MV 71 - Arcadia 35 Insightful Internet Commentary

Big crowd on hand after the game, as Charles Bachelot, Jeremy Anderson, Rashad Woodley, Miranda Vargas, Thaddeus Woodard and Nick Towns discuss the Hawks successful trip to Hancock County.  Make sure you all study hard down the Winter Break stretch.

Hawks defeat Arcadia 71-35

The Hawks got a much needed lift after a tough week, defeating the Arcadia Redskins 71-35.  The Hawks jumped out to an 18-6 first quarter lead and never looked back.  Dave Brown scored all 22 of his points in the first half and spent the third quarter dealing the ball to his teammates.  Twelve different Hawks scored on the evening. 

In addition to Dave, Zain Bedi had 3, Marcus Knabbs 8, Danny Hazimah 4, Lucas Izasa 3, Solomon Collins 2, Nick Towns 4, Caleb Willhight 8, Rashaan Preston 2, Kadar Jones 2, Thad Woodard 6 and Rashad Woodley 5. 

So a after a tough start, Maumee Valley ends the week on an up note.  This week will be devoted to projects and tests in this last week before Winter Break.  Next up is a tough trip to Old Fort to face a potential District playoff 1 or 2 seed. 

More to come, as your Hawkblogger will regroup from a week of heavy for-profit work and catch up on the TC and OH losses.  Stay tuned.

Toledo Christian Preview

Fast facts

Opponent: Toledo Christian

Enrollment (9-12): 261

Division/League: D-IV

Team Nickname: Eagles

Coach: Dave McWhinnie, 12th season

Last season: 17-7 overall, 10-4 TAAC

This season: 1-1 overall, 1-0 TAAC - after a three point opening season loss to Lake, the Eagles smacked Cardinal Stritch by 17 points, 62-45 in Oregon.

Outlook - From the Toledo Blade TAAC preview

Seniors Eric Cellier, 6-3, G; Josh Winzeler, 6-2, G; Dominique Pittman, 5-9, G; Ben Ivan, 6-3, F; Cordell Miller, 6-2, F; Melvin Thomas, 5-9, G.

 The Eagles return four starters, led by Cellier (17.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg), who was second in the TAAC player-of-the-year voting last season. Winzeler (12 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Pittman (7.0 ppg, 4.0 apg), and Ivan (5.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg) make a formidable foursome, although an injury may keep Ivan sidelined for the first month.

Adding to the mix will be Thomas, a transfer from St. John’s Jesuit who sat out the 2011-12 season.

Strengths for the Eagles should be quickness, depth, and shooting ability, while McWhinnie’s chief concern is an overall lack of size that may lead to rebounding trouble at times.

“We have the potential to be very good, but we need to keep working hard and play great defense in order to reach our potential,” McWhinnie said. “The league has improved significantly over the past 3-4 years and this will be a very competitive league top to bottom. We need to stay humble and hungry, and we need to be unselfish with the ball. If the players start thinking about their own points, it could be a long year. If they play hard and play for each other, we could have a pretty special year.”

Hawkblogger notes: Mamuee Valley defeated the Eagles three times last season, including a come from behind victory in the District Final at Lakota...MV and TC are familiar foes from summer league play as well...The Eagles are the pre-season favorites in the TAAC, selected to finish first by six of the Conference's eight coaches...Ottawa Hills received the other two votes..get there early, it's going to be packed...the game will be broadcast on BCSN, both JV and varsity..

MVCDS 56 - (at) Gibsonburg 44 Quick Summary

Maumee Valley jumped out to a 14 point lead in the first half then fended off several Golden Bear comeback attempts in a 56-44 win in Sandusky County Friday evening.  The Hawks were led by Dave Brown's 26 points, (subject to review) a career high.  Solomon Collins scored 10 and Caleb Willhight had 8 points on the evening in support of the win.

MV's team is continuing to jell offensively and the game was marked by rapidly improving ball movement - video links to follow.  MV also made the most of positioning, holding its own on the glass against a taller Gibsonburg front line.

Coach Arthur used a deep rotation as 13 players saw substantial action on the night.

The Hawks took the air out of the ball down the stretch, keeping the ball in the hands of its point guard and looking for scoring opportunities for Dave, who had nine fourth quarter points. 

It's on to the first round of the meat grinder stretch of the schedule next week as the  Hawks host TC on Tuesday, then hope that their travel visas are in order for admission to the Village on Friday. 

MV 56 - (at) Gibsonburg 44 Insightful Internet Commentary

Round up the usual suspects (and some Freshmen as well).  It's Thad, Jeremy, Jack Herrmann and Thomas Cunliffe with the always enlightening post game commentary.

MV 46 - Fayette 45 - Here is your coast to coast buzzer beater

This ranks up there with the best of them. 




A special acknowledgement again should go out to Coach Josh Arthur, who has the fortitude of Hercules for drawing up a game winning play in which his All-State candidate, Dave Brown, never touched the ball.

Now where do you think he would have learned something like that?  Somewhere, Coach Robinson should also be feeling very proud tonight.

The Eagles had a pretty good look, but couldn't convert:

MV 46 - Fayette 45 Insightful Internet Commentary

Tonight we have Messrs. Trueth Foreman, Jeremy Anderson, Caleb Willhight, Dave Brown, Thaddeus Woodard and Danny Hazimah bearing tidings of great joy.  Bring it gentlemen....




To the best of our knowledge, no members of the Foreman family were permanently injured in the production of this video.

MV 46 - Fayette 45 - If you missed it, shame on you

The Hawks were at Fayette tonight so it had to be close one…right?   Right.

Thad Woodard scored on a coast to coast inbounds play with 3.2 seconds left and the Hawks defeated the Fayette Eagles tonight 46 - 45.  Coach Josh Arthur won his first varsity game as a head coach with a gutsy play call.

Dave Brown, who had scored 21 points at that point, was double teamed on the play. Knowing this, Coach Arthur used Dave as a decoy, drawing his two defenders away from the main action.

Thad Woodard inbounded the ball to Danny Hazimah, who dribbled from foul line to foul line, stopped, and waited for Thad to trail him over the left side. Danny fired a pass to Thad who drove down the lane for the clinching layup with 3.2 seconds left.

Fayette's outstanding Junior shooting guard Chandler Sanford had fouled out with 16 seconds left and was not able to take the Eagles’ last chance shot. Their final attempt was off the mark and the Hawks once again escaped Fulton County with a last second win.

Your Hawkblogger was on his own tonight and did not have the valuable services of the full Hawkblogging squad, including our play-by-play man or analyst. We do know that Dave Brown led all scorers with 21 points, with Fayette's Sanford scoring 16 on the night. We also know that Thad Woodard had at least two points, but they were the biggest of the evening.

Stand by for the video, loading now, which will take its place in the pantheon of Maumee Valley thrilling finishes.

 

Whetting the appetite - Rossford scrimmage videos

Your Hawkblogger attended part of the November 10 Rossford Mega-scrimmage on November 10 at Owens CC.  We watched a s(eries of one quarter contests in which MV defeated Carey (Midland Athletic League), Waite, (City League) and Holgate (Green Meadows Conference) before losing a tough 2 point test against TRAC member Lima Senior. 

Here are links to three videos from the scrimmage (click on the number):

Link 1 (Nick Towns scores)

Link 2 (fast break scoring)

Link 3 (a long posession finished off by Caleb Willhight)

Fayette preview

Fast facts

Opponent: Gorham Fayette
Enrollment (9-12):  212
Division/League: D-4 / Buckeye Border Conference
Team Nickname: Eagles
Coach: Todd Mitchell, 13th season
2011-12 record: 13-9
Last year: MV made it two in a row against the Eagles with a 50-39 victory at the Varsity Gym. 

Preview capsule from the Defiance Crescent-News:

Todd Mitchell returns for his 11th year at Fayette with hopes of bettering a 13-9 record a year ago.
However, the graduation loss of Trevor Cox (15.6 ppg), Jessie Rodriguez (7.7 ppg), Travis Pennington (7.5 ppg) and Kevin Ferguson (4.3 ppg) means more than 35 points per game must be replaced.  We only return 13.4 ppg," said Mitchell. "We need to build depth and make up for our lack of height."

