) [/quote] I don't share much with my wife about my conversations on SETXsports, but this one had me rolling. She actually found it humorous as well (+1 for creativity). Thanks for the laugh!  ;D ;D ;D

The realignment that went into effect this sure definitely helps both of their chances. Matchups are always important, so it depends on who is lined up in front of them. Kingwood Park and Humble seem to be good every year. Humble has a new head coach. Will be interesting to see what he brings to the table. Definitely helps all 4A teams in the region since Yates, Jones, and LaMarque dropped to 3A. Still have to deal with Dawson too, I believe. Silsbee has a good shot too since they only lost 1 (maybe 2) player to graduation. In a one game contest, I think Silsbee could beat them on a good night. Silsbee's outside shooting has definitely improved since last year, which will help them immensely. And you can never count HJ out of the equation. They tend to 'reload' as good as anyone in the area.

[quote name="BADSANTA" post="1244273" timestamp="1344816504"] Their academics are low! You can look that up! No kids goes to Yates for a D1 scholarship in academics! Truth Hurts son! [/quote] Ok, fine. My last comment shows that I agree with you that the kids transfer to Yates for basketball reasons. Maybe you misunderstood what I was saying or maybe I was unclear. Son? I'm pretty sure I'm older than you, plus I already have a dad.  ;D ;D ;D

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1244251" timestamp="1344811032"] Nah,  its just "flipping crazy" when Yates is being mentioned as a basketball factory and and low academic performing school, ONLY!!! Now that's crazy. [/quote] I have no clue about their academics. However, the facts regarding their basketball program seem to point towards a lot of kids transferring to play basketball. I'm not accusing them of being recruited bc I have no facts to back me up. Do I think it's fair that anyone in the HISD can transfer there to play bball? No!! But, that is the rule, and nobody has been able to prove (so far) that they are recruiting. To believe a basketball player is transferring to Yates bc of academics is naive, IMO.

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1243790" timestamp="1344635075"] [quote author=uandme08 link=topic=101381.msg1243776#msg1243776 date=1344632185] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101381.msg1243708#msg1243708 date=1344619912] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101381.msg1243689#msg1243689 date=1344617242] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101381.msg1243660#msg1243660 date=1344614079] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101381.msg1243656#msg1243656 date=1344613604] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101381.msg1243652#msg1243652 date=1344612965] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=101381.msg1243587#msg1243587 date=1344583623] There was nothing slow about Brookshire Royal. [/quote]Actually I've never seen them play ;D [/quote] Stirrin' the pot as usual.  ;D [/quote]hahahah! Yes I was. Busted! [/quote] If you didn't stir the pot (especially this time of the year), we (basketball fans) would all be bored! [/quote]I feel ya! Football should be 4-week sport ;D ;D [/quote] Definitely NOT  :D [/quote]Yeah I know.  I'm kind of looking forward to seeing Ozen beat Nederland , Central & PN+G [/quote] Oh Lawd!  ::) ::) ;D

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1243660" timestamp="1344614079"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101381.msg1243656#msg1243656 date=1344613604] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101381.msg1243652#msg1243652 date=1344612965] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=101381.msg1243587#msg1243587 date=1344583623] There was nothing slow about Brookshire Royal. [/quote]Actually I've never seen them play ;D [/quote] Stirrin' the pot as usual.  ;D [/quote]hahahah! Yes I was. Busted! [/quote] If you didn't stir the pot (especially this time of the year), we (basketball fans) would all be bored!

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1243652" timestamp="1344612965"] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=101381.msg1243587#msg1243587 date=1344583623] There was nothing slow about Brookshire Royal. [/quote]Actually I've never seen them play ;D [/quote] Stirrin' the pot as usual.  ;D

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1243558" timestamp="1344567733"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101381.msg1243544#msg1243544 date=1344565555] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101381.msg1243506#msg1243506 date=1344558468] 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", 6'7", excellent soph. Excellent soph point guard,etc. Yeah OK. [/quote] I recall that the Brookshire Royal lineup this year was similar to that, and the Silsbee Tigers took care of them in the playoffs. Isn't it true that the bigger they are, the harder they fall? [/quote]Brookshire Royal was big and slow......big difference [/quote] They weren't slow. Silsbee is just extremely fast!!

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1243506" timestamp="1344558468"] 6'6", 6'5", 6'4", 6'7", excellent soph. Excellent soph point guard,etc. Yeah OK. [/quote] I recall that the Brookshire Royal lineup this year was similar to that, and the Silsbee Tigers took care of them in the playoffs. Isn't it true that the bigger they are, the harder they fall?

