Chapter 26 – It’s Rainin’ Threes – MV 50 – (at) Liberty Center 20 – 12.19.12 - Game Story

Setting the Table

Some games are difficult to gauge – some are not. Although a Division III team, Liberty Center had struggled to an 0-5 record going into the game with the Hawks. Further, upon review of the home team’ roster, they did not feature a player over 6’1” tall.

This appeared to be a case of a school placing all their eggs in one basket – the football basket that is. Liberty Center is a small school football power, making the playoffs more often than not, slugging it out with their football arch-rival Patrick Henry. The down side of the strong football program is that it sometimes drives better athletes out of other programs.

With a relatively small lineup, the Tigers had no choice but to pack things into a tight 2-3 zone and look for an poor shooting night by the visiting Hawks. Unfortunately for the hosts, the exact opposite happened and Maumee Valley enjoyed one of its best nights ever from long range.

Game Summary

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

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

First Quarter MV 11 – LC 2

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

With no one on the floor over 6’1” for Liberty Center, it looked to be a long night for the Tigers. Julius made the most of this, scoring a layup from the left side off the tip. MV went straight to a press and LC couldn’t get the ball in before the five second call. The Hawks missed their first opportunity but Dave Brown stole the ball from the LC point guard. Jared got into the flow of things on the next possession with an authoritative dunk.

Seriously, it was just like this, except there was no Kendrick Perkins or 17,000 screaming fans.

It was 6-0 Hawks. Liberty Center coach Eric Prigge, sensing trouble, called time out. The Tigers slowed their offense down, but misfired again and Rick Deichert knocked a three ball down – the first of many for the Hawks.

With 4:01 left in the quarter, Liberty Center broke a one and one half quarter scoring drought (they had been shut out in the fourth quarter of their previous game against the Edon Bombers) with a two pointer to get on the board.

Julius rounded out the Blue and White’s scoring in the quarter with this basket off a fast break.



And the Hawks were up nine at the end of one.

Second Quarter MV 13 – LC 5

Starting the quarter – Nick Frasco, Dave, Dixon Stoddard, Jared, Julius

Liberty Center had the ball in but Dixon Stoddard blocked a shot. At the other end, MV scored two on a Jared Sturt steal and spin-in layup. The Tigers called another time out after this inauspicious start, and Jon Krueger came in for Jared.

With this smaller lineup, MV put the press back on and LC was whistled for a 10 second violation. Julius capitalized with this three pointer…



…but then picked up his second foul. Jared returned to the game in time to watch the Bengals make two free throws. He then went to work on the offensive end, scoring two points after an offensive rebound. LC had another one-and-done possession and Jon Kruger was fouled shooting. He went 1 for 2. Jared blocked two Liberty Center shots in their next poesssion then Rick was up next with this long three pointer…



… and it was 19-4 MV with under two minutes to play in the half. Kody Snyder provided some offense for the Tigers with an answering three then Jared finished off the scoring for the half with this tip-in off a Dave Brown three point attempt.



At the half, it was MV 24 – Liberty Center 7, perhaps the first time in the four Jim Robinson years at Maumee Valley an opponent had been held to single digits in a half.

Third Quarter MV 18 – Liberty Center 7

Starting the quarter – Original starting five

Julius opened the quarter with a three, then a two pointer in the first minute of play. The Hawks’ continued pressure forced a Tigers’ time out, who did convert on a basket. Jared then scored this two pointer…



…then after another LC two, Rick hit this three off a Jared kick-out…



...and it was 34-11 MV. Play continued with great Blue and White defense; even after backing off the press into half court defense the hosts normally managed only one shot per possession. Dixon scored next on a fast break…



…then Jon Krueger knocked down this trey…



…it was 39-11 Hawks and Coach Prigge was forced to call yet another time out. At this point, the Hawks were represented by Nick Frasco, Caleb Wilhight, Jon Krueger, Thad Woodard and Dixon Stoddard.

Caleb kept the long range destruction going with another three-ball. Liberty Center’s highlight play of the evening came on a nice inbounds play to a wide open Tiger for two. That was it for the third quarter, the Hawks led 42-14.