Zayne Colegrove, Cole Burkholder, Chandler Sanford, and Tyler Cox return as lettermen for the Eagles.  "We have a great bunch of kids who are working hard and want to get better," Mitchell said.
Despite the losses from last season, the Eagles look to make a run at the top of the BBC.
"We will have a very competitive team every night," Mitchell said.


Hawkblog notes: Fayette is picked to finish fifth in the BBC, but over the years the league has been tightly packed with no team running away with the season championship...like birds of a feather, the Hawks and Eagles both are replacing large chunks of their scoring firepower...its an easy drive out to Fayette.  Take the turnpike west to exit 25 (Ohio St. Rt. 66), head north on Route 66 5.6 miles then right on Gamble St. You can't miss it.

Hawks picked third in pre-season TAAC poll

The Blade TAAC preview is up, you can view it here.  Your Hawkblogger appreciated the tone of Steve Junga's article, very complimentary to the TAAC as a competitive basketball force in Northwest Ohio. 

The hat-tip to Coach Dave McWhinnie of TC for driving the TAAC to excellence is also well deserved. 

The Rankings:

1.  Toledo Christian
2.  Ottawa Hills
3.  Maumee Valley
4.  Gibsonburg
5.  Cardinal Stritch
6.  Emmanuel Christian
7.  Northwood
8.  Danbury

But as always, you gotta play the games...

Postscript to 2011-2

Notice a pattern? 

For the second year in a row, your Hawkblogger has not been able to bring himself to write about the last game of the season.  Which game, for every team in four divisions save one, is their last. 

For this I apologize.  Take it as the difference between an independent third party and an invested individual.

In any event, congratulations to the Arlington Red Devils, which made the state final four before dropping their semi-final game against the eventual D-IV State Champions from Berlin Hiland.

That’s the most closure you’re going to get on this greatest of Maumee Valley seasons. 

For now. 

So as it is said in England, The King (or in this case, the Kings of 2011-2012) is dead…

LONG LIVE THE KINGS OF 2012-2013!!!

Thank you

The blog now has > 20,000 page views.  Who'da thunk it.

Pump-up videos

1.  Jon Krueger vs. OH last year




2.  Dave Brown vs. OH this year.




3.  Jared Sturt vs. Gibsonburg this year.




4.  Julius Turner vs. Gibsonburg this year




5.  Rick Deichert vs. OH this year




6.  Dixon Stoddard vs. Gibsonburg this year.




7.  and in a blast from the past - Karla Luketic vs. CS last year

Arlington Preview - Regional Semifinal

Fast facts

Opponent:  Arlington

Enrollment: (9-12):  308

Division/League: D-IV / Blanchard Valley Conference

Team Nickname: Red Devils

From the Blanchard River Buzz Preview

Coach: Jason Vermillion – 14^th season

Last season: 13-9, 5-4 BVC

This season: 17-3, 8-1 (first place) BVC

Top players: Returning lettermen - Seniors Thayne Recker, (6-4), Jake Leonard  (6-1) Adam Inniger (5-9) and Wes Corbin (5-11) Junior Blaiz McBride (5-11), Sophomore Andrew Hunter (5-8).  Others include Senior Brian Mohr (5-10) and Sophomores Michael Blunk and Jordan Freed.

Regular season stats: Team stats are similar to the Hawks – Arlington averages 63.4 ppg and allows only 41.9.  They feature an inside game, making a league second-best 54.7% of their two point tries.  The Red Devils were 78-313 (31.3%) from three point range, placing them 5^th in the BVC.  They are also fourth in FT% at 62.9%, but they made their free throws in the District Final game vs. Columbus Grove.

Arlington was third in the league in rebounding (29.1 rpg) and second in assists (14.2 apg).  They appear to like pressure defense forcing 10.7 turnovers per game.

Individually, Thayne Recker was the Devils leading scorer averaging 16.6 ppg, followed by Jake Leonard (12.3) and Andrew Hunter (9.0).  Recker is big and effective (think Lucas Janowicz), Mr. Inside who also averages 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.  Jordan Freed and Wes Corbin are Messrs. Outside, both averaging over 40% from beyond the arc. 

Road to BG – opponents w/ regular season records:

Def. 6-14 Riverdale 71-20

Def. 13-7 Ridgemont 58-37

Def. 12-8 McComb 57-33

Def. 16-4 Columbus Grove 51-44

Arlington quick links

Here is a link to Arlington's pre season preview in the Findlay Courier basketball tab (look for the Table Table of Contents).

Here is a link to Arlington's Davey 1 schedule and regular season results (scroll down).

Here is a link to a game story on the Red Devils' District Championship victory over Columbus Grove.

Here is a link to the final Blanchard Valley Conference stats - team and individual.

MV's home away from home - this week

Congratulations to the District Champions. 

Here is a photo of the Stroh Center taken at Saturday evening's Anthony Wayne - Norwalk game

OK, break's over.

TAAC MAL-treatment - Sectionals & Districts

Hey, how about some respect for the TAAC.




In three TAAC vs. Midland Athletic League contests:

TAAC #4 Ottawa Hills held MAL #5 Fremont St. Joe's (11-9 overall, 7-4 MAL) to its lowest point total in at least 26 years in a 41-20 win.

TAAC #3 Toledo Christian defeated MAL #1 New Riegel (17-3, 10-1) 57-52  in OT.

TAAC #1 Maumee Valley defeated MAL #2 Tiffin Calvert (16-4, 9-2) 58-51.

A good bracket for the Toledo boys - congratulations to all three teams.

MV 36 - Toledo Christian 28 District Championship - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley completed an unprecedented triple sweep of both of its main TAAC rivals Friday evening, coming from behind to defeat Toledo Christian 36 – 28 at Lakota High School. The win gave Coach Jim Robinson his first District Championship in 11 career tries. There were hugs all around after the game as the Hawks cut the nets down for the third time in 14 days, and also claimed 3-0 season records against both TC and Ottawa Hills.

It sure didn't look like a championship night early on. TC jumped out to a 10 – 6 lead at the end of one. Coach Dave McWhinnie's Eagles continued their deliberate pace in the second half as well and extended their lead by three more points, going to the locker room with a 19 – 12 lead.  If not for Dave Brown's determined play in the second quarter Toledo Christian would have led by more.

TC even made the first basket of the second half, and held a nine point lead at that point. But the Hawks applied half court pressure defense on the Eagle guards and began to force turnovers. Rick Deichert also chose that moment to get hot, firing in eight third quarter points including two three point shots with a defender’s hand right in his face. MV won the quarter 12 – 4, taking a one point lead into the final frame.

The pressure continued to wear on the Eagles, and their hot hand the first half evaded them. Jared Sturt made two big baskets in the early part of the quarter to stretch the blue and White's lead to four points, 29 – 25. TC was forced to begin fouling and the Hawks made their shots down the stretch. MV's lead eventually stretched out to eight points by game’s end.

Here are two videos of the post game celebration...

...and net cutting

Rick Deichert and Dave Brown led the Hawks with 12 points each. Jared start had eight points, Julius Turner had three huge free throws down the stretch, and Dixon Stoddard had one. 

Thus the Hawks 20th straight win propels them to the regional semifinal to be held at BGSU’s Stroh Center this coming Tuesday. Maumee Valley will face the 21 - 3 Arlington Red Devils from the Blanchard Valley conference. MV and Arlington play the first game of a doubleheader at 6:15, with the nightcap featuring Edgerton versus Colonel Crawford.

MV 36 - Toledo Christian 28 District final - Insightful Internet Commentary

Here we have Julius Turner, Thad Woodard and Dixon Stoddard after the emotional victory over the Toledo Christian Eagles Friday March 9, 2012.  Erudition follows:

MV 58 - Tiffin Calvert 51 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Thad Woodard earns his way into the IIC with a big three pointer at the end of the third quarter and two important defensive plays.  Tell it, Thaddeus.

D-IV Sweet 16 bracket

Here you go - it's down to these fortunate few.

Maumee Valley 58 - Tiffin Calvert 51 - District Semifinal at Lakota HS

Maumee Valley took their second step on the road to Columbus, defeating the Tiffin Calvert Senecas 58 – 51 Tuesday March 6, 2012 at Lakota High School.

