Siegel Hoops

2012-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Way to Go, Coach Ben Dotson!

Sure was proud to see Coach Dotson accept his 100th Win Game Ball last night. That is quite an accomplishment, and with the way he has taken a team that is so different than teams he's had in the past, it really isn't a surprise.

The Stars looked good last night. What is most impressive is how fast they are. In the past, there have been lots of dunkers, but this year...it's all about S P E E D! How much fun to watch these fellas play the game!

2011-2012 Season has begun...

2011-12-02T15:18:00.001-08:00

Siegel fell to McGavock in the final half a second Tuesday night. Here's hoping that tonight will be a little different ending, a better ending. Stay tuned...read all about it, unless you decide to join us in person at the game. The ladies begin play at 6:00, and the men will follow. See you at Siegel or see you back here on the Hoops Blog.

For Everything There is a Season...

2011-03-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Tears stung my eyes when I realized that the final buzzer had buzzed in the final game of some of Siegel's star players. I wasn't expecting that...the end or my response. I realized that I had become quite attached to the guys playing, and I think that's ok when you are part a particular team, as opposed to photographing a myriad of events. Knowing that some of our guys might have just played their last organized game left me feeling sad, knowing that several of our guys most certainly played their last game in Siegel uniforms, though, reminded me that they have been a part of a wonderful thing that will stay with them for years to come.

That's the beauty of being a part of an organized group in high school...the things you learn under that leader are things, lessons, you will be able to use for years. I guess it depends on the leader as to whether the lessons are ones that you will emulate or steer away from as you move on through life. In the case of the seniors at Siegel, I think they will, for the most part, remember their lessons fondly and use those lessons to propel them and shape them into even finer men.

Coach Dotson isn't the coach everyone thinks he should be...just ask ten people in the stands and you'll get ten different opinions on how he should act, mentor, and coach differently. But when it's all said and done, I applaud him. I believe he lives by words of John Wooden, when Wooden said "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." He has shown kindness to his team members, he has been a friend. He has expected much from his team, he has expected much of himself.

It has been a great year with a great record and a great group of young men learning about being a part of a team. In one of my earliest posts, I remember talking about the fact that only when these players realized and bowed to the fact that they are a part of a team would they be State Tournament material. In this year, they have done just that. Most lost their hunger for individual success and replaced it with a hunger and determination for success of the team.

I live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I am proud to be associated with a group of players like we've had this year. I salute the seniors, especially: Oscar, Stephen, Cedrick, Taj, Connor, Kyle, Labrock, Kris...you are delightful people. Treyton, you are the leader of the next season's team, and I trust that you will help them all see the importance of putting aside your personal triumphs for the sake of a team. You have grown a lot this year. Damien, Robert, John A., and Aden--you will need to begin even now to think as leaders and help rally this team and its members to be driven to compete and succeed in the next season.

Siegel High School Basketball, Men: 2010-2011 District Champs, regular season, District Champs, tournament, Region Champs, State Tournament Final Four contestants

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So as not to mar the beauty of the post, I will separate my comments of the game from my comments of the team.
The games, the quarterfinal game and the semi-final game, were poorly officiated. The imbalance of fouls in both games is evidence, the pictures showing fouls never called are evidence, the sight of officials unable to see a play yet making the calls is evidence. I hope that TSSAA will spend some time between now and the beginning of the next season training the officials to be the best they can be. There are several quality refs in the game. I've seen many this year that have been so good in their job, that it is even more frustrating to see those who butcher the calls, blatantly.

Would Siegel have won the final game, had it been better officiated? I can't answer that, but I can say that there is no question that poor calls can beat a team down pretty quickly. The opening press of Bearden beat Siegel down, but they were able to rally and tie the game at 50. I can only imagine that being called for fouls which didn't occur and being called the ones to last touch a ball on its way out of bounds when they were not were quickly deflating to the team. Still, I am proud of these players who fought back with all they had.

Come on TSSAA, be accountable to your teams, hold your officials accountable for their calls.

District Win and Region Begins

2011-02-27T05:54:00.000-08:00

Siegel's men won District 7-AAA regular season and tournament championship status.
Now, the road to the State Tourney continues. Taking out one opponent at a time is the way to get there, and the first round dismissal of Franklin County was a great way to start.
Siegel will continue Region Tournament play on Tuesday night at LaVergne High School, as the Stars play Riverdale's Warriors in the semi-final round. Join us at 6:00!

A Great Virtue

2011-01-22T05:26:00.000-08:00

It's easy to write about a great game or a poorly played game, but just how do you write about a game that saw very little play for about seven minutes? I guess you just start writing and see what comes out. Tonight's game was a frustrating game. Even the camera guy from the televsion news left. Why stay? The majority of the game he stayed to watch involved two things: 1. The Blackman players standing around while one of their players held the ball, and 2. The Siegel players waiting patiently, very patiently, for the game to get underway. The second half saw action, and it just wasn't pretty.

