The Cayuga defense was a big part of the 41-19 win over Ganado Saturday night in the Class A, Division II semifinals.
The Wildcats stopped Ganado on all four fourth-down attempts, with two of those coming when the Indians were inside Cayuga's 30-yard line.
- The first stop came on the opening drive when Ganado moved the ball to the Cayuga 29-yard line for a third and one. The Wildcats stopped a run for no gain setting up fourth and one. Ganado tried to pass for the first time, using play action, but Cayuga was there on defense as Maclome Kennedy tipped away the pass into the hands of Deon Hale for the interception.
- In the second quarter, Ganado moved the ball just inside the 50-yard line with over a minute left, facing a fourth and six. On another pass play, Ganado quarterback Donovan Foster rolled to the right but his pass feel incomplete because of the coverage by Kennedy. It was a critical stop because it halted extra momentum Ganado could have had going into the lockerroom.
- The next fourth-down stop came after Ganado intercepted a Cayuga pass on the first possession of the second half, trailing 20-7. The interception gave the Indians the ball on Cayuga's 3-yard line and the Indians moved it to the 20-yard line for a fourth and five. Ganado tried a trick play with a toss going to Josh Labay, who stepped back looking to throw. But Cayuga had the play well covered in the secondary and all Labay could do was try to run for the first down, but he only picked up 2 yards. What looked like a golden opportunity for Ganado to get within a score turned into a big time stop and Cayuga scored on their next possession.
- The final fourth down stop came in the fourth quarter when the Indians were desperate, down 34-13 with six minutes to play. After the defense had two sacks to put Ganado in a fourth and 18 from its own 29-yard line, Foster rolled to his right and was able to avoid a pair of defenders who were looking for a sack. Foster had a chance to find a receiver for the first down, but the pass was knocked away from behind by Kennedy. Cayuga scored in four plays to put the game away.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Traylon Shead to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl
What a way to end your high school career — playing with the best of the best around the country.
That is what Cayuga's Traylon Shead gets to do as he accepted the invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Tuesday. The game will be in San Antonio on January 9.
When you look at the names of past players, it is quite an impressive list — Vince Young, Ted Ginn, Jr., Reggie Bush, Marcus Spears, Desean Jackson and of course Palestine's own Adrian Peterson.
This is another interesting link between Shead and Peterson. Over the last couple of years there have been lots of comparisons between the two — both Anderson County products, both coached by Tommy Allison and now both having played in one of the top high school games in the country.
Sportlink, who produces the game, put on a nice presentation Tuesday morning at Cayuga High School. In front of the high school student body, Shead was offered the final invitation to the game, which of course he accepted.
That is what Cayuga's Traylon Shead gets to do as he accepted the invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Tuesday. The game will be in San Antonio on January 9.
When you look at the names of past players, it is quite an impressive list — Vince Young, Ted Ginn, Jr., Reggie Bush, Marcus Spears, Desean Jackson and of course Palestine's own Adrian Peterson.
This is another interesting link between Shead and Peterson. Over the last couple of years there have been lots of comparisons between the two — both Anderson County products, both coached by Tommy Allison and now both having played in one of the top high school games in the country.
Sportlink, who produces the game, put on a nice presentation Tuesday morning at Cayuga High School. In front of the high school student body, Shead was offered the final invitation to the game, which of course he accepted.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Cayuga playoff game
Cayuga vs. Mart starting in 40 min. Cold as h
game time nears with temps in the high 30s
game time nears with temps in the high 30s
Friday, October 23, 2009
My week in Cayuga
What does it take for a team to get ready for a game Friday night?
That is the question I went in search of this season when I spent a week watching Cayuga prepare for its game against Overton. The story has been published in Sunday’s edition of the Herald-Press and has been posted on our web site, along with numerous pictures.
We all know football teams practice during the week to get ready for a game. But there is much more than practice and that is what I wanted to show our readers.
I first had this story idea about six years ago, but the timing never worked out until this year when Cayuga head coach Tommy Allison opened the doors to the Cayuga Wildcat football program.
From the hours spent by the coaches over the weekend coming up with a game plan to practices during the week and even pregame speeches just minutes before the start of the game, I got an inside view that most don’t even realize goes on.
First I want to thank coach Allison for granting me the unlimited access to his team. I also want to thank the Wildcat coaches and players for welcoming me that week.
Through my years of covering high school football, I have seen bits and pieces of what a team goes through to get ready for a Friday night. But this was the first time I have seen it come together and even I was amazed by what I witnessed.
• The number of hours the coaches put in. During the football season, coaches work seven days a week. They work half the day on Saturday and Sunday and even more during the week. From Monday to Wednesday, they are at the school until at least 8 p.m. Thursday can be a very late night, especially if there is freshman and junior varsity games on the road.
• I have been to my share of practices but never saw how each practice builds off the one before. It starts Monday with the players working on their specific positions and then just builds from there, one level at a time.
• The amount of information players have to absorb each week. While most of the schemes, formations and plays that Cayuga runs were installed in the offseason and two-a-day practices, each week things get altered for that week’s opponents. In three days, the players have to understand all the changes that are made and execute them and then that will all change the following week.
• How different pregame is when I was not on the field. Maybe the strangest thing for me during that week was pregame and halftime. I am used to hearing the bands play, watching the crowd fill up the stands — the whole atmosphere of a Friday night game. But being in the lockeroom before the game and at halftime, it was like none of it existed. At halftime, it was like the game never stopped as I listened to the coaches talk about what adjustments to make and talk to the team about how the first half went. Funny thing is that football coaches have a hard time adjusting to this when they are spectators at games. The next week, the Cayuga coaches were at Carlisle, being spectators at a game, and at halftime, they looked lost, not sure what to do for those 30 minutes that football was not going on.
The week I spent covering Cayuga was a great experience. I learned so much more than I thought I would and I hope that knowledge has been passed on to the readers through the story and photos.
That is the question I went in search of this season when I spent a week watching Cayuga prepare for its game against Overton. The story has been published in Sunday’s edition of the Herald-Press and has been posted on our web site, along with numerous pictures.
We all know football teams practice during the week to get ready for a game. But there is much more than practice and that is what I wanted to show our readers.
I first had this story idea about six years ago, but the timing never worked out until this year when Cayuga head coach Tommy Allison opened the doors to the Cayuga Wildcat football program.
From the hours spent by the coaches over the weekend coming up with a game plan to practices during the week and even pregame speeches just minutes before the start of the game, I got an inside view that most don’t even realize goes on.
First I want to thank coach Allison for granting me the unlimited access to his team. I also want to thank the Wildcat coaches and players for welcoming me that week.
Through my years of covering high school football, I have seen bits and pieces of what a team goes through to get ready for a Friday night. But this was the first time I have seen it come together and even I was amazed by what I witnessed.
• The number of hours the coaches put in. During the football season, coaches work seven days a week. They work half the day on Saturday and Sunday and even more during the week. From Monday to Wednesday, they are at the school until at least 8 p.m. Thursday can be a very late night, especially if there is freshman and junior varsity games on the road.
• I have been to my share of practices but never saw how each practice builds off the one before. It starts Monday with the players working on their specific positions and then just builds from there, one level at a time.
• The amount of information players have to absorb each week. While most of the schemes, formations and plays that Cayuga runs were installed in the offseason and two-a-day practices, each week things get altered for that week’s opponents. In three days, the players have to understand all the changes that are made and execute them and then that will all change the following week.
• How different pregame is when I was not on the field. Maybe the strangest thing for me during that week was pregame and halftime. I am used to hearing the bands play, watching the crowd fill up the stands — the whole atmosphere of a Friday night game. But being in the lockeroom before the game and at halftime, it was like none of it existed. At halftime, it was like the game never stopped as I listened to the coaches talk about what adjustments to make and talk to the team about how the first half went. Funny thing is that football coaches have a hard time adjusting to this when they are spectators at games. The next week, the Cayuga coaches were at Carlisle, being spectators at a game, and at halftime, they looked lost, not sure what to do for those 30 minutes that football was not going on.
The week I spent covering Cayuga was a great experience. I learned so much more than I thought I would and I hope that knowledge has been passed on to the readers through the story and photos.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Westwood at Madisonville - Live Updates
WESTWOOD WINS 36-21
4th Quarter
1:37 - Westwood defense stops Madisonville just short on fourth down on a long pass to get the ball back and ice this game.
4th Quarter
3:22 - 36-yard field goal attempt hits the cross bar and comes up short. Westwood leads 36-21 and took nearly five minutes off the clock.
---Area score update---
Palestine 34, Van 21
---Area score update---
4th Quarter
8:10 - Madisonville's Brock Taylor gets into the end zone on a 31 yard run and the PAT makes it Westwood 36-21.
4th Quarter
9:04 - Westwood fumbles on a QB to RB exchange, giving Madisonville ball on the Westwood 29-yard line
4th Quarter
10:27 - Westwood stops Madisonville on fourth down to take over at their own 25 yard line.
End 3rd Quarter
Westwood leads 36-14 but Madisonville is driving, getting to the WW 25-yard line and has second and nine.
3rd Quarter
2:10 - Cameron Shead breaks free for a 45-yard touchdown run as he breaks several tackles for touchdown. Then on bad snap on PAT, holder Bryce Lyman heaves a pass to Kendrick Reeves, who makes the catch for two points. WW leads 36-14.
3rd Quarter
2:58 - Madisonville quarterback Howard Harris has a 38-yard run but fumbles at the end and Westwood recovers.
3rd Quarter
3:32 - Madisonville just misses an interception attempt that would have been returned for TD. Forces a punt and Westwood boots a 43 yard punt.
3rd Quarter
4:42 - On fourth and 13, Madisonville throws a 30-yard TD pass over the hands of the defensive back in the end zone. PAT is good and Westwood leads 28-14.
3rd Quarter
7:14 - On what was suppose to be a punt, Westwood was stopped for a loss giving Madisonville on the ball on the Westwood 27
3rd Quarter
7:28 - Cameron Shead breaks a long TD run but it is called back on a 10-yard holding call. The hold looked to come after Shead already was through the line of scrimmage and gone.
3rd Quarter
9:14 - After a long kickoff return by Howard Harris for Madisonville, but the Westwood defense comes up with the stop, shutting down the Mustangs on fourth down.
Halftime
Westwood has opened up the passing game in the rain, throwing for 224 yards and three touchdown passes of over 60 yards. The Westwood defense allowed one long TD run of 61 yards but has held Madisonville to only 72 more yards.
End 2nd Quarter
Westwood scores on the final play of the game, a 67-yard TD pass from Tevin Watson to Cameron Shead. PAT good and WW leads 28-7 at halftime.
2nd Quarter
2:44 - TD WW. Tevin Watson a long pass to Domanick Turner down the sideline and a cutback and blocks gives way to a 69-yard TD. 21-7 WW.
2nd Quarter
5:40 - Tevin Watson throws his first interception of the game as Mustangs get ball on their own 46.
2nd Quarter
6:21 - Westwood continues to drive in Madisonville territory as rain falls
2nd Quarter
8:19 - Rain coming down hard as Madisonville is facing a third and 20 at their own 19-yard line.
----Area Score Update----
Palestine 15-6 over Van, end 1st
---Area Score Update----
2nd Quarter
10:18 - Another scramble and another score for Westwood. Tevin Watson avoids pressure and finds Nick Morrow, who gets the catch and weaves into the end zone for a 22-yard TD. Westwood leads 14-7.
---- Area Score Update ----
Buffalo leads Elkhart 7-0
---- Area Score Update ----
End First Quarter
Westwood recovers a fumble on a bad snap by Madisonville. Panthers have ball on Madisonville 34-yard line, 2nd and 11. Game tied 7-7 after first quarter.
1st Quarter
26 sec - Westwood gets on the board with a Rodney Watson 1 yard run. It was set up with a third down play as Tevin Watson escaped trouble and found Domanick Turner for a 33-yard gain to the 1. Tyler Dillon adds PAT. Tied 7-7.
1st Quarter
4:21 - Madisonville scores first as QB Howard Harris breaks for a 62-yard TD. PAT good. 7-0.
1st Quarter
5:25 - A quick three and out by Westwood fores a punt
1st Quarter
Madisonville gets a 22-yard run by QB Howard Harris on the option, but Panther defense forces a 16-yard punt.
1st Quarter
Westwood gets a 45-yard kickoff return by Domanick Turner but the Panthers drive stalls on the Madisonville 28-yard line as the Panther turn the ball over on downs.
7:10 - 20 minutes to kickoff. Rain continues to fall here. Not too hard but a constant rain that looks to be lasting all night.
6:55 p.m. - Get live updates right here for the Westwood at Madisonville game tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
4th Quarter
1:37 - Westwood defense stops Madisonville just short on fourth down on a long pass to get the ball back and ice this game.
4th Quarter
3:22 - 36-yard field goal attempt hits the cross bar and comes up short. Westwood leads 36-21 and took nearly five minutes off the clock.
---Area score update---
Palestine 34, Van 21
---Area score update---
4th Quarter
8:10 - Madisonville's Brock Taylor gets into the end zone on a 31 yard run and the PAT makes it Westwood 36-21.
4th Quarter
9:04 - Westwood fumbles on a QB to RB exchange, giving Madisonville ball on the Westwood 29-yard line
4th Quarter
10:27 - Westwood stops Madisonville on fourth down to take over at their own 25 yard line.
End 3rd Quarter
Westwood leads 36-14 but Madisonville is driving, getting to the WW 25-yard line and has second and nine.
3rd Quarter
2:10 - Cameron Shead breaks free for a 45-yard touchdown run as he breaks several tackles for touchdown. Then on bad snap on PAT, holder Bryce Lyman heaves a pass to Kendrick Reeves, who makes the catch for two points. WW leads 36-14.
3rd Quarter
2:58 - Madisonville quarterback Howard Harris has a 38-yard run but fumbles at the end and Westwood recovers.
3rd Quarter
3:32 - Madisonville just misses an interception attempt that would have been returned for TD. Forces a punt and Westwood boots a 43 yard punt.
3rd Quarter
4:42 - On fourth and 13, Madisonville throws a 30-yard TD pass over the hands of the defensive back in the end zone. PAT is good and Westwood leads 28-14.
3rd Quarter
7:14 - On what was suppose to be a punt, Westwood was stopped for a loss giving Madisonville on the ball on the Westwood 27
3rd Quarter
7:28 - Cameron Shead breaks a long TD run but it is called back on a 10-yard holding call. The hold looked to come after Shead already was through the line of scrimmage and gone.
3rd Quarter
9:14 - After a long kickoff return by Howard Harris for Madisonville, but the Westwood defense comes up with the stop, shutting down the Mustangs on fourth down.
Halftime
Westwood has opened up the passing game in the rain, throwing for 224 yards and three touchdown passes of over 60 yards. The Westwood defense allowed one long TD run of 61 yards but has held Madisonville to only 72 more yards.
End 2nd Quarter
Westwood scores on the final play of the game, a 67-yard TD pass from Tevin Watson to Cameron Shead. PAT good and WW leads 28-7 at halftime.
2nd Quarter
2:44 - TD WW. Tevin Watson a long pass to Domanick Turner down the sideline and a cutback and blocks gives way to a 69-yard TD. 21-7 WW.
2nd Quarter
5:40 - Tevin Watson throws his first interception of the game as Mustangs get ball on their own 46.
2nd Quarter
6:21 - Westwood continues to drive in Madisonville territory as rain falls
2nd Quarter
8:19 - Rain coming down hard as Madisonville is facing a third and 20 at their own 19-yard line.
----Area Score Update----
Palestine 15-6 over Van, end 1st
---Area Score Update----
2nd Quarter
10:18 - Another scramble and another score for Westwood. Tevin Watson avoids pressure and finds Nick Morrow, who gets the catch and weaves into the end zone for a 22-yard TD. Westwood leads 14-7.
---- Area Score Update ----
Buffalo leads Elkhart 7-0
---- Area Score Update ----
End First Quarter
Westwood recovers a fumble on a bad snap by Madisonville. Panthers have ball on Madisonville 34-yard line, 2nd and 11. Game tied 7-7 after first quarter.
1st Quarter
26 sec - Westwood gets on the board with a Rodney Watson 1 yard run. It was set up with a third down play as Tevin Watson escaped trouble and found Domanick Turner for a 33-yard gain to the 1. Tyler Dillon adds PAT. Tied 7-7.
1st Quarter
4:21 - Madisonville scores first as QB Howard Harris breaks for a 62-yard TD. PAT good. 7-0.
1st Quarter
5:25 - A quick three and out by Westwood fores a punt
1st Quarter
Madisonville gets a 22-yard run by QB Howard Harris on the option, but Panther defense forces a 16-yard punt.
1st Quarter
Westwood gets a 45-yard kickoff return by Domanick Turner but the Panthers drive stalls on the Madisonville 28-yard line as the Panther turn the ball over on downs.
7:10 - 20 minutes to kickoff. Rain continues to fall here. Not too hard but a constant rain that looks to be lasting all night.
6:55 p.m. - Get live updates right here for the Westwood at Madisonville game tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Week 1 Matchups
Each week, I will try and give my thoughts on the weekly area games. This is not meant as criticism, just my thoughts after talking to coaches and getting a feel of each team's opponents. Good luck to all our Dogwood Circle teams.
Navasota at Palestine
This is the start of four straight games where we really get to see what Palestine is made of. Starting with Navasota, Palestine plays four very tough teams with Van and Class 4As Jacksonville and Kilgore to follow.
Navasota is the most athletic team Palestine has faced so far including scrimmages against Lindale and Henderson and last week's opener against Rusk. The Wildcat defense is going to get tested and how they handle it could be indicative of what will be seen down the line.
Bullard at Westwood
How is Westwood going to respond a week after missing a win by 1 yard when the Panthers' two-point conversion was stopped short of the goal line with 20 seconds left?
Westwood can show its is over last week by coming out quickly both on offense and defense. We saw the Panthers' come out quickly against Chapel Hill (two touchdowns on the first three plays), but the same could not be said for the defense, which allowed an opening drive touchdown. The best thing for the Westwood defense is to make a couple of early stops against a Bullard team who has not played a game yet and has some questions on offense after players moved around from last year's team.
Elkhart at Huntington
Speaking of rebounding from a loss, Elkhart looks to do the same thing, but will have to do it on the road.
After opening up at Malakoff last week, the Elks travel to Huntington Friday night and that is not a fun place to play. While it has been a couple of years since I have covered a game in Huntington, if nothing has changed, visiting fans won't have much room to sit as it will be tight on the visitors side.
If Elkhart can find a way past a Huntington team that has lost 18 straight, then the will be in good shape heading home for two straight games.
Grand Saline at Cayuga
Despite what you may have heard, the sky is not falling in Cayuga after the Wildcats' loss to Frankston.
Bottom line, Cayuga lost a game. It was only one game and not the end of the world.
The bigger problem for the Wildcats is on the injury front, where several starters are hurt, but the Wildcats still have some time before the start of district.
As for Friday night, expect to see a different Wildcat squad than a team that turned the ball over four times against Frankston.
As the season continued and the new offensive line keeps working together, Cayuga is going to get better and better, which could be very scary.
