Swing and a Miss: Lady Vols drop championship series to Oklahoma
by Griffin H.
2nd place isn’t a bad way to finish your season. The Tennessee Lady Vols softball team made it to the Best-of-Three Championship Series in the Women’s College World Series as a seven seed, putting up quite the fight against the top dogs, the Oklahoma Lady Sooners. This Oklahoma team has been referred to as the 1927 Yankees in the softball world. They were nearly unstoppable all season long.
The first game in the series was an absolute heartbreak for the Lady Vols. A scoreless stalemate continued for 10 long innings, until Madison Shipman of UT hit a three-run homer to take a 3-0 lead in the 11th. A few defensive lapses allowed the Sooners to catch up and they eventually won the game 5-3 after four hours in the 12th with a walk off home run. The second game was all-Oklahoma with a final score of 4-0.
The loss hurts but there will be other opportunities to get titles; I am confident in the Weekly’s and their abilities as coaches. I really wanted to take the bulk of this post to congratulate the great accomplishment of these girls. They showed strength all season long, and were unstoppable in the post-season (their only losses were to Oklahoma). There are quite a few teams in College Softball and not all of them make the tournament initially, let alone reaching the final two. The Women’s College World Series is the top eight teams in the country which have advanced through the tournament to the final eight (similar to the elite eight in basketball). The Lady Vols took on the best of the best and still showed their dominance. Even though we lost the championship, It’s Great to be a Tennessee Vol! I’m extremely proud of this team and I can’t wait to see what future seasons will bring.
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Golden to Transfer: Senior Point Guard will not return to UT next season
by Griffin H.
I was trying to wait until all the rumors calmed down, but there is still some doubt shadowing the decision to transfer from would-be senior point guard Trae Golden. Accusations were flying Tuesday afternoon right after the story broke, and none of the details were clear. Almost every Vol fan on Twitter was involved including Tobias Harris and Jerronne Maymon. Tobias claimed that it was not Trae’s decision; Trae agreed by saying “Coach Martin told me to find another place to play.”
Fast forward 48 hours.
The current story being reported is that Golden is being asked to leave the University because of academics. So while it may not have been Trae’s decision, it doesn’t appear to be Coach Martin’s either. And before anyone goes around wagging their finger, it’s important to remember that no matter who you are you still have to apply to university protocol, and that includes academics. We are still waiting for all the details to shake out.
I still think that this basketball team can be a top-25 team next season and I am still excited about Coach Martin and Tennessee basketball, although I am sorry to see Golden go.
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Stokes Will Stay: Vols Big-man opts to return for Junior campaign
by Griffin H.
Jarnell Stokes had a decision to make. And he was going to make that decision in front of the media on Saturday morning. The decision would be the option to go pro or return to Tennessee. Tennessee fans everywhere are glad he chose the latter.
Stokes says, “You don’t want to risk your whole career on a couple of workouts.” These wise words were the decision-maker for him. He claimed to have originally wanted to forgo his Junior year in hopes of the NBA but a report came back that he would be a second round pick, at best (with emphasis on the “at best”). After talks with people close to him, as well as coach Cuonzo Martin, Jarnell decided he wanted to come back and play another year in orange and white.
“I talked with a lot of people I trust like Tobias [Harris] to get advice on my decision,” says Stokes.
I leave you with this quote:
“I think we are ready for a big season, one that will make Vol Nation proud.”Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
NFL Draft Recap
by Griffin H.
The NFL Draft: The stage that every young football players dreams of one day standing upon with the commissioner and a jersey in his hand. For many future stars (and busts) this dream became a reality. For some, however, they will have to wait a little longer or work a little harder. Now, let’s remember that Arian Foster was an undrafted free agent who worked his way up from the practice squad to become a franchise player for the Houston Texans. Even Tom Brady was not projected to be a star, drafted in the 6th round.
One of these unfortunate non-drafted players goes by the name of Tyler Bray, quarterback from the University of Tennessee. Despite a fourth round projection, bad interviews and attitude led to seven rounds without Bray’s name being called. He has since signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and will attend their training camp.
Other non-drafted Tennessee alum who have signed with teams in free agency include fullback Ben Bartholomew (New England Patriots), defensive back Prentiss Waggner (Arizona Cardinals), and wide receiver Zach Rogers (New York Jets). Former wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers signed with the Buffalo Bills.
Some Vols are still searching for invitations to camp, such as linebacker Herman Lathers.
Some Vols did hear their names called as NFL teams claimed them for their roster:
- WR Cordarrelle Patterson was the first of these former Vols. He was drafted with the 29th pick to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (seen above).
- WR Justin Hunter was the second Vol to go at pick number two in the second round (34 overall)
- Offensive lineman Dallas Thomas was selected in the 3rd round at pick number 15 (77 overall) by the Miami Dolphins.
