Friday January 31, 2013 - at Northwood
MV's second game of the week was not its toughest test of the year. The Hawks played their starters for only 12 of 32 minutes on the evening and rolled to a 26-4 lead at the end of the first. Every Hawk saw significant action on the evening, with 11 players scoring. The game was televised on BCSN.
MV was a strong 11-13 from the line on the evening.
Make sure you scroll down for Zain Bedi's shot of the night.
Again it should be noted that Northwood is rebuilding under an new coach and all but one player on their varsity roster is a freshman or sophomore. Better times are ahead for the Rangers.
Game scoring
MV 26 15 14 4 - 59
NW 4 4 3 9 - 20
The summary for this evening will consist of video highlights and scoring only. There was that little drama on the evening.
Rashad Woodley shows his skills at both ends of the court, pivoting in for two then swatting a Ranger try into the hinterlands.
The Hawks pass it over, around and through the zone, but it's Nick Towns who scores on the offensive rebound.
Truth Foreman drains a three from the right wing.
Zain Bedi bounces a beautiful hi-lo post pass to Nick Towns for two.
End of the first half - again passing over the zone and its Solomon Collins with a short range jumper from the baseline to put the Hawks up 55-11.
Don't blink, or you'll miss Thad Woodard finishing the fast break.
Video
Danny Hazimah pulls up for a short range jumper.
Shot of the game!! Zain Bedi is blocked, but collects the ball and fires in an off balance two pointer with the buzzer sounding to end the third quarter..
Jeremy Anderson finishes it off for the Hawks, scoring on an offensive rebound.
Scoring:
Truth Foreman - 3
Danny Hazimah - 8
Zain Bedi - 4
Marcus Knabbs - 2
Keith McClure - 3
Lucas Isaza - 4
Jeremy Anderson - 2
Nick Towns - 7
Solomon Collins - 5
Rashad Woodley - 10
Juwaan McGee - 2
Showing posts with label road win. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road win. Show all posts
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
2013-4 Season Chapter Nine- Great Starts in History - Maumee Valley 62 - Emmanuel Christian 22 - Game Story
Saturday January 4, 2014 - EC's Roy Parmelee Gymnasium
Maumee Valley played what may have been the best three quarters of basketball in recent history Saturday evening, as they rolled up a 39 point lead at Emmanuel Christian. The Hawks soared to a 40 point win, 62-22.
Not that the wind-up was bad either. Coach Josh Arthur emptied his bench in the fourth quarter and several players gained valuable varsity floor time. Among those would be a JV player, given the famous number 44 for the game, making his Hawks debut.
Welcome Jamaal McGee!! Many happy returns, points, assists, etc.
Anyway, thinking about the first sentence above prompted your Hawkblogger to consider some other famous starts in History.
Some things start out fine and don't end so well - take the Roman Empire for example:
Or the career of one George A. Custer
Pretty much any Cleveland Indians or Detroit Lions Season looks promising early on...
But some things start OK and only get better:
On to the game.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - MV 17 - EC 5
It took the Hawks about a minute and a half to get their rhythm, as EC's half court trap forced Marcus Knabbs into two early fouls. But those would be the only tense moments for MV on the night. Emmanuel held a 3-2 lead on the strength of three Adam Regnier free throws, and kept it within one point at 6-5 about 3:30 into the game. Bur the onslaught began with this Solomon Collins basket....
And the Hawks found a few weaknesses in their host's game. Mamuee Valley's pressure defense transformed the game quickly, creating at six turnovers in the next 4:30. Things were clicking on the offensive side of the ball illustrated by a pair of three pointers caught on video.
Here's Keith McClure...
And Zain Bedi to end the quarter....
Second Quarter - MV 22 - EC 6
The Warriors started the quarter right with an Adam Regnier old fashioned three pointer, but as can be deduced from the above subhead, that would account for 50% of their output. Maumee Valley steamrolled to a 22-3 run the rest of the quarter. MV scored in a variety of ways
- here running their offence - see this sequence leading to a foul on Eurosteppin' Lucas Isaza
Two points for Thad Woodard on a steal you can see coming 1.60934 kilometers away:
The Hawks deny EC the ball in bounds, then Zain Bedi hits a looong two pointer like it was a layup
Coach Dave Regnier was not pleased with his team's play during this stretch and called two time outs during the MV roll to keep his Warrior's collective head in the game.
But the points just kept on coming. Here's Rashad Woodley finishing a fast break:
The halftime score was 39-11.
Lost in this summary is the point that Emmanuel Christian is not a bad team. They feature an experienced point guard and a 6' 5" post player. This is a season of big men in the TAAC.
That notwithstanding, MV's senior-led (Thad Woodard, Marcus Knabbs, Solomon Collins Rashad Woodley and Danny Hazimah) swarming defense continues to improve. The 9-15 man lineup allows for constant pressure the entire game. This weighs heavily on the opposing lineup, especially if that opponent's bench is not deep.
Such is often the case in Division IV basketball. Therefore Coach Arthur is molding a large group of athletes into an intimidating team. This group conjures memories of the deep Toledo Christian and Central Catholic teams faced by MV over the last seven years. One wave comes in at full speed, with another group available right behind them. The primary goal of this style of play is to instill doubt in the opponent's mind. MV has done this in increasing fashion the last four weeks.
Half time - EC concession stand 2 - MV 0
In the worst stretch of the evening, Nick Frasco '12 and Caleb Willhight '13 clang iron from the free throw line, losing all chance of free popcorn or sno-conage.
Fortunately their fashion sense ranks them in everyone's top ten list. Unfortunately they missed their chance at the TAAC's best concession stand.
Third Quarter - MV 14 - EC 3
It was deja' vu all over again in the third quarter. Maumee Valley forced more turnovers and unforced errors than the Warriors' had points. The third quarter video highlights feature another Thad Woodard steal and cleanup hoop:
...and here's MV spreading the 2-3 zone to perfection. Truth Foreman's trey ended the third quarter scoring.
After 24 minutes of elapsed time, Maumee Valley was on top of their hosts by a 53-14 count.
Fourth Quarter - MV 9 - EC 8
The highlight of the fourth quarter was the varsity debut of Juwaan McGee '16. Juwaan entered at the 6:55 mark, right here
and entered the scoring roll with two points on a fast break opportunity, Truth continued to singe the nets...
Zain scored yet again, this time from close range
the teams played out the last frame fairly evenly. Coach Arthur played a long bench this evening, with all 14 Hawks seeing action.
Scoring
Truth Foreman - 6
Danny Hazimah - 2
Marcus Knabbs - 1
Zain Bedi - 7
Keith McClure - 6
Lucas Isaza - 7
Nick Towns - 6
Thad Woodard - 6
Solomon Collins - 9
Rashad Woodley - 10
Juwaan McGee - 2
Final thoughts
Here's hoping the Hawks keep getting better and better. A team which was a pre-season selection to finish in the bottom half of the TAAC is currently tied for first place.
Some things get better with age
some don't
How will this great 2013-4 MVCDS start roll on? The team has made a few believers and the next few weeks will offer a chance to convince many more. Go Hawks!
Maumee Valley played what may have been the best three quarters of basketball in recent history Saturday evening, as they rolled up a 39 point lead at Emmanuel Christian. The Hawks soared to a 40 point win, 62-22.
Not that the wind-up was bad either. Coach Josh Arthur emptied his bench in the fourth quarter and several players gained valuable varsity floor time. Among those would be a JV player, given the famous number 44 for the game, making his Hawks debut.
Welcome Jamaal McGee!! Many happy returns, points, assists, etc.
Anyway, thinking about the first sentence above prompted your Hawkblogger to consider some other famous starts in History.
