ST413

Look in see where you are coming from but the issue isn't whether 2nd place or consolation is the same or not. You stated that you didn't believe that host teams aren't given an easier path to the finals in some cases. That opinion is obviously wrong. I can see multiple reasons for this the obvious being getting more money at the gate in many instances just due to being the local team.

You may not want to believe it but I have seen many brackets through the years myself where the home team had the definite easier bracket. Does it guarantee anything no but it puts those stronger teams battling their way to the finals.

We are planning on being there to see the Tigers, but would have liked to be able to see either of those two games at the other school before and after the Tigers game.

Was told that last player was Jaquan Gilliam.

Ok that makes sense. And yes tonight that second group did give up ground. We were much better in the second half with the "normal" type substitutions. I think we can still have fresh legs either style. One big difference in those first two groups tonight(not getting into individual talent) was length. That first 5 was I believe as tall no lengthy as we can get. Add having Devon out there playing like he did tonight and it makes a big difference. Now the thing that will happen if he keeps those groups like that is once that second group gets out there, there is more speed overall and maybe the two best on ball defenders in Newton and C. Tyler on the court. So the pressure should pick up even more. I am not going to argue with either way Coach rotates players. And I am not sure which I personally would prefer. I did kind of like how he used the 5 for 5 approach in the first half and the switched in the second. That second group tonight also had a couple of players playing their first varsity game.

Didn't I hear comments like "they aren't very good", "they haven't run one play" and "they have too much talent, better to have just one or two"?

By the way Txhoops wasn't that you sitting right behind me with I believe some Central folks in the first half?

I was impressed by Wheelers speed and finishing. I can't remember but I thought be dished a time or two. I was really impressed by him coming out and congratulating Devon just before Devon received the player(s) of the game awards. Very solid first game for my Tigers. We will improve on some things and get better as time goes on. But remember, this was the first time the entire team has been on the floor together in a game. The football players didn't play in any scrimmages and I know during the summer we were always without a player or two. So there is definitely going to be some improvement on timing and other team work areas.

Both starting PT guards put in a show. Jones was impressive, but I was more that pleased to say Michael McCain start off like he did. He finished real well last season and started this one real well. Last year it took a while to get going after his injury but not in the season opener this year. I am not sure how many players we will keep on varsity. I was told by one in attendance that Coach is still going to cut down to maybe 12, but I think it will be awful hard to cut that last player or two to teach that number.

This was only one game state is a long way away. And still things to improve and work to be done.

Devon is the first player n the Hoopsgiving Classic to be named both offensive and defensive player of the game.

Tigers have played 14 player. Tigers take it 108-85.

Tigers up 104-79 2:00 left bringing in a new 5 Devon finishes with 27 Harris 20 W. Jones 15 and Adams 12.

Battle of the PT guards Wheeler with 27 Devon with 25.

97-77 3:16 left.

85-71 6:51 left Harris leads Tigers with 20 D. McCain with 16.

Tigers have now used 13 players.

Tigers up to 83-67 after 3.

Tigers with 5 players in double digits.

Tigers substituting more traditional so far this half.

Tigers lead 71-52 3:48 left in third.

Tigers lead back up to 13 5:50 left in 3rd.

I believe the Tigers have played 12 so far.

Tigers lead 51-44at the half.

Lead cut to 1 with 2;27 left in the half.