2013-4 Season Chapter Three - MV 53 - CS 53 - Growth Spurt - Game Story Part 2 - the final 1:08

Ten pictures are worth 10,000 words at the proverbial exchange rate.

Game re-set:

1:08 left, CS49 - MV48, Hawks at the line. Both teams in the double bonus.


After an MV score, the Cardinals try the home run pass for a quick score but after a mishandle, Danny Hazimah gathers the ball in and scores on a six foot pull-up jumper that stays on the rim for an eternity then rolls in:



Hawks lead 50-49

Now under a minute, CS brings the ball down, but a Cardinal player double dribbles:



Hawks ball with 47.7 seconds to go.

With considerable effort, MV gets the ball in and looks like it's about ready to go into a Jim Robinson-esque deep freeze. Then Marcus Knabbs sees an opening in the zone, drives in and is fouled:



33.2 seconds left - Marcus at the line misses the pair, but Danny Hazimah grabs the long rebound in the Corner.  Coach Arthur calls time out.  The Hawks still lead 50-49 and will bring the ball in-bounds:



30.3 seconds left - Maumee Valley passes the ball in and nearly gets trapped in the corner.  A loooonng cross court pass is completed to Marcus, who is fouled immediately.



18.8 seconds remaining.  Marcus rolls the first shot in...



...then the second - Hawks lead by three, 52-49.  CS brings the ball in to Austin Adams, who looks over at Coach Rieker and flawlessly executes a give-and-go at the top of the key.  Adams drains a three pointer from the wing with 7.2 and a running clock.



It looks like overtime, but wait!  Thad Woodard dribbles into a crowd and is fouled with 0.5 seconds remaining.  The referees, who have called the game close all night send a visiting player to the line with the outcome in the balance.  The home crowd is none too pleased.



Thaddeus misses the first shot long.  As he is ready to shoot the second, Coach Rieker calls not one, but two time outs (Times out?).



Now returning to the line, Thad calmly nails the second shot.  Hawks lead 53-52.  The Cardinals' desperation heave is intercepted by Solomon Collins as the buzzer sounds and the Hawks win a thriller.



In the words of Tom Hamilton - "Ballgame!"

Photo courtesy of Martin Ixaza

Scoring:

Danny Hazimah - 4
Marcus Knabbs - 12
Keith McClure - 3
Lucas Isaza - 10
Nick Towns - 5
Thad Woodard - 7
Solomon Collins - 6
Rashad Woodley - 6

2013-4 Season Chapter Three - MV 53 - (at) Cardinal Stritch 52 - Growth Spurt - Game Story Part 1

December 6, 2013 - Oregon Ohio

A young Hawks Team grew up on a cold Friday evening east of the Maumee River.  Down most of the game, the Blue and White clawed back from eight down in the second half to stun the Cardinal Stritch Cardinals 53-52.  Thad Woodard scored the winning free throw with 0.5 seconds left in a game marked by numerous foul calls on both sides.  It was, however, the Hawks who capitalized on the situation, going 25-31 from the free throw line.  A clutch win which moves MV to 1-0 in the TAAC and 2-1 overall on the young season.

Starting lineup:  Marcus Knabbs, Jeremy Anderson, Solomon Collins, Rashad Woodley, Nick Towns

First quarter MV 10 - CS 7

Stritch tested the Hawks mettle early with a combination full court press and half court trap.  MV achieved relative success early, and swung out to a 6-3 lead on a Lucas Isaza three pointer.  Rashad Woodley clearly affected the game on both ends of the court with rebounding shot blocking. With time running out, Danny Hazimah scored to end the quarter ant put Maumee Valley ahead 10-7.

Second quarter - CS 15 - MV 12

The home team continued its pressing ways in the second quarter, but now kept star swing player Austin Adams back near the half court line to receive  outlet passes.  The Cardinal pressure was effective and an Adams basket gave CS their first lead, 12-11 at the 6:10 mark.  But Maumee Valley hung tough.  Coach Arthur continued his early season pattern of a deep bench rotation, 10 players seeing action in the first.  The strategy panned out in a tightly called game with numerous fouls called.  While no Hawk player had more than two fouls, Stritch's point guard was on the bench with three.   At half time the two teams had battled to a 22-22 draw.

