The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 26

6C THE TENNESSON Tud. MABCH 14. 1989 Z3 Class A Player of the Year Carlus Groves East Robertson Class AA Player of the Year 3 Class AAA Player of the Year 'It Robert West Springfield Kevin Anglin Franklin Having the ideal role model has helped Springfield's Rob West become one of the top high school basketball players in the state. "When you've got somebody like Coach Johnny Darden to work with everyday, you can't help but get better," West said. "I have wanted to model myself after him since he became my coach in the seventh grade." West has followed in his coach's footsteps in impressive fashion.

Darden, the former Tennessee point guard, was named The Tennessean Midstate Player of the Year in 1975. Today West is named the newspaper's Class AA Midstate Player of the Year. "It makes this honor that much more special to me that Coach Darden was named the same thing when he was in high school," said West, a 6-3 junior. "1 guess he's doing a pretty good job of coaching me and I'm doing all right learning from him." West was one of the leading scorers in Middle Tennessee this season, averaging 25.0 points a game and leading the Yellow Jackets to a 24-7 record. West twice scored 39 points and averaged 12.5 rebounds a game.

"He may have been named to the It's hard to be humble when you've had more than 100 victories during your high school career. Just ask Kevin Anglin. Ever since he started as a freshman. Franklin has accumulated a 104-31 worksheet. Averaging 25 points a game and leading his team in rebounds, the 6-3 Anglin also has Franklin back in the state tournament and today earns the The Tennessean Class AAA Midstate Player of the Year award.

Keeping all of his unusual accomplishments in perspective has been tough for Anglin. That's where dad, Ray Anglin, comes into the picture. "To put it bluntly, he (Ray) would just kick my butt if I got the big head or wasn't doing right," Anglin says with a chuckle. "Dad has always told me not to let things go to my head, and under normal circumstances I wouldn't and he knows I wouldn't. "Butsometimes it just happens without you realizing it and dad always keeps an eye out to make sure doesn't take place." Anglin, a Vanderbilt signee, was a first-team All-Midstater last year after leading the Rebels to the semifinals of the Class AAA state tournament He has totalled 2,759 points in ANGLIN WEST The one thing that was absent in Carlus Groves' high school career was the element of surprise.

It seems all eyes have been on the 6-7 Groves since he came to East Robertson High and helped the Indians to a state championship as a sophomore. Then, it comes as no surprise that for the second year straight. Groves is The Tennessean Class A Midstate Player of the Year. As a junior last year, the Indians were expected to win the title again, as they did. And it came as no shock when Groves was named Player of the Year last season.

Again, when Groves signed with the University of Tennessee in the early signing period last fall, it was no surprise he had SEC talent. Living with such high expectations could wear a player down. "I just keep doing my best and that seems to satisfy most people," said Groves, who has helped East back into the state tournament "During the season a lot of players from other teams would say things during the game like 'You're going to flunk out at or 'you'll get killed in the SEC "But I realized early on, they were just trying to psyche me out of my game and I didn't let it bother me." GROVES East Robertson Coach David Collie says his star pupil has handled the expectations and the verbal assault well. "He's gotten frustrated at times anybody would but for the most part Carlus has been able to continue to improve and help us keep winning," Collie said. Groves has enjoyed his high school career "more than I ever thought I would." "I knew it would be tough playing at East Robertson because they had a winning tradition before I ever got here and I realized someday I would be the one who would have to be the leader." his career, including 90 consecutive games in which he hit double figures.

It would be hard for Anglin to get very overconfident because "I'm not the kind of guy who can just sit back and rest on my talents. "I mean I have some talent I'm just not overly talented," hesaid. "If I ever quit working I'll never get anywhere." There's very little chance that Anglin will ever change his work habits. "He works harder at improving his game, day to day, than just about any player I have ever been around," said Franklin Coach Joe Daves. same honor that I was when I was in high school," Darden said, "but I'll tell you right now he's going to be better than I ever was.

"It doesn't surprise me that he is the best in Class AA even though he is just a junior." West is more concerned with next season than his college career but said "I'll count on coach Darden to help me make my decision when that time comes. We have more of a father-son relationship." West now has the pressure on for a repeat performance as a senior. "It won't be hard to play as well next year," he said. Class AAA Coach of the Year Class A Coach of the Year Class AA Coach of the Year Kyle Bills, Lincoln County Michael Edwards, Wayne County Dirk Smith County Smith County Coach Dirk Ash After leading Wayne County to its best record in the school's history. Coach Michael Edwards is The Tennessean Class A Coach of the Year.

Kyle Bills didn't set out to win 100 games in just five years at Lincoln County High School. "You just don't plan on those type things," Bills said. "You just knew good things were in store for his basketball team this season how good he was not sure. In his second The Tennessean Class AA Midstate Coach oi the Year Dirk Ash, Smith County First Team Robert West. Springfield, 6-3, Jr.

