And now, please rise and honor America with the National Anthem

Performed February 26, 2011 at the North Central game by (left to right):

• First team All-State violinist Nick Frasco
• All-Region violinist Anne Deichert 
• All-City violinist Carolyn Sowa
• All-Region (second team all-state) cellist Rick Deichert
• Honorable mention Bassist Thad Woodard

The continuing adventures of Abdul Maaieh...

Half time at North Central - and the crowd goes wild...





Pregame - North Baltimore

JV Action videos MV 44 - North Baltimore 19 - part 2 of 2

The hits keep on coming...

Danny scores on the fast break



Haithem steals the ball and is fouled shooting - then makes a free throw





Izzy for two



Closing things out, Ahmed drives the left side for a basket

JV Action videos MV 44 - NB 19 - part 1 of 2

You guys must have been especially photogenic that evening.

Danny for three



Two AJ King videos






Thaddeus Woodard with a defensive rebound, then scoring at the other end.




And finishing this portion, a long scramble for a loose ball.

Dunker #3 - Julius Turner

Caught in warmups last night.

MV 62 - North Central 36 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Seniors Omar Hazimah and Daniel Brandon make us all proud to be Hawks tonight with this recap of the action and their favorite Maumee Valley Basketball memories. 

Congratulations gentlemen, you are part of something special.

MV 62 - North Central 36 at the Varsity Gym - quick summary

Maumee Valley Seniors Daniel Brandon and Omar Hazimah finished their regular season careers on a positive note, their Hawks defeating the North Central Eagles 62-36 at the Varsity Gym. 

MV enjoyed hot shooting during the evening, jumping out to a 34-13 half time lead.  The Hawks shot a blistering 14-17 from the floor in the first half, including 5-6 from three point range.  Aside from a 10-2 NC run in the third quarter, the hosts were in control the entire evening. 

The Hawks were led tonight by Jared Sturt with 15, Rick Deichert with 14 and Julius Turner's 13.  Numerous players scored this evening for the Blue and White, including Dave Brown and Dixon Stoddard (extending his free throw streak to 11 straight) with 5, and AJ King, Nick Frasco, Omar Hazimah, Thad Woodard and Jonathan Krueger with 2 each. 

The 16-3 Hawks now earn a well-deserved rest until Friday, March 4, when they face the winner of Tuesday's Northwood - Toledo Christian first round playoff game.  Tipoff is 6:15pm at Rossford High School.  Make your plans now to be there as Maumee Valley seeks to win its first Sectional title since 2002.

Chapter 17 – Smashmouth – Hawks 57 – (at) Cardinal Stritch 39 – 2.18.11 - Game Story

Setting the Table



Some teams try to outrun you, some teams try to outgun you. Some teams run a pattern offense, some teams feature a single guy you just have to stop.

Then there’s Cardinal Stritch, who simply tries to beat you into submission. Their coach Dave Reicker is a tough nosed individual who expects his players to bang the glass and dive for every loose ball. If you get in their way, well that’s why they invented ice bags.

On the Cardinals senior night, the home team was hoping to knock some sense into the visiting Hawks and have them behave like good guests. This strategy worked well into the second quarter until Maumee Valley turned on the heat and began to fight back.

In the second half, Coach Robinson made two defensive adjustments, and the Smashmouth-ee became the Smashmouth-or.

Game Summary

Maumee Valley put a damper on Cardinal Stritch's Senior Night, beating the Cardinals 57-39 in Oregon, Ohio. The hosts appeared ready to send their Seniors out with a bang early, jumping on the Hawks for a 16-4 first quarter lead. But the Rip van Hawkles would awake from their slumber near the end of the first half on three consecutive steal/conversions in the last minute to trim their deficit to four at the break.

Coach Robinson made two defensive adjustments in the second half, unleashing an aggressive half court trap, and switching Dixon Stoddard on defense to guard hot-shooting CS guard Justin Staler. These two moves led to a 21-4 third quarter advantage for the Blue and White. The fourth quarter featured more of the same, with the Hawks sealing the victory.

First Quarter – CS 16 – MV 6

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

Cardinal Stritch Starting five – Michael Blazevich (Jr), Matt Guy (Sr), Justin Staler (Sr), Nick Fuller (Sr) and Kyle Hatfield (Jr)

Cardinal Stritch started the game in a 2-3 zone and stayed there much of the night. MV played man defense, with some key variations in intensity.

Justin Staler got free early for the first basket on a runner from the right hand baseline. The Cardinals tried an early 2-2-1 press, but it was not effective. However, MV did not score and CS went to a four corners-style offense. Despite a big block by Jared, Staler scored again. A steal and then a basket by Matt Guy and Coach Robinson called time out with 5:05 left and his team quickly down 6-0.

The Hawks continued their sluggishness on offense until Julius Turner stole the ball and pushed to the hoop drawing the foul. He made both ends to get his Hawksquad on the board at 4:33. Cardinal Stritch responded with a layup by a wide open Kyle Hatfield and it was 8-2 CS.

MV missed another three point shot and then watched as Staler again drove in for two, this time down the middle. Another MV miss and Michael Blazevich nailed a three pointer from the right corner. The home crowd was in a frenzy as their team had grabbed a 13-2 advantage.

Jared Sturt calmed things down slightly with a two pointer courtesy of a Jon Krueger assist. Jared stole the ball on the next Cardinal possession and the visitors got the ball to Dixon at the right hand block for two more.

With time running down in the quarter Rick Deichert nearly stole an inbounds pass for Staler, but missed, leaving the Senior guard a free path to the hoop from the left corner. He made the basket despite being fouled by Jared. He made the free throw to up the lead to ten.

MV had the final possession but did not convert.

At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks were fortunate to be down by only 16-6. The Cardinals were perfect from the field (7-7, including one three-pointer) and 1-1 from the line. MV was 0-4 from behind the three point line and 2-2 from close range.

On Senior Night, Justin Staler started off with nine points in his last home game for the Red and Black.

MV struggled again from beyond the arc, going 0-4 from long range.

Second Quarter MV 13 – CS 7

Starting the Quarter – Jon, Dixon, Julius, Dave and Rick.

The initial break of the second quarter went the Hawks’ way when Justin Staler picked up two fouls in the first 1:20. The hottest shooter in the building was sent to the bench.

Play was unproductive for both teams during the first three minutes of play, and it wasn’t until the 4:42 mark that Jared scored the first points for either side, making one of two free throws.

Cardinal Stritch came right back with red hot play. Three point specialist Robbie Bekier drained in a three from the right corner.

Rick finally connected on a deep shot for MV to cut the gap to 19-10 with 4:10 to go. On the ensuing CS possession, Connor Kelsey craftily bumped Rick off of rebounding position, enabling him to grab an offensive rebound and score two more Cardinal points. Rick hung in and drove powerfully to the basket, drawing a foul on Kyle Hatfield. He made one of two and it was 21-11 with 3:23 remaining.

MV became more lively as the quarter went on. Dave Brown made a spectacular pass to Julius from the left wing for a basket.

Sensing a turning tide, Coach Dave Reicker brought Staler back into the game and he outran the Hawk defense on an inbounds pass for two points. That would re-establish a ten point lead for the hosts at 23-13. It was also the pinnacle of the evening for CS.

Julius Turner would earn two free throws getting to the basket and make both. On the next play, Rick Deichert knocked the ball out of a Cardinal’s hands and dove to retrieve it, calling time out before he could be called for traveling.

With 1:12 remaining, MV missed a shot at their end, Dixon Stoddard blocked a shot but the Hawks lost the ensuing possession. Then with 17 seconds to play, Dave Brown plucked the ball out of a CS guard’s hands…


…and drove to the hoop, scoring. The Cardinals inbounded the ball, but this time…


…Dixon made a steal with nine seconds remaining and fed it to Jared for the quarter ending score.

