Carroll Co 47 Grant Co 40

[SuperB]

Carroll Co had too many turnovers. Grant applied pressure and forced many of them however. Just too much Whitney Ballenger. Grant hit a shot from beyond mid-court to close the 1st half on an 11-0 run and cut the lead to 27-26 at the half. Carroll goes to 11-2 with the win.

[Himmelfarb]

Stats for Whitney?

[True blue (and gold)]

SuperB, I assume that you were at the game. Was the Grant Co coach as entertaining as he was when they played Trimble?

[Lunatic1]

I was at the game and I did not see anything out of the Grant Coach. Grant really hustled and played good defense. I have watched them play all week and I think this was by far the best effort from them. Carroll was in a major shooting slump and could not seem to sink any of their 3 point shots, Amber Girdy once again, really worked the defense for Carroll and of course Ballinger scored well ( although it really was not her best shooting effort either).

 

It has been a good week of watching these teams, they all are consistently improving.

[catsdunn44]

I haven't seen Bert Richey the Grant Co. coach in action thisyear but he does have a lot of Bobby knight in him. The bad thing is he has a couple of good players in Garnett and Amber Billiter whom he gives no credit.I know for a fact she is being recruited by some smaller colleges and he does nothing to help her or any of the other players.

I don't think he really cares about his players just himself.

Has anyone else dealt with this coach?

[True blue (and gold)]

When Grant played against Trimble, he was constantly whining (literally) at the officials and made a real "show" of the game. He argued that the technical foul that he received did not count in the team fouls. The officials were in disagreement on it - they did not count it as a team foul, so bonus shooting did not happen as early as it should have. Both officials apologized to Trimble later for that - they realized that it should have counted.

 

Anyway, he did get a technical that night (probably should have received 2), but calls did start going his way and they did win. I absolutely had no respect for him as a coach at the end of the night.

[SuperB]

SuperB, I assume that you were at the game. Was the Grant Co coach as entertaining as he was when they played Trimble?

 

I watched them all week, and while he did express his opinion when he wanted to, he was in control most of the time. They don't have a bad team.

[LayDbb4ever]

The comment about our coach in regard to the Trimble game is not accurate, nor appropriate. I was present at the game and his concerns were about the referee not calling the call at the corner of the court when 4 girls all were diving for the ball and slid out of bounds up against the bleacher seating and were wrestling for the ball, the bleachers are so close to the floor area it was dangerous for injury, the referee was not responding to the danger by making a timely call, this upset the coach for his team's safety.

 

The issue of the team foul ,was not what was such a big issue, and certainly wasn't going to dramatically change the outcome of this game.

 

Also, as mentioned in this comment that our team won, we did not win!

 

Also, There was a mid court collision between 2 players and the Trimble coach came to the player on our team and apologized for this collision, it really wasn't anything to apologize for, but it just shows how good of a coach she is and sets a great example to her team.

 

But, more important than these issues, is the fact that our coach does care about his players safety, and he does help his players always, especially if they help themselves.

 

He expects his team of players to work hard, as a team, and perform to their ability. I have known this young man for 4 years, and he is very passionate about the game of basketball and knows his team is capable of winning any game they may enter. His emotions are strong for winning and he is honest to a fault when talking with his players or during a game when they may not be playing up to their ability, yelling is not a problem, it's what you're yelling that has the importance.

 

All coaches have moments of frustration, and find themselves being maybe, too passionate at the moment, however, this does not mean they are bad coaches or don't care about their players.

 

This young man has taken a very poor girls basketball program and turned it around in 4 years, to make it a competitive program. He has given the girls of his team the skills and knowledge to become a strong competitor, but more important than that, he has helped these girls become confident and they are growing each game into an even more confident team. I would like to see our team play Trimble again.

 

How can anyone outside our program dare to attempt to understand what he has done to date, except to judge him by his outward appearance during brief moments during games, coaching is no picnic when you're trying to win the game and keep everyone's head in the game at their best. Tough Job!!!!

 

One of the girls, Garnett, has earned a full scholarshipto a Div.1 - NAIA college, Mid Continent University in Mayfield ,Ky. on his team and Coach Richey did in fact contribute/assist to this event, to HELP her!