Some things start out fine and don't end so well - take the Roman Empire for example:
 |
| Things were going great until they started appointing horses to the Senate. Insert US Senate joke.....here. |
Or the career of one George A. Custer
 |
| I shoudda bought that livery stable in Monroe, Michigan |
Pretty much any Cleveland Indians or Detroit Lions Season looks promising early on...
 |
| Yeah, whatever.... |
 |
| We lost this many games in a row to end the season...and yes, we're out of the playoffs again. |
But some things start OK and only get better:
 |
| They didn't even charge for baggage then. |
 |
| What do you mean I can't buy the Smead Building? |
On to the game.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - MV 17 - EC 5
It took the Hawks about a minute and a half to get their rhythm, as EC's half court trap forced Marcus Knabbs into two early fouls. But those would be the only tense moments for MV on the night. Emmanuel held a 3-2 lead on the strength of three Adam Regnier free throws, and kept it within one point at 6-5 about 3:30 into the game. Bur the onslaught began with this Solomon Collins basket....
And the Hawks found a few weaknesses in their host's game. Mamuee Valley's pressure defense transformed the game quickly, creating at six turnovers in the next 4:30. Things were clicking on the offensive side of the ball illustrated by a pair of three pointers caught on video.
Here's Keith McClure...
And Zain Bedi to end the quarter....
Second Quarter - MV 22 - EC 6
The Warriors started the quarter right with an Adam Regnier old fashioned three pointer, but as can be deduced from the above subhead, that would account for 50% of their output. Maumee Valley steamrolled to a 22-3 run the rest of the quarter. MV scored in a variety of ways
 |
| It was a veritable plethora of roundball superiority |
- here running their offence - see this sequence leading to a foul on Eurosteppin' Lucas Isaza
Two points for Thad Woodard on a steal you can see coming 1.60934 kilometers away:
The Hawks deny EC the ball in bounds, then Zain Bedi hits a looong two pointer like it was a layup
Coach Dave Regnier was not pleased with his team's play during this stretch and called two time outs during the MV roll to keep his Warrior's collective head in the game.
But the points just kept on coming. Here's Rashad Woodley finishing a fast break:
The halftime score was 39-11.
Lost in this summary is the point that Emmanuel Christian is not a bad team. They feature an experienced point guard and a 6' 5" post player. This is a season of big men in the TAAC.
That notwithstanding, MV's senior-led (Thad Woodard, Marcus Knabbs, Solomon Collins Rashad Woodley and Danny Hazimah) swarming defense continues to improve. The 9-15 man lineup allows for constant pressure the entire game. This weighs heavily on the opposing lineup, especially if that opponent's bench is not deep.
Such is often the case in Division IV basketball. Therefore Coach Arthur is molding a large group of athletes into an intimidating team. This group conjures memories of the deep Toledo Christian and Central Catholic teams faced by MV over the last seven years. One wave comes in at full speed, with another group available right behind them. The primary goal of this style of play is to instill doubt in the opponent's mind. MV has done this in increasing fashion the last four weeks.
Half time - EC concession stand 2 - MV 0
In the worst stretch of the evening, Nick Frasco '12 and Caleb Willhight '13 clang iron from the free throw line, losing all chance of free popcorn or sno-conage.
Fortunately their fashion sense ranks them in everyone's top ten list. Unfortunately they missed their chance at the TAAC's best concession stand.
Third Quarter - MV 14 - EC 3
It was deja' vu all over again in the third quarter. Maumee Valley forced more turnovers and unforced errors than the Warriors' had points. The third quarter video highlights feature another Thad Woodard steal and cleanup hoop:
...and here's MV spreading the 2-3 zone to perfection. Truth Foreman's trey ended the third quarter scoring.
After 24 minutes of elapsed time, Maumee Valley was on top of their hosts by a 53-14 count.
Fourth Quarter - MV 9 - EC 8
The highlight of the fourth quarter was the varsity debut of Juwaan McGee '16. Juwaan entered at the 6:55 mark, right here
and entered the scoring roll with two points on a fast break opportunity, Truth continued to singe the nets...
Zain scored yet again, this time from close range
the teams played out the last frame fairly evenly. Coach Arthur played a long bench this evening, with all 14 Hawks seeing action.
Scoring
Truth Foreman - 6
Danny Hazimah - 2
Marcus Knabbs - 1
Zain Bedi - 7
Keith McClure - 6
Lucas Isaza - 7
Nick Towns - 6
Thad Woodard - 6
Solomon Collins - 9
Rashad Woodley - 10
Juwaan McGee - 2
Final thoughts
Here's hoping the Hawks keep getting better and better. A team which was a pre-season selection to finish in the bottom half of the TAAC is currently tied for first place.
Some things get better with age
 |
| Thanks Leonardo. |
some don't
 |
| Ottawa Hills HS Principal, circa 1973 |
How will this great 2013-4 MVCDS start roll on? The team has made a few believers and the next few weeks will offer a chance to convince many more. Go Hawks!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
2013-4 Season Chapter Seven - Taming Richard Parker - Maumee Valley 63 - North Baltimore 46 - Game Story
December 27, 2013 - at North Baltimore
In Yann Martel's/Ang Lee's wonderful novel/movie Life of Pi, the title character ends up marooned in a lifeboat with a tiger named Richard Parker. The lost at sea plot segment shows Pi's efforts to coexist with one of the most powerful creatures on the planet. To survive, Pi must use his wits, respond to adversity and impose his will on the Tiger.
Maumee Valley took the 45 minute trip south to visit North Baltimore's one year-old High School complex. They have a wonderful gym with some throwback features such as 'The Jungle' (a recessed band stand) and banners preserved from their old gym honoring State Champions as far back as 1925. Although not quite elegant (lots of optic orange will do that to a room) it's a fine space, similar to the new gyms at Fayette, New Riegel, Edon and Lakota. Property taxes are a school district's best friend.
Now while there was nobody on the North Baltimore lineup named Parker, the Hawks would still face a stern test tonight in this facility in the North Baltimore Tigers.
Friday's two hour game sequence clearly paralleled the movie. MV would initially be pushed around by the Tiger(s), but would focus on their survival and wear down their hosts on the way to a seventeen point victory.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - NB 14 - MV 12
It was a sight not yet seen thus far this year as 6' 6" Sophomore(!) Chad Wright stepped into the circle, equal in height to Rashad Woodley, and won the opening tip. Maumee Valley started in man-to-man defense.
In a portent, North Baltimore's Levi Newcomer was called for a quick player control foul. Foul trouble would hinder the Tigers throughout the night, forcing them into a defensive shell.
Lucas Isaza opened the scoring for MV with two points and the Hawks opened up pressing on defense. North Baltimore's senior swing man Jacob Frost answered back with a three. Nick Towns scored for the Hawks from close range. After a travel call against the Tigers, Nick hit this two pointer off a Thad Woodard feed...
... to extend the lead to 6-3. Tyler Trumbull answered back with two, then Frost hit his second trey to put NB back on top 8-6. Nick maintained his single-handed effort to keep MV in the game with a right-hand base line hook shot.
Newcomer hit a free throw, then after several misses by both teams Nick Towns scored his eighth point of the quarter assisted by an alert Rashad Woodley...
After more cold shooting by all ten guys on the floor, each team's big guys - Wright and Woodley - exchanged baskets. Gabe De Los Reys closed out the quarter with a three pointer putting the home team ahead by two.
It was a tight ballgame evidenced by eight lead changes in the quarter.
Second Quarter - MV 18 - NB 16
The Hawks ran their motion offence against the Tigers' 2-3 zone but couldn't convert. NB's Sean Watson beat the visitors' press for two, then scored again on an and-one. The home crowd was excited about their team's 19-12 lead at the 6:39 mark. It would be their high point for the evening.
Keith McClure took the first step on the comeback trail with a sorely needed three pointer, answered in-kind by De Los Reys. Solomon Collins scored the next three in the old-school fashion, driving down the middle for two and scoring on the bonus. NB's Trumbull hit a two to back the Tigers lead up to five points.
