Saturday, June 12, 2010

Not everyone happy about Adrian Peterson Day

While Adrian Peterson waved to his fans in his hometown of Palestine Saturday morning, there were some folks up north who were not all too happy about Peterson riding in the back of a car.
According to reports by ESPN and the Associated Press, Minnesota Viking head coach Brad Childress was not thrilled about Peterson being in Palestine. The reason: this weekend was the Vikings' mandatory minicamp.
Here are some of the comments Childress made in the Associated Press story.

“I just know that there’s a bunch of guys here,” Childress said. “This has the term mandatory for a reason. The work’s here.”
AND
“I don’t know if it’s going to be like every year they’re going to have that,” Childress said, “but we’re going to have this too.”

Childress may even be more upset because according to the Associated Press story, Peterson did not tell his head coach about not being there until last week.
Palestine has held an Adrian Peterson Day each of the last four years since Peterson was drafted by the Vikings. While it is nice for his hometown to honor the running back, maybe they should check the Vikings' schedule first to see if there are any conflicting dates.
In an story last week in the Herald-Press, previewing Adrian Peterson Day, Peterson's aunt and event organizer Carol Pegues said one of the reasons was so local young people and athletes can meet Peterson and learn what can be accomplished from hard work.
Maybe all Peterson showed them this time was how to skip out on a mandatory practice. Probably not the right message he needs to be sending to those he is trying to reach out to.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Dogwood circle losing a good one

Earlier this week, Curt Faigle resigned as the Grapeland athletic director and head football coach. With this happening, the area is losing a very good coach and a very good person. I have had the chance to work for Coach Faigle for the last three years during his tenure as Grapeland's athletic program leader. In my experiences with Coach Faigle, he has always been open and honest and has been a great pleasure to work with. There was never a time where I would leave a message for Coach Faigle and within the next few hours I would get a phone call back. Does not sound like a big deal, but in this business, there are many coaches that don't return phone calls. Coach Faigle is one of the good guys and I wish him the best in his future.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - Slocum vs Bronte

STATE CHAMPS. STATE CHAMPS. STATE CHAMPS. CAYUGA WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. OW MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Overtime
MISSED SHOT MALCOME FOULED!!!!!!!!!!

Overtime
36 sec - Billy Duncan fouled and goes to line for 2 FT. Makes both, up by five!!!!!!!!

Overtime
Misses both Cayuga up 3

Overtime
1:01 - Blocking call on Cayuga and that sends Bronte back to line for two FTs. Misses the first and Bronte calls a full timeout. Cayuga to lead by at least two after next free throw. Anderson checks in and Traylon goes out. Best free throw shooters on floor for Cayuga

Overtime
1:20 - Bronte fouls Traylon, who goes to line for 1-and-1. Traylon makes one. Up by three

OVERTIME
Cayuga defensive rebound. 1:33 working clock.

Overtime
THREE ANDERSON, Cayuga up by two

Overtime
2:25 - Bronte at line for two FTs. Anderson checks back in. Bronte makes one and up by one.

Overtime
PUTBACK SHEAD, tied game.

Overtime
Cayuga has not been able to crash boards and are only outrebounding Bronte 46-36 now

Overtime
3:31 - Cayuga has to use their only timeout in overtime because cannot get ball in. Bronte leads by two.

Overtime
Bronte takes first lead by two

Fourth Quarter
Cayuga goes down low but Wagner can't get basket as double teamed. Going to OT

Fourth Quarter
9 seconds left and Cayuga takes a timeout, last one 30 seconds. Going to set up a play to win this game. Traylon Shead checks back in. Look for some kind of shot early on and Cayuga crash the boards. WHAT A GAME!!!!!!!!!!

Fourth Quarter
Cayuga looks like playing for last shot.

Fourth Quarter
43 sec - Missed three pointer by Bronte and Cayuga has ball with game tied. Billy and Preston check back in

Fourth Quarter
55 sec - Timeout Bronte has Cayuga traps ball. WOW WHAT A GAME!!!!!! Cayuga needs to find a stop on defense. Can't let Rawls get any kind of look. What about the freshman Anderson, he is a pure shooter and when they get hot, it is something special.

Fourth Quarter
PRESTON ANDERSON 3 POINTER!!!!! TIE GAME!!!!! 59 seconds left

Fourth Quarter
1:14 - Bronte gets fouled and at FT line. Misses both, Cayuga down 3

Fourth Quarter
Jenkins trying to find some kind of combination right now to put on floor as Cayuga misses twice but gets ball back. Preston Anderson 3! Down three

Fourth Quarter
Cayuga calls a much needed full timeout. Something has to happen on this possession. Cayuga forcing too many three pointers (6-of-31 from behind the arc). Could be their downfall.

Fourth Quarter
I know still 1:55 left, but it is slipping away. To get to the championship game and have this happen, it is heart breaking to say the least. Bronte leads by six points.

Fourth Quarter
My hands are shaking as Bronte going to be going up by four with 2:13 to play.

Fourth Quarter
By the way, my heart will not stop racing!

Fourth Quarter
Rawls three pointer and Bronte up by four with three to play. But Duncan gets thre of own

Fourth Quarter
3:54 - Malcome picks up fourth foul on block and Bronte takes one-point lead on three point play.
Fourth Quarter
Wagner 1-2 from FT and Cayuga up two. Misses golden chance as Kennedy steal but shot missed by Cayuga

Fourth Quarter
Duncan fouls Rawls on a three point shot and he gets three FTs. That also puts Bronte in the bonus. FTs could determine this game. Rawls makes two FT and Cayuga leads by one

Fourth Quarter
Kennedy putback and Cayuga up by three

Fourth Quarter
6:32 - Billy Duncan gets fouled and gets two FTs. That puts Bronte over seven fouls, Duncan makes one and Cayuga leads by one.

Fourth Quarter
CJ Wagner ties game at 44-44 after Billy gets three pointer. Crazy game right now, Cayuga just needs to keep pushing ball.

End of Third Quarter
Bronte leads 42-39 going into fourth quarter. Wow what a game, again many not expecting this kind of game but give it to Bronte for giving Cayuga everything they got. Fourth quarter will come down to can Cayuga stop Dakota Rawls, who already has 21 points and can hit from anywhere on floor? Can Cayuga show their senior leadership and come up with big plays down the stretch? This is the time for Malcome Kennedy and Traylon Shead to lead the way just like in football!

Third Quarter
Three pointer Duncan, down by one

Third Quarter
Thee pointer by Rawls and Bronte back up by four. All of a sudden Bronte gets flow back on their side

Third Quarter
Bronte gets basket to get lead back and Malcome gets called for a charge for third foul and he comes out.

Third
Cayuga leads as Traylon steal and layup. And gets ball back on turnover. Momentum shifting!

Third Quarter
Preston Anderson 3 pointer cuts lead to one.

Third Quarter
2-for-19 three pointers by Cayuga. Shooting may cost them a championship

Third Quarter
3:06 - Dakota Rawls cleans up offensive rebound with a dunk and Bronte leads 35-31. That leads to Jenkins calling a full timeout. Cayuga not looking in sync on offense and not being able to run at all as Bronte getting back on defense. They need to look inside to Traylon Shead and pound the boards. Can see Bronte's confidence continue to rise after each minute and each basket.

Third Quarter
Dakota Rawls with another dunk and Bronte leads 33-31.

Third Quarter
Traylon Shead with another putback and Cayuga ties game 31-31. Then Traylon gets block on other end of court

Third Quarter
Dalevin Campbell makes one FT and then gets a jump ball to give Cayuga possession. Bronte leads by 2.

Third Quarter
5:54 - Bronte takes a 30-second timeout as one of their players has blood on elbow and they don't want to sub.

Third Quarter
5:55 - Bronte strikes first again in the half with a three pointer and leads 31-28

Third Quarter
6:50 - No one has scored in the second half. Each time has had a couple of looks but nothing has gone down

Halftime
Game is tied 28-28 at halftime. Maybe a little (or a lot closer) than some would have thought, but should not be a surprise with a team like Bronte being able to make this a game. Cayuga is not shooting like they did Thursday morning where the 3-point shot gave them a big lead. This morning, Cayuga is only 2-of-17 in three pointers as Cayuga went 0-for-14 to start the game before Preston Anderson and Billy Duncan. From the field, Cayuga is shooting only 30 percent. On the plus side, the Wildcats have outrebounded Bronte 23-4, including 14 offensive rebounds. Cayuga has to tighten up its half-court defense. Bronte has been patient on offense, waiting for Cayuga to over pursue or make a mistake and then Longhorns getting someone underneath basket for open shot. Cayuga needs to be sure it does not give up the middle. Also need to make sure Dakota Rawls is covered at all times, right now he has 14 of Bronte's 28 points. Look for Traylon Shead to stick on him in the second half.
As far as stats, C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 10 points as he has cleaned up on the board. Traylon Shead got out to a quick start and has eight points and eight rebounds. The bench has disappeared for Cayuga as Preston Anderson's thee pointer is Cayuga's only bench points.

Second Quarter
Billy Duncan 3 pointer but Rawls hits a three pointer with three seconds left to tie game 28-28 at halftime

Second Quarter
1:25 - Bronte again holding ball at midcourt, slowing down the pace as Cayuga leads by 2. Bronte been patient on offense and results in Rawls close shot to tie game.