Fourth Quarter MV 8 – LC 6

Starting the Quarter – Nick, Caleb, Jon, Thad Woodard, Dixon

Surprise, surprise, Jon Krueger started off the quarter with this three pointer…



…directly leading to Liberty Center’s fourth time out of the game. The quarter moved along briskly and the last Hawkblog highlight is this three pointer from Marcus Knabbs…



That was Marcus' first varsity points! Congratulations.

For those of you keeping score at home, 5 of 6 Maumee Valley scores in that stretch were three pointers. Marcus closed out the scoring for MV with a two pointer.

Final Game Thoughts

Coach Robinson’s is perfecting the inside/outside game, ready to take on both zone and man offenses. It helps to have a big man or two to control the inside, and two shooters, each preferring a different side of the three point circle (Julius left and Rick right) and a floor general dishing to the right person all the time. Opposing coaches are being forced to choose stopping either the inside or outside game. Liberty Center focused on inside-the-paint defense tonight and the Hawks took advantage.

Extras

Making the trip down Route 24 this evening were alumni Carter Bayer, Karla Luketic (and dad Karl, who thought he was going to see the MV girls for a while), Adam Sturt and Tyler Boehm…Liberty Center is a big football school, and it was odd to see several athletic Liberty Center students in the cheering section clearly taller and bigger than the basketball team…LC has a great gym, a large Butler-style building turned sideways to accommodate a full 94’ court and a big home cheering section…the JVs lost a strange contest 18-15; your Hawkblogger thought he detected Saran Wrap on the baskets…

Scoring

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

Next up

Old guys rule at the Alumni Holiday Hoops game – then a non league contest Friday December 30 against North Baltimore.

MV 50 - Liberty Center 20 - Insightful Internet Commentary

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

MV 50 – Liberty Center 20 – Quick Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Liberty Center Preview

Fast facts

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

Preview – 95% courtesy the Blade’s NWOAL preview

Coach: Eric Prigge, fourth season

Last season: 5-16, 2-6 NWOAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 8 – Give Me Liberty! – MV 50 – Liberty Center 33 – 1.8.11 Game Story

Setting the Table

From the Wikipedia entry:

“What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

                                     Patrick Henry – speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775

Patrick Henry was of course a key figure in the America Revolution precisely for this quote. But he was also Governor of Virginia, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and a practicing attorney. First and foremost, however, he was a long time legislator in the Virginia House of Burgesses.

As such, he became well known for his oratorical skills. Following along in the Wikipedia entry:

The Ear-witnesses to Henry's hypnotic orations remarked that while they always seemed to be convincing in the moment, they had a difficult time remembering exactly what he had said immediately afterwards: according to Thomas Jefferson, "Although it was difficult, when [Henry] had spoken, to tell what he had said, yet, while speaking, it always seemed directly to the point. When he had spoken in opposition to my opinion, had produced a great effect, and I myself had been highly delighted and moved, I have asked myself, when he ceased, 'What the devil has he said?' and could never answer the inquiry."

On Saturday January 8, 2011, Maumee Valley faced Division III Liberty Center from the NWOAL (not to be confused with Patrick Henry HS, also from the NWOAL). While there were no stunning orators speaking last night, Julius Turner decided to cast his own hypnotic spell on the Tigers’ defense during the second and third quarters. And just as Colonel Henry was not the sole founder of our great Country, Julius was also one of a larger group which fought for a cause and won a victory – this night for the flag of Blue and White on the field known as the Varsity Gymnasium.

Game Summary

Maumee Valley defeated the Liberty Center Tigers tonght at the Varsity Gym 50-33 behind stifling defense and a trio of double digit scorers. The game was close through the third quarter, as LC whittled a 22-13 half time Hawk lead down to 22-20.

But Julius Turner, in his finest game to date wearing the Blue and White, scored the next six points to pull MV away again and the home team never looked back.

The Blue and White moved to 6-2 on the season following the win.

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

First Quarter – MV 9 – LC 7

Both teams started the game in man defense. Liberty Center began the game with a three-guard set.

MV’s offensive flow this evening featured three players who would each have their own streaky turn. Jared led off in the first quarter.

Scoring started early for the Hawks, as Jared cleaned up a missed shot seventeen seconds into the game. He blocked the ensuing Tiger try which cleared to Dave Brown. Dave drove the middle and dished to Jared for another two. Jared stole the ball on the next LC possession, but was called for his first foul at 4:47 to go.

