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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Hawks continue to reap benefits from AJ King trade

According to the Toledo Blade game capsule (print version only), the Hawks picked up a new guard, Rick Beichert, who contributed 11 last evening.

Further, in the box score word has leaked of a new Guard - Nick Frasko and two(!) Forwards - Dixon Stobbard and Jon Kruger. 

Jim Fish is rocketing up the watch list for TAAC executive of the year, as the deal with the Green Bears continues to pay dividends. 

MV 85 - North Baltimore 39 - Quick Summary

The Hawks tallied their highest point total in the Jim Robinson era, smacking down the North Baltimore Tigers 85-39.  MV's inside game was outstanding against a taller NB front line as evidenced by the evening's record setting high scorers - Jared Sturt tied his career high with 25, Julius Turner had his MV-best 19 (all but three from two point range or the line) and Dixon Stoddard set a new career mark with 11 on the evening.  The game was never close, as full court pressure stymied the hosts early.  The Hawks scored the first ten points of the game and never looked back.

Other scorers for the HawkSquad included Rick Deichert with 11, Dave Brown 6, Caleb Willhight 5, and Nick Frasco and Jonathan Krueger 4.

One more full week off for the Hawks, then it's back to TAAC play at the Emannuel Christian Roy Parmalee Gymnasium against the tied-for-first-place Warriors.  The Warriors just dropped two in a row in their own Holiday Tournament, including a last second heartbreaker Friday night against Summerfield, Michigan.

MV 85 - North Baltimore 39 - Insightful Internet Commentary

No, these are not Apollo Astronauts, they are Caleb Willhight and Julius Turner in their warm-ups and headphones discussing the 46 point Hawk victory over the North Baltimore Tigers:

Friday, December 30, 2011

North Baltimore Preview

Fast facts

Opponent: North Baltimore
Enrollment (9-12): 260
Division/League: D-IV / Midland Athletic League (12 members)
Team Nickname: Tigers

Preview from Blanchard River Buzz

Head Coach: Jon Eicher (1st season)
Last Season: 8-13 overall, 4-7 Midland Athletic League
This Season: 0-7 overall, 0-3 MAL
Returning Letterwinners: Evan North 6-5, sr., F; 5.3 ppg., 5.8 rpg.; Andrew Peters 6-0, sr., G; 1.2 ppg., Austin Davis 6-4, sr., F; Alex James 6-3, sr., C; 1 ppg.;
Top Prospects: Jacob Frost 6-1, soph., G; Jordan Watson 6-1, jr., G; Travis Engard 6-0, sr., F; Branden Sully 5-7, soph., G; Chase Nichols 5-9, soph., G;

Notes: The Midland Athletic League does a fine job of publishing team and individual statistics during the season. Unfortunately for the Tigers, those statistics show a difficult picture – last place in team offense (35.0 points/game), next to last in both team defense (67.0 ppg allowed) and rebounding (-7.2 rpg average deficit). Through six games, North Baltimore’s leading scorer is their Senior big man Evan North, averaging 13/game (that’s 37% of the Tigers output for you stats geeks.). North is also fifth in MAL rebounding, averaging 7.2 boards per game.

MV lost its last outing at NB 57-53. For those who were there, it was an unforgettable game in terms of officiating.

And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

MV 50 - Liberty Center 20 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Rashaan Preston and Nick Frasco share some 30 point victory-style holiday cheer this evening. Special FutureHawk appearance at the end.


MV 50 – Liberty Center 20 – Quick Summary

The Hawks made the most of their first visit to Henry County and smacked the Liberty Center Tigers by 30 tonight. MV led 11-2 at the end of the first, 24-7 at the half and well, you get the picture. Liberty Center did not break double digits in any quarter, and in fact did not score their first points until the 4:00 mark of the first.

The HawkNation rained three’s down on the home team, shooting a sizzling 9 for 16 from beyond the arc. Five of MV’s final six scores were three point shots.

Julius Turner led the way for the Hawks with 12 tonight. Rick Deichert and Jon Krueger each had 9, Jared Sturt 8, Marcus Knabbs 5, Caleb Willhight 3, Dixon Stoddard and Dave Brown 2.

Notable MVCDS-ers Tyler Boehm, Carter Bayer and Karla Luketic were among those in attendence tonight, scouting the varsity in advance of Tuesday's Alumni Holiday Hoops extravaganza at the Valley.

The JVs struggled to score in the opener, and dropped a 18-15 contest to the hosts.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Liberty Center Preview

Fast facts

Opponent: Liberty Center
Enrollment (9-12): 375
Division/League: D-III / NWOAL
Team Nickname: Tigers

Preview – 95% courtesy the Blade’s NWOAL preview

Coach: Eric Prigge, fourth season

Last season: 5-16, 2-6 NWOAL

This season: LC is off to a brutal 0-5 start, including an 18-17 (!) loss to Edon last week. Edon lost its opener to Fayette (MV beat Fayette by 11) by a score of 46-38.*

Top players: Seniors Dustin Mock, 5-10, F. Juniors Kody Snyder, 5-11, G; Tyler Davis, 5-11, F; Maetrix Couch, 5-9, G; Jared Bare, 5-10, F; Zach Bare, 5-11, F. Sophomore Kaleb Pohlman, 6-1, F-C.

Outlook: Snyder (2 points) and Pohlman (4 points, 2 rebounds) represent the Tigers' experienced players. No one else has any varsity experience in what figures as a rebuilding project.

"The keys to success for this group will be to consistently bring a high level of effort and focus," Prigge said.

Solid and consistent contributions from newcomers like Mock, Davis, and Couch could go a long way toward LC making a push up the standings.

Notes: MV won last year’s contest 50-33 in the Valley…the Hawks have been off for a week, coming off the 51-39 win over Ottawa Hills…MV has clawed back into the JJ Huddle State D-IV teams to watch list…Gibsonburg is in there as well.

* Hawkblog Surgeon General’s Warning: Full reliance on the Transitive Property for high school basketball purposes can be hazardous to your emotional health - Cardinal Stritch lost last night to a Genoa team which had no player over 6'2".  It was a painful sight to behold.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

MV 43 - TC 42 - Insightful Internet Commentary

The two fourth quarter heros, Dave Brown and Jonathan Krueger, are interviewed by the Hawkblog's version of Chick Hearn, our own Mark Frasco.





Your Hawkblogger passes no judgment on what Dixon Stoddard and Thad Woodard were doing in the background.  I'm just sayin'...

MV 51 - OH 39 Insightful Internet Commentary

It's the hat version, starring Julius Turner and Rick Deichert. 

Hawks get player to be named later in AJ King trade

The Blade scooped ESPN in uncovering the second half of the AJ King trade in their game story from last evening

Check out the quotes from new Hawk guard Frederick Dietrich, a three point specialist sent over to the Hawks from the Ottawa Hills German development squad.

Pictures too!!

Seriously, thanks to the Blade for their stellar Hawks coverage this season. 

Story now corrected on-line...

About that video...and an apology

Your Hawkblogger will go contrarian on current HawkNation buzz and say for the record that the OH spirit video was witty and well done. 

MV should come up with a TASTEFUL answer next time out.  That's what High School sports are all about.

APOLOGY - Your Hawkblogger's for-profit business activites have recently gotten in the way of the much more important business of blogging, but the weekend and the seven day stretch between games now will provide a much needed opportunity to catch up on full game stories, et. al.  Keep checking in over the weekend.

Maumee Valley 51 - Ottawa Hills 39 - quick summary

HawkNation was out in full force last night to watch their team defeat the Green Bears 51-39 at the Valley.  With the win, Maumee Valley righted their ship in TAAC play.  They earned a 2-1 record playing the three-games-in-seven-nights gauntlet of Gibsonburg, TC and OH.  The back to back wins against TC and OH are another milestone for MV. 