MV's press began to pay dividends, with Solomon and Thad Woodard scoring the next five points to tie the game at 22 all. Coach John Eichar sensed his team needed to calm down and took a time out at the half way point in the quarter. Both teams went cold for a spell, broken by De Los Reys' two free throws.
Rashad tied the game again with a putback off a missed shot. Jacob Frost said 'so what' and made the Tigers' fifth three pointer to take back the lead then Sean Watson made a free throw to get it back to four. Marcus Knabbs was fouled going to the hole and made the pair then Danny Hazimah pulled MV to within one with a foul shot. The Hawks took a 30-28 lead with another Keith McClure three pointer and NB's Wright scored two to knot up the score 30-30 at the half.
The Hawks had taken North Baltimore's best shot of the night and fought back to even. Half of the home team's points came on three pointers. MV would be determined to stop that in the second half.
Third Quarter - MV 15 - NB 10
North Baltimore stayed in their 2-3 zone, as three of their starters had three fouls.
The Tigers started aggressively on offense with Chad Wright and Levi Newcomer scoring four quick points. MV bounced back, with leadership from Nick Towns and Thad Woodard, who stole the ball and scored on a breakaway, enhanced by a Newcomer foul - which Thad converted. Jacob Frost hit a three, and MV answered with a basket. It would be NB's last three ball of the evening.
Following a Tiger free throw, Danny Hazimah found a seam in the zone to give MV its first lead of the half...
...but Wright scored again to take it back. Both teams turned the ball over and at 3:32 Josh Arthur called time out to set up another wave of pressure defense.
Maumee Valley's press finally knocked the Tigers for a loop. Solomon and Thad scored on consecutive NB turnovers. The Tigers were unable to bring the ball in bounds and MV regained possession. The Hawks now patiently worked against the zone, ultimately getting the ball in deep where Rashad Woodley was fouled...
He made both shots. The Hawks ended the quarter on a 6-0 run and held a five point lead, their largest of the evening to date.
Fourth Quarter - MV 18 - NB 6
MV opened with ball to no avail, but Thad cleaned a Tiger forward's clock with a steal up top, which he converted into three points on the and-one. MV forced another turnover. Faced with an eight point deficit and a ravenous Hawks defense, Coach Eichar called an early time-out to avoid a full blown collapse.
Coach Arthur now went back to MV basics and ran 35 seconds off the clock. This forced the Tigers out of their zone, and now it was MV taking the time out to set up a counter. They did so, in the form of this Solomon Collins pull-up 15 footer...
...the lead was double digits. Lane Bishop ended the Hawks' 10-0 run with a basket and foul shot. Then Chad Wright thrilled the home crowd with a mean block, but Solomon came up with the ball and drew a foul, making one of two.
Solomon would be this evening's fourth quarter hero. He was again fouled and made the pair, upping Maumee Valley's lead to ten. Solomon kept up the heat, stealing an in-bounds pass and rambling coast to coast for this two pointer...
MV struck again with a Woodard steal and Lucas Isaza basket and with 3:30 left. Their lead was stretched to 14, and the smell of victory was in the air.
The teams traded baskets, including this Isaza reverse layup...
MV finished with scores from Thad and Rashad, and tripled their opponents score in the fourth quarter. Solomon would lead the Hawks in scoring this night with 16, seven of which came during the fourth quarter.
Scoring:
Danny Hazimah - 3
Marcus Knabbs - 2
Keith McClure - 6
Lucas Isaza - 6
Nick Towns - 10
Thad Woodard - 14
Solomon Collins - 16
Rashad Woodley - 6
Afterthoughts-
You will forgive your Hawkblogger for sounding repetitive, but the MV formula for victory tonight was again:
North Baltimore has an improving squad with an up-tempo style of play. The Tigers can only get better. They have an excellent chance at a winning record in MAL play and could do some playoff damage. Chad Wright has two more years to improve on a solid base and could attract some college recruiting attention. Better times are ahead for the Tigers.
Finally, without giving the story away, Life of Pi reflects on how we mentally filter life compared with its sometimes harsh reality. The Hawks are now 6-1 and have a few more games before the grinding three game Ottawa Hills/Toledo Christian/Gibsonburg stretch. Those three games will go far to determine how high the reality plane lies for these 2013-4 Hawks.
Happy New Year from your Hawkblog.
In Yann Martel's/Ang Lee's wonderful novel/movie Life of Pi, the title character ends up marooned in a lifeboat with a tiger named Richard Parker. The lost at sea plot segment shows Pi's efforts to coexist with one of the most powerful creatures on the planet. To survive, Pi must use his wits, respond to adversity and impose his will on the Tiger.
Maumee Valley took the 45 minute trip south to visit North Baltimore's one year-old High School complex. They have a wonderful gym with some throwback features such as 'The Jungle' (a recessed band stand) and banners preserved from their old gym honoring State Champions as far back as 1925. Although not quite elegant (lots of optic orange will do that to a room) it's a fine space, similar to the new gyms at Fayette, New Riegel, Edon and Lakota. Property taxes are a school district's best friend.
Now while there was nobody on the North Baltimore lineup named Parker, the Hawks would still face a stern test tonight in this facility in the North Baltimore Tigers.
 |
| Hey, I thought this was gonna be an easy road win. |
Friday's two hour game sequence clearly paralleled the movie. MV would initially be pushed around by the Tiger(s), but would focus on their survival and wear down their hosts on the way to a seventeen point victory.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - NB 14 - MV 12
It was a sight not yet seen thus far this year as 6' 6" Sophomore(!) Chad Wright stepped into the circle, equal in height to Rashad Woodley, and won the opening tip. Maumee Valley started in man-to-man defense.
 |
| Good defensive posture is essential. |
Lucas Isaza opened the scoring for MV with two points and the Hawks opened up pressing on defense. North Baltimore's senior swing man Jacob Frost answered back with a three. Nick Towns scored for the Hawks from close range. After a travel call against the Tigers, Nick hit this two pointer off a Thad Woodard feed...
... to extend the lead to 6-3. Tyler Trumbull answered back with two, then Frost hit his second trey to put NB back on top 8-6. Nick maintained his single-handed effort to keep MV in the game with a right-hand base line hook shot.
 |
| Juat another Nick Towns wannabe. At least as far as the haircut is concerned. |
Newcomer hit a free throw, then after several misses by both teams Nick Towns scored his eighth point of the quarter assisted by an alert Rashad Woodley...
After more cold shooting by all ten guys on the floor, each team's big guys - Wright and Woodley - exchanged baskets. Gabe De Los Reys closed out the quarter with a three pointer putting the home team ahead by two.
It was a tight ballgame evidenced by eight lead changes in the quarter.
 |
| Yo, these guys are tough. |
Second Quarter - MV 18 - NB 16
The Hawks ran their motion offence against the Tigers' 2-3 zone but couldn't convert. NB's Sean Watson beat the visitors' press for two, then scored again on an and-one. The home crowd was excited about their team's 19-12 lead at the 6:39 mark. It would be their high point for the evening.
 |
| The Hawks needed to crawl back into the boat. |
Keith McClure took the first step on the comeback trail with a sorely needed three pointer, answered in-kind by De Los Reys. Solomon Collins scored the next three in the old-school fashion, driving down the middle for two and scoring on the bonus. NB's Trumbull hit a two to back the Tigers lead up to five points.
MV's press began to pay dividends, with Solomon and Thad Woodard scoring the next five points to tie the game at 22 all. Coach John Eichar sensed his team needed to calm down and took a time out at the half way point in the quarter. Both teams went cold for a spell, broken by De Los Reys' two free throws.
Rashad tied the game again with a putback off a missed shot. Jacob Frost said 'so what' and made the Tigers' fifth three pointer to take back the lead then Sean Watson made a free throw to get it back to four. Marcus Knabbs was fouled going to the hole and made the pair then Danny Hazimah pulled MV to within one with a foul shot. The Hawks took a 30-28 lead with another Keith McClure three pointer and NB's Wright scored two to knot up the score 30-30 at the half.