Liberty Center found early success inside as well and maintained the score close.

Jonathan would score near the hoop and draw the foul plus 1, which he converted to give MV a 7-5 lead. MV’s next score would be on a strong Rick Deichert drive from the right wing for two and the Hawks led 9-5.

The home team switched up to the hybrid 2-3 zone at the 2:25 mark and confounded Liberty Center, which could not find open looks. A missed shot by the Tigers led to a Dixon Stoddard rebound.

Julius Turner and Nick Frasco entered the game at the 1:32 mark for Dave and Jon. LC managed a basket late in the quarter to trim the MV’s lead to two and the quarter ended with the Hawks ahead 9-7.

Second Quarter MV 13 – LC 6

Starting the quarter – Rick, Nick, Julius, Dixon and Jonathan

MV continued in its 2-3 zone and Liberty Center stuck with man defense.

Early in the quarter, MV missed a few free throw chances, and began slowly on offense. About one minute in, the Hawks started working an aggressive half court trapping game.

This sparked the offense as well and it was Julius Turner’s turn to heat up. Julius scored first on a strong drive to the hoop, Next trip down-court from the left wing,  he stepped once, stepped twice then pulled up and swished a three-ball.

MV kept up the heat. On a right-side clearout, Rick drove in and found Jared for a two pointer . That was enough for the Tigers, who called a time out with the score 16-7 in favor of MV.

Julius continued his torrid pace, driving to the hoop, drawing the shooting foul and converting both ends.

MV stayed aggressive on defense, but incurred some fouls along the way. Jon Krueger and Dave Brown went to the bench with two fouls each with under two minutes to play. Phil Snow would keep the Tigers in the game with a three, but would go out himself with two fouls and 58.3 seconds left.

Rick would continue the Hawks' offensive roll with a steal near the time line which he converted on a drive to the basket.

Julius picked up his second foul with 19.2 seconds to go, and after two Tiger free throws, MV had the ball back for one last play.

The Hawks finished the half with a bang on a lob pass by Rick into Jared for a soft dunk as the horn blew. Maumee Valley took a 22-13 lead to the locker room.

Third Quarter – LC 7 - MV 6

Starting five – Initial game starters

Jared started MV out strong on defense with another block, but the Hawks could not get anything going early. LC went into a tight 2-3 zone and frustrated the Hosts' high-post offense. There was nary an open look, and outside baskets were not falling.

Meanwhile, the Tigers were slowly building a run. Over the first four minutes, the visitors scored seven unanswered points to pull with 22-20. The Liberty Center fans, who packed the visitors’ side of the Varsity Gym, came to life for the first time since the opening tip-off.

If this were a John Ford western, it would be desperation time for our heroes and time for the cavalry to ride to the rescue.

Oh, wait…


Sorry Mr. Wayne, we have Julius Turner.



Indeed, Julius would rise up and roll out his second red-hot streak of the game just when his fellow Hawks needed it the most.

First it was another slashing drive for a basket + 1, which he converted.

Coach Robinson, sensing the moment, dialed up full court pressure, leading to more than one LC possession like this



...the Tigers would not score again in the quarter.

On the next possession, Julius got open in the right corner and was fouled on a three-point attempt. He made one and after another turnover penetrated down the middle, scoring another two. With the Tigers’ post player Phil Snow guarding either Jared or Dixon all night, the visitors had no answer for Number 31 near the basket...or away from it for that matter.

Julius scored the last six points of the quarter. He gave his teammates some much needed breathing room and took the Orange and Silver faithful back out of the game. MV had taken the Tigers’ best punch and fought back to a 28-20 third quarter lead.

Fourth Quarter MV 22 – LC 13

Starting the Quarter – Dave, Rick, Jonathan, Julius and Dixon

Liberty Center had the ball to start the quarter but could not score after a 45 second-long possession.

Following a Tiger miss, Dave streaked downcourt and into the lane. The defenders collapsed on him and he bounced a pass to Jared for two.

Liberty Center came back with a two and, sensing the urgency, began a press of their own. MV was ready and Dixon fired a home run pass to Rick who had released to the basket. He was fouled at the hoop and made both ends – two in a row (stay tuned).

