Freshman has two losses, JV is undefeated, Varsity is 18-3 I believe. The Pioneers are talented on all levels.

 

Unfortunately, talent does not prevent you from laying an egg once in a while! Kids get two days off and play like they have forgotten everything they have been taught!

Freshman has two losses, JV is undefeated, Varsity is 18-3 I believe. The Pioneers are talented on all levels.

 

Does SK move girls up and down to play at different levels? For instance, I know this is the third year Anna Cully has played freshman (I know she is just a freshman now), but she is also listed on the varsity roster. And last year, there were 2 or 3 freshman girls that played up all year and then were moved down for the freshman tournament. Is that typical for schools to do or is that unique to SK? Just a question.

Does SK move girls up and down to play at different levels? For instance, I know this is the third year Anna Cully has played freshman (I know she is just a freshman now), but she is also listed on the varsity roster. And last year, there were 2 or 3 freshman girls that played up all year and then were moved down for the freshman tournament. Is that typical for schools to do or is that unique to SK? Just a question.

 

I could perhaps understand playing up and down if the school is very small or the roster VERY thin. SK is neither. Conner freshmen seem to play with only 7 players. Some of them also play up J/V and occasionally varsity. But they seem to draw the line for letting any freshman who start or get lot's of varsity minutes also play on the freshman team. I don't think Gambrel or Hendricks have played fresh at all this year, but I could see them being tempted with only 7 girls on the freshman team.

 

Walton, on the other hand, seems to show up with plenty on the freshman bench but when they beat Ryle Freshman (now 18-1) in OT, Hailey Ison scored 21 points. At that point she was a big varsity contributor and maybe has even started at times? Doesn't seem quite right but no rule against it. I wouldn't think the varsity coach would allow a key player the risk exposure.

I could perhaps understand playing up and down if the school is very small or the roster VERY thin. SK is neither. Conner freshmen seem to play with only 7 players. Some of them also play up J/V and occasionally varsity. But they seem to draw the line for letting any freshman who start or get lot's of varsity minutes also play on the freshman team. I don't think Gambrel or Hendricks have played fresh at all this year, but I could see them being tempted with only 7 girls on the freshman team.

 

Walton, on the other hand, seems to show up with plenty on the freshman bench but when they beat Ryle Freshman (now 18-1) in OT, Hailey Ison scored 21 points. At that point she was a big varsity contributor and maybe has even started at times? Doesn't seem quite right but no rule against it. I wouldn't think the varsity coach would allow a key player the risk exposure.

 

Ison is no longer playing freshman or JV. Walton needed her to play freshman early in the season until some of the middle schoolers could be brought up. Small schools have to move kids around just because of the numbers game. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Does SK move girls up and down to play at different levels? For instance, I know this is the third year Anna Cully has played freshman (I know she is just a freshman now), but she is also listed on the varsity roster. And last year, there were 2 or 3 freshman girls that played up all year and then were moved down for the freshman tournament. Is that typical for schools to do or is that unique to SK? Just a question.

 

I am not a SK parent, however I have many friends and folks that are in or close to the program. I can give you an unbiased perspective.

 

Yes, like most schools, SK has girls that play at different levels. Where they play, like anywhere else, I am sure is determined by the coaches and what is best for the program and for player development. Their are some freshmen girls that have played freshmen for a couple or three years, but from what I see, that is mostly because of a very deep and talented junior class that has always been in front of this years freshmen. It would be why some of the freshmen are still playing freshmen and/or JV, even though they played up the last year or two. There is just a lot of older talent present for them to overcome in order to acheive varsity minutes. Therefore, freshmen and jv is where the current freshment develop. This would also explain why SK's JV has had so much success. They have a few quality juniors and a sophmore (maybe two) who will play varsity, but do not start varstiy, and therefore will play a significant role in JV. The end result is a JV team that is older, deeper and more talented than some schools varsity rotation.

 

 

In recent history, SK has had freshemn play in the freshmen tournament that did not regularly play freshmen throughout the year. They were freshmen that had normally played JV and perhaps a little varsity, however for the freshmen tournament, they did play freshmen. Got no problem with this. Examples are last season, Schmiade currently a soph, played with her class during the tournament after not playing much freshmen through the season. Also, when this years juniors were freshmen, there was a couple or three that did the same thing. Again, got no problem with it.

 

SK just has a lot of girls in the program....good for them.

I could perhaps understand playing up and down if the school is very small or the roster VERY thin. SK is neither. Conner freshmen seem to play with only 7 players. Some of them also play up J/V and occasionally varsity. But they seem to draw the line for letting any freshman who start or get lot's of varsity minutes also play on the freshman team. I don't think Gambrel or Hendricks have played fresh at all this year, but I could see them being tempted with only 7 girls on the freshman team.

