[McLovin]

I am not fond of coaching changes because more often than not they do more harm than good. But in the case of Shelby Valley I think it may be a good idea. Not because they are struggling but because the people I talk to that are close to that program keep blaming the fans and players, and in that case I see more and worse struggles in the future. Not once have they thought Hicks has made a mistake or isn't a coaching legend. It's always the players or the fans to blame. I kept my opinion out of the mess that happened with Pukeville, but this is where I am going to set the staff up there straight. Valley has a good team. You have a Mr. Basketball candidate and hands down best player in the region in Swindall, and Wright was hands down the best freshman in the region two years ago and is still a region top 5. Beverly can shoot, Layne is a natural athlete, and Johnson is doing really well at point with the little experience he has, and he can't help that position was fumbled up to mid season. So you all can't blame the players or a lack of talent for Valley's short comings. You were given both when you took the job, and your job was to make something out if them. If we had a packed house every night and the best 8 players in the state we wouldn't need a coach, just a bus driver to get them to the games. Except for maybe Lawrence County, Valley has the best players in the region, and up until this year had a better fan base than schools three times it's size. So please find another excuse, because developing players and building or keeping a fan base is your job. No one is going to develop players for you or put buts in seats just to let you stand on the sidelines and collect trophies.

Valley out rebounded Magoffin, had better scoring %, all thebthings good players do Valley was better at. But they played to close to their men. You give wuicker guys a step, the committed backcourt violations, they committed fouls 90 ft from the basket, the took a two when they needed a three. They had the better players, but it looked like to me no one has taught them how to play the game.