Friday, December 31, 2010
Defense against Central Catholic
Number 44 is Chris Boles, a 6-3 Senior Center. He has verbally committed to play offensive line for Illinois next year.
We weren't pushing him out of the paint much.
Thank you Roger for the pix.
We weren't pushing him out of the paint much.
Thank you Roger for the pix.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Cleaning out the video vault
One of the last videos from the Blade Classic.
To the hoop, in traffic past three guys on the break.
To the hoop, in traffic past three guys on the break.
Thank you for a great year
Sometime today, the blog will receive its 2,000th hit, and that doesn't count my mom!
The blog usually receives 60-70 hits on a non-game day and over 100 page views in the 24 hours following a game. That's amazing to me.
I've also had hits from several countries around the world - here are the non-US stats (country and number of visitors) United Kingdom 25 (looking forward to my royal wedding invite Bill and Kate), Croatia 25, Denmark 12, Canada 9, Slovenia 6, Germany 3 (Dirk, send your kids to MV!!), Cayman Islands 2 (Genna on vacation?), Malaysia 2, Iran(!) 1, Russia 1, South Korea 1 and Saudi Arabia 1.
One other cool thing about the randomness of Google - go there and search 'Insightful Internet Commentary'. The Hawkblog rules that space.
So Happy New Year and thanks again. I'll see many of you on January 3rd at the opening of the new High School. And I'm looking forward to writing many victory stories in 2011.
The blog usually receives 60-70 hits on a non-game day and over 100 page views in the 24 hours following a game. That's amazing to me.
I've also had hits from several countries around the world - here are the non-US stats (country and number of visitors) United Kingdom 25 (looking forward to my royal wedding invite Bill and Kate), Croatia 25, Denmark 12, Canada 9, Slovenia 6, Germany 3 (Dirk, send your kids to MV!!), Cayman Islands 2 (Genna on vacation?), Malaysia 2, Iran(!) 1, Russia 1, South Korea 1 and Saudi Arabia 1.
One other cool thing about the randomness of Google - go there and search 'Insightful Internet Commentary'. The Hawkblog rules that space.
So Happy New Year and thanks again. I'll see many of you on January 3rd at the opening of the new High School. And I'm looking forward to writing many victory stories in 2011.
Central loss Monday - a little perspective
TCC turned around and beat the Division 1 Sylvania Northview Wildcats from the NLL 80-45 on Northview's home court Tuesday night.
Hey, wait! Wildcats? Time for a reappearance of my favorite, stupid humor.
It was pointed out to me that aside from the disasterous second quarter, MV lost the first, third and fourth quarters by 5, 6 and 4 points respectively. I'd guess that the varsity could look back and figure out how they could have made up those deficits.
Hey, wait! Wildcats? Time for a reappearance of my favorite, stupid humor.
It was pointed out to me that aside from the disasterous second quarter, MV lost the first, third and fourth quarters by 5, 6 and 4 points respectively. I'd guess that the varsity could look back and figure out how they could have made up those deficits.
Boys' JV Loses to Central Catholic 65 to 12, Ouch!
From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash.
In a very physically demanding adventure, the boys' JV experienced their first loss of the season to the Central Catholic Fighting Irish. The Fighting Irish were just bigger, stronger and faster than the Hawks, but the Hawks never gave up. Throughout the game, until the very end, on turnovers, Hawks including Danny, Ahmed, Solomon and Thad, took off in pursuit to contest any breakaway layup.
The Hawks trailed from the beginning of the game as the Fighting Irish were able to execute their offense, get inside and had great shooting outside from their guards. The Irish's defensive pressure was also unforgiving. The score at halftime was 39-8, and the Hawks would score only 4 points in the 2nd half as good shots just would not fall for the Hawks.
In the 2nd half, the Irish continued to execute their offense with good skill in the post, great defense that led to fast break opportunities and continued sharp shooting from the outside. Everything goes much faster at game speed versus in practice, doesn't it? The game ended with Central Catholic winning 65-12.
So, a good reality check and a reminder to the JV to eat your Wheaties as in basketball size and skill help. The team must continue to work on mastering the game, getting shots off even when your opponent is bigger than you, and team defense.
Up next the Hawks face the Danbury Lakers in their fourth league match.
Scoring - Woodard 4, Collins 2, Hazimah 2, King 2, Okeke 2.
Editors $0.02 - I should have warned you. Two of Central's JVs played on Rick and Jared's AAU team. Every other guy on that AAU team is a starter for their respective High School.
The Hawk JVs should take heart knowing that 65-12ish scores used to come at the hands of Ottawa Hills and Toledo Christian. Those days are long gone. Get up off the canvas and resume punching on January 6th.
Happy New Year, and thanks again to Portia Ash who has been a wonderful addition to the blog.
In a very physically demanding adventure, the boys' JV experienced their first loss of the season to the Central Catholic Fighting Irish. The Fighting Irish were just bigger, stronger and faster than the Hawks, but the Hawks never gave up. Throughout the game, until the very end, on turnovers, Hawks including Danny, Ahmed, Solomon and Thad, took off in pursuit to contest any breakaway layup.
The Hawks trailed from the beginning of the game as the Fighting Irish were able to execute their offense, get inside and had great shooting outside from their guards. The Irish's defensive pressure was also unforgiving. The score at halftime was 39-8, and the Hawks would score only 4 points in the 2nd half as good shots just would not fall for the Hawks.
In the 2nd half, the Irish continued to execute their offense with good skill in the post, great defense that led to fast break opportunities and continued sharp shooting from the outside. Everything goes much faster at game speed versus in practice, doesn't it? The game ended with Central Catholic winning 65-12.
So, a good reality check and a reminder to the JV to eat your Wheaties as in basketball size and skill help. The team must continue to work on mastering the game, getting shots off even when your opponent is bigger than you, and team defense.
Up next the Hawks face the Danbury Lakers in their fourth league match.
Scoring - Woodard 4, Collins 2, Hazimah 2, King 2, Okeke 2.
Editors $0.02 - I should have warned you. Two of Central's JVs played on Rick and Jared's AAU team. Every other guy on that AAU team is a starter for their respective High School.
The Hawk JVs should take heart knowing that 65-12ish scores used to come at the hands of Ottawa Hills and Toledo Christian. Those days are long gone. Get up off the canvas and resume punching on January 6th.
Happy New Year, and thanks again to Portia Ash who has been a wonderful addition to the blog.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Chapter 6 - Better Here than in Columbus – Toledo Central Catholic 77- MV 46 Blade Classic at the Huntington Center 12.27.10
Setting the Table
Each year, Kevin Hayes stages two dramatic productions at Maumee Valley. Countless hours of preparation and work are a precursor to what appears to the audience at showtime to be a flawlessly staged evening of entertainment.
Before each of the performances, Mr. Hayes stages a dress rehearsal on the big stage. Although Kevin will take notes and make corrections, the principal purpose of the dress rehersal is to make sure the actors will not be dazzled by the bright lights of Opening Night in front of the usual sellout crowds.
And so it was on Monday December 27, 2010 that Coach Robinson held his own dress rehearsal of sorts for the Hawks on a very big stage indeed. The second game of the inaugural Blade Classic at the Huntington Center featured Maumee Valley against Division 1 power and defending City League Champion Toledo Central Catholic.
Make no mistake that during this season, next season or both, it is the Hawks’ goal to make a run in the State Playoffs. As all teams work through the state tournament to the Regional final four, the stages increase in size and intensity. For MV, such a journey would eventually mean a trip to Anderson Arena at Bowling Green, and ultimately to Value City Arena in Columbus Ohio.
With such lofty goals, it made perfect sense to expose these young Hawks to the glare of a major arena and a big-time opponent early in this two year quest. Win or lose, the next game in a larger venue will be less intimidating for this team.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
Game Summary
Toledo Central Catholic used its superior size and depth to lap the Hawks 77-46 in the second game of the Toledo Blade Classic at the Huntington Center. Maumee Valley played the Irish fairly close in the first quarter, but a 23-7 second frame did MV in.
Rick led the MV scoring with 13, followed by Jared with 10, and Dixon with a season high 8 points.
First Quarter CC 17 – MV 12
Central started off in their man press, MV was in regular man to man.
Things got off to a shaky start for the Hawks with two quick turnovers and Central took a 4-0 lead in the first 30 seconds. Coach Robinson called a quick timeout at the 6:56 mark to calm the waters, and Dixon immediately converted on a press break for MV's opening tally.
It became clear that Central was inviting MV to attack the press in order to lure the Blue and White into a running game. Maumee Valley was tentative however, and struggled with it high post offense, having to work at the top of the key and beyond against the taller Irish. A few more baskets off of turnovers and Central took a 11-2 lead, Julius entered the game at 4:30, and the Hawks got their balance back. Dave Brown hit a three pointer, Rick made a basket + 1 on a drive to the rim and MV pulled to within 11-8. That would be the high water mark for the Hawks.
Central challenged MV on every posession and with a 15 man roster full of athletic talent, it was clear that giving fouls would not be a concern for the Irish. CC picked up four fouls in the first quarter and didn’t blink.
The teams continued to work up and down both ends of the court, the Hawks’ final highlights in the quarter coming from a nice baseline drive by Julius Turner for two and a driving basket by Rick in on a fast break.
At quarter’s end, MV was down five, and things didn’t look so bad – for now.
Second Quarter CC 23 – MV 7
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Jonathan, Jared, Julius Turner
Fourteen inches doesn’t seem like very much. To a golfer, it’s a tap-in. In a track meet, it’s distance covered in a fraction of a second. But in basketball, when those fourteen inches represent the aggregate height difference between the two teams on the court, it works out to nearly three inches per each player. Overcoming a differential like that against a starting five is a big challenge, but Central was able to put out three separate five-man lineups with such an advantage. That depth proved to be the dagger in the second quarter.
CC continued in various forms of man press through the quarter. MV stayed in its 2-3 zone.
At its end, Central began to work the ball into the high post. They made their first two open shots from the elbow, so MV was forced to come out to challenge the post player. Central was able to pass down deep for layups, work it outside for uncontested threes or continue shooting from around the foul line. During a series of six or seven consecutive wide open shots, the Irish tore off on an 11-3 run to pull ahead 28-15 with 3:30 left.
It was MV’s turn in a quarter to look out-of-sorts. With Central’s quickness showing, the usual passing lanes were closed off and the Hawks were forced into shots from inopportune locations.
The game again turned into a track meet and over the next 1:50, Central enjoyed a 12-4 run. With 40 seconds left, TCC worked for the last shot, but they missed. It was about the only miss in the quarter, and the halftime score was 40-19 in favor of Central.
Third Quarter CC 21 – MV 15
Starting the Quarter – initial game starters
MV came out in man defense to begin the quarter. Central stayed with man pressure.
MV came out much more active in the second quarter. Jared stole a pass early in the quarter and drove the length of the court for a basket + 1. This put one of the CC forwards into foul trouble, but the Irish simply unplugged one 6’4” forward out of the Matrix and replaced him with another 6’4” forward.
Central’s offensive highlight came during the quarter when 6’5” Senior Guard Dareon Jones dunked over Dixon early in the frame. The pace of the game quickened, and Coach Robinson called time out with 6:45 left in the quarter and Central up 46-23.
MV put on a mini run with a three by Rick Deichert...
...and a two pointer by Dave Brown for five straight points. CC continued to rack up fouls, with Senior swing man Jay Marquette drawing his fourth foul after Dixon Stoddard stole a pass and drove to the basket. At 5:01, Central would call time to regroup.
Again, the Irish managed to quicken the pace of the game. For the next 2:30, Central would turn the game into something resembling a mid-April AAU game, running the floor and shooting at their first open look. By the 2:35 mark, Central had extended its lead to 57-32.
Jared had a good closing stretch at the end of the third quarter, drawing two fouls on inside moves. Central closed out the scoring at quarter end, and held a commanding 61-34 lead.
Fourth Quarter – CC 16 – MV 12
Starting the quarter – same as second quarter starters
Jared continued to improve during the quarter, starting off with a basket off a loose ball and two free throws after drawing a foul on a move to the hoop. Julius Turner also had some good moments twice getting to the line after driving to the basket in traffic.
Central continued to press until about the 5:30 mark and finally dropped back to a 2-3 zone.
At the 2:48 mark, both coaches went to the bench and gave all their players an opportunity to play on the Huntington Center court. Daniel Brandon made the most of his opportunity, making two free throws near the end of the game to close out the scoring for MV.
Final Game Thoughts
As I noted in the quick summary…It could be worse.
But this game will result in a wealth of second chances for MV. For every regret the team had out on the court Monday afternoon, there will be numerous opportunities to redeem the ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda’ moments throughout the remainder of the season.
The Hawks will carry the memory of this performance to the playoffs, where the larger crowds and excitement will seem that much less overwhelming after today.
MV will not play a stronger team for the remainder of the season - even if they do make it to Value City Arena. In Division IV, it’s much more a ‘starting five vs. starting five’ game. There won’t be 15-strong, athletic teams able to shrug off having three starters sit with four fouls in the third quarter. And for several stretches during the game the Hawks held their own, especially when the game was played on a half court level.
A final perspective - one year ago, MV was 2-4 with losses to Fayette, OH, TC and North Baltimore. Now, they sit tied for first place early in the TAAC season with a 4-2 record.
