Cu Chulainn

WOS has a real good group of players that never quit! Their press is lethal and they hustle at all times. They have taken some tough losses but they can get in and surprise anybody at any time. Their team is a high revving motor that can turn the game into a race if teams arent careful. To me, all they lack is some consistency shooting the ball from outside to help them spread the floor, and they'd be a REAL problem for everyone. Great group of young men too! Our boys cheered them on against Jasper in our Tournament, so they all stayed for Championship and even joined our student section keeping our Orangefield crowd hype. Great group of young men that we are for sure all fans of! Hats off to all of them for showing us all how sports should be!

Correction to my earlier post: I was informed that we did pick up another game at Mcneese next Thursday the 21st at 10:30am against Fairview. No worries on our end though, a week should be plenty for the boys to be rested up and the game will help keep the rust off before the tournament.

The boys started off slow but then loosened up in the first half and at one point got up by 20. They went into the locker room for halftime and came back looking sluggish and not real enthused, just my opinion on that part though. 2nd half looked pretty sloppy and as if they believed they already had the game won. Not making excuses, just never really felt like we couldn't just hit the switch and take back over if we needed to (no disrespect to Buna, I have just seen our firepower and know what we are capable of). Game got a little chippy with a lot of questionable and confusing calls in the second half. It was just a recipe that screwed up the original game plan. On the ride home, I was told everyone was still banged up and sore from the two previous tournaments and tough games in them. The players all thought they'd try to coast and just maintain their lead in the 2nd half, which didnt go as planned. It was like we were missing a gear in the 2nd half. Hats off to Buna for making a game of it and competing. Most of that group are good kids and we wish them the best! Looking forward to their 13 day holiday healing period after they play PNG Friday. They will be able rest a little and get their legs back before the Crockett/Grapeland Tournament on 12/28 - 12/30.

I didn't take it that way at all, but I do appreciate you saying so. I just try to clear things up when I see them before folks on these blogs run with it. Yes, I agree Coach Whitmire is great and understands how to Coach to his players strengths. It has been a for sure a blessing to go from a great guy like McDonald to another great one in Whitmire. Whitmire is continuing the focus on helping to make great young men out of them as well as great athletes. Super good dude with a great family!

I know we messaged separately and I told you my side, but I am pretty sure the math can be done on why some folks in the know at LC-M's story may vary slightly. Corey Guilbeaux (Kelly's Assistant Coach Now) had been their JH Coach the previous year on a part time stipend, so it wasnt an unheard of thing to do over there. I was most of the incoming 7th Grade JH Team's AAU Coach as well as Jonah Fuller on their incoming 8th grade Group, so it was an opportunity to see them through JH Basketball, so it made sense. Was told it was a done deal and I even said Id just donate the stipend back to the school. Covid, blah blah blah and whatever, it didnt happen. No problem, Ghost was already there, had made friends and we really like Coach Hunter Gonzales and still do. No big deal, but I promise that is how it all happened.

The director and I cleared it up separately. I even sent photos to prove everything I say just like I have videos in the past. He and I are at least on the same page and I am confident we'll have more clarity moving forward.

I think we all open district tonight, the caliber of every team should start showing through real soon. I dont think they would have ever talked with me about it, if they themselves were going to say something. It isnt anonymous and folks wouldn't wan their name attached. We were told that Hitchcock had 4 ineligible players when they beat us in the third round and went on to win State by 30 last year, even had videos and documentation sent by folks outside of the District, but no one ever ran with that. I'd bet Kountze wont have any trouble.

Didn't yall have the MVP of the District and Newcomer Of The Year when we came into yalls house and beat the breaks off of yall last year? Ragusa had 41 & Ghost had 16 as a freshmen on 7 shots. Kountze has always been known for basketball and that is awesome, but just so you know none of me or my sons Orangefield Teams have ever lost to Kountze, EVER! I am super proud of yalls basketball history, but we have kids that have been working hard since they were small as well. I cannot speak for what Orangefield was known for in the past, I can only say that our kids have the right to make history too! They went to the 3rd Round last year and we want to continue the success. We are a real good team as are yall, and we both have more talent coming. Im sure our entire district will be tough, it is what 409 basketball is. Ghost has been a home grown killer since he was young, his record should speak for itself. He has never lost to yall and is even 3/1 lifetime vs. Silsbee which 3/4 those were epic battles! Nothing but respect for Silsbee, Kountze, EC, Buna, etc.... for that matter. Putting quality teams on the floor year after year speaks to the culture of what you have built. Basketball is a team game and has to be played together, so it won't come down to 1 or 2 star players for anybody. It will come down to how they all pull together and support each other on any team! Maybe we do finish 2nd or 3rd in district every year, but maybe we wont! Thats what makes it a sport and fun to watch! I can guarantee our boys will always give all they got! This group is real special and we'll be proud of them no matter what!