Ottawa Hills has a big front line, but if you can't get the ball into that group, they can't do much damage.  MV used full court pressure defense and forced 22 OH turnovers during the contest.  The defense energized the home team, which jumped to a 13 point half time lead.  In the second half, the Hawks played a lot of Robo-ball, controlling the pace and reducing the Bears' shot opportunities. MV made their free throws down the stretch and iced the game in the last quarter. 

Dave Brown was the unsung hero of the second half, controlling the ball for a series of long stretches for which OH had no answer.  Opponents simply don't apply more than token pressure against MV this season because of Dave's ball-handling presence.

The win was the Hawks' first over their TAAC rivals at the Varsity Gym in at least five years. 

MV's trio of Rick Deichert, Julius Turner and Jared Sturt combined for 42 points on the evening.  Each had their hot streaks, especially Julius in the first quarter, then Rick in the second. 

Also scoring for the Hawks were Jon Krueger with 5 and Dave Brown with four, all big free throws in the fourth quarter.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Ottawa Hills preview - Friday night sell-out

Fast facts


Opponent: Ottawa Hills
Enrollment (9-12): 291
Division/League: D-IV/TAAC
Team Nickname: Green Bears

So who does this guy root for when OH plays Gibsonburg?


From The Blade’s TAAC preview

Coach: John Lindsay, 17th season

Last season: 20-3, 11-1

This season: The Bears were 2-0 and on the JJHuddle list of D-IV teams to watch until they ran into the Cardinal Stritch Buzzsaws Tuesday evening. Looking ahead, maybe??

Top players: Senior Ian Trickey, 6-0, G. Juniors Lucas Janowicz, 6-4, P; A.J. King, 6-2, G. Sophomores Geoffrey Beans, 6-4, W; Ben Silverman, 5-11, G.

Outlook: The Green Bears should have an edge in size over most foes.

Janowicz scored 12.5 points per game and grabbed 7.5 boards per game to earn All-TAAC second team honors. Trickey (4.9 points) also started last season, while Beans (3.4 points) played as a freshman.

Five letter winners are back - plus MV letter winner AJ King..

Speed, experience, and depth could be potential trouble areas.

"Three of our top six players are sophomores," said Lindsay, who has a career record of 232-121. "With our lack of depth, we must stay healthy."

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

MV 43 - TC 42 - Quick Summary

The Hawks shot out to another double digit lead then watched it disappear against the Toledo Christian Eagles last night.  This time the script allowed MV to be the heros, as they held on for a one point victory.  The Hawks' free throw demons continue to haunt them, as they were 6-17 from the line.  

The Toledo Blade was at the game last night and here is a link to their game story.

Here is a link to their photo gallery.

And now for the happy totals:  Jared Sturt 12, Rick Deichert 11, Julius Turner 6, Dave Brown 5, Jonathan Krueger 4, Caleb Willhight 3, and Dixon Stoddard 2.

But TAAC wins are proving highly valuable, as the league is at its most balanced in recent memory.  Exhibit A for that argument is last night's 50-34 Cardinal Stritch spanking of Ottawa Hills, in the Village no less.  Those same Green Bears travel to the Valley Friday night to face the 3-1 Hawks in the second sold-out game in a row.  The game will be broadcast on BCSN.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Winner, Winner...

We had 'em all the way.

                                                      ...Chicken Dinner

And your Varsity final is - MV 43 - TC 42.  The last four MV/TC games have now been decided by a total of 8 points.

At the JV half...

It's Hawks 34 - TC 6.

And your final...MV 48 - TC 31.

Random Comedian Post



Because sometimes people just come to mind...

Toledo Christian Preview

Fast facts

Opponent: Toledo Christian
Enrollment (9-12): 261
Division/League: D-IV
Team Nickname: Eagles

From the Toledo Blade TAAC preview

Coach: Dave McWhinnie, 11th season

Last season: 17-8, 9-3 TAAC

This season:  The Eagles are 1-1, losing their opener to Anthony Wayne 47-36, then squeezing by Cardinal Stritch 62-60 in double OT

Top players: Seniors Cameron Stewart, 6-1, F; Craig Bridgeman, 6-4, F. Juniors Eric Cellier, 6-2, F; Ben Ivan, 6-3, F; Dominique Pittman, 5-9, G; Josh Winzeler, 6-2, G.

Outlook: Pittman (4.7 points, 2.0 assists per game), Cellier (6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds) and Ivan (3.2 points, 3.0 rebounds) are McWhinnie's only returning letter winners.

"Our team has quick, strong athletes that will contribute at both ends of the floor," McWhinnie said.

All five starters are new, so inexperience may play a role.

"We have to jell as a team early because of the experience the top league teams return," McWhinnie said.

The Hawks and Eagles have played several classic games over the last two years, each having success on the other teams’ home court. TC knocked Maumee Valley out of the playoffs last year in double overtime in the game-which-has-not-been-blogged-yet.

Small stuff: MV defeated TC in Premier Summer League play…TC lost all five starters from last year’s TAAC third place team…this will be one of the last games in the classic old-school TC gym

Gibsonburg 46 – MV 43 – quick summary

In a game of streaks, Gibsonburg owned the last one, and overcame a four point deficit late in the game to win their TAAC opener in front of a sold-out Varsity Gym Friday December 9, 2011. The Bears jumped out to an early 9-1 lead, but the Hawks outscored the Bears 24-6 to take a 10 point lead. Gibsonburg clawed back to even in the third and the game was back and forth until the end. MV had a one point lead and the ball with under a minute, but the visitors prevailed in a wild finish.

Scoring for the Hawks: Jared Sturt 13, Dave Brown 9, Julius Turner 8, Rick Deichert 7, Dixon Stoddard 4 and Jon Krueger 2.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Girls basketball season opens

Courtesy girls basketball blogger Aaron Baker

Promising Hawks fall 53-60 in their first TAAC Match-up


After enjoying a first quarter advantage (11-9) and battling for a third quarter lead (44-38), the promising Hawks Women fell to a physical Gibsonburg team, 53-60 last night at Gibsonburg High School.Despite being hampered by fourth quarter injuries, turnovers, and foul trouble, early on the Hawks demonstrated tenacity, teamwork and overall great potential for the remaining games of the season.

Senior Guard, Kristen Bigelow, lead the pack, pouring in 25 points, and Freshman phenom, Kennedie Jackson, followed up with 12 points.What’s equally impressive is that all five starters, including Soph. Jordan Baker (2 pts 8 rebounds), Sr. Delaney Lonsway(6 pts), Sr. Genna Danes ( 12 pts) contributed offensively. Additionally, Freshman Kaylou Stoddard, Freshman Kayla Turner and Soph. Cammie Lonsway, helped beef up the Hawks defense at a few crucial moments.

Unquestionably, the Hawks Women’s best games are ahead of them, so you don’t want to miss a minute of play!

Come out and support them this Saturday at home at 2pm against Vanlue High School. Last year, this game was decided by 2pts. This promises to be a thrilling match up!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

White out vs.Gibsonburg declared

The Maumee Valley Sixth Man Club has declared a white out for tomorrow.  All MV fans are asked to wear white to tomorrow's game. 

The game was sold out in 12 minutes at MV.