 

Coaches are not required to assist players in securing scholarships, the scholarship should be secured by the efforts of the player and the coach will recognize this and assist in every way they can, all players should be aware of this and then their work ethic will improve to help themselves.

 

The Grant County program has improved dramatically and should be recognized by anyone concerned, if there is true concern about the coaching then there should be true concern and recognition of the efforts of the girls themselves. Creating doubt about the Head Coach is definitely not helping our program and should not be tolerated by a true supporter of any good program.

 

It appears the negative comments made were from a fan who is justifying something, maybe we should just play this game over again and see what the outcome might be, i know i would like it.

 

Let's just let the girls play basketball and accept the fact that the referees might make a mistake, the coaches might not be perfect, and the girls could possibly have a good or bad game on any given day, BUT, they are building a future for themselves with great lessons of humility, sportsmanship, pride, reality of themselves, and discipline to correct anything in their way to make them better people for this world, that is REALLY what it's all about anyway.

 

Give credit where credit is due!!!!!

 

Thank you Coach Richey for helping us and giving of your families time to help our players become better basketball players and people.

 

Sincerely, A true fan of all girls basketball, God Bless.

[Lunatic1]

This is to LaDbb4ever:

 

I looked at Grant W and L's..and they are confusing. They seem to be beating some teams that you would think they wouldn't and then losing some that from what I have seen they should win. Are they just inconsistent this year or do they have someone that has been out. They really looked good against Carroll.

[ShortDad]

The comment about our coach in regard to the Trimble game is not accurate, nor appropriate. I was present at the game and his concerns were about the referee not calling the call at the corner of the court when 4 girls all were diving for the ball and slid out of bounds up against the bleacher seating and were wrestling for the ball, the bleachers are so close to the floor area it was dangerous for injury, the referee was not responding to the danger by making a timely call, this upset the coach for his team's safety.

 

The issue of the team foul ,was not what was such a big issue, and certainly wasn't going to dramatically change the outcome of this game.

 

Also, as mentioned in this comment that our team won, we did not win!

 

Also, There was a mid court collision between 2 players and the Trimble coach came to the player on our team and apologized for this collision, it really wasn't anything to apologize for, but it just shows how good of a coach she is and sets a great example to her team.

 

But, more important than these issues, is the fact that our coach does care about his players safety, and he does help his players always, especially if they help themselves.

 

He expects his team of players to work hard, as a team, and perform to their ability. I have known this young man for 4 years, and he is very passionate about the game of basketball and knows his team is capable of winning any game they may enter. His emotions are strong for winning and he is honest to a fault when talking with his players or during a game when they may not be playing up to their ability, yelling is not a problem, it's what you're yelling that has the importance.

 

All coaches have moments of frustration, and find themselves being maybe, too passionate at the moment, however, this does not mean they are bad coaches or don't care about their players.

 

This young man has taken a very poor girls basketball program and turned it around in 4 years, to make it a competitive program. He has given the girls of his team the skills and knowledge to become a strong competitor, but more important than that, he has helped these girls become confident and they are growing each game into an even more confident team. I would like to see our team play Trimble again.

 

How can anyone outside our program dare to attempt to understand what he has done to date, except to judge him by his outward appearance during brief moments during games, coaching is no picnic when you're trying to win the game and keep everyone's head in the game at their best. Tough Job!!!!

 

One of the girls, Garnett, has earned a full scholarshipto a Div.1 - NAIA college, Mid Continent University in Mayfield ,Ky. on his team and Coach Richey did in fact contribute/assist to this event, to HELP her!

 

Coaches are not required to assist players in securing scholarships, the scholarship should be secured by the efforts of the player and the coach will recognize this and assist in every way they can, all players should be aware of this and then their work ethic will improve to help themselves.

 

The Grant County program has improved dramatically and should be recognized by anyone concerned, if there is true concern about the coaching then there should be true concern and recognition of the efforts of the girls themselves. Creating doubt about the Head Coach is definitely not helping our program and should not be tolerated by a true supporter of any good program.

 

It appears the negative comments made were from a fan who is justifying something, maybe we should just play this game over again and see what the outcome might be, i know i would like it.

