BleacherCoaches.com

DM is a great guy off the court and a very gracious opponent after the game. I wish people would realize that about him. Last night he was at his best. Coach Criswell complained big time to the officials after some bad calls. As a result, he got a series of make-up calls. Dave called a time-out and for a minute there I thought he was going to run down and jump Brad. Of course, that's also part of his act -- total intimidation -- but Criswell wasn't going to have any part of it. At least I think that's why Dave was so mad. Anyway, good job by the Ridge players and especially the coaching staff last night in keeping it together.

Speaking of DB again, I know people complain about how he reams his players out in the huddle and all that, but watch him closely and he spends a heck of a lot of time supporting and consoling too. At any rate, all those kids that have had a chance to play for the guy are lucky, in my opinion. Like any human he has flaws, but in the end, the kids who stick with him not only have success on the court, but I'm sure it makes them better people.

I played for Royce Waltman, another "maniac," and it certainly helped me out in tough times later in my life.

Sorry to ramble, but I love the guy, thorns and all. And if I lived in the TM school district, I would be proud to have my kid play for him.

Iagree with Foghorn. Coach Bailey is well liked at TM. As I have said many of times, if Coach Bailey were to decide to coach at another school in the area I believe almost ever school would take him. As the question being asked if he did flip the Ridge students off. The answer is no. But what really disappointed me at the game was the language being used by the Ridge students. I had my eight year old daughter there with me. My brother and I asked them numerous times to watch their language but to no avail. Then at the end of the game with around 30 seconds to play the student section started a chant of *ussey Mountain. What was really disappointing was that the so called security guard did nothing about it even though he was standing by these students. He just smiled. I don't know maybe he was more worried about some one spilling water in such great bleachers then the profanity. I congratulate ridge on their victory to bad I don't have the same respect for the young fans......

foghorn, awesome post.

I played for Coach Bailey 25 years ago. After 25 years I can honestly say he has influenced me as much as anyone I have ever been associated with. Yes he does ream his players but he spends more time supporting and encouraging them. And whats wrong with a good old fashioned tongue lashing once in a while. There have been very few of Coach Bailey's players ever in trouble, either with the law or at school. This man teaches discipline, hard work and a will to succeed. And yes it does carry with you throughout the rest of your life.

Bailey is a very intense coach, but his record proves that he is definitely one of the best around. Obviously the parents of the players don't mind him reaming them out on the court or else he would have been fired by now and he does support his players 100%. That's just the way he teaches discipline to his players. And I agree Foghorn, any person that has had the chance to play for Bailey is a very lucky person because he does teach his players some very valuable lessons that they can carry with them throughout life. TM is very proud of their basketball coach and they have an enormous amount of respect for him, as do other schools in the county.

Right, Anysport. No need for that language.