Gibsonburg preview - an early season big game

Fast Facts

Opponent: Gibsonburg
Enrollment (9-12): 392
Division/League: D-IV
Team Nickname: Golden Bears

Coach: Brent Liskai, 10th season
Last season: 12-11, 7-5 SLL

Courtesy of and thanks to: Toledo Blade and Blanchard Sports Buzz

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Gage Beaber 5-11, jr., P; 15.1 ppg., 2 rpg.; 4 apg.; 4 spg.; Nate Yarborogh 6-3, sr., G; 12.8 ppg., 5.4.; 1 apg.; Logan Jones 6-4, sr., P; 11.4 ppg., 8.1 rpg.; Dylan Dorfmeyer 5-10, sr., G; 4.2 ppg., 2 rpg.; Adam Clark 6-2, sr., P; 2.7 ppg., 2.7 rpg.;

TOP PROSPECTS: Matt Tille 6-0, fr., W/P; Tyler Ernsthausen 6-0, soph., P; Travis Rainey 5-10, sr., W/P; Andrew Cantrell 5-10., soph., W.

The Golden Bears were selected to finish second in the TAAC and challenge the Hawks for the top spot. They are dropping into Division IV this year after many years at the D-III level

Gibsonburg enters its first year in the TAAC and is expected to immediately contend. Four starters return, including three players that scored 10 or more points per game last season. The Golden Bears made a run to the Division III district final last season.

"We look to be competitive in a very tough league," Gibsonburg coach Brent Liskai said. "We need to win our home games and play to our potential at very tough road games."

He also said his team has good quickness.

NOTABLES: Three Golden Bears earned post-season accolades last season. Beaber was a first-team All-SLL selection, a second-team District 7 selection and a third-team All-Northwest Ohio AP selection. Yarbaorogh was an honorable mention selection on the All-SLL and All-District 7 teams. Logan Jones was a second-team All-SLL and an honorable mention on the All-District 7 and All-Northwest Ohio

IN CONTRAST - Rick Deichert and Jared Sturt were named to first teams All-TAAC and District 7. Sturt was also an honorable mention All-Ohio. Dave Brown earned 2nd team All-TAAC.  Five Hawks (Rick, Jared, Dave, Julius Turner and Dixon Stoddard earned All-District (1st-2nd Team or Honorable mention) honors last year.



This will be the Bears’ first-ever TAAC game, and they will be…pardon the expression…loaded for bear.  This will be a good one.

Bonus Trivia – Guards Gage Beaber (G) and Rick Deichert (MV) combined to lead their Steve Mix summer league team to a camp championship in 2007.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

MV 74 - Monclova Christian 36 - Insightful Internet Commentary

We have a special treat for you tonight here at the Hawkblog, it's John, Paul, George and Ringo Thad Woodard, Robbie Ariss (proud scorer of his first varsity points tonight) Nick Frasco and India Bedi. 

Just sit back and bask in the munificence of their in-depth analysis.

Maumee Valley 74 - Monclova Christian 36 - quick summary

It was a track meet early with Maumee Valley bringing home the gold from the Monclova Christian Thunder, 74-36.  MV ran an early press and was up 20 before the end of the first quarter.  From that point forward, Coach Robinson stayed in the half court defense and played long stretches at a slow pace.  The Hawk starters only played 1.5 quarters of the game on average.  Every Hawk played at least five minutes tonight.

Still, this was enough time for Jared Sturt to lead all scorers with 22 points.  Julius Turner scored his uniform number tonight (11), and Caleb Willhight went double digits for the first time in his varsity career, downing 10 points.  Also scoring for the Hawks were Dave Brown and Thad Woodard with 9 each, Rick Deichert with 7, Nick Frasco with 4, and Robbie Ariss and Nick Towns with their first varsity points - each with two on the evening.

Condolences to the Gibsonburg Golden Bear coaching staff who sent three staffers to scout the Hawks.  They did not get their $5 admission's worth this evening and left at the half. 

The JV's also rolled, beating their Thunder counterparts 55-12.  Nick Towns led the JVs with 8, followed by Kedar Jones and Turner Booth with 7 each, Solomon Collins and Marcus Knabbs with 6 each, Jeremy Anderson and Osama Alkhalili with 4 each, Robbie Ariss with 3 and Lucas Isaza and Danny Hazimah with 2 apiece. 

Gibsonburg game will be a sellout

Athletic Director Jim Fish informs me that Gibsonburg travels VERY WELL,  and if you don't get to this Friday's game by JV half time at the latest, you may not get in.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Monclova Christian Academy - Preview - I got nuthin'


The Right Honourable Gentlemen will note that the Hawks are going for two in a row.  Here, here.
 Paraphrasing Winston Churchill

'A riddle wrapped up in an enigma'

Meaning - A puzzle - difficult to solve.

Origin - A form of Winston Churchill's quotation, made in a radio broadcast in October 1939:

"I cannot forecast to you the action of Monclova Christian Academy. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Toledo area high school basketball interest."

There are no available previews of Monclova that I'm aware of.  Here's what I know.  MCA was 14-4 last year.  One of those losses were to the Hawks, coincidentally by a score identical to Saturday's Fayette game - 50-39.  The second scheduled game was cancelled due to snow.
 
In the Hawks win, 26 of the Thunder's 39 points were scored by now graduated Senior Kenny N'Douba.  That's all you need to know.
 
Take the short trip over to Monclova Tuesday night and cheer on your Maumee Valley Hawks

MV Ranked T10th in JJ Huddle preseason D-IV poll

Here's the link.

For what it's worth, JJ Huddle subjectively weights its evaluations on team results, schedule difficulty and individual player strength -individual play heavily weighted toward high-end AAU competition.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Chapter 21 – What is good? – MV 50 – Fayette 39 – 12.3.11 at the Varsity Gym - Game Story

Setting the Table – the 2011-12 pre-season essay

What is good? *

 When they were four or five years old, it was just another fun game with a big orange ball. But after a while they’d make one or two baskets in a row and someone (Mrs. Hermann, likely) told them they could be good if they practiced. There were also those times during lower school recess where the games would devolve into grade school arguments – not so good...according to Mrs. Lundholm.

In 1st-3rd grade, good was passing the ball 27 times (which added up to two times around a circle) without dropping it to set a school record for the 'Maumee Valley Passing Challenge'.  This sophisticated training constituted their first practice sessions. 

 When they were in fourth grade, four of them joined up with many of their peers to play on a shorthanded fifth grade team in their first organized league play. They didn’t win much, but learned to compete. In the meantime, a third-grader was putting in time as the ball boy for the University of Toledo’s men’s basketball team. People looked at him dribbling around in pre-game and said ‘that kid is pretty good’ – as in skilled.

 In fifth and sixth grade, they played in Maumee Valley’s famed Lower School Gym, AKA ‘the Carpet’, winning several games playing a tightly packed 2-3 zone. Notably, in their games against Toledo Christian there was this young man that shot right over that zone and was impossible to stop. His mother came to every game, keeping copious statistics on his performance. Now that kid was good – talented and intense.

In seventh grade, the four guys all came home the first day of school and excitedly told their parents ‘There’s some big kid coming to school this year!’ When asked if the big kid played basketball, they replied ‘I don’t know…’ That winter, the seventh graders would win the TAAC 7th grade championship in one of the most improbable comebacks in school history – in any sport at any grade level. It was the first-ever middle school basketball championship by a Maumee Valley team. It turned out the big kid was plenty good – a rebounder and scorer.

They almost repeated in eighth grade, until a fateful call went against the Hawks with time running out in that year’s championship game. Two free throws later, it was a crushing loss. During that season, a new coach joined the middle school staff. Nobody knew his name at first. All anyone could say was that he had been a coach at Maumee and he had several good seasons there – good as in multi-year NLL champs.