 

Let's just let the girls play basketball and accept the fact that the referees might make a mistake, the coaches might not be perfect, and the girls could possibly have a good or bad game on any given day, BUT, they are building a future for themselves with great lessons of humility, sportsmanship, pride, reality of themselves, and discipline to correct anything in their way to make them better people for this world, that is REALLY what it's all about anyway.

 

Give credit where credit is due!!!!!

 

Thank you Coach Richey for helping us and giving of your families time to help our players become better basketball players and people.

 

Sincerely, A true fan of all girls basketball, God Bless.

 

 

 

WOW..... Well said. I have not ever seen a Grant game as we are in a different district, but your post could be true for many many other coaches and programs. Fans are often quick to blame "someone" for the outcome of a game. I think if we can remember what we want for our girls is to help make them better all around "people"....not just "players"...we would be doing well. Lets keep things in perspective and stop looking for all the negatives. High school coaches and their families give a lot of themselves so that our girls can have the experiences that they get. No they aren't perfect..but neither are any of us. So lets give them credit where credit is due and promote the positive atmosphere our girls need to succeed. Remember no matter their age...our children are always looking at us to set the example.

[True blue (and gold)]

The comment about our coach in regard to the Trimble game is not accurate, nor appropriate. I was present at the game and his concerns were about the referee not calling the call at the corner of the court when 4 girls all were diving for the ball and slid out of bounds up against the bleacher seating and were wrestling for the ball, the bleachers are so close to the floor area it was dangerous for injury, the referee was not responding to the danger by making a timely call, this upset the coach for his team's safety.

 

The issue of the team foul ,was not what was such a big issue, and certainly wasn't going to dramatically change the outcome of this game.

 

Also, as mentioned in this comment that our team won, we did not win!

 

Also, There was a mid court collision between 2 players and the Trimble coach came to the player on our team and apologized for this collision, it really wasn't anything to apologize for, but it just shows how good of a coach she is and sets a great example to her team.

 

But, more important than these issues, is the fact that our coach does care about his players safety, and he does help his players always, especially if they help themselves.

 

He expects his team of players to work hard, as a team, and perform to their ability. I have known this young man for 4 years, and he is very passionate about the game of basketball and knows his team is capable of winning any game they may enter. His emotions are strong for winning and he is honest to a fault when talking with his players or during a game when they may not be playing up to their ability, yelling is not a problem, it's what you're yelling that has the importance.

 

All coaches have moments of frustration, and find themselves being maybe, too passionate at the moment, however, this does not mean they are bad coaches or don't care about their players.

 

This young man has taken a very poor girls basketball program and turned it around in 4 years, to make it a competitive program. He has given the girls of his team the skills and knowledge to become a strong competitor, but more important than that, he has helped these girls become confident and they are growing each game into an even more confident team. I would like to see our team play Trimble again.

 

How can anyone outside our program dare to attempt to understand what he has done to date, except to judge him by his outward appearance during brief moments during games, coaching is no picnic when you're trying to win the game and keep everyone's head in the game at their best. Tough Job!!!!

 

One of the girls, Garnett, has earned a full scholarshipto a Div.1 - NAIA college, Mid Continent University in Mayfield ,Ky. on his team and Coach Richey did in fact contribute/assist to this event, to HELP her!

 

Coaches are not required to assist players in securing scholarships, the scholarship should be secured by the efforts of the player and the coach will recognize this and assist in every way they can, all players should be aware of this and then their work ethic will improve to help themselves.

 

The Grant County program has improved dramatically and should be recognized by anyone concerned, if there is true concern about the coaching then there should be true concern and recognition of the efforts of the girls themselves. Creating doubt about the Head Coach is definitely not helping our program and should not be tolerated by a true supporter of any good program.

 

It appears the negative comments made were from a fan who is justifying something, maybe we should just play this game over again and see what the outcome might be, i know i would like it.

 

Let's just let the girls play basketball and accept the fact that the referees might make a mistake, the coaches might not be perfect, and the girls could possibly have a good or bad game on any given day, BUT, they are building a future for themselves with great lessons of humility, sportsmanship, pride, reality of themselves, and discipline to correct anything in their way to make them better people for this world, that is REALLY what it's all about anyway.

