Interview with Josh Manning

SORSN: After a heart-breaking, buzzer-beating loss at Grace, the team has picked up a pair of nice wins over Greenback and Coalfield. With 4 district games remaining, including a rematch with Grace, you have a shot to enter the tourney as a top seed. As we enter February, has the teams focus changed today vs what it was in December? What have practices been like in recent days?

Josh: The teams focus has greatly increased and practices have been more up-tempo.

SORSN: On December 26th, the team recorded one of the school’s biggest wins in recent years with a victory over Kingston. You hit some BIG shots down the stretch to win the game. Talk to us about that game. What were you thinking after you hit that first 3-pointer….then hit another?

Josh: During the game our offense ran in spurts but our defense played lights out throughout the entire game. Going into the game my shooting wasn't were I would have liked but after I hit those 3's I had a feeling the offense would pick it up.

SORSN: With every big play from Kingston, the team responded and appeared dedicated to playing their hearts out for Coach Ruffner. We saw the celebration on the floor, what was the locker room like after the game? What did that win do for the team?

Josh: The whole team was excited, jumping around, praising the victory. Since then the team has been close and believes we can play with best of them.

SORSN: We would love to continue to talk about the games with Kingston and the big win that night but we would prefer to focus our attention to several things that went unnoticed by many. Though just separated by about 10 miles, the schools could not be more different. For example, during warm-ups for the game at Kingston, they blared some Miley Cyrus…readers may think we’re making this up…we’re not, they actually played Hanna Montana. At Midway, the warm-up music of choice is Country Boy Can Survive. At Kingston, the student section attempted to mock the Green Waves by chanting “ya’ll drive tractors!” To which the Midway community responded by, as one would expect, driving tractors to the game.

With the rumors of the Midway Maniacs’ pre-game activity, all the hype of this rematch and the fact that it was being played SOR, what was the locker room and the teams attitude like before the game?

Josh: The attitude in the locker was real laid back with the exception of me, Jake, and Zack we were psyched out.

SORSN: Could this mockery be nothing more than jealousy? Let us not forget about the lack of originality that our friends to the north displayed. The SOR logo (superman logo with SOR in the middle) used for the last 6+ years is without question one of the coolest things around. Sneakered we did when we saw t-shirts with the superman logo with a ‘K’….not to mention NOR written on cars (and big bodies). “NOR”….doesn’t have quite the same ring to it does it? Has South of the River become the new fashion mecca?

Josh: "NOR" is nothing like SOR and I'll say this, never again will you see another schools fans drive their tractors to a game.

SORSN: Moving on…..answer these short questions:
Favorite pre-game snack - Philly Cheesesteak from Coastal
Best show on TV - Sports Center
Role Model - Carlos Zambram

SORSN: A new restaurant, the Wave Café, is scheduled to open the first of March. If they name a special after you, what should the meal consist of?

Josh: A Philly cheesesteak sandwich with ultimate fries

Thanks for your time Josh and good luck in the district tournament.

Interview with Coach Amy Woody

January interview with the Coach, Coach AC Woody, Head Coach Midway High School Lady Waves

SORSN: First off, Coach congratulations on the big victory Friday night against Grace Christian. Tell us what you saw Friday night from the Midway team that you liked.

Coach Woody: We had more points than they did when the final buzzer sounded.

SORSN: Coach, this team appears to have improved since the start of the season and the players seem to have rallied and closed the ranks a bit. Talk about the players that you think have made the biggest improvements and the most impact from November to January.

Coach Woody: Hali Morris - her strength and rebound is what got our attention and now she is becoming a scoring threat.

SORSN: The basketball season turns over quickly and leaves you little time to savor wins or sulk about losses. This week brings Coalfield and Harriman on the schedule. Tell us what you know about each and what the Lady Waves are preparing for this week.

Coach Woody: Coalfield is one of the top 3 of our toughest opponents. Harriman is # 1 in our district. We are preparing by having NO FEAR.

SORSN: Coach you are currently 3-7 overall, but your three wins have come in conference. Where does this team need to improve to stay in the conference race as the season winds down?

