Wow, sounds like you have the inside scoop over there.
A couple things in response:
1) Let’s stick to the topic of this conversation. People are upset because like the commissioner said, “It isn’t a matter of their not fielding a team; it is that they are fielding a team and taking it elsewhere, not to league.” The PD article spoke on volleyball, wrestling at other schools not able to field a team. In those cases, the kids opted out for other reasons. Understood. Their HS coach was not leading them on a club team. Right? CN has a team and opted out and is playing AAU.That’s the problem here. This is very unprofessional and a very bad look on her and the team/school. Remind me, what other HS coach is opting out and taking their entire team to play AAU? How many girls on Mertle’s AAU team don’t attend CN?
2) Regarding the “Black Eye “ comment: again, proving my point that it’s a mess over at CN.
3) Regarding the cancelling of games - you referenced Windsor- sounds to me like they are looking out for the health of these kids. No argument there. Is Mertle testing her AAU team weekly? Better yet, are the AAU teams she’s playing against at these tournaments testing weekly? I can tell you for a fact, most AAU teams are not testing.
4) NBL Playoffs, banners etc- This is youth sports. There’s an opportunity to play, and CN is playing Elsewhere. Point blank. What do these kids get at the AAU tourneys she’s taking them to? A ribbon? A T-shirt? It’s a season in the middle of a pandemic. These kids have missed a year of their HS experience. Why can’t they participate in a short season for school pride? The other teams in this league had all the same info and chose to play. They wanted to play CN.
4) Look, we all know media is biased. This is why forums like this help gain further perspective and insight on topics. The PD article has direct quotes from multiple sources here. YSN365 is owned by a CN alumni, not much more to say about that.
5) Regarding the possibility of losing- History is History. That’s why we play the game. 40 point blow outs look different when 80% of your scoring isn’t on the team anymore.
6) Can’t say I agree that this is creating headlines because of the name on the Jersey. Again, tell me another high school coach who is taking their entire squad to go play AAU vs high school season. CN should set a precedent for these kids. HS ball is important in a kids life- even if it’s a short season. It really hurts the girls who are the opponents and wanted their shot to play & possibly beat CN too.
Finals, graduations and AP testing is apart of the real world. Gotta learn how to juggle it all.
If it was that serious about playing a week after school is out, forfeit 1 or 2 games. Take the L if it’s that serious, but don’t teach these kids to quit because it’s hard and you don’t get the accolades. Put some respect on the game. Everyone’s got their own opinion here, just expected more from CN/Mertle.
