I just downed some chocolate chip pancakes, a reminder of good eats at home growing up. Mom didn't make them this time, so they weren't from scratch. Still, my stomach is happy.
I like a little flair to be added to my pancakes, among other things. The prep basketball schedule this week piques my appetite as well. Mid-season basketball tournaments are exhibitions for small schools to show their mettle against the big boys and big schools to save face. All across the state today, matchups will occur that usually don't.
Intriguing ones are:
McCook, Neb. vs. Wichita South (No one knows anything about McCook, including South. They'll try not to take a step backward as they travel far from the city to Colby, the location of their tournament.)
South Gray vs. Wichita Heights (Heights is pressing for a high finish in the City and a run to the state tournament behind senior post player Kelton Marshall. Two unheralded players are also contributing strongly: Irvin Hollinger, a mid-sized senior who can fly around the hoop, and Randall Rogers, an athletic sophomore coming off the bench. South Gray is the defening 1A champ and ranked No. 1 in 1A this season by Kansas Rivals expert Bob Hovey.)
El Dorado Tourney (Kapaun Mount Carmel, 5A, Wichita Collegiate, the defending 3A champ, and Trinity of Wichita, which narrowly lost to Collegiate at sub-state last year, all in the running to win this tournament. Trinity could gain some serious, much-needed momentum at this tournament.)
Maize vs. Blue Valley West (Maize, a team that should have competed at 6A state last year, is struggling. They go up against defending Class 6A champ BV West at the McPherson tournament. This is a huge opportunity for Maize, whose hit the skids.)
Bishop Carroll vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Carroll is on the cusp of being a contender in the City. If it's going to happen, if they're going to turn their season around, it needs to start in Kansas City at the Aquinas tournament. Hovey ranks Aquinas No. 4 in 5A in the state. Carroll can beat them, as they beat Wichita East. Their narrow defeats at the hands of Southeast, Kapaun and Heights leave huge question marks, however. I ran into Carroll coach Lonnie Lollar yesterday and he told me not to forget about them in Kansas City. Carroll's got a lineup, though they more consistency in their guard play. If anyone can come around and start blowing from three-point land, though, it's Brett Steven.)
Topeka Tournament (Wichita Northwest has great talent. Defending Class 5A champ Highland Park is in this tournament. Northwest has an opportunity to show itself as a contender in 6A.)
On another note, the upcoming magazine. We're trying something a bit different. We will spotlight the upcoming rematches between the East and Southeast boys and the Carroll and Heights girls. Two-page spreads with photos from their first meetings and a bit of text will be included.
Also, the February issue is heavy on wrestling coverage in preparation for the state wrestling meets later in the month. Wrestling community, let us know what you think!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
TGIF
I finally got to this (Spoonfuls). I'm dragging a bit, the excuse I'll use to explain the lateness of this post. The three-show radio marathon that is my Friday morning, the detailed map I just sketched for the next issue and the stromboli I just wolfed down at my office's cafe (my take is the lady there can bake) - these are legitimate reasons to be dragging and ready for a nap.
Yes, I did admit this morning on Sports Daily with Bruce, Bob and Savage that I missed Adonis Gantt's game-winning, desperation four-point play against East last Saturday that never should have happened. Why'd I do it (they interrogated me)? It must have been that the Koch Arena mojo rubbed off on me. Like any die-hard Shocker fan who heads to the exits two minutes before the game's over to beat the traffic rather than watch their team close out a ballgame (for better or worse), I stood from my chair-back seat, grabbed my things and headed down the steps, as seconds on the scoreboard waited to tick away. But for goodness' sake, the game was over! East had hit two free throws to go up 72-68, dodging a final-minutes charge by Southeast fueled by Cecil Shaw's three-point shooting and steals at the top of their full-court press. A four-point lead with four seconds left is insurmountable - by going to the exits, I acted as a reasonable person.
But, apparently, I'm a fraud. The guys at Sports Daily are advocating my probation from the sports reporting business for my indiscretion. It turned out Gantt was able to bank in a three-pointer, get fouled in the act and hit the free throw for an unlikely four-point play. Unlikely. Unlikely. Unlikely. He shouldn't even have been guarded. Three points - the max amount available on one play with no fouls - shouldn't have mattered. But from now on I'll just volunteer to stick around with the cleanup crew after games. Maybe that will keep me in my seat and less reasonably speculative. My oldest brother did tell me long ago that logic doesn't apply in the real world.