Alan Gentry, Portland, 6-4. Sr. Kurt Lee. Montgomery Central, 6-3 Sr Greg Garretson, Loretto, 6-1, Sr. Jason Lane-Maxwell, Marshall, 6-2, Jr.

Second Team Gerald Lyte, Houston 6-4, Sr. Tim Haggard, Upperman. 6-0, Jr. Glen Tuttle. Westmoreland, 6-3.

Sr. Mouse Rigsby, Smith 5-6, Sr. Tony Ford, Livingston 5-9, Sr. Honorable mention Players receiving at least one vote for the All-Midstate team-Cannon Co. Colby McDonald, DeKalb Co.

Randy Jennings, Eric McCormk. Uretto ftchle Wake The Tennessean Class A Midstate Coach of the Year Michael Edwards, Wayne County First Taam Carlus Groves, East Robertson. 6-7, Sr" Freddie Gilbert, Richland. 6-3, Sr. Eric Mitchell.

Pickett 6-5, Sr. Kevin Snell, Eaglevilie. 6-3, Sr. Brett McCaig. Perry 6-4, Sr.

Second Team Joel Rlunkett, Perry 6-5, Sr. Troy Yoes, UnfonviHe, 6-3, Sr. Joe Keating, Wayne 6-4, Sr Bobby Cnttenden, Van Buren. 6-1, Sr. Gary Eady, Moore 6-1.

Jr. Honorable mention All other players receiving at least one vote for the All-Midstate team: Clarksvilla Academy Johnny Jackson; East Robertson Tyrone Ootson, Hampshire Ryan Dobbins, Her peth Chris Plunkett; Jo Bym Greg Watkins; Mt Pleasant Eric Hughes; Middle Tennessee Christian Craig Maynord, Monterey Chad The Tennessean Class AAA Midstate Coach of the Year Kyle Bills, Lincoln County First Team Ronnie Robinson, Cookeville. Sr. 6-8 Kevin Anglin, Franklin, Sr. $-3 Henry Thomas, Clarksvilte, Sr.

6-5 Doug Smth. Lincoln Sr. 6-0 Greq Baiturshot, Gallatin, Sr. 6-1 Second Team Dewayne Fishback. Shelbyville.

Sr. 6-4 Jason East, Lincoln Sr. 6-4 Willie Brown. Clark. Northeast, 6-3 Ryan Porter.

Shelbyville, 6-2 Lane Drinnen, Dickson Sr, 5-7 Honorable mention Other players receiving at least one vote for the All-Midstate team Beech Jason Clarksvilte Carlos Merriweather, Claries-villa NorthwestTyrone Baynham. Columbia Eric Lacy. Cookeville Bo Manchester Don Henegar, Mount Juliet Joby Horns-ley, Murfraeeboro Oakland Ter-rance Hughes. Shelbyville Chris Brown, Smyrna Shawn Richardson, Tullahoma Nick Shelton, Jr year at the EDWARDS In his third ASH helm. Ash ex pected the Owls to keep improving as they had his first year (13-14).

Smith County is now in the state tournament after a long dry spell, owning its first 20-win season, and Ash today is selected The Tennessean Class AA Midstate Coach of the Year. "The four seniors on our team set a goal to make it the the Sub-State but I thought even that was a little outrageous," said Ash, 32. BILLS decide to do your job and do things right and let everything else take care of itself." After just five seasons Bills has established a 103-38 record and today is named The Tennessean Midstate Class AAA Coach of the Year. Bills, 33, a Tullahoma High alumnus, played basketball at Motlow State Community College and then graduated from Tennessee. year at Wayne County, Edwards has the Bobcats in the state tournament with a 28-5 record.

Edwards, 31, is a 1975 graduate of Wayne County, where he played bas-. ketball and baseball. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman College. "We've had four starters here for three years so our win-loss record could be expected," Edwards said. "But the state tournament berth is a bit surprising even to me." field, Macon Co.

Seth Overton, Barry Potston, Marshall Co. Calvin Connors, Page Jason Roberts, Smith Co. Eric Grfssom Jr Scott Apple Sri Waverty Keith Rawlinqs, Sr. Class A Player of the Year Class AA Player of the Year Class AAA Player of the Year Cory Allen Whites Creek it 4 M. 7 i 1 04 3 John Pierce Franklin Road Academy John Pierce is a dreammaker The Franklin Road Academy senior made his own dream come true on Sunday when he signed to play basketball at David Lipscomb University.