Brownsboro at Frankston
The biggest injustice from Frankston defeating Cayuga last week was that the Indians did not receive a single point in the AP poll. Frankston defeated the Class A No. 1 team in the state and got no recognition for it from the AP voters in the state. That is all I am going to say about the voters because I could go on and on about the problems with that poll.
But Frankston is not concerned about the poll, just about its next opponent, Class 3A Brownsboro. Are the Indians going to be able to bring the same kind of intensity as they had last week?
Frankston's defense will be tested against a passing attack from Brownsboro. The Bears return both quarterback and running back and like to use a lot of different screen packages, which could foil the attacking style Indian defense.
Grapeland at Grace Community
While Grace Community may be a TAPPS school, don't let that fool you. Grace Community has played our area schools very well over the last few years including a close game against Grapeland last season. Add to the fact that this year, the game is in Tyler at Grace Community's new stadium and the Cougars will have a lot to play for.
And that should be a good thing for Grapeland. The better competition the Sandies see in non-district play will go a long way in helping Grapeland when it comes to district and the likes of Alto, Cayuga and Overton.
Phoenix Greenville at Oakwood
Maybe one of the toughest things for a coach coming into a week is not knowing anything about the team they are playing. That is the case for Oakwood, who does not have any film on Phoenix Greenville, a team who got a new head coach last week.
Therefore, Oakwood is going to just need to go out Friday night, do what they do best and make adjustments during the game if need be. Sounds like what every team does even if they know everything about their opponent.
Navasota at Palestine
This is the start of four straight games where we really get to see what Palestine is made of. Starting with Navasota, Palestine plays four very tough teams with Van and Class 4As Jacksonville and Kilgore to follow.
Navasota is the most athletic team Palestine has faced so far including scrimmages against Lindale and Henderson and last week's opener against Rusk. The Wildcat defense is going to get tested and how they handle it could be indicative of what will be seen down the line.
Bullard at Westwood
How is Westwood going to respond a week after missing a win by 1 yard when the Panthers' two-point conversion was stopped short of the goal line with 20 seconds left?
Westwood can show its is over last week by coming out quickly both on offense and defense. We saw the Panthers' come out quickly against Chapel Hill (two touchdowns on the first three plays), but the same could not be said for the defense, which allowed an opening drive touchdown. The best thing for the Westwood defense is to make a couple of early stops against a Bullard team who has not played a game yet and has some questions on offense after players moved around from last year's team.
Elkhart at Huntington
Speaking of rebounding from a loss, Elkhart looks to do the same thing, but will have to do it on the road.
After opening up at Malakoff last week, the Elks travel to Huntington Friday night and that is not a fun place to play. While it has been a couple of years since I have covered a game in Huntington, if nothing has changed, visiting fans won't have much room to sit as it will be tight on the visitors side.
If Elkhart can find a way past a Huntington team that has lost 18 straight, then the will be in good shape heading home for two straight games.
Grand Saline at Cayuga
Despite what you may have heard, the sky is not falling in Cayuga after the Wildcats' loss to Frankston.
Bottom line, Cayuga lost a game. It was only one game and not the end of the world.
The bigger problem for the Wildcats is on the injury front, where several starters are hurt, but the Wildcats still have some time before the start of district.
As for Friday night, expect to see a different Wildcat squad than a team that turned the ball over four times against Frankston.
As the season continued and the new offensive line keeps working together, Cayuga is going to get better and better, which could be very scary.
Brownsboro at Frankston
The biggest injustice from Frankston defeating Cayuga last week was that the Indians did not receive a single point in the AP poll. Frankston defeated the Class A No. 1 team in the state and got no recognition for it from the AP voters in the state. That is all I am going to say about the voters because I could go on and on about the problems with that poll.
But Frankston is not concerned about the poll, just about its next opponent, Class 3A Brownsboro. Are the Indians going to be able to bring the same kind of intensity as they had last week?
Frankston's defense will be tested against a passing attack from Brownsboro. The Bears return both quarterback and running back and like to use a lot of different screen packages, which could foil the attacking style Indian defense.
Grapeland at Grace Community
While Grace Community may be a TAPPS school, don't let that fool you. Grace Community has played our area schools very well over the last few years including a close game against Grapeland last season. Add to the fact that this year, the game is in Tyler at Grace Community's new stadium and the Cougars will have a lot to play for.
And that should be a good thing for Grapeland. The better competition the Sandies see in non-district play will go a long way in helping Grapeland when it comes to district and the likes of Alto, Cayuga and Overton.
Phoenix Greenville at Oakwood
Maybe one of the toughest things for a coach coming into a week is not knowing anything about the team they are playing. That is the case for Oakwood, who does not have any film on Phoenix Greenville, a team who got a new head coach last week.
Therefore, Oakwood is going to just need to go out Friday night, do what they do best and make adjustments during the game if need be. Sounds like what every team does even if they know everything about their opponent.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Making a gutsy call
The Westwood coaching staff made a gusty call Friday night against Chapel Hill in the season opener. And it was not the call to go for the two points and a win with about 20 seconds left on the clock.
The two-point conversion call was not a complete surprise. I have seen that call many times at the high school level as the teams want to go for the win instead of trying their luck in overtime. With the way Westwood was moving the ball on offense, it was not a bad call, it just did not work out in the Panthers' favor.
However, the gusty call that did work out in Westwood's favor was the play before the two-point conversion attempt. It was the screen pass that was called on a fourth down and 15 and the Panthers had to get to the 3-yard line for the first down or into the end zone to get within one point.
That was a do or die call because on the screen pass, the ball only travels a few yards and the rest of the play is up to the ball carrier and the blockers trying to get past the line of defensive players protecting the end zone.
The play call ran through my mind while Westwood took its timeout but I waved it out of my head just as quickly as it came in, thinking it was too risky to try. But Westwood did it and Cameron Shead got the screen pass in the middle of the field, turned around and had three defenders that had him in their sights and were ready to attack. But Shead made a quick cut on the damp turf, got the the outside and scampered into the end zone.
If it was not for the risky play call, Westwood never would have had the chance to make the decision to go for two points or not.
The two-point conversion call was not a complete surprise. I have seen that call many times at the high school level as the teams want to go for the win instead of trying their luck in overtime. With the way Westwood was moving the ball on offense, it was not a bad call, it just did not work out in the Panthers' favor.
However, the gusty call that did work out in Westwood's favor was the play before the two-point conversion attempt. It was the screen pass that was called on a fourth down and 15 and the Panthers had to get to the 3-yard line for the first down or into the end zone to get within one point.
That was a do or die call because on the screen pass, the ball only travels a few yards and the rest of the play is up to the ball carrier and the blockers trying to get past the line of defensive players protecting the end zone.
The play call ran through my mind while Westwood took its timeout but I waved it out of my head just as quickly as it came in, thinking it was too risky to try. But Westwood did it and Cameron Shead got the screen pass in the middle of the field, turned around and had three defenders that had him in their sights and were ready to attack. But Shead made a quick cut on the damp turf, got the the outside and scampered into the end zone.
If it was not for the risky play call, Westwood never would have had the chance to make the decision to go for two points or not.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Dogwood Circle Football Magazine
The Dogwood Circle Football Magazine will be hitting the stands on Sunday. The magazine was scheduled to come out on Wednesday, but we got the magazine earlier than expected from the printer so we decided to get it out to the public earlier. Hope you enjoy it.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Six-Man Football
Headed out to Oakwood today on my tour of two-a-day practices in the area and got my first taste of what six-man football is all about. And it has a lot different feel than what I am used to seeing on the football field.
But before I get to that, let me say how nice and courteous the young men at Oakwood were to me. I have the opportunity to sit down and talk to the five seniors on the Panther team and afterwards they thanked me for coming out. Class acts all the way.
As for the six-man football part, I am not sure how to explain it. A mix of the good old days when playing football on the street combined with 7-on-7 football and the a whole lot of hard hitting.
With only six men on both sides of the ball, it makes for an interesting strategy. Watching Oakwood practice, when the offense was on the field, all six players took up an area of a 5 yard by 5 yard box. Oakwood also did some other things in practice, but don't want to give any secrets away since the coaches were kind enough to let me stand around and watch for more than an hour.
I know Oakwood lost two of its top players from last year, but after Tuesday I don't think that will matter much this season. I can tell that the returning players have a great understanding of six-man football and this year the Panthers should make a push for one of the playoff spots.
But before I get to that, let me say how nice and courteous the young men at Oakwood were to me. I have the opportunity to sit down and talk to the five seniors on the Panther team and afterwards they thanked me for coming out. Class acts all the way.
As for the six-man football part, I am not sure how to explain it. A mix of the good old days when playing football on the street combined with 7-on-7 football and the a whole lot of hard hitting.
With only six men on both sides of the ball, it makes for an interesting strategy. Watching Oakwood practice, when the offense was on the field, all six players took up an area of a 5 yard by 5 yard box. Oakwood also did some other things in practice, but don't want to give any secrets away since the coaches were kind enough to let me stand around and watch for more than an hour.
I know Oakwood lost two of its top players from last year, but after Tuesday I don't think that will matter much this season. I can tell that the returning players have a great understanding of six-man football and this year the Panthers should make a push for one of the playoff spots.
Monday, August 3, 2009
First Day of Practice
Got out to the first practices this morning for Westwood and Palestine. This is one of the best days of the year, even if I do have to get up hours before I normally do. It is a new start for every team, no matter what they did last year.
At Westwood, I got there as the team started doing their first individual conditioning workouts. The players had to go from station to station, including rope and ladder drills, agility workout and even running around and over a line of logs. The coaches were working the players hard and it could be seen which guys had been working out this summer and which ones have not. Got to love two-a-days.
Over at Palestine, got there in time to see some team offensive drills. The Wildcats were going through their base offensive formations and plays and looked sharp doing so, even though cannot tell everything until those pads come on and they start hitting on Friday.
Will continue the updates on two-a-day practices as I travel across the Dogwood Circle area this week.
At Westwood, I got there as the team started doing their first individual conditioning workouts. The players had to go from station to station, including rope and ladder drills, agility workout and even running around and over a line of logs. The coaches were working the players hard and it could be seen which guys had been working out this summer and which ones have not. Got to love two-a-days.
Over at Palestine, got there in time to see some team offensive drills. The Wildcats were going through their base offensive formations and plays and looked sharp doing so, even though cannot tell everything until those pads come on and they start hitting on Friday.
Will continue the updates on two-a-day practices as I travel across the Dogwood Circle area this week.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Pitchers needed, inquire with Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers once again enter the second half of the season looking like they are in contention for the AL West crown. And while the Rangers of the past of welted away with the August heat, this year's squad looks like they can be right in the thick of things with the Angels and possibly the Mariners until the end. That is if the Rangers will make a move to their pitching staff.
The downfall of the Rangers could be because of their starting rotation. While the Mariners have the best staff in the West and the Angels staff continues to get healthier, the Rangers starting rotation has been a roller coaster ride.
Kevin Millwood and Scott Feldman have been the two bright spots in the rotation, however neither can be considered a No. 1 ace, which both Los Angeles and Seattle have. Millwood started off the season great and is 12th in the league in ERA but has struggled as of late, losing three of his last four decisions. The worry on Millwood is the innings he already has put on his arm. He has thrown an AL high 130 innings and Millwood has only pitched over 200 innings once in the last five years. Can his arm stand up as the innings continue to mount and the Rangers make a push.
Feldman has had an impressive season, especially after not being two impressive his first four years with the Rangers. Feldman came into this year with seven career wins and a 4.97 ERA. In his second year as a starter, he has already surpassed his career win total (8-2 this season) and has a 3.83 ERA. But Feldman has never pitched 150 innings in a season (he is at 96.1 at the break) and has never pitched in the pennant stretch.
The Rangers also have Vicente Padilla, who has a decent 4.53 ERA but can he get through the rest of the season without another injury. Tommy Hunter has been a nice fill in but he has only started four games, is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA, not enough of a sample to know what the Rangers are going to get the rest of the year. Then the combinations of Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Dustin Nippert have done nothing to really help the winning cause in Texas.
The Rangers need to be players in the trade market for a pitcher if there are any hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in this decade.
The trade market for a pitcher is not very big with so many teams in contention, but there may be some names out there and of course the big one is Roy Halladay, and this is where the Rangers should make a play. First off , Halladay is not just a rental player as he has another year left on his contract. And the Rangers have the farm system to be able to possibly give the Blue Jays enough for the ace. The Rangers may not get the chance to get Halladay, but if they do they cannot balk at it. A few years back, Texas had a chance to get Josh Beckett from the Marlins, but did not want to give up Hank Blalock. How many would make that trade now? The Rangers are going to have to take some risk because they cannot be content to stay where they are and hope their pitching staff will magically get better down the stretch, especially through the hot and humid months of July and August.
The downfall of the Rangers could be because of their starting rotation. While the Mariners have the best staff in the West and the Angels staff continues to get healthier, the Rangers starting rotation has been a roller coaster ride.
Kevin Millwood and Scott Feldman have been the two bright spots in the rotation, however neither can be considered a No. 1 ace, which both Los Angeles and Seattle have. Millwood started off the season great and is 12th in the league in ERA but has struggled as of late, losing three of his last four decisions. The worry on Millwood is the innings he already has put on his arm. He has thrown an AL high 130 innings and Millwood has only pitched over 200 innings once in the last five years. Can his arm stand up as the innings continue to mount and the Rangers make a push.
Feldman has had an impressive season, especially after not being two impressive his first four years with the Rangers. Feldman came into this year with seven career wins and a 4.97 ERA. In his second year as a starter, he has already surpassed his career win total (8-2 this season) and has a 3.83 ERA. But Feldman has never pitched 150 innings in a season (he is at 96.1 at the break) and has never pitched in the pennant stretch.
The Rangers also have Vicente Padilla, who has a decent 4.53 ERA but can he get through the rest of the season without another injury. Tommy Hunter has been a nice fill in but he has only started four games, is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA, not enough of a sample to know what the Rangers are going to get the rest of the year. Then the combinations of Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Dustin Nippert have done nothing to really help the winning cause in Texas.
The Rangers need to be players in the trade market for a pitcher if there are any hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in this decade.
The trade market for a pitcher is not very big with so many teams in contention, but there may be some names out there and of course the big one is Roy Halladay, and this is where the Rangers should make a play. First off , Halladay is not just a rental player as he has another year left on his contract. And the Rangers have the farm system to be able to possibly give the Blue Jays enough for the ace. The Rangers may not get the chance to get Halladay, but if they do they cannot balk at it. A few years back, Texas had a chance to get Josh Beckett from the Marlins, but did not want to give up Hank Blalock. How many would make that trade now? The Rangers are going to have to take some risk because they cannot be content to stay where they are and hope their pitching staff will magically get better down the stretch, especially through the hot and humid months of July and August.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The All-Star blunder
Another installment of the MLB All-Star game tonight and once again, another All-Star blunder by those who run the show at MLB. Like the recent past, this year, the All-Star game "means something", or at least that is what we are trying to be brainwashed with. As we all know, the league that wins the All-Star game gets home field advantage in the World Series - and that is the All-Star blunder for the ages.
No All-Star game should have any impact on the rest of the season. This is suppose to be an exhibition game of the best of the best in the league but there should not be a price tag on the result. But after the "debacle" in Milwaukee in 2002 when the All-Star game finished in a 7-7 tie in 11 innings. The result of the game came from poor managing, where pitches were only used for one inning each and by the 11th, both teams were out of pitchers. But instead of just saying, this was a one time thing and making changes to make sure that a game would not be tied again, like adding more pitching, the brass of MLB decide to do the worst thing possible - make the game mean something.
The game is suppose to mean having fun, seeing Albert Pujols face Roy Halliday and other great matchups. But the problem in both those names and the other top names are going to be out of the game by the fourth inning, meaning they have no bearing on the final results, when it actually means something.
When Pittsburgh's Zach Duke is pitching to Baltimore's Adam Jones late in the game, are either player going to be thinking about, I need to do something so we can host the World Series this year? There are playing late in the game that should not have any bearing on where the World Series is going to be played now having that bearing.
Major League Baseball used to decide who hosted the World Series by switching off each year with NL one year and AL the next. That makes no sense, but it is still better than what we have now.
Take a page from basketball or hockey, the team with the best record hosts the World Series. That is how baseball does it with the divisional and league series, so why not the World Series.
While fans are allowed to vote on who plays in the All-Star game and players do not even go more than two or three innings during the game, than the All-Star game should have no deciding factor on anything to do with the rest of the season.
No All-Star game should have any impact on the rest of the season. This is suppose to be an exhibition game of the best of the best in the league but there should not be a price tag on the result. But after the "debacle" in Milwaukee in 2002 when the All-Star game finished in a 7-7 tie in 11 innings. The result of the game came from poor managing, where pitches were only used for one inning each and by the 11th, both teams were out of pitchers. But instead of just saying, this was a one time thing and making changes to make sure that a game would not be tied again, like adding more pitching, the brass of MLB decide to do the worst thing possible - make the game mean something.
The game is suppose to mean having fun, seeing Albert Pujols face Roy Halliday and other great matchups. But the problem in both those names and the other top names are going to be out of the game by the fourth inning, meaning they have no bearing on the final results, when it actually means something.
When Pittsburgh's Zach Duke is pitching to Baltimore's Adam Jones late in the game, are either player going to be thinking about, I need to do something so we can host the World Series this year? There are playing late in the game that should not have any bearing on where the World Series is going to be played now having that bearing.
Major League Baseball used to decide who hosted the World Series by switching off each year with NL one year and AL the next. That makes no sense, but it is still better than what we have now.
Take a page from basketball or hockey, the team with the best record hosts the World Series. That is how baseball does it with the divisional and league series, so why not the World Series.
While fans are allowed to vote on who plays in the All-Star game and players do not even go more than two or three innings during the game, than the All-Star game should have no deciding factor on anything to do with the rest of the season.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
No snub for Kinsler
Since the All-Star rosters were announced Sunday, there has been a small outcry for the snubbing of Texas Ranger second baseman Ian Kinsler.
While Kinsler still has a shot to be an All-Star depending on how the fans vote for the final spot, he did not deserve to be named to the team. Despite having a stellar start to the season, Kinsler has cooled down considerably and is now the third best second baseman in the American League behind Boston's Dustin Pedroia (who was voted to the All-Star starting lineup) and Aaron Hill (who was picked over Kinsler).
Kinsler got out of the 2009 gates faster than any other player and that is what the outcry is about. During the first month of the season, he was on fire, hitting .322 with seven home runs. During that span, he had a 6-for-6 game against Baltimore and had nine multiple hit games in the month.
But since that time, Kinsler has come back to reality and coming into the series against Seattle, is hitting a season-low .252. After the first month of the season, Kinsler has only eight multiple hit games after having nine in the first month alone.
Pedroia was the opposite of Kinsler, getting off to a slow start, but has been much more consistent than the Ranger second baseman. Pedroia only had five multiple hit games in April, but since then, he has tallied 22 multiple hit games.
Even with Pedroia edging out Kinsler in the fan voting, Toronto's Hill may be the best second baseman in the first half of the season. Hill has a higher batting average and OPS (on base plus slugging percentage) than the other two second baseman and has matched Kinsler in the home run department and trails the Ranger by one RBI.