MV countered with a press of its own so play ratcheted up in intensity. Liberty Center’s Phil Snow was single handedly trying to counter the Hawks from the three point arc, but could not find the basket.

Dave Brown stole the ball and on the ensuing posession, Julius dropped-stepped twice to the right then drove left to the basket for the two and a foul:



MV led 37-22 at the 3:54 mark, but the lead wasn't yet safe. Liberty Center’s pressure was effective and the visitors scored the next six points. Jared picked up his fourth foul of the evening with 2:26 left.

With Liberty Center overplaying every pass, the Hawk brain trust went to the playbook and called a back-door pass to Jared starting at the foul line. He enjoyed his easiest path to the basket all night and the Blue and White were up 39-28.

Liberty Center got the ball back and aggressive play at both ends caused emotions to get the better of the Tigers. Rick stole the ball, was fouled and LC coach Eric Prigge argued a bit too strenuously. He was called for a technical foul, and it became Rick’s turn to go on his hot streak, albeit methodically.

Rick converted all four free throws and with the ‘T’, MV also had the ball. The offense rolled over to the left side, and Rick found a clear path on an iso down the right side of the lane for a basket and foul.

Rick converted the old-fashioned three pointer, and for those keeping score at home made seven points in a row for MV as well as going 7-7 at the line in the fourth quarter. It was 46-28 MV and Liberty Center cleared the bench.

On the floor at the end of the game for the Hawks were Thad Woodard, AJ King, Omar Hazimah, Parker Bayer and Daniel Brandon. The final buzzer sounded with the score MV 50 – LC 33.

Final Game Thoughts

The team is taking on a personality as the season progresses. The underclassmen-laden roster continues to mature. Exhibit A for this statement tonight came in the form of three different players stepping up offensively at key points in the game:

• Jared set the early tone at both ends,

• Julius was unstoppable for stretches in the second and third (when it was super-important) quarters and

• Rick iced the victory for the Hawks at the line

As I have noted in previous chapters, there are others on the team who can also do the same thing on other nights. The Hawks can attack on several fronts. Sometimes it’s all defense, sometimes it’s a last minute shot, tonight it was scoring from three directions and not backing down from challenges.

I regret that I didn’t have access to assist and rebounding stats, so I can’t quantify the strong play of Dave Brown and Dixon Stoddard. Finally, it is significant that Nick Frasco has worked his way into the main rotation, providing valuable time at the guard spot.

Odds and ends for $200, Alex…

- The Tigers have very sharp away uniforms, reminiscent of the Syracuse Orangemen. When I mentioned this to some of my seat-mates they commented that MV’s Blue and White reminded them of Penn State. I sure didn’t like that  as a basketball analogy…

- With the strong contingent from Liberty Center, this was probably the largest crowd of the season at the Varsity Gym…looking ahead, I would plan on getting to school very early for the February 1 game against Ottawa Hills.

- Maumee Valley scored one for the little guys tonight with a win over a Division III school. MV will not face any opponent outside D-IV for the remainder of the season.

- Coach Robinson inched ever closer to the big 500 last night; this was win number 498 in his career.

Scoring

And now for the happy totals. The Hawks were led by Julius Turner's 16 point effort, followed by Jared Sturt with 14 and Rick Deichert with 13. Also scoring for MV was Jonathan Krueger with 4 and...



...a new Scorapalooza entrant, Parker Bayer who fired this fourth quarter three-ball. As it says in the video description - great fist pump, PK.

Next up

MV is back in action Tuesday at the Thunderdome against Monclova Christian. This will be your last chance to see the best pure athlete MV will face in the regular season in Senior Kenny N’Douba.

JV action videos - MV44 - LC 38

Good news if you're a JV fan - I got lots more JV video than Varsity last evening.  And some good shots as well.

First - Solomon twists through the defense for a basket



Thad beats the third quarter buzzer with a trey




Danny Hazimah finshes from the paint



AJ King with a smooth jumper



Finally, the Hawks finish things off with an over-the-top in-bounds pass to Izzy for two.

Boys' JV Beats Liberty Center in a Hard Fought Match Up

 By Hawkblog Special Correspondent Portia Ash

Saturday night the boys' JV faced the Liberty Center Tigers in what was probably their most closely matched game thus far this season. On this night, the Tigers matched up very well with the Hawks in size, skill, defensive effort and the execution of their offense. In the end, the Hawks prevailed, but of course not until they had us all on the edge of our seats and biting our nails.