The Hawks relied on strong guard play during the evening, with Rick Deichert scoring the first 11 MV points on his way to 19 overall on the night.  Rick was 5-7 from three point land on the night.  The second half featured the Dave Brown show, as he hit all of his 15 points in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters. 

With a new opponent on the court for the first time in many months, Maumee Valley was able to go to the playbook and run several oldies but goodies – misdirections, fake shots and other Jim Robinson specials throughout the night.

The Senecas never had the lead, but pulled to within two points late in the third quarter.  The Hawks answered with a late flurry, including a top-of-the-key three pointer from Sophomore Thad Woodard as the buzzer sounded.   Woodard, seeing considerable action due to some foul trouble for the other forwards, contributed two key defensive plays in the fourth quarter.  He drew a big charging foul and earned a tieup in the fourth to keep the Hawks on top. 

So it’s back to Lakota Friday night for a rematch with another old foe, the Toledo Christian Eagles.  The Eagles defeated New Riegel 57-52 in OT to set up a third contest with MV.  It was a stellar night for the TAAC, which is the only league in the Bowling Green District with two teams still alive  (or not, see comment below - thanks to an alert reader).  The TAAC went 2-0 against the Midland Athletic League on a MAL team home court (Lakota plays in the MAL).

In addition to the two guards, MV got 10 points from Jared Sturt, 7 from Julius Turner, 3 from Thad and two each from Dixon Stoddard and Jonathan Krueger. 

Gettin' closer

Senior Night videos

There were a few great moments from Senior Night not yet posted for the big story

Ceremonial referees



Player Intros



Strings play the National Anthem



'Silent Night' - the 10th point.  This was one of the highlights of the night.

MV 42 - OH 39 - Hawks win Sectional Title - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley clinched its first Sectional title in over 10 years Friday March 2, 2012 at Eastwood High School, defeating the Ottawa Hills Green Bears 42-39. 

It was a tremendous atmosphere at Eastwood, the gym nearly filled to capacity in the first of a two game double header.  Ottawa Hills stymied the Hawks most all evening with their 2-3 zone, and the lead changed hands five times during the evening.  OH led early on the strength of their front line players, Lucas Janowicz and RJ Coil and Geoffery Beans.  In fact, the Bears outshot MV from both the three point arc and the free throw line. 

However, the Hawks used tough defense, forcing enough turnovers to give MV (an unofficial) 37-25 shot advantage.  MV took the lead down the stretch on the strength of two clutch drives by Julius Turner.  Here's the second, which made the BCSN list of top plays for the night...





And with 4:00 remaining in the game and a four point lead, the Blue and White ran the clock out - not without OH having their chances to tie - right down to the last play of the game...




...and at the end, Maumee Valley cut the nets down for a Sectional Crown. 

It was a great win for Coach Jim Robinson, who broke a long playoff win drought this evening.  It was also a rare 3-0 season sweep for the Hawks, achieving one of the more difficult goals in basketball.

Scoring for the Hawks - Jared Sturt with 11, Rick Deichert and Jon Krueger 8, Julius Turner 6, Dave Brown 5 and Dixon Stoddard 4.  Caleb Willhight also saw action on the night.

The Hawks now move to the District round at Lakota High School in Kansas, Ohio, where they face Fostoria Sectional #2 seed Tiffin Calvert out of the Midland Athletic League Tuesday March 6, at 8:00 pm.

Congratulations also to the Toledo Christian Eagles, who defeated the Gibsonburg Golden Bears 45-40 in the second game.  TC moves on to face New Riegel in Game 1 at Lakota - tip-off at 6:15pm.

Maumee Valley 42 - Ottawa Hills 39 Sectional Final at Eastwood HS - Insightful Internet Commentary

At the scene of the very first IIC, Rick Deichert, Jon Krueger and Jared Sturt recall their first playoff win since eighth grade. 

Ironically, an Ian Trickey-led Ottawa Hills team defeated the 8th grade Hawks (with Jim Robinson as their Middle School assistant coach no less) in the 2008 TAAC championship game. 

Lots of history between these teams going back to fifth grade.  Conference life is filled with agony and ecstasy...

MV 44 - Cardinal Stritch 36 - Quick Summary

In a game featuring an outpouring of emotion for six senior players and one senior coach, the 2011-12 edition of the Maumee Valley Hawks re-wrote the school recordbooks for a single season, defeating a hard-fighting Cardinal Stritch team 44-36 at the Varsity Gym.  The win lifted the Hawks to an all-time school best record 19-1, and capped a 13-1 TAAC champion record for the season.

It nearly was a 18-2 season however, as the Cardinals were up at the half 19-18 on the strength of a tough inside defense and ball-control offense.  Maumee Valley was able to find their offensive stride and apply pressure during a dominating 17-2 third quarter. But the visitors would not quit and pulled the lead back down under ten by game's end.

CS Coach Dave Rieker was justifibly proud of his team on this night.  He noted post-game that his team fought hard until the very end, achieving a big goal of his throughout the entire season. 

But the night belonged to Coach Jim Robinson's team.  Coach, leading his team in his last-ever regular season game was the last one up the ladder for the ceremonial net cutting.  No one looked happier in the Varsity gym at that moment, and no one deserved to enjoy such a moment more than Coach Robinson.



Scoring for the Hawks on the evening - Dave Brown, in his first top-scorer role of his MV career had 12 points, Julius Turner and Rick Deichert had 11, Jared Sturt 7 and Jonathan Krueger 3.  Seniors Dixon Stoddard and Nick Frasco also saw action on this Senior night.

MV 44 - Cardinal Stritch 36 - Insightful Internet Commentary

A little catch-up here from the last regular season game.

Always listen to your mothers, gentlemen.

NYT Article on Zone Defense

Given the great 2-3 zone play by Ottawa Hills last night, your HawkBlogger thought it would be appopriate to link to this Great article on the pro's and con's of zone defense.

Stand by for more blogging.

One down...

Here are your directions for the weeks ahead.

Previewing the D-IV playoffs - Far West and East half of the Bowling Green D-IV Region

Introduction - copied from yesterday''s post

This post will be better understood if you take aminute to glance at the Bowling Green Regional bracket.

Here’s how it works. There are four districts – each with two #1 and two #2 seeds – all playing for the chance of going to the Regional Final in Bowling Green. The four regional finalists battle for the golden ticket to Columbus.

Each District includes 12-14 teams, grouped into two 6-7 team Sections. Each section’s coaches meet to seed themselves, determining who plays who down the stretch.

This year, the D-IV tournament seeding was announced on February 12, 2012. As opposed to NCAA Selection Sunday, the tournament is selected prior to the regular season, so a late stumble does not impact the seeding. 

The opposite side of the Bowling Green Regional features teams from the far east (east of Sandusky approaching Norwalk) and west of the area (west of Toledo to the State line and down the Indiana/Ohio border to about Van Wert. 

In the Far West / Napoleon District, teams from the Green Meadows Confrence, Buckeye Border Conference and a wildcard or two from the Putnam County League play for a spot at BG.  This District includes the only undefeated team in the Region, the Edgerton Bulldogs.  Edgerton must get past a seasoned Kalida team from the PCL, Pettisville and Stryker from the BBC and conference foes Antwerp and Holgate among others.  

Edgerton is currently ranked #2 in the state, but has only played five teams (but Antwerp twice) with a winning record, the six games tying Ada for the lowest frequency of games against harder teams. 

The Far East includes mostly North Central and Firelands Conference teams, but is also the home of TAAC member Danbury.  North Robinson Colonel Crawford has to be the clear favorite here with some quality wins against larger schools.

Aside from these three teams, the other #1 and #2 seeds on this side of the bracket have no more than 13 wins total.  Additionally, the other contenders have not fared well against teams with records over .500.  Expect two of these three teams to show up in the Regional Semifinal game on March 13. 

Click on the grid for a larger view.

Previewing the D-IV playoffs - MV's half of the Bowling Green D-IV Region

This post will be better understood if you take aminute to glance at the Bowling Green Regional bracket.

Here’s how it works.  There are four districts – each with two #1 and two #2 seeds – all playing for the chance of going to the Regional Final in Bowling Green.  The four regional finalists battle for the golden ticket to Columbus. 