As I continue to digest my chili cheese stromboli (helped along by the downbeat techno music with which I torture my office compatriots), I'm struggling to get pumped for tonight's schedule. I'll get there, though.
As I should. Following up Tuesday's area girls basketball showdown between Derby and Goddard is tonight's Carroll at Heights matchup. This game's getting a ton of hype (though Bruce and Bob aren't buying). I don't think I'm buying, either - not to say it won't be a good game. I do think Heights could win by as many as 10, though. It should be a packed house, as Carroll fans are as loyal and interested as they come, and Heights always gets its crowd. Heights coach Kip Pulliam told me this morning that he's confident in his team's progress this season. Yes, Heights returned Amanda Orloske and Jennifer Lane from last season's state title team, but not much else. Three freshmen, who Pulliam credits Lane for bringing along, are contributing heavily. Don't just brush off this fact - three freshmen! They are Mary Sims, Allegria Chisolm and Jhasmin Bowen, ensuring that Heights is here to stay for years to come.
Bishop Carroll's not going anywhere, either. The 2004 state champs have a roster full of juniors, including Abby Fawcett, Abby Henning and Julia Marshall. They'll compete for the 5A title this season and next. Should be a great game. I'm going. (Just to show my face - which is completely anonymous, so actually not. I'm a print guy. Just ask my girlfriend - I won her over with letters, as she cringed when she saw my patchy beard.)
Back to the facts. Coming off their big win over Derby - which, though the game was competitive, you could say the Lions overwhelmed them - Goddard has another big ballgame tonight at Hutchinson. Hutchinson has most everyone back from their Class 5A state tournament team last season. This will be a competitive game. I've got Goddard, though, again probably by 10 points. This is a very good team - they have a complete, legitimate starting five. Can they compete with Heights? Possibly. Goddard's Lindsey Keller has committed to Oklahoma State for next year. Keller provides the post presence on the team, but Goddard's got plenty of guards. Very strong team.
Keep an eye on the Hesston boys basketball team. They were undefeated before the Christmas break without two of their top players. Their point guard and leader Rob Moore and the athletic, tall Lee Voth-Gaeddert have returned to the team since the break, but have not broken into the starting lineup yet. They're getting back their legs, especially Moore, a unanimous first-team all-leaguer a year ago who busted his hip in the final football game of the season against Garden Plain this past fall. Hesston will compete in Class 4A, after moving up from 3A.
Which takes me back to our current poll question on the Web site regarding whether or not Kansas needs a Grand State basketball tournament. If 3A teams can compete in 4A and 5A in 6A, and South Gray Montezuma, the defending 1A boys champ, can beat two 6A teams at their mid-season tournament last season, should we get all the class champs together at season's end to find one true champion? Vote.
Yes, I did admit this morning on Sports Daily with Bruce, Bob and Savage that I missed Adonis Gantt's game-winning, desperation four-point play against East last Saturday that never should have happened. Why'd I do it (they interrogated me)? It must have been that the Koch Arena mojo rubbed off on me. Like any die-hard Shocker fan who heads to the exits two minutes before the game's over to beat the traffic rather than watch their team close out a ballgame (for better or worse), I stood from my chair-back seat, grabbed my things and headed down the steps, as seconds on the scoreboard waited to tick away. But for goodness' sake, the game was over! East had hit two free throws to go up 72-68, dodging a final-minutes charge by Southeast fueled by Cecil Shaw's three-point shooting and steals at the top of their full-court press. A four-point lead with four seconds left is insurmountable - by going to the exits, I acted as a reasonable person.
But, apparently, I'm a fraud. The guys at Sports Daily are advocating my probation from the sports reporting business for my indiscretion. It turned out Gantt was able to bank in a three-pointer, get fouled in the act and hit the free throw for an unlikely four-point play. Unlikely. Unlikely. Unlikely. He shouldn't even have been guarded. Three points - the max amount available on one play with no fouls - shouldn't have mattered. But from now on I'll just volunteer to stick around with the cleanup crew after games. Maybe that will keep me in my seat and less reasonably speculative. My oldest brother did tell me long ago that logic doesn't apply in the real world.
