A Proving Ground originally was a designated area on a military base to test or ‘prove’ the effectiveness of weapons. Over time, this term was adapted by industry for their research and development facilities. Most of the large automakers have Proving Grounds, several of them within close proximity of Toledo.
At Maumee Valley, a prime example of a Proving Ground would be this room of the new High School.
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| Those tissues in the lower right-hand corner are for crying Frosh |
Yes, it’s Tom Cambisios’ English classroom, where Freshman English papers go to die…and then be re-born out of a Phoenix-like brew of red ink, wrinkled-up papers and whiny Facebook posts.
Freshman English is one of the hardest courses at school, causing more all-nighters than a Dick Clark bash at Times Square. But inevitably, when MV graduates look back at their school experience they are thankful they went through that particular refining fire – because they emerge as writers.
For the Hawks basketball team, their Proving Ground is a January collection of TAAC and out-of-conference basketball courts. Two games per week, barring cancellations, through finals. It is a time for separation; time for MV to show that it can win night in and night out.
The goal for the Blue and White is to develop the mental toughness to win a series of games and establish themselves as a force in Conference play and again come playoff time. A slip-up, and suddenly they’re looking up at, and not eye-to-eye with the league leaders.
Following a winter weather cancellation Tuesday night, the Blue and White were itching to get back into action. They would find a worthy challenger in the Northwood Rangers, who sat just a game back in the TAAC standings at 2-2 compared with MV’s 3-1 record. A win for the home team and they would tie their guests this night. So the team had better be on its game.
It was also a night to shine on BCSN, as the game would be featured on the local cable network.
And a visit to Northwood wouldn’t be complete without a look at another TAAC constant, the Ranger pep band. Take it away ladies and gentlemen:
Game Summary
Maumee Valley defeated Northwood tonight 66-40 in a BCSN-televised game on the Rangers' home court. Several Hawks led the team at different stages of the game. In the first half, Dixon Stoddard and Julius Turner carried much of the load for the visitors, with quarter ending buzzer beaters by Parker Bayer (1st Q) and Nick Frasco (2nd Q).
Rick Deichert heated up in the second half, scoring 13 of his 16 points in the latter half of the contest. Jared Sturt was a steady hand throughout the game, finishing with a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds).
MV was 16-26 from the line, including a 5-6 performance by Omar Hazimah in the fourth quarter.
Maumee Valley improved to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in TAAC play.
Coach Jim Robinson won his 499th career game, and now his Hawks head for Bettsville Tuesday evening to Strive for Five (hundred).
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Jonathan Krueger (’12)
First Quarter MV 15 – NW 12
Northwood started out in a 2-3 zone. MV started in straight man.
As if to remind the Hawks of their struggle at Northwood last year, the hosts went up quickly 4-0 on the strength of good screens which opened up space for two easy shots. MV started in its regular motion offense, and was very deliberate in trying to work the ball inside to the big men. And this strategy would pay off early as Jonathan Krueger opened the scoring with a turnaround jumper from short range at 5:06 to go. Dixon made a scooping two pointer on the next position to tie the score.
The teams traded two more baskets each early including Jared Sturt’s first two points on a pass in from Dave Brown and a Dixon Stoddard two pointer. It was 6-6 at the 2:57 mark when the Hawks went to the bench for the cavalry.
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| Yeah, you know who I'm talkin' about. |
The game speed would ratchet up a notch with Julius now in the game and MV went to the man press. Northwood beat the pressure and scored on a wide-open layup the first time out, but after an MV miss, Dave stole the ball and started a Rick to Jared to Dixon fast break for two.
Julius scored his first of eight points on an offensive putback. MV continued the heat with a half court trap, leading to a Julius steal and coast-to-coast driving basket. After another Ranger miss, Rick led a fast break which ended with a Dixon Stoddard foul shot.
It was Dixon’s best quarter of the season, shouldering a big part of the opening offensive load.
Northwood scored twice again to draw to 13-12 and near the end of the first quarter, Nick Frasco and Parker Bayer entered the game at the guard spots. The move would pay off, as Parker nailed a turnaround two pointer as the horn sounded and MV held a three point lead.
Second Quarter MV 16 – NW 9
Starting the quarter – Dave, Nick, Julius, Jonathan and Dixon
Julius started the quarter where he left off, driving the lane for two points then blocking a shot. MV went to work on the Northwood 2-3 zone more effectively, and a Dave to Julius to Jared passing hookup led to two free throws for the Hawk Center.
MV switched into the press again, which sped up play. Northwood’s guards were up to the task this ime and broke pressure scoring several baskets to draw the hosts to within 19-16 at the 5:03 mark.
Displeased with his team’s defensive effort, Coach Robinson called a time out to straighten things out, with good effect. Jared blocked the next shot then cleaned up at the offensive end with an offensive rebound and putback basket.