Each District includes 12-14 teams, grouped into two 6-7 team Sections.  Each section’s coaches meet to seed themselves, determining who plays who down the stretch. 

This year, the D-IV tournament seeding was announced on February 12, 2012.  As opposed to NCAA Selection Sunday, the tournament is selected prior to the regular season, so a late stumble does not impact the seeding. 

The table below shows one half of the NW Ohio playoff Bracket, with particular attention paid to MV’s bracket and the top half of the TAAC. 

MV’s Section includes six TAAC teams, MV, Gibsonburg, TC, OH, Cardinal Stritch and Northwood plus Fremont St. Joe’s from the Midland Athletic League.  Intertwined with this group is the Fostoria Section, mostly composed of teams from the MAL. 

The winner of this district plays in Bowling Green against the Findlay Liberty-Benton champion.  The Findlay District includes several tough teams from Hardin and Paulding counties pulled principally from the MAL, the Blanchard Valley Conference and the Northwest Conference.  It must have been a very difficult process to choose among the top seeds for Findlay - Vanlue, Columbus Grove, Arlington, Leipsig and Ada. 

Your HawkBlogger agrees with most observers that this half of the BG draw is loaded – much more so than tomorrow’s other side.

You may draw your own conclusions from the chart below, but the winner of the Bowling Green Region will certainly have earned the title Regional Champion.

Tomorrow, the preview will continue with the other side of the bracket, which includes teams from the far east and west of Northwest Ohio.

Click on the grid below for a larger view.

Tuesday pollin'

Headed into the last week of the regular season...

MV has a hammerlock on the Toledo Blade Divison IV poll, leading its closest competitor, Gibsonburg, by three full games.  Come by the Varsity Gym trophy case in a few weeks to view this hardware. - No link was available - the published version of the Blade shows:

1.  Maumee Valley
2.  Gibsonburg
3.  Pettisville
4.  Holgate
5.  Toledo Christian

Alas, MV never got traction in the State AP poll, despite the Toledo Blade's Steve Junga trying as hard as possible to promote the Hawks.  Scroll about 1/3 of the way down.  Mr. Junga voted the Hawks third in the state this past week. 

The final JJ Huddle poll was also released today and MV finished in the others to watch. JJHuddle predicts a strong tournament run for the Hawks, but that's a subject for a later post. 

PS - a Thursday night game with state implications will be held out west Thursday evening when 11-7 D-III Delta from the NWOAL travels to 19-0 Edgerton in a non-league contest.  MV defeated Delta twice in summer league play.

The Last Time MV won the TAAC...

...this is what three of your teammates looked like.

Maumee Valley 74 - Northwood 43 - Play of the Game

Maumee Valley 74 - Northwood 43 - Insightful Internet Commentary

A cast of thousands and some bad grammar on the questions by your HawkBlogger.  Such is the confusion that occurs during a championship celebration.

Maumee Valley 74 - Northwood 43 - quick summary

Maumee Valley earned its first TAAC championship in ten years Friday night at Northwood, defeating the Rangers 74-43.  It was a microcosm of the entire season, as MV conbined strong defense, three point shooting, a strong inside game and accurate free throw shooting to overwhelm the home team. 

Julius Turner was all over the floor during the evening and the line score showed it, 8 two pointers, 3 three pointers and 5-7 for the line - that's 30 for those of you keeping score at home.  Julius scored 9 of the Hawks 11 second quarter points. 

Rick Deichert had 6 three point plays - 5 from beyond the arc and an old fashioned basket plus foul for 18 points.  Jared Sturt scored 14 points including two big dunks down the road. 

In a statistical anomily, all other scorers for MV had 2 points each - Dave Brown, Dixon Stoddard, Jonathan Krueger, Solomon Collins and Lucas Isaza (the last two with their first varsity points).

Coach Jim Robinson now has won championships in five different leagues - Cincinnati, Lima, Toledo NLL, SLL and now the TAAC.

Northwood - the best video you never saw

Shouldn't you give the water to the people who need it?

Maumee Valley 70 - Danbury 41 Insightful Internet Commentary

It’s your low key trio of Rashard Woodley, Zain Bedi and Turner Booth. It is said that ‘a picture paints a thousand words. Let’s hope so, as these guys barely said 100 words in total. 

Big Blade article on the Hawks

Nicely done and thanks to the Blade.

MV 70 – (at) Danbury 41 quick summary

Maumee Valley came out strong in the first quarter behind hot inside shooting and pressure defense and pulled away early from the Lakers.  The score at the end of the first quarter was 23-9, and Maumee Valley won each of the remaining three frames as well.   
Wth the news of an Ottawa Hills win over Gibsonburg, Maumee Valley is in possession of a two game lead and has clinched at least a tie for first place in the TAAC.  Watch out for the rapidly improving Green Bears, who have returned from the land of the lost with their Janowicz - Coil hi-low post game.

Coach Robinson played all the geezers during the evening, that is everyone but the freshmen. 

Scoring for the Hawks was Julius Turner with 18, Jared Sturt 12, Dixon Stoddard and Rick Deichert with 8, Jon Krueger with 8, Davey Brown with 6, Caleb Willhight 5 and Nick Frasco 3.

The JV’s came up big in the second half against the JV Lakers and also won tonight 59-29.  Thad Woodard had a monster game, scoring a career high 23 points. Nick Towns got into double figures with 10, Marcus Knabbs and Danny Hazimah each had 6, Jeremy Anderson, Rashard Woodley and Lucas Isaza had 4 and Zain Bedi scored 2.

The Hawks look to clinch the regular season at Northwood this coming Friday.  This would be their first TAAC Championship since 2002.

Tuesday pollin'

No changes from last week. 

MV is number 1 in the Blade D-IV poll.

MV is not listed in the AP poll (placing or receiving > 12 votes) despite Steve Junga moving MV up to 4th place with his vote - scroll about 3/4 down on the page.

MV is in the 'others' in the JJ Huddle locked in D-IV poll. 

There's one way to change that...play on gentlemen.

They are not afraid of you - Part II

As we approach the end of the regular season, here's how the Hawks have done against the top ranked teams in the Toledo Blade poll from last week.

Overall, MV is 10-2-1 against currently ranked teams played against over the last year (2011 summer league and 2011-12 regular season).

Division I

1. Central Catholic 12-3 - 0-1 smacked in CCHS summer league semi-final by the home team*
2. Whitmer 14-2 Did Not Play (DNP)
3. Rogers 11-3 -DNP
4. St. John's 10-5 -DNP
5. Bowsher 11-4 - DNP

Division II

1. Wauseon 13-2 - 2-0 - defeated twice in Premier league play
2. Napoleon 12-3 - DNP
3. Scott 9-6 - 1-0 defeated once in CCHS summer league
4. Eastwood 10-5 - DNP
5. Otsego 9-6 - DNP

Division III

1. Archbold 12-4 - scrimmaged twice - about evenly
2. Liberty-Benton 11-3 - DNP
3. Delta 10-4 - 2-0 - defeated twice in Premier league
4. Lake 12-4 - 1-0 - defeated in scrimmage
5. Patrick Henry 9-6 - DNP

Division IV

1. Maumee Valley 13-1
2. Gibsonburg 12-2 1-1 in TAAC play
3. Pettisville 11-4 - 2-0 defeated twice in Premier league play
4. Fayette 11-5 - 1-0 defeated once in regular season
5. Holgate 10-6 - DNP

* - We tell it like it is here at the HawkBlog!

Full NW Ohio playoff bracket taking shape

Here is your link for the D-IV boys NW Ohio OHSAA playoff bracket.

Should MV advance as sectional champ, their most likely opponent in the District playdown is Tiffin Calvert. 

Gibsonburg or TC will likely Face the other Sectional #1 seed New Riegel.

New Riegel clinched the 1 seed in their Section by defeating Calvert head to head on Friday.  Both teams play out of the Midland Athletic League.

Maumee Valley earns first seed in Sectional

For the second year in a row, Maumee Valley has been voted the first seed in the sectional tournament, to be held at Eastwood High School. 