As I continue to digest my chili cheese stromboli (helped along by the downbeat techno music with which I torture my office compatriots), I'm struggling to get pumped for tonight's schedule. I'll get there, though.
As I should. Following up Tuesday's area girls basketball showdown between Derby and Goddard is tonight's Carroll at Heights matchup. This game's getting a ton of hype (though Bruce and Bob aren't buying). I don't think I'm buying, either - not to say it won't be a good game. I do think Heights could win by as many as 10, though. It should be a packed house, as Carroll fans are as loyal and interested as they come, and Heights always gets its crowd. Heights coach Kip Pulliam told me this morning that he's confident in his team's progress this season. Yes, Heights returned Amanda Orloske and Jennifer Lane from last season's state title team, but not much else. Three freshmen, who Pulliam credits Lane for bringing along, are contributing heavily. Don't just brush off this fact - three freshmen! They are Mary Sims, Allegria Chisolm and Jhasmin Bowen, ensuring that Heights is here to stay for years to come.
Bishop Carroll's not going anywhere, either. The 2004 state champs have a roster full of juniors, including Abby Fawcett, Abby Henning and Julia Marshall. They'll compete for the 5A title this season and next. Should be a great game. I'm going. (Just to show my face - which is completely anonymous, so actually not. I'm a print guy. Just ask my girlfriend - I won her over with letters, as she cringed when she saw my patchy beard.)
Back to the facts. Coming off their big win over Derby - which, though the game was competitive, you could say the Lions overwhelmed them - Goddard has another big ballgame tonight at Hutchinson. Hutchinson has most everyone back from their Class 5A state tournament team last season. This will be a competitive game. I've got Goddard, though, again probably by 10 points. This is a very good team - they have a complete, legitimate starting five. Can they compete with Heights? Possibly. Goddard's Lindsey Keller has committed to Oklahoma State for next year. Keller provides the post presence on the team, but Goddard's got plenty of guards. Very strong team.
Keep an eye on the Hesston boys basketball team. They were undefeated before the Christmas break without two of their top players. Their point guard and leader Rob Moore and the athletic, tall Lee Voth-Gaeddert have returned to the team since the break, but have not broken into the starting lineup yet. They're getting back their legs, especially Moore, a unanimous first-team all-leaguer a year ago who busted his hip in the final football game of the season against Garden Plain this past fall. Hesston will compete in Class 4A, after moving up from 3A.
Which takes me back to our current poll question on the Web site regarding whether or not Kansas needs a Grand State basketball tournament. If 3A teams can compete in 4A and 5A in 6A, and South Gray Montezuma, the defending 1A boys champ, can beat two 6A teams at their mid-season tournament last season, should we get all the class champs together at season's end to find one true champion? Vote.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Goddard girls! and new poll
Our senior contributing editor, Ted Hayes, has written a column to be published in the February edition of the magazine about the need for a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas. His position is that there are too many classes in Kansas for the number of schools in the state, thus the six state titles handed out for both girls and boys do not mean as much as they should. He makes his case for downsizing from six classes to four and holding a Grand State Tournament between the winners of the class titles. His points are succinct and well-founded. I'm curious as to our readers' opinions on this topic.
On a more immediate note, I got to watch the Derby-Goddard girls game last night. Bob Hovey ranked Derby No. 2 in Class 6A at the beginning of the week, and Goddard No. 9. After watching them go head-to-head last night, Goddard clearly seems to be the better squad. I understood the rankings going into the ballgame, since Goddard lost earlier in the season to Maize, a team Derby destroyed last week. Goddard is putting it together, however.
The Lady Lions carried a 10-point lead throughout much of the game, eventually winning 66-55. Their starting five is so strong, and each excels in a different way. Alysia Hart sees the pass ahead on the fastbreak and uses the jump-stop and up-fakes to her advantage in the half-court. Lindsey Keller seals very well on the low block and has touch off the bank. Samantha Soyez, a sophomore transfer from Hillsboro, last season's 3A state champ, makes unlikely passes from all angles (she's deceptive as most lefties are). Katie Porter and Kelsey Frey are very feisty on defense, and though she wasn't hot from three-point range last night, I watched her drain four or five of them at sub-state last season.