In their ninth grade year, the MVCDS community was formally introduced to Coach Jim Robinson. Coach told the parents he was committed to building a top-notch basketball program. He explained the amount of hard work and dedication it would take to play basketball at this highest of standards. Of course, most of the parents were used to Maumee Valley's high standards in all other aspects of school life, so this seemed natural. Players and parents bought in. It was the dawn of a new chapter in Hawk sports history. The coach had redefined the meaning of good, raising expectations to a very high level.

Most all of the ninth graders played their own schedule that year under freshman coach Josh Arthur and nearly ran the table in Toledo, shocking teams from bigger schools boasting big time basketball histories. It was an eye opening example of what a good team could do. One freshman was called up to play varsity, and took his lumps in the 4-15 debut season. The coaching staff knew the future looked good.

The summer in between ninth and tenth grade, these Hawks had three good experiences. Several of them earned spots on AAU teams, improving their skills against tough competition. Second, the team got a taste of big time summer league play at the Whitmer High School summer league. The Blue and White were regularly punched in the nose by the big schools, but at season’s end, a first ever win over Toledo Start from the City League opened some eyes. Third, and most important – remember that young UT ball boy? He joined the team as an incoming freshman, turning heads with his ball handling and leadership abilities. Now that kid was really good – and now so was the team.

2009-10 produced a remarkable ten-game turnaround. From 4-15 the previous year, the team finished 14-6, losing in the playoffs after a pyrrhic last regular-season win in which two of the Hawks' senior starters were injured and missed the playoffs. For the group of now four sophomores and one freshman, it was their debut as varsity players. They learned the faster varsity speeds and helped MV to their best finish in nearly a decade. Good for this team was now accelerating at an accelerating rate.

During the 2010 sophomore to junior year transition summer, the final link was forged onto this team chain. Remember that TC kid who shot the lights out during grade school? He spent his freshman and sophomore years at Emmanuel Christian, earning first team all-TAAC honors in 10th grade. He began coming to the summer league games as a spectator the year before, and now he had transferred to Maumee Valley. This development was good – like the feeling when that last piece drops into a puzzle. The core of the Hawk basketball team now included a ball handler, a shooting guard, a tough post player, an athletic forward with a shot, a fighter/rebounder, a shooting forward and an all-around third guard. This many complimentary players on a single D-IV team are a rarity.

What happened next was gaining maturity. In 2010-11, the group assumed the mantle of leadership and grew up, defeating long-time TAAC rivals, one ranked in the State Top 10, on the opposition’s home courts. And the coach? He did 'good' during the season - good as in his career 500th win,  A 17-2 regular season record was cut short though by a tough double overtime loss in the Sectional Finals.

But that wound healed quickly and it was off to team and individual camp, summer leagues and AAU once again. Speaking of  healing, their coach suffered a stroke, but made a remarkable recovery over the summer, returing for his core group's last season together,  This past summer, the guys took the time to learn each other’s games even better. The one-time summer league doormat won one of its 2011 summer leagues outright and earned a Number 4 seed in the Division-1 heavy Toledo Central Catholic summer league playoffs, losing in the semi-finals to the host school.

Now it’s the final season together for these seven Maumee Valley Hawks:

Seniors:

Rick Deichert, Nick Frasco, Jon Krueger, Dixon Stoddard, Jared Sturt, and Julius Turner


and Junior:

Dave Brown

So what is good for this group in the 2011-12 season?

This question looms large in the minds of the Maumee Valley basketball community this season. The implication of good being a relative term will definitely be part of the conversation. Expectations are high, driven by an internet age which carefully analyzes sports down to (and frankly past) the High School level. More importantly, expectations are high because these seven are determined to succeed.

Again, what is good? Regardless of the outcome of this season, the goodness in each of these gentlemen is already on display – high achievement, good character, outstanding futures ahead. One day they will look back at their own High School achievements. Your Hawkblogger hopes they will remember:

- That they prepared to and performed at their highest level possible,

- That they appreciate that they received the gift of a lifetime when Jim Robinson and his great staff decided to invest in them,

- That they grew even more as young men – and finally, hopefully

- They remember that some fateful shots, rebounds, steals and bounces went their way and this season extended well into March 2012.

Good luck, Hawks. Look beyond good.  Greatness lies within you.

* - with apologies to Mrs. Price and the Senior seminar.

Game Summary

It was a packed house this evening, as students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents gathered for the christening of the 2011-12 basketball season.

Maumee Valley used balanced scoring and second half pressure defense to go 1-0 on the young season tonight, pulling away from the Fayette Eagles in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks led by three at the half on the strength of Rick Deichert's 12 points. Jared Sturt encountered some early foul trouble and was forced to miss much of the second quarter.

His return in the second half was more than the Purple and Gold visitors could handle, as they fouled Jared three times in the first minute of the third. Jared's presence underneath combined with a stifling MV press was the difference maker, as the home team extended their lead to five at the end of the third, then wore the visitors down at the end to finish the game up 11.

First Quarter – MV 12 – Fayette 8

Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Jon Krueger (’12) and Julius Turner (’12)

With their tallest player not too much over six feet, Fayette did not contest the opening tip, playing four men off the jump circle in defensive mode. They would not lay back for long, pressing MV from half court in. Still Rick got open and nailed a three pointer to start the scoring. The Hawks played tough defense themselves, and it paid off as Rick got a steal and feed to Dave for two more. After another stop, Julius canned this long three pointer…





…and it was 8-0 Hawks. Coach Mitchell went to his bench for a pick-up, subbing three new players in. The visitors also slowed down the pace of play at both ends and it was a sluggish mid quarter. Fayette finally scored at the 2:29 mark to make it 8-3. Rick countered on the break with a twisting left handed finish for two. Julius stole the next Fayette possession off a trap…





…and it was 12-3 MV. Fayette called its first time out with 2:02 left. Nick Frasco replaced Rick, who had picked up his first foul. The Eagles converted their in-bounds play to cut the lead to 12-5, then a quarter ending three pointer closed the gap to four.

Second Quarter – Fayette 12 – MV 11

On the floor – Same as first quarter

Fayette threw its opening possession away and the Hawks cashed in with Jared Sturt’s first points of the year…





But Chandler Sanford hit a three for Fayette, then the Eagles got a steal near the mid court line and finished the break, cutting MV’s lead to 14-13. After a missed Hawk shot, Jared committed his second foul of the half and the visitors converted both ends. Fayette had overcome a nine point deficit to go ahead, 15-14. Jared countered with a two, but would sit out the rest of the half to avoid a third foul.

After an Eagle miss, MV threw the ball away but Fayette missed an easy layup on the break. That would be a turning point as the visitors would never lead again. Rick scored the next four points with a driving two pointer, then another two on a Euro Step finish on a break to pull the Hawks back ahead by five, 20-15.

Again, Coach Mitchell controlled the tempo with a time out at the 4:30 mark and again his team responded out of the huddle with a three-ball. They also slowed the pace once more and there was no scoring until Thad Woodard fouled Travis Pennington on a three point attempt with 2:11 to go. Pennington converted two of three to tie the score back up.

Now it was Coach Jim Robinson’s turn to demonstrate his coaching skill. Needing a answer, the Hawks ran this double-screen play setting up Rick in the corner with an open three point attempt…





…which he nailed at a key moment to put the Hawks back on top. That was the end of the first half scoring. The Hawks survived Jared's exile to the bench with a 23-20 half time lead. Rick led all scorers with 12 in the first half; he would not score for the rest of the game, contributing in other ways.

Third Quarter – MV 11 – Fayette 9

On the floor – Same as first quarter

Jared’s return to the floor proved quite disruptive for the visitors, who appeared to have game planned a physical double-team on the MV Post player. In the first 53 seconds, Fayette committed three floor fouls on Sturt, including the third on the Eagles best 2010-11 scorer, Trevor Cox. Coach Mitchell pulled his starting guard. Jared finally got the ball on an in-bounds play and scored on a put-back.