Second Quarter
3 by Anderson and Cayuga leads by 2

Second Quarter
Bronte just working ball around the top, running some clock and not looking to attack Cayuga defense. Transition and CJ Wagner layup gives Cayuga lead

Second Quarter
4:21 - Right now Greg Jenkins trying to find a combination from the bench that is going to produce. Nothing working from the bench

Second Quarter
5:17 - Wagner cleans up own shot and lead back to one. Pace being played high speed right now in Cayuga favor. The Wildcats have 10 second chance points and are outrebounding Bronte 17-2. Wildcats need to keep going to boards as that is what is keeping them in game despite shooting 0-12 thre pointers and 31 percent from floor

Second Quarter
6:08 - Billy Duncan gets fouled while shooting a three pointer and gets 3 FTs. He makes two and lead cut to one

Second Quarter
6:56 - Preston Anderson trying to find his shot but 0-4 from three pointers. Cayuga continues to get

Second Quarter
7:09 - Wagner again on a putback to cut lead to three points and Cayuga gets a turnover

Second Quarter
7:30 - Bronte's Rob Rosson slips into the paint wide open for layup for 19-14 lead. Someone blew responsibility on defense and Jenkins calls a full timeout. Right now Cayuga defense being shredded apart in the half-court sets.

Second Quarter
7:45 - CJ Wagner with putback to cut lead to 17-14. Cayuga has to take advantage of size inside.

End First Quarter
Bronte leads 17-12 to start the first quarter. Not what expected by the Wildcats, who shot 6-of-17 from the field and are 0-for-7 from three-point range. Much different from Thursday's game were Cayuga hit first four three pointers. With Malcome picking up the two fouls, that changed Cayuga's defensive pressure and Bronte been able to find ways to get to basket. Traylon Shead has come out strong with eight of Cayuga's 12 points.

First Quarter
1:14 - Dakota Rawls scores five quick points and Bronte leads 15-12. Coming back in are two starters, Billy Duncan and Traylon Shead. Look for Shead to stick to Rawls

First Quarter
2:16 - Traylon gets a tip in, his sixth point of game. Cayuga leads 12-10 as Preston Anderson, Caleb Sumemrville and D'onte Jackson all check in

First Quarter
3 min - Shak Jenkins down low and Cayuga leads 10-8

First Quarter
3:44 - Malcome Kennedy picks up two fouls in span of 30 seconds. Traylon Shead going to check if for Malcome. This is where not having Chris Turner hurts Wildcats.

First Quarter
Traylon Steal and dunk and Cayuga leads 8-7

First Quarter
4:31 - Traylon Shead with a putback as he has four quick points. Cayuga trails 7-6

First Quarter
5:20 - Dakota Rwals throws down a dunk for 5-2 lead. Cayuga trying to figure out 2-3 zone. Inside to Traylon for layup. Lead down to one

First Quarter
6:02 - Cayuga gets its first basket as C.J. Wagner gets break away layup on transition. Bronte turns ball over and Cayuga has it back.

First Quarter
6:21 - Bronte strikes first with a three pointer and Cayuga has their fourth turnover of the game.

First Quarter
Another turnover by Bronte as Cayuga defense traps ball handler and he travels. But Cayuga turns ball over again down low.

First Quarter
Really quickly, Cayuga turns ball over trying to go inside but Bronte throws ball away.

Pregame
It is finally here, the Class A, Division I state championship game between Cayuga and Bronte. Cayuga is trying to become only the fourth team in school history to win a state title in football and basketball during the same school year. The Wildcats have won 21 straight games since opening the season with two consecutive losses. The Wildcats will be without back up point guard Chris Turner, who had to have surgery on a finger Thursday after injuring it in the game against Spurger. As Greg Jenkins said after the game, that could give Cayuga even more motivation for this one. 15 minutes to go, can't wait till this one gets started.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Slocum vs Nazareth, Class A, Division II semifinals

End of game
Game is over as Nazareth wins 57-48. No doubt, difference in game when all is said and done was Slocum only making 4-of-16 from the free-throw line while Nazareth 13-of-17. Despite the loss, Slocum needs to be proud of what they accomplished. Losses the Class A player of the year off of last year's team and ends up holding No. 1 ranking the whole year and getting back to the state tournament for the second time in school history. Just tonight, it was one of those games.

Fourth Quarter
OK, one more unprofessional comment. Refs have been very inconsistent. Not a reason why Slocum lost (4-for-16 FT shooting one of the reasons), but still, refs have not been that good. Expect a little better in state tournament game.

Fourth Quarter
Slocum trying to hang in there as lead has gone from 19 to 6 points. Swifts to the FT line for 1-and-1, makes one but Nazareth offensive rebound second and back to FT line. This one is over.

Fourth Quarter
53 sec - Turnover and goes back to Slocum. Bickerstaff two points and down by six.

Fourth Quarter
58 sec - Prater makes both FTs and Slocum trails by 8

Fourth Quarter
1:13 While Slocum only 2-for-14 FT, Nazareth 10-for-13. Steven Prater going to the line for one and one with Swifts leading by 10

Fourth Quarter
When Slocum tries to foul they can't get a call and then Foster steals ball and gets fouled while shooting. 1:15 left and Slocum down by nine going to the line for two. 1-for-12 so far from FT line. Foster makes one and down by 8

Fourth Quarter
Slocum just makes first FT and trails by 9

Fourth Quarter
1:54 - Bickerstaff to the line with Slocum trailing by 10 points. Got to make the FTs!

Fourth Quarter
2:!2- Slocum's Fletcher Larkin his a three pointer and lead down to 10 points. By the way, Slocum 0-for-10 in FTs. Difference in game?

Fourth Quarter
2:58 - As for the game, Slocum trails 50-37 with just under three minutes to play. Nazareth may start to stall and if so, Slocum can either foul, sending a good free throw team to the line or go for the steals.

Fourth Quarter
3:41 - Slocum's Kendell Redd fouls out. It is a shame that something like that happens in final game of career. He is a heck of a player and really became something for Slocum the last two years. He became the sixth man last year and played a huge role in the championship game because of foul trouble. This year, he moved into a starer role and was a great defensive player.

Fourth Quarter
OK, I know this may not be very professional, but the Nazareth fans behind me are really annoying! I guess a million times to the state tournament gives fans the chance to act like, well you know what.

Fourth Quarter
4:39 - Redd hits a three pointer to cut lead to 16, first points for Slocum in quarter.

Fourth Quarter
More bad news to report. Nazereth three pointer from corner and then steal and layup. This one looks to be done even with 5 minutes left. Nazareth has scored the first eight points of the quarter to start running away with this one. Seems like this is what happens when teams get to Austin, once it starts to roll the wrong way, there is not much a team can do to get back into it. That is what is happening to Slocum right now

Fourth Quarter
6:04 - Nazareth now has a 14-point lead. Slocum getting one and done as Nazerth cleaning up on the defensive boards

Fourth Quarter
12 point lead for Nazareth. Slocum not able to get anything going there way.

Fourth Quarter
7:08 - Nazareth gets 10 point lead and Slocum throws ball away. Right now things not going Mustangs way, got to turn it around real quickly or else, no repeat of a state title.


Fourth Quarter
Nazareth opens fourth with basket as loose ball goes straight to player underneath basket.

End Third Quarter
Steven Prater steals the inbound pass, after missed shot Slocum gets ball back and Thomason hits long jumper with one second left. Nazareth leads 35-29 going into fourth quarter. Slocum chipped into lead, now needs to make that charge in the fourth quarter. Thomason playing like he needs to with 14 points. Foster did not pick up another foul in the quarter so he still has three. This is going to come down to getting defensive stops and making most of opportunities on offense because Nazareth will start to stall soon in the fourth if they have the lead.

Third Quarter
Nazareth trying to go four corners but stolen by Redd for layup with 20 sec left. Lead 35-27

Third Quarter
Looks like Bickerstaff is mugged after a defensive rebound but no call as ball goes OB to Swifts

Third Quarter
Foster misses 2nd FT but Bickerstaff with offensive rebound and Mustangs have ball back and Thomason long jumper and lead is now 32-25

Third Quarter
2:18 - Logan going to the line for two FTs. Slocum still has not hit a FT and Logan misses first one and the Nazareth calls a timeout. Not sure what is going on with the FT situation but Slocum 0-for-7 with Foster getting one more

Third Quarter
2:35 - The refs are consistent on the charge calls as Nazareth just gets called for two. Top scorer Sage Black picks up his third foul but stays in game.

Third Quarter
3:19 - Redd dish to Thomason for layup and lead cut to 32-23. Turnover Swifts, Slocum needs to take advantage.

Third Quarter
It is very interesting how refs are letting both teams play and then out of nowhere a big whistle. It has been a little inconsistent right now.

Third Quarter
Another close blank shot missed by Slocum, 9-of-31 shooting.

Third Quarter
5:19 - Foster gets his first two points of game but Nazareth right back to keep 11 point lead. Steal and two more for Swifts.