Goddard is a team to watch, but I don't think they can beat Wichita Heights, which has their showdown against Bishop Carroll on Friday. By the way, Heights beat Northwest 78-32 last night. That's astounding, considering Northwest upset Kapaun over the weekend - Kapaun, a team Bob Hovey ranks in the top 10 in Class 5A. Heights will be rolling by playoffs; they're already gaining momentum after a close call on November 30 against Wichita South to open the season.
I also watched the Belle Plaine boys last night against Garden Plain. They crushed the Owls, as they have to be one of the tallest teams in Class 3A. Bryce Gooch is listed as 6-6 (a stretch, he's 6-4), and he is dominant at this level in the post. He scores back to basket from eight to ten feet and can face up and hit the 10- to 12-footer. He's a nice player and will ensure that Belle Plaine competes with Wichita Collegiate at sub-state. So far, I've got Belle Plaine and Trinity being able to compete with the Spartans.
Don't forget to vote on the new poll regarding a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas! Also, let me know who you're watching. I'm looking for talent, and I need your feedback, so I know where to go on Tuesdays and Fridays.
On a more immediate note, I got to watch the Derby-Goddard girls game last night. Bob Hovey ranked Derby No. 2 in Class 6A at the beginning of the week, and Goddard No. 9. After watching them go head-to-head last night, Goddard clearly seems to be the better squad. I understood the rankings going into the ballgame, since Goddard lost earlier in the season to Maize, a team Derby destroyed last week. Goddard is putting it together, however.
The Lady Lions carried a 10-point lead throughout much of the game, eventually winning 66-55. Their starting five is so strong, and each excels in a different way. Alysia Hart sees the pass ahead on the fastbreak and uses the jump-stop and up-fakes to her advantage in the half-court. Lindsey Keller seals very well on the low block and has touch off the bank. Samantha Soyez, a sophomore transfer from Hillsboro, last season's 3A state champ, makes unlikely passes from all angles (she's deceptive as most lefties are). Katie Porter and Kelsey Frey are very feisty on defense, and though she wasn't hot from three-point range last night, I watched her drain four or five of them at sub-state last season.
Goddard is a team to watch, but I don't think they can beat Wichita Heights, which has their showdown against Bishop Carroll on Friday. By the way, Heights beat Northwest 78-32 last night. That's astounding, considering Northwest upset Kapaun over the weekend - Kapaun, a team Bob Hovey ranks in the top 10 in Class 5A. Heights will be rolling by playoffs; they're already gaining momentum after a close call on November 30 against Wichita South to open the season.
I also watched the Belle Plaine boys last night against Garden Plain. They crushed the Owls, as they have to be one of the tallest teams in Class 3A. Bryce Gooch is listed as 6-6 (a stretch, he's 6-4), and he is dominant at this level in the post. He scores back to basket from eight to ten feet and can face up and hit the 10- to 12-footer. He's a nice player and will ensure that Belle Plaine competes with Wichita Collegiate at sub-state. So far, I've got Belle Plaine and Trinity being able to compete with the Spartans.
Don't forget to vote on the new poll regarding a Grand State Basketball Tournament in Kansas! Also, let me know who you're watching. I'm looking for talent, and I need your feedback, so I know where to go on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
HSSTM poll and local rankings
With HSSTM's revamped Web site, we're hoping to achieve a new level of connectivity with the magazine's readers. The online poll question is one of our new tools in this campaign. I will change the question each time 100 total votes is approached.
That number has been reached with the most recent question, which regarded the best local high school sports story of the year 2007. The citizens of Garden Plain continue to form a loyal readership. Garden Plain running back Logan Dold's run through the record book took the highest percentage of the votes with 31.2 percent. Dold became the second-leading all-time career rusher this fall, totaling 7,144 yards in four seasons. Nearly tied for second with about 20 percent of the vote each were these stories: Hutch's march to its fourth straight football title this past fall and Clearwater thrower Luke Bryant's state-meet record-breaking discus throw this past spring at the state track meet.
Feel free to comment on the poll questions in the forum or here in the blog or offer ideas for poll questions.