MV came out in a press, giving the Purple and Gold some trouble. Julius got a steal, and was fouled on the floor by Chandler Sanford. Jon Krueger scored on the in-bounds play and MV led 27-20. Julius again stole a pass and was again fouled on the floor, this time by Travis Pennington. Fayette finally got the ball across half court after 2:06 lapsed in the quarter and having committed five fouls.

But they didn’t quit. Pennington hit two free throws. Julius Turner responded with this three:





Again, Fayette climbed back in. Sanford made a three, then Trevor Cox scored a tough short range shot coming right to left across the key. Fayette had cut it to 30-27, but in the process had committed its seventh foul at the 1:48 mark. Julius was the victim of the foul and made both ends of the 1-and-1. Turner continued his steller defensive play with yet another steal and Jon Krueger scored next with this called (we on the Hawkblog staff are 95% this is true) bank shot.





MV almost forced a turnover on a 10 second call, but Fayette got the last second time-out. Again, the Eagles converted out of the T.O., then gained the ball back in the last 20 seconds but could not convert. Still, consistent with the first two quarters, the visitors held off an onslaught and were down only 5 at the 75% mark.

Fourth Quarter – MV 16 – Fayette 10

On the floor – Same as first quarter

MV opened the scoring with a beautiful behind the back pass by Rick to Jared who finished for two. Fayette went 1-and-done, Dave Brown pulling a rebound down and going coast-to-coast for the hoop. Fayette came back with two points, but the Hawks began to apply pressure with entry passes to Jared. He drew the foul from Travis Pennington, his fourth, and Jared made both ends.

Jon Krueger stole the ball and got it to Dave Brown on this fast break…





Maumee Valley finally had a 10 point lead, 42-31.

The visitors mounted a comeback with a two, then a three. The 42-36 margin would be their final push.

Julius got the ball to Jon for this two pointer at the 3:35 mark:





An errant pass cost the Eagles a back court violation and MV began to take time off the clock. After some deliberate play, Jared scored on an offensive rebound, then Jon Krueger was fouled grabbing a rebound by Travis Pennington – his fifth and final foul. Following more clock-burning by MV, Jared scored the Hawks’ final points of the game following this melee:





A final Fayette score at game’s end cut it to 50-39, and that was it for the evening.

Final Game Thoughts

Fayette’s coach Todd Mitchell has been at his school for ten years, and his system is well established. His Eagles are consistently well-conditioned and coached. Coach Mitchell ensures that his players are tough-nosed, well rounded and anything but quitters. He coached a great game Saturday night, strategically using his time-outs and calling key plays as play resumed. He kept his Eagles in the game, never letting Maumee Valley pull away until game’s end. We wish the Eagles well in BBC play.

Potpourri

The game was a sellout, the Varsity Gym packed to the max…the Students were out in full force providing great support to the team in their 2011-12 debut…the game was Julius’ best defensive performance of his career, far and away, with numerous steals and baseline stops..several alumni returned for the game including the Class of ‘10’s Carter Bayer and Jangus Whitner…the usual assortment of coaches from the following schools were in attendance looking for clues – Monclova Christian, TC, Ottawa Hills and Gibsonburg.

Scoring

Scoring was balanced for the Hawks this evening - Jared, with 10 in the second half led the way with 14; his counterweight Rick scored all 12 of his in the first half.  Julius Turner - 10, Jonathan Krueger 8 and Dave Brown 6.

For Fayette, Trevor Cox and Travis Pennington each scored 12, Chandler Sanford had 9 and Zayne Colgrove and Kevin Ferguson each contributed 3.

Next up

It’s Kenny N’Douba-less Monclova Christian Tuesday night out at the Thunderdome, a second out-of-conference game leading up to the first big TAAC stretch – Gibsonburg-Toledo Christian-Ottawa Hills in a row between December 8 and 17.






Insightful Internet Commentary - MV 50 - Fayette 39

Age and youth are both served this evening, as the veteran, Senior Dixon Stoddard and the kid, Freshman Nick Towns serve up their game commentary. 

Gracious, doesn't that Maumee Valley Country Day School produce articulate gentlemen.

Maumee Valley 50 - Fayette 39 - Quick Summary

Welcome back everyone!! 

It was a packed house this evening, as students, alumni, faculty, staff and parents gathered for the christening of the 2011-12 basketball season. 

Maumee Valley used balanced scoring and second half pressure defense to go 1-0 on the young season tonight, pulling away from the Fayette Eagles in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks led by three at the half on the strength of Rick Deichert's 12 points.  Jared Sturt encountered some early foul trouble and was forced to miss much of the second quarter. 

His return in the second half was more than the Purple and Gold visitors could handle, as they fouled Jared three times in the first minute of the third.  Jared's presence underneath combined with a stifling MV press was the difference maker, as the home team extended their lead to five at the end of the third, then wore the visitors down at the end to finish the game up 11. 

Scoring was balanced for the Hawks this evening - Jared, with 10 in the second half led the way with 14, Rick - 12, Julius Turner - 10, Jonathan Krueger 8 and Dave Brown 6. 

The JV's lost a 31-30 heartbreaker in the prelim., almost overcoming a 7 point deficit with under 1:30.  JV scoring - Marcus Knabbs 7, Lucas Isaza 5, Solomon Collins, Rashaan Preston and Robbie Ariss 4 each, Nick Towns 3, and Truth Foreman 2. 

Next up for the Hawks, a neighborhood road trip to Monclova Christian Tuesday December 6, 2011. 

Saturday, December 3, 2011

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Here's the voice of Maumee Valley, Roger Spurgeon heralding the kick off the 2011-12 Hawk basketball season. 

They aren't afraid of you - really

Here is some of the Hawksquad's out-of-conference work in summer leagues and fall scrimmages.  Shootout results were not available.  The regular season is played at an altogether different speed, but this is an impressive list of both competition and results:

Key

 
League: TRAC - Three Rivers Athletic Conference, CL - Toledo City League, NLL - Northern Lakes League, SBC - Suburban Buckeye Confrence, NWOAL - Northwest Ohio Athletic League, BBC - Buckeye Border Conference,

Predicted finish - the opponent's 2011-12 projected finish in their league, courtesy of the Toledo Blade preview from December 2, 2011.

Hawks record - in summer league games or scrimmages

Where played - TCC - Toledo Central Catholic Summer league, PL - Premier Sports (formerly Mix Sports) league, S - Scrimmage

Sorry about the spacing below.  Blogger won't take a word table.

Opponent           Div     League     Predicted finish     Hawks record        Where played


Toledo Scott         2         CL                2nd                         1-0                        TCC

Toledo Start         1         CL                 4th                         2-0                         TCC

Toledo Waite       1         CL                 5th                         2-0                         TCC

Tol Woodward     2         CL                 6th                         1-1                        TCC,S

Tol Cent'l Cath     1      TRAC              2nd                         0-1                         TCC

Oregon Clay         1      TRAC              6th                         1-0                          TCC

Tol. St. Francis     2      TRAC              7th                         2-0                          TCC

Anthony Wayne  1        NLL               3rd                        3-1                     TCC, PL, S

Maumee               1       NLL               6th                         2-0                             PL

Northview            1       NLL               7th                         2-0                           TCC

Springfield           1       NLL                8th                        1-0                              S

Archbold             3    NWOAL            1st                         1-1                              S

Wauseon             2    NWOAL            3rd                        2-0                             PL

Delta                   3    NWOAL            6th                        2-0                              PL

Lake                   3        SBC               2nd                        1-0                               S

Pettisville           4        BBC              N/A                        2-0                              PL

Monroe MI CC  3         ??                  N/A                       3-0                            TCC

Opening night preview - the Fayette Eagles

Fast facts

Opponent: Gorham Fayette
Enrollment (9-12): 212
Division/League: D-4 / Buckeye Border Conference
Team Nickname: Eagles


HEAD COACH: Todd Mitchell (10th season, 85-131)
2010-11 RECORD: 12-11 overall 4-6 Buckeye Border Conference.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Trevor Cox 6-0, sr., G; 10.3 ppg., 2.0 rpg.; 1.3 apg.; Zayne Colegrove 5-11, jr., G; 4.6 rpg., 2.5 rpg., 1.9 apg.; Kevin Ferguson 5-10, sr., G; 1 ppg., 1 rpg.;

TOP PROSPECTS: Travis Pennington 6-1, sr., G; Tyler Cox 6-3, soph., F; Chandler Sanford 5-9, soph., G; Cole Buckholder 6-2, jr., F;

IN A NUTSHELL: The Eagles lost three of five starters from last year’s 12-11 team. The 23 game result implies that Fayette had a nice 2-1 run in the playoffs last year. Cox earend an honorable mention in the BBC and a District 7 last season.