The Hawks had taken North Baltimore's best shot of the night and fought back to even. Half of the home team's points came on three pointers. MV would be determined to stop that in the second half.
Third Quarter - MV 15 - NB 10
North Baltimore stayed in their 2-3 zone, as three of their starters had three fouls.
 |
| North Baltimore's back defensive line. The guy on the right tended to over rotate.. |
The Tigers started aggressively on offense with Chad Wright and Levi Newcomer scoring four quick points. MV bounced back, with leadership from Nick Towns and Thad Woodard, who stole the ball and scored on a breakaway, enhanced by a Newcomer foul - which Thad converted. Jacob Frost hit a three, and MV answered with a basket. It would be NB's last three ball of the evening.
Following a Tiger free throw, Danny Hazimah found a seam in the zone to give MV its first lead of the half...
...but Wright scored again to take it back. Both teams turned the ball over and at 3:32 Josh Arthur called time out to set up another wave of pressure defense.
Maumee Valley's press finally knocked the Tigers for a loop. Solomon and Thad scored on consecutive NB turnovers. The Tigers were unable to bring the ball in bounds and MV regained possession. The Hawks now patiently worked against the zone, ultimately getting the ball in deep where Rashad Woodley was fouled...
He made both shots. The Hawks ended the quarter on a 6-0 run and held a five point lead, their largest of the evening to date.
Fourth Quarter - MV 18 - NB 6
MV opened with ball to no avail, but Thad cleaned a Tiger forward's clock with a steal up top, which he converted into three points on the and-one. MV forced another turnover. Faced with an eight point deficit and a ravenous Hawks defense, Coach Eichar called an early time-out to avoid a full blown collapse.
Coach Arthur now went back to MV basics and ran 35 seconds off the clock. This forced the Tigers out of their zone, and now it was MV taking the time out to set up a counter. They did so, in the form of this Solomon Collins pull-up 15 footer...
...the lead was double digits. Lane Bishop ended the Hawks' 10-0 run with a basket and foul shot. Then Chad Wright thrilled the home crowd with a mean block, but Solomon came up with the ball and drew a foul, making one of two.
Solomon would be this evening's fourth quarter hero. He was again fouled and made the pair, upping Maumee Valley's lead to ten. Solomon kept up the heat, stealing an in-bounds pass and rambling coast to coast for this two pointer...
MV struck again with a Woodard steal and Lucas Isaza basket and with 3:30 left. Their lead was stretched to 14, and the smell of victory was in the air.
 |
| Fortunately there was no smell of rotting fish. |
The teams traded baskets, including this Isaza reverse layup...
MV finished with scores from Thad and Rashad, and tripled their opponents score in the fourth quarter. Solomon would lead the Hawks in scoring this night with 16, seven of which came during the fourth quarter.
Scoring:
Danny Hazimah - 3
Marcus Knabbs - 2
Keith McClure - 6
Lucas Isaza - 6
Nick Towns - 10
Thad Woodard - 14
Solomon Collins - 16
Rashad Woodley - 6
Afterthoughts-
You will forgive your Hawkblogger for sounding repetitive, but the MV formula for victory tonight was again:
- a deep rotation, providing MV with more fouls to give, and less individual foul trouble
- a no-star lineup - any and all Hawks contribute at any given time
- new players ready to step up on offense - actually two this night with Nick Towns early and Solomon Collins late
- never ending pressure which stresses opponents to a breaking point.
 |
| Wore you out tonight, Richard Parker. |
North Baltimore has an improving squad with an up-tempo style of play. The Tigers can only get better. They have an excellent chance at a winning record in MAL play and could do some playoff damage. Chad Wright has two more years to improve on a solid base and could attract some college recruiting attention. Better times are ahead for the Tigers.
Finally, without giving the story away, Life of Pi reflects on how we mentally filter life compared with its sometimes harsh reality. The Hawks are now 6-1 and have a few more games before the grinding three game Ottawa Hills/Toledo Christian/Gibsonburg stretch. Those three games will go far to determine how high the reality plane lies for these 2013-4 Hawks.
Happy New Year from your Hawkblog.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
2013-4 Season Chapter Six - Jackets sing the Blues - Maumee Valley 57 - New Riegel 32 Game Story
December 17, 2013 at New Riegel HS
The New Riegel Blue Jackets are a historical power in the soon to be defunct Midland Athletic League. New Riegel won at least a share of nine boys basketball titles in a twelve team league over the MAL's 28 year history. The Jackets reached the sectional semi-final in 2011-12, when they lost to Toledo Christian. In fact, the Jackets play a similar tough-nosed style to the Eagles. But New Riegel is rebuilding after two strong seasons and it was not to be this evening for the home team.
As the local paper's headline put it "Jackets can't handle the Truth' - Foreman that is, who scored 15 along with Thad Woodard's 16 on the night. If it was a two against five game, the Hawks would have come up one point short. Alas for the hosts, Maumee Valley brought the rest of its deep rotation along on the bus. Maumee Valley used the press to great effect this evening on the way to defeating the New Riegel Blue Jackets 57-32 on a wintery Tuesday evening.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - MV 16 - NR 5
Surveying the 6'6" Rashad Woodley in the jump circle, the Jackets inserted a guard and brought all of their players into the defensive end, conceding the opening tip...
Marcus Knabbs scored the opening points of the game on a Eurostepping drive down the right hand foul lane. The Jackets foreshadowed their game-long frustration early on, when in their first offensive possession, they pulled four offensive rebounds and could not score in five tries. Rashad answered with a soft four footer, but NR's Tim Ink scored an old-school three pointer, fouled by Lucas Isaza. Ink would lead his team with ten points on the night.
New Riegel attempted a press, but Marcus beat everyone to the hoop on a a coast-to-coast layup. Danny Hazimah entered the game, which meant that MV began their pressure defense. After a Blue Jacket airball, Maumee Valley's Rashad Woodley scored on a beautiful Danny Hazimah pass
a couple of empty possessions later, Rashad hauled in this rebound and Solomon Collins was hammered on the offensive end...
...in the midst of a 10-3 Hawks and the home team was struggling to keep up in its man-to-man defensive setup. FIrst year head Coach Dave Losey took a time out to switch his team to a 2-3 zone, which is pretty much where they stayed for the rest of the evening.
But NR couldn't hide from the MV press. Danny Hazimah stole the ball and fed it to Solomon for two points. The Jackets scored back, then Truth Foreman hit this two point twister...
Maumee Valley continued to force the action until the very end of the quarter when Truth picked the pocket of NR's point guard and scored with time running out
MV was off to an 11 point lead.
Second Quarter - MV 14 - NR 12
The Hawks second quarter start reflected the frigid conditions outside, as they committed a turnover and missed on their first two attempts. New Riegel's Jake Dreyfuse and Tim Ink scored the first four points of the quarter to cut the lead to seven. Dreyfuse would match his 2012-13 average with eight points in the game. Truth Foreman answered back with a putback off a rebound. MV's aggressive play put the hosts in the bonus at 6:41 and NR 2 capitalized on a 1-1, cutting the lead to seven, 18-11.
The teams traded baskets, then Truth Foreman hit a three, then made one of two free throws. Thad Woodard converted on a steal and the Hawks had run off five quick points. The teams traded baskets again, then Thad nailed a three-ball with two seconds to go to give MV a 30-17 halftime lead.
Third Quarter - MV 11 - NR 7
Both teams traded two empty possessions to start the second half. New Riegel was struggling underneath with Rashad's long defensive reach, but the visitors scored the first five points of the frame, deeply cutting into the Hawks' lead. MV needed 4:15 to get on the board, Thad Woodard hitting two free throws to up the visitors lead to 10. Coach Arthur put the heat back on after the free throws, and the visitors began to perk up. Here's a Rashad block / Solomon fast break / Thad score for the Hawks:
Danny Hazimah scored next on a fast break...