What had been a 10 point Cardinal Stritch lead with 1:52 remaining had been whittled down to four. At the end of the half it was CS 25 – MV 19.

The Cardinals looked like they may be susceptible to pressure; this theory would get a test in the second half.

Third Quarter – MV 21 – CS 4

Starting the Quarter – Initial Game Starters

MV started the quarter with the possession and Jared made good on it, throwing in a two pointer off a Julius Turner assist. The Hawks got the ball back off a Dave Brown steal, and the Hawks’ point guard alley-ooped a pass to Jared at the rim for two more. The game was tied at the 6:55 mark.

On defense, Coach Robinson made two key changes at the beginning of the third. First, he switched the defense up to an aggressive half court trap. Second, he switched Dixon Stoddard to man coverage against Justin Staler.

The benefits were immediate; Dave and Julius were on the Cardinals like Hawks on field mice. Additionally, Staler’s bread and butter on the night – the drive to the basket – was taken away by the 6’2” Stoddard.

After a CS basket by Michael Blazevich off an inbounds play, the Cardinals were at a loss to generate offense.

The Hawks got more aggressive on the offensive end as well. Jared continued his strong play, grabbing a rebound off a missed Hawks free throw and was fouled by Kyle Hatfield, his third. Jared made both shots to even the score at 25.

With the half court pressure, the Cardinals backcourt was anxious to get rid of the ball as the trap approached – only to see Jared begin to step into the middle and intercept the cross court passes.

After Jared’s first steal of the quarter he got the ball to Rick, who drove right down main street for the two pointer and the Hawks had their first lead of the game. Coach Reicker called time out at 5:48 and was not pleased.

Rick got in on the press action and jumped a pass next. He fell down driving to the basket and was replaced by AJ King while having his elbow checked out. CS had the ball back, but Dave had another steal and got it to Jared for another two points.

The Hawks post player blocked another Cardinal try and AJ was on the receiving end of a beautiful backdoor pass for two more.

Cardinal Stritch tried to stop the hemorrhaging, but missed on its next trip down. Dixon pulled the rebound and fired it ahead to Dave Brown for two points. After another CS possession in which they missed two tries, Dixon again cleaned the glass and fired a pass to Dave, who was fouled shooting. He would make one of two and the home team called for a breather at 2:56 remaining.

With a few substitutions, the Hawk lineup now included Nick Frasco, Rick, Jonathan, Jared and Dixon.

Cardinal Stritch had the ball, but the trap worked again. Jared stole the ball up high and dribbled coast to coast for the shot, but was fouled. He converted the pair and the whole thing started over again.

This time the Jared steal ended up in Rick’s hands and he broke to the hoop for two.

It was a full-blown hardwood crime wave:

I was working the day watch out of larceny.

…and the basketball burglary continued with AJ King, this time firing it over to Julius who scored at the hoop. MV had scored fifteen straight and it was MV 40 – CS 25.

Matt Guy salvaged some respect for the home team with a closing hoop, but the damage was done and the Hawks were up by 13.

Fourth Quarter – MV 17 – CS 14

Starting the quarter – AJ, Nick, Julius, Jared and Jonathan

Jon Kruger opened up the third quarter with a layup off a Nick Frasco pass.

The Hawks will have to be on the lookout the next two years for the Cardinal’s sharpshooting Sophomore Robbie Bekier, who scored next with a three pointer from deep in the right corner.

Jon answered back with a pull-up jump shot, then Justin Staler returned the favor for CS.

Jared powered in for two points – then once more with a basket +1 - here they are through the magic of digital video…







Then Rick got to the hoop and was fouled by Kyle Hatfield, his fifth on the evening...




Robbie Bekier hit another three.

Watch out.

I’m just sayin'.

Then Julius Turner…



…drove down the middle for two.

Justin Staler made another basket, then Dave Brown connected with Jared for two.

Julius made one more shot which was captured for posterity.



On the floor at game’s end were Nick Frasco, Daniel Brandon, Omar Hazimah, AJ King and Thad Woodard.





The final score – Hawks 57 – Cardinal Stritch 39.

Final Game Thoughts

After a 2.5 quarter shooting slump, (last Q vs. Ottawa Hills and first 1.5 Qs in this game), Maumee Valley powered up and played in your face defense to overwhelm their TAAC opponents. If the Hawks keep up this pace, they’ll be tough to stop.

Bonus Music Video

Here's the Cardinal Stritch pep band with the school fight song.




Scoring

And now for the happy totals. Jared Sturt had a big night, leading all scorers with 22. Julius Turner had 12, Rick Deichert 10, Dave Brown 5, Jonathan Krueger 4, Dixon Stoddard and AJ King 2.

Next up

The grueling week of basketball (not to mention blogging) concludes tonight with the second back-to-back stretch of the week ending with a visit from the North Baltimore Tigers to the Varsity Gym.

Out with the old...

Right now at the time of this post the old High School is being torn down.

Kind of looks like the way Dixon plays defense.

Picture courtesy of Kathleen Frasco. 

JV Action Videos - MV 27 - (at) CS 21

Whole lotta videos from this game.  Enjoy.

Woodward Game Cancelled

The Woodward game, originally scheduled for this Friday was cancelled due to a conflict with a previously scheduled MV school event. 

Although disappointing to basketball fans, it was the right thing to do under the circumstances. 

We'll see you Saturday at the North Central game.

North Central 59 - MV Girls 44 (and JVs!!) Feb 7, 2011 abbreviated summary

The Hawks get into playoff action this evening versus the North Central Eagles - at Wauseon .  The game starts at 6:15.

MV lost to NC on February 7 - here is some varsity and JV action from that game. 

MV lost the varsity game 59-44.  The Hawks were down 14-4 at the end of the first quarter, but righted the ship in the last three frames.  Kristin Bigelow fouled out in the second half and Genna Danes picked up the scoring slack. 

On the night, Genna had 20, Kristin 13, Delaney Lonsway 5, Jasmine Aldridge-Brownlee 4 and Jordan Baker 2. 














In JV Action, MV kept the first half close, but NC pulled away in the end for a 28-13 victory.  Cammie Lonsway had 5 for the Hawks followed by Jordan Baker with 4, Karla Luketic with 3 and Anne Deichert with 1.

Chapter 16 – Ultionem Viridis Ursus – Ottawa Hills 45 – Maumee Valley 38 – 2.15.11 at the Varsity Gym– Game Story

Setting the Table

On August 2, 216 BC, an overconfident and numerically superior army of the Roman Republic met the army of Carthage under the command of Carthaginian general Hannibal in the town of Cannae on the plains of southeast Italy.

The Romans, who had won a long series of battles using heavy armor and tactics adopted from the Ancient Greek armies, hunkered down in their phalanxes and looked to plow through their foe on that day. However Hannibal had other ideas and for the first time in the history of warfare unleashed his famous double envelopment strategy on the Romans, recording a smashing victory.

According to the Roman historian Livy "it is said that 45,500 foot soldiers and 2,700 horsemen were slain in almost equal proportion of citizens and allies". He also reported that 3,000 Roman and allied infantry and 1,500 Roman and allied cavalry were taken prisoner by the Carthaginians.

It was a devastating rout of the most powerful army in its time.

                                                                             (Ed. Note - mostly stolen from Wikipedia)

Thus it came to pass that the Romans were upset on their own home court, so to speak.

While Maumee Valley Country Day School is probably not the first place that comes to mind when making a list of Barbarians at the Gate (although it would be cool to have an elephant as a mascot)…




Aaaaaaaand now, here are your Maumee Valley Pachyderms!! 


… a sense of unease permeated the air Tuesday February 15, 2010 at the Varsity Gym. After all, the upstart Hawks had gone to the Village of Ottawa Hills in January and stunned the State Number 7 Green Bears 45-42. That game was sparsely attended by the OH home faithful, used to MV games being just one more victory in a long series of walkovers (and who could blame them?).