Third Quarter
5:41 - Logan Foster nearly picks up his fourth foul, but a block called instead. Nazareth still leads 28-17

Third Quarter
5:52 - In just over two minutes, Redd picks up three fouls. He will stay in the game but Slocum in major foul trouble. Three for Redd and Foster, two for Bickerstaff

Third Quarter
6:11 - Kendell Redd get called for a charge, Slocum third charge of the game. Nazareth just packing the middle of the lane.

Third Quarter
7:04 - Slocum does not pick up coming down the court and an easy layup by Nazareth who now leads 26-15.

Halftime
Nazareth's Sage Black hits a three pointer with 30 seconds left and the Swifts have a 24-15 lead. Slocum has some work ahead of them in the second half, but from we have seen last week, the Mustangs have the ability to come back from a deficit. Mustangs have had some good looks, but are 7-of-25 shooting. Randall Thomason leads the team with eight point on 4-of-10 shooting. In the second half, Logan Foster cannot pick up his fourth foul and be back on the bench. Nazareth looking for Foster to drive to the hoop and putting a body under the basket looking for a call. Both times the call went Nazareth's way. Slocum just needs to stop giving up offensive rebounds and needs to be able to knock down the close looks that they are getting.

Second Quarter
2:03 - Randall Thomason with a long two pointer to cut lead to six points. Slocum needs big things from Thomason with Foster on the bench. Mustangs need to try to keep close and get into lockerroom where they can make some adjustments.

Second Quarter
2:32 - Nazareth 19-11 as one Slocum player picks another and Swifts get an easy layup.

Second Quarter
4:06 - Slocum trails 17-11 and Steven Prater to the line for two. Slocum has missed all four FTs so far and Prater misses both as well. What is going on

Second Quarter
5:49 - Logan Foster picks up his third foul - second charge, and he is on the bench for remainder of quarter. Slocum just needs to stay in the game in this half.

Second Quarter
Another offensive rebound and putback for Swifts who have a 17-9 lead.

Second Quarter
6:18 - Slocum with a turnover after Nazareth takes a 15-9 leads prompts Slocum head coach Jay Bruce to take a timeout. Slocum playing out of sync against a tough Nazareth defense. The shots have been there but Slocum just seems to be playing too fast right now.

Second Quarter
7:03 - Randall Thomason gets a basket inside but Nazareth with another offensive rebound and putback along with foul on Thomason for a free throw. FT missed but Nazareth leads 13-9. Right now, Nazareth taking advantage of offensive rebounds.

Second Quarter
7:23 - Dillon Bickerstaff picks up his second foul and looks like Logan going to check in for him. Nazareth two FTs and leads 11-7

Second Quarter
The second quarter starts with Logan Foster remaining on the bench as Fletcher Larkin is in the game for him.

End First Quarter
Randall Thomason gets a basket in the lane to cut the lead to 9-7 at the end of the first quarter. The first quarter ends quickly as both teams struggling from the field. Both teams shooting 3-for-12 in the first quarter. Only difference right now is a pair of free throws by the Swifts. Not sure if it is paying in this arena or nerves, but Slocum has had some point blank shots that they have not been able to put down.

First Quarter
15 sec - Logan Foster just picks up his second foul, critical for the Mustangs as he goes to the bench. Wonder if he will stay there at the start of the second. Nazareth hits 2 FTs and leads 9-5

First Quarter
1:40 - Nazareth's Sid Sheffy hits a three pointer and the Swifts lead 7-5.

First Quarter
2:18 - Slocum still leads 5-4 as both teams are a combined 4-for-18 shooting. A lot like last year's championship game between the two teams.

First Quarter
Slocum is only 1-for-7 to start the game. Mustangs have missed some point black shots. But Randall Thomason gets a shot in and Slocum leads 5-4.

First Quarter
4:30 - Dillon Bickerstaff gets Slocum on the board with a three pointer from the corner. Nazareth leads 4-3.

First Quarter
5:45 - Nazareth gets on the board first with a layup. The Swifts have three offensive rebounds already.

First Quarter
6:22 - No score in first minute and a half. Each team has a turnover to start out with.

Pregame
Not much pregame as teams are being introduced. Traffic in Austin, like usual, was just aweful as we sat in traffic forever, arriving just 15 minutes before the start of the game. But we made it and I am here typing. So whey! Let's get this one started.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Cayuga vs. Spurger, Class A, Division I staet semifinals

Fourth Quarter
Freshman Deon Shoffer gets a basket in the state tournament. Cayuga going to win this one, leading 80-44 right now. Going to call it a morning for the blog. Look for stories on the Herald-Press web site later today.

Fourth Quarter
2:59 - Zac Bowman gets his first two points of the game on a putback. Cayuga 74-39.

Fourth Quarter
3:39 - Dalevin Campbell with another three pointer and Cayuga leads 72-39. Cayuga has made 7-of-12 three pointers. They have shot astonishing 62 shots in the game.

Fourth Quarter
5:07 - D'onte Jackson hits a 15-footer for his first two points of the game and Cayuga leads 69-39.

Fourth Quarter
6:23 - Here comes the defense again as Billy Duncan gets a steal and feeds to Campbell, who gets the layup and the foul. Makes the FT and Cayuga leads 66-35.

Fourth Quarter
7:09 - Traylon Shead with a putback and Cayuga leads 61-35. Dalevin Campbell and D'onte Jackson check back in for Cayuga.

End Third Quarter
Cayuga goes into the fourth quarter leading 59-35. Unless there is a big letdown from the Wildcats, they will be heading to the state championship game. This game has turned into a defensive showcase by the Wildcats, who have 16 steals, have forced 25 turnovers, 24 points off of turnovers and 29 fast break points. Cayuga set the tempo early on and has not let down.

Third Quarter
13 sec - Cayuga finishes off an 11-0 run on a Jenkins basket. Cayuga leads 59-35.

Third Quarter
59 - Another steal, this time a combo by Kennedy and Billy Duncan leads to Duncan layup. Cayuga leads 57-32.

Third Quarter
1:56 - Kennedy putting on a defensive show, getting his fourth straight steal. He has five points off the steals and Cayuga leads 55-32.

Third Quarter
2:37 - Cayuga has its biggest lead as Malcome Kennedy with steal and layup and Wildcats leads 52-32.

Third Quarter
Spurger just picks up its sixth team foul and Cayuga will be in bonus from here on out.

Third Quarter
With the way Cayuga hitting the three pointer, waiting for freshman Preston Anderson to get involved. He has taken only one three today, which was a long one that missed.

Third Quarter
3:48 - Spurger being very aggressive going after the ball. It has resulted in a few turnovers, but also four team fouls just halfway through the third quarter. Anytime Cayuga gets defensive rebound, couple of Spurger players trying to slap ball away. Pirates also trying to bring late pressure on the inbound pass, which has caught Cayuga off guard a couple of times. Seems like the only thing Spurger can do right now to try and stay in this thing.

Third Quarter
4:02 - HUGE block by Shak Jenkins. What looked to be break away turned into Shak coming back down court and blocking the shot from behind

Third Quarter
5:00 - Spurger putting some pressure on Cayuga off inbound pass and it has resulted in a couple of steals, but each time Cayuga gets ball back.

Third Quarter
Another three points by Cayuga, this time on a three-point play by C.J. Wagner and Cayuga leads 48-29.

3rd Quarter
Three pointer by Duncan and Cayuga leads 45-27. His fourth of the game. He is doing great job looking for his shot today.

3rd Quarter
7:19 - Shak Jenkins starts quarter with basket for 40-23 lead and C.J. Wagner takes a charge. Cayuga rotating well on defense

Halftime
Cayuga leads 38-23 going into halftime. Cayuga has scored 19 points in each half and built as big as a 17-point lead in the second quarter. Cayuga hit from outside to help build this leas as the Wildcats have made five three pointers, led by Billy Duncan's three from behind the arc. Duncan has a team-high 11 points. Dalevin Campbell has given the Wildcats a big spark off the bench with nine points in nine minutes of play. For Spurger, it has been all about Daniel Blankenship and George Whittaker, who had combined for 20 of team's 23 points.
The pace has been in favor of Cayuga, who has 13 points off turnovers and 18 fast break points. Spurger just cannot keep up with the pace Cayuga has set. If that continues in the second half, the Pirates won't get back into the game.

2nd Quarter
1:09 - Steal and layup by Shak Jenkins and then Campbell jumper and Cayuga leads 38-21

2nd Quarter
1:54 - Cayuga starting to get a little careless with basketball as lead cut to 34-21. But Shak Jenkins just gets a charge called on Spurger

2nd Quarter
2:59 - Cayuga calls a full timeout to get its team under control a little bit after the Wildcats got two straight offensive rebounds but could not hit from up close. Spurger now shooting only 33 percent for the game as Cayuga on a 6-0 run.

2nd Quarter
3:23 - Chris Turner gets steal but then goes hard to the court and looks to be a little shaken up. He is heading back to the locker room with Cayuga AD Tommy Allison

2nd Quarter
4:21 - Chris Turner in transition for layup and now as steal by Kennedy. Cayuga leads 32-17 and starting to open this one up.