Coach Woody: Each player I expect to bring their best and establish a identity for our team. We are working on becoming a team that our opponents have to prepare for, instead of us preparing for them. Keep it simple and do what we do well is what we are working on.

SORSN: Coach you learned from three masters of the game: Coach John Gaston, Coach Dewayne Arp and SORSN.COM’s backyard neighbor & kung fu master, Coach Michael (Knight) Hayes. Tell us what you learned from each of those coaches.

Coach Woody:
John Gaston - fundamentals
Dewayne Arp - no favoritism
Mike Hayes - speak loud so there is no misunderstanding


SORSN: Coach you were known in your heyday as a player that never minded venturing into the paint and mixing it up with the larger players on the floor (to put it mildly). What does it take for a guard to develop that type of fearless mentality and have you been able to instill that spirit into your guards?

Coach Woody: Playing football with cousins when they are young is a great way to instill no fear!! Come watch them play and see what you think.

SORSN: Coach conditioning plays a big role late in the season, tell us about the Lady Waves ridge running tradition that we have heard about through the rumor mill.

Coach Woody: Ridge Running is a great experience and we get a lot out of it. Multi surface, plenty of ups and downs for developing different muscle groups, we learn a lot about our teammates. Even what work best on ticks, snakes, and poison ivy.

SORSN: Coach there were many members of the media present Friday night including the Knox News Sentinel, the Karns Reader, and that other local publication, the Monroe, er Roane County News. However, as you know, only one publication provides the most complete coverage, all the time (perhaps some of the time) of Midway athletics.
Coach, could you tell us and the world wide web where the people in the “know” go for all sports South of the River?

Coach Woody: SORSN.COM baby!!!!!!!!! GO GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MHS Lady Waves are entering into the most important part of our season. We would like to invite you all to come out and give a big ole GO GREEN cheer. We appreciate all of you who support us in so many ways it means a lot.

SORSN: Coach thanks for the time and good luck with the rest of the season.

Interview with Paul Wiley, Sophomore PG

SORSN: After beginning the season 2-1, the Waves have gone winless for nearly a month. What’s the attitude like now in practice and what does the team need to do to end the losing streak?

Paul: The attitude is still positive, first an most important we need to take care of the ball and eliminate stupid mistakes. Play better defense and start making some baskets

SORSN: This Sunday night, the American Gladiators return to TV. If you were on the show, what would your Gladiator name be? What about names for some of your teammates?

Paul: My gladiator name would be the ICEMAN. Some names for my teammates would be Wakonater, Blasto, Stealth and Punisher

SORSN: This is just my opinion, but I’m not sure if you are built for American Gladiators…what about Ninja Warrior? Do you have the strength and balance required for Ninja Warrior? What is your favorite obstacle on the show?

Paul: Sometimes big things come in small packages, and besides I've never seen the show.

SORSN: What? Never seen the show? Cable TV brother…perhaps teammate Mark Childers could help prepare you since he trains in Brazilian Jujitsu.

SORSN: Big game this Friday night against Grace Christian. What can you tell us about the Rams?

Paul: Well basically they’re the same team as last year. Were going to have to bring our A game because their good on both ends of the court.

SORSN: Recent message board discussions on a particular popular high school web site have highlighted Grace’s opinion of the SOR community. Do you see this as a big rivalry game? How important are the Midway Maniacs in a game such as this?

Paul: No I don't really see this as a big rivalry game, but our Maniacs are always important to us in every game…

SORSN: Thanks for your time Paul and good luck Friday night.

Interview with Assistant Coach Isaiah Ruffner

Family's are a big part of what makes the SOR community what it is. Family's influence almost every aspect of life south of the bridge even down to the naming of streets and ridges. This basketball season saw a growth in the family atmosphere as Isaiah Ruffner joined his Dad along the sidelines. Isaiah brings a positive influence to the team with his dedication to God, family, and community.