Siegel won 30 - 10. The crowd cheered when Blackman finally scored to take their points from 2 - 4--that would be Siegel's crowd in Siegel Nation. A strange game indeed. Of course, with any strange game comes unexpected things, right? For me, the unexpected was the extra time that many of our players were able to play. Robert Brandon showed good leadership when he took the ball. That's always exciting to see a younger player feeling that part. Cedrick had a dunk that brought the house down, and luckily not the goal. It was a beautiful thing. Stephen, well he had some fouls called for things he couldn't have possibly done, but he handled it much better this game than he might have previously...he smiled.

Siegel didn't get to play their game, necessarily, but the patience they showed that long playless period was a impressive. Of course, they didn't think of it on their own. Coach Dotson shows them each practice how anything's done, and I think that's what he did tonight with that inordinate amount of holding time. He could have had the players go after the ball, but I think their enduring patience was as interesting to watch as the ballhandler's questioning looks to his coach were. Patience is not an easy thing, guys. You kept it well.

So, what would I take away from the game to say to our guys that they might do differently? Well, we had a lot of opportunities with steals, and instead of taking a little time (the patience they showed so well earlier) and looking for someone they might throw the ball, most players wanted to take the shot themselves. I am convinced that when the individuals allow their teammates to take the better shots, when that pass that can't be read by the other team comes instinctively, that is when I will know we can hold our own against anyone.

I sure do enjoy watching these guys play ball. We have a good team. We have talent, wisdom, strength in a bench, and drive. And heck, we have patience. The coach and players taught a great lesson to the fans on that one. Patience is a virtue, after all, isn't it? Nice job, Siegel.

A Win Across Town

2011-01-19T03:22:00.000-08:00

I understand that a local rivalry is a great thing, but I think the rival of choice depends on your vantage point. In the case of Siegel's coach, a Riverdale grad, it surely had to be a little extra sweet to see his team play well against his alma mater. Add to that the fact that Siegel's principal is the brother of Riverdale's principal. Yes sir, beating Riverdale was a good thing. It was no cakewalk, however, as Riverdale came on strong and really didn't let up.

I'm not sure there is anyone on the varsity team who didn't get to play for at least a minute tonight. There were lots of fast breaks, lots of flights above the rim, and a few misses. It was a good night for Siegel, though. I've talked before about the importance of the fans, and tonight was not an exception. I am pretty sure that when Connor Smith came in, the eruption in the student section was noticed by more people than just your writer. He responded well, and it was fun to see Smith out on the floor.

Lots of baskets tonight drew fan approval, but hands down, the fan favorite had to be the basket of John Simpson. Any time players from the bench are able to contribute, it's especially exciting!

The Stars will host Blackman the 21st and Overton the 22nd (Saturday at 3:00). As the team continues to play intuitively of each other's moves, they will be even more exciting to watch. Hope you'll be able to join us for the games!

Rivalry Means Fun for Fans

2011-01-15T08:04:00.000-08:00

Basketball is about the game, about the team, about the players, and, in a local rivalry, basketball is about the fans. I'm not sure how long it takes fans in the student sections to prepare for the game, but the fans at the Siegel - Oakland game were on their game. Fans from Oakland came in sporting handheld fans with the face of one of Siegel's players, chanting his name as they fanned. Fans from Siegel, the notorious Siegel Nation, came in their Oakland gameday t-shirts, with the front row fans shirtless, chests painted to spell out

S I E G E L N A T I O N.

The kids look forward to the game. The adults look forward to the game, too, seeing how the house was pretty packed before the beginning of the girls' game. It's a big night, an emotion-filled night, and really, it's all about who will come out the winner.

It was not a disappointing game, in the sense that our team won. It's always frustrating when the calls by the refs don't seem to be consistent, unless they are consistently wrong. There are no better players, coaches, or refs in the building than those in the stands. As I move around the room taking pictures, I hear comments from fans of both teams. The players should do this, the coaches should do that, and the refs should get glasses. That's how it's been for years, isn't it? I have yet to hear of a coach who says, "So, give me some ideas on what you'd do differently" to the fans. Perhaps a town-hall style meeting is on the horizon.

Now, for the game. Nerve-wracking might be a good description. I guess that's what makes fans leave saying "Wow, great game!" But I'm happy to have a big lead early on and not lose it. This game went into overtime, and this fan is glad it ended as it did.

