FanSpeak

A nice appreciation

THANK YOU for the mention of Keith Anderson's passing in the Sports section. I appreciated reading Fred Graham's kind words that spoke for many of us who knew Keith.

Coach doesn't get it

HAS GARY Garner not figured it out yet? Defense wins games, period. He only has one starting player that plays sound defense in Brandon Griffin, and sometimes Scheer. But his three starting guards cannot play defense, period. I've seen it first-hand in every game they play. Garner needs to recruit defensive-minded players, and the scoring and winning will fall into place. That's why they went to the NCAA Tournament a few years ago. They played hard-nosed defense. Having guards that can only shoot from 3-point range isn't going to win many games. He needs to think about that next time he's out recruiting.

Welcome to reality

THERE FOR a while, I'd forgotten I lived in Southeast Missouri. Thanks for knocking some sense back into me with your NASCAR and rodeo articles the past couple of days.

Bell City's doing it right

I AM a Bell City alumnus in Newport News, Va. I listen to almost all of Bell City's games over a telephone that my family sits next to their radio. Coach Heeb does take a lot criticism from fans and coaches. The fact is, he does not do anything any different that many other coaches. The difference is coach Heeb does not hide his emotions, and I don't think he should. I don't agree with everything the coach does, but his emotions just make him that way. I do not want him to change. Every time a little school does something, someone has to stir up trouble. I'm happy that it's Bell City's turn, because that means we're doing something right.

The forgotten girls game

I WAS pleased with the crowd last Tuesday night at the Show Me Center, during the boys game at least. But did you guys forget that the girls played before them? Not only did you guys look bad walking in with one minute left, you lost a lot of respect from many people.

Keep the athletes in mind

I HAVE to agree with Mr. Hall's column and add my own comments. I also come to games fired up with enthusiasm and energy, some as a coach and others as a fan. What should have been humiliation for Bell City has turned into their source of pride. It no longer seems that kids playing sports is what matters -- it's how rude and obnoxious can we (coaches and fans) become and get by with it. It is not teaching our kids anything but disrespect for society, rules, themselves and, in some cases, the law. The game is for the kids, so all you coaches and fans take a back seat and let the kids play ball.

Disappointed by fans

AS A Notre Dame High School alum, I was disappointed to see the student body make itself look foolish at the Central vs. Notre Dame basketball game. If students are going to attempt to cheer, at least be original and try to rival Central's school spirit.

Waiting out the cycle

JAMIE, GREAT article. You covered the Bell City-Advance issue very unbiased, which in this case could be hard to do. Bell City has some real issues they are dealing with in regards to basketball. As it happens everywhere though, the tables will turn eventually.

A touch of class

LAST WEEK'S game between Notre Dame and Central was great. The two teams really played great. The fans, on the other hand, were awful. Central definitely showed its class. Thanks to students and staff, especially Terry Kitchen. Keep up the good work, Tigers.

Just part of the game

I PLAYED for Bell City in the 1990s, and we were the laughing stock of Stoddard County. It sure seems that when we played other teams, they never hesitated to run up the score. So why is there such an uproar about beating teams by a big margin? We can't help it that our subs are as good as our starters. These are great kids that didn't know what winning was until David Heeb showed up. People are just jealous that Heeb is 24 years old and has won one state title and is on his way for a second.

Losing is the real issue

THE PROBLEMS between Bell City and Advance are simple to figure out. For years Advance beat Bell City in basketball, and the people from Bell City had just accepted the fact that Advance was better. Now is where the problems begin. Bell City hired David Heeb. Advance has not beaten Bell City's varsity since December 2001. This problem is not about a student teacher or a head coach, it's about being sore losers.

Nothing's unsound here

LET ME tell you what is going on at Bell City in the last 12 months. We were just honored by Gov. Holden as one of the top schools in the state. We were recognized for being in the top 10 in MAP test scores two years in a row. We have assembled an academic team that is sanctioned by the MSHSAA. We have won the state basketball championship in Class 1. We had the only student from Stoddard County who was selected to attend the Missouri Scholars Academy. We had the Class 1 coach of the year in basketball. We had several students who were chosen all-staters for athletics. And behind all these accomplishments is a fantastic administration, faculty and staff. If being up at the top in academics and athletics is unsound, then so be it.

Kelly's lucky day

DELTA BEAT Kelly two out of three in girls basketball. Seems like Kelly had a lucky Saturday afternoon.