"My dream had been to play college basketball, and I knew going into this season that I'd have to give 100 every game this season if that was going to happen for me," said Pierce, a 6-6 post player for the Rebels' District 7-A runner-up team. "I don't have the ability to slide by without working, and that's why I went after it so hard this year. "I know I'm not a perfect player. There are things I'm going to have to work on. In college I'll have to go to the boards harder, learn how to handle the ball better and build up my strength." Pierce, who averages 25.8 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game, has been picked by his league's coaches as The Tennessean Metro Class A Player of the Year.

His talent, however, was noticed by more than just District 7-A coaches. Mike Roller of David Lipscomb High also noted Pierce's prowess. "He's the best offensive center I've Michael Green David Lipscomb Prior to the 1988-89 season, Michael Green had two claims to fame: 1. His former David Lipscomb High teammate, Jerry Meyer, was honored twice as state Class AA Mr. Basketball.

2. His first cousin, former Lipscomb star Amy Fuller, was also selected twice as Class AA Miss Basketball. Michael Green has now arrived. The 6-4 junior forward has led the Mustangs to a third straight state tournament berth with a 29-point per game average, shooting over 50 from two-point range and 50 from three-point land. Today he is honored as The Tennessean Metro Class AA Player of the Year.

"If I've improved as a basketball player, it's because of two things," said the modest Green. "I've worked hard, and I've had great coaching since I was in the sixth grade. Coach RalphjTurner was my coach in the sixth grade. Coach Steve Carpenter helped a whole lot in middle school and my high school coach, Mike Roller is just great" Roller says if Green is an improved player, and all opposing coaches agree he has, it is because of Green's work habits Whites Creek basketball coach Cornelius Ridley says that to appreciate Cory Allen, one has to see him every night and watch the little things he does on a basketball court. Maybe so, but the coaches in Region 6 have seen quite enough of Allen.

As a parting shot to the 6-6 power forward they have selected him as The Termessean Metro Class AAA Player of the Year. And why not? In 34 games this year he has averaged 1 6.4 points per game, making 52.6 of his field-goal attempts. He's shooting over 70 from the free-throw line and averaging 10.9 rebounds per game. He has 1 16 blocked shots and 65 assists. And to top it off, he has had fewer turnovers than any starter on the Cobras' 30-4 state tournament team.

Despite all that, some people are concerned that Allen isn't as intense as they think he could be. "What difference does it make if he doesn't come across as being intense and physical enough?" Ridley asks. "He gets the job done, and that's the bottom line. "I'd hate to think where we would be if we had not had him in the lineup the last three years. I don't think we'd be above .500 if we hadn't had him PIERCE seen in this area since David Lipscomb University star Philip Hutche-son," Roller said.

"He has excellent potential." Still, the year was not a complete success. After a long, grueling season of tough non-league games, FRA's bid for a state tourney bid fell short. "I wanted to play hard for my teammates because I realized a trip to the state would mean a lot to us," Pierce said. "I'm sorry we didn't make it It hurt all of us, especially the seniors. "I hope as I look ahead that I'll learn from the disappointment.

I hink my love for the game kept me going at times this year. I believe it will in the future, too." GREEN "He's good in areas where you can make youself good, things like shooting and anything that is skill-related. There is no player who works as hard as he works on his own," Roller said. "He comes in every night and goes through a routine of shooting. "I don't see everyone, of course, but I don't know of a better shooter anywhere in America.

And he takes criticism so well. Give him a little direction and he'll work to alleviate any weaknesses that are pointed out." Roller is quick to add that Green is not one-dimensional or self ish. "He's works at improving his defensive skills, and he is very unselfish," the coach said. ALLEN this year. He's not a flashy player, but he's smooth and steady.

He doesn't have peaks and valleys. You get a good job from him every night out." Allen also disputes the idea he lacks intensity. His stats back it up. "Sometimes the expression on a player's face doesn't reflect the emotion he's feeling," he said. "I get fired up during games, like anyone else.

"I may not score as many points this year as I did last season, but we're playing more of a team concept. Having Brian Ward this season has meant I haven't had to score as much." Allen's goal is a Division I basketball scholarship. He may have earned Class A Coach of the Year Class AA Coach of the Year Class AAA Coach of the Year Frank Travis, Hume-Fogg Academic Cornelius Ridley, Whites Creek Lee Mayo, Goodpasture Afler 20 vears r0 on the bench as SwMS) .51 ri'f Vs Lee Mayo knew he was inheriting a good nucleus when he took over the Goodpasture program last spring What he didn't know was howstronaa As a trail-blazer in integrating high school athletics, Cornelius Ridley has flourished with the notion that unselfishness is a key to success. So. with his both an assistant and had coach, Frank Travis has become an overnight success.

And this year the 45-year-old Travis is hino I The Tennessean Class A Metro Coach of the Year Frank Travis, Hume-Fogg First Team Hoyt King. Hume-Fogg. 6-4, Sr. Trey Suddarth. Hume-Fogg, 6-2, Sr John Pierce, FRA.