 

Walton, on the other hand, seems to show up with plenty on the freshman bench but when they beat Ryle Freshman (now 18-1) in OT, Hailey Ison scored 21 points. At that point she was a big varsity contributor and maybe has even started at times? Doesn't seem quite right but no rule against it. I wouldn't think the varsity coach would allow a key player the risk exposure.

 

Madman is correct, Ison is no longer playing freshmen. Due to injuries to a couple of the Walton Seniors, she began starting just after Christmas, since then she has not played freshmen and jv. And you are incorrect about the plenty on the bench thing - without Ison, Walton would of had six - not very many. At that point, early in the season, Walton was still waiting for the 8th graders to finish their season and join the freshmen of which now is the case. sounds like you might be stretching this to make Walton look bad.

 

And BTW, that was an awesome comeback and win by the Walton freshmen - they are a special group and I'm glad Hailey was there.

I could perhaps understand playing up and down if the school is very small or the roster VERY thin. SK is neither. Conner freshmen seem to play with only 7 players. Some of them also play up J/V and occasionally varsity. But they seem to draw the line for letting any freshman who start or get lot's of varsity minutes also play on the freshman team. I don't think Gambrel or Hendricks have played fresh at all this year, but I could see them being tempted with only 7 girls on the freshman team.

 

Walton, on the other hand, seems to show up with plenty on the freshman bench but when they beat Ryle Freshman (now 18-1) in OT, Hailey Ison scored 21 points. At that point she was a big varsity contributor and maybe has even started at times? Doesn't seem quite right but no rule against it. I wouldn't think the varsity coach would allow a key player the risk exposure.

 

I agree if they are a small school. They just don't have the numbers. HHS has 2 freshman that start Varsity and one that plays a significant role. They would never move them down to play freshman. They don't even have a freshman on the freshman team. Their starting PG is a 6th grader! They almost didn't field a Freshman team and there was never any thought of moving the three freshman down to play.

 

Conner has two freshman playing significant roles. They don't play freshman, nor did they when they were 8th graders playing up. There are plenty of other examples.

 

As for SK, if they are so deep, why do they have all those girls (underclassman) playing up then? You would think they could eliminate moving them down if they just didn't move them up. Somethings not right there. Do they have depth or not?

 

There are several significant freshman in NKY and none that I know other than SK seem to move down when it's convenient or they are playing a good opponent.

 

As for last year, it was more than just Schmiade, there were 2 or maybe 3 that moved down. I also know, because I'm close to several of their current 8th and frosh players, that the rest of the team was not happy with that decision last year. If you move girls down that did not play the entire year with them, they are taking someone's spot that did! I know there is one girl, a current freshman and good player, that is no longer playing in the system. Did that have anything to do with it???

 

If we say the freshman team is for development, why would you move girls up and down and take the place of the girls that were put there for development in the first place? Sounds like trophy hunting to me!

I agree if they are a small school. They just don't have the numbers. HHS has 2 freshman that start Varsity and one that plays a significant role. They would never move them down to play freshman. They don't even have a freshman on the freshman team. Their starting PG is a 6th grader! They almost didn't field a Freshman team and there was never any thought of moving the three freshman down to play.

 

Conner has two freshman playing significant roles. They don't play freshman, nor did they when they were 8th graders playing up. There are plenty of other examples.

 

As for SK, if they are so deep, why do they have all those girls (underclassman) playing up then? You would think they could eliminate moving them down if they just didn't move them up. Somethings not right there. Do they have depth or not?

 

There are several significant freshman in NKY and none that I know other than SK seem to move down when it's convenient or they are playing a good opponent.

 

As for last year, it was more than just Schmiade, there were 2 or maybe 3 that moved down. I also know, because I'm close to several of their current 8th and frosh players, that the rest of the team was not happy with that decision last year. If you move girls down that did not play the entire year with them, they are taking someone's spot that did! I know there is one girl, a current freshman and good player, that is no longer playing in the system. Did that have anything to do with it???

 

If we say the freshman team is for development, why would you move girls up and down and take the place of the girls that were put there for development in the first place? Sounds like trophy hunting to me!

 

Now that isn't always true. Players move up and down to play for different teams for the school all the time wether they are freshman or not and wether it is because of a numbers thing or not. It happens in all the sports.

 

Some move down from maybe JV or even Varsity because they may need more playing time or they may not be cutting it at the Varsity or JV level etc. Yes it does suck when those players may take playing time away from someone else who was on that team the entire time and all, but this is High School sports and no longer intramural.

 

Some don't think it's fair that an 8th grader or 7th grader is playing at the varsity level, but it happens all the time. In baseball for example there are plenty of players playing Freshman Baseball that are 7th or 8th graders, and those players are taking the spots of some freshman who may not be as good. freshman play Varsity while sophomores play JV. Football isn't different either. The only thing you won't see is a sophomore or junior or senior moving down to play for the freshman team in any of the sports.