They would not take the second game so lightly. The Varsity Gym began to fill up at 5pm, a full hour before the JV game started. The Green Bear faithful took their full share of the 400+ seat varsity Gym, black-clad students on one side and parents (who seemed a little less relaxed than usual) on the other.

The Hawk fans were there as well and the result was a gym packed to the rafters, Police officers counting and recounting so the latecomers could hope to get a seat for the game.

Those who did make it in were treated to a classic big-stakes game…

Game Summary

Ottawa Hills evened the score against the Hawks tonight winning at the Varsity Gym 45-38. It was a game of streaks, with the Green Bears jumping out to a 13-4 lead at the end of the first. The Hawks roared back in the second quarter to lead 24-21 at the break.

OH's key stretch came in the third when they were able to find an opening in the Hawks zone at the right wing during the last 3:38 of the third quarter and converted several key shots to go up by five at the end of three, 32-27.

MV cut the lead to one during the fourth, then to two as late as the 2:45 mark, but could not convert down the stretch. Between the free throw line and the melee of pressing while behind, the Bears got it back up to seven by game's end.

The Hawks had their chances - taking the number of total shot attempts as OH (38). However cold shooting from the outside did the home team in. Both teams made four three-point shots, but MV attempted 18 compared with 10 for the Bears.

For the Hawks, Rick Deichert led the way with 11, followed by Julius Turner with 9 and Jared Sturt with 8. Dave Brown had 6 for MV, Jon Krueger scored 3 and Dixon Stoddard added 1.

Ottawa Hills’ top three scorers accounted for 40 of the team’s 45 points. Lucas Janowicz led the field with 17 points, JJ Buckey had 12 and Andrew Jamieson added 11 .

First Quarter OH 13 - MV 4

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

OH Starting five – Ian Trickey (Jr), JJ Buckey (Sr), Andrew Jamieson (Sr), Lucas Janowicz (So) , Bobby Brunner (Sr)

Ottawa Hills started out in a 2-3 zone. Throughout the course of the evening, they would frequently employ a 1-3-1 zone and man-to-man. They did not offer more than a token press.

MV started in man and switched to the hybrid 2-3 zone on and off. MV pressed more, but not all-out until game’s end.

OH got the tap and Andrew Jamieson missed his first attempt. The Hawks opened the scoring on a Jared putback of a Rick Deichert miss. The Bears came right back with a Lucas Janowicz basket to tie it up.

MV misfired again on a three point shot, and Andrew Jamieson cashed in on a fast break basket. Lucas Janowicz scored a turnaround jumper to give the visitors a 6-2 lead and force an early time out by the Hawks with 4:12 left in the quarter. The home team was ice cold in its home gym; missing three straight shots by wide margins before Dave Brown scored off a Rick Deichert save of a ball going out of bounds, cutting the lead to 8-4.

But OH’s senior forward Andrew Jamieson came back on the next possession firing a three ball in with Rick right in his face, then one more two pointer by Janowicz finished things off in the quarter.

The Green Bears got the fast start they were hoping for, and let 13-4 at the end of the first. Conversely, the Hawks began the night 0-6 from behind the three point line and shot a paltry 22% overall.

Second Quarter – MV 20 – OH 8

Starting the Quarter – Dave, Rick, Jared, Dixon and Jonathan Krueger

MV began the quarter in its hybrid 2-3 zone, hoping to slow down the productive OH front line. Jared again opened up the scoring with a layup, but Janowicz floated to an open hole in the zone for an easy counter.

The Hawks came out in their spread offense, and Rick started the Hawk comeback with a three from the left wing. Ottawa Hills came back for two points on a putback by Geoffrey Beans.

After a few misses on both ends, Dave Brown scored two down the middle for MV, and after a floor foul by Jamieson, Julius took the ball down main street for another two pointer. The Hawis had pulled to within four, 17-13 and Coach Dave Lindsey called the Bears first time out of the gaje at the 4:14 mark.

MV’s zone continued to be effective and after another stop, Jared Sturt scored a basket and drew the foul, but missed the extra. Jamieson stopped the Green bleeding with a floater for two, but Julius came back strong to the hoop, cutting it to 19-17 Ottawa Hills.

OH threw the ball away on its next possession, then Jared found the rim for the tie. Lucas Janowicz scored next for the visitors to go back up two.

Julius Turner finally found his three point range with 53 seconds left, then after a double dribble call on JJ Buckey, Maumee Valley had the ball and a one point lead with 47.3 seconds remaining.

True to form, the Hawks played for the last shot. As seen here on video, the final play was intended to give Rick a three point try from the left hand corner. OH got to the spot in time, so Rick pounded in toward the middle for…






…this counterclockwise twisting runner which dropped in at the buzzer. Rick was fired up, and the Hawks completed the comeback, heading to the locker room up by three, 24-21.

Third Quarter – OH 11 – MV 3

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

After a rough stretch of man defense in the second quarter, the Green Bears switched up to a 1-3-1 zone. OH started the quarter with the ball, but missed their first chance.

Maumee Valley began the quarter very deliberately with a 1:02-long possession ending with a Julius Turner finger roll basket and the Hawks were up by five. Dixon Stoddard rebounded a missed shot, but MV was unable to convert on the possession.

At the 5:08 mark, JJ Buckey was left alone for a three pointer and nailed it to cut the hosts lead to two points. The Green Bears had found a hole in the Hawks’ zone on the right wing and began to take advantage.

Rick Deichert’s three point try bounced high off the rim and hit the apparatus and OH was back in business. Lucas Janowicz converted at the other end to tie the game back up at 26-all.

The Hawks shooting went cold again as Julius missed a three point try, and the Green Bears went back to the hole in the zone. This time Ian Trickey, with enough time to sing the first three bars of the OH fight song, knocked down a three pointer. Coach Robinson needed to patch the hole and called time with 3:13 left.

MV had the ball and at 2:35 Dixon Stoddard was fouled shooting.





He made one to bring the Hawks back to within 2, 29-27. But OH would find the same gap one more time and Buckey ripped the cords for a final three pointer. The quarter ended with the Bears ahead 5, 32-27.

Fourth Quarter OH 13 – MV 11

Starting the Quarter – Rick, Dave, Jonathan, Jared, Julius

MV gave the visitors a bad memory to start the third when Jon Krueger hit a three on a pass out from Jared on the block, immediately closing the gap to two points. Jon fouled Lucas Janowicz at the other end and the Bears’ center made one of two.

The Hawks came up empty at the other end after two tries, but OH couldn’t convert either. MV again came up short, but Dave Brown stole the ball off the defensive rebound and put a pretty loop de looping layup and it was back down to one 33-32.

Ottawa Hills called time to draw up a play and JJ Buckey hit a pull-up jumper for two. Janowicz committed a foul just after the play, so the basket counted.

Rick Deichert missed a three point attempt on the next possession and fell hard chasing the play coming the other way. The Bears could not convert despite three cracks at the basket and Jared pulled down the rebound. MVs outside shooting woes continued however as Julius missed a three point try. This time Andrew Jamieson made a two point shot and it was 37-32 OH.

The teams traded empty possessions, and then Rick Deichert singed the cords on a three point shot at 2:45 remaining to close it to 37-35.

Jared blocked an OH shot to give the Hawks the ball back




...but that would prove to be the Hawks last chance. A turnover by Julius and the Bears got the ball back to JJ Buckey for a two pointer and a four point lead.




Jared turned the ball over and now with under 1:30 remaining, MV needed to commit a series of fouls to get the visitors on the line. During this melee, the Bears managed to free Buckey on an inbounds play for an easy layup. It was 41-35 OH.

With 48 seconds left, Ian Trickey got too aggressive on defense and fouled Rick Deichert on a three point attempt.




...Rick made all three





 ...cutting the lead to 41-38.