- The final Vol selected was TE Mychal Rivera, who went to the Oakland Raiders at pick 16 of the sixth round ( 184 overall).
The SEC dominated the draft in general, sending 63 of their former players to the big leagues, while the next biggest conference (the ACC) only managed 30.
The dream came true for many in the NFL Draft, and may continue to come true for countless others. Best of luck to Vol Nation in the NFL!
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
The Master at the Masters: Adam Scott wins for Australia
by Griffin H.
“The Masters, a tradition unlike any other” is the slogan for the infamous golf tournament at Augusta. I always look forward to this tournament because it truly is one of my favorite sporting events. Every year I look forward to seeing which golfer will don the coveted green jacket. This year, that man was Adam Scott. Scott made history on Sunday by not only winning his first Masters, but by winning the first Masters for his home country of Australia.
Scott was near the top of the leaderboard at the start of Day Four, but he was still behind the then-leader Angel Cabrera. Scott made a run on the back nine and caught up with Cabrera on the 18th. Scott made a tremendous putt which he thought had won the Masters for him, but Cabrera answered back with an amazing approach and putt of his own sending the two into a playoff.
The video below shows the highlights from the second playoff hole (they tied on the first) as well as the put by Scott to win:
As I said before, Adam Scott was the first Australian to win the Masters, an honor that only he can now hold. Below is an interview with Scott. I love the last line when he says, “Anything is possible, and you should never give up on what you dream of.”
These words of advice can be a lesson to all of us in our day-to-day lives, on and off the course so to speak. I’ll never wear the green jacket, but I’m always excited to cheer on whoever does.
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
Griffin Breaks Down the Final Four (Video)
by Griffin H.
Lady Vols Get A Little Luck: Tennessee romps Oklahoma; Baylor stunned by Louisville
by Griffin H.
Sometimes you need a little luck. The Lady Vols certainly didn’t need any luck to knock off the six-seeded Oklahoma Lady Sooners to a final score of 74-59. Instead the luck that helped the two-seeded Lady Vols came at the hands of the Louisville Lady Cardinals who knocked off the overall number one seed Baylor Lady Bears in a cardio-workout of a finish, 82-81. The Lady Vols will take on the five seeded Lady Cardinals Tuesday night with a trip to New Orleans and the Final Four on the line. The Lady Vols have not been to the Final Four since 2008 when they won it all.
A team that was not picked to be very good in the preseason proved themselves all season and stand in good position to add another year to the Final Four banner hanging in Thompson-Boling Arena. More good news for the Vols ensues if they advance. The number one seed Stanford lost to Georgia, who plays Cal in the regional final of their bracket. The winner of Cal and Georgia will play the winner of Tennessee and Louisville. The Lady Vols will avoid all number-one-seeds for the next two games, should they play in them.
Do not count out these Lady Cardinals. They managed to sink 16-of-25 three pointers against the Lady Bears and kept their dominant post player, Brittney Griner in check all game.
In fact, the Lady Vols might just need a little luck.
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
Tennessee Tourney Recap: One win and done for Vols
by Griffin H.
It was disappointing to be frank. Tennessee looked okay in their double-digit win over Mississippi State, and they looked awful today against Alabama. Tennessee has not done well in the SEC tournament, and continued that trend this week. They still have a shot to get into to the NCAA, but it has been slimmed. A win today would have secured their bid, but alas. If you are a Vols’ fan cheer against everyone and anyone on the bubble. I hope for all the best, and hope is all we can do now. The Big Orange have finished the regular season at 20-12, which is a respectable second season under Cuonzo Martin. No one should be calling for his job right now, regardless of how we finish. He has done phenomenal giving this team a chance to get to the tourney. I am fully behind him.
Tennessee beat Mississippi State 69-53. Jordan McRae led the Vols with 17, Trae Golden had 15, Jarnell Stokes and Quinton Chievous each added 10. Skylar McBee posted nine. Stokes also pulled down nine boards.
In the game against Alabama Josh Richardson led the Vols with 16 points, a bit surprising. Jarnell Stokes recorded yet another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan McRae only scored nine, getting into foul trouble, and Tennessee ended up losing 58-48.
We are unsure who Tennessee will play next, but we will all be cheering for the Big Orange. Go Vols!
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
SEC Tournament Preview
by Griffin H.
The bracket above is the set-up for this year’s SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament which will be hosted in Nashville starting tonight with two play-in games. The Vols will play the winner of one of these play-ins tomorrow at 3:30. I will go through each round of the tourney with my prediction, much as I did with the NFL Playoffs. You will have a chance to cast your vote on who you think will win too.
Play-In Games:
(11) Texas A&M vs (14) Auburn:
- It’s no secret that Auburn is the worst team in the conference, and their seeding shows it. Texas A&M has the advantage of Elston Turner, an All-SEC First Team guard. This one is spelled out. A&M wins.