Maybe it was Hill who got snubbed as he should be the starter for the AL with Pedroia on the bench. But in the end, Kinsler is where he should be, still battling to make the All-Star team.
While Kinsler still has a shot to be an All-Star depending on how the fans vote for the final spot, he did not deserve to be named to the team. Despite having a stellar start to the season, Kinsler has cooled down considerably and is now the third best second baseman in the American League behind Boston's Dustin Pedroia (who was voted to the All-Star starting lineup) and Aaron Hill (who was picked over Kinsler).
Kinsler got out of the 2009 gates faster than any other player and that is what the outcry is about. During the first month of the season, he was on fire, hitting .322 with seven home runs. During that span, he had a 6-for-6 game against Baltimore and had nine multiple hit games in the month.
But since that time, Kinsler has come back to reality and coming into the series against Seattle, is hitting a season-low .252. After the first month of the season, Kinsler has only eight multiple hit games after having nine in the first month alone.
Pedroia was the opposite of Kinsler, getting off to a slow start, but has been much more consistent than the Ranger second baseman. Pedroia only had five multiple hit games in April, but since then, he has tallied 22 multiple hit games.
Even with Pedroia edging out Kinsler in the fan voting, Toronto's Hill may be the best second baseman in the first half of the season. Hill has a higher batting average and OPS (on base plus slugging percentage) than the other two second baseman and has matched Kinsler in the home run department and trails the Ranger by one RBI.
Maybe it was Hill who got snubbed as he should be the starter for the AL with Pedroia on the bench. But in the end, Kinsler is where he should be, still battling to make the All-Star team.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
RIP Saturday and Monday editions
As many already know today was the last publication for the Saturday Herald-Press. Along with deciding to do away with Saturday's editions, the Monday edition also will be gone making the H-P a five-day a week newspaper. It is a sad day, but it is what the higher ups in our company feel needs to be done to help keep our newspaper surviving in these times. Sometimes it is hard to accept change, but we are going to need to because these are the decisions that have been made.
During the last few weeks as word has spread about the change, the main questions I get asked is what is going to happen come football season. With no more Saturday paper, it means no more football stories to read the day after the big games. But while there is no paper, those stories will still be there, just in another form. We will continue to cover the Dogwood Circle football scene as diligently as we have done in the past, but instead of the newspaper, those Friday night stories of your favorite area team, along with area box scores and football scores from around the state will be found on our web site either later on Friday nights or the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Sunday's edition of the Herald-Press will then recap those area games and have follow up stories from some of the top games in the area, giving our readers a more in depth perspective of the games in the area. In addition, we will continue to run area standings and stats and everything else that our readers have become accustomed to seeing during football season.
During the last few weeks as word has spread about the change, the main questions I get asked is what is going to happen come football season. With no more Saturday paper, it means no more football stories to read the day after the big games. But while there is no paper, those stories will still be there, just in another form. We will continue to cover the Dogwood Circle football scene as diligently as we have done in the past, but instead of the newspaper, those Friday night stories of your favorite area team, along with area box scores and football scores from around the state will be found on our web site either later on Friday nights or the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Sunday's edition of the Herald-Press will then recap those area games and have follow up stories from some of the top games in the area, giving our readers a more in depth perspective of the games in the area. In addition, we will continue to run area standings and stats and everything else that our readers have become accustomed to seeing during football season.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Are the Rangers for real - we need to wait to see.
It is a day after Memorial Day and the Rangers are sitting in first place in the American League West, but it is to early to start thinking that Texas can really have the staying power and make a run in the playoffs.
Texas continues to have one of the better offenses in the league and the Rangers have hit more home runs than anyone else in baseball. Ian Kinsler is turning into a super star at second base, even though he has been in a slump that dropped his average from mid 300 to ,278. Michael Young continues to just keep on hitting no matter what position he is playing, Nelson Cruz is turning into a big-time power threat and Hank Blalock is striving in the DH spot. And all this without a healthy Josh Hamilton, who has been in and out of the line up during the early part of the season.
The downfall of the Rangers – the pitching - even looks better this year. The Rangers have been bottom dwellers in the ERA category, but Texas is in the middle of the pack so far in the AL in ERA (4.57).
Kevin Millwood has became the Ranger ace with a 3.12 ERA and the Rangers are getting strong outings from others on the staff including Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy.
While it has been looking good for the Rangers, who took the lead in the AL West by sweeping the Mariners and Angels, there are some troubling signs. The Rangers have struggled against the better teams in the league. They have lost all six games to first-place Detroit, including being swept last week. They lost 2-of-3 to Toronto earlier this year and got creamed by the Yankees 11-1 on Memorial Day. Not the kind of games you want to have if you believe you are a postseason contender.
And the Rangers have several games against top teams coming up. Starting tonight against the Yankees, the Rangers play 15 of their next 19 games against teams that have a combined winning percentage of .600 (Five against New York, three vs. Boston, four vs. Toronto and three vs. Los Angeles Dodgers). The Rangers also have a four-game series this weekend in Oakland.
We will know a little more about just how good the Rangers are come mid June when they get through this stretch.
Texas continues to have one of the better offenses in the league and the Rangers have hit more home runs than anyone else in baseball. Ian Kinsler is turning into a super star at second base, even though he has been in a slump that dropped his average from mid 300 to ,278. Michael Young continues to just keep on hitting no matter what position he is playing, Nelson Cruz is turning into a big-time power threat and Hank Blalock is striving in the DH spot. And all this without a healthy Josh Hamilton, who has been in and out of the line up during the early part of the season.
The downfall of the Rangers – the pitching - even looks better this year. The Rangers have been bottom dwellers in the ERA category, but Texas is in the middle of the pack so far in the AL in ERA (4.57).
Kevin Millwood has became the Ranger ace with a 3.12 ERA and the Rangers are getting strong outings from others on the staff including Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy.
While it has been looking good for the Rangers, who took the lead in the AL West by sweeping the Mariners and Angels, there are some troubling signs. The Rangers have struggled against the better teams in the league. They have lost all six games to first-place Detroit, including being swept last week. They lost 2-of-3 to Toronto earlier this year and got creamed by the Yankees 11-1 on Memorial Day. Not the kind of games you want to have if you believe you are a postseason contender.
And the Rangers have several games against top teams coming up. Starting tonight against the Yankees, the Rangers play 15 of their next 19 games against teams that have a combined winning percentage of .600 (Five against New York, three vs. Boston, four vs. Toronto and three vs. Los Angeles Dodgers). The Rangers also have a four-game series this weekend in Oakland.
We will know a little more about just how good the Rangers are come mid June when they get through this stretch.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Michael Vick - Do we really care?
Just turn on Sports Center or look on sports web sites and one of the top stories is former Atlanta Falcon quarterback and convicted felon Michael Vick being released from federal prison and going back to his home, where he is under house arrest for the last part of his sentence for dog fighting.
Why do we care? Why do we want that to be the first story we see? Does it matter that he got out of prison? Do we really want to know what he is going to do his first day at home? (That actually was one of the questions the ESPN reporter on site at Vick's home reported on). Who cares? I know I don't care but am I the only one?
It is said that news reporters only report on what the public wants to hear. If people did not want to hear about the MLB player who is cheating on his wife, then they would not report about it. If people were not interested about the NBA player who is caught with a concealed weapon then nothing would be on Sports Center about it. But most people don't want to hear about that stuff, they want to know about actually sporting events, what is going on the field, not off of it. But all we get is non-stop coverage of off the field problems.
Do we really need to know or even care what time Michael Vick got out of prison and if he was going to fly home or drive? But at the top of each hour, that was what was being reported. Instead I want to see highlights of the Nuggets-Lakers game one Western Conference Final and here insight from the game. But what, lets first go to Virginia and find out what Michael Vick is going to eat this morning at his house.
Michael Vick committed a crime and he is getting more air time and print now then when he was with the Falcons. News outlets need to start covering what is one the field and not off the field because we don't want to hear about it.
The next time I want to hear Michael Vick's name is when he is actually playing on an NFL football team and not what is job is going to be for the next two months and what size of ankle bracelet he has to wear.
Why do we care? Why do we want that to be the first story we see? Does it matter that he got out of prison? Do we really want to know what he is going to do his first day at home? (That actually was one of the questions the ESPN reporter on site at Vick's home reported on). Who cares? I know I don't care but am I the only one?
It is said that news reporters only report on what the public wants to hear. If people did not want to hear about the MLB player who is cheating on his wife, then they would not report about it. If people were not interested about the NBA player who is caught with a concealed weapon then nothing would be on Sports Center about it. But most people don't want to hear about that stuff, they want to know about actually sporting events, what is going on the field, not off of it. But all we get is non-stop coverage of off the field problems.
Do we really need to know or even care what time Michael Vick got out of prison and if he was going to fly home or drive? But at the top of each hour, that was what was being reported. Instead I want to see highlights of the Nuggets-Lakers game one Western Conference Final and here insight from the game. But what, lets first go to Virginia and find out what Michael Vick is going to eat this morning at his house.
Michael Vick committed a crime and he is getting more air time and print now then when he was with the Falcons. News outlets need to start covering what is one the field and not off the field because we don't want to hear about it.
The next time I want to hear Michael Vick's name is when he is actually playing on an NFL football team and not what is job is going to be for the next two months and what size of ankle bracelet he has to wear.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Could Favre make the Vikings better?
While nothing is official, there are rumors that the Minnesota Vikings want to talk to quarterback Brett Favre. Nothing has been done and nothing may happen, but it is an interesting thought, could Favre make the Vikings better?
Minnesota has the best running back in football. In two seasons, Adrian Peterson has cemented himself at the top of the league and every defense in the NFL are doing everything possible to stop the Palestine High School graduate. With defenses geared to stop Peterson at all means, that opens up the passing game which is where a Favre could be dangerous.
If Favre could come into Minnesota and not try to be a hero on every play, be a second fiddle to Peterson, then the Viking offense would be very dangerous. With defenses putting seven to eight players in the box to stop Peterson, putting one-on-one coverage on the wide receivers, Favre has the arm and the experience to do some damage, something last year's starter Tavaris Jackson seemed to struggle with a lot.
And if Minnesota can get a passing game going, that would loosen up the defense and give Peterson more running room. We have seen the kind of runs Peterson can have with eight in the box, just image what it would be like with less players crowding the line of scrimmage.
The problem with Favre could be ego. He would have to come into Minnesota and not try to make the big plays all the time but looking at Favre's past, can he really do that? Can he sit back and had the ball of 20 to 25 times and make the throws when need be, or would he try to be that gun slinger who wants to throw it 40 yards down field in double coverage?
Minnesota has the best running back in football. In two seasons, Adrian Peterson has cemented himself at the top of the league and every defense in the NFL are doing everything possible to stop the Palestine High School graduate. With defenses geared to stop Peterson at all means, that opens up the passing game which is where a Favre could be dangerous.
If Favre could come into Minnesota and not try to be a hero on every play, be a second fiddle to Peterson, then the Viking offense would be very dangerous. With defenses putting seven to eight players in the box to stop Peterson, putting one-on-one coverage on the wide receivers, Favre has the arm and the experience to do some damage, something last year's starter Tavaris Jackson seemed to struggle with a lot.
And if Minnesota can get a passing game going, that would loosen up the defense and give Peterson more running room. We have seen the kind of runs Peterson can have with eight in the box, just image what it would be like with less players crowding the line of scrimmage.
The problem with Favre could be ego. He would have to come into Minnesota and not try to make the big plays all the time but looking at Favre's past, can he really do that? Can he sit back and had the ball of 20 to 25 times and make the throws when need be, or would he try to be that gun slinger who wants to throw it 40 yards down field in double coverage?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Thoughts on Hockey
I am not much of a hockey fan. Grew up in California when hockey was just starting to grow with the likes of Wayne Gretzky playing for the L.A. Kings. But while I may have watched a few games and even have been to a few hockey games (including one game in which we had seats that we could not see one of the goals, probably why I never got into the sport).
But despite that, hockey players have the most athletic talent than any players in any other of the major sports. Just think about it, hockey players have the toughness of football players, the agility of basketball players and the hand-eye coordination of baseball players. Take all that and then remember, hockey players do all that on a sheet of ice.
While I may not care too much about hockey, I have to respect how good these players are.
But despite that, hockey players have the most athletic talent than any players in any other of the major sports. Just think about it, hockey players have the toughness of football players, the agility of basketball players and the hand-eye coordination of baseball players. Take all that and then remember, hockey players do all that on a sheet of ice.
While I may not care too much about hockey, I have to respect how good these players are.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The right decision
The University Interscholastic League finally made the right decision Thursday when it found a way to have the regional track meets after saying those events would be cancelled Wednesday when the UIL first made its announcement of the postponement of events due to the swine flu outbreak.
The UIL seemed to act a little to hastily on Friday with the announcement that the regional track meets would be cancelled and the state track meet would have semifinal heats with the four top times from each region. The UIL needed to step back, say the events would be postponed and make a decision in the next couple of days on how the regional and state meets would be handled.
But because the UIL made the initial statement that regional meets would be cancelled, it caused panic and chaos throughout the high school track circuit and started lots of complaints. With the UIL going back and making the change because of these complaints, it makes the UIL look a little weak and during these times, that is the last thing we need is to have a system in place running the show that does not seem to know what is going on.
While it was the right decision to cancel upcoming events, the UIL made the mistake of trying to have all the answers at once and not stepping back and figuring out what the right solution is.
The UIL seemed to act a little to hastily on Friday with the announcement that the regional track meets would be cancelled and the state track meet would have semifinal heats with the four top times from each region. The UIL needed to step back, say the events would be postponed and make a decision in the next couple of days on how the regional and state meets would be handled.
But because the UIL made the initial statement that regional meets would be cancelled, it caused panic and chaos throughout the high school track circuit and started lots of complaints. With the UIL going back and making the change because of these complaints, it makes the UIL look a little weak and during these times, that is the last thing we need is to have a system in place running the show that does not seem to know what is going on.
While it was the right decision to cancel upcoming events, the UIL made the mistake of trying to have all the answers at once and not stepping back and figuring out what the right solution is.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Breaking news out of the UIL
According to the Associated Press, the University Interscholastic League has decided to postpone all competition - athletic and academic - until May 11 because of the swine flu outbreak.
Here is the story that just ran on the AP:AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas officials are postponing all high school athletic competition until May 11 because of the swine flu outbreak.
The move suspends the baseball season and eliminates the regional track championships, said University Interscholastic League Executive Director Charles Breithaupt. He said UIL officials acted on the recommendation of public health officials.
The state golf and tennis championships are scheduled to begin May 11.
The state track meet, one of the largest high school track and field competitions in the country, remains scheduled for May 13-14. But it will require shuffling the schedule significantly.
All UIL academic competitions are postponed as well.
This affects a lot of Dogwood Circle sports, including bi-district playoff softball games on Friday night and regional track meets this weekend. No information is known on how this will be dealt with but I will update as soon as I find out.
Here is the story that just ran on the AP:AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas officials are postponing all high school athletic competition until May 11 because of the swine flu outbreak.
The move suspends the baseball season and eliminates the regional track championships, said University Interscholastic League Executive Director Charles Breithaupt. He said UIL officials acted on the recommendation of public health officials.
The state golf and tennis championships are scheduled to begin May 11.
The state track meet, one of the largest high school track and field competitions in the country, remains scheduled for May 13-14. But it will require shuffling the schedule significantly.
All UIL academic competitions are postponed as well.
This affects a lot of Dogwood Circle sports, including bi-district playoff softball games on Friday night and regional track meets this weekend. No information is known on how this will be dealt with but I will update as soon as I find out.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Dogwood Circle Basketball Teams
The Dogwood Circle basketball teams will be announced in the next two Sunday's editions of the Palestine Herald-Press. The girls' team will be named Sunday and the boys' team will be named next Sunday.
This was one of the hardest years we have had selecting this team because of the talent that was throughout the Dogwood Circle.
There have been years that I have sat down and in minutes can pick the team. But it should not be a surprise this year because of the type of season we saw in the area that there would be some many that deserve to make the team. I struggled this year, going back and forth, trying to find ways to get as many deserving players as much recognition as possible. But when it comes down to it, like any other post season team, there are only so many spots that you can have. So at some point, tough decision needed to be made and I feel like our Dogwood Circle team represents the best of the best in our area.
This was one of the hardest years we have had selecting this team because of the talent that was throughout the Dogwood Circle.
There have been years that I have sat down and in minutes can pick the team. But it should not be a surprise this year because of the type of season we saw in the area that there would be some many that deserve to make the team. I struggled this year, going back and forth, trying to find ways to get as many deserving players as much recognition as possible. But when it comes down to it, like any other post season team, there are only so many spots that you can have. So at some point, tough decision needed to be made and I feel like our Dogwood Circle team represents the best of the best in our area.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Life Without Sports (Or at least a weekend)
Do you think you can go a weekend without sports? That means no catching a glimpse of a sporting event on TV (even highlights), checking up on a score online or picking up a newspaper and reading a story on the game the previous night.
That was my life this past weekend and until late Sunday night I did not even realize I had done that. My life seems to be dedicated to sports and I cannot remember going 24 hours without at least flipping through the channels to see a game or getting online to check what my baseball team did.
But this weekend, it was not about sports and it felt kind of good. It helped that I was very distracted and did not have the easiest means to get my sports fix.
My wife and I moved into our new house this weekend. We did not have cable hookup — it was turned off at the old house on Friday and connected at the new house Monday — so no Sports Center this weekend. There also was no computer being opened up or newspaper being read.
However, our weekend had plenty of excitement that would rival any sporting event.
We had serious drama – a small attic fire in the old house on the first morning of our move. We were blessed as no one got hurt and there was very little damage. Got to give major props to the Palestine fire department for getting the fire under control very quickly.
There was strength and muscle being used — There was a lot of heavy lifting going on during the two days. I never realized how much stuff my wife and I have. It seemed like after we moved one load, we went back to the old house and there was more stuff to move. The toughest things to move were the BBQ grill and the full-size coach.
Satisfaction and enjoyment at the end — Know that feeling you have when your team wins a game, that is how I felt Sunday night after everything had been moved in. It was a sense of relief to be finished but also a fullfillment of joy being in our new house.
That was my life this past weekend and until late Sunday night I did not even realize I had done that. My life seems to be dedicated to sports and I cannot remember going 24 hours without at least flipping through the channels to see a game or getting online to check what my baseball team did.
But this weekend, it was not about sports and it felt kind of good. It helped that I was very distracted and did not have the easiest means to get my sports fix.
My wife and I moved into our new house this weekend. We did not have cable hookup — it was turned off at the old house on Friday and connected at the new house Monday — so no Sports Center this weekend. There also was no computer being opened up or newspaper being read.
However, our weekend had plenty of excitement that would rival any sporting event.
We had serious drama – a small attic fire in the old house on the first morning of our move. We were blessed as no one got hurt and there was very little damage. Got to give major props to the Palestine fire department for getting the fire under control very quickly.
There was strength and muscle being used — There was a lot of heavy lifting going on during the two days. I never realized how much stuff my wife and I have. It seemed like after we moved one load, we went back to the old house and there was more stuff to move. The toughest things to move were the BBQ grill and the full-size coach.