Meanwhile, MV’s man press started to wear on Northwood. Julius stole the ball, drove to the hoop and drew the foul with 3:46 remaining. He made the first and then an unusual Technical Foul was called on Northwood for an illegal substitution. Northwood Sophomore Trey Cloud had failed to change out of his JV uniform and the Home bench was called for inserting a player with an incorrect uniform number.
Julius made the back end of his two free throws, Rick Deichert scored his first point of the game, making one of two on the technical and it was 24-16 Hawks.
Play continued back and forth to the end of the quarter. With a 28-21 lead, Dave dribbled a grand circle route, passed to Jared who missed a shot but got it back out to Nick Frasco for a big three-ball to end the half. Here is the proof:
That was a BEAUTY.
MV went to the locker room with a ten point lead, 31-21.
Third Quarter MV 15 – NW 8
Starting the quarter – Initial game starters
Northwood chose to stay in its 2-3 zone, a logical decision given that the Hawks outside shooting was colder than the January night in the first half. This would change…
Jon Krueger began the half for MV with a mid range jumper. But both teams were sloppy offensively in the early going until Rick Deichert decided to break out.
At 5:34, Rick rattled a three-ball in, then took a quick breather on the bench. Jared blocked a shot with authority. Dave Brown gathered the rebound and darted down-court, finishing with a highlight-reel twisting crossover reverse layup.
Northwood called time out with 4:32 left, but could not dampen the visitors’ intensity. Dave continued to drive the lane, but kicked out to Jon Krueger for the three:
Julius entered the game for Jared and MV was out to run with its smaller front line. Rick provided the offensive spark down the stretch with a three pointer off an in bounds play…
, a classic back door play
, then with Northwood trying a press, a home run pass from Dixon off the inbounds for another basket + 1, which he converted.
At the end of three, the Hawksquad had taken a commanding 46-29 lead.
Fourth Quarter MV 20 – NW 11
MV began the scoring early with Jared converting on the break and adding a free throw for an old-fashioned three pointer 22 second into the quarter.
Northwood’s coach John Bryan, looking to establish a deeper rotation, inserted two freshman guards at this point. They would receive an early introduction to MV basketball when Dave and Rick trapped the next possession and Rick fired down court for another basket + 1.
After a tough first half, Rick would end the game with 16 points on the night.
Many players for both sides saw action in the fourth quarter, and the Hawks continued to work hard on both ends of the court. Here is a strong defensive sequence ending in a tieup:
In other fourth quarter action:
Julius with a great fake and pass to Jared for a deuce.
Here's Nick with a power move down low.
Jared drives the lane for two:
And strong offensive rebounding by Julius and Dixon
Down the stretch, Omar Hazimah worked the inside to his advantage. He drew three shooting fouls late and converted five of six at the line. At game’s end, the Hawks were represented by Omar, Daniel Brandon, Nick Frasco, Parker Bayer and Thad Woodard.
The final buzzer sounded with the score Maumee Valley 66 – Northwood 40.
Final Game Thoughts
It’s always good to have another perspective on the game and watching the BSCN game broadcast with Kevin Brechmacher and Coach Stan Joplin was a pleasure. They complimented Maumee Valley all evening and were most impressed with the Hawks athleticism. They provided some good perspective on the Hawks’ program, stressing how far the team has come in the three years under Coach Robinson’s tenure.
As has been the case in previous games, the team is getting accustomed to seeking the hot hand and cashing in during the game. Tonight’s spark was provided by Dixon and Julius early, then by Rick in the late third/early fourth quarter. Jared provided steady offense throughout the game.
On defense, MV thrived with pressure, both full and half court. The press has gradually worn down the last few Hawk opponents and has led to scoring flurries which have put the game away in the second half.
Tidbits…
Julius was named the BCSN player of the game for the spark he brought to Maumee Valley in the first half.
- Very few teams have played man-to-man defense against the Hawks, who should be running the zone defense attack in their sleep.
- MV alumni Carter Bayer and Jangus Whitner, along with 50/50 ticket purveyor extraordinaire Jeff and the rest of the Whitner gang were in the house for the game. Great to see you all!
- Northwood trombone player Jeff Ritter braved enemy lines to visit last night during the third quarter.
- Also seen were Faculty Alumni Chuck and Karen Lundholm.
Scoring
Scoring for the Hawks: Rick Dee-kurt 16, Jared Sturt 15, Julius Turner 8, Dixon Stoddard 6, Nick Frasco 5, Omar Hazimah 5, Jonathan Krueger 5, Dave Brown 4, Parker Bayer 2.
Next up
The Hawks travel to Bettsville this Tuesday evening. Look sharp lads, you’re on the verge of history!
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