(12) South Carolina vs (13) Mississippi State
- Although many Vols fans would rather face Mississippi State in the second round, South Carolina is a better team. Not to mention the fact that Mississippi State has been clobbered by almost as many people as Auburn. South Carolina wins.
Second Round:
(9) LSU vs (8) Georgia:
- LSU is a talented basketball team, however Georgia has been on a hot-streak in the last week despite losing to Alabama after a phenomenal half-court prayer at the buzzer. I would not want to play Georgia in the tournament if I was an SEC team. Georgia wins.
(5) Tennessee vs (12) South Carolina:
- Tennessee struggled in the course of getting a win on the road in Columbia during the regular season. That facts makes this Tennessee fan slightly nervous. Although, on a neutral floor against a much better team than they previously faced, South Carolina shouldn’t walk off the court with a win. Vols win.
(10) Vanderbilt vs (7) Arkansas:
- Vandy has not been the team they usually are this season. They have struggled in the SEC and will continue to struggle against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The 40 minutes of hell that will endure on the court in Nashville will leave the home-town Commodores without a win. Arkansas wins.
(11) Texas A&M vs (6) Missouri:
- I find it interesting that the two new faces to the SEC meet in the second round of the SEC tournament, but fate has it so. Missouri is a good team, and have already clinched a spot in the big dance. Texas A&M knows they don’t have a shot unless they win the conference, which is an unlikely outcome. Missouri is simply better. Missouri wins.
Quarterfinals:
(8) Georgia vs (1) Florida:
- It is true that the Bulldogs are hot, as I stated earlier. But not hot enough to beat the overall number one seed in the SEC. Billy Donovan has put together yet another great Gators team, and they should waltz through this one. They should, but you never know. This is the SEC tournament after all. Gators win.
(5) Tennessee vs (4) Alabama:
- The Vols and the Tide split the two meetings this season, each winning on their home court. Now meeting on a neural court, the outcome will depend on who wants it more. Both these teams are battling for a place in the NCAA tournament, but the Vols’ experience of playing under pressure against good teams gives them the edge. Vols win.
(7) Arkansas vs (2) Kentucky:
- Kentucky may be without Nerlens Noel but they have learned to play without him. Arkansas will play tough against the Wildcats, but will end up empty. Wildcats win.
(6) Missouri vs (3) Ole Miss:
- Ole Miss is yet another SEC team fighting for a chance at the big dance. It took me a long time in picking this matchup, but what it came down to was the strength of schedule and RPI of the two teams. Missouri played much tougher non-conference games, and have a higher overall winning percentage than Ole Miss who played fewer tough games. Missouri wins.
Semifinals:
(1) Florida vs (5) Tennessee:
- Tennessee beat these Florida Gators in Knoxville during their only meeting this season. However, it was in Knoxville against a short Gator bench. Tennessee has seemed to have Florida’s number the past few years, and it proved true during the regular season. In the tournament, the Vols will have a tougher time and will probably lose. Trust me Vols fans, it pains me to say that. I will be cheering for the Vols all the way! But… Florida wins.
(2) Kentucky vs (6) Missouri:
- During the regular season these two teams had to take it to overtime to decide a winner. That was in Lexington as well. Something tells me that Kentucky will win this match-up. They won against the Tigers once before, and might do it again in the tournament. Kentucky wins.
(1) Florida vs (2) Kentucky:
- I don’t normally find myself pitting the one and two seeds against each other in the championship game of a tournament, but as you can see this is the case we have here. Florida has the better chance to win this matchup especially against the Noel-less Wildcats. And so we find the number one seed winning this championship… Florida wins.
My updated bracket is below:
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
Almost-Upset at AU: Vols pull away from Auburn in second half; 82-72
by Griffin H.
A win is a win. It wasn’t easy, but the Vols pulled it out. For whatever reason, the team struggling to not be last in the SEC kept it close with Tennessee who is looking for an NCAA tournament bid. Auburn kept it so close, in fact, that Tennessee needed to close the game on an 18-4 run to win. The final score was 82-75.
Jordan McRae continued his hot streak and SEC Player of the Year campaign with 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Trae Golden rebounded from his atrocious Georgia game, also adding 21 points while dishing six assists. Big man Jarnell Stokes recorded yet another double-double with 11 points and 12 points. Josh Richardson put up nine points, Kenny Hall scored eight, and Armani Moore tallied seven.
I did not get a chance to watch the second half, and I might be glad about that. In the end the better team won, even if it was just barely. The Vols play host to Missouri on Saturday at Thompson-Boling Arena. A win could boost the Vols to a higher seed in the SEC Tournament and get them closer to the big dance. Go Vols!
Griffin can be reached at teens4tn@gmail.com, or leave a comment. Follow @teens4tn on twitter, like us on Facebook, or subscribe in the sidebar! ->