The Hawks thus earn a bye in the first round of the tournament, and play the winner of #4 Ottawa Hills vs. #5 Fremont St. Joe's (5). 

In the other side of the bracket, #2 Gibsonburg faces #7 Northwood.  The winner of that game plays the winner of #3 Toledo Christian vs. #6 Cardinal Stritch. 

More on the playoffs after the full brackets come out. 

Maumee Valley 82 - Bettsville 41 - Insightful Internet Commentary

The man of the hour starts out solo, then draws a crowd.  Everyone loves a winner...

Maumee Valley 82 - Bettsville 41 - quick summary

Maumee Valley ran its record to a gaudy 16-1 Saturday evening, doubling the Bettsville Bobcats 82-41 in a non-conference game at the Varsity Gym.  Julius Turner was the hero of the evening, scoring his 1000th point mid-way through the second quarter on a three point shot from the left wing. 

The Hawks got off to a fast start and overwhelmed the visitors early.  Nearly the entire bench played this evening and Danny Hazimah scored his first varsity points, thus joining his brother Omar on the varsity scoring rolls. 

In another special aspect to the evening, Coach Jim Robinson was a little late for the game tonight because he was watching his son's induction into the Maumee High School sports Hall of Fame. 

So history was both made and honored on this coldest evening of the winter season. 

Scoring for the Hawks - Julius had 20, Jared Sturt 19, Jon Krueger 14, Rick Deichert 8, Caleb Willhight 6, Nick Frasco and Dixon Stoddard 5, Danny Hazimah 3 and Nick Towns 2.

The JVs also won big, defeating their counterparts 62-9.  JV scoring: Nick Towns 12, Jeremy Anderson 10, Trueth Foreman 9, Turner Booth 7, Lucas Isaza and Kadar Jones 6, Thad Woodard and Danny Hazimah 4 and Marcus Knabbs and Rashad Woodley 2.

Next up, its tournament seeding Sunday and off to the Marblehead peninsula Tuesday for a road game against the Danbury Lakers.

John Wayne goes for 1,000 points tonight

Get out to the game, and cheer him on.

Bettsville Preview

Fast facts


Opponent: Bettsville
Enrollment (9-12): 183
Division/League: D-IV / Midland Athletic League
Team Nickname: Bobcats

Preview - The 'cats are suffering through a tough season thus far, going 4-12 on the year.  They do have victories over TAAC members Danbury and Northwood, but have also lost a game 98-18 to New Riegel (uh, sportsmanship?). 
 
Bettsville is respectible on offense, averaging 47.5 ppg., but are defensively challenged, allowing 68.9 points per game.  They appear to play an inside game, and have only made 36 three pointers through 15 games (last week's stats are the most recent).  On defense, their problems appear to be quantity oriented - they have allowed a league leading 680 two point attempts.  They also have allowed opponents to shoot 34% from beyond the arc.  Bettsville suffers a 4.4 rebound per game deficit.
 
The Bobcats leading scorer is Dominic Miccichi, fourth in the Midland Athletic League averaging 15.8ppg - all from two point range - Dominic is also third in MAL rebounding with 10.9 pulls per game.  Their outside theat is Dominic (yikes, its the attack of the Dominics tomorrow) King who is T-15th in MAL scoring at 12.1ppg.  He's made 21 of his team's 36 three balls, and must be a 2 guard as he does not appear among the MAL assist leaders.

MV 62 – Emmanuel Christian 37 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Your Hawkblog goes into the stands this evening for erudition - Peter Funk, Tyrone Cobham, Nihal Kattar and Jeremy Anderson unlock the game secrets on the evening.

Maumee Valley 62 - Emmaunel Christian 37 - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley won its lucky 13th in a row tonight against the Emmanuel Christian Warriors 62-37 at the Varsity Gym.  The game had a bit of a different vibe from the first contest.  EC played more deliberate basketball to start the game out and were able to hang in the game for a while; down only 11-7 at the end of one quarter.  But the Hawks played stout defense in the second quarter and held their guests to a Dave Regnier three pointer.  The Hawksquad wore down Emmanuel from there and won going away. 

The Hawks were tough tonight on the inside, shooting a blistering 69.7% from two point range.  Outside shooting was meh, 2-14, for a big 14.3%.  Gotta pick that up.

EC was missing its dynamic small forward Tyrese Edwards to an injury suffered a few weeks back during the Warriors' game against Gibsonburg.  HawkNation wishes Tyrese a speedy and full recovery. Elsewhere, it was mayhem (and your Hawkblogger doesn't mean Dixon Stoddard) tonight in the TAAC as Ottawa Hills stunned Toledo Christian 48-39 in OT.  The win likely dashes any argument the Eagles had for the second seed in sectionals.

Speaking of speedy recoveries, HawkNation wants to wish Rashaan Preston a fast one from a separated shoulder he suffered tonight near game's end.  It popped back in on its own, but not before some major league pain.  Rashaan took things remarkably well, all things considered.  Hurry back soon.

Given the shooting percentages above, the scoring leaders for the Hawks are who you'd expect.  Julius Turner led with 18, Jared Sturt had 16, Rick Deichert 8, Davey Brown 6, Rashaan Preston, Dixon Stoddard and Caleb Willhight each had 4, and Jonathan Krueger had 2.

The JVs completed a come from behind victory in the opener, 37-32.  JV scoring - Lucas Isaza 10, Marcus Knabbs, Rashaan Preston and Thad Woodard 6, Nick Towns 5 and Danny Hazimah 4.  The JVs kept their poise in the fourth and made their free throws to ice down the win.

MV 56 - Ottawa Hills 53 - Play of the game

With 10.8 seconds left in a  53-all tie, Dave Brown delivers...

Maumee Valley 56 - Ottawa Hills 53 - Insightful Internet Commentary

Come on Dave, tell us how you did it...

MV 56 - Ottawa Hills 53 - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley overcame an 11 point deficit with 7:15 remaining in the fourth quarter to defeat Ottawa Hills 56-53 at the Green Bears' fieldhouse.  With 10.8 seconds to play, Dave Brown jumped in front of an OH inbounds pass and scored with an 'and 1' layup giving the visitors their first lead since the second quarter. 

The Hawks maintained their composure as time ran down in the fourth, making their free throws (16/21) and creating turnovers down the stretch. 

The thrilling win and became even more meaningful with the news that Toledo Christian defeated Gibsonburg in overtime 45-44 in the first game in the new TC gym.  With that win and the MV victory, the Hawks now sit alone in sole posession of first place in the TAAC.  The win and Golden Bear loss (banning a total collapse against Emmanuel on Friday or Bettsville Saturday) also clinches the first seed for MV in the Sectional tournament. 

Also, the win completes a 3-0 Trifecta against Gibsonburg, Toledo Christian and Ottawa Hills in a crucial second half stretch for TAAC supremacy.

Rick Deichert led the way for MV with 16 points and a big save of a ball near the end of the game.  Jared Sturt had 12, Julius Turner and Dave Brown (with his season high) had 11.  Jon Krueger and Dixon Stoddard each scored 3.

Tuesday pollin'

As expected, MV took over the top spot in the Blade D-IV poll today.

The Hawks also got the fifth place vote from the Blade's Steve Junga in the state poll.  Mr. Junga ranked undefeated Edgerton fourth and Gibsonburg 10th. 

The JJ Huddle poll comes out Wednesday, however, that poll clearly focuses on teams with heavy AAU participation.  Edgerton comes nowhere near their top 10, but teams with .500 records do.  No beef there, JJH's following is focused on AAU / college recruiting type players.  MV probably gets a boost in the JJ Huddle rankings as they have identified a couple of Hawks on their radar.

Ottawa Hills Game 2 preview

MV faces off against Ottawa Hills tonight on the Bears' home court.  MV won there last time out in a big upset capped by this Jon Krueger dagger...



...defeating the then State Number 7 ranked team 45 - 42.  That was a coming of age game for the current group, but the Bears learned from it and got their revenge in the second game. 

Will OH repeat the pattern this year?  If so, the hopes will rest on their height advantage comprising the front wall of Lucas Janowicz, Geoffery Beans, RJ Coil and AJ King. 