With apologies to the Blade’s Barbara Hendel…
Movers and shakers seen at the game today included most of the Cardinal Stritch team and several members of the Ottawa Hills starting five. MV will face CS at the Varsity Gym Friday, January 21, 2011.
Scoring
Rick led the Hawks with 13 points on the day, followed by Jared with 10, Dixon with a season high 8, Dave 7, and Julius 6. Daniel Brandon scored his first two points of the season.
Next up
MV continues TAAC play on the Marblehead Peninsula Thursday January 6, 2011 against Danbury. Kobe and Pau are not expected to be available for the Lakers that evening.
Each year, Kevin Hayes stages two dramatic productions at Maumee Valley. Countless hours of preparation and work are a precursor to what appears to the audience at showtime to be a flawlessly staged evening of entertainment.
Before each of the performances, Mr. Hayes stages a dress rehearsal on the big stage. Although Kevin will take notes and make corrections, the principal purpose of the dress rehersal is to make sure the actors will not be dazzled by the bright lights of Opening Night in front of the usual sellout crowds.
 |
| It's the Robber Bridegroom!!! |
And so it was on Monday December 27, 2010 that Coach Robinson held his own dress rehearsal of sorts for the Hawks on a very big stage indeed. The second game of the inaugural Blade Classic at the Huntington Center featured Maumee Valley against Division 1 power and defending City League Champion Toledo Central Catholic.
Make no mistake that during this season, next season or both, it is the Hawks’ goal to make a run in the State Playoffs. As all teams work through the state tournament to the Regional final four, the stages increase in size and intensity. For MV, such a journey would eventually mean a trip to Anderson Arena at Bowling Green, and ultimately to Value City Arena in Columbus Ohio.
With such lofty goals, it made perfect sense to expose these young Hawks to the glare of a major arena and a big-time opponent early in this two year quest. Win or lose, the next game in a larger venue will be less intimidating for this team.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
Game Summary
Toledo Central Catholic used its superior size and depth to lap the Hawks 77-46 in the second game of the Toledo Blade Classic at the Huntington Center. Maumee Valley played the Irish fairly close in the first quarter, but a 23-7 second frame did MV in.
Rick led the MV scoring with 13, followed by Jared with 10, and Dixon with a season high 8 points.
First Quarter CC 17 – MV 12
Central started off in their man press, MV was in regular man to man.
Things got off to a shaky start for the Hawks with two quick turnovers and Central took a 4-0 lead in the first 30 seconds. Coach Robinson called a quick timeout at the 6:56 mark to calm the waters, and Dixon immediately converted on a press break for MV's opening tally.
It became clear that Central was inviting MV to attack the press in order to lure the Blue and White into a running game. Maumee Valley was tentative however, and struggled with it high post offense, having to work at the top of the key and beyond against the taller Irish. A few more baskets off of turnovers and Central took a 11-2 lead, Julius entered the game at 4:30, and the Hawks got their balance back. Dave Brown hit a three pointer, Rick made a basket + 1 on a drive to the rim and MV pulled to within 11-8. That would be the high water mark for the Hawks.
Central challenged MV on every posession and with a 15 man roster full of athletic talent, it was clear that giving fouls would not be a concern for the Irish. CC picked up four fouls in the first quarter and didn’t blink.
The teams continued to work up and down both ends of the court, the Hawks’ final highlights in the quarter coming from a nice baseline drive by Julius Turner for two and a driving basket by Rick in on a fast break.
At quarter’s end, MV was down five, and things didn’t look so bad – for now.
Second Quarter CC 23 – MV 7
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Jonathan, Jared, Julius Turner
Fourteen inches doesn’t seem like very much. To a golfer, it’s a tap-in. In a track meet, it’s distance covered in a fraction of a second. But in basketball, when those fourteen inches represent the aggregate height difference between the two teams on the court, it works out to nearly three inches per each player. Overcoming a differential like that against a starting five is a big challenge, but Central was able to put out three separate five-man lineups with such an advantage. That depth proved to be the dagger in the second quarter.
CC continued in various forms of man press through the quarter. MV stayed in its 2-3 zone.
At its end, Central began to work the ball into the high post. They made their first two open shots from the elbow, so MV was forced to come out to challenge the post player. Central was able to pass down deep for layups, work it outside for uncontested threes or continue shooting from around the foul line. During a series of six or seven consecutive wide open shots, the Irish tore off on an 11-3 run to pull ahead 28-15 with 3:30 left.
It was MV’s turn in a quarter to look out-of-sorts. With Central’s quickness showing, the usual passing lanes were closed off and the Hawks were forced into shots from inopportune locations.
The game again turned into a track meet and over the next 1:50, Central enjoyed a 12-4 run. With 40 seconds left, TCC worked for the last shot, but they missed. It was about the only miss in the quarter, and the halftime score was 40-19 in favor of Central.
Third Quarter CC 21 – MV 15
Starting the Quarter – initial game starters
MV came out in man defense to begin the quarter. Central stayed with man pressure.
MV came out much more active in the second quarter. Jared stole a pass early in the quarter and drove the length of the court for a basket + 1. This put one of the CC forwards into foul trouble, but the Irish simply unplugged one 6’4” forward out of the Matrix and replaced him with another 6’4” forward.
 |
| It only seemed like Central had this many 6'4" guys pressing MV. |
Central’s offensive highlight came during the quarter when 6’5” Senior Guard Dareon Jones dunked over Dixon early in the frame. The pace of the game quickened, and Coach Robinson called time out with 6:45 left in the quarter and Central up 46-23.
MV put on a mini run with a three by Rick Deichert...
...and a two pointer by Dave Brown for five straight points. CC continued to rack up fouls, with Senior swing man Jay Marquette drawing his fourth foul after Dixon Stoddard stole a pass and drove to the basket. At 5:01, Central would call time to regroup.
Again, the Irish managed to quicken the pace of the game. For the next 2:30, Central would turn the game into something resembling a mid-April AAU game, running the floor and shooting at their first open look. By the 2:35 mark, Central had extended its lead to 57-32.
Jared had a good closing stretch at the end of the third quarter, drawing two fouls on inside moves. Central closed out the scoring at quarter end, and held a commanding 61-34 lead.
Fourth Quarter – CC 16 – MV 12
Starting the quarter – same as second quarter starters
Jared continued to improve during the quarter, starting off with a basket off a loose ball and two free throws after drawing a foul on a move to the hoop. Julius Turner also had some good moments twice getting to the line after driving to the basket in traffic.
Central continued to press until about the 5:30 mark and finally dropped back to a 2-3 zone.
At the 2:48 mark, both coaches went to the bench and gave all their players an opportunity to play on the Huntington Center court. Daniel Brandon made the most of his opportunity, making two free throws near the end of the game to close out the scoring for MV.
Final Game Thoughts
As I noted in the quick summary…It could be worse.
But this game will result in a wealth of second chances for MV. For every regret the team had out on the court Monday afternoon, there will be numerous opportunities to redeem the ‘woulda, coulda, shoulda’ moments throughout the remainder of the season.
The Hawks will carry the memory of this performance to the playoffs, where the larger crowds and excitement will seem that much less overwhelming after today.
MV will not play a stronger team for the remainder of the season - even if they do make it to Value City Arena. In Division IV, it’s much more a ‘starting five vs. starting five’ game. There won’t be 15-strong, athletic teams able to shrug off having three starters sit with four fouls in the third quarter. And for several stretches during the game the Hawks held their own, especially when the game was played on a half court level.
A final perspective - one year ago, MV was 2-4 with losses to Fayette, OH, TC and North Baltimore. Now, they sit tied for first place early in the TAAC season with a 4-2 record.
With apologies to the Blade’s Barbara Hendel…
Movers and shakers seen at the game today included most of the Cardinal Stritch team and several members of the Ottawa Hills starting five. MV will face CS at the Varsity Gym Friday, January 21, 2011.
Scoring
Rick led the Hawks with 13 points on the day, followed by Jared with 10, Dixon with a season high 8, Dave 7, and Julius 6. Daniel Brandon scored his first two points of the season.
Next up
MV continues TAAC play on the Marblehead Peninsula Thursday January 6, 2011 against Danbury. Kobe and Pau are not expected to be available for the Lakers that evening.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Links to Toledo Blade game article and photo gallery
Here is the game story and...
here is the photo gallery.
The Blade added yet another first name derivative for Rick Deichert in the picture captions - Fredrick - and are now up to a full starting fivesome of names on the season (previously using Rick, Ricky, Frederick and Fred).
here is the photo gallery.
The Blade added yet another first name derivative for Rick Deichert in the picture captions - Fredrick - and are now up to a full starting fivesome of names on the season (previously using Rick, Ricky, Frederick and Fred).
Dave Brown for two
Working on the game story now....in the meantime, here's a highlight from yesterday.
There's a new entrant into the Scoreapalooza ranks
Congratulations to Daniel Brandon, who scored his first points of the year at the Huntington Center today.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Toledo Central Catholic 77 – MV 46
Toledo Central Catholic used its superior size and depth to lap the Hawks this afternoon 77-46 in the second game of the Toledo Blade Classic at the Huntington Center. Maumee Valley played fairly close to the Irish in the first quarter, but a 23-7 second frame did MV in.
Scoring is extremely sketchy at this point as I didn’t get a look at the scorebook. I was told Rick led scoring with 11, followed by Jared with 10, but this needs to be verified tomorrow.
Hey, it could be worse...
Scoring is extremely sketchy at this point as I didn’t get a look at the scorebook. I was told Rick led scoring with 11, followed by Jared with 10, but this needs to be verified tomorrow.
Hey, it could be worse...
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Jared Sturt is Athlete of the week on TV 13
Embedding doesn't work very well with the ABC TV13 website so click through to this link.
Actually some nice shots of the whole team in this clip.
Actually some nice shots of the whole team in this clip.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Toledo Central Catholic Preview
Fast facts
Opponent: Toledo Central Catholic
Enrollment (9-12): 1230 (courtesy of the Lehman family)
Division/League: D-I / Toledo City League
Team Nickname: Fighting Irish
Toledo Blade Preview of Central Catholic
Coach: Jim Welling, third season
Last season: 20-3, 9-2
This Season - 2-1, 1-1 City League
Top players: Seniors Drew Lehman, 5-11, G; Jay Marquette, 6-3, F; Domingo Muniz, 6-4, F; Ben Dent, 5-7, G; Dareon Jones, 6-5, G. Juniors Tony Mays, 6-4, G-F; Mahlon Washington, 6-5, F.
Outlook: With their ability to play disciplined basketball in a variety of tempos last season, the Irish became a tough team to beat on any night, especially in mid-February when they ended a 42-year drought to win their first CL championship since 1968. Central also advanced to the D-I district final before falling to St. John's.
With four starters returning from that team, plus the addition of Jones (11.4 points), a transfer who was a two-year starter at Whitmer, Central is poised to take a run at a repeat. Lehman (13.1 points, 3.8 assists), one of the area's most efficient guards, and Mays (11.7 points, 9.4 rebounds), a solid scorer and rebounder, are each third-year starters. The Irish have good team quickness to go with experience and depth. But a lack of overall size could make rebounding challenging at times.
"We have to continue to take strides in the program," said Welling. "Winning the City was great, but we want to take the next step [in tourney play]. We want to try to be the best we can be every night out."
Hawkblog notes – MV plays in the Central Catholic summer league vs. City League, NLL and other big school opponents…Drew Lehman is a do-it-all guard, a definite scoring threat…Central loves pressure defense and the Hawks will be tested throughout the game…Several MV coaches and players were on hand at Central’s Sullivan Center Thursday night for CC’s big win over Eastwood...Central was ranked 11th in a Division 1 poll before suffering it's only loss this season to Whitmer 48-40 last week
Opponent: Toledo Central Catholic
Enrollment (9-12): 1230 (courtesy of the Lehman family)
Division/League: D-I / Toledo City League
Team Nickname: Fighting Irish
Toledo Blade Preview of Central Catholic
Coach: Jim Welling, third season
Last season: 20-3, 9-2
This Season - 2-1, 1-1 City League
Top players: Seniors Drew Lehman, 5-11, G; Jay Marquette, 6-3, F; Domingo Muniz, 6-4, F; Ben Dent, 5-7, G; Dareon Jones, 6-5, G. Juniors Tony Mays, 6-4, G-F; Mahlon Washington, 6-5, F.
Outlook: With their ability to play disciplined basketball in a variety of tempos last season, the Irish became a tough team to beat on any night, especially in mid-February when they ended a 42-year drought to win their first CL championship since 1968. Central also advanced to the D-I district final before falling to St. John's.
With four starters returning from that team, plus the addition of Jones (11.4 points), a transfer who was a two-year starter at Whitmer, Central is poised to take a run at a repeat. Lehman (13.1 points, 3.8 assists), one of the area's most efficient guards, and Mays (11.7 points, 9.4 rebounds), a solid scorer and rebounder, are each third-year starters. The Irish have good team quickness to go with experience and depth. But a lack of overall size could make rebounding challenging at times.
"We have to continue to take strides in the program," said Welling. "Winning the City was great, but we want to take the next step [in tourney play]. We want to try to be the best we can be every night out."