Jared fouled Jamieson to stop the clock and the Senior made both ends with under 30 to play. After a last MV miss and a cleanup hoop by Lucas Janowicz, the final buzzer sounded and Ottawa Hills was victorious in the rematch, final score 45-38.

Final Game Thoughts

Most high school students can recall the battle of Cannae and how Hannibal defeated the Romans. But not so many can tell you that in the aftermath, the Romans redoubled their efforts, retrained their armies, changed their tactics and went on to crush the entire civilization of Carthage en route to Rome’s greatest glories. So like the Romans after the disastrous Battle of Cannae, the established power in the TAAC did not turn and run, but redoubled its efforts in light of a new challenge. The Hawks are not looking for the rest of this historical parallel to manifest itself.

One game does not a season make. Conversely, no obstacle is insurmountable and as one side recovers from defeat and learns, so can the other.

And so the first two rounds are over and each team has shown strengths and weaknesses. Both teams can take comfort, and simultaneously be quite concerned with stretches of strong play on both sides.

With the win, the Bears effectively fulfilled the pre-season predictions and took the TAAC lead with just a few Conference games left for both teams. It being unlikely OH will lose those games it looks like a second place finish for the Hawks provided they took care of business at Cardinal Stritch later in the week.

Lots of basketball remains, but getting to a Round 3 game vs. the Bears is a paramount goal for Maumee Valley. Practice hard and play well Hawks - parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus.

Bonus material…

- Your Hawkblog staff is always on the job and has edited the first two games into this 12 second summary.



- Both teams have one more chance to meet. Assuming sectional and first round District wins, a rematch could occur on at 7pm on March 11 at the home of the soon-to-be-TAAC-member Gibsonburg Golden Bears (does their mascot dress up in a Jack Nicklaus costume?) in the District finals.

- Lest you believe this story represents a jaded view of the world…here is a link to the Toledo Blade account of the game.

Scoring

And now for the unhappy totals. Rick Deichert led the way with 11, followed by Julius Turner with 9 and Jared Sturt with 8. Dave Brown had 6 for MV, Jon Krueger scored 3 and Dixon Stoddard added 1.

Lucas Janowicz led all scorers with 17 points for Ottawa Hills, including 12 in the first half. JJ Buckey had 12, Andrew Jamieson 11, Ian Trickey 3 and Geoffrey Beans 2.

Next up

The march continues for MV. After a two day respite, the Hawks play another two in a row; Friday night at Cardinal Stritch then back home Saturday to face the Tigers of North Baltimore. Heal up Hawks, you’ll need your rest.

Scoreapalooza- February 19, 2011

Remember, balanced scoring benefits all...

A few milestones on the horizon - a few players are ready to pass the 100 and 200 point mark. 

Boys’ JV Beats North Baltimore Tigers, 44-19, Goes 3-1 in a Very Busy Week of Play

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

On Saturday night, the Boys’ JV welcomed the North Baltimore Tigers to the Varsity Gym and wrapped up a very busy week of basketball. The Hawks beat the Tigers 44-19 and advanced to 16-2 on the season.

The Hawks went up 10-4 on the Tigers in the first quarter and would never trail the Tigers. Throughout the game the Hawks played an aggressive press, good team defense and were able to execute their offense to put people in a position to score. The Hawks went into the half leading the Tigers 22-9.

In the second half, the Hawks continued with good execution on both ends of the floor and were able to open up a nineteen point lead over the Tigers, ending the third quarter leading the Tigers 34-15. In the fourth quarter, the Hawks went to their bench enabling more Hawks to see action in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks ended the game with a 44-19 win over the Tigers, moving their record to 16-2 on the season.

Up next, the Hawks wind down the ’10-‘11 season with a game on Friday against the Woodward Polar Bears and the final game of the season on Saturday against the North Central.

Scoring – King 13, Okeke 8, Hazimah 5, Khalil 5, Collins 4, Woodard 4, MacPherson 3, Ariss 2

Editor's note - we will double check the scoring at Portia's request.  For now we'll go with this for the upcoming Scoreapalooza.

Boys’ JV Beats Cardinal Stritch, 27-21, Finishes TAAC Season 11-1

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

On Friday night the Boys’ JV wrapped up the 2010-2011 TAAC Season with a win over the Cardinal Stritch Cardinals, 27-21. With this win over the Cardinals, the Boys’ JV finished the TAAC season 11-1. As the Boys’ JV does not have an end of season tournament, I am declaring them the TAAC JV Champions for the ’10-’11 season. Who’s with me?

The Hawks started the game a little sluggish, with just an 8-7 lead over the Cardinals at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, both teams struggled offensively scoring only three and four points respectively as the quarter came to an end. At the half, the teams were tied 11-11 and the Cardinals' Pep Band treated us to a few snazzy tunes during halftime.

In the second half, both defense and offense picked up for both teams and the Hawks maintained the edge over the Cardinals. The Hawks would go up 18-15 on a three point shot by AJ to end the third quarter and never looked back. In the fourth quarter, the Hawks continued with aggressive play and ended the game with a 27-21 victory over the Cardinals.

In this final game of the TAAC season, the Hawks showed us what has worked for them this year in conference play, good team defense, an aggressive press, and good unselfish play on the offensive end of the floor.

Up next, the Hawks face the North Baltimore Tigers in a nonconference game, winding down a very busy week for the Hawks.

Scoring – Collins 12, Okeke 4, Woodward 4, King 3, Hazimah 2, Knabbs 2

MV 57 - North Baltimore 38 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Tonight's analysis is brought to you by the Hawks starting backcourt, Dave Brown and Rick Deichert. 




My apologies - Dave Brown scored 4 tonight, not 6 as in stated in the video and it was 4 games in 6 days, not 5.  All that interviewing pressure got to me. 

MV 57 - North Baltimore 38 at the Varsity Gym - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley extended their record to 15-3 tonight with a 57-38 win against Midland Athletic League foe North Baltimore at the Varsity Gym.  Although the score was almost identical to Friday's 57-39 win against Cardinal Stritch, the game had a decidedly different feel.  MV played loose and confident from the opening tip-off.

The Hawks dominated play from the opening, leading after 11-6 after one quarter and 25-11 at the half.  Although North Baltimore's game was designed around the outside shot, the Hawks were 7-15 from beyond the arc, compared with 6-13 for the Tigers. 

Rick and Jared each scored 14 for the winners, and Julius contributed 10. Dixon had eight points, but of note, that was the product of a perfect 8-8 night at the free throw line.  Dave Brown had 4 points, AJ King had 3, Nick Frasco 2, and Daniel Brandon and Jonathan Krueger each had 1.

It's now a well-deserved several days off for the Hawks, who rest up until Friday when they take on the Division II Woodward Polar Bears in a game just recently scheduled.

JV action videos OH 36 - MV 29

Cleaning out the backlog - here are your JV action videos from the Ottawa Hills game.

We have for your viewing pleasure - AJ King finishes the first half with a three, AJ's breakaway, the defense forcing a tie-up, Marcus for two from 10 feet, and OH feeling the pressure

All Right, All Right, Allrightallrightallright.............All Right!!!

Your Maumee Valley Cheerleaders in action.

MV 57 - Cardinal Stritch 39 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Brought to you tonight by Nick Frasco and Dave Brown.  Also starring Thad Woodard imitating a villain from a Batman movie, or something like that...

Sorry for the audio quality, they roped off the gym and turned the lights out. We were in the hallway by the consession stand.

MV 57 - (at) Cardinal Stritch 39 - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley put a damper on Cardinal Stritch's Senior Night, beating the Cardinals 57-39 in Oregon, Ohio.  The hosts appeared ready to send their Seniors out with a bang early, jumping on the Hawks for a 16-4 first quarter lead.  But the Rip van Hawkles would awake from their slumber near the end of the first half on three consecutive steal/conversions in the last minute to trim their deficit to four at the break.