Ottawa Hills comes into the game with a 7-7 record, but have won four out of their last five contests, all four wins coming courtesy of TAAC opponents.  The Bears play a disciplined game this year, scoring an average of 48 points per game while allowing 47.  Maumee Valley won the first game of the 2011-12 season by a 51 - 39 count. 

The OH student section should be in rare form tomorrow, given the quality interaction of the previous game.  But MV will be ignoring the crowd, given the referees' strict shushing ban imposed over the last weeks. 

Make sure to get out to the Village tomorrow for the game.  JV's, as usual start at 6pm, and varsity around 7:30.

Chapter 33 – A Team with a Broom – MV 59 – Toledo Christian 46 at the Varsity Gym February 3, 2012 - Game Story

Setting the Table


Toledo Christian is an established Division IV program. The Eagles have not had a losing season since 2004. They have a record of several TAAC and OHSAA Sectional Championships (including last year) and a District title to their credit. They pulled out of an early 2-4 start and reeled off six wins in a row to bring their fans back from the brink of apathy to the frenzied excitement Hawk fans have come to expect.

They feature a pressure-packed style of play, depending on their defense to generate offense. There’s also the physical style of play.  If you didn’t know any better you would swear they came from the Toledo City League and not the TAAC.  Even in this year which could easily be characterized as rebuilding, after losing five starters to graduation, the Eagles are ready to play every night.

The above description can be distilled into the words cautious respect. Even though the Hawks had beaten the Eagles on their home court in round 1, no one was expecting a walkover.

And when the chance presents itself to sweep a season series against a team like Toledo Christian, it’s not something a team should let slip away.

Game Summary

Maumee Valley solidified its hold on the first place spot in the TAAC Friday night with a 13 point win over the third place Toledo Christian Eagles, 59-46 at the sold-out Varsity Gym. Similar to the Tuesday night game against Gibsonburg, TC got the first basket of the game for an early 2-0 lead, which would prove to be their only advantage all evening. MV used the outside game to their advantage, with Julius Turner and Rick Deichert firing threes early and often.

TC was also on defensive pins and needles in the first half as their primary inside presence, Ben Ivan, was on the bench with two fouls. So while Jared Sturt did not have to carry the scoring load, he dominated the interior on both ends with (by your Hawkblog's crack stats department) 7 blocks on the night and double digit rebound totals.

TC was forced into a press for virtually the entire second half, and to their credit hung in the game. But at best, they were only able to pull the Hawks half time lead down by two points. The Hawks did a better job locking down the free throws tonight, hitting 14 out of 20 for a 70% clip on the evening.

First Quarter MV 16 – TC 10

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

TC won the tip on the way up, but couldn’t generate any offense. Nor did MV on its first possession. Dominique Pittman scored the first basket of the game for the Eagles, for their one and only lead of the contest.

Dave Brown scored first for the home team, following up a missed shot. The Eagles missed their next attempt, and a wide-open Jon Krueger fired a three in from the top of the arc. Julius Turner pulled down a defensive rebound and pulled up for a three pointer – 8-2 Hawks.

Ben Ivan struck back for TC with two points, but the Eagle post man committed his first foul at the other end. Jared Sturt scored for the Blue and White off this inbounds play…





…to put MV back up by six. Then in an early pivotal play, Ivan drew his second foul at the 4:15 mark. Without their best underneath presence, Jared was able to affect shots and pull rebounds. On their next possession, MV got two offensive rebounds then Rick nailed a three down from the right side.

Coach McWhinnie, needing to slow the Hawks’ momentum, asked for a 30 second timeout with 3:08 to go. Both teams missed on their next possessions then Eric Cellier scored his first points of the half. Julius fired right back with a trey and a ten point HawkSquad lead, 16-6.

The Eagles staged one of their familiar runs in the final minute of play, scoring first on a Josh Winzeler two pointer, then a off balance, bank-shot three pointer by Winzeler with time expiring. TC again showed the good fortune which had followed them in the Varsity Gym over the years.

Second Quarter MV 15 – TC 6

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

TC started the quarter with the ball and Rick Deichert picked up his first foul of the game on the floor. Play was unproductive for the two teams for the first 1:07 of the frame and the visitors were treated to a series of MV man/zone switchovers on successive possessions.

But the Hawks kept finding openings in the traditional Eagle 1-3-1 zone, Julius hitting from the top of the key for a three pointer…

I've got a few more trick shots to show you later, pilgrim.

…then after another TC misfire, Rick hit a three and it was 22-10 HawkSquad. Winzeler scored on a nice drive to the basket, but again Julius drained a triple, this time a fade-away shot from up top.

Toledo Christian, now down 13, decided to start pressing and achieved some momentary success with four straight points. Rick stopped the Eagle charge with a strong dribble drive across the lane for two points. TC missed their next try and Julius pulled down a rebound and dribbled coast to coast…



…drawing the foul and making both ends. TC had the ball late into the quarter but missed and Davey ‘Jones’ Brown got out on a late break and sunk the Eagles comeback hopes with this basket...



It was a dominating quarter for Maumee Valley which went to the break up 15, 31-16.

Third Quarter MV 11 – TC 11

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

MV had the tip but missed their first try. The visitors started out running a deliberate offense and worked it inside only to be frustrated by a big Jared Sturt block. They would miss again and Dave Brown drove in for two from the right side. Another two misses by each team, then Rick was fouled shooting and made the pair. TC missed yet again and Jared cleaned up a miss for two points. Jon Kruger snuck in and stole the Eagles inbounds pass and scored two off a Rick Deichert screen. The Hawks had run off eight straight to begin the half.

Josh Winzeler stopped the streak with a two pointer and tried the press again, but Jon finished off the press break at the other end. It was 41-18 and Maumee Valley had their biggest lead of the evening at 23.

The Blue and Gold visitors were still relentless on the press and fought back again. A free throw and eight straight points by Eric Cellier cut the MV into the lead. Dave Brown was fouled late in the stanza and made one of two free throws to end the scoring in the third. The energy-draining constant pressure only brought the Eagles back to where they started – down 15 at the end of three 42-27.

Fourth Quarter TC 19 – MV 17

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

MV had the ball to begin the quarter and Julius drove in powerfully for two points. At the other end, TC continued to have problems running their inside game as Jared effected many shots even without blocking them.

The game pace sped up with TC gambling more on the press with three men in the front court. Jared scored on two free throws, then Eric Cellier hit a three and TC took a time out at 6:35 to re-set their defense.

But with Dave Brown at the helm and any of five seniors ready to receive the ball, pressing is not the most effective way to stop the Hawks this year. Dave was fouled by Dominique Pittman, but missed the front end of a 1 and 1. After a TC miss, Maumee Valley executed the press break to perfection…



…getting the ball down the floor for a Jonathan Krueger layup with only one dribble.

The teams exchanged baskets and a free throw, but near the 5:00 mark, Cellier mildly rolled his ankle coming down from a jump shot. He kept on playing, but the visitors needed him at 100% and then some if they were going to erase a 15 point deficit in that amount of time.

After a few misses on each end, MV got out on a break and Dave threw an alley oop pass to Jared for a near dunk. Rick was later fouled by Cellier and made both ends to put MV back up by 17, 53-36.

MV dropped back into a zone to rest up some as time wound down. The rest was pretty much cleanup from there. TC continued to press the action, and MV enjoyed this final highlight video…




…of Rick dishing to Jared on another break. The game ended with Maumee Valley clinching the 13 point victory.

Final Game Thoughts

The game was great from a Hawks standpoint, but not necessarily a masterpiece (although an argument could be made for MV's second quarter). So as a final public service, your HawkBlogger provides the following Rembrandt from 1669, appropriately entitled 'A Girl with a Broom':

In fact young lady, MV did sweep the Eagles.

Maumee Valley handed Toledo Christian its worst loss in almost exactly two years, as you’d have to go back to a February 5, 2010 19 point loss at Ottawa Hills for a bigger opponent’s margin of victory than the one seen last evening (thanks again to the invaluable Davey 1 website for their treasure-store of historical results). That will give the TC brain trust both something to play for and think about down the stretch drive and during the February 12 playoff seeding meetings.

Last year, in a strategic masterstroke Coach McWhinnie scheduled his third place Eagles against #1 Maumee Valley in the playoffs. Normally, the three seed would select a game against #2. But TC liked their chances better against MV than two seed Ottawa Hills.