Hawkblog notes – MV plays in the Central Catholic summer league vs. City League, NLL and other big school opponents…Drew Lehman is a do-it-all guard, a definite scoring threat…Central loves pressure defense and the Hawks will be tested throughout the game…Several MV coaches and players were on hand at Central’s Sullivan Center Thursday night for CC’s big win over Eastwood...Central was ranked 11th in a Division 1 poll before suffering it's only loss this season to Whitmer 48-40 last week
Friday, December 24, 2010
MV vs. EC - Bonus video
Courtesy of MV parent Blake Stoddard. This is the start of the third quarter.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Watched Ottawa Hills vs. Toledo Christian on TV - comments
Nothing too insightful here, just some impressions.
1. I didn't realize how small the TC gym was. Their press to a great extent is build around that floor. There's less space to cover. It will be interesting to see how they adjust in their new building.
2. Ottawa Hills won that game down the stretch at the line. Impressive free throw shooting by the Bears. Conversely, they almost gave the game away in the fourth quarter with a lot of quick posessions. Coach Lindsay must have been pulling his hair out.
3. David Westmeyer and Andrew Jamieson were the best players on the court that evening. Although Josh Whitlow played a big part in the Eagles' comeback with three 3-pointers in the second half. He was money from the left hand corner.
4. OH played much of the game without Lucas Janowicz - first due to foul trouble, then because OH wanted ball handlers in the game.
5. This year anyway, OH lives by the fade away jumper. TC lives by the three.
6. TC thrives on a fast paced game. They are vulnerable to a good inside game.
7. Note for next year - TC currently starts five seniors, OH starts three.
8. Coach Stan Joplin is a good analyst.
1. I didn't realize how small the TC gym was. Their press to a great extent is build around that floor. There's less space to cover. It will be interesting to see how they adjust in their new building.
2. Ottawa Hills won that game down the stretch at the line. Impressive free throw shooting by the Bears. Conversely, they almost gave the game away in the fourth quarter with a lot of quick posessions. Coach Lindsay must have been pulling his hair out.
3. David Westmeyer and Andrew Jamieson were the best players on the court that evening. Although Josh Whitlow played a big part in the Eagles' comeback with three 3-pointers in the second half. He was money from the left hand corner.
4. OH played much of the game without Lucas Janowicz - first due to foul trouble, then because OH wanted ball handlers in the game.
5. This year anyway, OH lives by the fade away jumper. TC lives by the three.
6. TC thrives on a fast paced game. They are vulnerable to a good inside game.
7. Note for next year - TC currently starts five seniors, OH starts three.
8. Coach Stan Joplin is a good analyst.
Toledo Blade article on MV today
A great article about the team in its run-up to the Blade Classic Monday. Thanks to sportswriter Donald Emmons.
And it's the Blade's fourth name used for Number 25 so far this year, not counting misspellings of Deichert. So, Frederick, Rick, Ricky or Fred - which is it?
And it's the Blade's fourth name used for Number 25 so far this year, not counting misspellings of Deichert. So, Frederick, Rick, Ricky or Fred - which is it?
New High School moving-in videos
The faculty and staff are busier than Santa's workshop this season. We are moving into the new school January 3, 2011.
Here are some videos from Wednesday December 22, 2010.
Here are some videos from Wednesday December 22, 2010.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Old age confronts youth in Alumni Holiday Hoops Game
No oxygen or stretchers needed, a good time was had by all on Wednesday December 22, 2010 at the Varsity Gym. Somehow, the combined Varsity and JV team pulled out a last second victory over the veterans.
All of these and more MV videos are available on my YouTube channel TheHoopsEditor.
Here are your game highlights.
All of these and more MV videos are available on my YouTube channel TheHoopsEditor.
Here are your game highlights.
MV 56 - EC 39 - 12.21.10 - Hawkblog Insightful Internet Commentary
Tonight's good news is brought to you by Dixon Stoddard, Julius Turner and AJ King.
Chapter 5 – A Winter Warrior Waxing – MV 56 – EC 39 - 12.21.10 at Maumee Valley
Setting the Table
It was holiday break at Maumee Valley. In past years, that meant a very small crowd as families would disperse and forget about school for a while. But last night, the Blue and White played before its largest audience of the season, a standing room only crowd of students, parents, alumni and friends.
And the home team would not disappoint the assembled faithful this first day of Winter, heating up the Varsity Gym with their best sustained performance of the season. Coach Robinson would see his 496th career victory this evening.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
Game Summary
Maumee Valley played its most dominating half of basketball this season, jumping out to a 30-13 lead and never looking back as the Hawks cruised to a 56-39 victory. The game was not as close as the final score indicated - MV was up 52-25 with 3:51 to go when Coach Robinson loosened things up down the stretch.
Three Hawks scored in double figures; Rick Deichert led the team with 15 points including three consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter. Julius Turner scored 13 against his former teammates and Dave Brown finished with 11.
First Quarter MV 18 – EC 10
One of the TAAC constants is EC’s use of the 2-3 zone. I’ve seen about 8 EC varsity games and they play this defense every time. MV came out in man.
MV started the game in its motion offense and ran nearly 1:20 off the clock warming up. Play was sloppy for the next 40 seconds until Dave Brown took an outlet pass off a steal and took off on the break. Jared Sturt was there for the finish and the Hawks were on the board first at the 6:02 mark.
That was the metaphorical on-switch for the home team. MV turned up the pressure on both ends of the floor. Dave found Jared on a lob pass for another two. Rick Deichert scored a three pointer off an inbounds play, and MV got possession right back on a defensive stop. Dave dribbled into the left hand corner, across the entire length of the base line and fired a pass to Rick who scored from the right wing with his second trey in a row.
In 65 seconds, Maumee Valley rolled up a 10-2 run. EC had seen enough and called a time out with 4:57 left.
The Green and White came out with some good inside passing work and two baskets, but MV kept the pressure up. Rick made his third straight three-ball with 3:24 left in the frame.
Julius Turner entered the game near this point to make his debut against his former teammates. He affected a few shots on defense, but also drew two fouls against him.
Meanwhile, EC had scrapped back to 13-8, but the Warrior zone continued to look like a welcome mat to the Blue and White guards. This time it was Dave’s turn to fire in a three and make it 16-8. Two free throws by Dixon Stoddard and a final basket by EC brought the quarter to a close.
Maumee Valley had taken an eight point lead on the strength of four three-pointers. EC’s zone, dependent on good rotation to take away the outside shot had failed them.
Second Quarter MV 12 – EC 3
Starting the quarter – Nick Frasco, Rick Jared, Omar Hazimah, Dixon
Maumee Valley switched over to its 2-3 matchup zone; EC stayed in its base.
The quarter opened with Omar Hazimah doing his best Henry Beausejour imitation, driving the baseline for a two pointer. Dave Brown returned to the lineup, stole the ball and made a 7 foot floater on the break. EC Coach Dave Regnier sensed things getting out of hand and called time with 5:32 left.
MV switched back to man, and expanded its rotation with Daniel Brandon and Parker Bayer seeing second quarter action. The Hawks continued to extend their lead with strong defense all around. Dixon created mayhem for the EC offense as he drew a charging call from a Warrior guard on a drive to the basket. The visitors could not get any offensive flow going and only garnered one shot on the majority of their possessions. Several Hawks scored on fast break points, running on every rebound and stolen ball.
With 1:05 left, MV ran the clock down until EC fouled Dave with 10.6 seconds left. He made both ends and the half ended with Maumee Valley ahead 30-13.
It was the most complete half played to date by the home team with pressure all over the court.
Third Quarter MV 13 – EC 10
Starting the quarter – original starting five
MV began the quarter in zone, as did EC.
MV continued to have its way on both ends of the floor, beginning the quarter with a fast break which Dixon converted off a Rick Deichert pass. Early in the quarter, Julius would return and become the offensive force in the second half.
During the quarter, MV’s conditioning also paid dividends. Despite EC playing the game in zone 95% of the evening, MV was tiring the Warriors out with the running game.
Our video highlights tonight are from the third quarter and feature baskets by Jonathan, Julius and Rick.
Play was back and forth near the end of the quarter and at the 75% mark, MV was ahead 43-23.
Fourth Quarter – EC 16 – MV 13
Starting the quarter – original starting five
MV’s starting rotation stayed in for the first four minutes of the quarter and dominated play. Julius hit a three pointer from the top of the key at the 6:00 mark. Rick fired a 12 foot jumper from the paint at 5:13.
But the best play of the quarter occurred at the 4:12 mark, when Rick fired a fast-break pass from about 30 feet on the right hand side to a streaking Julius Turner who caught it at full speed at the left-hand block and effortlessly finished at the hoop for the evening’s exclamation point.
At 3:51, the starters exited with a 52-25 lead. Play finished with the Hawks winning 56-39.
Final Game Thoughts
Any fear of a letdown was unfounded this evening. The Hawks came prepared to play and gave the winter homecoming crowd a big time show. If anything, the big Ottawa Hills win last Friday increased the Blue and White’s confidence. It was the most aggressively played game of the season.
In five games now, Maumee Valley has had five different players score in double figures at least once – Rick, Dave, Jared, Julius and Jonathan. Tough to stop, eh?
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Rick Deichert scored 9 in the first quarter, and then added another six along the way to finish with 15 points for the Hawks. Julius Turner had 13 against his former mates and Dave Brown finished with 11. Jared Sturt had 6 for the Hawks, Jonathan Kruger contributed 5, Dixon Stoddard 4 and Omar Hazimah scored 2 on a baseline drive which made it on to the Channel 13 highlight reel Tuesday evening.
In Scores of Other Games…
While MV was cruising, Ottawa Hills traveled to Toledo Christian and came away with a 58-47 win.
After round 1 of the TAAC-favorite round robin, nothing is settled. Not only are all three front runners 1-1 against the others, all three wins came on opponents’ home courts (MV won at OH, TC won at MV, OH won at TC). Round two takes place between January 29 and February 4, 2011, as the home teams will try to hold serve this time.
It’s a good time to be in the TAAC. Good competition and exciting games.
Next up
MV will play before perhaps the biggest crowd in school history as they take on the Fighting Irish of Toledo Central Catholic at the Huntington Center Monday December 27 at 2pm. Tickets are available from school (contact Mr. Fish) or at the gate the day of the game. No broadcast schedule has been announced yet, but anticipate BCSN / 106.5FM and/or AM 1230 coverage of the game.
It was holiday break at Maumee Valley. In past years, that meant a very small crowd as families would disperse and forget about school for a while. But last night, the Blue and White played before its largest audience of the season, a standing room only crowd of students, parents, alumni and friends.
And the home team would not disappoint the assembled faithful this first day of Winter, heating up the Varsity Gym with their best sustained performance of the season. Coach Robinson would see his 496th career victory this evening.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
Game Summary
Maumee Valley played its most dominating half of basketball this season, jumping out to a 30-13 lead and never looking back as the Hawks cruised to a 56-39 victory. The game was not as close as the final score indicated - MV was up 52-25 with 3:51 to go when Coach Robinson loosened things up down the stretch.
Three Hawks scored in double figures; Rick Deichert led the team with 15 points including three consecutive three-pointers in the first quarter. Julius Turner scored 13 against his former teammates and Dave Brown finished with 11.
First Quarter MV 18 – EC 10
One of the TAAC constants is EC’s use of the 2-3 zone. I’ve seen about 8 EC varsity games and they play this defense every time. MV came out in man.
MV started the game in its motion offense and ran nearly 1:20 off the clock warming up. Play was sloppy for the next 40 seconds until Dave Brown took an outlet pass off a steal and took off on the break. Jared Sturt was there for the finish and the Hawks were on the board first at the 6:02 mark.
That was the metaphorical on-switch for the home team. MV turned up the pressure on both ends of the floor. Dave found Jared on a lob pass for another two. Rick Deichert scored a three pointer off an inbounds play, and MV got possession right back on a defensive stop. Dave dribbled into the left hand corner, across the entire length of the base line and fired a pass to Rick who scored from the right wing with his second trey in a row.
In 65 seconds, Maumee Valley rolled up a 10-2 run. EC had seen enough and called a time out with 4:57 left.
The Green and White came out with some good inside passing work and two baskets, but MV kept the pressure up. Rick made his third straight three-ball with 3:24 left in the frame.
Julius Turner entered the game near this point to make his debut against his former teammates. He affected a few shots on defense, but also drew two fouls against him.
Meanwhile, EC had scrapped back to 13-8, but the Warrior zone continued to look like a welcome mat to the Blue and White guards. This time it was Dave’s turn to fire in a three and make it 16-8. Two free throws by Dixon Stoddard and a final basket by EC brought the quarter to a close.
Maumee Valley had taken an eight point lead on the strength of four three-pointers. EC’s zone, dependent on good rotation to take away the outside shot had failed them.
Second Quarter MV 12 – EC 3
Starting the quarter – Nick Frasco, Rick Jared, Omar Hazimah, Dixon
Maumee Valley switched over to its 2-3 matchup zone; EC stayed in its base.
The quarter opened with Omar Hazimah doing his best Henry Beausejour imitation, driving the baseline for a two pointer. Dave Brown returned to the lineup, stole the ball and made a 7 foot floater on the break. EC Coach Dave Regnier sensed things getting out of hand and called time with 5:32 left.
MV switched back to man, and expanded its rotation with Daniel Brandon and Parker Bayer seeing second quarter action. The Hawks continued to extend their lead with strong defense all around. Dixon created mayhem for the EC offense as he drew a charging call from a Warrior guard on a drive to the basket. The visitors could not get any offensive flow going and only garnered one shot on the majority of their possessions. Several Hawks scored on fast break points, running on every rebound and stolen ball.