Coach Robinson made two defensive adjustments in the second half, unleashing an aggressive half court trap, and switching Dixon Stoddard on defense to guard hot-shooting CS guard Justin Stahler.  These two moves led to a 21-4 third quarter advantage for the Blue and White.  The fourth quarter featured more of the same, with the Hawks sealing the victory. 

Jared Sturt had a big night, leading all scorers with 22.  Julius Turner had 12, Rick Deichert 10, Dave Brown 5, Jonathan Krueger 4, Dixon Stoddard and AJ King 2. 

The grueling week of basketball concludes tonight with the second back-to-back stretch of the week ending with a visit from the North Baltimore Tigers to the Varsity Gym.

Karla Luketic's buzzer beater

Here it is, in all its glory...



Congratulations again, Karla.  What a way to go out at home!

MV girls 33 - CS 31 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Who better to give us the scoop than Karla, last night's hero.

Hawks pick up one more game to replace MCA

Mark your calendars for Friday February 25, 2011 when the Hawks will travel to Woodward High School to face the City League Division Polar Bears in an out-of-conference tilt. 

This game takes the place of the Monclova Christian Academy game which was snowed out earlier in the year. 

This will be the second City League opponent for the Hawks and the third game against a higher Division opponent. 

Dunker #2 - AJ King

This appears legit to me...



First Jared, then AJ, who's next?

Chapter 15 – Plain Vanilla – Hawks 44 – Danbury 31 – 2.14.11 at the Varsity Gym– Game Story

Setting the Table

Plaintiff's Exhibit A:

PLAIN-VANILLA (adjective and noun): Having no embellishments, extra equipment, elaborate packaging, etc.; plain, lacking special features and qualities, no frills, basic, bland, simple, conventional, down-to-earth; safe, unadventurous; white bread; plain and basic without ‘bells and whistles’ and often said of a computer system or product. “The mandate is to stick with the plain vanilla, out-of-the-box functionality to minimize development and maintenance costs.”, “I want a plain-vanilla car without a lot of chrome trim.” [in allusion to vanilla ice cream, taken to be the most basic flavor] 

(from Merriam-Webster and Random House Unabridged Dictionaries, Oxford English Dictionary):



With a huge game coming the next day against Ottawa Hills and a large number of scouts in attendance, Coach Jim Robinson’s plan was to show the bare minimum of the playbook and still win. The Hawks would run the basic motion offense, play man-to man defense, work deep into the bench and go home with a win. Sort of a Plain Vanilla game…

Defendant's Exhibit A – The 15 most popular ice cream flavors

1. Vanilla, 29%

That's what I'm talkin' about!

2. Chocolate, 8.9%
3. Butter pecan, 5.3%
4. Strawberry, 5.3%
5. Neapolitan, 4.2%
6. Chocolate chip, 3.9%
7. French vanilla, 3.8%
8. Cookies and cream, 3.6%
9. Vanilla fudge ripple, 2.6%
10. Praline pecan, 1.7%
11. Cherry, 1.6%
12. Chocolate almond, 1.6%
13. Coffee, 1.6%
14. Rocky road, 1.5%
15. Chocolate marshmallow, 1.3%
All others, 23.7%
Source: International Ice Cream Association

Well, if it’s so ‘plain’ and it’s so ‘vanilla’ why do so many people like it? Because it’s good! And so is a league win no matter how straightforward it may seem…

Game Summary

The Hawks defeated Danbury this evening 44-31 at the Varsity Gym, setting up the big TAAC showdown Tuesday evening against Ottawa Hills.

MV jumped out to a 16-4 first quarter lead and played the Lakers even through the rest of the evening. The visitors' stands had nearly as many opposing team scouts this evening as fans, with several clipboards getting a feverish workout in advance of both Maumee Valley's and Danbury's upcoming playoff appearances.

First Quarter MV 16 – Danbury 4

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

Danbury started the game in man defense but for reasons to be seen, switched to a 2-3 zone in the second quarter. MV played man defense 90% of the evening, pressing frequently.

Jared scored the opening two points on a jumper from the left side of the foul line at 7:20. MV came out in a press, and both teams played good defense in the early going. Danbury’s first points were scored by Dakota Hruby on a hook shot close in.

Danbury was focused on getting the ball in to Hunter Stevens early, but he wasn’t able to convert. On the other end, Jon Krueger drew a foul and converted one. Caleb Helline put the Lakers back up with a runner.

MV regained the lead when Rick Deichert broke to the basket for two and was fouled on the way in. He converted the extra shot for an old-fashioned three pointer. Dixon stole a pass on the Lakers’ next possession and Rick converted with a 3 ball.

The Hawks held the visitors to a one and done trip down court and Dixon scored two points cleaning up on a fast break. MV’s pressure continued to pay off when Rick stole the ball at half court and lasered a pass to Dixon for two points.

Daniel Brandon and Nick Frasco entered the game with 1:02 to play and MV held the ball for a last shot –



…which Dave Brown made from three point range.

The Hawks scored thirteen straight points to close out the quarter with a 12 point lead.

Second Quarter MV 9 – Danbury 9

Starting the Quarter – Dave, Nick, Daniel, Julius and Dixon

Caleb Helline scored the first points of the quarter for the visitors at the 7:37 mark. After an Nick Frasco trey missed the mark, Dave Brown was fouled driving the lane for two and converted the back end.

Play continued back and forth to little effect and during a stoppage in play with 6:34 remaining, Rick and AJ took over the guard positions for Dave and Nick. The Rick and AJ combo gives the Hawks a 6’1” and 6’2” front court(!) – and there’s likely still some growth left in both those guys.

But it was Julius who next scored for MV, a three from the left hand side.

Following a Laker free throw by big man Hunter Stevens, Dixon scored on a jumper from the foul line to put the Hawks up 19-8.

Danbury switched back to a 2-3 zone to shake things up. Dixon worked hard underneath to draw a foul, but came up empty at the line.

At the 4:43 mark, Jared returned to action, then at 4:03, Jon Krueger gave Dixon a rest. Julius stole a pass and got the rock to AJ underneath to make it MV 23 – Danbury 8.

On the other end, Danbury was having considerable difficulty dealing with Jared Sturt. Several Laker short-range shots were affected with Jared just being in the neighborhood. Caleb Helline narrowed the gap for the visitors with a basket + 1 which he converted. But Jared got the ball underneath at the other end and powered through three defenders for the layup.

With 2:01 remaining, Lucas Kennedy scored for Danbury, evening up the quarter for the guests. The teams traded unfruitful possessions the rest of the way, and MV maintained its 12 point lead, 25-13 at the half.

MV had a successful first half shooting; 10-17 from inside the arc and 3-6 (one each by Dave, Rick and Julius) from long range. Caleb Helline scored 7, accounting for the majority of Danbury’s points.

Third Quarter MV 7 – Danbury 7

Starting the quarter – initial game starters

With several scouts in attendance from TAAC and Sectional playoff opponents, Coach Robinson decided to strip the game down to its most basic elements the second half.

MV worked the first 30 seconds off the clock, but missed a two point try. Several consecutive shots were missed by both teams until Hunter Stevens scored two points with 6:36 to play.

Julius got the action going for the Hawksquad, driving the center of the lane and holding the ball to the last moment, then bouncing it to Jared for the easy layup. Rick Deichert blocked a two point shot at the Danbury end, then Rick got it to Julius…




…for the three pointer.

An aside – and I kid you not – John Wayne worked in an Ice cream store growing up.



You want sprinkles with that, pilgrim?



Jon hit a jumper next and MV was up 32-15. Daniel Brandon re-entered the game for MV, which switched to zone. Following a two point basket by Branden Burke, the Hawks held the ball from the 4:29 mark down to 3:32 running the base offense.