... then Thad Woodard sent his defender to the floor on a fake and hit a three to put his team up 14, 39-24. MV would finish the quarter in style with it's traditional two guard back door cut to the basket with six seconds left.
With eight minutes left, it was Visitors 41 - Home 24
Fourth Quarter MV 16 - NR 8
New Riegel started the quarter off with an 8-3 run and cut the lead to 44-32. In a critical juncture of the game, MV was called for palming, one of their only unforced errors of the night. But MV got the ball back and Keith McClure scored a big basket on a coast to coast run. That play sparked the Hawks. Thad, Keith and Truth combined for the next five points. Rashad blocked the next shot, and the Hawks ran clock until he was fouled at the other end.
Truth provided the icer with this three pointer
It was 54-32 Maumee Valley. The teams combined for an 0-7 stretch until Thad sunk two free throws with 1:24 left to finish off the game. The bus warmed up for the satisfiying ride home and the Hawks enjoying a 54-32 road victory.
Next up, its those geriatric giants, the MVCDS alumni in the Holiday Hoops Classic on December 28 at the Varsity Gym
Scoring
Truth Foreman 15
Danny Hazimah 2
Marcus Knabbs 4
Keith McClure 7
Nick Towns 1
Thad Woodard 16
Solomon Collins 8
Rashad Woodley 4
The New Riegel Blue Jackets are a historical power in the soon to be defunct Midland Athletic League. New Riegel won at least a share of nine boys basketball titles in a twelve team league over the MAL's 28 year history. The Jackets reached the sectional semi-final in 2011-12, when they lost to Toledo Christian. In fact, the Jackets play a similar tough-nosed style to the Eagles. But New Riegel is rebuilding after two strong seasons and it was not to be this evening for the home team.
As the local paper's headline put it "Jackets can't handle the Truth' - Foreman that is, who scored 15 along with Thad Woodard's 16 on the night. If it was a two against five game, the Hawks would have come up one point short. Alas for the hosts, Maumee Valley brought the rest of its deep rotation along on the bus. Maumee Valley used the press to great effect this evening on the way to defeating the New Riegel Blue Jackets 57-32 on a wintery Tuesday evening.
Starters - Marcus Knabbs ('14), Lucas Isaza ('15), Thad Woodard ('14), Nick Towns ('15), Rashad Woodley ('14)
First Quarter - MV 16 - NR 5
Surveying the 6'6" Rashad Woodley in the jump circle, the Jackets inserted a guard and brought all of their players into the defensive end, conceding the opening tip...
Marcus Knabbs scored the opening points of the game on a Eurostepping drive down the right hand foul lane. The Jackets foreshadowed their game-long frustration early on, when in their first offensive possession, they pulled four offensive rebounds and could not score in five tries. Rashad answered with a soft four footer, but NR's Tim Ink scored an old-school three pointer, fouled by Lucas Isaza. Ink would lead his team with ten points on the night.
New Riegel attempted a press, but Marcus beat everyone to the hoop on a a coast-to-coast layup. Danny Hazimah entered the game, which meant that MV began their pressure defense. After a Blue Jacket airball, Maumee Valley's Rashad Woodley scored on a beautiful Danny Hazimah pass
a couple of empty possessions later, Rashad hauled in this rebound and Solomon Collins was hammered on the offensive end...
...in the midst of a 10-3 Hawks and the home team was struggling to keep up in its man-to-man defensive setup. FIrst year head Coach Dave Losey took a time out to switch his team to a 2-3 zone, which is pretty much where they stayed for the rest of the evening.
But NR couldn't hide from the MV press. Danny Hazimah stole the ball and fed it to Solomon for two points. The Jackets scored back, then Truth Foreman hit this two point twister...
Maumee Valley continued to force the action until the very end of the quarter when Truth picked the pocket of NR's point guard and scored with time running out
MV was off to an 11 point lead.
Second Quarter - MV 14 - NR 12
The Hawks second quarter start reflected the frigid conditions outside, as they committed a turnover and missed on their first two attempts. New Riegel's Jake Dreyfuse and Tim Ink scored the first four points of the quarter to cut the lead to seven. Dreyfuse would match his 2012-13 average with eight points in the game. Truth Foreman answered back with a putback off a rebound. MV's aggressive play put the hosts in the bonus at 6:41 and NR 2 capitalized on a 1-1, cutting the lead to seven, 18-11.
The teams traded baskets, then Truth Foreman hit a three, then made one of two free throws. Thad Woodard converted on a steal and the Hawks had run off five quick points. The teams traded baskets again, then Thad nailed a three-ball with two seconds to go to give MV a 30-17 halftime lead.
Third Quarter - MV 11 - NR 7
Both teams traded two empty possessions to start the second half. New Riegel was struggling underneath with Rashad's long defensive reach, but the visitors scored the first five points of the frame, deeply cutting into the Hawks' lead. MV needed 4:15 to get on the board, Thad Woodard hitting two free throws to up the visitors lead to 10. Coach Arthur put the heat back on after the free throws, and the visitors began to perk up. Here's a Rashad block / Solomon fast break / Thad score for the Hawks:
Danny Hazimah scored next on a fast break...
... then Thad Woodard sent his defender to the floor on a fake and hit a three to put his team up 14, 39-24. MV would finish the quarter in style with it's traditional two guard back door cut to the basket with six seconds left.
With eight minutes left, it was Visitors 41 - Home 24
Fourth Quarter MV 16 - NR 8
New Riegel started the quarter off with an 8-3 run and cut the lead to 44-32. In a critical juncture of the game, MV was called for palming, one of their only unforced errors of the night. But MV got the ball back and Keith McClure scored a big basket on a coast to coast run. That play sparked the Hawks. Thad, Keith and Truth combined for the next five points. Rashad blocked the next shot, and the Hawks ran clock until he was fouled at the other end.
Truth provided the icer with this three pointer
It was 54-32 Maumee Valley. The teams combined for an 0-7 stretch until Thad sunk two free throws with 1:24 left to finish off the game. The bus warmed up for the satisfiying ride home and the Hawks enjoying a 54-32 road victory.
Next up, its those geriatric giants, the MVCDS alumni in the Holiday Hoops Classic on December 28 at the Varsity Gym
Scoring
Truth Foreman 15
Danny Hazimah 2
Marcus Knabbs 4
Keith McClure 7
Nick Towns 1
Thad Woodard 16
Solomon Collins 8
Rashad Woodley 4
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
MV 57 - New Riegel 32 Insightful Internet Commentary
December 17, 2013 - New Riegel
The Hawks defeat the Blue Jackets of New Riegel of the Midland Athletic League 57-32 with a swarming, pressing defensive effort this evening. Maumee Valley has now won five straight and move to 5-1. Thad Woodard (16) and Truth Foreman (15) led the way for MV.
Nick Towns, Zain Bedi and Thad Woodard are on hand to spread the holiday cheer, while Truth Forenan and Rashad Woodley sneak around the back..
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Maumee Valley 62 - (at) Cardinal Stritch 41 - Quick Summary
MV ran its record to 10-1 tonight with a 62 - 41 victory over Cardinal Stritch on the East Side Stritch Gym. The Cardinals chose to focus on the Hawks outside game early and Jared Sturt shredded the inside with offensive rebounds and points galore. The second half was the mirror image of the first as the Cards sold out on the inside, leaving the shooters open. MV also scored numerous points off defensive steals and stops, especially in the second half. One of those breaks led to this Jared Sturt dunk.
The net result was a 21 point win for the Hawks on the BCSN-televised game. Jared and Julius Turner each scored 23 for the Blue and White. Rick Deichert had 8 and also held CS's 20 point per game scorer Marquise Harrison to 10 on the night. Dixon Stoddard had 4, Dave Brown had two and what seemed like 3.5 full days of quality dribbling time in the fourth quarter (much to the chagrin of the Stritch coaching staff). Rashaan Preston had 2 as well.