 

It's not always based on numbers. It can be based on talent level, or playing time needed to improve etc.

 

If you say Freshman team is for develpoment, then who is to say players who played some varsity or JV who were moved down to the freshman team weren't put down their for their development?

 

Varsity does it all the time with their players moving them down to JV to get more playing time and development, and when that happens it takes away playing time of some of the other players already on the JV team. there isn't any difference in my opinion.

Now that isn't always true. Players move up and down to play for different teams for the school all the time wether they are freshman or not and wether it is because of a numbers thing or not. It happens in all the sports.

 

Some move down from maybe JV or even Varsity because they may need more playing time or they may not be cutting it at the Varsity or JV level etc. Yes it does suck when those players may take playing time away from someone else who was on that team the entire time and all, but this is High School sports and no longer intramural.

 

Some don't think it's fair that an 8th grader or 7th grader is playing at the varsity level, but it happens all the time. In baseball for example there are plenty of players playing Freshman Baseball that are 7th or 8th graders, and those players are taking the spots of some freshman who may not be as good. freshman play Varsity while sophomores play JV. Football isn't different either. The only thing you won't see is a sophomore or junior or senior moving down to play for the freshman team in any of the sports.

 

It's not always based on numbers. It can be based on talent level, or playing time needed to improve etc.

 

If you say Freshman team is for develpoment, then who is to say players who played some varsity or JV who were moved down to the freshman team weren't put down their for their development?

 

Varsity does it all the time with their players moving them down to JV to get more playing time and development, and when that happens it takes away playing time of some of the other players already on the JV team. there isn't any difference in my opinion.

 

I completely see where you are coming from and I agree 100% at the varsity/JV level. However, that's not what I'm talking about. We are talking about a different team. At most schools, the JV/vasity practice together and they do so to allow them to move kids around. Most Freshman teams practice on their own. So you have kids coming down that aren't even familiar (because they didn't play or practice with that team all year) with what is going on.

 

Also, in this case, I don't think they were looking to "develop" the players by playing freshman. The ones that moved down were JV starters and one of them played significant varsity minutes against us a week later. They clearly moved them down to try and win the freshman region last year and they didn't win. But that was their intent. It was very obvious. They lost to HHS, who by the way had an eighth grader playing up that they didn't move down to play in the tournament. If they are moving kids down because of development, then there probably isn't anyone saying anything (except maybe why was the kid up in the first place). When you move kids around to be successful, that in my opinion is garbage and you are doing things for the wrong reasons.

When you move kids around to be successful, that in my opinion is garbage and you are doing things for the wrong reasons.

 

This.

 

Triple seven - Not trying to make anyone look bad at all, in fact, just responding to RCC on the freshman question and was trying to give kudos to Conner freshman for sticking to their team despite playing quite short. Heard they only had 6 players for a freshman championship game at Scott (and it was their third game of the day) They lost but could have maybe won with the CHS freshman varsity girls on the roster.

 

Yes, that was an excellent comeback by Walton vs Ryle freshman. I can understand why you are so glad Hailey played that day. Getting 21 of Walton's 43 points very helpful, and 4 days later she was the leading scorer for varsity, too! (before the Sandlin injury). I was under the impression Ison was 6th man since early in season, not merely "pulled up" as she excelled in freshman or j/v. Ison a very talented freshman, just saying that other teams could play freshman varsity players, too, but don't. Just does not seem like the right thing to do for the program, the girl or the younger girls that don't get play as much. If you can't field enough girls to have a freshman team then just don't have one. And, BTW, there was more than 7 girls in a WV uniform on that Saturday at Ryle. Maybe there was no 8th grade game that day?

This.

 

Triple seven - Not trying to make anyone look bad at all, in fact, just responding to RCC on the freshman question and was trying to give kudos to Conner freshman for sticking to their team despite playing quite short. Heard they only had 6 players for a freshman championship game at Scott (and it was their third game of the day) They lost but could have maybe won with the CHS freshman varsity girls on the roster.

 

Yes, that was an excellent comeback by Walton vs Ryle freshman. I can understand why you are so glad Hailey played that day. Getting 21 of Walton's 43 points very helpful, and 4 days later she was the leading scorer for varsity, too! (before the Sandlin injury). I was under the impression Ison was 6th man since early in season, not merely "pulled up" as she excelled in freshman or j/v. Ison a very talented freshman, just saying that other teams could play freshman varsity players, too, but don't. Just does not seem like the right thing to do for the program, the girl or the younger girls that don't get play as much. If you can't field enough girls to have a freshman team then just don't have one. And, BTW, there was more than 7 girls in a WV uniform on that Saturday at Ryle. Maybe there was no 8th grade game that day?