Dalton Chapman scored next for Danbury, a three point basket to get the visitors back to 32-20. With that, Coach Robinson substituted Dave, Jared and Dixon in with 1:35 remaining in the quarter. Those three ran the clock out and at the 75% mark, the Hawks were up 12.

There was enough motion offense during the quarter to cause an acute case of basketball kinetosis. The Hawks had shown little and kept their opponents at bay.

Fourth Quarter – MV 12 – Danbury 11

Starting the Quarter - AJ King, Dave, Julius, Jared and Dixon

In a repeat of the third quarter opening, the teams traded goose-eggs the first minute with several missed tries. Rick entered the game during this fray, and opened scoring for MV with a three pointer. Julius kept pace, firing in a trey of his own.




With 4:36 remaining, Jared again went strong to the basket for two,




…and MV had for all intents and purposed iced the game with a 38-22 lead.

Danbury scored the next seven points on a basket + 1 by Lucas Kennedy, a 3-ball by Caleb Helline and a two pointer by Hunter Stevens.

But the final outcome was not in doubt. First Rick made a layup, then the final Hawk points were scored by Jared with a basket




and Rick and Jonathan who each made one free throw.

On the court at game’s end was Nick, Caleb Willhight, Omar Hazimah, Daniel and Thad Woodard. Final score, Hawks 44 – Danbury 31.

Final Game Thoughts

I caught up with Coach Robinson after the game. He was well pleased with the game. As he described the action to me I was struck by the number of plays he described that the team didn’t run.

It was a quick and simple game, but one the Hawks were more than happy to win.  The home team moved to 13-2 on the season and 9-1 in the TAAC.

Scoring

And now for the happy totals. Rick Deichert (10 points), Jared Sturt (10) and Julius Turner (9) led the scoring for the Hawksquad. Dixon Stoddard scored 6 points, all in the first half, Jonathan Krueger had four, Dave Brown three and AJ King scored two to round things off for the victors.

Next up

Mr. Larry Anning and his maintenance staff will get a workout tomorrow evening making sure the fire code is adhered to as the Varsity Gym will be packed to capacity when the Green Bears come calling. Make sure to get there early and get your game face on.

Girls win on Karla Luketic's Buzzer Beater!! Video posted tomorrow

National Merit Scholarship Finalist Karla Luketic hit a layup with time expiring as the Hawks wrested a share of fifth place from Cardinal Stritch 33-31 on Senior Night at the Varsity Gym.  

The good news is printed above.  The bad news is that I left the connector cable for the video camera at work, and so THE SHOT will not be posted until tomorrow morning. My bad.

Kristin Bigelow led MV with 12 points, followed closely by Delaney Lonsway with 11.  DGenna Danes scored 6, Jordan Baker scored the next to last two points of the game and of course Karla had two as well.

JV action videos - MV 40 - Danbury 30

This seems like it's from a year ago, but it's Monday Action.

We have Izzy on the break, good defense, Thad down the lane and Izzy putting back an offensive rebound for two.

Quick note on playoff seeding

I have received a number of comments regarding playoff seeding and the bracket over the last few days.  I am holding off posting those comments and ask for your patience. 

I don't want a post on this subject to turn into bulletin board material.  There will be a post on this subject at a later date. 

Thanks for understanding.

Boys’ JV Loses to Ottawa Hills, 29-36, Moves to 10-1 in TAAC on the Season

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

In a tough match up on Tuesday night, the Boys’ JV suffered their first TAAC loss on the season. The Ottawa Hills Green Bears defeated the Hawks 36-29 in four quarters of good all around play. The Hawks got off to a rough start against the Green Bears. Tenacious defense by Ottawa Hills against our guards and an offensive strategy to pass the ball to the 6’ 3” freshman in the middle and let him shoot, moved Ottawa Hills to an early lead over the Hawks. The Hawks finished the first quarter trailing the Green Bears 6-12.

In the second quarter, the Hawks used a different strategy against the inside play of the Green Bears and experienced a lot of success. They actively defended against the inside pass with two or three people trying to deny the ball and they were able to get their offense going with better management of the ball. This combination, a solid defensive effort that denied the inside pass and when it was made, stole it, and better running of the offense, propelled the Hawks to a 27-21 lead over the Green Bears at the half.

In the third and fourth quarters, the Hawks would only score two points offensively and experienced a lot of turnovers that created offensive opportunities for the Green Bears. In the end the Green Bears prevailed, beating the Hawks 36-29 to end the game.

Overall a tough loss for Hawks’ fans, but a darn good TAAC season for the Boys’ JV.

Up next, one final TAAC game against the Cardinal Stretch Cardinals on Friday. And then a nonconference game on Saturday against North Baltimore will wrap up a busy week for the Hawks.

Scoring – Sorry gentlemen, I did not make it over to the scorers’ table to get the tally for the night. Please forgive

OH 45 - MV 38 at the varsity Gym - quick summary

Ottawa Hills evened the score against the Hawks tonight winning at the Varsity Gym 45-38.  It was a game of streaks, with the Green Bears jumping out to a 13-4 lead at the end of the first.  The Hawks roared back in the second quarter to lead 24-21 at the break. 

OH's key stretch came in the third when they were able to find an opening in the Hawks zone at the right wing during the last 3:38 of the third quarter and converted several key shots to go up by five at the end of three, 32-27.

MV cut the lead to one during the fourth, then to two as late as the 2:45 mark, but could not convert down the stretch.  Between the free throw line and the melee of pressing while behind, the Bears got it back up to seven by game's end. 

The Hawks had their chances - taking the same 38 two point attempts as OH, firing 18 three point attempts to 10 for the Bears, and going 4-6 from the line vs. 3-4 for the visitors.  But the rims weren't kind for the home team this evening and it was not to be. 

For the Hawks, Rick Deichert led the way with 11, followed by Julius Turner with 9 and Jared Sturt with 8.  Dave Brown had 6 for MV, Jon Krueger scored 3 and Dixon Stoddard added 1.

Lucas Janowicz led all scorers with 17 points for Ottawa Hills. 

So Maumee Valley needs to think like an NFL cornerback and quickly forget.  It's off to Cardinal Stritch Friday for the last regular season TAAC game, then back home Saturday for an out-of-conference game against North Baltimore.

Your Hawkblog Motivational Speaker Returns

"We kept focusing, we kept moving towards that ultimate goal - to win the Championship"

Scoreapalooza 2.14.11

Includes girls and boys games through Danbury. 

Seven Hawks > 100 points = nice.

Fifteen Hawks scoring in double digits in at least one game = nice.

Recent new single game highs:

Varsity - AJ, Rick (tied) / Genna, Jasmine (tied) Wesley
JV - Danny, Marcus and Caleb / Jordan (tied), Cammie, Karla

Boys’ JV Beats Danbury, 40-30, Advances to 15-1 on the Season

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

Monday night the Boys’ JV faced the Danbury Lakers in their second meeting of the season. The Hawks’ started out slow, but were able to get some momentum going and beat the Lakers 40-30 for their second win over the Lakers for the 2010-2011 season. The Hawks’ starting line-up included two fresh faces, Robbie Ariss and Marcus Knabbs, and the Hawks’ defensive effort held the Lakers to just two points in the first quarter. Hazimah, Okeke, Knabbs and Willhight all scored for the Hawks’ in the first quarter.

The Hawks started the second quarter with a bit of a dry spell as the Lakers rattled off eight unanswered points in the quarter, but eventually the Hawks’ settled down and began executing their offense. After that wake up, the Hawks’ went on to score 11 points in the quarter, ending the quarter on a three pointer by King and with a 21-12 lead over the Lakers heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Hawks would add ten points to their score behind great hustle plays by Woodard and Hazimah, a good look inside by Okeke and a three pointer by Knabbs. The Hawks ended the third quarter leading the Lakers 31-21.