I had the privilege to witness, first hand, Isaiah’s dedication and work ethic at an early age. I played for Darrell Ruffner during the early/mid 1990’s and Isaiah was just another skinny little 5th grader. However, this 5th grader could handle the ball better than 95% of those who played ball for the high school….not to mention he could out shoot 80% of us! Of course being the son of a coach he had unlimited access to the gym, but Isaiah wasn’t just another kid goofing off along the sidelines as we practiced. Isaiah was working on his ball handling, perfecting his jumper, learning the game of basketball. Isaiah would run drills along side us, heck; he would run them better than most of us. And if we were short a man for a scrimmage, Isaiah would gladly step in.

These countless hours of practice paid off for Isaiah. He had an outstanding baseball and basketball career playing for the Green Wave. But his athletic career didn’t end at Midway. Isaiah went on to play baseball for Cumberland College where in 2005, he had a regular season record of 5-1, including 33 strikeouts, 3 complete games, and one shut out.

Yet perhaps it was his career in the classroom where his dedication and work ethic truly paid off. While at Cumberland College, Isaiah received Academic All-Conference Awards and was the 2006 recipient of the Computer Information Systems Outstanding Senior Award.

Today, Isaiah can be seen – dressed to impress – along the MHS basketball sidelines with his Dad.

SORSN recently contacted Isaiah for a brief interview.

SORSN: What’s it like coaching along side your dad? Who looks better in a suit and tie?

Isaiah: I really love it. I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to not only play for my father, but to now also have the opportunity to coach with him. It is so amazing to see how well he connects with his players and students, and how much they respect him, and though I saw this as a player, being a coach has really helped me to see this.

It is funny that you mention the suits. You would not believe how many complements we have gotten this year about how well we dress. As a matter of fact, we claim to be the best dressed coaching staff in the district, and possibly in the region. I am not sure I could really say who looks best. Perhaps you can take a poll on sorsn.com and let the people decide!

SORSN: Though you have a degree in CIS, do you think coaching could be in your future as well?

Isaiah: I could not say for certain either way. I enjoy my job, but I also enjoy coaching so it is tough to say. I guess I will be wherever my Savior leads me.

SORSN: What do you enjoy more…analyzing SensorNet or breaking down game film?

Isaiah: Definitely breaking down game film! I would take something basketball any day over work. It is strange how much you can miss the game. I did not even really realize it until after our first practice when I was driving home and could smell the leather from the basketballs on my hands. I am sure some of you probably think that is strange, but I love that smell. There is just something about it, I guess.

SORSN: Did your Dad ever make you do ‘step-drags’ as punishment when you were a kid?

Isaiah: As surprising as this may be, I was never forced to do any step-drags for punishment as a kid. I did get a few paddlings, which anyone who has ever been paddled by my dad can tell you comes with some sting!

Interview with Gable and Parks

Kristen Gable - Senior, Post

SORSN: You're new to the area, where did you move here from?

Kristen: Meigs County... Coach Hayes reminds me almost everyday, "Miss Meigs" or "Meigs". Just like I remind him that he looks so pretty in his sweater vests!

SORSN: What's the story with the neon green laces?

Kristen: Pretty sweet, huh?! They almost look like my neon ground lights...ha ha.
Amanda thought they'd look pretty cool with our black shoes. After she put them in I thought so too.

SORSN: What do you think about Marvelous Mike Hayes' new bright orange Mustang GT?

Kristen: Hmmm.....um....well.... It's Coach Hayes, but I think it fits him. It shocked me at first. He tried to run over the curb like I did (he only did because he wants to be like me!)


Haley Parks - Freshman, Guard

SORSN: How much different is high school than middle?

Haley: It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, mainly the difference is the way we practice. In middle school, we ran if we messed up or did something wrong which is stupid because you don't get better from running, anyone can run. But in high school we go over it and learn from our mistakes and correct them best we can in practice.

SORSN: What is your typical pre-game meal?

Haley: I usually eat a club sandwhich and fried pickles from Coastel.

SORSN: What areas of your game are you trying to improve the most?

Haley: Well I have improved a lot just from summer camps and practice. But I am still a freshman and make stupid mistakes almost every game such as missing jump shots, turnovers and a few bad passes. I try every game and practice to improve. I am happy with my defense right now. I am just trying to improve mainly to get stronger with my ball handling and shooting.