2nd Quarter
5:08 - Steal by Chris Turner, who picks off pass and takes it other way for break away layup and Cayuga leads 28-17. Spurger calls 30 second TO. That is Cayuga's fifth steal and Spruger's eighth turnover

2nd Quarter
5:45 - Pull up jumper by CJ Wagner and Cayuga leads 26-15. Right now, the pace in Cayuga's favor as Preston Anderson, Chris Turner and Dalevin Campbell waiting to check in.

2nd Quarter
6:47 - Billy Duncan with long three pointer and Cayuga leads 24-13. Duncan's third three pointer of the game and Cayuga's fifth.

2nd Quarter
Cayuga starts the second by getting turnover on trap and leads to Malcome Kennedy layup between two Spurger players to lead 21-13.

End of First Quarter
Preston Anderson misses a long three pointer with two seconds left to end the quarter. Cayuga leads 19-13 after the first quarter. Cayuga has the lead despite shooting under 36 percent for the game, but it has been the shots from the outside that have sparked the Wildcats. Cayuga makes four three pointers and gets at three-point play in the first quarter. Coach Jenkins came into the game feeling like Cayuga would have to hit from outside for the Wildcats to win.

First Quarter
21 sec - Two straight TOs by Spurger and Cayuga has last possession.

First Quarter
1:02 - Caleb Summerville down low and he gets fouled while making the shot. Summerville makes FT and Cayuga leads 19-13. Great to see Caleb on the floor here is Austin.

First Quarter
Caleb Summerville, Chris Turner and Preston Anderson in the game for Cayuga. Only starter on the floor is Wagner.

First Quarter
1:54- Campbell three pointer and Cayuga leads 16-10. Raining downs three for the Wildcats in the first quarter.

First Quarter
2:47 - Malcome Kennedy three pointer and Cayuga leads by three. Three straight threes by Cayuga.

First Quarter
Another three by Duncan ties the game at 10-10. Spruger giving the outside shot and Duncan making them pay. Dalevin Campbell checks in for CJ Wagner.

First Quarter
3:42 - Billy Duncan hits three pointer which cuts lead to one point. Need to be able to make outside shots today.

First Quarter
Spurger's Daniel Blankenship hits a three pointer and Pirates take a 8-4 lead and prompts a Cayuga 30-second timeout. The Wildcats have had some looks but just cannot find bottom of basket.

First Quarter
4:20 - Spurger takes 5-4 lead. On defense, Pirates putting everyone in the lane and Cayuga having trouble getting shots,


Steal by Shead goes to a layup by Billy Duncan for 4-0 lead and Spurger calls a 30 second timeout. How often has it been that we see Cayuga's opponent call a quick timeout after the Wildcat early pressure leads to a steal. This time, Shead and Malcome Kennedy trapped the ball handler that led to steal and basket.

First Quarter
Another foul against Traylon Shead, this time on Spurger's other big man Christian Norsworthy, who just checked in and now will be going back to the bench. Shead hits both FT and Cayuga leads 2-0.

First Quarter
A quick foul on Spurger's big man George Whittaker sends Traylon Shead to the line on Cayuga's first possession. Shead misses both but hustles for the rebound. Ball still goes over for Spurger, who subs for Whittaker

Game time
Teams have been introduced and it is finally game time. Getting the chills, but that is because it is cold here on press row.


Pregame
Just under 10 minutes before Cayuga takes on Spurger in the second of the Class A, Division I state semifinals. This is new ground for the most part for both teams. For Cayuga, it is the school's fifth time at the state tournament, but the last time was in 1958. For Spurger, this is the first time the Pirates have been in Austin for the state tournament.
Cayuga comes into the game ranked No. 1 in the TABC polls with a record of 20-2. The Wildcats have won 20 straight games after losing their first two of the season in the Whataburger Tournament. Spurger is 25th in the TABC polls with a 27-5 record.
This looks to be a matchup of two teams at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Cayuga will run 10-12 deep trying to run and gun whenever possible. Spruger has only nine players on the roster and the Pirates are going to try and slow down the pace and try to beat Cayuga from behind the three-point line.
If this gets into an up tempo contest, Cayuga will be the favorite but as Coach Jenkins told me this week, he is not worried if Spruger does control the tempo. The Cayuga coach believes his team can play at a slower pace, evident by what happened against Marti's Mill in the regional finals.

Bronte wins first semifinal game

In the first Class A, Division I semifinal game in Austin Thursday morning, Bronte shook off a sluggish start to defeat Gruver xx-xx. The Longhorns play the winner of Cayuga and Spruger in the championship game at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Gruver led by three at haftime and by five in the third quarter but Bronte got hot near the end of the third quarter and the game was tied in the early moments of the fourth quarter. Bronte then hit two three pointers and from there it was all Longhorns.
Bronte's Dakota Rawls, a 6-5 guard, led the Longhorns with 26 points and 10 rebounds.

Getting ready for the state tournament

In Austin this morning at the Frank Erwin Center, waiting for Cayuga to play its semifinal game. First off though is Gruver vs. Bronte in the first semifinal game. Cayuga has a chance if it wins the state title this weekend to win a title in both football and basketball. I talked to a UIL representative this morning and was told that it has happened three times before - a team winning both in football ans basketball. I also asked about how many times a county had three state champions in basketball. It could happen for Anderson County after Neches girls won last week and Cayuga and Slocum playing this week. However, that question was a little tougher and could not be answered. Maybe by the end of the weekend, we will have an answer to that one.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Cayuga vs. Martins Mill, Class A-Region III, Division I finals

END OF GAME
CAYUGA GOING TO STATE. WILDCATS WIN 61-39.

Fourth Quarter
1:08 - Traylon Shead comes in for a second, but after a foul on Caleb Summerville, the Cayuga bench enters and the starters are off the court.

Fourth Quarter
1:46 - Layup by CJ Wagner and Cayuga leads 57-32. This one is over. Calling it. CAYUGA TO STATE!

Fourth Quarter
2:32 - MM starts to foul Cayuga trying to get in the bonus. It is desperation time for the Mustangs.

Fourth Quarter
3:13 - MM ends Cayuga 12-2 run but Jenkins gets his 17th point of the game and Cayuga starts to slow down. Wildcats look like on their way to the state tournament.

Fourth Quarter
4:43 - And there comes MM final timeout as Davelin Campbell gets a steal and finds Chris Turner for the layup and Cayuga leads 50-29. Wildcats are less than five minutes from finally breaking through the SFA barrier and getting to state.

Fourth Quarter
Cayuga has outscored MM 12-2 in this quarter and MM really cant call timeout since only have one left.

Fourth Quarter
5:51 - Cayuga starting to run way with it. Steal by Kennedy and layup by Jenkins for 46-29 lead and have ball back to Shak for another basket, 48-29,

Fourth Quarter
Steal and layup by Campbell makes it 42-29. Traylon Shead back on the bench with his team as Greg Jenkins talks to doctor about him.

Fourth Quarter
Cayuga gets putback by Wagner and steal by Kennedy for basket by Shak Jenkins to increase lead to 40-29. Martin's Mill calls its fourth timeout of the game, a full timout, after they get trapped in the back court. MM only has one timeout left. Cayuga starting to increase the pressure. As for Shead, he is getting his foot wrapped by the Cayuga doctor and the ankle brace in going back on. Not sure if he will be able to come back in, but with the way they are taping him up and putting every thing back on, he will probably at least try it out and see if he can get back in.

End Third Quarter
Cayuga heads into the fourth quarter with a 36-27 lead. MM dictated pace in the third quarter as Cayuga only scored eight points in the frame. Traylon Shead still down on the floor being looked at, he has 11 points to lead Cayuga and it is hopeful for the Wildcats that he could return.

Third Quarter
39 sec - Traylon Shead goes down hurting after tying to make a pass. He comes out of the game and goes to the side of the arena where assistant coach Russell Holden and a SFA trainer looking at him. Looked to be something with his leg or foot.

Third Qaurter
1:17 - Traylon gets basket inside and Cayuga leads 36=27. Slow pace game right now ans MM really been able to dictate it,

Third Quarter
3:29 - MM cuts the lead to eight points before Cayuga runs the floor and Shak Jenkins gets a layup to increase the lead to 34-24. Game is being played at MM's pace but Cayuga just needs to continue playing good defense and not try to do too much that someone will get open.

Third Quarter
5:44 Traylon Shead has a couple of free throws and Shak Jenkins has a basket as Cayuga leads 32-19,

Halftime
Cayuga takes a 28-15 lead into the break. Coach Jenkins probably pleased for most part, expect for the last foul which allowed MM to get two points from the free throw line. The Wildcats setting the tempo with their defense as MM having a hard time, other than two three pointers, to get an open shot. Cayuga also forcing MM one and out, not allowing any offensive rebounds. Traylon Shead leads Cayuga with eight points and CJ Wagner and Shak Jenkins each has five points.

Second Quarter
Cayuga works the call and Preston Anderson hits a three pointer to increase lead to 28-13 but before end of half, Cayuga fouls Boot Brantly, who makes both FT.

Second Quarter
With a minute left, Cayuga holding the ball at midcourt, guess looking for last shot since Martin Mill going to allow it. MM starting to put pressure.