 

Give credit where credit is due!!!!!

 

Thank you Coach Richey for helping us and giving of your families time to help our players become better basketball players and people.

 

Sincerely, A true fan of all girls basketball, God Bless.

 

Welcome to the site.

 

I think that you will find that this is a site to express opinions. While people's opinions might differ, we have to accept that each person is entitled to their own.

 

I do not know the coach personally, so I have no personal agenda. My first impression of him was that night, and therefore, it was not a very positive one and I will stick by what I said. There is nothing inappropriate to what I said. He did get a technical foul and was lucky not to get another one for what he said immediately after getting the first one.

 

If what you are saying is true, then I am glad he is a positive influence on your team.

 

You are right about the win-loss. I guess that how Trimble played seemed like a loss (we've heard of moral victories, I guess it was a moral loss?).

[catsdunn44]

Mr. Richey is not the only reason for the turn around at Grant County it has alot to do with the girls who have stayed together since middle school if not earlier.

 

I believe Ms. Garnett singed with a recuriting service to help with her scholarship

I don't believe Richey did much of anything to help with that.

 

My feeling is that GC could have been much more successful if he was a better manager of people.

 

I am not trying to use this as a crutch to put Mr. Richey down it is just that there are things I know about him that have hurt a few kids down there.

The one player that comes to my mind first is Amber Billiter, I am a scout and I know this young lady can play at the next level and when you watch the games he has no idea how to use her, for whatever his reasons she should be tearing that district up but she is a complete team player first and in my mind he does nothing to help her.

When was the last time he practiced post moves with her? maybe once Probably, yet she was the MVP of NKU postcamp this summer.

My point is he doen't use the players strength like a good coach would.

 

in closing all I can say is go Grant County beat Simon Kenton.

[LayDbb4ever]

I must reply to this,

 

I have been involved directly with this program for 9 years. I have put 2 girls thru the Grant County system from 5th grade on thru high school. It doesn't matter to me who knows who i am in this column, so i'll enlighten everyone who is concerned.

 

This program has been weak from many years ago, (8 est.) feeder program weaknesses, etc.

 

Question: Why would i support Bert Richey, my daughter has already signed with Mid Continent University, Mayfield, Ky. - Div.1-NAIA , full scholarship?

 

Answer: He is responsible along with the girls in our program for our successes

in the past 4 years at Grant County High School.

 

Question: Why would someone take a program as a High School coach from a 2-24 season, and work to turn it into a current 10-6 program??????????

 

Answer: He had faith in the girls on the team that they could succeed with him assisting them for the future!!!!!!!

 

Question: Why hasn't Bert Richey been given the credit for accomplishing this endeavor?

 

Answer: We haven't won every single game we played, i guess!

 

Summary: Please give credit were credit is due!

 

Fact:[/U] Please name a coach who would have the foresight, intestinal fortitude, pride, confidence, to coach a system from this start!

 

Fact: IT IS AN EASY TASK TO TAKE A ESTABLISHED PROGRAM AND MAKE IT A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM, HE IS A WINNER TO TAKE A WEAK PROGRAM FROM 2-24 TO 10-6 TO DATE, HALF WAY THRU THE SCHEDULE, AND CONTINUE TO ASSIST OUR PROGRAM.

 

REWARD: People bashing his efforts on this forum, shame on you!!!!

 

Bert Richey was there to pick up the program and do the best he knew how. He is not perfect, nor is any other coach in the KHSAA. I know first hand what he has done since i have been at every practice session the GCHS girls program has had for the last 9 years, everyday they practice and i have covered the videography for the full 9 years as a volunteer, loving every minute, I WILL MISS THIS GREATLY, BUT I MOVE ON TO COLLEGE LEVEL WITH MY DAUGHTERS. I have been blessed as both my daughter's Leslie, 18yrs. and Amber, 22 yrs. are now going to play for Mid Continent University, Mayfield,Ky. together ( How much can a dad ask for?) Look there for results i implore you!

