From the notebook...........*The State AA Tournament in Indianola last week provided some exciting basketball as Brookhaven and Leake both won state crowns. Sometimes in the midst of change some things never do, hence Brookhaven winning an unprecedented sixth straight title and Leake’s girls taking their fifth consecutive. In both championship games on Saturday the two best teams squared off and in each contest the best team won.
*The three team playoff format was a valiant attempt at improving tournament play but I found very few who prefer it over the four team format. I hope there will be further thought into adjusting some areas without diminishing the AA State Tournament. It wasn’t the same this year with the two top seeds needing to win just one game to advance to the state championship game. With 28 teams in AA the four team format is a perfect fit. The Overall Tournament can be reduced to two qualifiers but an overwhelming opinion is to revisit the four team format.
*I made a comment to a friend late Saturday night about the quality of kids I’ve encountered this season. Having traveled all over the past seven months I have had the opportunity to talk with lots of kids in both football and basketball and the common theme has been respect and humility which seems to be rare in athletics these days. The two conclusions to be drawn are simple, great parents and coaches are plentiful in the MAIS.
*The Overall Tournament is underway and now that I’ve gotten a few days rest I’ll be making the trip north to cover some of the action.
*Changes and improvements are coming to Southern Sports & Travel. When the 2010 football season rolls around video and audio interview clips will be featured on a new homepage along with better graphics and tools.
*Baseball season is getting underway so please send any information regardless of class. Unlike football and basketball, baseball is a huge challenge with regards to gathering data and updating records. Please text any scores to 985-750-3455 or fax rosters to 985-732-9306.
*The three team playoff format was a valiant attempt at improving tournament play but I found very few who prefer it over the four team format. I hope there will be further thought into adjusting some areas without diminishing the AA State Tournament. It wasn’t the same this year with the two top seeds needing to win just one game to advance to the state championship game. With 28 teams in AA the four team format is a perfect fit. The Overall Tournament can be reduced to two qualifiers but an overwhelming opinion is to revisit the four team format.
*I made a comment to a friend late Saturday night about the quality of kids I’ve encountered this season. Having traveled all over the past seven months I have had the opportunity to talk with lots of kids in both football and basketball and the common theme has been respect and humility which seems to be rare in athletics these days. The two conclusions to be drawn are simple, great parents and coaches are plentiful in the MAIS.
*The Overall Tournament is underway and now that I’ve gotten a few days rest I’ll be making the trip north to cover some of the action.
*Changes and improvements are coming to Southern Sports & Travel. When the 2010 football season rolls around video and audio interview clips will be featured on a new homepage along with better graphics and tools.
*Baseball season is getting underway so please send any information regardless of class. Unlike football and basketball, baseball is a huge challenge with regards to gathering data and updating records. Please text any scores to 985-750-3455 or fax rosters to 985-732-9306.