With 1:05 left, MV ran the clock down until EC fouled Dave with 10.6 seconds left. He made both ends and the half ended with Maumee Valley ahead 30-13.
It was the most complete half played to date by the home team with pressure all over the court.
Third Quarter MV 13 – EC 10
Starting the quarter – original starting five
MV began the quarter in zone, as did EC.
MV continued to have its way on both ends of the floor, beginning the quarter with a fast break which Dixon converted off a Rick Deichert pass. Early in the quarter, Julius would return and become the offensive force in the second half.
During the quarter, MV’s conditioning also paid dividends. Despite EC playing the game in zone 95% of the evening, MV was tiring the Warriors out with the running game.
Our video highlights tonight are from the third quarter and feature baskets by Jonathan, Julius and Rick.
Play was back and forth near the end of the quarter and at the 75% mark, MV was ahead 43-23.
Fourth Quarter – EC 16 – MV 13
Starting the quarter – original starting five
MV’s starting rotation stayed in for the first four minutes of the quarter and dominated play. Julius hit a three pointer from the top of the key at the 6:00 mark. Rick fired a 12 foot jumper from the paint at 5:13.
But the best play of the quarter occurred at the 4:12 mark, when Rick fired a fast-break pass from about 30 feet on the right hand side to a streaking Julius Turner who caught it at full speed at the left-hand block and effortlessly finished at the hoop for the evening’s exclamation point.
At 3:51, the starters exited with a 52-25 lead. Play finished with the Hawks winning 56-39.
Final Game Thoughts
Any fear of a letdown was unfounded this evening. The Hawks came prepared to play and gave the winter homecoming crowd a big time show. If anything, the big Ottawa Hills win last Friday increased the Blue and White’s confidence. It was the most aggressively played game of the season.
In five games now, Maumee Valley has had five different players score in double figures at least once – Rick, Dave, Jared, Julius and Jonathan. Tough to stop, eh?
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Rick Deichert scored 9 in the first quarter, and then added another six along the way to finish with 15 points for the Hawks. Julius Turner had 13 against his former mates and Dave Brown finished with 11. Jared Sturt had 6 for the Hawks, Jonathan Kruger contributed 5, Dixon Stoddard 4 and Omar Hazimah scored 2 on a baseline drive which made it on to the Channel 13 highlight reel Tuesday evening.
In Scores of Other Games…
While MV was cruising, Ottawa Hills traveled to Toledo Christian and came away with a 58-47 win.
After round 1 of the TAAC-favorite round robin, nothing is settled. Not only are all three front runners 1-1 against the others, all three wins came on opponents’ home courts (MV won at OH, TC won at MV, OH won at TC). Round two takes place between January 29 and February 4, 2011, as the home teams will try to hold serve this time.
It’s a good time to be in the TAAC. Good competition and exciting games.
Next up
MV will play before perhaps the biggest crowd in school history as they take on the Fighting Irish of Toledo Central Catholic at the Huntington Center Monday December 27 at 2pm. Tickets are available from school (contact Mr. Fish) or at the gate the day of the game. No broadcast schedule has been announced yet, but anticipate BCSN / 106.5FM and/or AM 1230 coverage of the game.
Getting Some State-wide Love
Maumee Valley is starting to get noticed.
We got some votes in this poll...
Great kid! Don't get cocky. Both Ottawa Hills and TC are right there with us.
Scrimmage opponent Bowsher is ranked 18th in Division 1.
Upcoming opponent Toledo Central Catholic was ranked 11th in D-1 before their loss to Whitmer knocked them out of the poll - probably only temporarily.
We got some votes in this poll...
Great kid! Don't get cocky. Both Ottawa Hills and TC are right there with us.
Scrimmage opponent Bowsher is ranked 18th in Division 1.
Upcoming opponent Toledo Central Catholic was ranked 11th in D-1 before their loss to Whitmer knocked them out of the poll - probably only temporarily.
JV action videos - MV 46 - EC 23
First up, Rashaan Preston with the finishing drive down the lane.
And Grant MacPherson with his second three-pointer of the evening.
And Grant MacPherson with his second three-pointer of the evening.
Boys’ JV Beat Emmanuel Christian, Advances to 5-0
From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash.
The boys’ JV hosted the Emmanuel Christian Warriors on Tuesday in their 3rd league game and beat the Warriors 46 – 23. The game was filled with good offensive spurts and periods of solid defense by the Hawks as they maintained a lead throughout the game.
The Hawks delivered balanced scoring and really good outside shooting by a variety of Hawks, including Haithem Maaieh and Grant MacPherson who each nailed two three pointers from deep when the opportunities where there. Izzy Okeke, Rashaan Preston and Marcus Knabbs each helped the Hawks with great work in the paint and good penetration to the basket delivering, 8, 4 and 4 points respectively for the Hawks. Collins, Hazimah and King all had very good offensive contributions as well for the Hawks.
We again were able to see a few rotations for the Hawks with all of the Hawks seeing action in the game. With this win over Emmanuel Christian, the Hawks advance to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the TAAC. Go Hawks!
Up next the Hawks will participate in the Alumni Hoops Holiday Tournament and then face the Central Catholic Fighting Irish just after Christmas.
Scoring: Collins 8, Okeke 8, Hazimah 6, MacPherson 6, Maaieh 6, Knabbs 4, King 4, Preston 4
The boys’ JV hosted the Emmanuel Christian Warriors on Tuesday in their 3rd league game and beat the Warriors 46 – 23. The game was filled with good offensive spurts and periods of solid defense by the Hawks as they maintained a lead throughout the game.
The Hawks delivered balanced scoring and really good outside shooting by a variety of Hawks, including Haithem Maaieh and Grant MacPherson who each nailed two three pointers from deep when the opportunities where there. Izzy Okeke, Rashaan Preston and Marcus Knabbs each helped the Hawks with great work in the paint and good penetration to the basket delivering, 8, 4 and 4 points respectively for the Hawks. Collins, Hazimah and King all had very good offensive contributions as well for the Hawks.
We again were able to see a few rotations for the Hawks with all of the Hawks seeing action in the game. With this win over Emmanuel Christian, the Hawks advance to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the TAAC. Go Hawks!
Up next the Hawks will participate in the Alumni Hoops Holiday Tournament and then face the Central Catholic Fighting Irish just after Christmas.
Scoring: Collins 8, Okeke 8, Hazimah 6, MacPherson 6, Maaieh 6, Knabbs 4, King 4, Preston 4
MV 56 - Emmanuel Christian 39
Maumee Valley played its most dominating half of basketball this season, jumping out to a 30-13 lead and never looked back as the Hawks cruised to a 56-39 victory. The game was not as close as the final score indicated - MV was up 52-25 with 3:51 to go when Coach Robinson loosened things up down the stretch.
Three Hawks scored in double figures last night; Rick led the team with 15 points including three straight three-pointers in the first quarter. Julius scored 13 against his former teammates and Dave Brown had 11.
Game story later this afternoon.
Three Hawks scored in double figures last night; Rick led the team with 15 points including three straight three-pointers in the first quarter. Julius scored 13 against his former teammates and Dave Brown had 11.
Game story later this afternoon.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Introducing Scoreapalooza!!
The one you've been waiting for. The list includes everyone who has scored so far this year, ranked by points scored by game. I may tweak the PPG later to just include the games people play in.
Players can have two different averages if they play varsity and JV.
Legends: G = games, PPG = points per game, TP = total points
Teams GV = girls varsity, G-JV = girls JV, BV = boys varsity, B-JV = boys JV
So here is the initial Scoreapalooza as of 12.20.10. Kristin will be hard to unseat from the Number 1 spot; AJ holds down second place on the strength of his 28 point game against TC.
Players can have two different averages if they play varsity and JV.
Legends: G = games, PPG = points per game, TP = total points
Teams GV = girls varsity, G-JV = girls JV, BV = boys varsity, B-JV = boys JV
So here is the initial Scoreapalooza as of 12.20.10. Kristin will be hard to unseat from the Number 1 spot; AJ holds down second place on the strength of his 28 point game against TC.
Emmanuel Christian Preview - Tuesday 12.21.10 at MV
Shootin' at the walls of heartache
bang bang
they are the Warriors!!
That's how they rolled in the 80's.
Fast facts
Opponent: Emmanuel Christian
Enrollment (9-12): 128
Division/League: Independent in Ohio / TAAC
Team Nickname: Warriors
Toledo Blade Preview of Emmanuel Christian (picked fifth in TAAC coaches poll)
Coach: Dave Regnier, 20th season
Last season: 4-8 TAAC, 8-15 Overall
This season: 1-1 TAAC, 2-2 Overall
Top players: Seniors Tony Behan, 5-10, G; Michael Henning, 6-1, G; Caleb Smith, 6-1, F. Sophomore Ryan Creech, 6-1, F.
Outlook: Behan (14.0 ppg, 3.6 apg) and Smith (9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg) give the Warriors two proven scorers to lean on in the early stages of the season. Creech (7.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Henning (3.5 ppg) have shown plenty of promise and figure to make greater contributions this season. Creech could be in position to have a breakout season, which would make it tough on Warriors opponents.
"Team emphasis will be an emphasis on patience and taking care of the ball along with a competitive group of players," Regnier said. "If we can stay healthy and improve rebounding, we could be competitive in the conference."
Hawkblog notes
It’s family reunion time for Julius Turner, who played at EC his freshman and sophomore year…there’s something about EC that makes me think they are much improved over last year – the 3 OT loss to Hilltop and the big 61-36 win this past Friday over Cardinal Stritch are impressive…Sophomore Forward Ryan Creech had 22 in the Stritch win, so look for Dixon Stoddard to draw Creech on the defensive end while Rick will likely be guarding Senior and long time MV nemesis Tony Behan.
JVs at 6pm, varsity to follow.
bang bang
they are the Warriors!!
That's how they rolled in the 80's.
Fast facts
Opponent: Emmanuel Christian
Enrollment (9-12): 128
Division/League: Independent in Ohio / TAAC
Team Nickname: Warriors
Toledo Blade Preview of Emmanuel Christian (picked fifth in TAAC coaches poll)
Coach: Dave Regnier, 20th season
Last season: 4-8 TAAC, 8-15 Overall
This season: 1-1 TAAC, 2-2 Overall
Top players: Seniors Tony Behan, 5-10, G; Michael Henning, 6-1, G; Caleb Smith, 6-1, F. Sophomore Ryan Creech, 6-1, F.
Outlook: Behan (14.0 ppg, 3.6 apg) and Smith (9.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg) give the Warriors two proven scorers to lean on in the early stages of the season. Creech (7.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Henning (3.5 ppg) have shown plenty of promise and figure to make greater contributions this season. Creech could be in position to have a breakout season, which would make it tough on Warriors opponents.
"Team emphasis will be an emphasis on patience and taking care of the ball along with a competitive group of players," Regnier said. "If we can stay healthy and improve rebounding, we could be competitive in the conference."
Hawkblog notes
It’s family reunion time for Julius Turner, who played at EC his freshman and sophomore year…there’s something about EC that makes me think they are much improved over last year – the 3 OT loss to Hilltop and the big 61-36 win this past Friday over Cardinal Stritch are impressive…Sophomore Forward Ryan Creech had 22 in the Stritch win, so look for Dixon Stoddard to draw Creech on the defensive end while Rick will likely be guarding Senior and long time MV nemesis Tony Behan.
JVs at 6pm, varsity to follow.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Professional Dribbler, Closed Course, Do Not Attempt at Home
Dave Brown vs. Fayette, courtesy Top Row Photography
I changed my mind on the caption. If you're a Maumee Valley guard in any grade, get your homework done then by all means attempt this at home - an hour a day if possible.
I changed my mind on the caption. If you're a Maumee Valley guard in any grade, get your homework done then by all means attempt this at home - an hour a day if possible.
Roger Spurgeon's Top Row Photography - New Hawk Basketball Galleries
Roger has some new galleries up:
Boys Varsity
Boys JV
Girls Varsity
Look around his site, there are many MV sports photos from most all Middle and High School Sports.
Boys Varsity
Boys JV
Girls Varsity
Look around his site, there are many MV sports photos from most all Middle and High School Sports.
Ottawa Hills girls 69 – MV 18 – 12.18.10
The girls finished a tough week against two veteran opponents on Saturday. Ottawa Hills featured 1,000 point scorer Lauren Abendroth and several other experienced players.
As a special treat, here is your video starting lineup.
Others playing for the Hawks on Saturday included Yazmine AbdulKarim (’11), Karla Luketic ('11), Jordan Baker ('14) and Cammie Lonsway ('14).
Both teams started out in man-to-man defense, with OH switching to a 2-3 zone later in the quarter. The zone proved effective and OH scored on several takeaways. First half action was again unkind to the Hawks, but some better play took place in the third and fourth quarters.
Before we go to the video highlights, I'd point out that the next five games (EC, Danbury, Northwood, Cardinal Stritch and Monclova) provide several opportunities for Maumee Valley to improve their record. The Hawks finish 2010 with a 2-4 record.
On that note, lets go to the videotape.
First, a second quarter moment showing the sunlit west end of the Gym. I just put that in there because I think it will bring back memories of Winter afternoon games.
A Kristin pull-up jumper.
Next, some good ball movement with a finishing shot by Yazmine.
More ball movement, rebounding and a finishing layup by Jasmine.