Last year’s result – In what at the time was thought to be the most exciting finish of the year, Maumee Valley spoiled Fayette’s opening night party, topping the Eagles 41-40 on a Jared Sturt basket at the buzzer.

Sources – Wikipedia, http://www.sportsbuzzohio.com/

Friday, December 2, 2011

It's all bluster if you don't back it up...

But Maumee Valley was picked by the TAAC coaches as the front runner.

Here's the link to the Blade TAAC preview.

Gentlemen, enjoy the target on your respective backs.  You worked hard to get here, but your next job lies ahead starting Saturday.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Final 2010-11 Scoreapalooza

Here it is for frame-of-reference purposes.  To be fair, Rick actually finished second, but your Hawkblogger is simply too lazy to fix this.

The 2010-11 Scoreapalooza winner was Kristin Bigelow by a large margin.  Congrats to her.

Pretty much everyone in the top 20, except for AJ King (transfer to Ottawa Hills) and Anne Deichert are back in the fray this year.  AJ, we wish you the best of luck in 18 of your 20 regular season games.

Good luck in 2011-12 everyone -  but always remember.............Wins > Points!




Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hawks one of eleven teams detailed in Ohio D-IV pre-season preview

JJ Huddle is one of the largest High School sports websites.  They are currently gearing up for baskball season with divisional previews. 

Here is a link to their D-IV preview - Maumee Valley is one of eleven teams to watch.

Here's the JJ Huddle capsule on MV:

Toledo Maumee Valley Country Day

• Toledo MVCD returns all but two points per game from last year’s (16-4) squad. The Hawks lost a heartbreaking 54-51 overtime contest to rival Toledo Christian in sectional play. MVCD and Toledo Christian decided its three games by just seven points. Leading the group of returnees is 6’6 senior Jared Sturt (12.6 ppg.), 6’0 senior Rick Deichert (12.5 ppg.), 6’1 senior Julius Turner (9.9 ppg.), and 5’6 junior Dave Brown (5.4 ppg.). 6’2 senior Dixon Stoddard and 5’10 senior Jonathan Krueger also return. MVCD will be involved in a tough sectional with the likes of Toledo Christian, Ottawa Hills, and Gibsonburg who has dropped down from DIII. The Hawks will meet the above mentioned teams in the regular season as well.

In addition, Jared Sturt was named pre-season D-IV third team and Dave Brown honorable mention on the website.  Congratulations to these Hawk players.  Lucas Janowicz from Ottawa Hills (honorable mention) was the only other TAAC player named to preseason honors.

Finally, the D-IV state-wide competitive landscape looks to be that much harder with the addition of 2011 state D-III final four participant Columbus Africentric and perennial basketball power Cleveland VASJ.  These teams moved down from Division III similar to TAAC member Gibsonburg.

Dress Rehearsal – Scrimmage vs. Toledo Woodward - Aggregate five quarter score MV 68 – Woodward 59

Setting the Table – The Toledo Woodward Polar Bears are a D-II team in the Toledo City League. They were 2-16 last year with a very young team. They are chock-full of athletic, running guards. If they can stay disciplined on defense this year, the PB’s could make some noise in the City League.


Woodward was one of the few teams to defeat Maumee Valley in summer league play this year, topping the Hawks 58-42 at Central Catholic. 

The Hawks would be tested by a pressure half court defense and good athletes all around. 

First Quarter – MV 13 - Woodward 4

Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Jonathan Krueger (’12) and Julius Turner (’12)

Format: 8:00 quarters, clock stopping for free throws

MV played man, Woodward was in a 2-3 zone. The main focus early on was to work the ball into Jared. The Hawks did so successfully, and Jared scored the first seven points for the home team. Julius also had a basket+1 off an inbounds play. Other than a few free throws down the stretch, there wasn’t much scoring.


Second Quarter MV 15 – Woodward 12

Starting five – same as first quarter.

Julius continued his active play stealing the Woodward in-bounds pass and scoring the first points of the quarter. MV switched to zone and struggled with rebounding a bit. Jon Kruger continued the scoring with this short-range jumper from the right hand corner.



Rick started heating up midway through the frame with this three-ball



Then a basket on a vintage give and go play from Dave.



Julius hit a nice three from the corner and Jared made a pair of free throws to end the scoring for Maumee Valley.

Third Quarter - Woodward 16 – MV 15

Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Caleb Willhight (’13), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Thad Woodard (’14)

Time for more Hawks to see extended action.

Jared scored first for the Blue and White, fighting for an offensive rebound.

Midway through the third quarter, Rick came in to run the offense and hit two more three-pointers.






But the Polar Bears got their running game going and outscored their hosts at the end.

Fourth Quarter - Woodward 13 – MV 12

Starting five – Nick Frasco (’12), Rashaan Preston (’13), Jonathan Krueger (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Thad Woodard (’14)

MV used the quarter to practice zone defense. But in two plays your Hawkblogger failed to get on video, Nick Frasco scored first with a twisting scoop shot, then Dixon scored on a tip-in after a missed Hawk free throw attempt. Both plays were beau-tee-ful and it was a tragedy they were not captured for posterity.

Dixon continued his athletic play and anticipation with this steal up top – he was fouled hard going for the layup.



Jared also scored two, rolling across the key for the pass-in and layup



Julius also had a pretty play at both ends, stepping in front of a pass, then taking off on the break. Dave Brown found Number 11 for the lay-up.



Fifth Quarter (with apologies to the University of Wisconsin marching band) – Woodward 14 – MV 13

Starting five – Nick Frasco (’12), Rick Deichert (’12), Jonathan Krueger (’12), Julius Turner (’12) and Jared Sturt (’12)

More good practice in the extra period. Rick got the ball into Jared early for an ‘and 1’. Rick sunk his fourth trey of the evening…




Then made a pedestrian two pointer from the top of the key (just kidding)




After two early misses to start the game, Rick hit five long range shots in a row during the scrimmage.

Jared got two points on an in-bounds pass.



And closing out our highlights, here is Julius driving down his favorite highway for the score.



Final Game Thoughts

A good warm-up against a strong opponent.

Potpourri

A big Hawkblog shout-out to Tim Voyles, MVCDS golf coach and referee extraordinaire in attendance tonight warming up for the season ahead.

No Scoring kept during the game – sorry.

Next up

It’s opening night for the Hawks Saturday at home against their familiar opening foes, the Fayette Eagles. We’re all looking forward to the dulcet tones of Roger Spurgeon as he opens up the season as the Varsity Gym voice of the Hawks.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

MV 34 – Oregon Clay 32 – Two quarter scrimmage at Toledo Central Catholic - second quarter highlights

Experimenting with formats, here are your hyperlinked second half highlights.