The result was a double overtime win for TC at Rossford over the top seeded Hawks. They then proceeded to roll through the District, losing in Bowling Green in a regional semifinal against ultimate Northwest Region champion Continental.

This year, McWhinnie’s team will again likely receive the third seed in the section (possibly fourth, depending how outlander Fremont Central Catholic is regarded within the section). His target in the sectional playoffs will now be dependent on TC’s upcoming performance against the Gibsonburg Golden Bears.

TC vs. Gibsonburg is a huge game, set for Tuesday February 7, 2012 (the night MV plays at Ottawa Hills). Frankly, TC has a great chance to beat the Bears as the blueprint for victory – hard pressing – was laid out by Maumee Valley this past week. 

And oh yeah, TC can, does and will without a doubt press.

Finally, a win by the Eagles would put Maumee Valley in sole possession of the TAAC lead with five games left to play (OH, Emmanuel, Danbury, Northwood and Stritch).

So hard work paid off for Maumee Valley as they scored two huge double-digit victories in their most important week of the regular season. Now the third of the TAAC big boys looms ahead as MV will face traditional power Ottawa Hills this coming week.

Potpourri

Almuni Daniel Brandon, Omar Hazimah and Carter Bayer were in the house for the game…it was the Hawks third sellout of the year…TC tried to get a little creative with their videography early on, but the situation was resolved before the game started…once again, all the local TV stations were in the house, and BCSN broadcast a live postgame feed from the Varsity Gym…this was Maumee Valley’s first win against the Eagles on their home floor in at least eight years…a nice Toledo Blade article on the game got every last name correct!

Scoring

And now for the happy totals. Julius Turner led the scoring for MV with 16 points, followed by fellow long bomber Rick with 12. and Jared Sturt with 11. Jon Krueger continues to come up strong in the big games, canning 10 points for the second game in a row. Dave Brown had 8 on the night and Dixon Stoddard scored 2.

Eric Cellier scored 20 points, 18 in the second half (evidence of virus-ridden defender Rick Deichert running out of gas) right on his season average. The steadily improving Josh Winzeler scored 15 in a losing effort.

Next up

Guys, don those tuxes!! Ladies, polish up those diamond tiaras!!! Everyone, rent those limousines!!!!
It’s time to travel up to that gated community better known as the Village of Ottawa Hills for the rematch with the Green Bears. See you Tuesday.

MV 59 - Toledo Christian 46 - Insightful Internet Commentary

We have Julius Turner and Dave Brown after the hard-fought victory this evening - special game face on edition.  Special thanks to videographer Mark Frasco.

MV 59 - Toledo Christian 46 - Quick Summary

Maumee Valley solidified its hold on the first place spot in the TAAC Friday night with a 13 point win over the third place Toledo Christian Eagles, 59-46 at the sold-out Varsity Gym.  Similarly to the Tuesday night game against Gibsonburg, TC got the first basket of the game for an early 2-0 lead, which would prove to be their only advantage all evening.  MV used the outside game to their advantage, with Julius Turner and Rick Deichert firing threes early and often. 

TC was also on defensive pins and needles in the first half as their primary inside presence, Ben Ivan, was on the bench with two fouls.  So while Jared Sturt did not have to carry the scoring load, he dominated the interior on both ends with (by your Hawkblog's crack stats department) 7 blocks on the night and double digit rebound totals.

TC was forced into a press for pretty much the full second half, and to their credit, hung in the game.  But at best, they were only able to pull the Hawks lead down by two points from half time.  The Hawks did a better job locking down the free throws tonight, hitting 14 out of 20 for a 70% clip on the evening. 

Julius Turner led the scoring for MV with 16 points, followed by fellow long bomber Rick with 12.  and Jared Sturt with 11.  Jon Krueger continues to come up strong in the big games, canning 10 points for the second game in a row.  Dave Brown had 8 on the night and Dixon Stoddard scored 2. 

Eric Cellier scored 20 points, 18 in the second half (evidence of virus-ridden defender Rick Deichert running out of gas) right on his season average.  The steadily improving Josh Winzeler scored  15 in a losing effort.

TC Round 2 - game preview

Let's start out with these words of wisdom.



Toledo Christian travels down the Anthony Wayne Trail tomorrow evening to face the Hawks, in a big game at the Varsity Gym.  The Eagles are 8-4, and 6-2 in the TAAC.  They are riding a six game win streak and are only one game back of first place.  If the Eagles win tomorrow at MV then next Tuesday home vs. Gibsonburg, they force a three way tie for first in the TAAC. 

And you know that's how they're looking at things.  Their fans are rejuvenated and ready to cheer their team down the stretch run.

In the first game, Maumee Valley held a 10 point lead at the soon to be abandoned TC gym and watched it leak away in the fourth quarter.  The Hawks held on at the end to win by one point 43-42. 

TC featuers the league's leading scorer, Eric Cellier, a 6'2" guard who averages 20.6 ppg and Josh Winzler, who contributes 11.7 per game.  The Eagles have only one rebounder among the league leaders, Ben Ivan, who grabs an average 5.7 rebounds per game. 

Make no mistake, there can be no letdown against TC.  Coach McWhinnie is very successful at the Varsity Gym and there will be much jockeying for playoff position as the season enters its final third. 

Chapter 32 – Thatswhatimtalkinabout!!! – MV 75 (at) Gibsonburg 53 - January 31, 2012 - Game Story

Setting the Table

The following is the Hawkblog's current nomination for quote of the year:

‘I have to say that tonight was probably the most fun I've ever had playing a basketball game. And I've played a lot of basketball.’

          - Davey ‘Jones’ Brown 1.31.12 on Facebook

Game Summary

The Hawks set out to show the TAAC who the boss was tonight and did so emphatically during crunch time, handing the Gibsonburg Golden Bears their worst loss of the season, 75-53 on the Bears home court.

This game was tied 37-37 with 3:31 to go in the third. But Coach Jim Robinson put the press on and Julius Turner selected that moment to catch on fire - and the Hawks finished the game on a 38-16 run. Julius dominated the game in the last 11:30, scoring 15 of his 18 points and contributing numerous key steals and rebounds down the stretch.

In the first half, it was Rick Deichert and Jon Krueger staking MV to a six point half time lead via the long ball. In the second half it was Julius and Dixon Stoddard who stepped it up and gave the Hawks the physical presence they needed to counter Gibsonburg's tough-nosed play. Jared Sturt was a steady force throughout the entire game.

First Quarter - MV 17 - Gibsonburg 11

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

Maumee Valley won the tip and Gibsonburg opened in a man defense. They would switch from among man, 2-3 zone and 1-3-1 all evening.  MV, as always, started in man defense.

Both teams started nervously, and it took five empty poesssions before Gage Beaber posted up for two points inside to give the Golden Bears their only lead of the evening, two-nil. It took all of five seconds for Rick to fire back with his first three pointer for the lead.  Gibsonburg went one and done and Jared got great position inside to catch an offensive rebound and score an 'and-one' (missing the free throw). After misfires by both teams, Jon Krueger was left wide open on the right wing and nailed a three for an 8-2 MV lead.

Gibsonburg would show its offensive hand, spreading the floor and driving Gage Beaber to the basket against Dave Brown early and often. On their next possession, Beaber was fouled by Julius and split the pair. A few more misses and Dylan Dorfmeyer hit a two pointer, pulling the Bears to within three. But speaking of three, Rick Deichert fired right back with a big answering three ball from deep in the left hand corner to put the Hawks up 11-5 at the 3:07 mark. Coach Brent Liskai didn’t like what he was seeing and called timeout.

The Bears hit two more then began phase 1-A of their game plan. Beaber began to look for kick-outs off his drives. He found Dorfmeyer for a wide open three pointer and the lead was cut to one.

But again, MV had an answer. Jon Kruger hit another three pointer, but was T’eed up by the referees for the now verboten ‘Shush’ motion toward the opposing team.

Hey, if POTUS can do it, why not Jon Krueger???

Nate Yarborogh made one of two technical free throws, but could not convert on the ensuing possession. MV cashed in when Jared did the Mr. Clean thing again

Out of my way, I'm cleanin' the glass tonight.