We have some really good talent on the Siegel team. We also have some guys who need to learn that they must play more as a team, always aware of the teammate who is in a better position to take the ball or the shot. Siegel is full of talent. The players must decide that they want to win badly enough that they are willing to put some thought into how they can be a better team member, not just a better ball handler. Basketball is a thinking game, a game of strategy, often. Lastly, foul shots make or break a game almost always. The other team usually knows who to foul. I hope that the other teams will be afraid to foul anyone, knowing that everyone will be making those charity line shots.

I do love watching the Siegel men play ball. It was great to see Stephen Hurt back in play. His improvement from last season to this season is evident. Coach Dotson has obviously put some time into helping Hurt mature as a player. By the end of the season, I think we'll see even more improvement. Cedrick is a fan favorite. He's great to watch when he decides to dunk, and amazing when he blocks a shot. Janeal, Taj, and Treyton are drivers, not afraid to plow right into the thick of those guarding the net. Kyle shoots three-pointers like they are effortless. Connor wasn't in much last night, but he's a good shooter, too. Labrock always hustles when he gets in the game, and I like to see him play. Damien Clark may only be a sophomore, but he makes an impact when he enters the game. Well, I could run through the whole roster. How many times can I say it...Siegel has talent. Stats are linked from our web page, so you can see for yourself the impact many of these guys had on the game last night. Sometimes, it's the players whose names you don't see who are making just as much an impact. Pay attention.

Tuesday night will find us at Riverdale, taking on another local rival, The Warriors. I'm counting on our fellas bringing their best game to the building. Sometimes, just being in a different setting brings focus that you lose oftentimes at home. Either way, Coach D has a great group, and they are providing lots of excitement this season. Maybe Coach Dotson will author one of the blog posts. That would provide yet another perspective to you, the reader, the fan.

SNOW...SNOW...SNOW...

2011-01-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! It's a beautiful snowy morning in Murfreesboro. The game between the Freshman/JV Men and LaVergne's team has been cancelled due to the weather. It's really incredible to see so much snow here. Enjoy the day, and catch the JV/Freshman Thursday night as they travel down the road to Oakland.

It's 2011...How Will the Game Develop

2011-01-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

They've played in several tournaments, and played well. The question at this point in the season for me is "How well will the guys play together, as a team, to get themselves to State?" I watched the game last night, Siegel hosting Smyrna, and decided that they are moving along nicely. Was it really necessary to draw technicals before the game started? No, but who knew there was a correct way to run onto the court? I've played and followed basketball most of my life, and that was news to me. I will have to make reading the rulebook one of my New Year's Resolutions. It sure made for a nervous start for this fan. Whew! Glad they pulled together and played a winning game.

I was really impressed with the tenacity Taj showed, and Janeal. They never walked, always hustled. There were others hustling, but those two really caught my eye. Cedrick is so much fun to watch--as he easily blocks shots. I've learned, too, that there are certain players who seem to appear when we need a three-pointer. It always pulls Siegel Nation into the action. Well, heck, I like watching all of them play. This is one great team. I hope to see more serious play as the season moves along. Yeah, if they all play with the mind to play their hardest, they will be holding their own when tourney time rolls around.

Oh, and guess who we saw walking toward the locker room after the game? Keith Ramsey! Nothing like seeing the old players come around. I hope he'll take time while he's home to give the guys some encouragement. He's a success story from Siegel, for sure.

Tuesday night will be here before we know it, as the fellas travel to LaVergne. Then...it's time to host local rival Oakland. Friday night is sure to be a packed house and an exciting evening.

Three Pointers

2010-12-17T23:37:00.001-08:00

I think three-point shots are great to see. There is something about the distance the ball has to travel that gives it a smooth, graceful flight to the goal. I love to see a three-point shot, and when I saw the stats from the Friday night match between Siegel and Hunstville-Lee, I could just imagine what fun it would have been to see all of the three-pointers from that game. Oscar had six of the ten three-point shots, Kyle had three, and Treyton had one. I wonder how it feels to be Oscar and know that you put up 18 points that probably wowed the fans. Even one three-pointer (Treyton) or three (Kyle) must leave a fella feeling pretty pumped.

Siegel handed Huntsville-Lee an item for the loss column in the first round at the Lynx Classic. Saturday afternoon's game will be good. Can't wait to hear how round two goes!

Minus a Key Player, the Stars Still Manage a Win!