 

My daughter is Leslie Garnett, we did sign her to a scouting agency, but, she was seen at Blue Chip Camps during the summer ( Bert Richey told us to make sure Leslie went to these Blue Chip Camps so she would be seen, she was flying under the radar, THANK YOU COACH RICHEY!!!!) and was approached by 4 colleges, she chose Mid-Continent Univ. - Div.1 NAIA school ,due to their christian program and the fact that she fits their needs at point guard, it is a great upcoming program that i will support for the next 4 or more years, she has played year round since she was in the 5th grade and has played in summer AAU programs all over the Ohio area, leading a team to 2nd place in the National Tournaments in Cincinnati, Ohio 2 years ago. Coach Brian Neal of Thomas More College, also recommended Leslie go to the Blue Chip Camps along with Bert Richey. The scouting agency didn't have enough time to expose her before she had a full scholarship offer thru her basketball skills.

 

The reason i go to such detail here is because it proves a point. I have raised 5 daughters, Leslie being the youngest. In my vast experience as a father and mentor for girls basketball, it has became apparent that parents need to encourage their daughters to work toward what THEY want, if it is to be playing basketball at the next level, then work continously toward that goal.

 

Leslie is 5'-3" tall, she picked a sport that is most difficult for someone of that stature, she has kept a basketball in her hands a minimum of 50 weeks every year since the 5th grade and has accomplished a difficult feat when coupled with the fact that the majority of her teammates have not devoted themselves to that degree of commitment to the game of basketball, probably not many anywhere for that matter. It is a matter of prioritizing which goal has the highest importance to the individual.

 

The point is, i have always told my daughters, no matter what goes on in the school program or during a game when passions run their highest,

" DO NOT LET THE COACH HAVE ANY OTHER CHOICE BUT TO PLAY YOU THE ENTIRE GAME BECAUSE YOU HAVE EARNED IT THRU YOUR EFFORTS IN PRACTICE AND ON OR OFF THE FLOOR."

 

This concept negates any other outside influences, Leslie has not been the coaches favorite, she has earned the respect, and play time on the floor due to her work ethic.

 

I know that this degree of dedication to the goal of playing basketball at the next level has not been the main focus of other players in our program. This is not a slight toward the other players, it is a difference in the goals that have been set by each individual that play in our program.

 

We have some of the finest girls in our program anyone could hope to meet for todays society and it's future. Amber Billiter is one of those in every way.

 

I believe that parents in todays society sometimes are so concerned about what they want for their child, that many times they forget, it's what the child dedicates their time to, that will allow them to succeed in that area of interest.

 

Bert Richey may be the Head Coach of the program, but he does not have any control over the time dedicated by each girl individually during the off season. In the sports programs today, if a high schooler does not work year round at a given sport ,trying to become better continually, they will not be able to compete in the upper ranks of the field of players in their area of sports, this is a fact i can support with evidence from all over this state/country.

 

To blame him for the performance of a player is unfair, each player has to overcome adversity during a game on their own on the floor, he cannot play the game for them. I know for a fact he has given opportunity to every player to get as many minutes of playing time as they want thru their own efforts during games.

 

I am personally aware of college coaches at this moment in contact with 3 more players at GCHS who are encouraging the players to play up to their ability and have the opportunity to play at the next level in their school.

 

This is not Bert Richey's responsibility to see this accomplished by the girls, he can only give them the opportunity to show what they can do. If he can help by encouraging them that is great, it will help, but they have to do the work to recieve the reward. I have seen the practices, the training, my daughter has signed with a college and she recieved the same training and support, her opportunity was not luck, she worked year round for it, please don't diminish her efforts by blaming Bert Richey for others not doing the same.

 

It really is more about what each girl wants for their future, if they want it bad enough, there will be nothing to stop them from succeeding but their own desire to put forth the effort.

 

Personally i know that Bert Richey has pushed the ball as a strategy to the inside almost continuously for the past 4 years, and sometimes more than i would have liked, my daughter has seen to it herself, as the point guard to get the ball inside statistically from 15 to 30 times per game, she averages 2 or 3 assists per game, what does this tell you as a scout? Finishing?

 

I have all the game DVD's, look at the stats, DVD's, then comment, you will see the same thing Bert Richey sees, the college coaches see, and myself.