It's back to the Varsity Gym Friday for a matchup against the Northwood Rangers, the last game before the big rematch against Gibsonburg on January 31.
The net result was a 21 point win for the Hawks on the BCSN-televised game. Jared and Julius Turner each scored 23 for the Blue and White. Rick Deichert had 8 and also held CS's 20 point per game scorer Marquise Harrison to 10 on the night. Dixon Stoddard had 4, Dave Brown had two and what seemed like 3.5 full days of quality dribbling time in the fourth quarter (much to the chagrin of the Stritch coaching staff). Rashaan Preston had 2 as well.
It's back to the Varsity Gym Friday for a matchup against the Northwood Rangers, the last game before the big rematch against Gibsonburg on January 31.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
MV 74 - Monclova Christian 36 - Insightful Internet Commentary
We have a special treat for you tonight here at the Hawkblog, it's John, Paul, George and Ringo Thad Woodard, Robbie Ariss (proud scorer of his first varsity points tonight) Nick Frasco and India Bedi.
Just sit back and bask in the munificence of their in-depth analysis.
Just sit back and bask in the munificence of their in-depth analysis.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Chapter 13 – Road Warrior-Beaters – Hawks 63 – (at) EC52 – 2.4.11 – Game Story
Setting the Table
Google the words ‘how hard is winning on the road’ and at least for me, the first post that comes up is from a University of Memphis fan website entitled ‘Winning on the road is Really Hard’.
Scroll down the search results for evidence of this statement – Ohio State has the only winning road record in Big Ten play…as of two weeks ago, only three ACC conference games were won by the road team…and my favorite, an article from the fine New York Times Quad Blog entitled ‘In the SEC, Winning on the Road Is Not Easy’.
Maumee Valley has enjoyed tremendous success on the road this year, winning its first six games in hostile territory (one loss at a neutral site). As the season progresses, these games will get harder in at least one way. With the surprise angle out of the way – MV going 14- 6 last year and currently tied for the TAAC lead – there are no more games where the Hawks will be taken for granted.
To be sure, no TAAC coach has felt this way for some time. MV has had a camp-following of opposing scouts following it, even on the longest road trips of the year. There are no sleeping coaches in the Conference.
Now however, the fans are beginning to pick up on this. The Blue and White not being scheduled for as many Winter Homecoming Dance Evenings and Senior Nights any more. And Friday night at Emmanuel, MV played in front of the largest home contingent I’ve seen in the Roy Parmelee Gymnasium in at least eight years.
The home faithful were decked out in Hawaiian Shirts and leis – not too sure what that was about – but school spirit abounded. Even the PA announcer got the fever in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately for the Warriors on the night of this basketball luau, the Hawks decided they did not want to be on the menu…
Game Summary
The Blue and White extended their record to 11-2 last evening with a 63-52 win at Emmanuel Christian.
Three Hawks scored in double figures; Jared Sturt with 25 and Julius Turner with 18 each established new season high totals. Julius got his first start of the season at his former school. Rick Deichert scored 13 for MV.
Jared had his first dunk of his career on the evening. Here is a link to the TV13 game summary featuring the slam. He'd follow up with another before the night was through.
Tony Behan had 28 points for the Warriors to lead all scorers.
Maumee Valley had 61 shot attempts from the floor vs. 47 for the Warriors, the product of superior rebounding. MV enjoyed a 27-11 rebounding advantage overall.
First Quarter MV 9 – EC 5
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Julius Turner (’12)
For the second time in two nights, an Emmanuel Christian team played a junk defense against their Maumee Valley counterparts. On Thursday, EC played a box and one, focusing on Kristin Bigelow. Friday, the box and one reared its head in the boys’ game with Dave Brown receiving the special attention.
More generally, EC’s strategy was to pressure the MV guards all evening. Although that scheme would have its moments, it also led to season-high scoring performances by two of the Hawks front line players.
MV started in man defense.
Emmanuel’s senior guard Tony Behan opened the scoring with a three from the top of the key. Dixon Stoddard came back with an easy basket, bouncing the ball off an EC player on an inbounds play for two, then Rick Deichert made a great pass off a rebound to Jared for another basket and the Hawks were up 4-3.
Play was uneventful for the next two minutes. Both teams struggled to find some offensive flow until Julius grabbed a rebound and drove coast-to-coast drawing the shooting foul. He would convert one of two. MV cycled into a full court zone press and forced a travel call on EC. Julius showed off his passing skills next, finding a cutting Dixon Stoddard from the foul line and it was 7-3 MV.
Another traveling call on EC forced a stoppage in play and Jonathan Krueger made his first appearance of the evening at 4:29 remaining.
Again it was Julius’ turn against his former mates, this time juking in along the left baseline for two. With 3:51 left and EC down 9-3, Coach Dave Regnier called time out hoping to reverse the Warriors’ fortune.
MV came out of the time out in its hybrid 2-3, got the ball back but missed. Behan scored for EC on the next possession on an acrobatic inbounds pass. He looked like he tripped and made his shot as he was falling to the ground.
MV’s shooting turned cold, and the EC basket would be the final points of the first quarter. MV led by four.
Second Quarter MV 22 – EC 10
Starting the Quarter – Nick Frasco, Dave, Dixon, Julius and Jared
Julius put the chef’s hat on at the start of the quarter…
… serving a delicious pass to Jared on a drive from the left wing for two. Dave Brown’s tenacious defense forced a five second call and the Hawks were in business again. MV ran the exact same offensive set, but this time Julius drove the whole way for two and drew the foul. He made the bonus shot and MV led 14-5.
Dave harassed the EC ball handler once more, stealing the ball and drawing the shooting foul. He made one of two and the Hawks got possession off a Warrior miss. One more time for Julius, as he powered in from the short corner for two.
It was 17-5 Maumee Valley at the 5:55 mark and Coach Regnier called another time out to regroup.
With the Hawks in man defense again, Jared stole the ball outside the three point circle and got it to Dave for the fast break. The initial shot missed, but Jared got the rebound on the trailer and tipped the ball in for a basket + 1, which he converted.
The Warriors finally got into the scoring column near the 4:30 mark on an old fashioned three pointer by Junior guard Tyrece Edwards, cutting the lead down to 20-8.
Following a few unfruitful possessions, Julius nailed a three-ball from the right wing for the visitors. The Hawk forward would commit his second foul of the quarter with 3:20 remaining and go to the bench.
Rick Deichert scored the next two points for MV on an offensive putback but then Jon Krueger committed his third foul of the half with 1:32 remaining. He would be replaced by Sophomore AJ King.
Jared scored next for MV, dribbling down the right hand lane for two points. The teams exchanged turnovers, Jared tipped a rebound in with time expiring to give the visitors a 16 point half-time lead, 31-15.
Maumee Valley’s dominance in the half was borne out statistically. MV took 28 two point shots to EC’s 14, making 13 baskets. The guests out-rebounded their hosts 13-6 and also held a 10-5 advantage in the turnover column.
Third Quarter EC 16 – MV 12
Starting the quarter – initial game starters
MV got the first score of the half from a Julius Turner three pointer. The 19 point lead would be the Hawks' largest all evening.
EC’s Ryan Creech scored two, then after Julius made a free throw, Tony Behan rebounded his own shot and made the putback.
MV stopped the next Warrior posession and got out on the break...
...with Jared finishing.
Tony Behan answered back with a three to cut the lead to 13, then was fouled while shooting a three pointer. He made all three, then after a MV miss scored on another three pointer and the Hawks lead had been cut to 37-30.
The home crowd, many of them dressed-up in Hawaiian shirts (the Rainbow Warriors?) were now doing the hula, and Coach Robinson called time with 2:54 to play. The Hawks had some front line foul issues – both Jon and Dixon had three fouls each and Julius had a pair.