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1242116" timestamp="1344105219"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101428.msg1242099#msg1242099 date=1344098243] For those of us who have attended an AAU event, we know that there is not much organization as far as an offense or defense. There is limited structure with these team's (most of them). I've observed kids who were not very good in a structured offense excel in AAU. I've also witnessed the opposite. There is too much individual play IMO. Most colleges run a structured offense, no? Just bc a kid can 'get to the hole' does not make him a great player, IMO. Not sure why hundreds of recruiters go to these live periods, but you don't hear about them (as much) attending a structured High School game. I think (the real) Dickie V. nailed this one! [/quote]Not true Abe :D Go to the EYBL Nike  sponsored league. All these teams run different offenses, but primarily a motion offense. Go watch the top teams....Defenders Select an Under Armour team.....watch their offense. Go watch  Seattle Rotary 15u team. Their offense is a very patient offense. They pass the ball at least 6-10 times unless there is an open shot or layup.The average high school kid could not flourish in top/elite competition. Just a different [s]devil.[/s]..errr monster. Roy Williams ain' t travelling to Beaumont to see not one kid in this area. Too much money spent for travel even if he wanted to see one kid. He can go to Augusta, SC and see 20 kids all in one place, whose on his interest list. Our Dickie V is now learning to sleep with the devil. He's beginning to see why that monster is growing. [/quote] BTW-I'm sure Roy Williams would love to come to Beaumont, he just doesn't know it!  ;D On a serious note, I believe AAU is a necessary evil as Walter said last month after attending an event. I just don't think it should be the primary method college coaches find their talent. And I have watched the Defenders, Houston Hoops and many others. They are much more patient, but their is still too much individual play IMO.

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1242116" timestamp="1344105219"] [quote author=Honest Abe link=topic=101428.msg1242099#msg1242099 date=1344098243] For those of us who have attended an AAU event, we know that there is not much organization as far as an offense or defense. There is limited structure with these team's (most of them). I've observed kids who were not very good in a structured offense excel in AAU. I've also witnessed the opposite. There is too much individual play IMO. Most colleges run a structured offense, no? Just bc a kid can 'get to the hole' does not make him a great player, IMO. Not sure why hundreds of recruiters go to these live periods, but you don't hear about them (as much) attending a structured High School game. I think (the real) Dickie V. nailed this one! [/quote]Not true Abe :D Go to the EYBL Nike  sponsored league. All these teams run different offenses, but primarily a motion offense. Go watch the top teams....Defenders Select an Under Armour team.....watch their offense. Go watch  Seattle Rotary 15u team. Their offense is a very patient offense. They pass the ball at least 6-10 times unless there is an open shot or layup.The average high school kid could not flourish in top/elite competition. Just a different [s]devil.[/s]..errr monster. Roy Williams ain' t travelling to Beaumont to see not one kid in this area. Too much money spent for travel even if he wanted to see one kid. He can go to Augusta, SC and see 20 kids all in one place, whose on his interest list. Our Dickie V is now learning to sleep with the devil. He's beginning to see why that monster is growing. [/quote] I believe you, and that may be true at the elite tourneys, but for the majority of teams, there is no structure. I've attended many of these events, and MOST of them DO NOT have a set offense. Yes, there are some, but not many. I've observed many teams pass the ball 10-12 times, but the offense is very simple. Pass and go through...down screen pop out... The most common offense I've seen (even with the really good teams) is high pick and roll. It's effective, no doubt. Just not what a majority of college programs run.

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1242097" timestamp="1344097600"] [quote author=AggiesAreWe link=topic=101428.msg1242053#msg1242053 date=1344054663] [quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=101428.msg1242052#msg1242052 date=1344053994] Guys, about 5% of these teams run questionable programs (agents...etc, etc...)and this is what the critics focus on. Just like there are high schools out there running not-so-clean programs. [/quote] I'll take Vitale's word (one that comes from a man with far more experience and knowledge of the subject). [/quote]Vitale stuck in the 90's and early 2000's. Times have changed. He's listening to the same coaches who along with their schools have helped promote and sustain  the "live periods" which in turn continues to keep the power away from high school coaches. Here is a great idea:  Tell the NCAA and their board of college presidents to stop having the live periods  :o  No "live period" and now guess who the college coaches will start contacting .....hmmmmm?  Now back to Vitale. For every rogue so-called AAU or summer ball program, I can personally give you five teams who run their programs correctly and by the rules. Most of the bad programs stem from the fact that anybody can start a summer team. Usually by a dad who needs to find a way for his son to get some playing time, then tries to package deal his son and and  :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X :-X. Well, thats a whole another topic!!! [/quote] There will always be someone, somewhere, who will bend/break the rules. And the examples you mentioned, though true in some cases, are not the rule. Sure SOME HS coaches would get dirty with the 'package deal' you mentioned, but it's an exception, not the norm. I could be naive, that's just what my opinion.