Satisfaction and enjoyment at the end — Know that feeling you have when your team wins a game, that is how I felt Sunday night after everything had been moved in. It was a sense of relief to be finished but also a fullfillment of joy being in our new house.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tourney Time
I am a little late doing this but due to some R&R the last couple of days, I have not been able to get my bracket posted before the tournament started. The first day went pretty well for me, but that is usually how it goes. I do well the first day, start thinking that I have it all figured out and then my bracket starts to bust open the second day. Here is how my bracket looks from the first day of action down to my national championship. I will keep updating my blog after each round with my wins and losses and thoughts on the tournament.
First Round
Thursday
The only game I got wrong was Butler against LSU. I went with Butler, not a good move. I know that Maryland, Michagan and Western Kentucky (which was my 12 over 5 pick, because there is always one of those) were techincally upsets but I thought those three were the easy upsets to pick in the bracket. I did not go with the popular upset choice of VCU over UCLA and in the final minute of that game, I thought I was wrong but somehow the Bruins decided to play defense for the last possession after not playing any for the final five minutes.
So after the first day, I have Louisville, Connecticut, Texas A&M, Purdue, Washington, Maryland, Memphis, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Western Kentuck, Gonzaga, Michigan and Oklahoma.
After the first day, I still have all my sweet 16 teams alive, but that does not say much.
Here is my bracket for the rest of the tournament:
Midwest Region
Second Day:
Ohio State over Siena
Utah over Arizona (For those who don't know, UA is my arch enemy as I am a proud alumn of ASU, more on that later in the South region)
Wake Forest over Cleveland State
West Virgina over Kansas
USC over Boston College (My upset not only of the day but USC is my surprise team of the tournament)
Michigan State over Robert Morris
Second Round (my picks to make the Sweet 16)
Louisville over Ohio State
Wake Forest over Utah
Kansas over West Virginia
USC over Michigan State (I can see my bracket falling apart about now)
Sweet 16 Round
Wake Forest over Louisville
Kansas over USC
Regional Final
Wake Forest over Kansas (In the past, when I pick against Wake Forest, they win and when I pick Wake Forest they loss, lets see if fortune changes)
West Region
Second Day
Marquette over Missouri
Second Round (To reach Sweet 16)
Connecticut over Texas A&M
Washington over Purdue
Missouri over Marquette
Memphis over Maryland
Sweet 16 Round
Connecticut over Washington (At least I think one Huskie squad will be heading to the regional finals)
Memphis over Missouri
Regional Finals
Memphis over Connecticut (For the second region in a row, the No. 1 seed is going down. But this pick is very shaky after the kind of game Memphis had Thursday afternoon).
East Region
Second Day
Pittsburgh over E. Tenn. St
Tennessee over Oklahoma State (These are the type of 8 vs 9 games that I just flip a coin)
Wisconsin over Florida State (My second of the 12 over 5 picks. Do not feel real good about this pick, but I always take two 12 over 5 picks to cover my basics and we already had a 12 over 5 upset with Western Kentucky).
Xavier over Portland State
Second Round (On the way to the Sweet 16)
Pittsburgh over Tennesee
Xavier over Wisconsin
UCLA over Villanova (Can you start to see my Pac 10 bais)
Duke over Texas (Even though I really considered Texas. I have always liked Duke, but they have been so over rated the last number of years)
Sweet 16 round
Pittsburgh over Xavier
UCLA over Duke (See above posts on Pac 10 and Duke)
Regional Finals
Pittsburgh over UCLA (my first No. 1 seed to reach final four)
South Region
Second Day
Arizona State over Temple
Syracuse over Stephen F. Austin State University
(Before I go on with my picks, let me get sidetracked for a couple of seconds on these two games. Like I said before, I am a graduate of ASU, so go Sun Devils. My wife is a graduate of SFA so we have a potential ASU-SFA matchup in the second round which means the Tyler house may not be very pleasant come Sunday. However, there is a problem and that is Syracuse. Don't really think the Lumberjacks have much of a chance, sorry sweety. Then again, I have that deep don gut feeling that ASU not going to be playing Sunday as well, but I will be making those picks with my heart and not my head.)
Second Round (Sweet 16 here we come)
North Carolina over Butler (actually it would now be LSU)
Western Kentucky over Gonzaga
ASU over Syracuse (Again heart over head)
Oklahoma over Michigan
Sweet 16 Round
North Carolina over Western Kentucky
Oklahoma over ASU (This is when the head takes over against the heart. If ASU makes it this far, will be rooting all for the Sun Devils, but have no idea how they stop Blake Griffin.)
Regional Finals
North Carolina over Oklahoma (I am making the North Carolina pick based on Ty Lawson finally coming back. If he does not, my bracket is over)
Final Four
Memphis over Wake Forest
North Carolina over Pittsburgh
National Championship
Memphis over North Carolina
National Champs
Memphis
First Round
Thursday
The only game I got wrong was Butler against LSU. I went with Butler, not a good move. I know that Maryland, Michagan and Western Kentucky (which was my 12 over 5 pick, because there is always one of those) were techincally upsets but I thought those three were the easy upsets to pick in the bracket. I did not go with the popular upset choice of VCU over UCLA and in the final minute of that game, I thought I was wrong but somehow the Bruins decided to play defense for the last possession after not playing any for the final five minutes.
So after the first day, I have Louisville, Connecticut, Texas A&M, Purdue, Washington, Maryland, Memphis, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke, North Carolina, Western Kentuck, Gonzaga, Michigan and Oklahoma.
After the first day, I still have all my sweet 16 teams alive, but that does not say much.
Here is my bracket for the rest of the tournament:
Midwest Region
Second Day:
Ohio State over Siena
Utah over Arizona (For those who don't know, UA is my arch enemy as I am a proud alumn of ASU, more on that later in the South region)
Wake Forest over Cleveland State
West Virgina over Kansas
USC over Boston College (My upset not only of the day but USC is my surprise team of the tournament)
Michigan State over Robert Morris
Second Round (my picks to make the Sweet 16)
Louisville over Ohio State
Wake Forest over Utah
Kansas over West Virginia
USC over Michigan State (I can see my bracket falling apart about now)
Sweet 16 Round
Wake Forest over Louisville
Kansas over USC
Regional Final
Wake Forest over Kansas (In the past, when I pick against Wake Forest, they win and when I pick Wake Forest they loss, lets see if fortune changes)
West Region
Second Day
Marquette over Missouri
Second Round (To reach Sweet 16)
Connecticut over Texas A&M
Washington over Purdue
Missouri over Marquette
Memphis over Maryland
Sweet 16 Round
Connecticut over Washington (At least I think one Huskie squad will be heading to the regional finals)
Memphis over Missouri
Regional Finals
Memphis over Connecticut (For the second region in a row, the No. 1 seed is going down. But this pick is very shaky after the kind of game Memphis had Thursday afternoon).
East Region
Second Day
Pittsburgh over E. Tenn. St
Tennessee over Oklahoma State (These are the type of 8 vs 9 games that I just flip a coin)
Wisconsin over Florida State (My second of the 12 over 5 picks. Do not feel real good about this pick, but I always take two 12 over 5 picks to cover my basics and we already had a 12 over 5 upset with Western Kentucky).
Xavier over Portland State
Second Round (On the way to the Sweet 16)
Pittsburgh over Tennesee
Xavier over Wisconsin
UCLA over Villanova (Can you start to see my Pac 10 bais)
Duke over Texas (Even though I really considered Texas. I have always liked Duke, but they have been so over rated the last number of years)
Sweet 16 round
Pittsburgh over Xavier
UCLA over Duke (See above posts on Pac 10 and Duke)
Regional Finals
Pittsburgh over UCLA (my first No. 1 seed to reach final four)
South Region
Second Day
Arizona State over Temple
Syracuse over Stephen F. Austin State University
(Before I go on with my picks, let me get sidetracked for a couple of seconds on these two games. Like I said before, I am a graduate of ASU, so go Sun Devils. My wife is a graduate of SFA so we have a potential ASU-SFA matchup in the second round which means the Tyler house may not be very pleasant come Sunday. However, there is a problem and that is Syracuse. Don't really think the Lumberjacks have much of a chance, sorry sweety. Then again, I have that deep don gut feeling that ASU not going to be playing Sunday as well, but I will be making those picks with my heart and not my head.)
Second Round (Sweet 16 here we come)
North Carolina over Butler (actually it would now be LSU)
Western Kentucky over Gonzaga
ASU over Syracuse (Again heart over head)
Oklahoma over Michigan
Sweet 16 Round
North Carolina over Western Kentucky
Oklahoma over ASU (This is when the head takes over against the heart. If ASU makes it this far, will be rooting all for the Sun Devils, but have no idea how they stop Blake Griffin.)
Regional Finals
North Carolina over Oklahoma (I am making the North Carolina pick based on Ty Lawson finally coming back. If he does not, my bracket is over)
Final Four
Memphis over Wake Forest
North Carolina over Pittsburgh
National Championship
Memphis over North Carolina
National Champs
Memphis
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Slocum vs Nazareth, Class A, Division II state finals
SLOCUM STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!
Fourth Quarter
32 sec - The bench has come in for Slocum as this one looks to be over.
Fourth Quarter
55 seconds - Slocum looks like they are going to be winning a state championship - the first for the boys' program. Lane at the line and makes two more free throws and Slocum leads 43-27
Fourth Quarter
1:29 - Jared Lane goes back to free-throw line and he makes both and Slocum leads 40-23. Lane having MVP type game with 20 points.
Fourth Quarter
1:41 - Slocum calls a timeout as Steven Prater gets caught in back court. Mustangs lead 38-23 and while there is still time left, it looks to pretty much over unless a miracle happens.
Fourth Quarter
Nazareth not fouling a Slocum just running ball around and running clock. Runs 30 seconds off before Swifts finally foul Jared Lane. He misses first but Slocum still leads 38-23.
Fourth Quarter
2:52 - Brody Sizemore hits FT and Slocum leads 38-21. Nazareth starting to foul when Slocum gets ball.
Fourth Quarter
3:08 - Timeout Nazareth, one more left. Slocum's Brody Sizemore gets fouled and misses first of two before timeout called. Mustangs still lead 37-21. Slocum already showing signs of slowing ball down and with way they shot free throws in the semifinal game, if they do it again tonight, they will have a state title.
Fourth Quarter
4:10 - Offensive foul by Nazareth. With just over four minutes to play, what time does Slocum start slowing down.
Fourth Quarter
4:40 - Nazareth has had ball for minute, put up multiple shots, could not score and Brody Sizemore gets steal. Lead still 37-21
Fourth Quarter
5:39 - Logan Foster gets three pointer to roll in and Slocum leads 37-21. First player other than Lane and Thomason to score.
Fourth Quarter
6:28 - Jared Lane hits back to back three pointers and Slocum leads 34-18. What a time for the leader of this Mustang team to nail two daggers. He has 18 points on the night and has five three pointers. Slocum needs to play tough defense, limit it to one shot and not turn ball over.
Fourth Quarter
Slocum extends lead to 10 points on two Steven Prater free throws.
End Third Quarter
At buzzer Randall Thomason gets a layup and Slocum extends lead to 26-18 with eight minutes left for a state championship. Slocum has to take care of basketball, had five straight turnovers at one point in third quarter. Nazareth continues to struggle from field, 6-33 (18 percent)
Third Quarter
:59 - Finally Slocum does not turn ball over and good things happen, Lane three pointer and Slocum leads 24-18
Third Quarter
1:435- Four straight turnovers by Slocum but Nazareth turns it right back.
Third Quarter
2:02 - Slocum timeout. Swifts just hit a three pointer and cut the lead to 21-18. Slocum has to get it figured out on offense and not turn ball over. 11 turnovers for game and three straight.
Third Quarter
2:23 - And the sixth team foul for Slocum, Nazareth shooting free throws for rest of game. Only place they seams to be consistent is from free-throw line.
Third Quarter
2:39 - Another turnover - three straight - and another foul on Slocum, five team fouls.
Third Quarter
3:43 - Two straight turnovers for Slocum and Nazareth cuts the lead to 21-15 and Mustangs have picked up four team fouls.
Third Quarter
5:18 - Randall Thomason scores four straight and Slocum leads 21-13.
Third Quarter
6:38 - Brody Sizemore picks up fourth foul going after a rebound. Slocum leads 17-13 as Kendell Redd heads into game. No body else for Slocum in foul trouble.
Halftime
Slocum leads 17-11 at the half. Not much scoring in this one. Slocum used most of the final minute for a shot, which Jared Lane missed a three pointer. Nazareth had one last shot, but missed as the Swifts tried to drive to the basket. Missing has been the name of the game for Nazareth in the first half. The Swifts are 3-23 shooting, including 0-5 from the free-throw line. Nazareth is trying to drive to the basket and get a foul called, but the rests are allowing both teams to play. Other than the first could of minutes, Slocum has done a solid job on blocking out and limiting Nazareth to one opportunity each time. The Mustangs need to continue doing that in the second half and they have to cut down the turnovers. Slocum turned the ball over eight times, many coming of of passes that they are trying to thread through the middle inside the lane. Lane and Thomason are the only two players to score for Slocum. Lane has nine points and Thomason has eight points. Not sure if Slocum can win if that continues, but we have seen stranger things.
Second Quarter
2:03 - It has been Jared Lane and Randall Thomason for the Mustangs. Thomason hits another jumper for his 8th point and Nazareth just hits 2 FTs. Slocum leads 17-11
Second Quarter
3:19 - Nazareth full timeout. Jared Lane hit a jumper from free-throw line for 15-7 lead and then blocks a shot at the other end. Lane misses a three pointer and Nazareth calls the timeout after a Swift player got trapped in the corner. Nazareth now is shooting 3-20 on the night. If the Swifts continue to shoot like that, Slocum must block out and not allow multiple attempts.
Second Quarter
3:58 - Randall Thomason another putback and Slocum leads 13-7.
Second Quarter
4:49 - Slocum picks up two quick fouls including third on Brody Sizemore. Still 11-7
Second Quarter
5:18: Slocum leads 11-7 as neither team is shooting very well, Slocum 4-12 and Nazareth 3-19. Mustangs hurting selfs with turnovers on offense, trying to throw passes in to tight of areas.
End First Quarter
Slocum gets a last second shot when Randall Thomason grabs an offensive rebound and hits a mid-range floater from baseline to give Slocum an 11-5 lead. Nazareth struggling from the floor, shooting 2-for-13 in the first quarter while Slocum was 4-for-11. Slocum has to make sure they keep Nazareth off the offensive boards, it looks to be what the Swifts try to do, put up a shot and crash the boards.
First Quarter
2:30 - Nazareth timeout. Randall Thomason on a curl gets a layup and Slocum leads 9-3. Mustags have tightened the screws on defense and have outscored Nazareth 9-0. Slocum's Brody Sizemore did pick up his second foul and Kendell Redd now is in the game.
First Quarter
4:17 - Jared Lane now gets inside and gets fouled for Nazareth's third foul. Lane makes one FT and Slocum leads 7-3 early on.
First Quarter
4:44 - Jared Lane another three pointer and Slocum leads 6-3.
First Quarter
5:33 - Jared Lane three pointer to tie game at 3-3. Needs big game for Slocum to win
First Quarter
6:07 - Early on it has been offensive rebounding for Nazareth, who has three points, (3-0 lead) all coming after getting offensive rebounds. Slocum is going to have to block out.
Pregame
After a long season, many and many hours dedicated to basketball, it all comes down to one game for the Slocum Mustangs, who are preparing to face Nazareth for the state title in Austin. Slocum has a record of 28-8 and Nazareth has a record of 24-12. Again, for the Mustangs, they play another team who is very familiar to Austin. After defeating reigning state champion Laneville in the regional finals, Slocum topped Lipan, who has been to the state tournament nine times, Friday in the semifinals. Now it is Nazareth, who may be considered the elite of the Class A teams with 13 state tournament trips. These teams look to match up well, and experience at state should not be a problem for Slocum from indications of how the Mustangs played at regionals and Friday in their first game at the Erwin Center.
Starters for Slocum are Logan Foster, Steven Prater, Brody Sizemore, Jared Lane and Randall Thomason.
Starters for Nazareth are Sage Black, Nicky Rowland, Clint Huseman, Cluck Brennan and Sid Sheffy.
Fourth Quarter
32 sec - The bench has come in for Slocum as this one looks to be over.
Fourth Quarter
55 seconds - Slocum looks like they are going to be winning a state championship - the first for the boys' program. Lane at the line and makes two more free throws and Slocum leads 43-27
Fourth Quarter
1:29 - Jared Lane goes back to free-throw line and he makes both and Slocum leads 40-23. Lane having MVP type game with 20 points.
Fourth Quarter
1:41 - Slocum calls a timeout as Steven Prater gets caught in back court. Mustangs lead 38-23 and while there is still time left, it looks to pretty much over unless a miracle happens.
Fourth Quarter
Nazareth not fouling a Slocum just running ball around and running clock. Runs 30 seconds off before Swifts finally foul Jared Lane. He misses first but Slocum still leads 38-23.
Fourth Quarter
2:52 - Brody Sizemore hits FT and Slocum leads 38-21. Nazareth starting to foul when Slocum gets ball.
Fourth Quarter
3:08 - Timeout Nazareth, one more left. Slocum's Brody Sizemore gets fouled and misses first of two before timeout called. Mustangs still lead 37-21. Slocum already showing signs of slowing ball down and with way they shot free throws in the semifinal game, if they do it again tonight, they will have a state title.
Fourth Quarter
4:10 - Offensive foul by Nazareth. With just over four minutes to play, what time does Slocum start slowing down.
Fourth Quarter
4:40 - Nazareth has had ball for minute, put up multiple shots, could not score and Brody Sizemore gets steal. Lead still 37-21
Fourth Quarter
5:39 - Logan Foster gets three pointer to roll in and Slocum leads 37-21. First player other than Lane and Thomason to score.
Fourth Quarter
6:28 - Jared Lane hits back to back three pointers and Slocum leads 34-18. What a time for the leader of this Mustang team to nail two daggers. He has 18 points on the night and has five three pointers. Slocum needs to play tough defense, limit it to one shot and not turn ball over.
Fourth Quarter
Slocum extends lead to 10 points on two Steven Prater free throws.
End Third Quarter
At buzzer Randall Thomason gets a layup and Slocum extends lead to 26-18 with eight minutes left for a state championship. Slocum has to take care of basketball, had five straight turnovers at one point in third quarter. Nazareth continues to struggle from field, 6-33 (18 percent)
Third Quarter
:59 - Finally Slocum does not turn ball over and good things happen, Lane three pointer and Slocum leads 24-18
Third Quarter
1:435- Four straight turnovers by Slocum but Nazareth turns it right back.
Third Quarter
2:02 - Slocum timeout. Swifts just hit a three pointer and cut the lead to 21-18. Slocum has to get it figured out on offense and not turn ball over. 11 turnovers for game and three straight.
Third Quarter
2:23 - And the sixth team foul for Slocum, Nazareth shooting free throws for rest of game. Only place they seams to be consistent is from free-throw line.
Third Quarter
2:39 - Another turnover - three straight - and another foul on Slocum, five team fouls.
Third Quarter
3:43 - Two straight turnovers for Slocum and Nazareth cuts the lead to 21-15 and Mustangs have picked up four team fouls.