Second Quarter
1:47 - MM has to call their third timeout of the game to avoid a 10-second call. Traylon Shead just got a steal and got the ball back for the basket to increase the lead to 23-13. Cayuga is playing as fast as they can against MM, which wants to slow the ball as much as possible, but the Wildcats still finding ways to run when they can. Defense for Cayuga has been tremendous as MM has had difficulty looking for open shots against the athletic zone.

Second Quarter
2:41 - Billy Duncan forces a charge after MM cut the lead to 21-13. The Wildcats take a full time out to get some subs in. The Wildcats are subbing a lot of players in while MM is only subbed two players in. May take a toll on the Mustangs later in the game against a fresher Cayuga team.

Second Quarter
4:55 - Cayuga has outscored Martin's Mill 6-1 so far as CJ Wagner makes a nifty pass to Shak Jenkins for a layup and a 21-9 lead.

Second Quarter
6:13 - Shak Jenkins hits a baseline jumper to get the lead back to double digits, 19-9.

Second Quarter
7:04 - Malcome Kennedy just picks up his third foul on a charge and heads to bench for rest of half. Cayuga leads 17-8.

End of First Quarter
Cayuga leads after the first quarter 15-8. The Wildcats have shown that they can pressure MM, who wants to try and sit back on offense. The only thing keeping MM in the game right now is a couple of three pointers and keeping the Wildcats off the offensive glass. Cayuga just needs to keep up its pressure.

First Quarter
32 sec - MM has hit two three pointers to cut lead to 14-8. Only way for MM to stay in this game is to make those long shots because Cayuga too athletic inside.

First Quarter
2:03 - MM head coach upset because he feels Cayuga defenders are riding his ball handlers.

First Quarter
2:50 - Dalevin Campbell gets a steal and layup for a 12-2 lead. Martin's Mill calls its second timeout and head coach Trae Moore is all over the refs unhappy about some call. Not really sure why fired up, Cayuga is just playing with more intensity than Mustangs.

First Quarter
3:14 - MM is trying to hold ball on offense but just wasting time as Cayuga gets fourth steal and Shak Jenkins makes one Ft and Cayuga leads 10-2

First Quarter
5:03 - Cayuga back at it. Malcome Kennedy hit a three pointer at top of arc. Shak Jenkins then steals inbound pass and gets to Traylon Shead for layup and Wildcats lead 7-3 and force MM timeout.

Pregame
Few minutes before game time for the second game of the regional finals at SFA - Cayuga vs. Martin's Mill. Can the Dogwood Circle have two boys teams heading to Austin next week after Slocum just topped Laneville in overtime in the DII finals. This game has the No. 1 Wildcats facing a familiar face in Martins Mill, who was in the Wildcats district before the last realignment.

Slocum vs. Laneville, Class A-Region III, Division II finals

SLOCUM GOES BACK TO STATE WITH 57-55 WIN.

Davis makes both free throws and it is a 56-55 game with .4 seconds left. Some how foul called on Laneville before inbound. Slocum gets two shots and the ball



.5 sec - Reginald Jordan gets fouled and at line for two. Will have to miss second and get tipin.

1.7 sec - Slocum leads by two points when Jacob Bowman gets fouled. Laneville out of timeouts and needs miracle - bowman makes one.

3 sec - Slocum breaks press for Steven Prater layup and four point lead, 55-51, Carey gets fouled by Foster, who is out of game, and Carey makes first and misses second. Rebound goes to Reginald Jordan who had a shot miss but was fouled, he makes one and two point game

OT
19 sec - Lanevile still in game as Carey gets to basket for layup. Slocum has to finish this thing from the FT line. They are 4-for-8 from FT line in OT

OT
33 - Larkin Fletcher going back to the line after another foul. He misses both and Laneville has ball.

OT
37 sec - Kendall Redd gets steal but Laneville gets ball back. Laneville gets fouled and makes one FT. Scramble for the rebound on second shot and Redd gets rebound and calls timeout before going to ground. Slocum leads 53-49 and has the ball.

OT
53 sec - Laneville tries to trap and foul called. Fletcher Larkin to line and makes one for 53-48 lead. Slocum calls a timeout to set up defense. Mustangs need to limit Laneville to one shot and not give up multiple opportunities.

Overtime
56 - Slocum with ball and four-point lead, 52-48. If Mustangs can get past full-court press, then Laneville is going to have to foul and Slocum can win from free throw line.

Overtime
1:21 - Four corners again and Prater goes to line for two. He misses both but Redd gets putback and lead by four. Then missed shots by Laneville and Redd gets defensive rebound. Before going out of bounds, he calls a timeout and Slocum has ball with 56 seconds and a four point lead.

Overtime
Laneville goes hits a FT and lead down to two points.

Overtime
2:10 - Here comes four corners for Slocum, trying to run clock and Kendall Redd gets fouled, fifth by Colin Anderson and he fouls out. Redd makes one and Slocum leads 50-47.

Overtime
2:30 - Another close call but Randall Thomason called for his fifth foul and it looked like Carey walked before hand. One ref had walk, one had the foul and the one who called the foul won out on that call. Carey made he shot but refs say foul happened before the shot so Carey gets two FTs. Thomason had 13 points before fouling out. Carey makes one FT to cut lead to 49-47 and Laneville calls a timeout. In the fourth quarter with a two-point lead, Slocum started to run clock at this time, expect them to do that again, trying to force time off the clock and make Laneville possibly foul them.

Overtime
2:53 - Kendall Redd slashes and scores and Slocum has ball back leading 49-46. But just turns it back over.

Overtime
Randall Thomason picks up first fourth foul to send Carey to the line. Carey makes one Slocum leads by one.

Overtime
Logan Foster goes hard to basket and on a close call, blocking is called. Could have been Foster's fifth foul. He makes two FT and Slocum leads 47-45

Fourth Quarter
Laneville cant get a shot up and this game going to OT. Laneville trying to work ball into Carey but Slocum denies. Ball finally gets there with 2 seconds left, but double team and Cary losses possession. Throws shot up after buzzer but it misses anyways. Slocum has momentum right no and needs to keep playing their ball for next four minutes. Foul situation, Laneville has two fouled out including top shooter Anderson. Slocum's Foster has four fouls.

Fourth Quarter
Laneville calls a timeout with ball and 10 seconds remaining, game tied 45-45. Yellowjackets will have one chance to tie game or going into overtime. Possession arrow to Slocum in case a jump ball in the final 10 seconds. Slocum needs to play tight defense here for final 10 seconds and not foul. If game goes into OT, advantage to Slocum as Laneville has two players fouled out.

Fourth Quarter
16 sec - Slocum runs clock and then Anderson going for steal fouls Prater four his fifth. Prater at line for 1 and 1 with game tied misses first

Fourth Quarter
48 - Laneville misses shot loose ball out bounds to Slocum with game tied.

Fourth Quarter
1:10 Thomason basket ties game up.

Fourth Quarter
1:53 - Laneville scores four straight, gets basket to tie then gets a steal that leads to offensive rebound and another basket. Laneville leads 45-43 and Slocum calls a timeout to set up offense. The Mustangs have to try to find a way to either slash to the basket or find Randall Thomason, who has been hot in the second half.

Fourth Quarter
2:33 - Slocum working ball and running clock with two point lead before called for travel. Time for defense to make another stop but Laneville ties game 43-43

Fourth Quarter
3:41 - Laneville's Anderson picks up fourth foul and Prater back at line where he makes both and Slocum leads 43-41.

Fourth Quarter
4:33 - Laneville's Coy Townsend fouls out as Steven Prater goes to the line for one and one. He makes both and Slocum leads 41-39.

Fourth Quarter
4:45 - Slocum has just tied the game with another shot by Thomason and a tough layup by Prater, who went length of court against pressure. Laneville calls another timeout as Slocum has scored seven straight points. Slocum continues to play tough half-court defense as Laneville keeps trying to go down to Carey in the block but the Mustangs are making life tough for him and Laneville in the paint.

Fourth Quarter
6:14 - Randall Thomason hits a three pointer from the corner to cut the lead to 39-35 and Laneville takes its second timeout. Thomason had a quiet first half but has come on and now has nine points. Slocum coach Jay Bruce talked earlier this week about needing Thomason to become a beast on offense and this is the time for it to happen for the Slocum senior.

End Third Quarter
Laneville heads into the fourth quarter with a 39-32 lead. Yellowjackets have the momentum and are controlling the pace of the game. Slocum has to force it back into a half-court game. Logan Foster comes back into the game. This is the time the three Slocum seniors are going to have to make plays.

Third Quarter
52 sec - Laneville starting to make another run as Isaiah Blanton gets fouled while making a shot and YellowJackets take a 39-30 lead.

Third Quarter
1:47 - Laneville's Carey gets a three-point play and then another turnover by Slocum leads to two free throws. Laneville leads 37-28.

Third Quarter
3:21 - Logan Foster just picks up a technical after he thought he was fouled going to the basket. Anderson goes to line for two free throws but even worse, that is Fosters' fourth foul and he has to come out. Laneville leads 32-26.

Third Quarter
5:37 - Michael Anderson its another three for Laneville who increases lead to 30-26.

Third Quarter
Slocum opens up quarter with back door layup by Steven Prater to cut lead to 27-24 but Logan Foster just picks up third foul. He stays in game but needs to be careful because he has to be on floor for Slocum to win.