I would never turn in my former players. My own son was a freshmen on Varsity last year and his best friend is a sophomore on Varsity this year. Sells, Smart, Donald, and Coffey (3 sophomores and a freshmen) all played for me. They are great kids and I wish the best for them. I understand that these younger classes coming up are loaded with talent. I'm proud of that for the 409. It wont be me, but if all is legit than there wouldn't be anything to worry about even if someone else did decide to move forward.

I was offered (would have never moved my son mid year 6th grade if that hadn't have been the plan all along), even interviewed with Coach Crouch at the time. I ran a very winning/UA sponsored organization for 5 years. Texas A.T.T.A.C.K. Squad Basketball - A.T.T.A.C.K. - Athletic Training That Amplifies Christ's Kingdom, in case you didnt know. I am a real coach who develops players and helps them realize their potential. I am sorry that it makes folks mad that I trained my own son and have been able to put real goods teams on the floor over the years, but it is what it is. I am not a keyboard warrior or made up sports pro who takes shots at folks online under made up names. Not my style, and I try to spread positivity, not hate! A lot of the players these blogs talk about, came through our program and were like family, but no one wants to speak of that. Since you set directly across from me at this last tournament most games, why dont you look at all the hugs and handshakes I get from the players from opposing teams? That's called respect and I didnt get that from taking shots at folks on a sports blog. I got that from loving kids and trying to be who they needed me to be over the years. Some of yall should try it some time, its a real rewarding experience to see that kids know you care about them. Deep down, all my former players know where they got their start and what Coach really cares about them and their futures. In the end, it was real tough to keep our team together and have enough players to go live at practice from such a small area and for everyone to commit to such busy and extensive travel schedule. There are definitely levels to this, and flights, hotels, and travel isn't doable for everyone, which is totally understandable. Consequently, we ended up having to pursue other opportunities with bigger city teams @AggiesAreWe you seem to like taking shots at me and my family even though I always take the high road. I'm not sure why, because I have never done anything to you or your family but its getting old. I welcome you to contact me or speak to me in person, instead of taking shots at me on a sports blog. I am not a liar and never have been. I hate liars and fake people, which is something I pray to the Good Lord to help me with daily.

For sure, and as long as it is done before HS, then UIL doesnt have a rule against it. If it is done during HS then there is a hold on Varsity eligibility if it was done for athletic purposes. It is pretty complicated but tough athletic decisions have to be made before HS begins for eligibility not to come into question. I actually think the kid from Warren is 100% within the guidelines of UIL and we wish nothing but the best for him.

Scales lived and went to Orangefield since he was born. Transferred to LCM for JH because it was open enrollment in a bigger school classification and I was offered to coach his team through JH on a stipend. Had a home there so it wasn't a big deal. Covid happened and teachers weren't leaving their respective roles for other opportunities because schools were shut down, so the opening to coach his school team didnt become a reality, which was fine and understandable due to Covid. He had been moved there md year in 6th grade, made friends, and the team had played for me all Summer so it was a good fit. However, when it came down to it in the 8th grade, he wanted to be home in Orangefield with the kids he had grown up with his whole life and play with them. As parents we wanted that too, and supported his decision.

Yes, had a house in LCM (same house I grew up in) which is open enrollment, but sold it last year. Have had our family homes in Orangefield (Granger Ln, Bobcat Trails, now Langham) for the last 26 years. When it came down to it, Ghost wanted to be home with the kids he had grown up with and we wanted him home as well, so we decided to not to build a new family home in LCM afterall.

Ply in game to miss the playoffs, all the way top predicted 1st Place. Makes you think a little .........

We appreciate the kind words about our team this year. In regards to the Lamarque Game, the pressure of the game and big moments exposes weaknesses and forces mistakes. That same pressure, also creates opportunity for those that are ready for it. Great win and we are super proud of our boys! Thank you for reporting the scores. I agree, Kountze games should be good if their "move - ins" stay eligible. I have personally been contacted by two coaches in our district asking me to type a letter and file a formal complaint, since the letter cannot be anonymous and I assume they don't want their names attached, but I wont be attaching my name to anything like that either since; Sells, Donald, Smart & Coffey are all my former Texas A.T.T.A.C.K. Squad players. With that being said, I don't have to agree with decisions that are made for me to always care about my players and want what is best for them. There is just a lot of talk going on about a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year and their newfound success. I am not sure one of the on the cusp playoff teams would be willing to miss the playoffs due to a situation like this. I have faith in our young men and coaches. The wins will be that much more knowing we are doing it the right way!

Orangefield is being underestimated. Kountze will be tough with their "Open Enrollment Policy" this year.