Third Quarter
5:18 - Randall Thomason scores four straight and Slocum leads 21-13.
Third Quarter
6:38 - Brody Sizemore picks up fourth foul going after a rebound. Slocum leads 17-13 as Kendell Redd heads into game. No body else for Slocum in foul trouble.
Halftime
Slocum leads 17-11 at the half. Not much scoring in this one. Slocum used most of the final minute for a shot, which Jared Lane missed a three pointer. Nazareth had one last shot, but missed as the Swifts tried to drive to the basket. Missing has been the name of the game for Nazareth in the first half. The Swifts are 3-23 shooting, including 0-5 from the free-throw line. Nazareth is trying to drive to the basket and get a foul called, but the rests are allowing both teams to play. Other than the first could of minutes, Slocum has done a solid job on blocking out and limiting Nazareth to one opportunity each time. The Mustangs need to continue doing that in the second half and they have to cut down the turnovers. Slocum turned the ball over eight times, many coming of of passes that they are trying to thread through the middle inside the lane. Lane and Thomason are the only two players to score for Slocum. Lane has nine points and Thomason has eight points. Not sure if Slocum can win if that continues, but we have seen stranger things.
Second Quarter
2:03 - It has been Jared Lane and Randall Thomason for the Mustangs. Thomason hits another jumper for his 8th point and Nazareth just hits 2 FTs. Slocum leads 17-11
Second Quarter
3:19 - Nazareth full timeout. Jared Lane hit a jumper from free-throw line for 15-7 lead and then blocks a shot at the other end. Lane misses a three pointer and Nazareth calls the timeout after a Swift player got trapped in the corner. Nazareth now is shooting 3-20 on the night. If the Swifts continue to shoot like that, Slocum must block out and not allow multiple attempts.
Second Quarter
3:58 - Randall Thomason another putback and Slocum leads 13-7.
Second Quarter
4:49 - Slocum picks up two quick fouls including third on Brody Sizemore. Still 11-7
Second Quarter
5:18: Slocum leads 11-7 as neither team is shooting very well, Slocum 4-12 and Nazareth 3-19. Mustangs hurting selfs with turnovers on offense, trying to throw passes in to tight of areas.
End First Quarter
Slocum gets a last second shot when Randall Thomason grabs an offensive rebound and hits a mid-range floater from baseline to give Slocum an 11-5 lead. Nazareth struggling from the floor, shooting 2-for-13 in the first quarter while Slocum was 4-for-11. Slocum has to make sure they keep Nazareth off the offensive boards, it looks to be what the Swifts try to do, put up a shot and crash the boards.
First Quarter
2:30 - Nazareth timeout. Randall Thomason on a curl gets a layup and Slocum leads 9-3. Mustags have tightened the screws on defense and have outscored Nazareth 9-0. Slocum's Brody Sizemore did pick up his second foul and Kendell Redd now is in the game.
First Quarter
4:17 - Jared Lane now gets inside and gets fouled for Nazareth's third foul. Lane makes one FT and Slocum leads 7-3 early on.
First Quarter
4:44 - Jared Lane another three pointer and Slocum leads 6-3.
First Quarter
5:33 - Jared Lane three pointer to tie game at 3-3. Needs big game for Slocum to win
First Quarter
6:07 - Early on it has been offensive rebounding for Nazareth, who has three points, (3-0 lead) all coming after getting offensive rebounds. Slocum is going to have to block out.
Pregame
After a long season, many and many hours dedicated to basketball, it all comes down to one game for the Slocum Mustangs, who are preparing to face Nazareth for the state title in Austin. Slocum has a record of 28-8 and Nazareth has a record of 24-12. Again, for the Mustangs, they play another team who is very familiar to Austin. After defeating reigning state champion Laneville in the regional finals, Slocum topped Lipan, who has been to the state tournament nine times, Friday in the semifinals. Now it is Nazareth, who may be considered the elite of the Class A teams with 13 state tournament trips. These teams look to match up well, and experience at state should not be a problem for Slocum from indications of how the Mustangs played at regionals and Friday in their first game at the Erwin Center.
Starters for Slocum are Logan Foster, Steven Prater, Brody Sizemore, Jared Lane and Randall Thomason.
Starters for Nazareth are Sage Black, Nicky Rowland, Clint Huseman, Cluck Brennan and Sid Sheffy.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Slocum vs. Lipan - Class A, Division II state semifinal game
End of Game
SLOCUM WINS 59-47 and will play in state title game on Saturday. Jaered Lane led the way with 22 points,
Fourth Quarter
Subs in for both teams with 12 seconds to play. Slocum going to state title game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Nazarath.
Fourth Quarter
39 seconds: Another miss three pointer by Lipan, another rebound by Lane and two more FTS, looks like Slocum going to play for state title. Lane makes one and Slocum leads by 10.
Fourth Quarter
54 seconds - Lipan misses a three pointer and Jared Lane gets rebound and fouled by Ryan Drake, who fouls out. Lane at the line with chance to close out, he makes both and Slocum leads 56-47
Fourth Quarter
1:02 - Slocum breaks press, Logan Foster layup and gets fouled. Makes FT and Slocum leads 54-47
Fourth Quarter
1:08 - Lipan timeout, they have one more, after Seth Riddle gets an offensive rebound, drives baseline and make the shot. He seems to just float up to the basket and has 26 points. Slocum looks to be trying to run time off clock by going four quarters. Look for Lipan to go full court press.
Fourth Quarter
1:23 - Jard Lane finally fouled and makes both and Slocum leads 51-45.
Fourth Quarter
1:42 - Slocum goes into stall mode up by four.
Fourth Quarter
2:16 - Jared Lane fouled in the corner and heads to the line where he makes both and Slocum leads 49-45.
Fourth Quarter
2:45 - Lipan timeout after Seth Riddle gets a steal and goes length of court for basket. Slocum leads 47-45 as Steven Prater hit pair of free throws in one and one situation. Slocum now in double bonus and will shoot two free throws each time.
Fourth Quarter
4:11 - Slocum 30 second timeout after Brody Sizemore gets trapped at mid court. On Lipan's possession, Slocum double teams Riddle, who gets rid of ball and Lane Hedeman misses open three pointer at top of key. See if Slocum continues to double on Riddle and make someone else beat them.
Fourth Quarter
4:31 - Lipan full timeout after fight on the floor leads to jump ball, giving Lipan possession and Slocum leads 45-43. Slocum in the penalty and is 1-for-3 on one-and-one opportunities and is 6-of-12 at the free throw line for the game. Game will come down to wire, Slocum has to find way to stop Lipan's Seth Riddle and then needs to make free throws. Randall Thomason still in game with four fouls, he needs to play smart and stay in there for the rest of the game.
Fourth Quarter
5:25 - Slocum 30 second timeout after Seth Riddle, off a sreen get the pass and hits the floater to cut the lead to 44-43. It was Riddle's first points of the fourth quarter and he has 22 of Lipan's 43 points. He has a knack to find his way into middle of paint and score
Fourth Quarter
6:32 - Randall Thomason picks up his fourth foul and Lipan cuts the lead to 44-41 with two free throws.
Fourth Quarter
6:57 - Logan Foster hits three pointer in corner and Slocum leads 44-39.
End Third Quarter
Jared Lane hits a three pointer in the final minute but Lipan gets a putback and Slocum leads 41-39 with eight minutes to play for a berth in the state championship game against Nazarath, who won the earlier semifinal game against Leggett.
Third Quarter
1:34 - Thomason is fouled while shooting and Slocum will be in the bonus from now on. He makes one FT and Slocum leads 38-37
Third Quarter
2:45 - Slocum still has not found an answer to Seth Riddle who is at the line shooting two and has 19 points. He makes one FT and Lipan leads 35-34
Third Quarter
4:33 - Slocum leads 32-30 in a game that is very methodical.
Halftime
Game tied 27-27 as Lipan erases an eight-point deficit. For Slocum, Jared Lane has eight points as he has two three pointers. Lane started out hot making two three pointers in the first four minutes of the game, but he has cooled down, missing his last three shots from behind the arc and is 3-of-7 shooting. Logan Foster has seven points and Randall Thomason has six points. Lipan's Seth Riddle leads all scorers with 14 points, more than half his team's totals. Slocum needs to find a defensve answer for Riddle, 5-for-7 shooting and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. On offense, Slocum needs to keep working the ball around, not turn it over - Lipan has six points off turnovers. If they can do that and knock down a couple more shots, the Mustangs will have a chance to win this game.
Second Quarter
2:29 - Brody Sizemore picks up his third foul trying to guard Riddle who gets into the paint and leans into the body to get the foul. Slocum leads 25-24
Second Quarter
Lipan cuts the lead to 25-23 on four straight points by Riddle. He has three steals for layups, stepping in front of the pass each time.
Second Quarter
3:35 _ Steven Prater gets a putback to push the lead to 25-19.
Second Quarter
5:27 - Lipan gets called for its first team foul, a shooting foul sending Thomason to the line. He misses both and Slocum leads 23-17.
End First Quarter
Slocum leads 19-13 as Logan Foster has seven points, including a three pointer with a minute left. Slocum does have six teams fouls while Lipan does not have a foul yet.
First Quarter
3:36 - Jared Lane hits his second three pointer and gives Slocum a 12-6 lead. Lane looks like where he left off in the regional tournament.
First Quarter
4:31 - Lipan 30 second timeout. Randall Thomason feeds Logan Foster on the move for a layup and Slocum leads 9-5. Slocum has scored on four of its six possessions.
First Quarter
519 - Brody Sizemore picks up second foul as Slocum leads 7-5
First Quarter
7:18 - Slocum's Jared Lane hits three pointer to start the game. 3-0 Slocum
Pregame - The Class A, Division II semifinal game between Slocum and Lipan will begin in three minutes. Slocum comes into the game with a record of 27-8 and Lipan has a record of 28-8. Slocum starters are Logan Foster, Steven Prater, Brody Sizemore, Jared Lane and Randall Thomason. Lipan starters are Seth Riddle, Lane Hendeman, Derek Brabson, Bradley Waldrup and Ryan Drake.
SLOCUM WINS 59-47 and will play in state title game on Saturday. Jaered Lane led the way with 22 points,
Fourth Quarter
Subs in for both teams with 12 seconds to play. Slocum going to state title game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Nazarath.
Fourth Quarter
39 seconds: Another miss three pointer by Lipan, another rebound by Lane and two more FTS, looks like Slocum going to play for state title. Lane makes one and Slocum leads by 10.
Fourth Quarter
54 seconds - Lipan misses a three pointer and Jared Lane gets rebound and fouled by Ryan Drake, who fouls out. Lane at the line with chance to close out, he makes both and Slocum leads 56-47
Fourth Quarter
1:02 - Slocum breaks press, Logan Foster layup and gets fouled. Makes FT and Slocum leads 54-47
Fourth Quarter
1:08 - Lipan timeout, they have one more, after Seth Riddle gets an offensive rebound, drives baseline and make the shot. He seems to just float up to the basket and has 26 points. Slocum looks to be trying to run time off clock by going four quarters. Look for Lipan to go full court press.
Fourth Quarter
1:23 - Jard Lane finally fouled and makes both and Slocum leads 51-45.
Fourth Quarter
1:42 - Slocum goes into stall mode up by four.
Fourth Quarter
2:16 - Jared Lane fouled in the corner and heads to the line where he makes both and Slocum leads 49-45.
Fourth Quarter
2:45 - Lipan timeout after Seth Riddle gets a steal and goes length of court for basket. Slocum leads 47-45 as Steven Prater hit pair of free throws in one and one situation. Slocum now in double bonus and will shoot two free throws each time.
Fourth Quarter
4:11 - Slocum 30 second timeout after Brody Sizemore gets trapped at mid court. On Lipan's possession, Slocum double teams Riddle, who gets rid of ball and Lane Hedeman misses open three pointer at top of key. See if Slocum continues to double on Riddle and make someone else beat them.
Fourth Quarter
4:31 - Lipan full timeout after fight on the floor leads to jump ball, giving Lipan possession and Slocum leads 45-43. Slocum in the penalty and is 1-for-3 on one-and-one opportunities and is 6-of-12 at the free throw line for the game. Game will come down to wire, Slocum has to find way to stop Lipan's Seth Riddle and then needs to make free throws. Randall Thomason still in game with four fouls, he needs to play smart and stay in there for the rest of the game.
Fourth Quarter
5:25 - Slocum 30 second timeout after Seth Riddle, off a sreen get the pass and hits the floater to cut the lead to 44-43. It was Riddle's first points of the fourth quarter and he has 22 of Lipan's 43 points. He has a knack to find his way into middle of paint and score
Fourth Quarter
6:32 - Randall Thomason picks up his fourth foul and Lipan cuts the lead to 44-41 with two free throws.
Fourth Quarter
6:57 - Logan Foster hits three pointer in corner and Slocum leads 44-39.
End Third Quarter
Jared Lane hits a three pointer in the final minute but Lipan gets a putback and Slocum leads 41-39 with eight minutes to play for a berth in the state championship game against Nazarath, who won the earlier semifinal game against Leggett.
Third Quarter
1:34 - Thomason is fouled while shooting and Slocum will be in the bonus from now on. He makes one FT and Slocum leads 38-37
Third Quarter
2:45 - Slocum still has not found an answer to Seth Riddle who is at the line shooting two and has 19 points. He makes one FT and Lipan leads 35-34
Third Quarter
4:33 - Slocum leads 32-30 in a game that is very methodical.
Halftime
Game tied 27-27 as Lipan erases an eight-point deficit. For Slocum, Jared Lane has eight points as he has two three pointers. Lane started out hot making two three pointers in the first four minutes of the game, but he has cooled down, missing his last three shots from behind the arc and is 3-of-7 shooting. Logan Foster has seven points and Randall Thomason has six points. Lipan's Seth Riddle leads all scorers with 14 points, more than half his team's totals. Slocum needs to find a defensve answer for Riddle, 5-for-7 shooting and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. On offense, Slocum needs to keep working the ball around, not turn it over - Lipan has six points off turnovers. If they can do that and knock down a couple more shots, the Mustangs will have a chance to win this game.
Second Quarter
2:29 - Brody Sizemore picks up his third foul trying to guard Riddle who gets into the paint and leans into the body to get the foul. Slocum leads 25-24
Second Quarter
Lipan cuts the lead to 25-23 on four straight points by Riddle. He has three steals for layups, stepping in front of the pass each time.
Second Quarter
3:35 _ Steven Prater gets a putback to push the lead to 25-19.
Second Quarter
5:27 - Lipan gets called for its first team foul, a shooting foul sending Thomason to the line. He misses both and Slocum leads 23-17.
End First Quarter
Slocum leads 19-13 as Logan Foster has seven points, including a three pointer with a minute left. Slocum does have six teams fouls while Lipan does not have a foul yet.
First Quarter
3:36 - Jared Lane hits his second three pointer and gives Slocum a 12-6 lead. Lane looks like where he left off in the regional tournament.
First Quarter
4:31 - Lipan 30 second timeout. Randall Thomason feeds Logan Foster on the move for a layup and Slocum leads 9-5. Slocum has scored on four of its six possessions.
First Quarter
519 - Brody Sizemore picks up second foul as Slocum leads 7-5
First Quarter
7:18 - Slocum's Jared Lane hits three pointer to start the game. 3-0 Slocum
Pregame - The Class A, Division II semifinal game between Slocum and Lipan will begin in three minutes. Slocum comes into the game with a record of 27-8 and Lipan has a record of 28-8. Slocum starters are Logan Foster, Steven Prater, Brody Sizemore, Jared Lane and Randall Thomason. Lipan starters are Seth Riddle, Lane Hendeman, Derek Brabson, Bradley Waldrup and Ryan Drake.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mini Tournament Time
The NCAA Tournament does not start until next week but right now we are in mini tournament time, which is almost just as enjoyable as the big show. Currently, the NCAA conferences are having their conference tournaments. Think mini NCAA tournaments all around the country with every team in the country having a chance to make the big dance. That is what makes the NCAA Tournament so wonderful, every team has a chance, all they have to do is win their conference tournament. There is no computer telling us who plays where, no voters who have never seen some of the teams they are casting votes for. Sure, some teams may not have as good as chances as others, but there is always that chance. In the smaller conferences, the conference championship usually in the only way to get to the NCAA Tournament, which makes those games so exciting to watch. In the bigger conferences, it is the bubble teams that have so much at stake. This is there final chance to prove if they deserve the chance to go to the big dance or not. So sit back and watch plenty of college basketball this week. It is not the NCAA Tournament, but it is very close.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Slocum vs. Laneville, Class A, Division II, Region III Finals
End of Game
Slocum is getting regional trophy, going to the center to pray and then will cut down the net. Slocum stayed tough throughout the game, never let Laneville's pressure to get to them and made the shots down the end. There were several key players that hit shots in the fourth quarter and Slocum makes some history. Jared Lane led the way with 27 points. Randall Thompson had 12 points and made his only two free throws of the night, the biggest shots he has ever taken.
Fourth Quarter
SLCOUM WIN AND IS GOING TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT
Fourth Quarter
Thomspon hits the second free throw for two point lead and 3.9 seconds left and Laneivlle calls timeout. Slocum still has foul to give, my opinion, they use it and that helps cut down on time. But if so, cannot foul again.
Fourth Quarter
makes first, slocum leads by one. Slocum calls a timeout. With 3.9 seconds remaining not much time to get ball down for Laneville if it is a make or miss. Also Slocum has a foul to give, will it come into play.
Fourth Quarter
3 seconds left and hearts are beating fast. Laneville missed second FT, Slocum ran time down, got ball to Randall Thompson and foul was called on the floor. Randall is going to shoot one and one, Laneville trying to ice him with the timeout.
Fourth Quarter
34 seconds - Slocum full timeout. Laneville's Gerraylon Carey is at the free throw line but just airballed his first attempt. He has missed five straight at the line and is 5-of-13 on the game. Slocum needs to make sure they get the rebound if there is a miss and they will have a chance to win this game.
Fourth Quarter
49 seconds - Laneville timeout as Slocum ties game on two Jared Lane free throws and a steal by Steven Prater that leads to Logan Foster layup. Laneville ball underneath their own basket. Slocum needs to make sure if a shot goes that they rebound and don't allow another shot. Slocum is in the one-and-one bonus and has two fouls to give.
Fourth Quarter
1:21 - Back and forth scoring and Laneville leads 56-52
Fourth Quarter
3:37 - Laneville gets a steal and score and leads 52-47
Fourth Quarter
6:35 - Steven Prater hits a layup and Randall Thomason hit a jumper and Slocum leads 46-44. Mustangs need to keep Laneville off the offensive boards, right now Yellowjackets getting multiple looks.
End Third Quarter
Tenaha hits a three pointer to take a 44-42 lead at the end of the third quarter. Right now, the game is being called very loosely, which is in Laneville's advantage with only three fouls called. In the first half, more than a dozen fouls were called in the first six minutes.
Third Quarter
3:27 - Jared Lane has another three pointer but then Laneville's Gerraylon Carey has a monster dunk on a putback after a steal. Slocum leads 40-39 in a game that looks like it will go down to the end.