In-Depth with DeVries

Anyone who saw a MHS basketball game anytime between 2002-2006 most likely witnessed one of the most entertaining personalities ever to grace the Midway hardwood. Jason DeVries is a 2006 graduate of Midway and when he was on the court, he was hard to miss. Whether it was the knee-high socks with the matching wristbands or the unprecedented defensive hustle, DeVries got your attention. We asked Jason in a basketball interview last year about the socks, and Jason commented “I was looking for a unique style to call my own. Being a Larry Bird fan, I watched an old 80s Celtic game on ESPN Classic. I saw the socks they were wearing and I knew that was what I needed to get.” It was this “style” that helped make DeVries an entertainer on the court for the Green Wave.

And now that he’s in college, DeVries has continued to be an entertainer and performer. DeVries is in his 2nd semester at Mars Hill College and in his first semester there, Jason became a member of the cheer leading squad.

We contacted Jason during winter break for an exclusive SORSN interview.

SORSN: Jason, the first thing we want to know about are the socks…..do you wear the infamous “Celtic” socks under your cheering uniform?

Jason: Nope, I do not wear the Celtic socks while cheering, but I have worn them to cheerleading practice. I usually wear a pair of "Hardwood Classics" NBA brand socks (available at Champs, and other fine mall sport store retailers). They are actually ankle socks with a blue and red stripe. I believe I will start wearing the Celtic socks, since you mentioned this. But you forgot about the WRISTBANDS! (Important part of any sporting attire) I wear blue/yellow/white wristbands since I started the basketball portion of cheering.

SORSN: Since moving off to college, it appears you wasted no time in hoisting girls in short skirts up on your shoulder. How good is life at Mars Hill?

Jason: It’s really nice. I have actively been recruiting to try to make it SOR North Carolina. I love it. The campus is very pretty, with grounds crews working on flower beds, even in the winter. I like the teachers and classes, they’re very nice. Since we have small class sizes and only around 1000 students, the teachers know you and you know most of your class mates. I have a private dorm room, which means a room to myself. I've decorated it in sports stuff (posters, pennants, etc. of college, nfl, mlb, nba, nhl, a lot of vintage sports stuff). Along with that is beer stuff, (a lot of the sports stuff is made by beer companies) I have a big Coors bar sign in my room also. Fish tank, recliner, love seat. XBOX 360, PS2, Super Nintendo, Sega genesis, TV, record player, cassette, CD player all on a sound system. My room is awesome. Long story short: good school, good friends, nice room (and even the foods not that bad!)

SORSN: Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, record player, cassette player??? You live at a pawn shop between classes? The Antique Road Show is one of your favorite programs right?

SORSN: What are you majoring in at Mars Hill College and more importantly, where is Mars Hill College? Besides girls in short skirts, what led you to Mars Hill?

Jason: I am actually getting a double major. Both are in Physical Education. One is a PE teaching degree and the other is a degree in coaching. Yes you can get a degree in coaching! I was told if you were to only to have a coaching degree, you can use that to latch onto a college coaching job in some lower level staff position. I’m not interested in that... I want to be a High School teacher and coach, and then I may move onto the college level.

SORSN: Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out. I guess you’ve got Coach Cawood and Coach Ruffner looking over their shoulder.

Jason: Mars Hill is located in North Carolina. It is 15 minutes from Asheville. It is 30 miles from the TN/NC border. The county the school is in touches Cocke Co. It is 45 miles from Newport, and I think it was 60 something miles to Cosby, when I went to the football game. Then I believe its 140 miles from exit 352.

Well I kept getting stuff from them in the mail. So I liked the fact they were interested in me or my money, either way, they wanted me to come. So I applied, not really thinking that was where I was going to go. But through my senior year, by Jan/Feb I knew it was time to move on and go somewhere new.

See, I could easily spend my whole life in Roane Co. and be happy, but I need to see what is beyond Roane Co. This is a once in a life time opportunity, and I need to take advantage of it. Another thing I like is that it is close to home, but not to close. I had to make all new friends, and just everything was new. It’s been really fun so far. Cheerleading was something I got into until about a few weeks into school. One day, I was just talking to the cheerleaders, and I casually asked, "what does it take to be a male cheerleader." They then said you want to cheer? I was like sure, ok? I really had no intentions, it just kind of all fell into place.