Finally, a Genna two pointer.
Scoring – Kristin 10, Genna 4, Yazmine 2, Jasmine 2
Next up – The Hawks bid farewell to 2010, and will travel to Emmanuel Christian on January 4, 2011.
As a special treat, here is your video starting lineup.
Others playing for the Hawks on Saturday included Yazmine AbdulKarim (’11), Karla Luketic ('11), Jordan Baker ('14) and Cammie Lonsway ('14).
Both teams started out in man-to-man defense, with OH switching to a 2-3 zone later in the quarter. The zone proved effective and OH scored on several takeaways. First half action was again unkind to the Hawks, but some better play took place in the third and fourth quarters.
Before we go to the video highlights, I'd point out that the next five games (EC, Danbury, Northwood, Cardinal Stritch and Monclova) provide several opportunities for Maumee Valley to improve their record. The Hawks finish 2010 with a 2-4 record.
On that note, lets go to the videotape.
First, a second quarter moment showing the sunlit west end of the Gym. I just put that in there because I think it will bring back memories of Winter afternoon games.
A Kristin pull-up jumper.
Next, some good ball movement with a finishing shot by Yazmine.
More ball movement, rebounding and a finishing layup by Jasmine.
Finally, a Genna two pointer.
Scoring – Kristin 10, Genna 4, Yazmine 2, Jasmine 2
Next up – The Hawks bid farewell to 2010, and will travel to Emmanuel Christian on January 4, 2011.
Somewhere in an alternative universe, Ottawa Hills is 5-0
Congratulations to the Green Bears, who are undefeated in the TAAC of the 75th dimension, or something like that.
If I see any of those guys beaming on and off the court next game, I'm complaining to the Intergalactic High School Athletic Association.
If I see any of those guys beaming on and off the court next game, I'm complaining to the Intergalactic High School Athletic Association.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Chapter 4 – The Times They are a-Changin’ MV 45–Ottawa Hills 42 – at OH – 12.17.
Setting the Table
In 1959, Maumee Valley Country Day School opened a new state-of-the-art High School Building. For the past 51 years, the school was the treasury of fond memories for about 2,000 graduates. But all things must come to an end, and so it was that Friday December 17, 2010 was the last day for classes in the venerable green building. Come January 3, 2011 the Hawk High Schoolers move into their new architectural masterpiece of a High School building, designed by Alumna* Kate (Bentley) MacPherson.
But from around 6:00 until 9:30PM that night, you could forgive Kate (Grant ’14), her fellow parents and MV fans for losing focus on architecture to witness the latest high point in this new era of Maumee Valley Basketball, as the varsity boys turned the TAAC world upside down in Ottawa Hills.
For the first time since 2001 (it only seems like it’s been since 1959) the Hawks would leave The Village with a victory.
And a timely victory it was, as Toledo Blade sports reporter Donald Emmons was in the building to cover the game as part of the run-up to the Blade Holiday Classic at the Huntington Center coming up December 27. Mr. Emmons story was front and center on the Blade sports pages Saturday Morning MV will play Toledo Central Catholic in a 2PM tip-off at the Classic.
Game Summary
Maumee Valley handed Ohio Division IV State No. 7 Ottawa Hills its first home court TAAC loss since February 2, 2007 last night, 45-42 on a buzzer beating three-pointer by Jonathan Krueger with 0.8 of a second to play.
Jared Sturt scored a career high 16 points last evening, including a 7-10 performance from the floor. He was assisted by several of his teammates and a tenacious defense which held the Green Bears sixteen points under their 58 point-per-game average in their first four wins.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
OH Starting five #5 J.J. Buckey, 6-1 Sr, #11 Andrew Jamieson, 6-3 Sr., #22 Bobby Brunner, 6-1 Sr., #1 Ian Trickey, 6-0 Jr., #32 Lucas Janowicz, 6-3 So.
First Quarter OH 13 – MV 11
Both teams started out the game early in man-to-man defense. Key battles would take shape early. Maumee Valley unveiled its two-pronged game plan – get the ball inside to Jared Sturt and press the action with aggressive guard play by Dave Brown and Rick Deichert.
Both strategies found success. Jared began the MV scoring inside for the Hawks, then Jon Krueger finished a fast break from the left wing on a great pass from Dave Brown for two.
But Ottawa Hills showed their mettle as well. Sophomore Lucas Janowicz effectively answered for the Bears underneath, with Buckey and Jaimeson finding some wide open chances against the Hawks. Julius Turner made his game debut at the 1:00 mark and make his presence immediately known with a strong drive and score from the baseline.
On the guards' end, Dave proved a handful for his defender Ian Trickey, who committed two fouls early. But the Hosts would exact one of their few moments of revenge on the Hawks’ point guard as the buzzer sounded with a score by Jaimeson on a down-low iso play to end the quarter.
Ottawa Hills would lead after this quarter; one dominated by the post players.
Second Quarter MV 13- OH 6
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Julius, Dixon, Jonathan
The Hawks went with the smaller lineup to begin the frame and provide Jared with some valuable rest. Jon Krueger would open with a three pointer to start things off for the Hawks.
MV also switched to their 2-3 zone which made life difficult for the Green Bears. MV generated some fast break chances on several steals, including one converted by Julius at the 5:12 mark. On the next possession Dave Brown picked the OH point guard clean at half court and broke away for the deuce. With MV leading 18-17, Coach Dave Lindsay called a time out with 4:38 left in the half to cool things off.
The game continued at a quick pace though and MV’s ball handling skills began to wear on Ottawa Hills. Rick took a pass at the elbow, sank the jumper and extended the Hawks lead. The Hawks zone was effective in denying OH’s passes into the post.
With just over a minute left, Dave Brown made a dribbling trip deep inside the offensive area reminiscent of Steve Nash. Seeing no one open, Dave floated a shot in the paint from about 7 feet for a score.
The Hawks got the ball back one more time at the end of the half with 59.2 seconds left. Ottawa Hills retreated into a 2-3 zone. Rick and Dave would play Robo-ball for about 52 of those seconds, during which time I ran outside and took the following picture of the Ottawa Hills building during the freeze:
Rick got the ball for the last try of the half. His defender tried for the steal and was left at the half court line to watch as the Hawks took a five point halftime lead at 24–19.
Dave and Rick accounted for eight of the Hawks’ 13 points in the quarter.
Thus ended what was probably Maumee Valley’s best-played quarter of the young season - tough defense, a fast paced running game and constant pressure against a first class team on their home court. More excitement was to come.
Third Quarter OH 14 – MV 8
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Jared, Jonathan, Dixon
Rick started out where he left off, driving to the basket and drawing a two shot foul. He converted one of two to give MV what would be its biggest lead of the game, 25-19.
Ottawa Hills began the half in its 2-3 zone, needing to protect point guard Ian Trickey, who had three fouls working against Dave. MV was in man defense and took every opportunity to continue running at the Green Bears. With 3:51 to go, Trickey picked up his fourth foul and things looked good for MV.
But there’s this little thing called Senior leadership. Teammates Andrew Jamieson and JJ Buckey delivered a big dose of it for the home team. The Ottawa Hills duo began popping mid-range jumpers from all around the court. It was truly an effort to behold, and their form spoke volumes about the good coaching they receive. The Bears took over the pace of the game.
On the defensive end, OH’s 2-3 zone began to gel and MV found it difficult to get the ball inside. Ottawa Hills would roar all the way back to the lead at the end of the third quarter 33-32. The building was rocking in anticipation of a great fourth quarter. That’s what they would see.
A digression: The philosophy of sports writing and an appreciation
Describing the flow of a basketball game is mostly about offense; a typical story focuses on accounting for points. Who scored, when did they do it, and how did it happen? Note for instance the standard short-form game story which appears countless times every season in newspapers across the country. First the location and score, next the high individual scorers for both teams and maybe, any milestones reached by a team or individual. That’s the game in two or three paragraphs.
Most strong teams however, have that guy who rarely shows up in these kinds of stories. Nonetheless, he is a difference maker. He’s the guy who gives every fiber of his being on defense, fights for every loose ball, and gets more than his expected share of rebounds at both ends. Frankly, he is the person everyone on the opposing team hates to see coming at them.
Most nights for Maumee Valley that guy is Dixon Stoddard. Dixon is all over the court and is normally assigned to the opposition’s highest scoring forward or sometimes their post player. He is as physical as it comes, a tribute to his athletic ability and soccer experience. He never shies away from a loose ball and is constantly in the opponents’ face. He has a unique way of getting people off of their game.
Dixon’s main responsibility this evening was to guard OH’s top scorer, Andrew Jaimeson and although Andrew scored 14 points Friday evening, that was significantly below his scoring average for the year.
So a special Hawkblog tip of the hat to Dixon tonight. The team would be much worse without you.
Fourth Quarter – MV 13 – OH 9.
Starting the quarter: Dave, Rick, Jared, Jonathan and Dixon
MV was in man; OH switched from zone to man and back.
The Bears returned to one of their first half successes; getting the ball to Jamieson for drives to the basket. Dixon incurred two fouls within the first fifty seconds of play. MV decided to fight fire with fire, and Rick twisted down the lane, drawing a Carteresque two shot foul at the 6:05 mark. Melete was with the Hawks in the fourth, and Rick made both ends.
MV would get the ball back and unleash its spread offense on the home team, Dave getting the ball to Jared for an easy layup.
On the other end, it looked for a few moments as if Andrew Jamieson would take over the game, continuing his run of fade-away jump shots. But the Hawks would hold fast. In a key defensive play, Dixon intercepted a home run pass intended for Jamieson off a side in-bounds play. The Hawks pounded the ball in to Jared again for another two pointer.
Shortly thereafter, Coach R subbed Julius in for Dixon on a defensive changeup. Julius immediately jumped an OH pass and headed downcourt on a break. Ian Trickey had no choice but to foul him, and left the game with five fouls at the 3:31 mark. It was a one possession game, in favor of the Hawks.
Maumee Valley’s defense would stiffen further. At the 2:46 mark, OH called a timeout to diagram an inbounds pass. Twice the Bears would have problems passing it in, and Coach Lindsay was forced to call another TO at 2.32.
Ottawa Hills remained strong and was able to get the ball to Jamieson one more time. He drove to the hoop and Dixon picked up his fourth foul of the evening. At the line, the senior forward missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Jared pulled the rebound was fouled hard by Janowicz. Sturt came through with both ends of the bonus and MV was up 42-39.
MV would foul twice more down the stretch. Andrew Jamieson made two free throws with 1:25 remaining, then JJ Buckey came to the line with 54 ticks remaining and the Hawks ahead 42-41. JJ made the first, but missed the second. Jared pulled down his tenth rebound of the game and the Blue and White had the ball.
It looked like Ottawa Hills chose a match-up zone at this point with the clear intention of stopping Jared inside. Without much ball pressure, MV ate the clock until the 17 second mark.
And so we arrive at the Play of the Game.
In Chapter 1 of this season’s saga (the Fayette Game), I noted that ‘it will take some doing for (Jared’s winning two pointer) not to be the Play of the Season’. So here’s a Winter Break homework assignment for all you scholars out there:
Get out your dictionary.
Look up ‘some doing’.
Here’s what you should see:
With 0.8 remaining, Jon drained the three pointer. Hawks win, and in the words of Indians announcer Tom Hamilton, ‘Ballgame’.
Final Game Thoughts
Clearly, it will be a three team dogfight in the TAAC this season. Ottawa Hills is a well balanced and disciplined team worthy of tremendous respect. I believe OH will give Toledo Christian fits on Tuesday as their game matches up well against the Eagles.
Now also, consider this – MV has been involved in three white knuckle games so far this year. Here were the down-the-stretch results:
At Fayette
Part 1 – Rick drove into the lane, scoring to go ahead with 5.9 seconds to go but a foul was called on the floor.
Part 2 – Jared scored on the resultant in-bounds play with 2.6 to go.
Home vs. TC
Part 1 - Rick made a three quarter court bomb with under five seconds to go – waived off on a floor foul.
Part 2 – Rick made a turn-around three point jumper as time expired – just a split second too late
At Ottawa Hills
Jonathan’s 3 ball with 0.8 left was the Shot Heard ‘Round the TAAC. Ah, what the heck, let’s see it again.
In summary, in three games there were five late-game chances – and so far, three different go-to guys have made every shot (albeit, a few were waived off). And make no mistake, there are at least three other guys on that team (all six of them underclassmen) who could pull off something like the above as well.
MV has a very balanced attack that will be tough for any team to defend down the stretch.
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Jared had his all-time night, scoring 16. Once again, MV featured balanced scoring, as Rick contributed 9 points, Dave and Jonathan each had 8 and Julius scored 4.
Ottawa Hills was led by a trio of double figure scorers who accounted for 40 of the hosts’ 42 points. It was a big night for both teams’ big men, as Sophomore Lucas Janowicz had 15 points. Andrew Jamieson almost carried the Bears across the finish line, scoring most of his 14 points in the second half and JJ Buckey tallied 11.
Next up
TAAC play continues Tuesday evening as the Hawks return home to face Emmanuel Christian Tuesday evening at the Valley. EC pulled out the whoopin’ stick in the fourth quarter Friday night with a 21-5 finish to beat Cardinal Stritch 61-36.