There is one more week of regularly-scheduled play in boys basketball this Tuesday and Friday before we enter the mid-season tournaments. I've put together a list of top teams in each class. I'm anxious to see how they fare at their respective tournaments, which I'll list beside them.
Boys
6A
East
Southeast
Heights
South
Northwest
-By end of season, East will be the best 6A team coming out of the area. Garrius Holloman dominates the boards, Marcus Adams and Leon Flowers are 6-4 guys who are versatile in the half-court and open court, and Eric Hardyway is so difficult when going to the hoop. This team needs a three-point shooter, though. The lack of a consistent outside shooter could keep them below the surface.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Kapaun
Hutchinson
-I can't figure how to separate these three teams. I'm going to put Hutchinson at the bottom, just because their wins in a down AV-CTL I have not been overwhelming. The won close games over Maize and Salina Central. My understanding is Caleb Walker is very nice player, able to play above the rim, though his outside game is still developing. Though Bishop Carroll lost to Kapaun before the break, I have a feeling they're going to put it together. They have a very solid frontcourt between Joe Brown, Blake Bell and Jon Peck, but they're lacking a standout guard. When Luke Barnwell returns to the lineup, they'll be very tough.
4A
Andover
Cheney
Hesston
Clearwater
Mulvane
Wellington
Andover Central
-Cheney is charging out of the Central Plains League, and with a convincing win over Clearwater, they look like they'll be just fine in Class 4A after moving up. Hesston is another 4A team which has moved up. In 3A they would have been a state title contender. In 4A, they might make the state tournament, as I think 4A is down a bit this year. Locally, the jump from 3A to 4A isn't that huge this season. I still have Andover as the top 4A team in the area, however, despite the challenges from the smaller schools, Cheney and Hesston.
3A
Wichita Collegiate
Belle Plaine
Trinity Academy
Trinity lossed to Belle Plaine early, likely due to Belle Plaine's enormous size. Trinity is small, but a hot shooting night can keep them in the ballgame with anyone. Wichita Collegiate is tops by far, however, as they look to be headed for their second straight 3A title.
Girls
6A
Wichita Heights
Derby
Wichita South
Goddard
-Derby at Goddard tonight is a great matchup. Derby cleaned up against Maize last week, and they should probably beat Goddard, as well. Don't count out South, as they've suffered close losses to both Heights and Bishop Carroll.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Hutchinson
-Game of the Week is this Friday, as Bishop Carroll plays at Wichita Heights. They are both undefeated thus far, and each narrowly defeated Wichita South.
4A
Andover Central
Clearwater
Cheney
-Andover Central is by far the best 4A team in the area.
That number has been reached with the most recent question, which regarded the best local high school sports story of the year 2007. The citizens of Garden Plain continue to form a loyal readership. Garden Plain running back Logan Dold's run through the record book took the highest percentage of the votes with 31.2 percent. Dold became the second-leading all-time career rusher this fall, totaling 7,144 yards in four seasons. Nearly tied for second with about 20 percent of the vote each were these stories: Hutch's march to its fourth straight football title this past fall and Clearwater thrower Luke Bryant's state-meet record-breaking discus throw this past spring at the state track meet.
Feel free to comment on the poll questions in the forum or here in the blog or offer ideas for poll questions.
There is one more week of regularly-scheduled play in boys basketball this Tuesday and Friday before we enter the mid-season tournaments. I've put together a list of top teams in each class. I'm anxious to see how they fare at their respective tournaments, which I'll list beside them.
Boys
6A
East
Southeast
Heights
South
Northwest
-By end of season, East will be the best 6A team coming out of the area. Garrius Holloman dominates the boards, Marcus Adams and Leon Flowers are 6-4 guys who are versatile in the half-court and open court, and Eric Hardyway is so difficult when going to the hoop. This team needs a three-point shooter, though. The lack of a consistent outside shooter could keep them below the surface.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Kapaun
Hutchinson
-I can't figure how to separate these three teams. I'm going to put Hutchinson at the bottom, just because their wins in a down AV-CTL I have not been overwhelming. The won close games over Maize and Salina Central. My understanding is Caleb Walker is very nice player, able to play above the rim, though his outside game is still developing. Though Bishop Carroll lost to Kapaun before the break, I have a feeling they're going to put it together. They have a very solid frontcourt between Joe Brown, Blake Bell and Jon Peck, but they're lacking a standout guard. When Luke Barnwell returns to the lineup, they'll be very tough.
