It is OK.

 

If you have a freshman good enough to play or start varsity, that is fantastic. But remember, that great freshman will have to play with those other freshman for 4 years. Some coaches in this situation want their good freshman to play on the freshman team for various reason. Again, bonding with the guys he will be with the next 4 years. Not wanting the star freshman to get the "big head" is another. Extra playing time as mentioned. I saw a team this year, where a freshman started for for the freshman team. Then dressed and started JV. Then dressed and played significant minutes for Varsity. All on the same night. And this was for one of the top teams in the state.

 

So you never know why a coach may be doing this. But I see nothing wrong with it overall.

As opposed to what? This is high school basketball, not many redshirt years allowed at this level.:confused:

 

They probably meant that he had not been held back.

I don't think it's bad that he plays, but it's moronic by the staff to risk the kid with injury in a freshman game. Come on.

I don't think it's bad that he plays, but it's moronic by the staff to risk the kid with injury in a freshman game. Come on.

 

Its moronic to let kids ride a bike without a helmet too, but it happens all the time. Like stated before you can get hurt in practice too. Heck you can roll an ankle getting off the bus going to the game. Players get hurt, but I think the more playing time you can get the better.

 

Heck my son is an eighth grader. Is it moronic to let him play in the freshman game because he could get hurt. I think not.

Its moronic to let kids ride a bike without a helmet too, but it happens all the time. Like stated before you can get hurt in practice too. Heck you can roll an ankle getting off the bus going to the game. Players get hurt, but I think the more playing time you can get the better.

 

Heck my son is an eighth grader. Is it moronic to let him play in the freshman game because he could get hurt. I think not.

 

I agree this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. If you ask most kids they would love to play frosh/jv/and varsity if they had the chance.

This thread takes me back to 2001 when Augusta had kids who would play a freshman game, jv game, then a couple even saw significant varsity time on many nights. The experience those boys gained helped them win the freshman district and region titles that year. I don't recall anyone questioning what those boys did. That year in the district final Augusta defeated Mason County who played without Chris Lofton, held back for a varsity game that night. So it's a matter of choice, each school is going to do it how they want. Best of luck to Deming with their choice.

If its in the best interest of the program, and kid then it should be done. We have a freshman that has started the last 3 games on varsity for us, and he plays freshman and JV. Because he plays football, and isn't in the gym in the fall he needs the extra games and work.

 

His role on the varsity is to beat and bang and rebound. He averages about 4 points a game. In the freshman games he is looked at to score and is the #1 option in the offense.

 

I do not think there is a correct blanket answer here because each situation is different. In the above example I absolutely believe playing a varsity starter in the freshman games is whats in the best interest for both the kid and the program.

 

Now if the Varsity team was a regional contender and the freshman was a key player instead of a role player then that is a totally different situation. But in those circumstances I dont think the head coach would allow the kid to play.

The kids in question love this kinda of stuff. Anytime they can get a basketball in their hands makes them happy. Kids get hurt all the time and I know it's on the minds of their parents whenever they play. I once saw a girls basketball game at Deming were there was a freshman, Jv and then Varsity game and the freshman girl played in a all 3 and scored 20pts. in the varsity game. So I would say let the kids play, before they know it their high school years are all over.

Breathitt has a kid named Josh Fletcher which is a 7th or 8th grader playing freshman, JV and Varsity. Plus on the girls side, they have Kendell Noble which is also in 7th or 8th grade. This girl last year won the MVP for the 14th region tourney.