Meanwhile, astute Hawk fans will be casting aside their enmity and cheering wildly in absentia for the Green Bears as they face the undefeated and first place Toledo Christian Eagles Tuesday at TC in a game televised on BCSN. MV fans will be hoping that OH creates a three way tie between the Conference front-runners after their first round robin games.
* - I looked that up to make sure. You never know which of our distinguished alumni might read this blog.
In 1959, Maumee Valley Country Day School opened a new state-of-the-art High School Building. For the past 51 years, the school was the treasury of fond memories for about 2,000 graduates. But all things must come to an end, and so it was that Friday December 17, 2010 was the last day for classes in the venerable green building. Come January 3, 2011 the Hawk High Schoolers move into their new architectural masterpiece of a High School building, designed by Alumna* Kate (Bentley) MacPherson.
But from around 6:00 until 9:30PM that night, you could forgive Kate (Grant ’14), her fellow parents and MV fans for losing focus on architecture to witness the latest high point in this new era of Maumee Valley Basketball, as the varsity boys turned the TAAC world upside down in Ottawa Hills.
For the first time since 2001 (it only seems like it’s been since 1959) the Hawks would leave The Village with a victory.
And a timely victory it was, as Toledo Blade sports reporter Donald Emmons was in the building to cover the game as part of the run-up to the Blade Holiday Classic at the Huntington Center coming up December 27. Mr. Emmons story was front and center on the Blade sports pages Saturday Morning MV will play Toledo Central Catholic in a 2PM tip-off at the Classic.
Game Summary
Maumee Valley handed Ohio Division IV State No. 7 Ottawa Hills its first home court TAAC loss since February 2, 2007 last night, 45-42 on a buzzer beating three-pointer by Jonathan Krueger with 0.8 of a second to play.
Jared Sturt scored a career high 16 points last evening, including a 7-10 performance from the floor. He was assisted by several of his teammates and a tenacious defense which held the Green Bears sixteen points under their 58 point-per-game average in their first four wins.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
OH Starting five #5 J.J. Buckey, 6-1 Sr, #11 Andrew Jamieson, 6-3 Sr., #22 Bobby Brunner, 6-1 Sr., #1 Ian Trickey, 6-0 Jr., #32 Lucas Janowicz, 6-3 So.
First Quarter OH 13 – MV 11
Both teams started out the game early in man-to-man defense. Key battles would take shape early. Maumee Valley unveiled its two-pronged game plan – get the ball inside to Jared Sturt and press the action with aggressive guard play by Dave Brown and Rick Deichert.
Both strategies found success. Jared began the MV scoring inside for the Hawks, then Jon Krueger finished a fast break from the left wing on a great pass from Dave Brown for two.
But Ottawa Hills showed their mettle as well. Sophomore Lucas Janowicz effectively answered for the Bears underneath, with Buckey and Jaimeson finding some wide open chances against the Hawks. Julius Turner made his game debut at the 1:00 mark and make his presence immediately known with a strong drive and score from the baseline.
On the guards' end, Dave proved a handful for his defender Ian Trickey, who committed two fouls early. But the Hosts would exact one of their few moments of revenge on the Hawks’ point guard as the buzzer sounded with a score by Jaimeson on a down-low iso play to end the quarter.
Ottawa Hills would lead after this quarter; one dominated by the post players.
Second Quarter MV 13- OH 6
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Julius, Dixon, Jonathan
The Hawks went with the smaller lineup to begin the frame and provide Jared with some valuable rest. Jon Krueger would open with a three pointer to start things off for the Hawks.
MV also switched to their 2-3 zone which made life difficult for the Green Bears. MV generated some fast break chances on several steals, including one converted by Julius at the 5:12 mark. On the next possession Dave Brown picked the OH point guard clean at half court and broke away for the deuce. With MV leading 18-17, Coach Dave Lindsay called a time out with 4:38 left in the half to cool things off.
The game continued at a quick pace though and MV’s ball handling skills began to wear on Ottawa Hills. Rick took a pass at the elbow, sank the jumper and extended the Hawks lead. The Hawks zone was effective in denying OH’s passes into the post.
With just over a minute left, Dave Brown made a dribbling trip deep inside the offensive area reminiscent of Steve Nash. Seeing no one open, Dave floated a shot in the paint from about 7 feet for a score.
The Hawks got the ball back one more time at the end of the half with 59.2 seconds left. Ottawa Hills retreated into a 2-3 zone. Rick and Dave would play Robo-ball for about 52 of those seconds, during which time I ran outside and took the following picture of the Ottawa Hills building during the freeze:
 |
| Yo, tell those guards to quit dribbling. |
Rick got the ball for the last try of the half. His defender tried for the steal and was left at the half court line to watch as the Hawks took a five point halftime lead at 24–19.
Dave and Rick accounted for eight of the Hawks’ 13 points in the quarter.
Thus ended what was probably Maumee Valley’s best-played quarter of the young season - tough defense, a fast paced running game and constant pressure against a first class team on their home court. More excitement was to come.
Third Quarter OH 14 – MV 8
Starting the quarter – Dave, Rick, Jared, Jonathan, Dixon
Rick started out where he left off, driving to the basket and drawing a two shot foul. He converted one of two to give MV what would be its biggest lead of the game, 25-19.
Ottawa Hills began the half in its 2-3 zone, needing to protect point guard Ian Trickey, who had three fouls working against Dave. MV was in man defense and took every opportunity to continue running at the Green Bears. With 3:51 to go, Trickey picked up his fourth foul and things looked good for MV.
But there’s this little thing called Senior leadership. Teammates Andrew Jamieson and JJ Buckey delivered a big dose of it for the home team. The Ottawa Hills duo began popping mid-range jumpers from all around the court. It was truly an effort to behold, and their form spoke volumes about the good coaching they receive. The Bears took over the pace of the game.
On the defensive end, OH’s 2-3 zone began to gel and MV found it difficult to get the ball inside. Ottawa Hills would roar all the way back to the lead at the end of the third quarter 33-32. The building was rocking in anticipation of a great fourth quarter. That’s what they would see.
A digression: The philosophy of sports writing and an appreciation
Describing the flow of a basketball game is mostly about offense; a typical story focuses on accounting for points. Who scored, when did they do it, and how did it happen? Note for instance the standard short-form game story which appears countless times every season in newspapers across the country. First the location and score, next the high individual scorers for both teams and maybe, any milestones reached by a team or individual. That’s the game in two or three paragraphs.
Most strong teams however, have that guy who rarely shows up in these kinds of stories. Nonetheless, he is a difference maker. He’s the guy who gives every fiber of his being on defense, fights for every loose ball, and gets more than his expected share of rebounds at both ends. Frankly, he is the person everyone on the opposing team hates to see coming at them.
Most nights for Maumee Valley that guy is Dixon Stoddard. Dixon is all over the court and is normally assigned to the opposition’s highest scoring forward or sometimes their post player. He is as physical as it comes, a tribute to his athletic ability and soccer experience. He never shies away from a loose ball and is constantly in the opponents’ face. He has a unique way of getting people off of their game.
Dixon’s main responsibility this evening was to guard OH’s top scorer, Andrew Jaimeson and although Andrew scored 14 points Friday evening, that was significantly below his scoring average for the year.
So a special Hawkblog tip of the hat to Dixon tonight. The team would be much worse without you.
Fourth Quarter – MV 13 – OH 9.
Starting the quarter: Dave, Rick, Jared, Jonathan and Dixon
MV was in man; OH switched from zone to man and back.
The Bears returned to one of their first half successes; getting the ball to Jamieson for drives to the basket. Dixon incurred two fouls within the first fifty seconds of play. MV decided to fight fire with fire, and Rick twisted down the lane, drawing a Carteresque two shot foul at the 6:05 mark. Melete was with the Hawks in the fourth, and Rick made both ends.
MV would get the ball back and unleash its spread offense on the home team, Dave getting the ball to Jared for an easy layup.
On the other end, it looked for a few moments as if Andrew Jamieson would take over the game, continuing his run of fade-away jump shots. But the Hawks would hold fast. In a key defensive play, Dixon intercepted a home run pass intended for Jamieson off a side in-bounds play. The Hawks pounded the ball in to Jared again for another two pointer.
Shortly thereafter, Coach R subbed Julius in for Dixon on a defensive changeup. Julius immediately jumped an OH pass and headed downcourt on a break. Ian Trickey had no choice but to foul him, and left the game with five fouls at the 3:31 mark. It was a one possession game, in favor of the Hawks.
Maumee Valley’s defense would stiffen further. At the 2:46 mark, OH called a timeout to diagram an inbounds pass. Twice the Bears would have problems passing it in, and Coach Lindsay was forced to call another TO at 2.32.
Ottawa Hills remained strong and was able to get the ball to Jamieson one more time. He drove to the hoop and Dixon picked up his fourth foul of the evening. At the line, the senior forward missed the front end of a 1-and-1. Jared pulled the rebound was fouled hard by Janowicz. Sturt came through with both ends of the bonus and MV was up 42-39.
MV would foul twice more down the stretch. Andrew Jamieson made two free throws with 1:25 remaining, then JJ Buckey came to the line with 54 ticks remaining and the Hawks ahead 42-41. JJ made the first, but missed the second. Jared pulled down his tenth rebound of the game and the Blue and White had the ball.
It looked like Ottawa Hills chose a match-up zone at this point with the clear intention of stopping Jared inside. Without much ball pressure, MV ate the clock until the 17 second mark.
And so we arrive at the Play of the Game.
In Chapter 1 of this season’s saga (the Fayette Game), I noted that ‘it will take some doing for (Jared’s winning two pointer) not to be the Play of the Season’. So here’s a Winter Break homework assignment for all you scholars out there:
Get out your dictionary.
Look up ‘some doing’.
Here’s what you should see:
With 0.8 remaining, Jon drained the three pointer. Hawks win, and in the words of Indians announcer Tom Hamilton, ‘Ballgame’.
Final Game Thoughts
Clearly, it will be a three team dogfight in the TAAC this season. Ottawa Hills is a well balanced and disciplined team worthy of tremendous respect. I believe OH will give Toledo Christian fits on Tuesday as their game matches up well against the Eagles.
Now also, consider this – MV has been involved in three white knuckle games so far this year. Here were the down-the-stretch results:
At Fayette
Part 1 – Rick drove into the lane, scoring to go ahead with 5.9 seconds to go but a foul was called on the floor.
Part 2 – Jared scored on the resultant in-bounds play with 2.6 to go.
Home vs. TC
Part 1 - Rick made a three quarter court bomb with under five seconds to go – waived off on a floor foul.
Part 2 – Rick made a turn-around three point jumper as time expired – just a split second too late
At Ottawa Hills
Jonathan’s 3 ball with 0.8 left was the Shot Heard ‘Round the TAAC. Ah, what the heck, let’s see it again.
In summary, in three games there were five late-game chances – and so far, three different go-to guys have made every shot (albeit, a few were waived off). And make no mistake, there are at least three other guys on that team (all six of them underclassmen) who could pull off something like the above as well.
MV has a very balanced attack that will be tough for any team to defend down the stretch.
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Jared had his all-time night, scoring 16. Once again, MV featured balanced scoring, as Rick contributed 9 points, Dave and Jonathan each had 8 and Julius scored 4.
Ottawa Hills was led by a trio of double figure scorers who accounted for 40 of the hosts’ 42 points. It was a big night for both teams’ big men, as Sophomore Lucas Janowicz had 15 points. Andrew Jamieson almost carried the Bears across the finish line, scoring most of his 14 points in the second half and JJ Buckey tallied 11.
Next up
TAAC play continues Tuesday evening as the Hawks return home to face Emmanuel Christian Tuesday evening at the Valley. EC pulled out the whoopin’ stick in the fourth quarter Friday night with a 21-5 finish to beat Cardinal Stritch 61-36.
Meanwhile, astute Hawk fans will be casting aside their enmity and cheering wildly in absentia for the Green Bears as they face the undefeated and first place Toledo Christian Eagles Tuesday at TC in a game televised on BCSN. MV fans will be hoping that OH creates a three way tie between the Conference front-runners after their first round robin games.
* - I looked that up to make sure. You never know which of our distinguished alumni might read this blog.
Off to the girls' game
Girls versus Ottawa Hills at the Varsity Gym at 1:00PM.
Chapter 4 game story up sometime in the late afternoon / early evening. A great game deserves a good story
Chapter 4 game story up sometime in the late afternoon / early evening. A great game deserves a good story
MV 45 - OH 42 - Hawkblog Insightful Internet Commentary from Jonathan and Jared - 12/17.10
You know it's a big game when you have to wait for the Toledo Blade reporter to finish interviewing the players.
Well done gentlemen.
Well done gentlemen.
Great Game Story in the Blade Today
A side benefit of playing in the Blade Classic at the Huntington Center is coverage like this.
Great article by Donald Emmons.
Did you get your tickets yet for December 27?? What are you waiting for???
Great article by Donald Emmons.
Did you get your tickets yet for December 27?? What are you waiting for???
Special JV edition of Insightful Internet Commentary - MV 40-OH 30
Zayd Safadi and Robbie Ariss bring the good news from earlier tonight.
And someday, I'll get the Hazimah brothers to actually speak on camera. Congratulations Hawks.
And someday, I'll get the Hazimah brothers to actually speak on camera. Congratulations Hawks.