So, here I am today a cheerleader, I really like it. It’s a lot different then the sports I have played. I've played all three sports at Midway (don’t forget I played football my freshmen year). But, cheerleading is unique. If you make a mistake in baseball or basketball you might be taken out of the game. But usually one mistake is not the difference in winning and losing. But in cheerleading, one little mistake could injury someone very badly. Only football is something that is close to that danger. If you drop a girl or she falls in a stunt, there is nothing she can do. If she doesn’t get caught, she’s most likely going to get hurt. It’s kind of scary in a way.

SORSN: Yes, but we all know they’re in good hands with DeVries, eh?


SORSN: I’m sure you’ve heard that the basketball team is struggling this year, any advice? What about any college advice for up & coming MHS graduates?

Jason: I have witnessed it first hand. I have been to nearly every game. During winter break, I have been to every practice and game. I have been doing various things in helping Coach Ruffner. I sit on the bench during games, and I was one of the main people in charge (obviously below Coach Ruffner, Coach Cawood, etc. but I was in control of a lot of stuff) at this years Christmas Classic.

As far as the teams struggles... they are very, very young. There are only 3 upperclassmen. It isn’t uncommon to see 2 or 3 freshmen starters along with a lot of younger guys coming off the bench. They are showing signs of improvement. The team is kind of like my sophomore year which featured only 3 upperclassmen also. In other words, this team will be very good in the next coming years. We have a very tough district: Cosby, Harriman, and Rockwood. Grace is undefeated (I believe 15-0). Knox. Christian was added in this year and has very good ball players. Greenback is better this year. Luckily TSD is rebuilding too, after it lost its best player (and one the better players in the district of the last 2-3 years)

As far as advice...keep battling, don’t give up, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
For the Seniors, I am glad they had a chance to shine in some of the spotlight of last season and I really believe that they can make a run late in the playoffs. Because no matter what happens during the regular season, you only need to win the first district playoff game and you’re in the Regions. Win the first two Region games, you’re in the sub state. Win that, you’re in the State Tourney. So if you can play 4 games the best you’ve ever played, you can make it to the State-tourney, even if your record is 4 - whatever.

College advice all I can say is find a school that best fits you. Don’t be afraid to leave home and go somewhere new. And college is not as hard as it sounds.

SORSN: What colors do you think look best on you….Green & White or Blue & Yellow?

Jason: Well don’t I look good in any color?

I'd trade a Blue & Yellow MHC cheerleading outfit any day to get back in a Green & White MHS basketball/baseball uniform.

SORSN: Considering the answer I got from you last time I will probably regret asking you this but here goes nothing…..what is your pre-game ritual now as a cheer leader?

Jason: LOL, well usually it’s waking up from a nap or getting up out from bed like 30 minutes before I have to be there. I drink some type of coke (usually Vault) and jump in the shower (both of these wake me up). I then get dressed. I wear: a cup (yes, a cup, you can easily get hit there while lifting girls or catching them in stunts), black Under Armour compression shorts. White Under Armour top then cheerleading uniform. We wear pants and a short sleeve top (same fabric as the white baseball uniforms we used freshmen-junior year). Then my wristbands and shoes. Then I grab my cheerleading bag, keys, and student ID, and hustle to where I have to meet which is usually a minute or two before I need to be there. Then in pre-game we go over the stunts were going to do.

SORSN:Wasn’t quite as detailed as the last time that I asked you this and both I and our visitors thank you for that.

SORSN: As a recent graduate, other than watching Christmas Vacation with Coach Ruffner, what do you miss most about the Midway, the heart of SOR?

Jason: I miss it all. But before I talk about all that, I need to state something. After graduating it’s really weird. I was in the gym after the recent game against Harriman, the lights were out like the gym is any night you come home from an away game. Then it hit me. I thought to myself, "This is not my gym". Obviously I have never owned the gym, but while I played for four years my name was in the gym, and I always felt it was my gym. It’s not anymore, it’s a sad feeling.