Jon starts off the second half with a corner three-ball.

Thaddeus Woodard draws a charge.

Nick Towns' first point, albeit pre-season, in a varsity uniform.

The Hawks fend off the Eagles in the last seconds for the win.

MV 34 – Oregon Clay 32 – Two quarter scrimmage at Toledo Central Catholic - Summary and first quarter highlights

Oregon Clay is a D-I school playing in the new Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC).  The Eagles struggled to a 4-16 record last year.  As their record indicates, Clay is a wrestling powerhouse.


Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Jonathan Krueger (’12) and Julius Turner (’12)

The Hawks pulled out to an early lead in the game and rested their starters for much of the second quarter.  The whole team played in this preview at Toledo Central and gained valuable experience in holding off a late Clay charge at game's end.

Scoring for the Hawks - Julius Turner 9, Rick Deichert and Jon Krueger 6, Jared Sturt 4, Dave Brown 3, Thad Woodard and Rashaan 2, and Nick Towns and Marcus Knabbs 1.

Here are some selected highlights from the first quarter– these and more videos are available on your Hawkblog YouTube Channel – search for TheHoopsEditor.
Jared steals the ball at the high post and breaks free for an early slam.





Rick finds Jon Krueger underneath for two



Julius muscles to the hoop.



Rick scores from downtown Toledo.



Jared finishes the first quarter scoring with a tip-in.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Congratulations to the newest Varsity Hawks

Four newly minted Varsity players began their MV careers tonight. 

Congratulations to:

Rashaan Preston - Class of  '13
Caleb Willhight - '13
Marcus Knabbs - '14
Nick Towns - '15

Play well gentlemen.  It's going to be a big year.

MV defeats Oregon Clay 34-32 in TCC preview scrimmage

The 2011-12 Hawks enjoyed a successful debut tonight at Toledo Central Catholic's Thanksgiving preview scrimmage, defeating the Clay Eagles 34-32 in a two quarter scrimmage. 

Wearing their brand new uniforms, MV jumped out to a 22-16 first quarter lead, then held off a Clay comeback for the win. 

Scoring for the Hawks - Julius Turner with 9, including a sweet banker from the corner for three, Rick Deichert and Jon Krueger with 6 each, Jared Sturt with 4 - one basket on a breakaway dunk which was named the Channel 11 play of the night, Dave Brown with a three-ball that also made the WTOL highlights, Thad Woodard and Rashaan Preston with 2 each, and Nick Towns and Marcus Knabbs had one point apiece.

More to come tomorrow, including videos.

Open Scrimmage tonight v. Clay at Central Catholic

The Hawks take on the D-1 TRAC Clay Eagles during the Central Catholic preview scrimmage this evening at approximately 8pm. 

MV will play two quarters against Clay.  The action at CC starts around 6pm.  Cardinal Stritch and Toledo Christian are the other TAAC members in action tonight. 

Expect to pay about $2 to get in - well worth it.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

2011-12 Schedule is up!!

As noted earlier, Central Catholic and North Central are off the schedule to make room for new TAAC member Gibsonburg.

Also, look at Danbury - games on Friday the 13th (of January) and Valentine's Day.  A romantic evening will be had out on the Marblehead Peninsula.

2011-12 Sectionals: Hello Golden Bears / Goodbye Bobcats

The Hawks will play their sectional at Eastwood HS this year.

It will be an all-TAAC affair this season, as Gibsonburg has dropped down to D-IV this year.  We bid farewell to Bettsville as a sectional challenger, and so the Eastwood Sectional includes:

  • MVCDS
  • Gibsonburg
  • Ottawa Hills
  • Toledo Christian
  • Cardinal Stritch
  • Northwood

As always, props to the invaluable www.davey1.com

Friday, November 4, 2011

Hawks 2011-12 schedule is out!

Schedule page will be posted this weekend.. 

Not many changes - Central Catholic (thankfully) and North Central are off the schedule in order to make room for the newest TAAC member, the Gibsonburg Golden Bears.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Hawks win summer league title!!

MV won the Premier (fka Mix) League title last evening, defeating Lake, Cardinal Stritch and Pettisville en route to the title.

The Hawks were the #1 seed going into the tournament, and therefore completed the sweep of regular and post season.

Other teams competing in the league included Toledo Christian, Wauseon, Delta, and Maumee. The Hawks were undefeated during the 14 game regular season (losing two split-squad games to Lake and Delta).

Summer basketball has now ended. Good luck to all the MV athletes in their fall sports.

Monday, June 20, 2011

WOW and thanks

The blog surpassed 10,000 views over the weekend.

Thanks for your support.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

3 Dunk Night

Your Hawkblogger is going out on a limb to say that in the history of Maumee Valley Basketball the Hawks have been only on the receiving end of the slam dunk.

In that department, one could wonder if the Blue and White weren't cursed in that department...until last night that is.

So here for your viewing enjoyment are three dunks in one game, courtesy of MVCDS big man Jared Sturt.

Dunk #1



Dunk #2



Dunk #3



And in honor of Jared's accomplishment this video ties it all together,

'There is no curse'! - Hugo Reyes

CCHS Summer League summary 6.14.11 - part 2

Game 2 – MV 58 – Toledo Waite 45

Toledo Waite is a D-II school playing in the Toledo City League. The Indians went 6-13 last year. The lost a number of starters and are in rebuilding mode.

The Hawks shook off their first-game loss to Woodward and cruised to a 13 point victory in the CCHS league nightcap. MV surged to a seven point lead in the first 10 minutes and stayed ahead all game.

The Hawks took advantage of their superior height, as Jared Sturt and Dixon Stoddard (celebrating his 18th birthday) scored 31 of their team’s 58 points. Jared was especially dominant underneath, hitting for 21 points including three dunks. Rick Deichert recovered from a rare blanking in the first game to score 10.

Scoring for MV: Jared 21, Dixon and Rick 10 each, Dave 8, Nick 4, Julius 3 and Jonathan 2.

Here are your game highlights:

1. Rick for three.



2. The Hawks hold on to the ball foreveah - then Julius finishes.



3. Dave lasers in a three.



4. Dixon pops the ball free and scores on the break.



5. Rick drives in for two.



6. Jared's first dunk.



7. Dave 2-And1



8. Nick scores on the give-and-go



9. Dixon beats the zone for two.



10. Jared in close.



11. Jared's second dunk.



12. Dave works the baseline.



13. Jared's third dunk.



14. Dave finds Jared inside.



15. Great ball rotation by the team.

CCHS Summer League summary 6.14.11 – Part 1

Maumee Valley split a pair of games last night at the Central Catholic Sullivan Center.

Ten players were hand for MV – Rob Ariss in his varsity debut, Caleb Willhight, Julius Turner, Thad Woodard, Dave Brown, Dixon Stoddard (the birthday boy), Jared Sturt, Jonathan Krueger, Nick Frasco and Rick Deichert.

Game 1: Toledo Woodward 58 – MV 42

Toledo Woodward is a Division II school playing in the Toledo City League. The Polar Bears struggled to a 2-16 record last year, but return several letterwinners including a number of quick outside-shooting guards. Maumee Valley was scheduled to play Woodward last year but the game was cancelled due to snow.

As to the game - it had to happen inevitably - a fired-up Woodward squad lit up the gym from the outside and the Hawks couldn’t get a thing to drop, especially from long-range. That recipe led to MVCDS’ first summer league defeat of the year at the hands of the Polar Bears.