Coming out of the break, Coach Robinson surmised that EC would go for the trap and drew up this press breaker to Jared for two…
Then, off came Julius' chef’s hat as he donned a more serious chapeau
…who stole a pass and drove to the hoop for two points.
MV closed out the quarter with this two pointer by Jared to end the half.
And so the Hawksquad pulled out of a mini-tailspin to retake a double digit lead, 43-30.
Fourth Quarter EC 22 – MV 20
Starting the Quarter – Dave, Rick, Dixon, Jon, Jared
Dave and Rick dribbled 1:10 off the clock at the beginning of the half then missed a shot attempt. EC’s Senior guard Michael Henning scored at the opposite end.
Coach Robinson called another time out to draw up a response and Rick hit a three pointer that made it on TV13’s Basketball Friday show. Good timing there!
Down 13, the Warriors went to a full court press. MV capitalized when Dave Brown pulled the defenders his way then passed to Jared for two...
Dixon was then called for his fourth foul with 4:21 to play. MV got the ball back for Julius to make a free throw, but at the other end Dixon drew his fifth and final foul. He was gone at the 3:52 mark.
EC continued its comeback with more scoring from Tony Behan, Ryan Creech and Jason Regnier to cut the lead back to eight, 49-41, with 3:30 left. EC’s press would again prove effective, but Guard Tyrese Edwards was called for an offensive foul at 2:43.
The Warriors’ PA announcer, getting a little too much into the action at Roy Parmelee Gymnasium, lamented that ‘the mysterious foul was called on Tyrese Edwards’.
MV called time again to diagram things and Rick scored on a two pointer down the lane.
Emmanel then threw the ball into the back court and with 2:03 left, Jared scored two on his first career dunk. The Hawks were back up by 15, 55-41.
Tony Behan wouldn’t quit and drew another foul shooting three. He made two and Ryan Creech scored a basket + 1 to pull their Warriors back to 57-47, but with about a minute left, time was on the visitors’ side.
Jared made two, following Jon on a breakaway
Rick scored another two, then Dave Brown converted two free throws at the 22.8 second mark. EC scored a two pointer, then (in this video sequence) Rick again made a basket and in a bookend to the game’s initial points, Tony Behan hit a three for the last of his 28 point effort.
The buzzer sounded as Behan’s shot scorched the nets, but it only cut the final MV lead to 11. The Blue and White walked off the court a winner 63-52.
Final Game Thoughts
The Hawks improved to 11-2 and 7-1 in the TAAC, on big performances from their front court players. They remain undefeated on the road (7-0) with only Cardinal Stritch and Monclova Christian left to play outside the Varsity Gym.
With this strong traveling performance it’s tempting to assume every road game will be a walk. But away games are tough. Just ask Danbury, who lost Friday at Cardinal Stritch (see remaining away games above).
Statistically, the Hawksquad dominated in shots taken and rebounding. They did commit 13 turnovers to EC’s 11, but did steal the ball six times in the game (Rick and Julius with two each) compared with only two for Emmanuel.
Tony Behan gets my vote for all-TAAC based on his performance against the Hawks this year. In my opinion he’s the biggest offensive threat in the TAAC.
MV continues to pose multiple threats to its opponents. It’s pick your poison against the Hawks. The last two games, coaches have designed defenses around Dave and Rick to the benefit of Julius, Jared, Dixon and Jonathan. The guards are looking for some love next time around…
A tribute
Due to my close booster ties, I would be remiss if I failed to compliment the Warriors’ faculty, staff and boosters for:
1. The Best Danged Pep Band In The TAAC (TBDPBITTAAC?), a large group including a cello (!) and great song selection played with spirit and skill, and
2. The best consession stand in the TAAC – hot dogs, brats, burgers, soup, ice cream sundaes, floats…you name it, it was there.
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Three Hawks scored in double figures; Jared Sturt with 25 and Julius Turner with 18 each established new season-high totals. Rick Deichert scored 13 for MV. Dixon Stoddard scored 4 and Dave Brown finished with 3 for MV.
Next up
It’s home-sweet-home for Maumee Valley as the Hawks enjoy the friendly confines of the Varsity Gym for five of their last seven games, including their next three straight. Next week, MV will host Danbury on Tuesday, February 8 and Northwood on Friday, February 11. The rescheduled showdown with Ottawa Hills will take place the following Tuesday February 15. OH defeated Toledo Christian last evening 47-39 (at home, get it?), effectively eliminating the Eagles from the TAAC race.
Google the words ‘how hard is winning on the road’ and at least for me, the first post that comes up is from a University of Memphis fan website entitled ‘Winning on the road is Really Hard’.
Scroll down the search results for evidence of this statement – Ohio State has the only winning road record in Big Ten play…as of two weeks ago, only three ACC conference games were won by the road team…and my favorite, an article from the fine New York Times Quad Blog entitled ‘In the SEC, Winning on the Road Is Not Easy’.
Maumee Valley has enjoyed tremendous success on the road this year, winning its first six games in hostile territory (one loss at a neutral site). As the season progresses, these games will get harder in at least one way. With the surprise angle out of the way – MV going 14- 6 last year and currently tied for the TAAC lead – there are no more games where the Hawks will be taken for granted.
To be sure, no TAAC coach has felt this way for some time. MV has had a camp-following of opposing scouts following it, even on the longest road trips of the year. There are no sleeping coaches in the Conference.
Now however, the fans are beginning to pick up on this. The Blue and White not being scheduled for as many Winter Homecoming Dance Evenings and Senior Nights any more. And Friday night at Emmanuel, MV played in front of the largest home contingent I’ve seen in the Roy Parmelee Gymnasium in at least eight years.
The home faithful were decked out in Hawaiian Shirts and leis – not too sure what that was about – but school spirit abounded. Even the PA announcer got the fever in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately for the Warriors on the night of this basketball luau, the Hawks decided they did not want to be on the menu…
Game Summary
The Blue and White extended their record to 11-2 last evening with a 63-52 win at Emmanuel Christian.
Three Hawks scored in double figures; Jared Sturt with 25 and Julius Turner with 18 each established new season high totals. Julius got his first start of the season at his former school. Rick Deichert scored 13 for MV.
Jared had his first dunk of his career on the evening. Here is a link to the TV13 game summary featuring the slam. He'd follow up with another before the night was through.
Tony Behan had 28 points for the Warriors to lead all scorers.
Maumee Valley had 61 shot attempts from the floor vs. 47 for the Warriors, the product of superior rebounding. MV enjoyed a 27-11 rebounding advantage overall.
First Quarter MV 9 – EC 5
Starting five – Dave Brown (’13), Rick Deichert (’12), Jared Sturt (’12), Dixon Stoddard (’12) and Julius Turner (’12)
For the second time in two nights, an Emmanuel Christian team played a junk defense against their Maumee Valley counterparts. On Thursday, EC played a box and one, focusing on Kristin Bigelow. Friday, the box and one reared its head in the boys’ game with Dave Brown receiving the special attention.
More generally, EC’s strategy was to pressure the MV guards all evening. Although that scheme would have its moments, it also led to season-high scoring performances by two of the Hawks front line players.
MV started in man defense.
Emmanuel’s senior guard Tony Behan opened the scoring with a three from the top of the key. Dixon Stoddard came back with an easy basket, bouncing the ball off an EC player on an inbounds play for two, then Rick Deichert made a great pass off a rebound to Jared for another basket and the Hawks were up 4-3.
Play was uneventful for the next two minutes. Both teams struggled to find some offensive flow until Julius grabbed a rebound and drove coast-to-coast drawing the shooting foul. He would convert one of two. MV cycled into a full court zone press and forced a travel call on EC. Julius showed off his passing skills next, finding a cutting Dixon Stoddard from the foul line and it was 7-3 MV.