Third quarter - CS 16 - MV 11

The Cardinals' half court trapping pressure in the start of the third quarter, led to a quick five point run and a 27-22 lead. But in a game turning point, Marcus Knabbs decided he'd begin to aggressively work through the traps.  Finding himself open, he successfully drove in for two points.  Lucas was intentionally fouled and made one of two shots, then Solomon was fouled on this play



and converted one of two.  The game was tied.

If you have sensed a pattern of numerous foul calls going MV's way, you'd be half right at this point.  Thad Woodard picked up two quick fouls near the 5:00 mark, then after an MV steal, Marcus was called for charging.  Both teams piled up fouls quickly.

CS' helter-skelter pace continued, now with accelerating success.  Austin Adams scored eight straigt points off of rebounds and defense, including a cold steal off a normal in-bounds pass.  The home team held what was to be it's largest lead of the evening, 35-27.

But the Hawks kept fighting back, converting their free throws. During the last two minutes of the third quarter, Lucas (4) and Rashad (2) were perfect from the line and cut the lead to one point.  Adams continued to electrify the CS faithful, tipping in a missed shot at quarter end.

At the three quarter pole (courtesy of Martin Isaza)

A long and storied history for Cardinal Stritch below the scoreboard.

Fourth Quarter - MV 20 - CS 14

For the third straight quarter, CS sprinted out ahead of their opponents with an early basket build off pressure.  But now the CS pressure vs. MV deep rotation strategy tilted in favor of Coach Arthur.  Both teams continued to foul, but MV's freer substitution spread these fouls over more players,  Both teams reached the double bonus at the 6:56 mark, but the Cardinals floor leader, point guard Brooks Gasser, picked up his fourth foul of the evening.

Coach Dave Rieker had to come off the heat and play a 2-3 zone, which Keith McClure immediately exploited with a left-wing three pointer

No, not that kind of left-wing.  Note that our man Che is portrayed in Cardinal Stritch colors.

...cutting the Red and Black's lead to 43-40.  MV seemed uplifted by this play



...and forced the above turnover.  Nick Towns now got into the act:



...scoring two.  The Hawks regained possession and Marcus hit one of two free throws to even the game at 43-all with 4:05 to go.

Cardinal Stritch would not go away, and the teams would go back and forth to the 1:08 mark with the score CS 49 - MV 48 . Which is where part 2 of the game story picks up.

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 56 - Ottawa Hills 53 - Play of the game

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

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.

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 - 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.

Gibsonburg redux - game two preview

So here it comes, the big one.  TAAC 1 vs. TAAC 2 for a clear lead or share thereof.  A duel of champions - just like Jack vs. Arnie in their glory days.




Picture obviously not taken in NW Ohio, as they are climbing a hill.


In their first game, Gibsonburg clawed out of a 10 point deficit to defeat the Hawks 46-43 on Maumee Valley's home court.  MV had the lead with under a minute to play, but let the ball get away from them and the rest was history. 

Since then, both teams have, for the most part, had their way with their opponents.  The teams feature two different styles of play, both effective.  Gibsonburg likes to run-and-gun, as evidenced by their TAAC leading 67.3 points scored per game.  The Bears feature four of the TAAC's top leading scorers (stats as of January 26, 2012):

Nate Yarborogh - 14.1 ppg
Gage Beaber - 13.7 ppg
Dylan Dorfmeyer - 13.2 ppg
Logan Jones - 11.7 ppg

MV has three scorers in the TAAC leaderboard (see Scoreapalooza below), but likes their defense too.  The Hawks have averaged 61.2 points per contest, and are allowing a league low 38.4 ppg.  As a result, the Blue and White also lead the TAAC in average victory margin - 22.8 points. 

However, in one game the victory margin was a minus three, and that's why it's uber important for the visitors to pick up the win this evening.  

How will the Hawks do in a hostile environment?  Well, you have to go back to almost two years ago exactly - February 2, 2010 at Ottawa Hills - to see that last time that Maumee Valley lost on an opponents' floor.  Hopefully the Hawks can keep that streak going this evening.