Halftime
Slocum cuts the lead down to 26-22 going into halftime. The Mustangs score the final five points of the half after Laneville used that big run to take a nine point lead. Slocum has to find a way to get past Laneville's pressure defense as Mustangs have 15 turnovers in the half. Foul trouble could affect Laneville and may make them less aggressive.

Second Quarter
49 sec- Logan Foster stops run with a layup and then gets Michael Anderson to pick up third foul. Foster hits two FT and Slocum trails 26-21

Second Quarter
1:45 - This is the one thing Slocum could not let happen, allow Laneville to start playing chaotic basketball. Laneville leads 26-17.

Second Quarter
2:39 - Laneville scores seven straight points to storm into a 24-17 lead. During that time, Slocum has turned the ball over three times. Mustangs call a 30-second timeout to try and settle down. Need to get back to playing their style and not trying to run up and down with Laneville.

Second Quarter
3:24 - Starting to go downhill for Slocum ans Anderson hits three pointer for 20-17 lead and then a turnover give ball back to Laneville. Right now being called very light and Laneville taking advantage of that with their physical play.

Second Qaurter
3:51 - Laneville ties game 17-17 as Slocum starting to geta little careless. Now Logan Foster has to switch jerseys as he has blood on his No. 1 Jersey and takes No. 24 from sophomore Wade Mitchell Lets see how he plays in 24.

Second Quarter
5:53 - Slocum continues to play well in half court defense, getting a turnover. The Mustangs lead 15-13. Right now refs letting both teams play, and that is to Laneville's advantage.

Second Quarter
6:52 - Two straight turnovers have led to two Laneville baskets and the lead is cut to 14-13. Right now only thing going for Laneville is pressure defense.

End First Quarter
Slocum ends the first quarter on a 6-0 run as baskets by Kendall Redd and Steven Prater give Mustangs a 14-9 lead. Mustangs playing very well on defense, forcing Laneville into tough shots and for most part, getting defensive rebounds. Offense, when Slocum runs their sets, they have been able to get shots near the basket.

First Quarter
1:19 - Slocum takes it first lead as Fletcher Larkin gets inside and gets layup. Mustangs, up 10-9, call a 30-second timeout as Steven Prater gets trapped. Laneville is getting Slocum to stop dribble just past halfcourt and then trapping. That is what has given Mustangs the most fits.

First Quarter
2:06 - Slocum continues to struggle against Laneville half-court pressure defense as Mustangs have nine turnovers. However, Slocum getting back on defense, not giving up easy points, keeping it a one point Laneville lead, 9-8

First Quarter
2:44 - Logan Foster again making things happen. Gets a layup and then steal the inbound and gets fouled while shooting. Makes both to tie game and Slocum in the bonus

First Quarter
3:37 - Laneville has forced Slocum into seven turnovers already and leads 8-4.

First Quarter
4:43 - Laneville scores on two quick baskets but Logan Foster gets fouled again and makes one from line to cut lead to 6-3.

First Quarter
5:27 - Logan Foster goes hard to the rim and Michael Anderson picks up his second foul and goes to bench. Foster makes both FT and game tied 2-2.

First Quarter
6:04 - Laneville already has gotten the the line twice, making only two FT for a 2-0 lead. Slocum only has shot attempt as Laneville defense being aggresive

1st Quarter
Right from the start, Laneville wins the tip but then has to call a 30-second timeout when Slocum traps the ball handler in the corner. Always good when you force a team to use a timeout 11 seconds into the game.

Pregame
It is a rematch of last year's regional finals between Slocum and Laneville. Game time in about 30 minutes. The two teams are very familiar with each other, spending the last two years in district and then facing each other in the regional finals last year. In that game, Slocum stayed close and then rallied at the end to win by one point after two Randall Thomason free throws with seven seconds left. This year, the teams split their district games with each team winning on the others home court. Yesterday, Slocum topped Hampton Prep and Laneville defeated Kopperl in the semifinals. Questions coming into the regional finals: Will Laneville's press be able to get turnovers against Slocum or will Slocum be able to break the press which could lead to easy point? How much confidence does Slocum have after what they did last year against Laneville? Can Slocum's tough defense slow down Laneville's Michael Anderson, who had five three pointers against Kopperl? The answers to those questions will determine who heads to Austin.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Cayuga vs. Avery - Class A-Region III, Division I semifinals

End of Game
Cayuga finishes off Avery for an 83-46 win in the regional semifinals. Cayuga scored over 20 points in three of the four quarters. C.J. Wagner had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Check out the Herald-Press web site for complete story.

Fourth Quarter
5:19 - Freshman Preston Anderson having an impressive regional tournament debut. The lanky shooter just hit his third three pointer and has 13 points. Cayuga leads 70-42.

Fourth Quarter
6:44 - Malcome Kennedy just had his second big dunk of the game and now slices through the defense for a layup while getting fouled. He misses the foul shot but Cayuga leads 67-38.

End of Third Quarter
Cayuga leads 63-36 going into the fourth quarter. Does not look like the Wildcats will make the century mark even though they were one pace at halftime. But don't think Coach Jenkins or the rest of the Wildcats really care about that as they prepare for a matchup against Martin's Mill.

Third Quarter
1:33 - Cayuga in complete control of this one, leading 63-34. C.J. Wagner having a big night with 17 points and 10 rebounds. He has seven offensive rebounds ans Cayuga is crashing the boards.

Third Quarter
6:50 - Traylon Shead gets a layup and Shak Jenkins hits a pair of free throws and Cayuga has a 30-point lead, 56-26.

Halftime
Cayuga scored six points in the final minute plus to get the lead back to 20-plus points, 52-26. C.J. Wagner leads Cayuga with 12 points, Preston Anderson had 10 points and Traylon Shead has six points. Avery is just over matched against Cayuga, who has speed and size over the Bulldogs.

Second Quarter
2:07 - Preston Anderson hits his second three pointer and Cayuga leads 43-24. Avery's Brock Giles has hit five three pointers to try and keep the Bulldogs in the game.

Second Quarter
5:47 - Preston Anderson hits a three pointer and Cayuga takes a 31-10 lead.

End First Quarter
Cayuga has come out strong, storming to a 25-9 first-quarter lead. Traylon Shead finished off the quarter with a steal and a layup. Cayuga right now is just too quick for Avery and the Wildcats have been able to dictate the pace of this game. Avery likes to slow the game down, but may not be able to if this continues.

First Quarter
3"45 - CJ Wagner and Dalevin Campbell hit three pointers and Cayuga leads 19-7. Cayuga calls a full timeout as Jenkins looks like he wants to set up offense. Preston Anderson, Chris Turner and Caleb Summerville all check in.

First Quarter
5:42 - Malcome Kennedy just picks up second foul as Cayuga leads 11-2. Dalevin Campbell gets ready to check in for Kennedy.

First Quarter
6:20 - Kennedy gets another steal for a C.J. Wagner basket and Duncan gets a putback and Cayuga leads 11-0 in first two minutes

First Quarter
7:09 - Cayuga scored seven points in the first minute for a 7-0 lead. Traylon Shead has a putback, Billy Duncan hits a three and then Malcome Kennedy gets a steal on the in bound for a layup. Quick Avery timeout.

Pregame
20 minutes before the start of the Class A-Region III, Division I semifinal game against Cayuga and Avery. Cayuga enters the game as the No. 1 team in the state and has a record of 18-2. Avery enters the game with a record of 25-7. The winner plays Martin's Mill in the regional finals at noon Saturday.

Slocum vs. Hampton Prep - Class A-Region III, Division II semifinals

End of Game
Slocum wins the regional semifinals 71-33. See the Herald-Press web site for a game story, which will be updated later today with quotes.

Fourth Quarter
4:10 - With Slocum having a 62-33 lead, the Mustang bench starts coming into the game as Logan Foster and Randall Thomason sit for most likely the rest of the game. Thomason had 20 points and Foster had 22 points.

Fourth Quarter
With 6:06 to play and Slocum leading 60-29, Hampton Prep's Winston Haynes goes to the floor in pain with what looks to be an ankle injury. He is helped of the court and hopefully he will be all right.

End Third Quarter
Slocum outscores Hampton Prep 20-9 in the third quarter and leads 54-22 heading into the fourth quarter. Unless a spectacular rally happens by Hampton Prep, the Mustangs will advance to the regional finals for the second straight year. Slocum will await the winner of Laneville and Kopperl, who play in the second game.

Third Quarter
3:10 - Kendall Redd hits a long two-pointer and then gets a charging call on the other end of the floor. Slocum leads 50-20.

Third Quarter
5:10 - Randall Thomason converts a three-point play and Slocum leads 42-17. Thomason has a team-high 17 points.


Halftime
Slocum goes into the break with a 34-13 lead. It has been all Slocum in the first half against a young and inexperienced Hampton Prep squad. The Mustangs have played a tight zone defense which has not allowed Hampton Prep to get inside. Logan Foster is leading the way for Slocum with 14 points and Randall Thomason has 12 points.

Second Quarter
1:37 - Slocum has held Hampton Prep to only two points so far in the second quarter to increase it lead to 32-6.