In the final quarter, Hazimah, Willhight, Okeke, and Willhight would put points on the board for the Hawks and the Hawks’ defense held the Lakers to just nine points in the fourth. The Hawks were victorious in their second matchup with the Lakers on the season ending the fourth quarter with a 40-30 win over the Lakers.

Up next, the Hawks face the Ottawa Hills Green Bears. Go Hawks!

Scoring – Hazimah 11, Okeke 8, Knabbs 6, King 5, Woodard 5, Willhight 3, MacPherson 2

Your 2021 Hawks starting point guard (± a year or so)

Don't laugh, this is how Dave Brown got his start. 

Haithem's brother putting on a show in the pregame.

MV 44 - Danbury 31 - 2.14.11 Insightful Internet Commentary

Dave Brown, Nick Frasco and Dixon Stoddard (wearing an RPI shirt in honor of his brother Dillon) bring the Valentine's Day good news:

MV 44 - Danbury 31 - 2.14.11 at the Varsity Gym - Quick Summary

The Hawks defeated Danbury this evening 44-31 at the Varsity Gym, setting up the big TAAC showdown tomorrow evening against Ottawa Hills.

MV jumped out to a 16-4 first quarter lead and played the Lakers even through the rest of the evening.  Rick Deichert (10 points), Jared Sturt (10) and Julius Turner (9) led the scoring for the Hawksquad. Dixon Stoddard scored 6 points, all in the first half, Jonathan Krueger had four, Dave Brown three and AJ King scored two to round things off for the victors.

The visitors' stands had nearly as many opposing team scouts this evening as fans, with several clipboards getting a feverish workout in advance of both Maumee Valley's and Danbury's upcoming playoff appearances. 

Mr. Larry Anning and his maintenance staff will get a workout tomorrow evening making sure the fire code is adhered to as the Varsity Gym will be packed to capacity when the Green Bears come calling.  Make sure to get there early and get your game face on.

JV action videos - MV47 - NW18

From Friday the 11th -  videos of Izzy scoring, an AJ jumper off an offensive rebound, the defense forcing a five second call, Thad with a layup off a long motion offense sequence and all of Marcus' points on the evening. 

Enjoy!

Boys’ JV Beats Northwood Rangers 47-18 - 2.11.11

From Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

In Friday night action on the hardwood, the Boys’ JV beat the Northwood Rangers in their second league match-up with the Rangers on the season. The Hawks’ used a different rotation to start the game welcoming Caleb Willhight and Marcus Knabbs into the starting rotation for the Hawks. The Hawks finished the first quarter leading the Rangers 10-7.

In the second quarter, the Hawks continued to open up the game with good execution of their offense and solid defensive play; holding the Rangers to just two points in the second quarter. Hawks’ fans were treated to really good hustle by the all of the Hawks on defense, but one play that stood out is a sequence in which the Hawks guards worked together to pressure the Rangers. During this sequence, the Rangers' guard found a little breathing room, only to have Danny come around him from behind and steal the ball. If you have been with us a lot this season, you have seen Danny do this a lot; off to the races he went for a layup. The Hawks’ ended the quarter leading the Rangers 27 – 9.

The second half brought with it more of the same from the Hawks and also the opportunity for more Hawks to spend more time on the floor. In the third quarter, the Hawks’ defense again effectively contained the Rangers, allowing the Rangers only three points in the third. The Hawks ended the third quarter on a two pointer by Marcus just off top of the key and led the Rangers 40-12 going into the final quarter of the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Hawks would score seven more points and allowed the Rangers just six points in the final quarter. The Hawks won the game 47-18, and remain undefeated in TAAC play.

Up next the Hawks have “finals week” in the league, facing three league opponents in the span of five days and finishing out TAAC play for the season. Go Hawks!

Scoring

Willhight 14, King 11, Knabbs 7, Okeke 7, Hazimah 4, Collins 2, Woodard 2

Danbury Preview - Round 2 (bumped to top)

This links to the initial Danbury preview

This links to the first round game story.



Omar Hazimah surveys the floor in the January 6 game at Danbury.



First round game summary:


The Hawks dominated play tonight (January 6) on the Marblehead peninsula, smothering the Lakers 14-3 in the first quarter and pressuring their opponents effectively throughout the evening.

The Hawks featured balanced scoring in their 22 point victory. Rick Deichert led MV with 10, followed closely by Dave Brown with 9, Jonathan Krueger with 8, Julius Turner with 7, Jared Sturt with 5, Dixon Stoddard with 4, Daniel Brandon with 2 and tonight’s latest Scoreapalooza entrant Nick Frasco with 2 from the free throw line. Both shots were so pure that neither one touched the rim.

Update

Danbury has hit a rough patch since their game against the Hawks, dropping six of seven contests. Most recently, the Lakers dropped a 51-49 decision at Cardinal Stritch. They stand at 4-11 overall, 2-6 in the TAAC.

Statistically, Danbury's leading scorer and rebounder is 6'4" Hunter Stevens, averaging 10.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

MV District playoff bracket.

MV was voted first seed by the coaches in the Rossford Sectional.  That means that if they move on out of the Sectional, they would face the second seed from the Port Clinton Sectional on the way to the district final.

This is the biggest I could get this on the blog.  Here is a link.

Can't decide where to take that special someone for Valentine's Day??

How about the MV concession stand?

Nothing says 'I Love You' like a hot dog, popcorn and a Red Gatorade.




Or not...




Go Hawks, beat Danbury!

Chapter 14 – Morphin’ the Power Rangers – Hawks 63 – Northwood 36 – 2.11.11 – Game Story

Setting the Table

That's right.  You know you watched it - the ubiquitous live action / animated series featuring those colorful action heroes who more often than not successfully fought off an evil monster or some Zord gone bad.

From Wikipedia – The titular Power Rangers are individuals who "morph" from ordinary people into powerful superheroes…a morphed Ranger generally possesses superhuman strength, durability, and ability in hand-to-hand combat. Rangers regularly operate in teams of five...

In a way, the morphing concept is particularly apt in describing the Northwood Rangers this year. First year coach John Bryan has a true work in process on his hands and is molding a young group of players to fit his system. It is a year of growing pains for the Rangers, who had lost eight straight leading up to this game against the Hawks.





Hey, why don't we start with everyone wearing the same colored uni's, OK?


Any Hawk fan with a reasonably long memory should have much empathy for Coach Bryan’s position.

Assuming the Northwood Power Rangers weren’t going to defy the laws of physics with actual super powers, it looked to be a long night for the guests…

Game Summary

Maumee Valley defeated the Northwood Rangers 63-36 tonight at the Varsity Gym, extending their winning streak to eight games. Nine Hawks scored during the evening, led by Rick Deichert’s 18, Jared Sturt’s 14 and Julius Turner’s 13.

Each of these three played to their strengths tonight. Rick was 4-5 from three point range. Jared was 5-8 from two point range and 4-4 from the line. Julius had seven steals, three 2 balls, two 3 balls and got to the foul line eight times, making five.

The Hawks were also strong tonight from the charity stripe, going 16 for 24, including 11 for their first 12.

Solomon Collins and Caleb Willhight saw their first action tonight for the varsity Hawksquad.

The Blue and White moved to 12-2, 8-1 in the TAAC

First Quarter – MV 21 – NW 10

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

Northwood came out in a 2-3 zone and stayed there most of the evening.  MV played man defense all night, and pressed about 20% of the game.

The Hawks came out of the shoot hot with Rick Deichert draining a three to begin the action. NW’s Ricky Hartley answered back with a layup off a screen. Jared scored the next two points off a pass from Rick, and those scores made up the highlight package from the Channel 11/BCSN Friday night report.

Jared picked up his first foul at the 5:10 mark and Dixon entered the game.