 

I am sorry if this is offensive to anyone, it is just fact. I do not agree with everything the coach has done during games, just like everyone in this state/country but he coaches to win just like he should, when he's losing with a team capable of beating any team they face, and they are not performing, he gets frustrated just like the rest of us human beings, and the players realize it, parents often look for reasons for poor performance, i look at my daughter and say fix what you're not doing right and there will be no frustration, for you or the coach.

 

Do your best to play to your potential, never let up, challenge yourself to perform at every game, and i guarantee Bert Richey as well as any coach, will give the credit where it is due........

 

God Bless all girls basketball in their endeavor to become their best!

 

I'll be watching as the season finishes, to see where we work to be!

 

 

Kerry Garnett

[Mack The Knife]

I must reply to this,

 

I have been involved directly with this program for 9 years. I have put 2 girls thru the Grant County system from 5th grade on thru high school. It doesn't matter to me who knows who i am in this column, so i'll enlighten everyone who is concerned.

 

This program has been weak from many years ago, (8 est.) feeder program weaknesses, etc.

 

Question: Why would i support Bert Richey, my daughter has already signed with Mid Continent University, Mayfield, Ky. - Div.1-NAIA , full scholarship?

 

Answer: He is responsible along with the girls in our program for our successes

in the past 4 years at Grant County High School.

 

Question: Why would someone take a program as a High School coach from a 2-24 season, and work to turn it into a current 10-6 program??????????

 

Answer: He had faith in the girls on the team that they could succeed with him assisting them for the future!!!!!!!

 

Question: Why hasn't Bert Richey been given the credit for accomplishing this endeavor?

 

Answer: We haven't won every single game we played, i guess!

 

Summary: Please give credit were credit is due!

 

Fact:[/U] Please name a coach who would have the foresight, intestinal fortitude, pride, confidence, to coach a system from this start!

 

Fact: IT IS AN EASY TASK TO TAKE A ESTABLISHED PROGRAM AND MAKE IT A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM, HE IS A WINNER TO TAKE A WEAK PROGRAM FROM 2-24 TO 10-6 TO DATE, HALF WAY THRU THE SCHEDULE, AND CONTINUE TO ASSIST OUR PROGRAM.

 

REWARD: People bashing his efforts on this forum, shame on you!!!!

 

Bert Richey was there to pick up the program and do the best he knew how. He is not perfect, nor is any other coach in the KHSAA. I know first hand what he has done since i have been at every practice session the GCHS girls program has had for the last 9 years, everyday they practice and i have covered the videography for the full 9 years as a volunteer, loving every minute, I WILL MISS THIS GREATLY, BUT I MOVE ON TO COLLEGE LEVEL WITH MY DAUGHTERS. I have been blessed as both my daughter's Leslie, 18yrs. and Amber, 22 yrs. are now going to play for Mid Continent University, Mayfield,Ky. together ( How much can a dad ask for?) Look there for results i implore you!

 

My daughter is Leslie Garnett, we did sign her to a scouting agency, but, she was seen at Blue Chip Camps during the summer ( Bert Richey told us to make sure Leslie went to these Blue Chip Camps so she would be seen, she was flying under the radar, THANK YOU COACH RICHEY!!!!) and was approached by 4 colleges, she chose Mid-Continent Univ. - Div.1 NAIA school ,due to their christian program and the fact that she fits their needs at point guard, it is a great upcoming program that i will support for the next 4 or more years, she has played year round since she was in the 5th grade and has played in summer AAU programs all over the Ohio area, leading a team to 2nd place in the National Tournaments in Cincinnati, Ohio 2 years ago. Coach Brian Neal of Thomas More College, also recommended Leslie go to the Blue Chip Camps along with Bert Richey. The scouting agency didn't have enough time to expose her before she had a full scholarship offer thru her basketball skills.

 

The reason i go to such detail here is because it proves a point. I have raised 5 daughters, Leslie being the youngest. In my vast experience as a father and mentor for girls basketball, it has became apparent that parents need to encourage their daughters to work toward what THEY want, if it is to be playing basketball at the next level, then work continously toward that goal.