Second Quarter
4:01 - Fletcher Larkin hits a jumper from baseline for 28-6 lead. Three players have scored for Slocum - Logan Foster, Randall Thomason and Larkin.

Second Quarter
5:00 — Hampton Prep has gone to a full-court press which just resulted in its first turnover, but Slocum got the ball back when Fletcher Larkin takes a charge.

Second Quarter
5:33 - Logan Foster completed another three point play and Slocum leads 26-4. Foster has 14 points for the game.

End First Quarter
Slocum gets off to a strong start, leading 23-4 after the first quarter. The Mustangs are hitting on all cylinders to start this game, especially Logan Foster, who has 11 points, including two three pointers. Randall Thomason scored eight points in the first.

First Quarter
2:15 - Slocum finishes off a 17-0 run with a three pointer by Foster, who had 11 points already. Hampton Prep got its first points of the game with 2:30 to play.

First Quarter
3:49 - Slocum now has a 12-0 start as Randall Thomason has scored four straight points. Hampton Prep is 0-for-4 from the field and has four turnovers.

First Quarter
5:44 - Logan Foster completed a three-point play for a 8-0 lead and Hampton Prep has to take their second timeout in less than 10 seconds when Gbuembi Boyo gets trapped and is forced to call the full timeout. The Mustangs' defense may be just too much for Hampton Prep this morning.

First Quarter
5:53 - Slocum's Logan Foster scores the Mustangs' first seven points of the game as Slocum has a quick 7-0 lead and Hampton Prep calls a timeout. Slocum defense already has forced a turnover on each Hampton Prep possession.

Pregame
30 minutes until the start of the Slocum Mustangs against Hampton Prep in the Class A-Region III, Division II semifinal game at William R. Johnson Coliseum on the Stephen F. Austin State University campus in Nacogdoches. Slocum comes into today's game ranked No. 1 in the state with a record of 31-5. Hampton Prep comes into this game with a record of 16-9 and won its district title.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Neches vs Kennard, Class A-Region III, Division II finals

End of Game
Neches going back to Austin with a 47-38 regional final win over Kennard. Kelcie Kinder led Neches with 14 points and Raven McFarland had 13 points.

Fourth Quarter
16 seconds, Kennard misses a three pointer, R. Patton gets rebound Kristen Green gets fouled and makes one of two for 47-38 lead. Looks like another trip to Austin for Neches.

Fourth Quarter
34 seconds and Neches going to the line as Roddricka Patton in a one and one situation makes one for 46-38 lead

Fourth Quarter
57 seconds and Kennard coach yelling for his team to foul as Kennard just does and needs still needs one more to force a bonus situation.

Fourth Quarter
Kennard comes out of the timeout in a full-court press, trying to make something happen. Neches breaks press and Kinder gets layup for 45-38 lead with 1:21 left.

Fourth Quarter
1:50 - Kennard has cut the lead back to five points, 43-38 and takes a timeout, their last of the game. Kennard only has three team fouls, so they are going to have to give some fouls to get Neches into the bonus. The last couple of possessions, Neches tries to run the clock until R. Patton finds an opening and then tries to create an opportunity for one of her teammates and the basket.

Fourth Quarter
Neches gets ball back on Roddricka Patton steal and working clock until a turnover gives ball back to Kennard with 2:45 to play and a seven point lead.

Fourth Quarter
3:46 - Kennard hits a three pointer to cut lead to 39-34. Necehs starting to stall, running three man weave up top and then trying to take ball to rim. McFarland fouled and goes to the line where she makes two for 41-34 lead

Fourth Quarter
4:35 - Roddricka Patton picked up her fourth foul on a charge call. She stays in the game as Neches leads 39-31.

Fourth Quarter
5:47 - Roddricka Patton finds a wide open McFarland under the rim for a basket and a 39-30 lead to prompt a Kennard timeout. After Kennard got the lead down to 34-30, McFarland has scored five straight points for Neches to increase the lead to nine.


Fourth Quarter
6:45 - Raven McFarland three pointer gives Neches a 37-30 lead.

Fourth Quarter
Kennard senior Clara Davis went down to the floor with what looks like a knee injury. The SFA trainers and Kennard coaches are examining her but she looks in pain as the trainers try to bend her knee. They get her up and carry her off the court. Hopefully she will be all right.

Fourth Quarter
7:45 - Neches opens up quarter by Dianna Patton getting steal at midcourt, dribbling to the basket and dishing to Roddricka Patton for the layup to give Neches a 34-28 lead.

End Third Quarter
Kennard has cut the lead to 32-28 heading into the fourth quarter. Just like last year's regional final game for Neches, this one is going to come down to the wire. Roddricka Patton will come into the game at the start of the quarter. Neches pressure defense has not been the same since the first quarter.


Third Quarter
2:02 - Roddricka Patton picks up her third foul with Neches leading 32-25. Patton comes out of the game, probably for the remainder of the quarter.
Third Quarter
3:25 - Kennard cuts the lead to 30-25 with two baskets by Statia Pope, who drove to the basket both times

Third Quarter
5:37 - Neches works the ball inside to start the third quarter. First Kelcie Kinder gets a basket and then Raven McFarland a putback. Lady Tigers lead 30-21.

Halftime
Neches leads 26-19 at halftime. Without Roddricka Patton in the game for much of the second quarter, the Neches pressure defense did not have as much of an impact. Also, Neches not shooting well from the floor. At one point, they were settling for three pointers but head coach Andy Snider wants them to try to get the ball inside.

2nd Quarter
2:15 - Roddricka Patton comes into the game and hits a three pointer to increase lead to 22-17.

2nd Quarter
3:03 - Kennard cuts the lead to 19-17. Neches defense not the same without Roddricka Patton in it as she checks in.

2nd Quarter
5:12 - Kennard scores four straight points to cut the lead to 17-13 and Neches calls a quick timeout. Neches is settling for outside jump shots against Kennard's zone defense, hitting two three pointers so far.

End First Quarter
Neches leads 15-9 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Tigers scored their final four points of the quarter by free throws by Kelcie Kinder. Neches' Roddricka Patton, who has led the pressure defense, picked up her second foul with nine seconds left in the first and starts the second quarter on the bench.

First Quarter
3:26 - Neches gets a steal by Dianna Patton, who turns it into a layup and Necehs leads 11-5.

First Quarter
5:00 - Neches Roddricka Patton and Kristen Green each hit a three pointer and Lady Tigers storm out to a 9-2 lead. Neches already has forced five turnovers in the first three minutes of the game. Even when a team has seen Neches' pressure two times this year, they still struggle with it.

Pregame
20 minutes before the start of Neches vs. Kennard for the right to represent Region III in the state finals. It is the second straight year Neches has played a district opponent in the regional final game. Last year, the Lady Tigers defeated Oakwood to advance to the state tournament. Neches comes in with a record of 34-2 and defeated Midway in the regional semifinals. Kennard has a record of 24-7 and defeated Slidell in the regional semifinals.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Cayuga vs. Martins Mill, Class A-Region III, Division I semifinal game

End Game
Cayuga falls 67-58 as MM closes game from the free throw line.

Fourth Quarter
29 sec. - Knox fouls out with eight points as MM at the line and makes 1 to take 64-58 lead.

Fourth Quarter
40 sec - missed shot by Cayuga and MM has ball with a called timeout. Cayuga must foul and hope MM misses from the free throw line. MM will be shooting two FTs on every foul.

Fourth Quarter
1:04 - Cayuga turnover and MM hits 2 FTs to lead 63-58.

Fourth Quarter
1:36 - Mack steal and layup to cut lead to 61-58. Martin's Mill goes to FT line and misses.

Fourth Quarter
2:16 - Martin's Mill leads 61-56 and Cayuga just turned the ball over. The Ladycats need to make something happen on defense to get over the hurdle. They have been close to Martin's Mill the whole half but just have not been able to get any closer than three points.

Fourth Quarter
3:54 Cayuga's Brown with a basket to make it 58-54 Martin's Mil.

Fourth Quarter
4:32 - Martin's Mill leads 56-50 after another jumper from the baseline. The Lady Mustangs look like they are going to start running some clock by working the ball around the perimeter. There has been a timeout called and would expect Cayuga to adjust their defense to try and put more pressure on Martin's Mill and try to make something happen.

Fourth Quarter
5:48 - Knox hits a jumper and cuts the lead to 54-50.

End of the Third
Martin's Mill heads into the final quarter with 50-45 lead. Cayuga has scored 15 points in each quarter and in the third they cut the lead from 10 to five points. Defense going to be big in the fourth quarter as Martin's Mill is going to try to run clock and go inside to their post. This is the time for the Cayuga seniors to play their best they have this season. They started playing well in the third quarter and just need to continue it.

Third Quarter
1:00 - Lexus Mack's layup and Chelsea Brown's steal and score cuts the Martin's Mill 50-44. Cayuga is staying in the game but can't seem to get over that hurdle. Lexus Mack starting to get going as she is getting the inbound pass and taking it the length of the court. Four times she has done that, twice she made the basket and the other two times she got fouled before taking a shot.

Third Quarter
3:17 - Cayuga gets it down to three points before Weatherford converts on a three-point play for a 44-38 lead.