…mopping up on this offensive putback plus the foul



…making the free throw for the final points of the quarter. The Blue and White went to the bench up 17-11. Three Hawks accounted for 100% of the scoring output, Rick and Jon with six each and Jared with five.

Second Quarter MV 15 - Gibsonburg 15

Starting the Quarter – Dave, Rick, Jared, Jon, Dixon

Gibsonburg started with the ball, but Dixon rebounded their only chance. Jon Kruger continued his hot hand scoring two points, then Dixon showed the Bears his disruptive side...

Not even Allstate could help the Golden Bears tonight...

…knocking the ball loose, and drawing the foul from Matt Tille. Dixon tried to punch his own ticket with a three point try (that's it, keep the defense honest) but missed, then Beaber scored again for the home team. Dixon scored two on a layup off a nice low post feed by Jared. It was 21-13 Maumee Valley. Gibsonburg lost possession on an over and back call and MV scored again. The Bears took their second time out with 6:31 to go in the quarter.

MV missed two straight chances, and after Rick Deichert leaped high to block a Dorfmeyer three point try from deep in the corner, Gage Beaber collected the loose ball and drove in for two points. Jon got the visitors back up by ten with a 12 footer from his favorite right hand base line spot.

Now late in the second quarter, Nate Yarborogh began a one man mission to get his team back in the game, hitting a two. After a miss and tieup, Rick Deichert hit this three pointer, his third in the half…



…the HawkSquad was trying to pull away, up 28-17 with under three minutes to play.

Gibsonburg missed again, and MV ran the clock down to 2:16, calling timeout, but losing the ball. Yarborogh hit a three ball, then Jared hit this two pointer from the free throw line...



Yarborogh was unimpressed and hit another three. Jared struck back, getting the ball in the block and muscling in for a score +1, which he missed. MV got the ball back, but couldn’t capitalize, then Yarborogh hit his third three – 11 points in under 3:30 to single-handedly keep his team in the game. 



It was quite a performance, but unfortunately for the Bears, a mere foreshadowing of what was to happen to them about eight minutes later.

The Golden Bears had clawed back to make the quarter even and Maumee Valley went to the dressing room up by six – coincidentally the same half time lead as the first game.

Third Quarter MV 25 - GB 14

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

Gibsonburg had the ball first but missed. Julius, back in the game after sitting out with two fouls, drove to the hoop and was fouled shooting. He went 1-2 for his first points of the contest. On the Bears’ next possession, Dylan Dorfmeyer was blocked not once, but twice on consecutive shots by Rick and Jared respectively. But one MV turnover later, Nate Yarborogh knocked yet another three pointer down. Julius countered with this long two pointer...



…but now the threes started to fall for the home team, this time by Dorfmeyer. Gibsonburg was clawing back into the game. MV missed their try, and Rick Deichert fouled Logan Jones, who split the pair to pull within two points.

Julius fed Jared for two points and the Hawks went zone. The Bears solved that when Beaber got to the hoop for a score and one, which he missed. Another Maumee Valley misfire and Gibsonburg was off on a fast break, which Logan Jones finished. It was 37-37 and the Orange-faced student section was going wild.

Maumee Valley called time out and pulled out two weapons.   First off, it was the return of John Wayne.

Did I hear someone call for the Cavalry?

As if on cue, Julius’ game went to another level. He hit a three ball...



...and Coach Robinson pulled his second weapon out - MV went to the press for the first time in the game.

Unfortunately, the Home Team did begin to fragmentize...

Dave Brown picked the Gibsonburg point guard clean and scored a basket. Coach Liskai quickly called time, sensing the wheels could be coming off. He would be correct, but unable to do anything about it. His Bears missed a shot and Rick scored this basket off the break…



…a Gibsonburg guard saw Dave coming at him again and took one too many steps. Julius got in his Acura and drove down main street…




…the press continued and a 20 second melee of turnovers on the court gave Gibsonburg a few more chances – none of which fell – then Julius put the hammer down again with this three pointer…




Just like that MV was up 49-37 and the Bears had to spend another time out.

MV went back to the zone press, and a Julius rebound led to this Dixon Stoddard ‘and one’ basket’…



The Senior Forward made his free throw, completing a 15-0 Maumee Valley run. Dylan Dorfmeyer finally stopped the streak with a three pointer. But Julius said ‘I can match that’, draining another three of his own. As the third quarter would down, Rick made a layup with 15 seconds to go and Maumee Valley had dominated the floor in the third, going up 57-40 with eight minutes left.




Did anyone see the license number on that truck?

Fourth Quarter - MV 18 - Gibsonburg 13

Starting the Quarter – Initial game starters

MV had the ball in and didn't score but Julius stole the ball back, drawing a floor foul from Beaber (his third). MV began to play ball control with four players on the perimeter, leaving Dave Brown, of all people, wide open at the block for a basket +1 (which he made). It was now 60-40 MV and the press continued. Julius made a huge shot block (that made Channel 13 News).

Dave Brown came out of the game with some stomach cramps, which gave Rick Deichert the chance to run the point down the stretch.

And at this point, things truly began to unravel for the Bears. Beaber drew his fourth foul, then after Dylan Dorfmeyer caught an inadvertant elbow from Dixon Stoddard, the Golden Bear guard became a little too animated and was ejected from the game. Rick split the technical foul pair, then in the highlight play of the game, Julius drove in and passed the ball behind his back to Jared who dunked...



...and the blue-garbed crowd went wild. 

Beaber, to his credit, didn’t give up and hit a three, but the handwriting was on the wall.

Julius was fouled and made the pair. Freshman Jordan Kreglow was fouled at the other end and missed both.

Gibsonburg began to apply pressure of their own, but Jared Sturt was left wide open for two. Dixon was fouled on the next possession and made the pair.

Now all that was left was the playout of the final 1:30. Final baskets by Julius and Jared sealed the win for the visitors.

Start up the bus gentlemen, it’s going to be a fun ride home.

Final Game Thoughts

Apparently the week of practice was quite intense for the Blue and White, judging from some post game comments by the players. But it sure paid off. MV took command of the game in the third and blew the TAAC leaders off the court. Gibsonburg had no answer for the MV pressure, and Julius Turner stepped up big time in the third.

In the pregame commentary, your Hawkblogger noted that four Golden Bears averaged double digits – on this night, it would be four Hawks who would achieve that mark – Jared, Julius, Rick and Jonathan.

The statistic which did bear (no pun intended) itself out was the Maumee Valley margin of victory – 22 points – matching exactly the Hawks' MOV on the year. However, this 22 point win was earned on the home court of the team voted to first place in the Ohio D-IV basketball poll by the Toledo Blade’s Steve Junga just yesterday. No problem though, Mr. Junga will have the opportunity to revise his ballot in next week’s poll – he was at the game and wrote a great story about the Hawks win.

Potpourri

There were cameras galore in the building tonight, at just the right time - everyone showed up for the third and fourth quarter...the game was a little chippy, and here's to the Hawks for playing hard but fair...AAU basketball pays off, Exhibit 1 - the Hawks are very comfortable with physical play...AAU basketball pays off, Exhibit 2 - Dave Brown left the game mid-fourth quarter and Rick assumed his summer AAU role as point guard for about 2:00, during which the Hawks did not commit a turnover...there were scouts visiting from (at least) Danbury and Tiffin Calvert, which either Gibsonburg or MV could face down the road in the playoffs...an assistant coach from Bluffton College was in the house last night....

Scoring

And now for the happy totals. Scoring for the Hawks tonight was Jared with 19, Julius with 18, Rick with 14, Jonathan 10. Yes, there were four Hawks in double figures, and it might have been five, as Dixon Stoddard continued his steady improvement with 9 on the evening. Dave Brown scored 5 while otherwise directing the Orchestra this evening.

Next up

It's back home Friday for the Hawks to again perform in the three-games-in-seven-nights TAAC meat grinder.  MV will welcome the Toledo Christian Eagles, featuring TAAC leading scorer Eric Cellier, come to the Varsity Gym.

Warning - with two losses, TC can tie for the TAAC lead with wins over MVCDS and Gibsonburg.  They are not to be taken lightly.