4A
Andover
Cheney
Hesston
Clearwater
Mulvane
Wellington
Andover Central
-Cheney is charging out of the Central Plains League, and with a convincing win over Clearwater, they look like they'll be just fine in Class 4A after moving up. Hesston is another 4A team which has moved up. In 3A they would have been a state title contender. In 4A, they might make the state tournament, as I think 4A is down a bit this year. Locally, the jump from 3A to 4A isn't that huge this season. I still have Andover as the top 4A team in the area, however, despite the challenges from the smaller schools, Cheney and Hesston.
3A
Wichita Collegiate
Belle Plaine
Trinity Academy
Trinity lossed to Belle Plaine early, likely due to Belle Plaine's enormous size. Trinity is small, but a hot shooting night can keep them in the ballgame with anyone. Wichita Collegiate is tops by far, however, as they look to be headed for their second straight 3A title.
Girls
6A
Wichita Heights
Derby
Wichita South
Goddard
-Derby at Goddard tonight is a great matchup. Derby cleaned up against Maize last week, and they should probably beat Goddard, as well. Don't count out South, as they've suffered close losses to both Heights and Bishop Carroll.
5A
Bishop Carroll
Hutchinson
-Game of the Week is this Friday, as Bishop Carroll plays at Wichita Heights. They are both undefeated thus far, and each narrowly defeated Wichita South.
4A
Andover Central
Clearwater
Cheney
-Andover Central is by far the best 4A team in the area.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Shawcking
First of all, I was that guy on Saturday night who tried to beat the crowd to the exits.
The Southeast-East basketball game at Koch Arena was a classic, for sure. The whole game was outstanding, though I was that guy who missed Adonis Gantt's game-tying desperation three-pointer. Southeast had gone down four after two made free throws by East, but Gantt sprinted up the court, hit a three and was fouled on the play. He proceeded to sink the free throw and send the game into overtime.
Two things: One, I can't believe I pulled the typical Wichitan move of trying to beat the traffic at all costs; two, why would any East player be within 20 feet of Gantt on his way up the court?
The mistake aside, it was a great game, all anyone would expect. East, a supreme underachiever before the holiday break, losing to Bishop Carroll and South, showed itself to once again be a contender. The Aces are so stacked, and I believe they're better than Southeast. They led throughout the game and controlled play, sometimes leading by double-digits. East has so many talented players, and Saturday night they looked to be putting it together. Chemistry was good, ball movement was good, and college prospect post player Garrius Holloman was dominant on the boards. He has a serious knack for jumping straight up on the offensive boards, reaching over his defender to grab the rebound, and going right back up with, consistently hitting put-backs from eight feet. Truly, it's "take your pick" on this team.
But Southeast is just so crafty - which brings me to the title of this post: Shawcking. While Gantt hit the spectacular shot and the free throws, including two more to win it for the Buffs in overtime, Southeast guard Cecil Shaw is the only reason the Buffs were in position to tie the game in regulation. I don't have the exact count, but he had at least two steals in the final two minutes and nailed two three-pointers to draw Southeast within two after being down eight in the final minute. Shaw is the team thief, as he heads up Southeast's full-court press, ripping the ball out of peoples hands and gently tapping it away to his advantage. He is a very special high school basketball player.
I'm not saying Southeast doesn't have a chance to win the state title, but I am saying that by season's end, I think East will be the best team coming out of the City League. Southeast is very talented and scrappy, but they need more consistency. They're gamers, which gives them a chance in any ballgame.
Now, on to my beef. I also watched the Northwest-Kapaun boys game at the GWAL Basketball Classic. While Northwest is not on par with East and Southeast, they have a talented team that could be so much better. Chris Harper, one of the most talented athletes to come out of Wichita is recent years, didn't even start against Kapaun. When he got on the floor, his play was at times very uninspired. Also, point guard Alex Williams is outstanding at times, but his shot selection is questionable. They have a lefty shooter Nick Clary who can bomb the three's, but he didn't get that many off. Also, John Bridges needs more touches in the post. This could be a very good basketball team, but they need to stop moping around the court when things don't go their way. Hustle and desire are lacking. I've still got a place in my heart for this team, though. Harper is unguardable at times, and Clary needs to shoot five or six three's per game instead of three. Williams is another very good player, but he needs to stay positive and stop taking bad shots.