The shooting doldrums hit the Hawks twice in the game. They fell behind early in the first half, but came back from a 25-15 deficit with a 10-2 run to close the gap to 27-25 at the half. It was all for naught however, as Woodward pressed their way to a 14 point advantage in the first ten minutes of the second frame and never looked back.

Scoring for the Hawks – Jared 13, Dave 11, Jon 6, Julius 5, Nick 3, Caleb and Thad 2 each.

Three highlights from this game – and that’s about it.

1. Jared cleans up on the fast break



2. Thad and Jon show how to beat the zone.



3. Dave follows his Dad’s instructions (listen carefully at the start).

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Maumee Valley defeats Maumee and Wauseon HS - 6.13.11 Premier league play

The Maumee Valley Hawks won twice yesterday in the Premier (fka Mix) league despite as a result of outstanding coaching. MV is now 7-0 in summer league play.

On hand for MV today – Thad Woodard, Jared Sturt, Julius Turner, Dixon Stoddard, Jonathan Krueger, Dave Brown, Nick Frasco and Rick Deichert.

Game one: MV 51 – Maumee HS 46 (OT)

Maumee is a D-II school and charter member (1956) of the Northern Lakes League. The Panthers went 12-8 last year, but graduated eight seniors. Still, as a Division II school, they sported a 15 man bench for the Monday June 13 game.

The game was a back and forth affair. Maumee took the early lead, but the Hawks came back and were ahead throughout most of the second half until the Panthers tied the game with 2.5 seconds left. The players themselves drew up a last second play, but Dave Brown exercised his prerogative as a superstar player (well, as the guy who got the ball on the in-bounds pass anyway) and threw up a three quarter shot which missed. At the end of regulation the score was 46-all.

In the three minute overtime, MV’s experience allowed them to take control of the game. Jared won the tip and made a two pointer inside for the lead. Following a Panther miss, the Hawks slowed the game down. With three strong ball handlers, it was just a matter of time before Maumee was forced to foul. Dave and Julius made three free throws in OT to ice it. The Hawks were victorious at the end, surprising the Panther faithful which did not expect a D-IV team to be competitive.

Scoring – Julius 15 (plus a bonus punch to the face during the game), Jared 12, Dave 11, Rick and Nick 5 each, Jon and Dixon 2 each.

Game two: MV 50 – Wauseon 36

Wauseon is also D-II school and a charter member (1926!) of the Northwest Ohio Athletic League. The Indians were 9-11 last year and graduated five seniors from that team. Waueson features a 6’6’ post player whose name I don’t have and if someone wants to provide it in the (moderated, so don’t goof around) comments, I’d appreciate it.

The Hawks played even with the Tribe in the first quarter, and then took the wraps off their pressure defense. MV’s guard pressure led to several steals by Hawk back line stalwarts Dixon, Jon, Jared, Thad and Julius with resultant fast break opportunities. The Hawks’ heat gave Wauseon fits and MV gained a 10 point lead in the second, which they slowly extended throughout the rest of the game for a 14 point win at the end.

Scoring was very balanced: Rick and Nick (clearly his best overall Maumee Valley performance without a violin in his hand) 9 each, Jared, Dave and Julius 8 each, Dixon 5 and Jon 3.

Your Hawkblogger now provides proof of his ability to multitask with these second half videos.

1. One of the perquisites of coaching is the ability to whine freely at the refs.



2. The Hawk defense forces a five second call.



3. In actual basketball action, here’s Julius with a corner jump shot.



Next up:

The Hawks’ OHSAA-sanctioned summer practice session begins today at the Varsity Gym. Your crack Hawkblog staff has learned that the primary focus early on will be to undo the damage inflicted on the team from the coaching they received Monday.

Part of this intense period is a three-day stretch of summer league play at Central Catholic from Tuesday through Thursday. MV plays the City League’s Woodward and Waite tonight at CCHS’ Sullivan Center. Admission is the best value in Toledo; $1 buys you top level basketball in air conditioned comfort.

So in the immortal words of former MVCDS Advancement Director Mary Sabin, stay tuned.

Monday, June 13, 2011

MVCDS 49 - Toledo St. Francis 40 - second half highights

MV was down 27-17 in the first, but clamped down on defense in the second half.  Several fast break opportunities benefited the Blue and White and they ran to victory.

1.  Rick Deichert with a behind-the-back pass to Dixon, who was fouled shooting.




2.  Dave Brown takes it himself on the break for an And-1.





3.  Dixon Stoddard drives in and finds Jared Sturt for the finish.





4.  Rick shows the benefits of the weight room, taking a bump but finishing for two.




5.  Dixon showing some touch from the foul line.





6.  Julius Turner with the separation 3-ball - this pretty much iced it for the Hawks.




7.  Jon for two with a push from behind.



8.  Dribbling out the clock - no trapping here.



9.  Final seconds.


CCHS 6.9.11 - MVCDS 49 - Toledo St. Francis Knights 40

Maumee Valley overcame a 10 point first half deficit and rallied in the second behind strong defense to defeat the D-II Toledo St. Francis Knights 49-40.  With the win, the Blue and White remain undefeated in the Toledo Central Catholic League with a 5-0 record. 

St. Francis is rebuilding after a difficult 5-15 record last year, but any win over a current or former City League team is significant. 

Scoring for the Hawks:  Jared Sturt 15, Julius Turner 11, Rick Deichert 7, Jonathan Krueger 6, Dixon Stoddard and Dave Brown 5 each.  Also playing for MV were Thad Woodard, Nick Frasco and Caleb Willhight.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda department  - most all the summer league highlights have been from the second half.  Unfortunately, I missed an impressive drive to the basket and finishing dunk by Jared early on.  Needless to say, I’ll be paying more attention in the first half.

First half highlights:

1.  Jon posts up and scores on the reverse layup.




2.  Dixon powers in off the fast break.




3.  Dave drives to the basket and finds Jon for a long two




4.  Jared doing the Dirk thing with a fade away jumper near the foul line.


CCHS 6.9.11 - Maumee Valley 71 - Monroe St. Mary's CC 42 summary

Monroe Michigan St. Mary’s Central Catholic finished 22-4 last year and advanced to the Michigan Class C (equivalent to Ohio Division III) state quarterfinals.  They graduated a senior all-state guard, but several other members returned for summer play. 

MV built a commanding 43-16 lead against SMCC at the half.  Your Hawkblogger arrived too late to the game to record the individual scoring, but watched the Hawks move the ball around the old Central Catholic gym with ease and regularly hold SMCC to one shot per possession. 

Coach Carter Bayer ’10 moved to 4-0 in league play with the win.

Highlights

1.  Dave and Rick execute the give-and-go.





2.  Jonathan spins in, then gets his own rebound.





3.  Caleb and Nick run their own give-and-go to perfection.





4.  Nick, with a great feel for offensive rebounding, tips one in. 





5.  Jonathan for three on the Nick Frasco kick-out





6.  Rick for three from the corner.




The past week in MV summer ball

Two more wins for the Hawks in the Central Catholic summer league this past week, and MV now stands at 5-0 in their section. 

Maumee Valley defeated Monroe St. Mary's Central Catholic 71-42, then turned around in the nightcap and came back from 10 down to beat Toledo St. Francis 49-40. 

The Hawks roster for the games included Dave Brown, Nick Frasco, Rick Deichert, Caleb Willhight, Jared Sturt, Jonathan Krueger, Dixon Stoddard, Thad Woodard and Julius Turner.

This week, the Hawks start play in the Premier (formerly Mix Center) league and continue CCHS play as well.

I n Premier league action, MV will get a taste of the NWOAL tonight (6.13.11) playing Wauseon and Patrick Henry in back to back games starting at 6pm.  Central League play is Tuesday and Thursday, teams TBD as the original schedule has changed.