TEAM - Say it with me - TEAM Play Carries Boys' JV to Victory Over Ottawa Hills
From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash
In one heck of a game on Friday night at Ottawa Hills, the boys' JV advanced to 4-0 with a 40 to 30 win over the Ottawa Hills Bears. The key to the game was the essence of basketball, TEAM play on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor AND playing with heart.
On Friday, the boys' JV team played with an awful lot of heart and you could not have asked for more effort, passion and hustle (once they warmed up - more about that later).
In their usual fashion, the Hawks started out slow (boys from the toss of the ball it's game time get going please, you give your parents more gray hairs otherwise) and ended the first quarter up 5-3 on the Bears. The Hawks continued to feel their way in the 2nd quarter and the Bears came to life as well, ending the second quarter with a 15 to 11 lead over the Hawks - say what?
The Hawks came alive in the 3rd quarter behind excellent play at both ends, a full court press that got them aggressive and some sharp shooting by Thad Woodard who hit 4 threes for the Hawks and ended the night with a team high 14 points. The 3rd quarter ended with the Hawks up 28-19.
The Hawks played excellent aggressive defense down the stretch and great team offense which put team members in good position to score and score they did. They played with great passion and their defense energized their offense. Carry that passion, aggressiveness, drive and TEAM spirit forward with you for the rest of the season!
The Hawks welcomed back Rashaan Preston into the line up after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the first few weeks of the season. His drive and passion while on the floor was welcome energy for the Hawks.
TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. Go Hawks! Great effort against the Bears.
Up next the Hawks face Emmanuel Christian in another league game, Go Hawks!
Scoring Woodard 14, Collins 12, King 4, Okeke 4, Knabbs 3, Hazimah 3
In one heck of a game on Friday night at Ottawa Hills, the boys' JV advanced to 4-0 with a 40 to 30 win over the Ottawa Hills Bears. The key to the game was the essence of basketball, TEAM play on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor AND playing with heart.
On Friday, the boys' JV team played with an awful lot of heart and you could not have asked for more effort, passion and hustle (once they warmed up - more about that later).
In their usual fashion, the Hawks started out slow (boys from the toss of the ball it's game time get going please, you give your parents more gray hairs otherwise) and ended the first quarter up 5-3 on the Bears. The Hawks continued to feel their way in the 2nd quarter and the Bears came to life as well, ending the second quarter with a 15 to 11 lead over the Hawks - say what?
The Hawks came alive in the 3rd quarter behind excellent play at both ends, a full court press that got them aggressive and some sharp shooting by Thad Woodard who hit 4 threes for the Hawks and ended the night with a team high 14 points. The 3rd quarter ended with the Hawks up 28-19.
The Hawks played excellent aggressive defense down the stretch and great team offense which put team members in good position to score and score they did. They played with great passion and their defense energized their offense. Carry that passion, aggressiveness, drive and TEAM spirit forward with you for the rest of the season!
The Hawks welcomed back Rashaan Preston into the line up after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the first few weeks of the season. His drive and passion while on the floor was welcome energy for the Hawks.
TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. Go Hawks! Great effort against the Bears.
Up next the Hawks face Emmanuel Christian in another league game, Go Hawks!
Scoring Woodard 14, Collins 12, King 4, Okeke 4, Knabbs 3, Hazimah 3
Maumee Valley 45 - (soon to be formerly State #7) Ottawa Hills 42
Two videos for this evening. Here is your game winner
And this one's for the parents.
Ottawa Hills loses at home for the first time since January 2 2009, and it's their first TAAC home loss since February 2, 2007
And this one's for the parents.
Ottawa Hills loses at home for the first time since January 2 2009, and it's their first TAAC home loss since February 2, 2007
An edited comment from this afternoon.
From an attempted comment on the OH preview left around 5pm today.
Ottawa hills is the class of taac basketball...ottawa hills out-classes and out plays MV tonight.
And that was the nice part...
FYI - all comments are pre-screened by me. Sorry.
Ottawa hills is the class of taac basketball...ottawa hills out-classes and out plays MV tonight.
And that was the nice part...
FYI - all comments are pre-screened by me. Sorry.
Friday, December 17, 2010
TC girls 52 – MV 28 – at Toledo Christian – 12.16.10
Starting five: Kristin Bigelow (‘12), Delaney Lonsway (‘12), Jazmine Aldridge-Brownlee (‘12), Genna Danes (‘12) and Wesley Flaum (‘12) - also seeing action: Yazmine AbdulKarim ('11), Jordan Baker ('14), Karla Luketic ('11) and Cammie Lonsway ('14)
The girls lost to TC Thursday evening, moving their record to 2-3 on the season.
Some nights are tougher than others. This was one tough night.
The Hawks were stymied early on by the TC press and got behind early. Part way through the first quarter, the Hawks made a few adjustments and began to beat the press, but by the second quarter, the game was out of reach. One of the Hawks first half highlights was this jumper by Kristin with four second left.
The second half was much more competitive and the Hawks outscored the Eagles 23-17. MV got into a more aggressive defensive posture and ran an effective half court trap out of their 2-3 zone.
Here are the second half scoring highlights by Genna, Jordan and Kristin.
Scoring on the evening: Kristin 15, Genna 10, Jordan 2, Delaney 1
It doesn’t get any easier for MV on Saturday when they take on the Ottawa Hills Green Bears at the Varsity Gym. Get over to school tomorrow and cheer on your Maumee Valley Hawks.
The girls lost to TC Thursday evening, moving their record to 2-3 on the season.
Some nights are tougher than others. This was one tough night.
The Hawks were stymied early on by the TC press and got behind early. Part way through the first quarter, the Hawks made a few adjustments and began to beat the press, but by the second quarter, the game was out of reach. One of the Hawks first half highlights was this jumper by Kristin with four second left.
The second half was much more competitive and the Hawks outscored the Eagles 23-17. MV got into a more aggressive defensive posture and ran an effective half court trap out of their 2-3 zone.
Here are the second half scoring highlights by Genna, Jordan and Kristin.
Scoring on the evening: Kristin 15, Genna 10, Jordan 2, Delaney 1
It doesn’t get any easier for MV on Saturday when they take on the Ottawa Hills Green Bears at the Varsity Gym. Get over to school tomorrow and cheer on your Maumee Valley Hawks.
Ottawa Hills Preview
Fast facts
Opponent: Ottawa Hills
Enrollment (9-12): 291
Division/League: D-IV / TAAC
Team Nickname: Green Bears
Toledo Blade Summary on Ottawa Hills
Once again, all eyes are on Ottawa Hills in the Toledo Area Athletic Conference.
The defending champion Green Bears are considered the favorites to again claim the league title.
However, no one is expecting Ottawa Hills to rip through the TAAC the way it did a season ago. T
Toledo Christian and Maumee Valley are considered favorites to challenge for the title. In each case, talented returners provide optimism for closing the gap with the Bears.
"I think it will be a very competitive season in the TAAC," Ottawa Hills coach John Lindsay said.
Yet, Ottawa Hills' J.J. Buckey and Andrew Jamieson were two of the key players in last season's perfect run through the conference. Their return to the Bears' starting lineup makes for a formidable one-two punch for opposing defenses. Of course, they're supported by several other returning letter winners, which makes it easy to give the Bears the preseason nod to win the conference.
Coach: John Lindsay, 16th season
Last season: 24-2, 12-0 TAAC
This season 4-0, 1-0 TAAC
Top players: Seniors J.J. Buckey, 6-1, G; Andrew Jamieson, 6-3, F; Bobby Brunner, 6-1, F. Junior Ian Trickey, 6-0, G. Sophomore Lucas Janowicz, 6-3, G.
Outlook: The defending TAAC champions have plenty of experience returning to the court, starting with Buckey (11.3 ppg) and Jamieson (10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg). They represent two of the TAAC's most talented players. Brunner, Trickey, and Janowicz are also players Lindsay feels confident in relying on because of their experience in helping the Bears avoid a single loss in conference play a season ago.
"I like our experience with the returning starters, and I like our overall toughness," Lindsay said. "I like our toughness, but it's going to be a pretty big challenge to try and repeat as TAAC champions."
Last year vs. MV
MV lost both games to the Bears, a 40-32 game at home which was close to the very end and a 54-32 shellacking at OH - a low point for the Hawks last year, who were just coming off the Game Which Must Not Be Named.
Hawkblog Outlook
Reading between the lines, expect OH to play a physical game tonight... OH is a very familiar opponent to the Hawks, as the OH Open Gym was a favorite October destination for the varsity starters... MV could use a win to keep the TAAC race within its destiny... MV alunmni Craig Joseph's son Paul is back on the OH basketball team this year.
Opponent: Ottawa Hills
Enrollment (9-12): 291
Division/League: D-IV / TAAC
Team Nickname: Green Bears
Toledo Blade Summary on Ottawa Hills
Once again, all eyes are on Ottawa Hills in the Toledo Area Athletic Conference.
The defending champion Green Bears are considered the favorites to again claim the league title.
However, no one is expecting Ottawa Hills to rip through the TAAC the way it did a season ago. T
Toledo Christian and Maumee Valley are considered favorites to challenge for the title. In each case, talented returners provide optimism for closing the gap with the Bears.
"I think it will be a very competitive season in the TAAC," Ottawa Hills coach John Lindsay said.
Yet, Ottawa Hills' J.J. Buckey and Andrew Jamieson were two of the key players in last season's perfect run through the conference. Their return to the Bears' starting lineup makes for a formidable one-two punch for opposing defenses. Of course, they're supported by several other returning letter winners, which makes it easy to give the Bears the preseason nod to win the conference.
Coach: John Lindsay, 16th season
Last season: 24-2, 12-0 TAAC
This season 4-0, 1-0 TAAC
Top players: Seniors J.J. Buckey, 6-1, G; Andrew Jamieson, 6-3, F; Bobby Brunner, 6-1, F. Junior Ian Trickey, 6-0, G. Sophomore Lucas Janowicz, 6-3, G.
Outlook: The defending TAAC champions have plenty of experience returning to the court, starting with Buckey (11.3 ppg) and Jamieson (10.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg). They represent two of the TAAC's most talented players. Brunner, Trickey, and Janowicz are also players Lindsay feels confident in relying on because of their experience in helping the Bears avoid a single loss in conference play a season ago.
"I like our experience with the returning starters, and I like our overall toughness," Lindsay said. "I like our toughness, but it's going to be a pretty big challenge to try and repeat as TAAC champions."
Last year vs. MV
MV lost both games to the Bears, a 40-32 game at home which was close to the very end and a 54-32 shellacking at OH - a low point for the Hawks last year, who were just coming off the Game Which Must Not Be Named.
Hawkblog Outlook
Reading between the lines, expect OH to play a physical game tonight... OH is a very familiar opponent to the Hawks, as the OH Open Gym was a favorite October destination for the varsity starters... MV could use a win to keep the TAAC race within its destiny... MV alunmni Craig Joseph's son Paul is back on the OH basketball team this year.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Girls travel to TC tonight at 6:00 - note time change
The Girls hit the (Anthony Wayne) trail tonight to face the Eagles. The school calendar lists a 7:30 PM start time, which implies no JV game.
See you there.
PS - a little confusion - the original bus schedule shows a JV game - Now going to be there at 6pm. Sorry.
See you there.
PS - a little confusion - the original bus schedule shows a JV game - Now going to be there at 6pm. Sorry.
Boys JV roster now posted
Hoping to get a girls roster tonight for posting Friday.
Gentlemen - a few items for your consideration:
1. If you want me to change your formal name to whatever you use normally (e.g., AJ, Thad, Izzy, etc.) let me know by posting a comment.
Comments don't automatically show up on the blog, I have to approve them. I'll just make your requested correction and delete the comment.
2. If I see any oddball name change requests here I'll ask the individual personally before posting something. If you pwn somebody and I find out who you are, I will change your roster name to 'Pookie Bear' or something similar.
3. If you played AAU in the 2010 Spring/Summer session, let me know your club name via comment. If you don't know about AAU for Spring 2011 and are interested, your coaches can help.
4. Congratulations to Coach Arthur and the team on its 3-0 start and good luck Friday vs. OH.
Gentlemen - a few items for your consideration:
1. If you want me to change your formal name to whatever you use normally (e.g., AJ, Thad, Izzy, etc.) let me know by posting a comment.
Comments don't automatically show up on the blog, I have to approve them. I'll just make your requested correction and delete the comment.
2. If I see any oddball name change requests here I'll ask the individual personally before posting something. If you pwn somebody and I find out who you are, I will change your roster name to 'Pookie Bear' or something similar.
3. If you played AAU in the 2010 Spring/Summer session, let me know your club name via comment. If you don't know about AAU for Spring 2011 and are interested, your coaches can help.
4. Congratulations to Coach Arthur and the team on its 3-0 start and good luck Friday vs. OH.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Chapter 3 - The Flight of the Muse TC 30– MV 27 – 12.14.10 at Maumee Valley – Boys Game Summary
Setting the Table
Source: National Federation of High School Associations website.
Using the above diagram and simple powers of higher mathematics, one can quickly deduce that it’s thirteen feet, nine inches from the foul line to the center of the 18” diameter basket in a regulation high school basketball court.
Unfortunately, on some nights the free throw line might as well be 55 feet away. Such was the case last evening as the Hawks went 6-17 from the line. The free throw shooting Muse present at last week’s Monclova Christian game, when the Hawks went 8-10, decided to turn its back on the home team this evening.