6-6. Sr James Thomas, Hume-Fogg, 6-0, Sr Mark Campbell, FRA, 6-0, Sr. Second Taam Tony Lewis, USN, 6-10, Sr. Chris Kemp, NCS, 5-11. Sr.

Tracy Williams, TPS. 6-2, Jr. Jeff Hathcock, DCA, 6-1, Jr. Jeremy Jones. Ezefl-Hording, 6-1.

Sr. Honorable mention AS other players receiving at least one vote for the AD-Metro teara Davideon Academy: Steve Benson, Sr. Doneison Christian: Travis Henry, Eiatt -Harding: Chris Bishop, Ryan Wetter, So. Frantdm Road Academy. Todd Messk, Sr.

Hume-Fogg: Troy Grit-fin. Carlos Birdsong. Sr. Martin Luther King: Kendall Sawyers. Jr.

Nashville Christian: Jason Martin, Jr. Tenn eases Preparatory School: Tommy Joyce. Jr. lAvvarsrty School-. Jeremy Roberts.

Greg Oowns. Sr The Tennessean Class AA Metro Coach of th Year lee May, Goodpasture First Team Michael Green, David Upscomb, 6-4, Jr. Gregg Nicholson. Goodpasture, 6-4. Sr.

Shawn Wilson, 6'wood 6-10, Sr. Brandon Jones, BGA, 6-3. Sr. Casey Alexander, B'wood Ac, 5-B, Jr. Second Taam David Knox, Brentwood 6-4, Sr.

Shane Kirby, David Upscomb, 6-4, Sr. Al Allen, Brentwood Academy, 6-5, So. Brandon Miller, Goodpasture, 6-1, Sr. Scotty Lee, Goodpasture, 6-2, Sr. Honorable mention All other players receiving at least one vote (or the All-Midstate team: Battle Ground Academy.

Keith Jones, Todd Abner. Eric Davis, Sr. Brentwood Academy: Jase Tillman, Michael Flnucane, Carlos Joyner, So. David Lipscomb: Greg Thompson, John Martin, Lee Anderson, So. Goodpasture: Brad Towe, Rodney Carey, Jr.

The Tennessean Class AAA Metro Coach of the Year Cornelius Ftidley, Whites Creek First Team Cory Allen. Whites Creek, 6-5, Sr. Jason Word. Hunters Lane, 6-3, Sr. Brian Ward.

Whites Creek, 6-4, Sr. Cory Fleming, Stratford, 6-3, Sr. Steve Harney, Glendiff, 5-9, Sr. Second Taam Wayne Tucker, Glendiff, 6-1, Sr. Chip Sherrlll, Hillsboro, 6-2, Sr.

Amos Gregory, Glendiff, 6-6, Jr. Ray Watkins. Maplewood, 5-11, Sr. William Smith, Pearl-Cohn, 5-7, Sr. Honorable mention All other players receiving at toast one vote for the All-Midstale team Father Ryan: Matt Griffiths, Doug Louden, Vic Wharton, Sr.

Gtencliff: Kevin Choate, Sr. HUlsbora Mike Bentley. Daryl Milter, Aeneas Chapman, Sr. HBtwood: Germont Wade, Sr. Hunters Lane: Keenan Carter, Randy Payne, Sr.

McGavocfc Earl Jordan, Binky Morton, McGavock. Maplewood: William Alexander. Steve Works, Sr. Mont-oomery Bell Academy: Bo Heary, Taylor Mayes, Sr. Overtore Rico Beastey, Alan Purdy, Charles Wood, Jr.

Peart-Cohre Gilbert Bass. Reggie Ew-ing, Sr. Stratford: Keith Jordan, Richard Starks, Jr. -fgf MA() group of com TR AV IS rewarded with his first trip io the state tournament as a head coach after building the Hume-Fogg Academic basketball program from the ground level. "The boys nave played very smart," said Travis, named today at The Tcnnesseari Metro Class A Coach of the Year.

"I don't know if we have the physical ability of a lot of teams, but we have played with intensity and the players have done what they are supposed to do." RIDLEY Whites Creek. Cobras headed to the state tournament, Ridley wants to give others the credit as he accepts The Tennessean Metro Class AAA Coach of the Year. He cites summer league coach Sonny Dixon, assistant Jim Nollner and freshman coach William Jackson. During the year, the 30-4 Cobras put together a 23-game win streak. "There have been some hard workers who have gone beyond what was expected," said Ridley, who is 57.

petitors he had, pamcularly in his senior class. The 38-year-old Mayo today is honored as The Tennessean Metro Class AA Coach of the Year after his 22-9 team reached the state. I've been here for five years and had several of them in the eighth grade, but I didn't expect them to make the kind of steady improvement they have," Mayo said. "I couldn't ask for them to play any better than they have the last month or so.".