Obviously I miss playing basketball and baseball. I miss going to the football games and hanging with my friends. I miss helping out with the Jr High football team. I miss giving Coach Hayes hugs in school everyday. I miss the teachers. I miss talking to Mrs. Lane. I miss the Midway Maniacs. I miss figuring out ways to get out of my morning first block tardys (which I got really good at). The funny crap we did in school. The guys and me (we had a good group of people who always hung out). We would make everyday funny by doing some funny stunt, no matter if it was on a small or large scale. Sitting in the same section of gym bleachers during school, and hanging out at the same wall (left wall where you first walk in school, the only one with the Midway HS 1997 plaque on it). Its winning the TSSAA A.F. Bridges Award (05-06 State Champs) which is also an inside joke with Coach Ruffner. Being one of the last students to leave school everyday and going to school in the summer and winter breaks for basketball. It’s the SOR, it’s a unique place, a great place, can’t lie, I miss it all.

SORSN:Ok, you lost me after “giving Coach Hayes hugs”.

Interviews with J-Lo and Kently

Kently Settlemyer
SORSN: Offensively, you’ve found your groove these last few weeks, are you in “the zone”? Does the basket seem enormous? Do you feel unstoppable? Is it the shoes? It’s gotta be the shoes! C’mon man, share your secret with us.

Kently: I guess the light just kind of came on finally. It sucks that it came on so late in the season though. I actually think it has something to do with the shoes because ever since I got my new pair (right before the Kings Academy game) I have scored well.

SORSN: Is your dad as handy with a broom at home as he is at the gym?

Kently: At home he's pretty handy with the vacuum.

SORSN: The Waves have several big games this week to close out the regular season. What’s this weeks ‘Keys to Winning’?

Kently: I think the keys to winning this week are mostly just playing like a team. We have to stay focused on one game at a time and put the past losses behind us.


Josh Lloyd
SORSN: Ok Josh, we have to ask this: Though he did look like a fullback carrying the ball, what were you thinking? Isn’t it odd that your best tackle this year was not on the football field, but rather on the hardwood?

Josh: Well if you're talking about the Cosby game, Well it was a good tackle because I was getting killed every time I tried to drive in (if you have ever seen me play, you know that’s my cup of tea) so the third time I just lost my cool and grabbed his jersey and slung him to the floor. Wasn't the best decision I made for our team.

SORSN: Your nickname is “J-Lo”, the real J-Lo, Jennifer Lopez, is arguably best known (among other things) for wearing “the dress” at an awards show. Can we expect you to show up at the basketball awards banquet with a low-cut, emerald green dress?

Josh: Well my green emerald dress you’re talking about is stashed away in my closet, and I'm afraid it won’t fit because I picked up ten pounds in my hips. I might be able to swing another dress to live up to J-Lo.

SORSN: The end of the regular season approaches, what’s the team’s attitude? Are you looking ahead to the tournaments?

Josh: Well the team is playing the best we have all season, we’re finally scoring descent amount as a team, and Kently and A.P. are really stepping up. It was really rough on us because of starting the new season with seven seniors. Most of us are followers and we didn't have Spencer or Crackbaby to set tempo. Now we have Woody and AP as our leaders and we just have to play our game and we will win. I'm looking forward to the tournaments, but I'm tired of getting third place in districts and losing first round of the region because that's what has happened the last three years so this year I want us to be at least 2nd in district and region and at least make substate.

Interview with Jason DeVries

SORSN: Okay dude, what’s up with the socks? Is it the same pair every game or do you have a drawer full of green striped tube socks?

Jason: First of all, I own 6 pairs of those socks. I bought them all at Journeys (store at mall). The wristbands I wear, I purchased NEW from EBAY. Between my freshmen and sophomore year I was looking for a unique style to call my own. Being a Larry Bird fan, I watched an old 80s Celtic game on ESPN Classic. I saw the socks they were wearing and I knew that was what I needed to get. I really like my “old school” style.