Another traveling call on EC forced a stoppage in play and Jonathan Krueger made his first appearance of the evening at 4:29 remaining.
Again it was Julius’ turn against his former mates, this time juking in along the left baseline for two. With 3:51 left and EC down 9-3, Coach Dave Regnier called time out hoping to reverse the Warriors’ fortune.
MV came out of the time out in its hybrid 2-3, got the ball back but missed. Behan scored for EC on the next possession on an acrobatic inbounds pass. He looked like he tripped and made his shot as he was falling to the ground.
MV’s shooting turned cold, and the EC basket would be the final points of the first quarter. MV led by four.
Second Quarter MV 22 – EC 10
Starting the Quarter – Nick Frasco, Dave, Dixon, Julius and Jared
Julius put the chef’s hat on at the start of the quarter…
… serving a delicious pass to Jared on a drive from the left wing for two. Dave Brown’s tenacious defense forced a five second call and the Hawks were in business again. MV ran the exact same offensive set, but this time Julius drove the whole way for two and drew the foul. He made the bonus shot and MV led 14-5.
Dave harassed the EC ball handler once more, stealing the ball and drawing the shooting foul. He made one of two and the Hawks got possession off a Warrior miss. One more time for Julius, as he powered in from the short corner for two.
It was 17-5 Maumee Valley at the 5:55 mark and Coach Regnier called another time out to regroup.
With the Hawks in man defense again, Jared stole the ball outside the three point circle and got it to Dave for the fast break. The initial shot missed, but Jared got the rebound on the trailer and tipped the ball in for a basket + 1, which he converted.
The Warriors finally got into the scoring column near the 4:30 mark on an old fashioned three pointer by Junior guard Tyrece Edwards, cutting the lead down to 20-8.
Following a few unfruitful possessions, Julius nailed a three-ball from the right wing for the visitors. The Hawk forward would commit his second foul of the quarter with 3:20 remaining and go to the bench.
Rick Deichert scored the next two points for MV on an offensive putback but then Jon Krueger committed his third foul of the half with 1:32 remaining. He would be replaced by Sophomore AJ King.
Jared scored next for MV, dribbling down the right hand lane for two points. The teams exchanged turnovers, Jared tipped a rebound in with time expiring to give the visitors a 16 point half-time lead, 31-15.
Maumee Valley’s dominance in the half was borne out statistically. MV took 28 two point shots to EC’s 14, making 13 baskets. The guests out-rebounded their hosts 13-6 and also held a 10-5 advantage in the turnover column.
Third Quarter EC 16 – MV 12
Starting the quarter – initial game starters
MV got the first score of the half from a Julius Turner three pointer. The 19 point lead would be the Hawks' largest all evening.
EC’s Ryan Creech scored two, then after Julius made a free throw, Tony Behan rebounded his own shot and made the putback.
MV stopped the next Warrior posession and got out on the break...
...with Jared finishing.
Tony Behan answered back with a three to cut the lead to 13, then was fouled while shooting a three pointer. He made all three, then after a MV miss scored on another three pointer and the Hawks lead had been cut to 37-30.
The home crowd, many of them dressed-up in Hawaiian shirts (the Rainbow Warriors?) were now doing the hula, and Coach Robinson called time with 2:54 to play. The Hawks had some front line foul issues – both Jon and Dixon had three fouls each and Julius had a pair.
Coming out of the break, Coach Robinson surmised that EC would go for the trap and drew up this press breaker to Jared for two…
Then, off came Julius' chef’s hat as he donned a more serious chapeau
 |
| If you Warriors think you're winning tonight, you're gonna have to go through me first. |
…who stole a pass and drove to the hoop for two points.
MV closed out the quarter with this two pointer by Jared to end the half.
And so the Hawksquad pulled out of a mini-tailspin to retake a double digit lead, 43-30.
Fourth Quarter EC 22 – MV 20
Starting the Quarter – Dave, Rick, Dixon, Jon, Jared
Dave and Rick dribbled 1:10 off the clock at the beginning of the half then missed a shot attempt. EC’s Senior guard Michael Henning scored at the opposite end.
Coach Robinson called another time out to draw up a response and Rick hit a three pointer that made it on TV13’s Basketball Friday show. Good timing there!
Down 13, the Warriors went to a full court press. MV capitalized when Dave Brown pulled the defenders his way then passed to Jared for two...
Dixon was then called for his fourth foul with 4:21 to play. MV got the ball back for Julius to make a free throw, but at the other end Dixon drew his fifth and final foul. He was gone at the 3:52 mark.
EC continued its comeback with more scoring from Tony Behan, Ryan Creech and Jason Regnier to cut the lead back to eight, 49-41, with 3:30 left. EC’s press would again prove effective, but Guard Tyrese Edwards was called for an offensive foul at 2:43.
The Warriors’ PA announcer, getting a little too much into the action at Roy Parmelee Gymnasium, lamented that ‘the mysterious foul was called on Tyrese Edwards’.
 |
| Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of referees?? The PA announcer knows! |
MV called time again to diagram things and Rick scored on a two pointer down the lane.
Emmanel then threw the ball into the back court and with 2:03 left, Jared scored two on his first career dunk. The Hawks were back up by 15, 55-41.
Tony Behan wouldn’t quit and drew another foul shooting three. He made two and Ryan Creech scored a basket + 1 to pull their Warriors back to 57-47, but with about a minute left, time was on the visitors’ side.
Jared made two, following Jon on a breakaway
Rick scored another two, then Dave Brown converted two free throws at the 22.8 second mark. EC scored a two pointer, then (in this video sequence) Rick again made a basket and in a bookend to the game’s initial points, Tony Behan hit a three for the last of his 28 point effort.
The buzzer sounded as Behan’s shot scorched the nets, but it only cut the final MV lead to 11. The Blue and White walked off the court a winner 63-52.
Final Game Thoughts
The Hawks improved to 11-2 and 7-1 in the TAAC, on big performances from their front court players. They remain undefeated on the road (7-0) with only Cardinal Stritch and Monclova Christian left to play outside the Varsity Gym.
With this strong traveling performance it’s tempting to assume every road game will be a walk. But away games are tough. Just ask Danbury, who lost Friday at Cardinal Stritch (see remaining away games above).
Statistically, the Hawksquad dominated in shots taken and rebounding. They did commit 13 turnovers to EC’s 11, but did steal the ball six times in the game (Rick and Julius with two each) compared with only two for Emmanuel.
Tony Behan gets my vote for all-TAAC based on his performance against the Hawks this year. In my opinion he’s the biggest offensive threat in the TAAC.
MV continues to pose multiple threats to its opponents. It’s pick your poison against the Hawks. The last two games, coaches have designed defenses around Dave and Rick to the benefit of Julius, Jared, Dixon and Jonathan. The guards are looking for some love next time around…
A tribute
Due to my close booster ties, I would be remiss if I failed to compliment the Warriors’ faculty, staff and boosters for:
1. The Best Danged Pep Band In The TAAC (TBDPBITTAAC?), a large group including a cello (!) and great song selection played with spirit and skill, and
2. The best consession stand in the TAAC – hot dogs, brats, burgers, soup, ice cream sundaes, floats…you name it, it was there.
Scoring
And now for the happy totals. Three Hawks scored in double figures; Jared Sturt with 25 and Julius Turner with 18 each established new season-high totals. Rick Deichert scored 13 for MV. Dixon Stoddard scored 4 and Dave Brown finished with 3 for MV.
Next up
It’s home-sweet-home for Maumee Valley as the Hawks enjoy the friendly confines of the Varsity Gym for five of their last seven games, including their next three straight. Next week, MV will host Danbury on Tuesday, February 8 and Northwood on Friday, February 11. The rescheduled showdown with Ottawa Hills will take place the following Tuesday February 15. OH defeated Toledo Christian last evening 47-39 (at home, get it?), effectively eliminating the Eagles from the TAAC race.
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