Halftime
Jared Lane hits another buzzer beater, this time just inside the arc and the game is tied 35-35. Lane has 18 points at the half. It will be interesting to see what halftime adjustments will be made and how the officials will call the game in the second half. If they let the game go, that will be in Laneville's favor, but if it is called tightly, Slocum as the edge. Slocum's Brody Sizemore, a defensive specialist, and Logan Foster, their ball handler, are in some foul trouble and that could come into play in the second half. Slocum has to keep Laneville to one shot a possession, the Yellowjackets have been getting several offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Jared Lane is going to have to keep shooting and while Slocum has other scorers, with a chance to go to Austin, Lane needs to put this team on his back and lead the way.
Second Quarter
1:46 - Laneville leads 32-30 as they have scored nine unanswered. Hate to complain, but there is no consistency in the whistles, at times everything is called and at times nothing. Has to be calld one way or the other.
Second Quarter
4:30 - Jared Lane is on fire and Slocum leads 30-23 because of it. Lane has hit seven straight points, including walking up and draining a three pointer. He has 16 points in the game and Slocum needs Lane to continue this shooting performance.
End First Quarter
Slocum's Jared Lane makes a three pointer as the buzzer sounds to give Slocum a 18-17 lead. Lane is picking up were he has left off the last two game and has nine points in the first quarter to lead the Mustangs. Both teams are in the bonus so the second quarter could feature lots of free throws, which may play in Slocum's advantage
First Quarter
1:30 - Slocum takes a 15-12 lead as Jared Lane hits a pull up jumper
First Quarter
3:14 - Laneville leads 9-8 in a game that is being called closly. Slocum already in the one-and-one bonus.
First Quarter
6:53 - Slocum has to take a quick 30-second timeout when the Mustangs cannot get the ball inbounds against the Laneville press. Laneville has an early 2-0 lead after Slocum missed two shots on their opening possession
Pregame
The old saying is that it is hard to beat a team three times in one season. Slocum hopes that holds true. The Mustangs play Laneville in the Class A, Division II, Region III finals at SFA in Naogdoches and the winner advances to the state tournament. Laneville has defeated Slocum twice this season in district play and this is the third time the two teams meet. Today's game will be a battle of who controls the tempo. Laneville wants to run, run and run some more. Slocum needs to slow the pace down, take care of the basketball and hit shots.
Slocum is getting regional trophy, going to the center to pray and then will cut down the net. Slocum stayed tough throughout the game, never let Laneville's pressure to get to them and made the shots down the end. There were several key players that hit shots in the fourth quarter and Slocum makes some history. Jared Lane led the way with 27 points. Randall Thompson had 12 points and made his only two free throws of the night, the biggest shots he has ever taken.
Fourth Quarter
SLCOUM WIN AND IS GOING TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT
Fourth Quarter
Thomspon hits the second free throw for two point lead and 3.9 seconds left and Laneivlle calls timeout. Slocum still has foul to give, my opinion, they use it and that helps cut down on time. But if so, cannot foul again.
Fourth Quarter
makes first, slocum leads by one. Slocum calls a timeout. With 3.9 seconds remaining not much time to get ball down for Laneville if it is a make or miss. Also Slocum has a foul to give, will it come into play.
Fourth Quarter
3 seconds left and hearts are beating fast. Laneville missed second FT, Slocum ran time down, got ball to Randall Thompson and foul was called on the floor. Randall is going to shoot one and one, Laneville trying to ice him with the timeout.
Fourth Quarter
34 seconds - Slocum full timeout. Laneville's Gerraylon Carey is at the free throw line but just airballed his first attempt. He has missed five straight at the line and is 5-of-13 on the game. Slocum needs to make sure they get the rebound if there is a miss and they will have a chance to win this game.
Fourth Quarter
49 seconds - Laneville timeout as Slocum ties game on two Jared Lane free throws and a steal by Steven Prater that leads to Logan Foster layup. Laneville ball underneath their own basket. Slocum needs to make sure if a shot goes that they rebound and don't allow another shot. Slocum is in the one-and-one bonus and has two fouls to give.
Fourth Quarter
1:21 - Back and forth scoring and Laneville leads 56-52
Fourth Quarter
3:37 - Laneville gets a steal and score and leads 52-47
Fourth Quarter
6:35 - Steven Prater hits a layup and Randall Thomason hit a jumper and Slocum leads 46-44. Mustangs need to keep Laneville off the offensive boards, right now Yellowjackets getting multiple looks.
End Third Quarter
Tenaha hits a three pointer to take a 44-42 lead at the end of the third quarter. Right now, the game is being called very loosely, which is in Laneville's advantage with only three fouls called. In the first half, more than a dozen fouls were called in the first six minutes.
Third Quarter
3:27 - Jared Lane has another three pointer but then Laneville's Gerraylon Carey has a monster dunk on a putback after a steal. Slocum leads 40-39 in a game that looks like it will go down to the end.
Halftime
Jared Lane hits another buzzer beater, this time just inside the arc and the game is tied 35-35. Lane has 18 points at the half. It will be interesting to see what halftime adjustments will be made and how the officials will call the game in the second half. If they let the game go, that will be in Laneville's favor, but if it is called tightly, Slocum as the edge. Slocum's Brody Sizemore, a defensive specialist, and Logan Foster, their ball handler, are in some foul trouble and that could come into play in the second half. Slocum has to keep Laneville to one shot a possession, the Yellowjackets have been getting several offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Jared Lane is going to have to keep shooting and while Slocum has other scorers, with a chance to go to Austin, Lane needs to put this team on his back and lead the way.
Second Quarter
1:46 - Laneville leads 32-30 as they have scored nine unanswered. Hate to complain, but there is no consistency in the whistles, at times everything is called and at times nothing. Has to be calld one way or the other.
Second Quarter
4:30 - Jared Lane is on fire and Slocum leads 30-23 because of it. Lane has hit seven straight points, including walking up and draining a three pointer. He has 16 points in the game and Slocum needs Lane to continue this shooting performance.
End First Quarter
Slocum's Jared Lane makes a three pointer as the buzzer sounds to give Slocum a 18-17 lead. Lane is picking up were he has left off the last two game and has nine points in the first quarter to lead the Mustangs. Both teams are in the bonus so the second quarter could feature lots of free throws, which may play in Slocum's advantage
First Quarter
1:30 - Slocum takes a 15-12 lead as Jared Lane hits a pull up jumper
First Quarter
3:14 - Laneville leads 9-8 in a game that is being called closly. Slocum already in the one-and-one bonus.
First Quarter
6:53 - Slocum has to take a quick 30-second timeout when the Mustangs cannot get the ball inbounds against the Laneville press. Laneville has an early 2-0 lead after Slocum missed two shots on their opening possession
Pregame
The old saying is that it is hard to beat a team three times in one season. Slocum hopes that holds true. The Mustangs play Laneville in the Class A, Division II, Region III finals at SFA in Naogdoches and the winner advances to the state tournament. Laneville has defeated Slocum twice this season in district play and this is the third time the two teams meet. Today's game will be a battle of who controls the tempo. Laneville wants to run, run and run some more. Slocum needs to slow the pace down, take care of the basketball and hit shots.
Cayuga vs. Tenaha - Regional Finals
End Game
Tenaha wins 59-51 and is heading to Austin. Tenaha's full-court pressure was something Cayuga has not seen this season. The Wildcats are suppose to be the team that forces turnovers, but that was not the case today. The Tigers were the more aggressive team as Cayuga seemed to wait for things to come to them instead of going after it. Cayuga kept getting the deficit to three points, but never were able to get over that hump.
As the Tenaha players celebrate the win and cut down the net, Cayuga players sit on the bench, heand in their hands in disbelief. With only one senior on the team - Kyle Wiseman - most likely Cayuga will be back here again next year. But for now, three years in a row, the Wildcats have not been able to get out of SFA with a pair of wins.
Fourth Quarter
6 seconds left but the game is over. Tenaha leads 59-51 after a layup. Traylon Shead is hurt against the wall and cones up limping but looks to be OK. They are taking him to the lockeroom. Tenaha wins this game by outhustling Cayuga nad playing strong defense with their full-court press.
Fourth Quarter
51 seconds: Cayuga trails 57-51 and has the ball. Tenaha made one of two on free throws then Cayuga missed two. Had a chance at putback but was called for goaltending as the ball had not come off the rim yet. Cayuga NEEDS a score here and then needs Tenaha to miss free throws.
Fourth Quarter
1:41 - Fifth team foul, going to come down to if Tenaha can make free throws. Still 56-51 Tenaha. Now six team fouls, next one puts Tigers in bonus. Timeout Cayuga.
Fourth Quarter
1:49 - Cayuga is starting to foul and have four team fouls.
Fourth Quarter
1:58 - Tenaha leads 56-51 and is starting to run around running clock. Cayuga only has three team fouls and will have to get four more before Tenaha in bonus
Fourth Quarter
2:52 - Another steal by Tenaha, who leads 55-49. Cayuga waiting for ball instead of going for it and Tenaha being more aggressive in the press.
Fourth Quarter
3:46 - Cayuga timeout after Wildcats' C.J. Wagner as a putback to cut the lead to 53-49. Wildcats keep battling, but they need to make stops on defense and not give up second-chance opportunities. Plenty of time left in the game.
Fourth Quarter
4:42 - Tenaha leads 53-47. Cayuga got back to three again but can't get over the hump. Wildcats have missed a couple close to the rim
End Third Quarter
McClure makes a three pointer with five seconds left and a three point lead turns to an eight-point lead, 48-40, with one quarter to play. It is Tenaha's biggest lead of the game. Cayuga has its work cut out for them in the final eight minutes if the Wildcats hope to get to Austin.
Third Quarter
1:13 - Tenaha calls its third timeout after Cayuga scores four straight points to cut the lead to 43-30. Cayuga is crashing the defensive glass and is limiting the Tigers to one shot each possession. Cayuga keeps getting close but since early in the second quarter. Cayuga needs to keep making defensive stops and playing under control.
Third Quarter
2:00 - Tenaha has tightned up its half-court defene anad lead 43-36
Third Quarter
4:09 - Tenaha has taken a 41-34 lead after another three pointer
Halftime
Cayuga's Malcome Kennedy gets a putback in the final five seconds and Tenaha leads 34-32 going into the break. Kennedy leads Cayuga with 10 points, C.J. Wagner and Shak Jenkins both have nine points. For Tenaha, Jakendrick Cooper has come off the bench and has 10 points including two three pointers in the second quarter. Marion McClure had nine points despite being on the bench most of the half because of three fouls.
Bottom line in the second half, Cayuga has to protect the basketball against the press. The Wildcats have turned the ball over 15 times and Tenaha has scored a majority of its points off those turnovers. If Cayuga settles down and gets into the half-court they will have a chance to win. If not, it will be over.
Second Quarter
43: There is an issue of blood on one of the Tenaha players jersey and he switches to another number but because he was shooting free throws, that allows Tenaha to put McClure in to take the free throw. Tenaha right now is outhustling Cayuga to every loose ball and that is the difference in the three point score.
Second Quarter
1:02 - Tenaha timeout with the Tigers leading 33-30 and forcing another turnover. Tenaha continues to push the pace and it has been to their advantage.
Second Quarter
3:52 - Cayuga timout as Tenaha scored four straight points on the press and leads 30-24. Cayuga struggling to get ball over halfcourt with the press and needs to find the adjustments. Hate to sound like a broken record, but if they can't figure it out, there will be no Austin for the Wildcats.
Second Quarter
4:18 - Tenaha hits a three pointer and takes a 25-24 lead.
Second Quarter
6:19 - Cayuga scores first six points of second quarter and leads 22-20, the Wildcats excellent interior passing
End First Quarter
Tenaha scored six points in the final 15 seconds after two steals with the press to lead 20-16. Cayuga needs to settle down against the full-court press or they will be in for a long day. With McClure on the bench with the fouls, Tenaha is going to have to use its full-court press to get points.
First Quarter
2:17: Tenaha leads 14-11 as McClure has hit two three pointers but he just picked up his third foul and is on the bench. He has 8 of the 14 points. Cayuga has played well in its half-court sets but already has six turnovers. They need to settle down againt the Tenaha press.
First Quarter
3:54 - Tenaha has early 9-8 lead and Cayuga has turned ball over four times.
Pregame
Cayuga and Tenaha are nearing the start of the Class A, Division I, Region III finals with the winner earning a trip to the state tournament. Cayuga defeated Bland in the semifinals Friday and have a record of 20-3. Tenaha beat Waskom Friday in the semifinals and have a record of 28-5. This game should be high paced as both teams want to run as much as possible. Cayuga has the height advantage that should help the Wildcats on the board. Tenaha has an advantage in its shooting, with the ability to hit from anywhere on the court - expecially Marion McClure. Cayuga will have to know where he is at all times on the court. Tenaha also may have a little revenge on its mind, remember it was Cayuga who knocked the Tigers out of the football playoffs.
Starting lineups: For Cayuga - Shak Jenkins, Malcome Kennedy, Billy Duncan, Traylon Shead and C.J. Wagner. For Tenaha, Jay Moore, Jacobi Steadman, Cameron Choice, Marion McClure, Reginald Davis.
Tenaha wins 59-51 and is heading to Austin. Tenaha's full-court pressure was something Cayuga has not seen this season. The Wildcats are suppose to be the team that forces turnovers, but that was not the case today. The Tigers were the more aggressive team as Cayuga seemed to wait for things to come to them instead of going after it. Cayuga kept getting the deficit to three points, but never were able to get over that hump.
As the Tenaha players celebrate the win and cut down the net, Cayuga players sit on the bench, heand in their hands in disbelief. With only one senior on the team - Kyle Wiseman - most likely Cayuga will be back here again next year. But for now, three years in a row, the Wildcats have not been able to get out of SFA with a pair of wins.
Fourth Quarter
6 seconds left but the game is over. Tenaha leads 59-51 after a layup. Traylon Shead is hurt against the wall and cones up limping but looks to be OK. They are taking him to the lockeroom. Tenaha wins this game by outhustling Cayuga nad playing strong defense with their full-court press.
Fourth Quarter
51 seconds: Cayuga trails 57-51 and has the ball. Tenaha made one of two on free throws then Cayuga missed two. Had a chance at putback but was called for goaltending as the ball had not come off the rim yet. Cayuga NEEDS a score here and then needs Tenaha to miss free throws.
Fourth Quarter
1:41 - Fifth team foul, going to come down to if Tenaha can make free throws. Still 56-51 Tenaha. Now six team fouls, next one puts Tigers in bonus. Timeout Cayuga.
Fourth Quarter
1:49 - Cayuga is starting to foul and have four team fouls.
Fourth Quarter
1:58 - Tenaha leads 56-51 and is starting to run around running clock. Cayuga only has three team fouls and will have to get four more before Tenaha in bonus
Fourth Quarter
2:52 - Another steal by Tenaha, who leads 55-49. Cayuga waiting for ball instead of going for it and Tenaha being more aggressive in the press.
Fourth Quarter
3:46 - Cayuga timeout after Wildcats' C.J. Wagner as a putback to cut the lead to 53-49. Wildcats keep battling, but they need to make stops on defense and not give up second-chance opportunities. Plenty of time left in the game.
Fourth Quarter
4:42 - Tenaha leads 53-47. Cayuga got back to three again but can't get over the hump. Wildcats have missed a couple close to the rim
End Third Quarter
McClure makes a three pointer with five seconds left and a three point lead turns to an eight-point lead, 48-40, with one quarter to play. It is Tenaha's biggest lead of the game. Cayuga has its work cut out for them in the final eight minutes if the Wildcats hope to get to Austin.
Third Quarter
1:13 - Tenaha calls its third timeout after Cayuga scores four straight points to cut the lead to 43-30. Cayuga is crashing the defensive glass and is limiting the Tigers to one shot each possession. Cayuga keeps getting close but since early in the second quarter. Cayuga needs to keep making defensive stops and playing under control.
Third Quarter
2:00 - Tenaha has tightned up its half-court defene anad lead 43-36
Third Quarter
4:09 - Tenaha has taken a 41-34 lead after another three pointer
Halftime
Cayuga's Malcome Kennedy gets a putback in the final five seconds and Tenaha leads 34-32 going into the break. Kennedy leads Cayuga with 10 points, C.J. Wagner and Shak Jenkins both have nine points. For Tenaha, Jakendrick Cooper has come off the bench and has 10 points including two three pointers in the second quarter. Marion McClure had nine points despite being on the bench most of the half because of three fouls.
Bottom line in the second half, Cayuga has to protect the basketball against the press. The Wildcats have turned the ball over 15 times and Tenaha has scored a majority of its points off those turnovers. If Cayuga settles down and gets into the half-court they will have a chance to win. If not, it will be over.
Second Quarter
43: There is an issue of blood on one of the Tenaha players jersey and he switches to another number but because he was shooting free throws, that allows Tenaha to put McClure in to take the free throw. Tenaha right now is outhustling Cayuga to every loose ball and that is the difference in the three point score.
Second Quarter
1:02 - Tenaha timeout with the Tigers leading 33-30 and forcing another turnover. Tenaha continues to push the pace and it has been to their advantage.
Second Quarter
3:52 - Cayuga timout as Tenaha scored four straight points on the press and leads 30-24. Cayuga struggling to get ball over halfcourt with the press and needs to find the adjustments. Hate to sound like a broken record, but if they can't figure it out, there will be no Austin for the Wildcats.
Second Quarter
4:18 - Tenaha hits a three pointer and takes a 25-24 lead.
Second Quarter
6:19 - Cayuga scores first six points of second quarter and leads 22-20, the Wildcats excellent interior passing
End First Quarter
Tenaha scored six points in the final 15 seconds after two steals with the press to lead 20-16. Cayuga needs to settle down against the full-court press or they will be in for a long day. With McClure on the bench with the fouls, Tenaha is going to have to use its full-court press to get points.
First Quarter
2:17: Tenaha leads 14-11 as McClure has hit two three pointers but he just picked up his third foul and is on the bench. He has 8 of the 14 points. Cayuga has played well in its half-court sets but already has six turnovers. They need to settle down againt the Tenaha press.
First Quarter
3:54 - Tenaha has early 9-8 lead and Cayuga has turned ball over four times.
Pregame
Cayuga and Tenaha are nearing the start of the Class A, Division I, Region III finals with the winner earning a trip to the state tournament. Cayuga defeated Bland in the semifinals Friday and have a record of 20-3. Tenaha beat Waskom Friday in the semifinals and have a record of 28-5. This game should be high paced as both teams want to run as much as possible. Cayuga has the height advantage that should help the Wildcats on the board. Tenaha has an advantage in its shooting, with the ability to hit from anywhere on the court - expecially Marion McClure. Cayuga will have to know where he is at all times on the court. Tenaha also may have a little revenge on its mind, remember it was Cayuga who knocked the Tigers out of the football playoffs.
Starting lineups: For Cayuga - Shak Jenkins, Malcome Kennedy, Billy Duncan, Traylon Shead and C.J. Wagner. For Tenaha, Jay Moore, Jacobi Steadman, Cameron Choice, Marion McClure, Reginald Davis.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Slocum vs. Avalon, Regional Semifinals
End Game
Slocum will get a rematch with Laneville after the Mustangs defeated Avalon 71-53 Friday in the semifials. Jard Lane finished with 28 points. The regional final game will be at noon Saturday in Nacogdoches.