SORSN: Your one of the most intensive defensive players I’ve seen since Gabe Patterson (class ’95). You stick to your man as if you are conjoined twins. Is defense your favorite part of the game? Has anyone ever said “get off me!!!!!” or something worse while you’re guarding them?

Jason: I love defense! Taking charges is my favorite thing to do. (Look at the Coalfield gallery). I stick to my man because if I let him loose, he will get away and score on me. I have guarded like that since Jr. High because Coach Brackett taught me to do so. Also, my Dad always reminds to play like that because he can see in the games how much it will piss some of the guys off that I guard. I’ve had a lot of guys tell me to get off them or cuss at me. I have had guys push me off of them and get fouls called on them because of it. Jamie Hackler, of Rockwood, has elbowed me, because he got mad at me. It resulted in him getting a technical. In AAU basketball, I have been punched in the stomach for guarding them that way. It really bothers a lot of people the way I guard them, and a lot of times it mentally takes them out of the game.

SORSN: With socks such as those that you wear, surely you have some sort of pre-game ritual? Tie the right shoe first, fried bologna before every game, sing “You Can’t Touch This” in front of the mirror before heading to the gym, etc.

Jason: I do, I always get dressed a certain way and always drink an energy drink. Red Bull is what I’m currently drinking.

SORSN: You do know that Coca-Cola has some good energy drinks on the market: Full Throttle, Tab Energy, Rock Star, and Von Dutch; just to name a few

Jason: I always head to the locker room early in the first quarter of the girl’s game. I start by slowly taking my shirt off, and putting on my jersey. I open my Red Bull and take a sip. Then I take off my pants and put on my compression shorts and then my shorts.

SORSN: Okay that was way too much information and I’m making myself a memo now to be more careful with what questions I ask you.

Jason: Then I put on my socks and wristbands, all while drinking my Red Bull. Lastly, I put on my warm-ups. Finally, I go into coach’s office with Crabtree and we talk to coach about the game and watch TV (usually some type of college basketball or football).

SORSN: Would you believe me if I told you that Officer Walker (OW), aka “Dumas”….aka “Bryan Walker”, was once a basketball player? Would you also believe that he was once a football player, fullback, and could run the 40 in under 6 seconds? What would you guess his time at running the 40 is now? (running a 40 yard dash, not running to drink a 40 ouncer)

Jason: I’ve seen pictures of OW in the old yearbooks in sports, so I know those are true statements. But, as for the other questions I am going to say “NO COMMENT”, so I don’t get arrested.

Interview with Kristen Gable

SORSN: You have stepped up your post play and scoring in recent weeks to try and lift up the Lady Waves. Do you now consider yourself the go-to person on this team to put points on the board?

Kristen: Yes, but not if I miss shots continuously in a certain game

SORSN: Name these tunes:
a) “Straighten’ the curves, flatten’ the hills, someday the mountain might get’m but the law never will.”

b) “If I fell off tomorrow would you still love me? If I didn't smell so good would you still hug me?
If I got locked up and sentenced to a quarter century, could I count on you to be there to support me mentally?
If I went back to a hoopty from a Benz, would you poof and disappear like some of my friends?”

Kristen:
a) Dukes of Hazzard theme song "Just a good ole boys" by Waylon Jennings. I have been told it was played at your wedding.

b) 21 questions by 50 cent

SORSN: Very good knowledge of diverse musical genres. And yes much to my surprise, myself, along with the preacher and the best-man, came walking into the sanctuary to “Just the good ole boys”.

SORSN: What has been your highest point in your high school basketball career thus far? The lowest point?

Kristen: Now would be highest. My freshman year would be my lowest because I was injured.

SORSN: Scenario: Down by 1 with less than 10 seconds to go in the game and you have the ball just outside of the left block with your back to the basket. You’re being defended heavily by a girl about the same size, but has real bad body odor. I’m talking this girl is on you hard...all up in your business and the smell is horrific. Do you:
a) Square up and give her a hard elbow to create some distance as you drive to the center of the lane for a jump hook.
b) Turn and shoot a fade away jumper.
c) Pass the ball because you are gagging and grab your nose because you can’t take the smell any more.

