Big Daddy Bear

Most polls I've seen show Montgomery #1 - Clark #2. But IMO not a lot of difference between the two. Both are always outstanding teams and well coached. Any serious contender for a region title will have to face one of these two teams. One big plus I did see for Bracken County this year was the lack of intimidation. Although the score was 9-0 I did not see BC as being intimidated as I felt they have been in the previous years. If you don't beleive you have a chance against an opppnent you will rarely come away with a win. I really like playing teams of this caliber early on. I do beleive the best is yet to come for the Lady Bears.

Do appreciate the elaboration. Although honestly Imo I would agree with the inexperience not necessarily the unqualified. I do agree that both jobs should not be held by the same person. Just as I agree that a Head Coach should not be the AD. I like the idea of a check / balance system.

Would have to agree PC. Come on BGP faithful, anybody got the rest of the story ? Spill the beans and don't talk in circles.

The 10th region is definitely abuzz with this job as well as the Bracken county job open. Five full pages of posts between the two and no end in sight. One sure way to keep talking basketball for at least another month !

Can you elaborate on the unqualified comment ? I thought that certain credentials were required for administrtive positions as well as coaching, teaching, etc.

Those powershouses included players like : A.D. Graves, Miller, Linville, and Collins from Deming, Rosenberry and Woods from Pendleton, Applemans Connie and Carrie, Rachael Hamilton, and Dana Bach from Augusta. Try to account for those points every night and show me any coach in the 10th region that would not want them on their team and I'll show you a coach that didnt stay a coach long.

Congrats to the Lady Cards. Good ball team. Sure BC did not score as high on this test as they'd liked. For certain a lot of areas for improvement. But it is still early with a long season ahead.

If my information was correct, I think only 4 starters from the first game of the double header started this one although several came in in the latter innings. Almost too late. Congrats to the Lady Bears and Coaches on a great start to the season.

And Chuck's article says Sarah Mitchell just beat the cover off the ball. I did not get to attend but all the texts I got during the game said the same thing. Glad my Lady Bears came away with a win. But Sarah Mitchell is my kind of ballplayer. And just a great kid to boot. Way to go Sarah !

Also have it first hand from the AD ( Jenny Ray ) that getting this done as quickly as possiable is of high priority. I spoke with her at length about the Nicholas County fiasco, ( coincidently a job coach K applied and interviewed for ), and how much it hurt their program and how much it put them behind. After our conversation, I beleive Mrs. Ray's intention is to have the position filled well before the school year ends.

I think if you asked Coach Kelsch, he would be the first to admit that the tail end of the schedule ( reg. season - and with the exception of Pendleton away and Mason anywhere) was the weaker part of the schedule. But games that you are supposed to win. He did that. You could look at several games during the season that were supposed to be wins, did'nt happen. St. Pat: got the win, not Kelsch's fault they were not at full strength and imo wouldn't not have mattered had they been. The Lady Bears were prepared to play that game.Won't argue the point of looking at the applications for the job but as I said earlier " Unless Pat Summit is interested in coaching at Bracken County". Only one name makes any sense to me. Patrick Kelsch.

Great start to the season for the Lady Bears. Really putting the bat on the ball early. Hope the rain holds off today and they get a double header in. Probably will with the Rain Man and his top notch grounds crew !

Great post TC ! I thought that Coach Kelsch was put in an extremely unfair and difficult situation at the end of the year after being named "Acting Head Coach". IMO Coach Schultz should not have been anywhere near the bench during this time. Not only had to be a distraction to Coach Kelsch but a huge distraction to the girls as well. I don't think it would be too far a strectch to say it might have cost them a win in the regional tournament. All Coach Kelsch did was handle it all with dignity and class. As well as wins. This man deserves a chance to lead this program. Best of luck, Coach.

Nice comeback win for the lady bears. The sticks did look good to start the season. A lot of ball juggling to start the year but will have to hold off judgement on that for a while. Still cold and a lot of girls fresh from the gym.

I spoke with the BC AD ( Mrs. Jenny Ray) . She confirmed that she would not be recommending that Coach Shultz be renewed as head coach of the Lady Bears. That being said, I would think Patrick Kelsch would be the obvious choice for the Head Coach position. Very knowledgable on the game and a great rapport with the players. Unless Pat Summit has an interest in coaching at BC, no need to be wasting precious time. Coach K has proven himself a winner and motivator. But mostly, he deserves a chance to do this job !

Not aware that the Head Coach position is open at this point.

As good a draw as Bracken could have hoped for. The only other team they have beaten in this group was Pendleton. Still no easy task. I think any smart money would be a Mason/Montgomery final. You never know though, It's March and crazy things happen in March. Good Luck to my Lady Bears, as well as all teams that made it to the region. Show'em all why we love girls high school basketball !

Not sure that's much of a reward to draw a team that has beaten you on your home floor. I wouldn't count the Lady Bears out so easily. Will say thats a nice win over a District rival. Congrats to the Lady Camels.

Agree with everything posted about this young man. A great role model for any middle schooler coming up. If you want to know how it should be played, how hard you should work, or that never is the only word that goes with give up then Shooty is your man. Best of luck, been a pleasure watching!

The lady bears are playing their best ball of the season. Don't see them letting this one get away. Bracken 58-54.

Another thought to add to this thread : How it important is it for players to scout opposing teams ?

The crosstown shootout - Bracken county style. One of the reasons I love High School basketball. For anybody that has never experienced a game in the Panther Den : Do yourself a huge favor. Go through your couch cushions ( there is probably enough change in there to get in - 3 bucks, cheapest admission in the region ), leave home early - parking will be at a premium . And treat yourself to one of the best places there is to watch high school basketball. Oh yeah, prediction : I bleed bracken blue but gonna have to go with the panthers tonight. Just think the experience of Augusta vs. the youth of Bracken will be a big factor tonight. I think Augusta by 10-12.

Have to agree on the volume issue. It actually hurt at times. Gotta go with the best in the tenth. Bracken County's J.T.

Good win for the Lady bears. Congrats to both them and Asst. Coach Kelsch and staff. Way to step up on both accounts and get a big win. Best medicine in the world! Best wishes for Coach Schultz.

Tough back to back losses for the Panthers. Would'nt want to be their next opponent. Congrats to Newport on a hard fought win.