It started in the first quarter with the Hawks and Tigers in a dead heat. Off to a bit of a slow start, two hand checking fouls on Collins, a few turnovers and shots that would not fall for the Hawks all had faithful Hawks fans were thinking "oh boy" as the Hawks ended the first quarter trailing the Tigers by 2. 

In the second quarter, the Hawks pulled even with the Tigers and had really good play from Robbie Ariss and Marcus Knabbs as they were asked to do more while Collins, King, and Woodward were out of the game. Robbie and Marcus each hit key shots for the Hawks and helped the Hawks end the second quarter even with the Tigers at 16 points a piece.

The second half of the game continued to be a close contest. The Hawks settled down and began to focus; pressing the Tigers and executing their offense. Ultimately the Hawks prevailed, winning the game 44 to 38. A very closely contested game with a good outcome for JV Hawks fans that enjoy watching them play.

With this win over the Tigers, the Hawks advance to 7-1 on the season.

Up next, the Hawks face Monclova Christian Academy for the second time this season.

Scoring - King 11, Hazimah 8, Woodard 7, Ariss 5, Knabbs 5, Collins 4, Okeke 4

Editor's $.02 - I caught up with Coach Arthur after the game.  He said he was happy in a way to have a game like this, since the JVs haven't had a close one yet. 

Also, I can't verify this, but I heard that the Liberty Center JVs were undefeated until last night.  Good work gentlemen.

MV 50 - Liberty Center 33 Insightful Internet Commentary

The double digit trio, Julius (16), Jared (14) and Rick (13) bring the good news.

Plus, bonus hammy Freshman antics in the background.  That's right, your Dad verified it, too.

Parker Bayer now a Scoreapalooza entrant

Love the fist-pump after the shot.  Congratulations PK.

MV 50 - Liberty Center 33 - quick summary

Maumee Valley defeated the Liberty Center Tigers tonght at the Varsity Gym 50-33 behind stifling defense and a trio of double digit scorers.  The game was close through the third quarter, as LC whittled a 22-13 half time Hawk lead down to 22-20.  But Julius Turner, in his finest game to date wearing the Blue and White, scored the next six points to pull MV away again and the home team never looked back. 

The Blue and White move to 6-2 on the season following the win.  MV is back in action Tuesday at the Thunderdome against Monclova Christian.

The Hawks were led by Julius' 16 point effort, followed by Jared Sturt with 14 and Rick Deichert with 13.  Also scoring for MV was Jonathan Krueger with 4 and...

...a new Scorapalooza entrant, Parker Bayer who fired a this fourth quarter three-ball. 

Phil Snow of Liberty Center led all scorers with 23 points.

Liberty Center Preview

Fast facts


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

Toledo Blade Preview of Liberty Center

Coach: Eric Prigge, third season

Last season: 6-16, 2-6
This season: 3-4, 1-2

Top players: Seniors Phil Snow; 6-3, W/P; Tyler Smiddy; 6-0, W; Dylan Slee, 5-10, PG; Leighton Chambers; 6-1, P; Michael Poignon, 5-9, G. Junior Caleb Elling, 5-10, W. Sophomore Kody Snyder, 5-11, G.

Outlook: The Tigers, who fell to Archbold in the sectional final last year, lost their leading scorer to graduation.

But Prigge has good overall experience with seven lettermen returning. He cites perimeter play, athleticism, and quickness as strengths as well.

Snow averaged 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while Smiddy averaged 5.0 and 3.0, respectively. Slee dished out 4.0 assists per game.

"We look to be a tough matchup," Prigge said. "With the core experience we have coming back, we hope to get off to a quicker start."

Hawkblog notes: The Tigers are a new opponent for the Hawks and the second opponent above Division IV for MV this year…Liberty Center had a three game win streak before two recent losses…Liberty Center is a football powerhouse, winning a state title in 1997…LC is a member of the Northwest Ohio Athletic League. Founded in 1926, the NWOAL is the oldest high school sports league in Ohio...the Hawks go into tonight's game with a 2-1 out-of-conference record.