Fourth Quarter
2:33 - Jared Lane scores another basket, his 26th point of the game, and Slocum leads 62-44. Looks like the Mustangs will be getting a rematch against Laneville, who defeated Slocum twice in district this season.
Fourth Quarter
6:11 - Jared Lane continued his hot shooting with another three pointer and Slocum leads 56-33. Lane has five three pointers and 24 points.
End Third Quarter
The final two minutes of the third quarter belonged to Jared Lane. He had nine points in the final 2:35, including a three pointer with five seconds left and Slocum is out to a 53-29 lead. Lane has 21 points including four three pointers.
Third Quarter
1:54 - Slocum breaks the press and Jared Lane gets a three-point play then Logan Foster gets a layup after breaking the press to lead 48-27. Slocum is having no problem against the Avalon press, attacking the basket each time down the court.
Third Quarter
2:32 - Avalon calls a 30-second timeout after Jared Lane drains his third three-pointer of the evening and Slocum leads 43-25, the Mustangs biggest lead of the game.
Third Quarter
3:09 - Slocum extends to a 40-25 lead as Brody Sizemore twice finds Logan Foster down the court for transition layups.
Third Quarter
5:54 - Time out on floor for Avalon injury as player turned ankle sliding on court. Slocum leads 32-17.
Halftime
Slocum finishes the half og a 12-2 run to lead 29-16 going into the lockerrooms for halftime. Jared Lane hit two three pointers during that run and has 12 points in the game. Slocum allowed eight points in each quarter and the defense picked up at the end of the half. The Mustangs have forced eight turnovers and Logan Foster has three steals.
Second Quarter
3:19 - After Avalon scored four straight, Slocum returns the favor as the Mustangs score five on one possession. Brody Sizemore got fouled when he made the shot. After a missed free throw, Slocum got the rebound and Jared Lane drained a three. Slocum leads 22-14.
Second Quarter
4:23 - Slocum extends to a 17-10 lead as Logan Foster gets a steal and layup and Jared Lane hits two free throws.
End First Quarter
Slocum leads 11-8 as Jared Lane works off a screen and hits a three pointer. Randall Thompson has six points and Lane has five points in the first quarter. Avalon staying tough inside, getting two baskets on second-chance opportunties.
First Quarter
3:15 - Early in the game and tied 4-4. Randall Thomason has both baskets for Slocum. Avalon playing a box and one against Jared Lane.
Pregame
Slocum faces Avalon in the second Class A, Division II, Region III game at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Slocum comes in with a record of 28-5 and Avalon has a record of 22-8. Laneville won the firt semifinal game 74-52 and will play the winner of this semifinal game at noon Friday in Nacogdoches.
Slocum will get a rematch with Laneville after the Mustangs defeated Avalon 71-53 Friday in the semifials. Jard Lane finished with 28 points. The regional final game will be at noon Saturday in Nacogdoches.
Fourth Quarter
2:33 - Jared Lane scores another basket, his 26th point of the game, and Slocum leads 62-44. Looks like the Mustangs will be getting a rematch against Laneville, who defeated Slocum twice in district this season.
Fourth Quarter
6:11 - Jared Lane continued his hot shooting with another three pointer and Slocum leads 56-33. Lane has five three pointers and 24 points.
End Third Quarter
The final two minutes of the third quarter belonged to Jared Lane. He had nine points in the final 2:35, including a three pointer with five seconds left and Slocum is out to a 53-29 lead. Lane has 21 points including four three pointers.
Third Quarter
1:54 - Slocum breaks the press and Jared Lane gets a three-point play then Logan Foster gets a layup after breaking the press to lead 48-27. Slocum is having no problem against the Avalon press, attacking the basket each time down the court.
Third Quarter
2:32 - Avalon calls a 30-second timeout after Jared Lane drains his third three-pointer of the evening and Slocum leads 43-25, the Mustangs biggest lead of the game.
Third Quarter
3:09 - Slocum extends to a 40-25 lead as Brody Sizemore twice finds Logan Foster down the court for transition layups.
Third Quarter
5:54 - Time out on floor for Avalon injury as player turned ankle sliding on court. Slocum leads 32-17.
Halftime
Slocum finishes the half og a 12-2 run to lead 29-16 going into the lockerrooms for halftime. Jared Lane hit two three pointers during that run and has 12 points in the game. Slocum allowed eight points in each quarter and the defense picked up at the end of the half. The Mustangs have forced eight turnovers and Logan Foster has three steals.
Second Quarter
3:19 - After Avalon scored four straight, Slocum returns the favor as the Mustangs score five on one possession. Brody Sizemore got fouled when he made the shot. After a missed free throw, Slocum got the rebound and Jared Lane drained a three. Slocum leads 22-14.
Second Quarter
4:23 - Slocum extends to a 17-10 lead as Logan Foster gets a steal and layup and Jared Lane hits two free throws.
End First Quarter
Slocum leads 11-8 as Jared Lane works off a screen and hits a three pointer. Randall Thompson has six points and Lane has five points in the first quarter. Avalon staying tough inside, getting two baskets on second-chance opportunties.
First Quarter
3:15 - Early in the game and tied 4-4. Randall Thomason has both baskets for Slocum. Avalon playing a box and one against Jared Lane.
Pregame
Slocum faces Avalon in the second Class A, Division II, Region III game at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Slocum comes in with a record of 28-5 and Avalon has a record of 22-8. Laneville won the firt semifinal game 74-52 and will play the winner of this semifinal game at noon Friday in Nacogdoches.
Cayuga vs. Bland - Class A, Division I Region III Semifinals
End Game
Cayuga wins the regional semifinals for the first time in three years, defeating Bland 72-51. Cayuga faces Tenaha at 10 a.m. Saturday for the chance to make the state tournament.
Fourth Quarter
3:05 - Cayuga leads 68-49 as the benches start to come in for both teams. Looks like Bland is going to get some of their younger players some experience.
Fourth Quarter
5:06 - Bland has hit three three pointer to cut into the lead, but C.J. Wagner's putback helps get the lead back to 65-46. Bland just made its first sub of the game.
End Third Quarter
Cayuga leads 60-33 as the Wildcats hold Bland to six points in the third quarter. Bland did not make a three pointer in the third quarter and are looking like they do not have their legs anymore. Cayuga continues to use its whole bench and looks as fresh as they did in first quarter.
Third Quarter
1:20 - Cayuga has complete control of this game, leading 60-33. It has gotten so bad, I have time to give a shout out from Cayuga AD Tommy Allison to his brother Danny. At least I know someone is reading this blog.
Third Quarter
4:08 - Bland calls a timeout after the lead is extended to 55-31 on a Dalevin Campbell jumper. Cayuga is starting to push more and more and is on the verge of breaking this game completly open.
Third Quarter
4:48 - Cayuga has extended its lead to 53-31 on four straight points by Billy Duncan. Bland is starting to look tired playing at Cayuga's pace as the Tigers have not used their bench. On the other side, Cayuga continues to sub freely and every player is contributing.
Third Quarter
7:00 - Cayuga scores seven straight points in a minute for a 47-27 lead. The Wildcats got a basket by Shak Jenkins followed by a steal by Traylon Shead that turned into a three-point play for C.J. Wagner
Halftime
Cayuga leads 40-27 at halftime. The 13-point lead is the Wildcats' biggest of the game. C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 11 points, Billy Duncan has nine points and Malcome Kennedy has eight points. The Wildcats are playing at high-paced game which is hurting Bland. Cayuga has forced 11 turnovers and has seven steals. Bland has stayed in the game with its three-point shooting, but Cayuga has answered from beyond the arc, hitting four three pointers in the first half. If Cayuga continues to keep up this pace, the Wildcats will be in good position to win the semifinal game for the first time in three years.
Second Quarter
5:48 - Cayuga takes a timeout after the Wildcats increase the lead to 30-18. Cayuga scored on a pair of steals by Traylon Shead and Malcome Kennedy as the plays were finished on the other end of the floor by Malcome Kennedy and Billy Duncan. Cayuga has forced seven turnovers.
End First Quarter
Cayuga leads 24-14 at the end of the first quarter. Dalevin Campbell hit a jumper with 13 seconds left to give the Wildcats the double-digit lead. C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 10 points and Billy Duncan has seven points.
First Quarter
3:21 - C.J. Wagner hits three pointers to give Cayuga 16-10 lead. The game is being played at Cayuga's fast pace which is in the Wildcats' favor.
First Quarter
5:50 - Bland takes second timeout. Down to 3 full timeouts. Cayuga 9-5 after Shak Jenkins steal and layup.
First Quarter
7:23 - Bland takes a quick 30-second timeout after Cayuga scores on its second possession of the game as Traylon Shead has a putback. A very early 2-0 Cayuga lead.
Pregame
No. 1 Cayuga gets set to take on Bland in the Class A, Division I Region III semifinals at JohnsonColiseum on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus in Nacogdoches. Cayuga has a record of 19-3 and Bland has a record of 23-7. The winner will face Tenaha Satruday morning. Tenaha defeated Waskom 69-47 in the first semifinal game.
Cayuga wins the regional semifinals for the first time in three years, defeating Bland 72-51. Cayuga faces Tenaha at 10 a.m. Saturday for the chance to make the state tournament.
Fourth Quarter
3:05 - Cayuga leads 68-49 as the benches start to come in for both teams. Looks like Bland is going to get some of their younger players some experience.
Fourth Quarter
5:06 - Bland has hit three three pointer to cut into the lead, but C.J. Wagner's putback helps get the lead back to 65-46. Bland just made its first sub of the game.
End Third Quarter
Cayuga leads 60-33 as the Wildcats hold Bland to six points in the third quarter. Bland did not make a three pointer in the third quarter and are looking like they do not have their legs anymore. Cayuga continues to use its whole bench and looks as fresh as they did in first quarter.
Third Quarter
1:20 - Cayuga has complete control of this game, leading 60-33. It has gotten so bad, I have time to give a shout out from Cayuga AD Tommy Allison to his brother Danny. At least I know someone is reading this blog.
Third Quarter
4:08 - Bland calls a timeout after the lead is extended to 55-31 on a Dalevin Campbell jumper. Cayuga is starting to push more and more and is on the verge of breaking this game completly open.
Third Quarter
4:48 - Cayuga has extended its lead to 53-31 on four straight points by Billy Duncan. Bland is starting to look tired playing at Cayuga's pace as the Tigers have not used their bench. On the other side, Cayuga continues to sub freely and every player is contributing.
Third Quarter
7:00 - Cayuga scores seven straight points in a minute for a 47-27 lead. The Wildcats got a basket by Shak Jenkins followed by a steal by Traylon Shead that turned into a three-point play for C.J. Wagner
Halftime
Cayuga leads 40-27 at halftime. The 13-point lead is the Wildcats' biggest of the game. C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 11 points, Billy Duncan has nine points and Malcome Kennedy has eight points. The Wildcats are playing at high-paced game which is hurting Bland. Cayuga has forced 11 turnovers and has seven steals. Bland has stayed in the game with its three-point shooting, but Cayuga has answered from beyond the arc, hitting four three pointers in the first half. If Cayuga continues to keep up this pace, the Wildcats will be in good position to win the semifinal game for the first time in three years.
Second Quarter
5:48 - Cayuga takes a timeout after the Wildcats increase the lead to 30-18. Cayuga scored on a pair of steals by Traylon Shead and Malcome Kennedy as the plays were finished on the other end of the floor by Malcome Kennedy and Billy Duncan. Cayuga has forced seven turnovers.
End First Quarter
Cayuga leads 24-14 at the end of the first quarter. Dalevin Campbell hit a jumper with 13 seconds left to give the Wildcats the double-digit lead. C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 10 points and Billy Duncan has seven points.
First Quarter
3:21 - C.J. Wagner hits three pointers to give Cayuga 16-10 lead. The game is being played at Cayuga's fast pace which is in the Wildcats' favor.
First Quarter
5:50 - Bland takes second timeout. Down to 3 full timeouts. Cayuga 9-5 after Shak Jenkins steal and layup.
First Quarter
7:23 - Bland takes a quick 30-second timeout after Cayuga scores on its second possession of the game as Traylon Shead has a putback. A very early 2-0 Cayuga lead.
Pregame
No. 1 Cayuga gets set to take on Bland in the Class A, Division I Region III semifinals at JohnsonColiseum on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus in Nacogdoches. Cayuga has a record of 19-3 and Bland has a record of 23-7. The winner will face Tenaha Satruday morning. Tenaha defeated Waskom 69-47 in the first semifinal game.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
T.O. Goodbye
According to reports, the Cowboys have cut wide receiver Terrell Owens. Good riddance. It is a surprise to see this happen. Usually when a team with high expectations completely crash - at the beginning of the season, the talk was about the Cowboys winning a Super Bowl and they did not even make the playoffs - it is the head coach that gets the axe, even though that may not be the problem.
For once, Jerry Jones made the right decision in saying goodbye to Owens, who has been a problem child anywhere he goes.
For Owens, when things go bad, his mouth starts to run and last year, things went really bad. Not only did the Cowboys not make the playoffs, but Owens contributed to that with his worst season in Dallas with lows in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The only category he was in the top 10 in the NFL was in touchdowns with 10.
It is not worth putting up with his attitude and cancer in the clubhouse if he cannot produce big numbers on the field.
However, with the decision to cut Owens, the Cowboys have some major questions to their offense and where they go. The biggest question will be if Roy Williams, who was traded for during the season, can became a No. 1 wide receiver. Williams, the UT grad, never filled that role in Detroit where he only has had an 80-plus reception, 1,000-yard plus yard season once.
Williams is going to have to be the answer at the wide receiver position because there are no answers in the free agent market. Sure, the Cowboys need to sign some lower talent at wide receiver, but the top names already are gone.
For the Cowboys to have success next year on offense, they need to rediscover their running game. The Cowboys were 21st in rushing last season. With a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones, the Cowboys should do a better job in the running game and take some of the pressure off Tony Romo.
For once, Jerry Jones made the right decision in saying goodbye to Owens, who has been a problem child anywhere he goes.
For Owens, when things go bad, his mouth starts to run and last year, things went really bad. Not only did the Cowboys not make the playoffs, but Owens contributed to that with his worst season in Dallas with lows in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The only category he was in the top 10 in the NFL was in touchdowns with 10.
It is not worth putting up with his attitude and cancer in the clubhouse if he cannot produce big numbers on the field.
However, with the decision to cut Owens, the Cowboys have some major questions to their offense and where they go. The biggest question will be if Roy Williams, who was traded for during the season, can became a No. 1 wide receiver. Williams, the UT grad, never filled that role in Detroit where he only has had an 80-plus reception, 1,000-yard plus yard season once.
Williams is going to have to be the answer at the wide receiver position because there are no answers in the free agent market. Sure, the Cowboys need to sign some lower talent at wide receiver, but the top names already are gone.
For the Cowboys to have success next year on offense, they need to rediscover their running game. The Cowboys were 21st in rushing last season. With a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones, the Cowboys should do a better job in the running game and take some of the pressure off Tony Romo.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Oakwood vs. Neches - Region III Finals
End of Game
Neches is heading to the state tournament. In a tough defensive contest, the Lady Tigers defeat Oakwood 32-25.
Fourth Quarter
:16 - Neches looks to have this one wrapped up, scoring four straight points and leads 32-23. Oakwood at the free-throw line but it may be a little too late
Fourth Quarter
1:01 - Oakwood's Tori Tucker scores to cut it to 28-23 and Lady Panthers start to foul, Neches misses first of one and one.
Fourth Quarter
2:03 - Raven McFarland big three pointer and Neches leads 28-21 and now is in stall mode. Oakwood has to think about fouling.
Fourth Quarter
3:01 - Oakwood is in the double bonus and Taylor Tucker hits one of two. Neches leads 25-21. Oakwood will have to make free throws down the stretch to come back in this game.
Fourth Quarter
3:31 - Oakwood calls timeout. The Lady Panthers just went 1-for-4 from the free throw line and trail 25-20. Oakwood is 4-of-11 on free throws and Neches is 3-of-9. Does Neches start running clock or do the Lady Tigers continue to keep the high tempo which is how they have played all year?
Fourth Quarter
4:02 - Neches' Raven McFarland hits two free thows to lead 25-19. Both teams in the bonus, this game could come down to who hits free throws.
Fourth Quarter
4:58 - Oakwood cut into the lead, Neches up 23-19
Fourth Quarter
6:33 - Neches has built a 23-15 lead as Raven McFarland had a putback after a missed free throw. With how this game has been played, this eight-point lead seems more like a 20-point lead. But plenty of time for Oakwood.
Fourth Quarter
7:35 - Oakwood's Tiara Tucker fouls out tring to go for a loose ball. Neches still leads 18-15.
End Third Quarter
A little more offense in the third quarter. Neches leads 18-15 with eight minutes to play to decide who heads to the state tournament. Both teams have primarily gone with their starters for most of this game, so fatigue may be a factor in the fourth quarter. With how this game has been played, every basket from here on out will be so valuable.
Third Quarter
3:43 - Neches' Roddricka Patton hits a three ponter and Neches leads 16-12. Lady Tigers finding the range from the outside.
Third Quarter
4:31 - Timeout Neches. Lady Tigers lead 13-12 as Raven McFarland hit a three pointer. She looked have made another three but was called for traveling before the shot went off. Oakwood broke the press and Taylor Tucker scored her 12th point of the game, prompting the Neches' timeout.
Halftime
Defense has been the name of the game for this regional finals. Oakwood and Neches are tied 10-10 at halftime. Oakwood's Taylor Tucker has all 10 of her team's points. Deana Patton has six of Neches' 10 points and Raven McFarland has the other four points. These two teams combined for 128 points in their wins Friday in the seminfinals. So is it good defense, cold shooting or both? Both teams are shooting 5-of-26 from the floor as most of the shots are being contested. The game is a high tempo but neither teams has been able to get into the open court.
Second Quarter
1:03 - Oakwood timeout. Neches has scored four straight points - the Lady Tigers first of the quarter - to take a 10-8 lead. Deana Patton scored the four points, including a basket after a Roddricka Patton steal.
Second Quarter
2:03 - Oakwood has taken an 8-6 lead as Taylor Tucker has scored all eight points for the Lady Panthers. Neches still has not scored in the quarter as the Lady Tigers are shooting 3-for-25
Second Quarter
4:08 - Oakwood timeout. Neither team has scored in the second quarter. Both teams are playing great defense, not allowing any open looks. For two teams that like to run the ball at all teams, only two points havebeen scored off the fast break.
End First Quarter
Neches leads 6-4 after the first quarter. A little lower scoring than some may have expected but both defenses have shown their speed to get back and not allow the fast breaks. Also, both teams cannot find the bottom of the bucket when they do shoot the ball. Neches is 3-of-15 shooting and Oakwood is 2-of-14.
First Quarter
3:01 - Neches leads 4-2 as both teams are struggling from the field. However, neither teams seems to be bothered by the other team's press.
Pregame
Oakwood and Neches are five minutes from the start of the Class A, Division II Region III finals in Nacogdoches. The winner of today's game will represent Region III at the state tournament next week in Austin. Oakwood comes int witha record of 33-2 and Neches has a record of 33-3. The two teams played twice during District 24-A with each team winning on their home court.