Whitmire is a great coach and we are very glad to have him and his family who by the way are all at every game. Maybe he has done more with less in the past, but he has real talent here in Orangefield right now and there is more on the way coming from the JH groups. Our big 4 (Scales, Wrinkle, Smith, & Thomas) are shooting the ball 38.8% on the season as a team from three and are over. 50% from two, which is a testament to their level of talent as players. Scales is being face-guarded and the others are making the opposition pay for their gamble by knocking down open looks and capitalizing on their own mismatches. That should always be the plan, but can only be done when you have the talent to do so. Bobcat basketball has for sure been battle tested in these last two tournaments this weekend and last, and Whitmire's knowledge for the game and motivational skills have no doubt been on display! Even though they are back to back Tournament Champions and (Big Sandy, & Bill Tennison), and have beaten several good teams, their most impressive victory probably comes in their overcoming a 10 point deficit with about 1:20 left on the clock in the fourth vs. Lamarque in the Semi this past weekend. That takes both excellent coaching strategy and talented execution. I hope to see you at some games this year. I'm biased, but they are a real fun group to watch and I know you don't mind stating the truth in what you see.

Coach, you are a class act and have a real good group of young men! They believe in you because you believe in them and it shows. Your program is definitely on the rise! Good luck to you guys this season!

Bryce Loftin, great young man!

Your story seems to be changing a bit, which I would expect nothing different, since you were the one on here trying to gas light the situation in the first place. I have video of everything and always will. Furthermore, I will always stand on who my son is and how he was raised to handle himself. Some folks seem to think they get a free pass to say anything they want and hate a kid for working hard to be really good at something he loves. Every gym we go into there is always some little no count prick wanting to start mess with him. Now we even have opposing parents who think its ok to run their mouths to a fifteen year old kid. Everybody wants to provoke good people until they react, then blow up their reaction without addressing their own disrespect that started it all to begin with. It's typical in the World we live in today. That is ok though, I will always stand between good kids (my kids, your kids, their kids) and the fire. Its what God commands me to do! Since you will be at our games this week, please come up and meet me, I'll show you any video you want to see. We play at 10:30am vs. Jasper as well as 7:15 vs. Legacy, both games will be in Orangefield's New High-School Gym.

One last thought, Wrinkle and Scales are very unselfish leaders that really make the Bobcat offense flow. Leaving at least one of them in to handle and distribute the ball can give some of your bench players chances to score the ball and get some touches they may not normally get in the closer games.

Totally agree, and Coach Whitmire said the same thing afterwards. There were 6 techs during that game and it was getting more and more heated. We'd have liked to have seen all starters on the bench at that point especially Scales and Wrinkle and just finish the game out. Im sure if he had it to do over again, it would be played differently. He is a real good coach and we appreciate that he is trying help our players be good men as well. All good now

Class Act Guy and very good Coach! Congratulations sir!

Details above, and yes Kelly isn't near what they were without Langston Adams. Im glad the young man got out of there. He is a great kid and deserves a real shot.

I wasn't going to address it out of respect for Briscoe and Corey, (Kelly's Coaches who we have known for years) but since the story is growing into something that isn't true, I'll give you the facts that the video supports. There was a double ejection with 3.2 seconds left on the clock in the 4th Quarter of Orangefield - #24 Scales & Kelly's - #23 Zander (First Name is all I know, sorry). The only obscenities out of anyone's mouths were from the Kelly Player telling Scales he was a "f'n scared little b&*tch" which was the kind of crap that happened the entire game even though they were down 40 which showed an extreme lack of class on their part. It wasn't until Scales was dribbling time off of the clock to close the game out which is what Whitmire instructed him to do when he responded to the kid saying, "I'm not scared" which can be clearly heard on the video. Zander kept talking and Scales smiled at him in a "come get some type of manner" which is also what he has been instructed to do to these types. When he did this at the kid, the ref ejected both players which was total crap because he should have taken control of the game way earlier or ejected the kid when he cussed Scales, instead the ref didnt take control and it ended in a double ejection and a next game suspension for both players (UIL Rule). Furthermore, once ejected, the Kelly Player threw his shirt off at the bench and put on the obscenity laced tirade you are hearing about. (All on video) Scales/Whitmire didn't even know he was ejected at this point because he hadn't responded to any of the nonsense all game other than smile and point to the scoreboard because like I said, we were up 40. It was a total lack of discretion on the officials' part to let that go on all game and then cost a star player a 1 game suspension because he finally decided to address it with 3.2 seconds left on the clock. At the end of the game, Coach Piper and Coach Guilbeaux both came over to Scales and his family to apologize for the antics getting out of hand. They are both good guys and will always have our support. * Important Note: Scales is face-guarded and doubled in every game Orangefield plays which is respect and we take it that way. His teammates always step in and step up which is why they a great team! At the same time, their is a respectful way of doing it like Big Sandy did Saturday (True class act of a team), and then there is a disrespectful way of doing it where players resort to the above mentioned mess. That kind of crap never ends in a good way and if you are going to talk crap, at least be up in the dern ball game! *File was too big or I'd share the video on here *Kelly needs to stick to TAPS (Im sure we took the game last year thinking Langston would still be there, who by the way is a real class act kid who we are proud to know) and we shouldnt take games like this because we have nothing to gain by playing them which can also be heard on the video. *Videos are always proof and can take out hearsay