 

I really don't think you understand what the small schools have to go through when it comes to Freshman ball. Walton currently dresses 8 girls on the Freshman team and that includes one 8th grader. Ison played early in the season to get some more experience and provide some leadership to the other freshmen. As the season progressed, her role changed and she no longer plays freshman ball. I think allowing her to play some freshman ball benefited her and the program. She was forced into a varsity starting position due to injuries and she has done well. I think the coaches know what's best for their program and what is needed to develop players. If they wanted her to play freshman, JV and varsity that is their decision. Sounds like you have some sour grapes because Walton defeated Ryle blemishing their undefeated record.

I really don't think you understand what the small schools have to go through when it comes to Freshman ball. Walton currently dresses 8 girls on the Freshman team and that includes one 8th grader. Ison played early in the season to get some more experience and provide some leadership to the other freshmen. As the season progressed, her role changed and she no longer plays freshman ball. I think allowing her to play some freshman ball benefited her and the program. She was forced into a varsity starting position due to injuries and she has done well. I think the coaches know what's best for their program and what is needed to develop players. If they wanted her to play freshman, JV and varsity that is their decision. Sounds like you have some sour grapes because Walton defeated Ryle blemishing their undefeated record.

 

What ? Sour grapes on BGP ? Or questioning what coaches do or don't do? On a sports thread? That is crazy talk. :lol: Almost as unheard of as fans being defensive....

 

Seriously, I am sure any frosh or j/v coach with a winning team welcomes good competition for their team - win or lose. Those teams exist for development as was said. What good does a perfect record do ? Sure the fans love the W's, but blowing teams out doesn't help players get better. If you say playing freshman was helpful to that varsity player, then fantastic!

This.

 

Triple seven - Not trying to make anyone look bad at all, in fact, just responding to RCC on the freshman question and was trying to give kudos to Conner freshman for sticking to their team despite playing quite short. Heard they only had 6 players for a freshman championship game at Scott (and it was their third game of the day) They lost but could have maybe won with the CHS freshman varsity girls on the roster.

 

Yes, that was an excellent comeback by Walton vs Ryle freshman. I can understand why you are so glad Hailey played that day. Getting 21 of Walton's 43 points very helpful, and 4 days later she was the leading scorer for varsity, too! (before the Sandlin injury). I was under the impression Ison was 6th man since early in season, not merely "pulled up" as she excelled in freshman or j/v. Ison a very talented freshman, just saying that other teams could play freshman varsity players, too, but don't. Just does not seem like the right thing to do for the program, the girl or the younger girls that don't get play as much. If you can't field enough girls to have a freshman team then just don't have one. And, BTW, there was more than 7 girls in a WV uniform on that Saturday at Ryle. Maybe there was no 8th grade game that day?

 

 

As far as you not trying to make one look bad, I'll go with that. It just sounded as if you were "singling" Walton out. All is well.

 

I think this is one of those topics that whatever side of the fence you are on will determine what you think about it. I don't think it is as big of deal as you are pointing out. At WV, beginning the season, all freshmen played freshmen, and some freshmen would play higher. As the seasons (middle school, freshmen, JV, Varsity) progressed, changes and adjustments were made. This is typical to small schools.

 

You seemed so sure about the numbers on the bench that it made me second guess myself. After some thought, I do think there was at least one 8th grader there that day (maybe two). If so, I am wrong on the 7 number. If so, it would have been very early in the transition process for those 8th graders. Simply put, they were still mainly focusing on their own middle school season, they had not practiced much or none at all with the freshmen yet, and they would have been limited in their role on freshmen team at that point.

 

Here is what I have noticed about Walton. They do a great job of bringing players along to another level in the season. I think it works well. For example, last years 8th grade team played a somewhat shorter 8th grade season up until Christmas, then that same team, along with a couple of freshmen, became the freshmen team and played a 9th grade season. The first half of the season against 8th grade level competition, second half of the season against harder 9th grade competition. As they developed, the difficulty was raised to keep them challenged. Very neat opportunity. This year, it is the same thing. Some middle schooler's, instead of the season being over, are now playing freshmen to continue to grow and be challenged. Some freshmen started out playing freshmen, but did not stay there. Their roles changed as they moved higher. It makes it very good in the development process because it gives kids a chance to have a balance. They can have some confidence from success, but they can still get challenged and get better.

 

I think this philosophy is somewhat typical to a small school and it is certainly a normal experience for many of the Walton girls. This explains a lot with Ison. At the beginning of the season she was in one role, but as the season has went on, her role was transitioned as described above (she has not played freshmen since before Christmas). I must say that this philosophy has worked not only very well for her, but for all of the girls in the program. I think Walton's success in girls basketball the last few years is testimony that they are doing something right.

 

One last thing, the Ryle freshmen are a very good team. If not for one or two key free throws, they still win that game.