Kristen: A

Interview with Hannah Childers

SORSN: The Lady Waves started the season with a big win over SaleCreek and went on a long stretch looking for win #2 but finally found it against TSD. A wise man once said, “winning breeds winning, losing breeds losing”. Do you agree with this - once you start losing that it’s hard to get that needed win to stop the losses?

Hannah: Yea, I'd probably have to agree with that (for the most part). After you get a few losses, it seems like people start looking down on you and your confidence kind of just drops for a while. I'm glad we got the win over TSD (but, I have to say, it wasn't as difficult as I'd expected). I think it really boost our confidence! I think we're ready for Sunbright on Friday.

SORSN: You wear #1 as your jersey number. Is there meaning behind this number?

Hannah: Haha... isn't this a question you should be asking my fans? (Just kidding) Of course there's a meaning behind the famous "#1." About anyone who knows me could tell you it's just my number. I guess it just fits me well.

SORSN: Assistant Coach Amy Woody was spotted walking like a 90 year old grandma the other day. Did she “attempt” to participate in the team’s practice? Are you aware that she has to ice down her knees at night if she tries to jog more than 20 yards? Does she try and show off her 1 inch vertical leap in practice?

Hannah: Yes, she actually practices with us quite a bit since we are short a few players. No, I was not aware of the icing of knees; maybe I'll play easier on her next practice... not. To back her up though, YES she does show off her 1 inch vertical leap, and she does it quite well. She has more skill than you would expect.

(Here’s a tip Hannah – make her go left)

SORSN: Let’s do a word association: (what comes to mind)
a) Pride - You know what they say, (“Pride come before the fall”)
b) Green - Waves (even though waves are bluish/white)
c) Sprints - My brother, Mark. He could sprint all day.
d) Free-Throws - J.J. Redick (Duke University, he rarely misses!!!)
e) Biology - Jared (where we met)
f) “Get a job” - me (Maybe one day)
g) Perfect hair - Mrs. Woody (I just realized, even when she sweats with us, it never messes up! Must be a "MoM" thing?!)
h) Speedy bicycle - Mr. Hirt

Interview with Austin Parkison

SORSN: The Waves have now won 4 in a row and looking at the next couple of games, could easily be on a 6 game winning streak when Coalfield comes South of the River for the first meeting of the season on Dec 15. When this years schedule came out, what games did you look at as being those must win games?

Austin: Yea we are playing pretty well and it would be big to be on a six game winning streak when Coalfield comes to town. Well we have to get the KTOGS (Kings Academy, TSD, Oakdale, Grace Christian, and Sunbright) Greenback, Coalfield and Monterey. Coach Ruffner always says you have to beat the teams that you are supposed to beat.

SORSN: Are you happy with how the team is currently playing? In your opinion, what is the team’s biggest weakness?

Austin: Well, I'm happy that we are winning, but we really need to play a lot better. We need to have a bigger post presence. During the game us guards need to work the ball inside more often. We are also too impatient on offense.

SORSN: How good are you at doing “step-drags”? What’s your least favorite drill in practice? Who talks the most trash in practice and on the floor during games?

Austin: I think that I'm pretty good at my "stepdrags"!! My least favorite drill is defensive slides for sure!!!! Zig zagging up and down the court wares me out and it makes your thighs feel the burn. Woody probably talks the most trash, but if he gets too cocky I guard him and show him who the man is.

SORSN: Who’s the biggest Midway Maniac? Are the Maniacs high on Mello-Yello and Skittles?

Austin: The biggest maniacs are Alex Norman and Tanner Roberson. The maniacs are definitely high on something. It might be those new Vault's in the Coke machines but Coach Ruffner thinks that they are smoking pot.

(Given how rowdy they are, I would say the Vault Energy Drink is to blame. Now if they were setting in the corner staring at the walls and eating Cheetoh's, then I would go with the smoking pot theory.)

SORSN: Let’s look ahead to the Coalfield game – what do you predict will be Coach Ruffner’s “Keys to Win” that he writes on the chalkboard?

Austin:
Play Hard
Free-throw block out (box up then in)
D-up
Value every possession