Third Quarter
4:11 - Cayuga's Lexus Mack goes the distance for a layup and the lead is cut to 40-36.

Third Quarter
5:00 - A steal by Shawnta Knox goes to a Chelsea Brown layup and Cayuga has cut the lead to 40-34.

End of 1st Half
Martin's Mill leads 40-30 at halftime. The Lady Mustangs have gotten 17 points from their freshman post Meagan Weatherford. For the Ladycats, it has been their freshmen that have kept them in the game. Shawnta Knox, Molly Griffey and Taylor Wagner have combined for 14 points.

Second Quarter
1:18 - Martin's Mill playing a box and one, guarding Lexus Mack closely, taking her out of the offense. The Lady Mustangs lead 37-28.

Second Quarter
3:45 - Martin's Mill takes a 33-22 lead, its first double-digit lead of the game. Lady Mustangs outplaying Cayuga in every facet of the game right now. Cayuga is looking like the lack of experience at this level may have an effect on them as Martin's Mill is a step quicker to everything.

Second Quarter
6:47 - Molly Griffey is helping keep Cayuga in the game as she hits her second three. Martin's Mill leads 27-18.

End First Quarter
Martin's Mill leads 23-15 at the end of the first quarter as Weatherford has 15 points. Cayuga may have to start sagging its defense to help on Weatherford down low, which could open up the Lady Mustang shooters. But with how the post player for Martin's Mill is playing, Cayuga has to try something.


First Quarter
3:28 - Martin's Mill is dictating the tempo and has a 15-8 lead. Cayuga has to fin an to the pressure and trying to find a way to stop Weatherford down low.

First Quarter
5:03 - Martin's Mill's pressure has an early effect on Cayuga, who already has turned the ball over four times. Lady Mustangs' lead 8-6 with all their points coming from freshman post Meagan Weatherford.

First Quarter
6:22 - Early on and both teams are running up and down floor. Tied 4-4 as Cayuga gets baskets by Lexus Mack and Chantel Walker.


Pregame
Just over 10 minutes before game time between Cayuga and Martin's Mill in the regional semifinal game at Stephen F. Austin State University. Cayuga comes into Friday's game with a 22-10 record. Martin's Mill comes into the semifinal game with a 30-4 mark.

Neches vs. Midway - Class A-Region III, Division II Semifinals

Neches vs. Midway - Class A-Region III Division II semifinals.

End Game
Neches wins the regional semifinal game 72-19 over Midway. Roddricka Patton led Neches with 15 points and 11 steals and Raven McFarland had 13 points and nine rebounds. Check out the Herald-Press home page for a complete story.

Fourth Quarter
Midway scores its first points of the second half with three minutes left to play in the game. Neches leads 64-14.

End 3rd Quarter
Neches threw a shutout in the third quarter, not allowing a point to Midway. The Lady Tigers scored 19 answered in the third quarter and leads 58-14. Neches will play the winner of Slidell and Kennard, who play after this game, in the regional finals Saturday at 5:30 p.m. back in SFA.
Neches knows all about Kennard as both teams are in the same district. Neches beat Kennard (23-7) in both district games. Slidell (21-8) was the District 17-A champion - the same district as Midway.

3rd Quarter
3:26 - Four straight points by Kelcie Kinder, who say out most of the first half in foul trouble and Neches leads 52-14. Midway has not scored in this quarter as Neches is on a 13-0 run.

3rd Quarter - Roddricka Patton has started the third quarter with five straight points on a three pointer and then a steal and layup. Neches leads 46-14.


Halftime
Neches has dominated the first half of the regional semifinal game for a 39-14 lead over Midway. It has been all about the Lady Tiger pressure defense. Neches has 18 steals - Roddricka Patton has 11 of them - and forced 24 turnovers. Neches used a 16-2 run in the first quarter, including scoring 12 unanswered points and then had a 17-0 run in the second quarter to take complete control of the game.


2nd Quarter
1:34 - Neches finished off a 17-0 run and leads 37-14 and now are working ball around, trying to run some clock.

2nd Quarter
2:46 - Neches is in the midst of a 14-0 run for a 34-12 lead after another steal and basket by Roddricka Patton. Neches has 17 steals and has forced 23 turnovers.

2nd Quarter
401 - Neches increases its lead to 30-12 after a tip in by Kiandra Taylor. After Midway scored the first two points of the game, Neches has scored the last 10 points.

2nd Quarter
6:05 - Neches leads 26-12 as Midway uses its third timeout of the game as head coach Shane Coker tries to calm his team down. If the Lady Falcons do not get it turned around against Neches' pressure, this could be a long morning for Midway.

2nd Quarter
6:56 - Neches' Raven McFarland steal turns into basket by Cheyenne Haskins and Neches leads 24-12.


End 1st Quarter
Neches leads 20-10 after the first quarter. After a slow start with Midway leading 6-2, Neches has used their pressure defense to take control of this game. Neches went on a 16-2 run, scoring 12 unanswered points. The Lady Tigers already have 10 steals - six by Roddricka Patton - and have forced 13 Midway turnovers. Kristen Green leads Neches with eight points and Dianna Patton and Raven McFarland each have four points.

1st Quarter
1:20 - Dianna Patton gets a defensive rebound and goes length of floor for the layups and Neches has built an 18-8 lead. The Lady Tigers in the middle of 16-2 run.

1st Quarter
3:05 - Neches completes a 12-0 run as the Lady Tigers get three straight steals for easy baskets and have a 14-8 lead.

1st Quarter
3:53 - Another steal by Neches, this time by Dianna Patton who converts for a layup and Neches lead 10-6. Lady Tigers on a 6-0 run and Midway struggling against Neches' press. The Lady Falcons just called their second timeout of the game as they try to solve this Neches defense.

1st Quarter
4:43 - Two steals by Neches results in two baskets by Kristen Green to tie game at 6-6. Midway already has six turnovers.

1st Quarter
5:31 - Midway takes an early 6-2 lead as Neches Kelcie Kinder picks up two quick fouls. Neches using its press effectively but the Lady Tigers have started cold from the floor, hitting only one shot on a breakaway layup by Roddricka Patton.


PREGAME
Game starts in nearly 30 minutes. Neches comes into the game with a 33-2 record and ranked No. 1 in the TABC poll for the whole season. The Lady Tigers defeated Savoy 59-36 in the area round and defeated Saltillo, the No. 4 team in the state, 51-35 in the regional quarterfinals.
Midway comes into the semifinal game with a record of 21-11. The Lady Falcons defeated Dallas Peak Prep 60-5 in the bi-district round, Aquilla 45-42 in the area round and Coolidge 50-48 in the quarterfinals.
Keep it right here to get all the live updates of this semifinal game.

Slocum looks good in playoff debut

The Slocum Mustangs looked really sharp in their playoff debut Thursday night against Roxton in Tyler.
The Mustangs defeated Roxton 63-46 and it could have been much worse than that. Slocum had as much as a 37-point lead in the third quarter before going to the bench in the fourth quarter where many of the Mustang junior varsity players got their first taste of playoff experience.
The Slocum starters dominated on both sides of the court for the first three quarters. Not sure which was more impressive, the way they ran the offense flawlessly or the way they played defense, holding Roxton to 22 points in the first three quarters.
I have not seen Slocum since early in the season and I liked how they can spread out the offense production. Last year much of the offense went through Jared Lane, and that is how it should be with how good of a scorer he was. But this year, it is impressive to watch how Slocum has transitioned from relying on Lane to having several players who have the ability to score.
On defense, it was impressive to see how the Mustangs handled Roxton's leading scorer Alex Stephenson, who was held scoreless for the first three quarters and only had eight points for the game. Slocum swarmed Stephenson most of the night with double teams and traps and their tam defense was so good that they never seemed to leave a man open even when putting two players going at Stephenson.
If they continue to play like they did Thursday night, the Mustangs are strong contenders to defend their state title.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Cayuga's 100-point pileup

There has been a lot of talk and attention on Cayuga's 100-point game streak, which has reached 10 games. The Wildcats broke the state record, which was six games, and his four games from tying the national record, which is 14 games.
I talked to Cayuga's head coach Greg Jenkins Wednesday and part of our discussion was on this streak and record. And after talking to him, it was obvious that he really does not feel too comfortable with the streak.
"When it first started, we did not want anything to do with it," Jenkins told me. "When it got to game four or five, we were tying to keep it under wraps because we did not want it to get out."
It is understandable that Jenkins does not want to have the streak on the Wildcats' backs with the playoffs starting next week. The goal for Cayuga is to win a state tournament. The Wildcats have made it to the regional tournament three straight years, but came up short each of those times. For the seniors, they know it is their last chance and the focus has to be on getting back SFA finally. And the last thing Jenkins wants as any kind of distraction, which this streak is.
The Wildcats have seemed to handle the distraction well during the regular season but what is going to happen in the playoffs. As Jenkins put it, "I am worried what is going to happen when we don't score 100 points. How are our fans and players going to handle that?"
Maybe the best thing for Cayuga would be not to score 100 points in one of the next two warm up games against Clarksville or Bloomburg. Then once the playoffs starts, there will be no distractions, just one goal in mind — to win a state title.