2010-12-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

First home game, it's a different scene than the games played so far this year. Could they balance the excitement of playing in front of the Nation at home with the serious effort they've needed on the road?
Didn't take long to know the answer...Yes, they were able to keep it together as a team, work as a team, and win as a team. This, despite the fact that one of the key players for the Stars, Cedrick Williams, was on the bench for the evening.
The Stars didn't win without some real effort, but they did win, and while the win is what you want, the fact that they play well as a team is equally as important. I'm looking for them to gel even more as the season continues, and I'm looking forward to having Cedrick back on the court. It's his senior year, after all.
We seem to have picked up a fan in reporter Kenny Howell. You can read his most recent article here (http://www.midtnhssportsbeat.com/2010/12/siegel-slips-past-antioch-56-51.html), which is about the Antioch-Siegel match-up earlier in the week.

Game Two...Another Win

2010-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

Since the Franklin game was away, it wasn't attended by your editor. It was a great game, from all reports, though. Most importantly, Siegel came away with another win. This time, the final score was a little more of a difference--Siegel 67-Franklin 59. Whew!

The next game is also an away game, with the fellas taking the floor on Thursday, the 9th, at Antioch. First home game is coming on the heels of that one...Friday, the 10th, as the Siegel Men and Women host Ravenwood! Can't wait for it to get here.

Game One...McGavock Goes Down to the Buzzer

2010-12-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

One thing I've learned from being a fan of the Siegel Stars is that they often leave me feeling nervous and afraid to look from behind closed eyes, then not wanting to turn my head for fear of missing a moment. That pretty much sums up my feelings about Siegel's basketball games. Last night's first game was no different. Siegel 60 - McGavock 57 was the score. The story, however, was much different. Read about it in this account from Kenny Howell with the Middle Tennessee High School Sports Beat. Click here.

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And if you didn't hear, Siegel was in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving week and weekend. They claimed the championship title in the Tabernacle Classic.

"The ball came off the rim and I was open, and my coach always tells me if I am open ... shoot it. I knew we needed a big shot, so I figured I would take it because I knew my team trusted me and I knew I could knock it down," said Butler.

Similar to last April's NCAA Men's basketball championship between the Duke Blue Devil and the Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis; Gordon Hayward of Butler attempted a game winning three point shot from half court which descended with stunning accuracy, it looked like it might go glass-net-floor.

And then it missed.

For the player named Butler from Siegel.

Unlike the team from Butler ....

His shot didn't. (Freeport Nassau Guardian)

Full article here

Bahamas Means WIN!

2010-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

The men have just wrapped up their tournament play in the Bahamas, and it was a very happy ending! Siegel won the championship game. Our own Stephen Hurt was named Tournament MVP, while Coach Ben Dotson was named Tournament Coach. Way to go both of you. It is a team game, though, and there were surely many fine plays by the members of the Stars hoops team during the tournament play. Be sure to watch for the newspaper articles that will surely be available soon.

Stars in the Bahamas

2010-11-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

Warm and Sunny...that's Thanksgiving in the Bahamas for the Siegel Stars. In the first game of the Tabernacle Classic basketball tournament, Siegel defeated Sunland Academy 67 - 40. You can read the pre-game write up in the Bahama News here.

Cedrick Williams has signed with UNC-Wilmington. You can watch him on Signing Day here.

Opening night of the 2010 regular season is only 5 days away. We are gearing up for a great year. Hope you'll be there with us!

The Season is About to Begin!

2010-11-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Stars took team pictures on Tuesday morning, and they are practicing hard to be ready for the beginning of the season. This Saturday, Siegel will host its Play Day. Be sure to check the site for the schedule. Team and player pictures and the roster are being added over the next couple of days...be sure to check the site for updates. Coach Dotson is looking forward to a great season. He'll be chiming in every now and then on the blog so you can know his thoughts and expectations. The Stars are definitely reading to shine this season!

Welcome to a New Year

2010-09-02T07:11:00.001-07:00

This year, Head Coach Ben Dotson welcomes John Palmer, Kerry Hammonds, and Justin Stanford as the assistant coaches. Courtney Mulvey returns as the team trainer. Who will be returning? Who is joining the team? Who will start? So many questions, all to be answered soon. Check back for pictures of the team in practices and games, as the season begins.

First Game at Home...A Win

2009-12-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

The men were moving quickly up and down the court in their home opener versus McGavock. McGavock, however, was not letting up on their pressure on the Stars. It was their determination to stay in the game that kept the final score 64-50. The Stars are early in the season, but their goal to win State has been on their minds for quite some time. Friday night, they host Franklin for the next step toward STATE. Why not come enjoy the game?

Countdown to a New Season

2009-11-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

Siegel Men's Basketball team, aka Siegel Hoops, will begin their season on November 21st. There is so much promise in the team this season. Seniors LeVon Tate and Kerry Hammonds have now signed with colleges (Carson-Newman and MTSU, respectively). Coach Ben Dotson is ready for a great season. Be sure to subscribe to our blog. You'll get much more up close and personal information than the web page can provide.