On the other hand, Maumee Valley did go 1-for-1 from the actual 55 foot line this evening, sort of…
Game Summary
In a defensive struggle, Toledo Christian outlasted MV 30-27 at the Varsity Gym. The Hawks had two chances to pull ahead or tie the game at the end. Rick Deichert made a three-quarter court 3 pointer with seven seconds to go and another three ball at the buzzer, but he released both shots just after the whistle had blown (verified after watching the video) and neither shot counted.
Both teams experienced long offensive droughts. In the second quarter, MV held the Eagles to two points; TC returned the favor in the third, blanking the Blue and White until a three pointer by Julius Turner with four seconds left.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
First Quarter – TC 11 – MV 8
Maumee Valley started the game in man defense; TC was in man as well, but quickly switched to its 1-3-1 matchup zone. TC got off to a quick 4-0 start in the first three minutes of play with two layups off foul-line screens, but the Hawks tightened up on D. Rick opened the scoring with a basket from the elbow and the Hawks actively clogged the passing lanes inside. Jared Sturt had two steals early, but TC continued to score inside. Dixon Stoddard was very active underneath with several rebounds at both ends of the floor.
Nick Frasco came in for Rick with 53 seconds left and it was Maumee Valley which put on the first press. TC scored with 2 seconds left in the half to take the first quarter lead.
Little did the crowd know that this would be the highest scoring frame of the evening.
Second Quarter – MV 7 – TC 2
Starters – Rick, Dave, Jared, Dixon, Julius Turner
Julius started the second quarter and had an immediate impact with a strong drive to the basket, drawing a foul and making both ends at the line. Shortly thereafter, he made a great move inside the paint for another two points.
On the defensive end MV switched to its 2-3 zone, which immediately slowed the Eagles’ attack to a crawl. TC was stymied in their efforts to work the ball inside and good work by the Hawks on ball rotation kept the opponents’ outside shooting to a minimum. As the hosts became more aggressive in their zone, Jared aggressively defended around the basket, blocking a short attempt and a 15 footer from the baseline.
Rick ended the quarter with a driving layup. The Hawks were up at the end of the half 15-13.
TC scored a pair on a couple of singles, a passed ball and a double down the line, plating the two runners on base. Oh sorry, I was just dreaming about warmer weather for a second. Game time temperature was 11 degrees.
Third Quarter TC 8 – MV 3
Starting the quarter: Same as Q2.
TC came out of the locker room determined to execute better ball rotation on the perimeter. They got an early look, but could not convert. Play sped up early in the quarter, but this didn’t lead to an increased scoring pace. Play was ragged.
MV had extreme difficulty shooting due to tough defense by the Eagles, managing only three attempts in the frame before Julius Turner fired in a three from the top of the key with four seconds left to avert the shutout.
TC headed into the fourth quarter with a 21-18 lead.
Fourth Quarter MV 9 – TC 9
Starting the quarter: same as Q2 and 3.
The final stanza opened with a pyrotechnical display. Rick grabbed a defensive rebound and started a break down court. He fired a sharp pass to Dixon who was fouled hard on the shot attempt. A TC forward argued the call too strenuously and was charged with a technical.
However, the Blue and White were only able to convert one of the four free throws. On the ensuing possession, Jared drove from the high post and converted at the basket. The Hawks had squared it at 21.
Rick then scored off a well designed in-bounds play to pull the Hawks ahead, and scoring continued back and forth. Julius made one of two foul shots, and then Dave Brown made an eight-footer from the left baseline off a great pass by Dixon from the right wing. The Hawks were up three but TC again returned fire with a three pointer to tie it again. Following a an MV free throw, TC went ahead 28-26 on a Nick Rightnowar trey.
Jared returned to the line after being hacked on a shot, and converted one to cut the lead in half.
The Hawks had been in the bonus for much of the fourth quarter but could not convert throughout the frame. Conversely, MVs clean play in the eyes of the officials would now place additional pressure on the team at the 1:16 mark. With only two fouls against them, Maumee Valley had to go into aggressive defense / quick foul mode. Play for the next several seconds occurred mostly between the three point circles with TC taking the ball out and MV immediately fouling. TC retained its lead and ball possession deep into the game.
But the Hawks created some chances near the end. A steal gave MV the ball with 21 seconds left and down 1, but a turnover led to a foul and two converted free throws by TC. It was 30-27 with a few fireworks left.
With 6.9 seconds left, MV inbounded the ball to Rick Deichert, who fired a 55 footer toward the hoop and nailed it – to no avail.
The referee had blown his whistle for an on-the-floor foul committed against Rick. He went to the line with 2.3 seconds to go in the double bonus trying to make the first then miss the second to generate a tying put-back attempt.
PS - I turned the Flipcam off and didn't capture the shot - what a knucklehead!
Rick missed the first end then deliberately missed the second for a miracle three try – which he got off a Jared Sturt rebound – and made – again unfortunately, just after the whistle blew.
The Hawks went down to defeat 30-27.
Final Game Thoughts
Statistically the game was lost at the line. MV went 6-17; 4-11 in the fourth quarter. TC was 4-6 including the last two points of the game.
It was a tough loss for the Hawks. The team’s own expectations are higher this year and this one had to hurt some.
Conversely, Maumee Valley was within three points of tying the game at the end and had several chances to win. Closing out a game like this will be another milestone in the team’s development. Fayette was one thing, but one of your two main conference competitors is another.
Finally for those who have followed MV basketball for several years, it should be noted that tonight’s game was clearly a matchup of peer vs. peer. Gone are the days of the early TC press, the 10-20 point deficit and the ensuing ugly night. In fact, contrary to my game prediction, TC did not put the press on once during the evening.
Fortunately this is early season basketball and other opportunities will avail themselves as the season progresses.
Finally, we return to the Muses. The Roman scholar Varro spoke of three. MV will surely re-acquaint themselves this week one of them; Melete, the muse of practice, at the charity stripe this week.
Scoring
Now for the unhappy totals. Rick Deichert and Julius Turner scored 8 apiece for the Hawks; Jared Sturt had 7, Dixon Stoddard and Dave Brown added two points each for the home team. David Westmeyer (13) and Nick Rightnowar (10) scored 23 of TC's 30 points.
Next up
This is the toughest stretch of the Hawks’ season. The gauntlet continues as they travel to Ottawa Hills Friday night to face the TAAC preseason favorites. The JV’s look to go 4-0 with their usual 6PM start time.
Later on, it’s Emmanuel Christian at home on the 21st, then the big Huntington Center matchup on December 27 at 2pm vs. Toledo Central Catholic.
Good luck to all the students on exams this week. Remember to say goodbye to your old High School.
Source: National Federation of High School Associations website.
Using the above diagram and simple powers of higher mathematics, one can quickly deduce that it’s thirteen feet, nine inches from the foul line to the center of the 18” diameter basket in a regulation high school basketball court.
Unfortunately, on some nights the free throw line might as well be 55 feet away. Such was the case last evening as the Hawks went 6-17 from the line. The free throw shooting Muse present at last week’s Monclova Christian game, when the Hawks went 8-10, decided to turn its back on the home team this evening.
On the other hand, Maumee Valley did go 1-for-1 from the actual 55 foot line this evening, sort of…
Game Summary
In a defensive struggle, Toledo Christian outlasted MV 30-27 at the Varsity Gym. The Hawks had two chances to pull ahead or tie the game at the end. Rick Deichert made a three-quarter court 3 pointer with seven seconds to go and another three ball at the buzzer, but he released both shots just after the whistle had blown (verified after watching the video) and neither shot counted.
Both teams experienced long offensive droughts. In the second quarter, MV held the Eagles to two points; TC returned the favor in the third, blanking the Blue and White until a three pointer by Julius Turner with four seconds left.
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
First Quarter – TC 11 – MV 8
Maumee Valley started the game in man defense; TC was in man as well, but quickly switched to its 1-3-1 matchup zone. TC got off to a quick 4-0 start in the first three minutes of play with two layups off foul-line screens, but the Hawks tightened up on D. Rick opened the scoring with a basket from the elbow and the Hawks actively clogged the passing lanes inside. Jared Sturt had two steals early, but TC continued to score inside. Dixon Stoddard was very active underneath with several rebounds at both ends of the floor.
Nick Frasco came in for Rick with 53 seconds left and it was Maumee Valley which put on the first press. TC scored with 2 seconds left in the half to take the first quarter lead.
Little did the crowd know that this would be the highest scoring frame of the evening.
Second Quarter – MV 7 – TC 2
Starters – Rick, Dave, Jared, Dixon, Julius Turner
Julius started the second quarter and had an immediate impact with a strong drive to the basket, drawing a foul and making both ends at the line. Shortly thereafter, he made a great move inside the paint for another two points.
On the defensive end MV switched to its 2-3 zone, which immediately slowed the Eagles’ attack to a crawl. TC was stymied in their efforts to work the ball inside and good work by the Hawks on ball rotation kept the opponents’ outside shooting to a minimum. As the hosts became more aggressive in their zone, Jared aggressively defended around the basket, blocking a short attempt and a 15 footer from the baseline.
Rick ended the quarter with a driving layup. The Hawks were up at the end of the half 15-13.
Third Quarter TC 8 – MV 3
Starting the quarter: Same as Q2.
TC came out of the locker room determined to execute better ball rotation on the perimeter. They got an early look, but could not convert. Play sped up early in the quarter, but this didn’t lead to an increased scoring pace. Play was ragged.
MV had extreme difficulty shooting due to tough defense by the Eagles, managing only three attempts in the frame before Julius Turner fired in a three from the top of the key with four seconds left to avert the shutout.
TC headed into the fourth quarter with a 21-18 lead.
Fourth Quarter MV 9 – TC 9
Starting the quarter: same as Q2 and 3.
The final stanza opened with a pyrotechnical display. Rick grabbed a defensive rebound and started a break down court. He fired a sharp pass to Dixon who was fouled hard on the shot attempt. A TC forward argued the call too strenuously and was charged with a technical.
However, the Blue and White were only able to convert one of the four free throws. On the ensuing possession, Jared drove from the high post and converted at the basket. The Hawks had squared it at 21.
Rick then scored off a well designed in-bounds play to pull the Hawks ahead, and scoring continued back and forth. Julius made one of two foul shots, and then Dave Brown made an eight-footer from the left baseline off a great pass by Dixon from the right wing. The Hawks were up three but TC again returned fire with a three pointer to tie it again. Following a an MV free throw, TC went ahead 28-26 on a Nick Rightnowar trey.
Jared returned to the line after being hacked on a shot, and converted one to cut the lead in half.
The Hawks had been in the bonus for much of the fourth quarter but could not convert throughout the frame. Conversely, MVs clean play in the eyes of the officials would now place additional pressure on the team at the 1:16 mark. With only two fouls against them, Maumee Valley had to go into aggressive defense / quick foul mode. Play for the next several seconds occurred mostly between the three point circles with TC taking the ball out and MV immediately fouling. TC retained its lead and ball possession deep into the game.
But the Hawks created some chances near the end. A steal gave MV the ball with 21 seconds left and down 1, but a turnover led to a foul and two converted free throws by TC. It was 30-27 with a few fireworks left.
With 6.9 seconds left, MV inbounded the ball to Rick Deichert, who fired a 55 footer toward the hoop and nailed it – to no avail.
The referee had blown his whistle for an on-the-floor foul committed against Rick. He went to the line with 2.3 seconds to go in the double bonus trying to make the first then miss the second to generate a tying put-back attempt.
PS - I turned the Flipcam off and didn't capture the shot - what a knucklehead!
Rick missed the first end then deliberately missed the second for a miracle three try – which he got off a Jared Sturt rebound – and made – again unfortunately, just after the whistle blew.
The Hawks went down to defeat 30-27.
Final Game Thoughts
Statistically the game was lost at the line. MV went 6-17; 4-11 in the fourth quarter. TC was 4-6 including the last two points of the game.
It was a tough loss for the Hawks. The team’s own expectations are higher this year and this one had to hurt some.
Conversely, Maumee Valley was within three points of tying the game at the end and had several chances to win. Closing out a game like this will be another milestone in the team’s development. Fayette was one thing, but one of your two main conference competitors is another.
Finally for those who have followed MV basketball for several years, it should be noted that tonight’s game was clearly a matchup of peer vs. peer. Gone are the days of the early TC press, the 10-20 point deficit and the ensuing ugly night. In fact, contrary to my game prediction, TC did not put the press on once during the evening.
Fortunately this is early season basketball and other opportunities will avail themselves as the season progresses.
Finally, we return to the Muses. The Roman scholar Varro spoke of three. MV will surely re-acquaint themselves this week one of them; Melete, the muse of practice, at the charity stripe this week.
Scoring
Now for the unhappy totals. Rick Deichert and Julius Turner scored 8 apiece for the Hawks; Jared Sturt had 7, Dixon Stoddard and Dave Brown added two points each for the home team. David Westmeyer (13) and Nick Rightnowar (10) scored 23 of TC's 30 points.
Next up
This is the toughest stretch of the Hawks’ season. The gauntlet continues as they travel to Ottawa Hills Friday night to face the TAAC preseason favorites. The JV’s look to go 4-0 with their usual 6PM start time.
Later on, it’s Emmanuel Christian at home on the 21st, then the big Huntington Center matchup on December 27 at 2pm vs. Toledo Central Catholic.
Good luck to all the students on exams this week. Remember to say goodbye to your old High School.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)