 

Leslie is 5'-3" tall, she picked a sport that is most difficult for someone of that stature, she has kept a basketball in her hands a minimum of 50 weeks every year since the 5th grade and has accomplished a difficult feat when coupled with the fact that the majority of her teammates have not devoted themselves to that degree of commitment to the game of basketball, probably not many anywhere for that matter. It is a matter of prioritizing which goal has the highest importance to the individual.

 

The point is, i have always told my daughters, no matter what goes on in the school program or during a game when passions run their highest,

" DO NOT LET THE COACH HAVE ANY OTHER CHOICE BUT TO PLAY YOU THE ENTIRE GAME BECAUSE YOU HAVE EARNED IT THRU YOUR EFFORTS IN PRACTICE AND ON OR OFF THE FLOOR."

 

This concept negates any other outside influences, Leslie has not been the coaches favorite, she has earned the respect, and play time on the floor due to her work ethic.

 

I know that this degree of dedication to the goal of playing basketball at the next level has not been the main focus of other players in our program. This is not a slight toward the other players, it is a difference in the goals that have been set by each individual that play in our program.

 

We have some of the finest girls in our program anyone could hope to meet for todays society and it's future. Amber Billiter is one of those in every way.

 

I believe that parents in todays society sometimes are so concerned about what they want for their child, that many times they forget, it's what the child dedicates their time to, that will allow them to succeed in that area of interest.

 

Bert Richey may be the Head Coach of the program, but he does not have any control over the time dedicated by each girl individually during the off season. In the sports programs today, if a high schooler does not work year round at a given sport ,trying to become better continually, they will not be able to compete in the upper ranks of the field of players in their area of sports, this is a fact i can support with evidence from all over this state/country.

 

To blame him for the performance of a player is unfair, each player has to overcome adversity during a game on their own on the floor, he cannot play the game for them. I know for a fact he has given opportunity to every player to get as many minutes of playing time as they want thru their own efforts during games.

 

I am personally aware of college coaches at this moment in contact with 3 more players at GCHS who are encouraging the players to play up to their ability and have the opportunity to play at the next level in their school.

 

This is not Bert Richey's responsibility to see this accomplished by the girls, he can only give them the opportunity to show what they can do. If he can help by encouraging them that is great, it will help, but they have to do the work to recieve the reward. I have seen the practices, the training, my daughter has signed with a college and she recieved the same training and support, her opportunity was not luck, she worked year round for it, please don't diminish her efforts by blaming Bert Richey for others not doing the same.

 

It really is more about what each girl wants for their future, if they want it bad enough, there will be nothing to stop them from succeeding but their own desire to put forth the effort.

 

Personally i know that Bert Richey has pushed the ball as a strategy to the inside almost continuously for the past 4 years, and sometimes more than i would have liked, my daughter has seen to it herself, as the point guard to get the ball inside statistically from 15 to 30 times per game, she averages 2 or 3 assists per game, what does this tell you as a scout? Finishing?

 

I have all the game DVD's, look at the stats, DVD's, then comment, you will see the same thing Bert Richey sees, the college coaches see, and myself.

 

I am sorry if this is offensive to anyone, it is just fact. I do not agree with everything the coach has done during games, just like everyone in this state/country but he coaches to win just like he should, when he's losing with a team capable of beating any team they face, and they are not performing, he gets frustrated just like the rest of us human beings, and the players realize it, parents often look for reasons for poor performance, i look at my daughter and say fix what you're not doing right and there will be no frustration, for you or the coach.

 

Do your best to play to your potential, never let up, challenge yourself to perform at every game, and i guarantee Bert Richey as well as any coach, will give the credit where it is due........

 

God Bless all girls basketball in their endeavor to become their best!

 

I'll be watching as the season finishes, to see where we work to be!

 

 

Kerry Garnett

 

I enjoyed watching your daughter play at the North American Stainless Classic in Carrollton. Good luck to her in college and after college. I think Coach Richey has done a remarkable job in turning the program around at Grant Co. Good luck the rest of the season.

[LayDbb4ever]

Thank you very much, for your comments!

 

The girls and the coaches appreciate it.

 

You are a true fan of girls basketball everywhere!