After the opening flurry, the scoring pace slowed as MV tried to work off the rust from a seven day layoff. Northwood’s John Segura scored two on another well designed play, then Rick was fouled as he drove to the basket. He made both free throws and during the stoppage, Jared returned to the lineup.

It was 7-4 Hawks when they would make their first run of the game. Julius drove to the basket and dished off to Jared for two. Following a Ranger free throw, Jared and Julius got some strong inside play, with Jared finishing off a Julius pass after an offensive rebound.

Northwood missed their next attempt and Jared was fouled at the other end while shooting – and made both attempts.

After a Ranger timeout, Dave found Rick wide open in the corner for another three pointer. Julius stole the ball again and drove the length of the court where he was fouled and made both ends. It was now 16-4 Hawks.

Northwood’s Trey Cloud made a fade-away jumper to cut the lead by two, but Rick came back with a three-ball which bounced two feet up off the rim then straight down the cylinder. The teams traded two more baskets, including this Rick Deichert runner with time expiring...




...and the half ended with MV up 11.

Coach Robinson urged his team to play better defense around the basket during the time out, feeling that they surrendered too many easy layups. But overall it was a big quarter for the Hawks, Rick leading the way with 13 points, including nine off three pointers.

Second Quarter – MV 15 – NW 6

Starting the Quarter – Rick, Nick Frasco, Julius, Dixon Stoddard and Jonathan Krueger.

Northwood started the scoring with a two point bank shot by John Willey, but Julius countered with a three pointer off a Nick Frasco assist. Julius cut in front of the next Ranger pass and drove down court, looping it to Dixon who was fouled shooting. Stoddard would make one to put the Hawks up by 13 with 5:44 left and with a stoppage in play, Jared and Dave re-entered the game.

MV’s defense rose up to meet Coach Robinson’s challenge on the next play and forced a five second call on an inbounds attempt.

The Hawks continued their strong free throw shooting, with Jared and Dave Brown converting two each on consecutive possessions. The Blue and White made eleven of their first twelve free throws.

With several Hawks coming off the flu earlier in the week and four more games to be played by next Saturday, several players saw extended action on the evening. AJ King and Solomon Collins (in his varsity debut) entered the game inside the 5:00 mark.

MV dominated the inside during the next stretch, as Jared made two on a putback after a missed free throw. Following a score by the Rangers’ John Willey, AJ scored with help from Dave and Julius as seen here:


Jared picked off a Northwood pass next.  Off an inbounds play, watch Dave Brown draw the 2-3 zone defenders toward him, opening up AJ King for the trey...



...with this three pointer, and the Hawks led 36-16.

Omar Hazimah came in to close the first half action out, and the home team was up 20.

Julius Turner had a big half defensively with five steals in the first 16 minutes. The Hawks also were 5-11 from three point range, including a 3-4 performance by Rick Deichert.

Third Quarter – MV 15 – NW 15

Starting the Quarter – Dave, Jared, Omar, AJ and Solomon

John Segura scored first for the visitors. MV’s Dave Brown responded with a drive down the middle of the lane for two points:


Northwood’s James Radcliffe nailed a jumper, then the Rangers came back again with a basket by Ricky Hartley + 1, and the lead was cut to 38-25.

In came Rick, Julius and Jonathan and on came another Hawk run.

Rick got to the hoop for two with a strong drive to steady the Hawks’ course. Then the offense began working the ball into Jared.

Northwood’s coach John Bryan yelled out ‘double down’ to his defense in an effort to stop the MV post player. But like an unlucky blackjack player, he could only watch helplessly as Jared dealt the Rangers a two on the play.

Julius continued the Hawks run with another steal and a spinning 360º layup.

Jared scored next in transition:




Julius stole yet another errant Northwood pass and was fouled at the hoop with 2:16 remaining. He made one of two, and the Hawks had torn off a 9-2 run. Thad Woodard entered the game for the home team and MV continued scoring.

Dave Brown drew a foul and made one of two at the 1:38 mark.

Watch the ball movement up top on this next sequence, as Julius sealed the quarter for MV with 40 seconds remaining on this three pointer:




The Hawks had weathered Northwood’s best stretch of the evening and battled back to a draw. At the end of three, it was MV 51 – NW 31

Fourth Quarter – MV 12 – NW 5

Starting the quarter: Dave, Rick, Julius, Thad, Daniel Brandon

Repeating the first quarter opening, Rick started MV off with a three point shot, capping off a 4-5 evening from long range. After a John Segura two pointer for the visitors, Julius was fouled on two straight possessions and cashed in for two points.

Rick then fired a pass inside to a waiting Thad Woodard, who converted his first points of the evening.




...then Dave Brown floated a basket in over the Rangers' outstretched arms...




That start was good enough for Coach Robinson, who substituted Caleb Willhight (in his first varsity action) and Nick Frasco in to finish things off for the home team.

At 1:45, Solomon Collins made a foul-line jumper for his first varsity points.




The game ended with the Hawks ahead 27. Final score, Maumee Valley 63 – Northwood 36.

Final Game Thoughts

For the second game in a row, the Hawks substantially outdistanced their opponents in shots taken by a wide 57-35 margin. Many of these additional chances came from MVs 17 team steals on the night.

Three point shooting was another strength for MV, which went 7-16 from beyond the arc. To score 21 points from two point range in 16 tries, aside from the obvious statistical impossibility, you’d have to make a Jared-esque 65% of your shots. Such is the value of good three-point shooting.

With this long-range accuracy, the Dave at point + Rick/Julius/Jonathan/AJ on the wings combination places tremendous pressure on a 2-3 zone. And if the zone is drawn out or altered to meet this threat, it opens things up for Jared and Dixon underneath – recall Bettsville’s lack of success with the 3-2. This is another emerging offensive combination which will force defenses out of their zones and into man.

Several Northwood underclassmen are seeing significant action down the home stretch of the season. Additionally, the Rangers’ eighth grade boys won the TAAC this year, so there is cause for optimism in 2011-12 for the Blue and Gold.

Small stuff

- The Hawks have a new addition to their team – Haithem Maaiah’s young brother has taken a job as Official Hawks Ball Boy. Watch out for him in eight years.

- As noted above, several Hawks suffered flu-like symptoms during the week, depleting the team so much that the Danbury game was postponed. Thanks to the Lakers for understanding, but they postponed the game on the condition that they could pick the make-up date – and they selected Monday February 14. Speaking of make-up dates, Danbury coach Drew Davie may need to schedule one of those himself with his S.O. for booking a game on Valentine’s Day.

- Northwood has a point guard named Ricky Hartley, so it was a bit confusing to hear both coaches barking out instructions to Ricky during the game.

- The Rangers’ games are broadcast on internet radio – www.wrscradio.com – and those call letters coincidentally bring back good memories for your Hawkblog Editor. WRSC AM 1390 broadcasts over-the-air sports in State College, Pennsylvania.

Not so small stuff

This coming Sunday is seeding day for the boys’ playoffs. MV stands a better than 50/50 chance to be the number one seed in the Rossford Sectional, which includes MV, TC, OH, Northwood, Cardinal Stritch and Bettsville. If MV is seeded number 1, TC and OH would likely play each other first, with the winner having a chance to face the Hawks down the road. Based on the sectional/divisional playoff setup, any rematch between a #1 seeded Hawksquad and the other TAAC contenders would not take place until the District final game (the round of 32).

This is confusing without a bracket to study, so as soon as one is available, I’ll post it.

Scoring

And now for the happy totals. In addition to Rick’s 18, Jared’s 14 and Julius’13, Dave Brown scored 7, AJ King had 5, Thad Woodard and Solomon Collins (his first varsity points) each scored 2 and Omar Hazimah and Dixon Stoddard contributed 1 apiece.

Next up

The basketball extravaganza continues Monday when the Danbury Lakers come to town for a 6pm JV start.

And oh yeah, there’s a little game Tuesday against Ottawa Hills…