Neches is heading to the state tournament. In a tough defensive contest, the Lady Tigers defeat Oakwood 32-25.
Fourth Quarter
:16 - Neches looks to have this one wrapped up, scoring four straight points and leads 32-23. Oakwood at the free-throw line but it may be a little too late
Fourth Quarter
1:01 - Oakwood's Tori Tucker scores to cut it to 28-23 and Lady Panthers start to foul, Neches misses first of one and one.
Fourth Quarter
2:03 - Raven McFarland big three pointer and Neches leads 28-21 and now is in stall mode. Oakwood has to think about fouling.
Fourth Quarter
3:01 - Oakwood is in the double bonus and Taylor Tucker hits one of two. Neches leads 25-21. Oakwood will have to make free throws down the stretch to come back in this game.
Fourth Quarter
3:31 - Oakwood calls timeout. The Lady Panthers just went 1-for-4 from the free throw line and trail 25-20. Oakwood is 4-of-11 on free throws and Neches is 3-of-9. Does Neches start running clock or do the Lady Tigers continue to keep the high tempo which is how they have played all year?
Fourth Quarter
4:02 - Neches' Raven McFarland hits two free thows to lead 25-19. Both teams in the bonus, this game could come down to who hits free throws.
Fourth Quarter
4:58 - Oakwood cut into the lead, Neches up 23-19
Fourth Quarter
6:33 - Neches has built a 23-15 lead as Raven McFarland had a putback after a missed free throw. With how this game has been played, this eight-point lead seems more like a 20-point lead. But plenty of time for Oakwood.
Fourth Quarter
7:35 - Oakwood's Tiara Tucker fouls out tring to go for a loose ball. Neches still leads 18-15.
End Third Quarter
A little more offense in the third quarter. Neches leads 18-15 with eight minutes to play to decide who heads to the state tournament. Both teams have primarily gone with their starters for most of this game, so fatigue may be a factor in the fourth quarter. With how this game has been played, every basket from here on out will be so valuable.
Third Quarter
3:43 - Neches' Roddricka Patton hits a three ponter and Neches leads 16-12. Lady Tigers finding the range from the outside.
Third Quarter
4:31 - Timeout Neches. Lady Tigers lead 13-12 as Raven McFarland hit a three pointer. She looked have made another three but was called for traveling before the shot went off. Oakwood broke the press and Taylor Tucker scored her 12th point of the game, prompting the Neches' timeout.
Halftime
Defense has been the name of the game for this regional finals. Oakwood and Neches are tied 10-10 at halftime. Oakwood's Taylor Tucker has all 10 of her team's points. Deana Patton has six of Neches' 10 points and Raven McFarland has the other four points. These two teams combined for 128 points in their wins Friday in the seminfinals. So is it good defense, cold shooting or both? Both teams are shooting 5-of-26 from the floor as most of the shots are being contested. The game is a high tempo but neither teams has been able to get into the open court.
Second Quarter
1:03 - Oakwood timeout. Neches has scored four straight points - the Lady Tigers first of the quarter - to take a 10-8 lead. Deana Patton scored the four points, including a basket after a Roddricka Patton steal.
Second Quarter
2:03 - Oakwood has taken an 8-6 lead as Taylor Tucker has scored all eight points for the Lady Panthers. Neches still has not scored in the quarter as the Lady Tigers are shooting 3-for-25
Second Quarter
4:08 - Oakwood timeout. Neither team has scored in the second quarter. Both teams are playing great defense, not allowing any open looks. For two teams that like to run the ball at all teams, only two points havebeen scored off the fast break.
End First Quarter
Neches leads 6-4 after the first quarter. A little lower scoring than some may have expected but both defenses have shown their speed to get back and not allow the fast breaks. Also, both teams cannot find the bottom of the bucket when they do shoot the ball. Neches is 3-of-15 shooting and Oakwood is 2-of-14.
First Quarter
3:01 - Neches leads 4-2 as both teams are struggling from the field. However, neither teams seems to be bothered by the other team's press.
Pregame
Oakwood and Neches are five minutes from the start of the Class A, Division II Region III finals in Nacogdoches. The winner of today's game will represent Region III at the state tournament next week in Austin. Oakwood comes int witha record of 33-2 and Neches has a record of 33-3. The two teams played twice during District 24-A with each team winning on their home court.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Oakwood versus Walnut Springs, Regional Semifinals
End Game
Oakwood defeats Walnut Springs 61- to reach the regional finals at noon Saturday against Neches. Taylor Tucker led Oakwood with 15 points and 11 rebounds and sat on the bench for the fourth quarter as Oakwood head coach Lori Shead rested her starters during the fourth quarter in preperation for Saturday's game.
While the two semifinal games were lopsided victories by Neches and Oakwood, that should not be the case Saturday. Expect a battle between the District 24-A teams for the chance to reach the state tournament.
Fourth Quarter
2:23 - Oakwood's Ava Walker goes down hard to the court after being fouled underneath the basket. It is the second time she has been hit to the floor. She stays on the floor for a couple of minutes before getting up on her own power and being taken to the bench where she looks like she is all right. Oakwood is leading 57-19 as the Lady Panthers have their bench players taking care of the fourth quarter.
End Third Quarter
Oakwood is in complete control of the regional semifinal game, leading Walnut Springs 47-14 at the end of the third quarter. Walnut Springs scored only two points in the quarter. Oakwood only had one starter on the court at the end of the third quarter. With a showdown Saturday against Neches, many of the Lady Panter starters may be done for the night so they will be well rested for the regional finals.
Third Quarter
2:37 - Oakwood continues to play strong defense, allowing only two points in the third quarter as the Lady Panthers lead 44-14. Taylor Tucker has a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Halftime
Oakwood leads Walnut Springs 35-12 at halftime. The Lady Panthers held Walnut Springs to four points in the second quarter. The game could be even worse but Oakwood only is shooing 34 percent from the field. However, Oakwood has taken more than twice as many shots as Walnut Springs. Taylor Tucker leads Oakwood with 13 points and eight rebounds and Tori Tucker has 10 points.
Second Quarter
5:26 - The quarter started slowly for the Lady Panthers but Oakwood scored six points in a span of 30 seconds including a pair of steals by Tori Tucker for four points. Oakwood leads 26-8.
End First Quarter
Oakwood leads 19-8 at the end of the first quarter. Taylor Tucker has scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds for the Lady Panthrs and Tiara Tucker and Tori Tucker each have scored four points.
First Quarter
4:06 - 30 second timeout by Oakwood. Lady Panthers lead 12-2 after Felicia Williams' defensive rebound which she took all the way down the court for a layup.
First Quarter
6:00 - The Oakwood Lady Panthers get out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first two minuts of the game. Oakwood's Tori Tucker and Taylor Tucker each have four points and Oakwood has four quick steals.
Oakwood defeats Walnut Springs 61- to reach the regional finals at noon Saturday against Neches. Taylor Tucker led Oakwood with 15 points and 11 rebounds and sat on the bench for the fourth quarter as Oakwood head coach Lori Shead rested her starters during the fourth quarter in preperation for Saturday's game.
While the two semifinal games were lopsided victories by Neches and Oakwood, that should not be the case Saturday. Expect a battle between the District 24-A teams for the chance to reach the state tournament.
Fourth Quarter
2:23 - Oakwood's Ava Walker goes down hard to the court after being fouled underneath the basket. It is the second time she has been hit to the floor. She stays on the floor for a couple of minutes before getting up on her own power and being taken to the bench where she looks like she is all right. Oakwood is leading 57-19 as the Lady Panthers have their bench players taking care of the fourth quarter.
End Third Quarter
Oakwood is in complete control of the regional semifinal game, leading Walnut Springs 47-14 at the end of the third quarter. Walnut Springs scored only two points in the quarter. Oakwood only had one starter on the court at the end of the third quarter. With a showdown Saturday against Neches, many of the Lady Panter starters may be done for the night so they will be well rested for the regional finals.
Third Quarter
2:37 - Oakwood continues to play strong defense, allowing only two points in the third quarter as the Lady Panthers lead 44-14. Taylor Tucker has a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Halftime
Oakwood leads Walnut Springs 35-12 at halftime. The Lady Panthers held Walnut Springs to four points in the second quarter. The game could be even worse but Oakwood only is shooing 34 percent from the field. However, Oakwood has taken more than twice as many shots as Walnut Springs. Taylor Tucker leads Oakwood with 13 points and eight rebounds and Tori Tucker has 10 points.
Second Quarter
5:26 - The quarter started slowly for the Lady Panthers but Oakwood scored six points in a span of 30 seconds including a pair of steals by Tori Tucker for four points. Oakwood leads 26-8.
End First Quarter
Oakwood leads 19-8 at the end of the first quarter. Taylor Tucker has scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds for the Lady Panthrs and Tiara Tucker and Tori Tucker each have scored four points.
First Quarter
4:06 - 30 second timeout by Oakwood. Lady Panthers lead 12-2 after Felicia Williams' defensive rebound which she took all the way down the court for a layup.
First Quarter
6:00 - The Oakwood Lady Panthers get out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first two minuts of the game. Oakwood's Tori Tucker and Taylor Tucker each have four points and Oakwood has four quick steals.
Neches verus Aquilla - Regional Semifinal Game
End Game
Neches wins 57-33 and will play at noon Saturday in regional finals vs. Oakwood or Walnut Creek. Neches dominated in the semifinal game because of the Lady Tigers' defense. Neches had eight players score, led by Dianna Patton's 10 points and 11 rebounds. She also had five steals. Roddricka Patton had a solid game with points, nine assists and nine steals.
Fourth Quarter
3:07 - Neches' Dianna Patton has put together a quality game as she has recorded a doubel-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and she only is two assists away from a triple double. Neches leads 55-30.
End Third Quarter
Neches is on cruise control in the regional seminfal game. The Lady Tigers lead 49-15 at the end of the third quarter. Neches held Aquilla to four points in the fourth quarter.
Halftime
Neches leads 37-11 at halftime. Neches has showcased its speed and pressure defense with 17 steals and forcing 20 turnovers. Neches has seven girls in the scorebook, led by Raven McFarland's eight points. Kristen Green, Deana Patton and Neshiyer Linchon each have six points.
Second Quarter
3:23 - Aquilla finally stops the Neches' scoring run at 19-0, but then the Lady Tigers' Kristen Green hits back-to-back three pointers and Neches leads 29-6.
End of First Quarter
Neches leads 19-2 after going on a 15-0 run in the final 5:35 of the quarter. Raven McFarland has eight first-quarter points, Dianna Patton has five points and Roddricka Patton has four points. Neches has nine steals and 15 points off of turnovers. Aquilla is forcing up shots once the Lady Cougars get into half-court sets due to Neches' menacing defense.
First Quarter
1:49 - Neches on a 13-0 run to lead 17-2. Neches' press too much for Aquilla. Lady Tigers have eight steals and 15 of 17 points off of turnovers.
First Quarter
5:04 - Neches has an early 7-2 lead and Aquilla calls a 30-second timeout. Raven McFarland has scored four points for Neches and Dianna Patton had a three-point play. Aquilla is struggling with Neches' speed as the Lady Cougars have four turnovers.
Neches wins 57-33 and will play at noon Saturday in regional finals vs. Oakwood or Walnut Creek. Neches dominated in the semifinal game because of the Lady Tigers' defense. Neches had eight players score, led by Dianna Patton's 10 points and 11 rebounds. She also had five steals. Roddricka Patton had a solid game with points, nine assists and nine steals.
Fourth Quarter
3:07 - Neches' Dianna Patton has put together a quality game as she has recorded a doubel-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds and she only is two assists away from a triple double. Neches leads 55-30.
End Third Quarter
Neches is on cruise control in the regional seminfal game. The Lady Tigers lead 49-15 at the end of the third quarter. Neches held Aquilla to four points in the fourth quarter.
Halftime
Neches leads 37-11 at halftime. Neches has showcased its speed and pressure defense with 17 steals and forcing 20 turnovers. Neches has seven girls in the scorebook, led by Raven McFarland's eight points. Kristen Green, Deana Patton and Neshiyer Linchon each have six points.
Second Quarter
3:23 - Aquilla finally stops the Neches' scoring run at 19-0, but then the Lady Tigers' Kristen Green hits back-to-back three pointers and Neches leads 29-6.
End of First Quarter
Neches leads 19-2 after going on a 15-0 run in the final 5:35 of the quarter. Raven McFarland has eight first-quarter points, Dianna Patton has five points and Roddricka Patton has four points. Neches has nine steals and 15 points off of turnovers. Aquilla is forcing up shots once the Lady Cougars get into half-court sets due to Neches' menacing defense.
First Quarter
1:49 - Neches on a 13-0 run to lead 17-2. Neches' press too much for Aquilla. Lady Tigers have eight steals and 15 of 17 points off of turnovers.
First Quarter
5:04 - Neches has an early 7-2 lead and Aquilla calls a 30-second timeout. Raven McFarland has scored four points for Neches and Dianna Patton had a three-point play. Aquilla is struggling with Neches' speed as the Lady Cougars have four turnovers.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
How scary is Cayuga?
Just how scary are the Cayuga Wildcats entering the Class A state playoffs? Very scary.
"They just keep sending more and more off the bench at you," one area coach said last week about the Wildcats.
Cayuga is one of the hottest teams as the playoffs started this week. Cayuga has a 14-game winning streak including warm-up victories over Bogata-Rivercerst and Laneville, going into Friday night's area playoff game against Broaddus in Rusk.
The last two years, Cayuga's downfall once the Wildcats reached the regional tournament was half-court offense and free-throw shooting. But on Wednesday, Cayuga head coach Greg Jenkins said his team is shooting the ball well, including from the free-throw line. That is good news for the Wildcats and scary news for their opponents.
Cayuga will be even stronger in the playoffs with the return of Caleb Summerville. The junior has missed most of the season after a football injury and has gotten a couple of games under his belt the last couple of weeks.
Summerville was Cayuga's leading scorer last year and this year, he will add more depth to what is already deep Cayuga rotation.
"Caleb is going to bring a scoring punch and add depth for us," Jenkins said. "He gives us another good inside presence."
Summerville is still trying to get back into form after having to watch from the sidelines and going through rehab. According to Jenkins, Summerville still is a few months away from being able to do certain things on the basketball court like last year, including taking an opponent off the dribble.
"The mental aspect of the game is the hardest for Caleb because he physically cannot do everything he did before," Jenkins said.
But Summerville is making the adjustment to fill a role needed by Cayuga.
"Caleb has watched this team from the bench and understands what we need," Jenkins said. "He can fit in a role."
"They just keep sending more and more off the bench at you," one area coach said last week about the Wildcats.
Cayuga is one of the hottest teams as the playoffs started this week. Cayuga has a 14-game winning streak including warm-up victories over Bogata-Rivercerst and Laneville, going into Friday night's area playoff game against Broaddus in Rusk.
The last two years, Cayuga's downfall once the Wildcats reached the regional tournament was half-court offense and free-throw shooting. But on Wednesday, Cayuga head coach Greg Jenkins said his team is shooting the ball well, including from the free-throw line. That is good news for the Wildcats and scary news for their opponents.
Cayuga will be even stronger in the playoffs with the return of Caleb Summerville. The junior has missed most of the season after a football injury and has gotten a couple of games under his belt the last couple of weeks.
Summerville was Cayuga's leading scorer last year and this year, he will add more depth to what is already deep Cayuga rotation.
"Caleb is going to bring a scoring punch and add depth for us," Jenkins said. "He gives us another good inside presence."
Summerville is still trying to get back into form after having to watch from the sidelines and going through rehab. According to Jenkins, Summerville still is a few months away from being able to do certain things on the basketball court like last year, including taking an opponent off the dribble.
"The mental aspect of the game is the hardest for Caleb because he physically cannot do everything he did before," Jenkins said.
But Summerville is making the adjustment to fill a role needed by Cayuga.
"Caleb has watched this team from the bench and understands what we need," Jenkins said. "He can fit in a role."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Showdown on the Horizon
With regional quarterfinal wins by Neches over Slocum on Monday and Oakwood over Roxton on Tuesday, the showdown between Neches and Oakwood moves one step closer.
The two Dogwood Circle teams have reached the Class A, Division II regional tournament at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches this weekend. With wins on Friday by both teams in the regional semifinals, it will set up a District 24-A showdown to reach the state tournament.
It seems like it is destined that Neches and Oakwood would meet to decide who goes to the state tournament. The two teams finished tied for the District 24-A title, with each team losing to the other once for their only district losses.
It also would be fitting that one of the teams makes it to the state tournament as District 24-A was the strongest district in Region III. At the end of the regular season, third place in the district had to be settled by a tie-breaker between Slocum and Kennard. Slocum won the game and Kennard, who went to the state tournament the last two years, had to stay home.
"We had a team that was sitting home that would have won a title in other district," Neches head coach Andy Snider said after the win over Slocum Monday night. "That says a lot about our district."
District 24-A was only one of two district in Division II that had all three teams make the regional quarterfinals — District 5-A was the other.
But while it may seem fitting that Neches and Oakwood end up in the regional finals, there is still work to be done by both teams on Friday. Neches plays Aquilla at 3 p.m. and Oakwood take on Walnut Creek at 5 p.m.
I will be doing live updates on the blog for both games and hopefully again for Saturday.
The two Dogwood Circle teams have reached the Class A, Division II regional tournament at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches this weekend. With wins on Friday by both teams in the regional semifinals, it will set up a District 24-A showdown to reach the state tournament.
It seems like it is destined that Neches and Oakwood would meet to decide who goes to the state tournament. The two teams finished tied for the District 24-A title, with each team losing to the other once for their only district losses.
It also would be fitting that one of the teams makes it to the state tournament as District 24-A was the strongest district in Region III. At the end of the regular season, third place in the district had to be settled by a tie-breaker between Slocum and Kennard. Slocum won the game and Kennard, who went to the state tournament the last two years, had to stay home.
"We had a team that was sitting home that would have won a title in other district," Neches head coach Andy Snider said after the win over Slocum Monday night. "That says a lot about our district."
District 24-A was only one of two district in Division II that had all three teams make the regional quarterfinals — District 5-A was the other.
But while it may seem fitting that Neches and Oakwood end up in the regional finals, there is still work to be done by both teams on Friday. Neches plays Aquilla at 3 p.m. and Oakwood take on Walnut Creek at 5 p.m.
I will be doing live updates on the blog for both games and hopefully again for Saturday.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Welcome to my blog
I used to think that I was technology savvy. Those days have passed me by and now it is time to try and play catch up by having my first blog. My wife keeps telling me I need to start a blog where I could get my sports thoughts out to others like me. Actually, I really think she was getting tired of me telling her all my random and sometimes bizarre sports thoughts and this is a way to save her sanity.
In this blog, I will be talking area high school sports along with college and professional sports. As well, I hope to be able to do live updates from area games that I am covering.
I welcome comments and feedback and leave your own sports thoughts as well.
In this blog, I will be talking area high school sports along with college and professional sports. As well, I hope to be able to do live updates from area games that I am covering.
I welcome comments and feedback and leave your own sports thoughts as well.
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