Hit up the forums and talk amongst yourselves, or post right here on the blog.
The Southeast-East basketball game at Koch Arena was a classic, for sure. The whole game was outstanding, though I was that guy who missed Adonis Gantt's game-tying desperation three-pointer. Southeast had gone down four after two made free throws by East, but Gantt sprinted up the court, hit a three and was fouled on the play. He proceeded to sink the free throw and send the game into overtime.
Two things: One, I can't believe I pulled the typical Wichitan move of trying to beat the traffic at all costs; two, why would any East player be within 20 feet of Gantt on his way up the court?
The mistake aside, it was a great game, all anyone would expect. East, a supreme underachiever before the holiday break, losing to Bishop Carroll and South, showed itself to once again be a contender. The Aces are so stacked, and I believe they're better than Southeast. They led throughout the game and controlled play, sometimes leading by double-digits. East has so many talented players, and Saturday night they looked to be putting it together. Chemistry was good, ball movement was good, and college prospect post player Garrius Holloman was dominant on the boards. He has a serious knack for jumping straight up on the offensive boards, reaching over his defender to grab the rebound, and going right back up with, consistently hitting put-backs from eight feet. Truly, it's "take your pick" on this team.
But Southeast is just so crafty - which brings me to the title of this post: Shawcking. While Gantt hit the spectacular shot and the free throws, including two more to win it for the Buffs in overtime, Southeast guard Cecil Shaw is the only reason the Buffs were in position to tie the game in regulation. I don't have the exact count, but he had at least two steals in the final two minutes and nailed two three-pointers to draw Southeast within two after being down eight in the final minute. Shaw is the team thief, as he heads up Southeast's full-court press, ripping the ball out of peoples hands and gently tapping it away to his advantage. He is a very special high school basketball player.
I'm not saying Southeast doesn't have a chance to win the state title, but I am saying that by season's end, I think East will be the best team coming out of the City League. Southeast is very talented and scrappy, but they need more consistency. They're gamers, which gives them a chance in any ballgame.
Now, on to my beef. I also watched the Northwest-Kapaun boys game at the GWAL Basketball Classic. While Northwest is not on par with East and Southeast, they have a talented team that could be so much better. Chris Harper, one of the most talented athletes to come out of Wichita is recent years, didn't even start against Kapaun. When he got on the floor, his play was at times very uninspired. Also, point guard Alex Williams is outstanding at times, but his shot selection is questionable. They have a lefty shooter Nick Clary who can bomb the three's, but he didn't get that many off. Also, John Bridges needs more touches in the post. This could be a very good basketball team, but they need to stop moping around the court when things don't go their way. Hustle and desire are lacking. I've still got a place in my heart for this team, though. Harper is unguardable at times, and Clary needs to shoot five or six three's per game instead of three. Williams is another very good player, but he needs to stay positive and stop taking bad shots.
Hit up the forums and talk amongst yourselves, or post right here on the blog.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Preps re-up tonight
The January issue of High School Sports The Magazine hits stands today. Included are stories on the state-title bonanza for this area during the fall football season, rodeo, hockey and all the usuals - Columns, Grill, Picture This and Game Plan.
Check out the HSSTM Central Kansas Web site for new rankings from Bob Hovey at Hovpen Sports. He has ranked the top ten teams in all six class for both boys and girls.
Also new on the site today is the continuation of the Eddy's. In this month's magazine, I picked my top 11 high school football players from this past season. On the Web today, we will release a list of juniors and sophomores from this past season who should have huge impacts in the fall of 2008. Feel free to discuss who was included and who wasn't in this blog or in our forums accessible at the top of the main page of the Web site.
I will appear on the Sports Daily radio show at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning to talk preps with Bruce and Bob's replacements. Bruce and Bob will be coming back from Miami, where they're covering the KU's berth in the Orange Bowl.
Preps roar back into action tonight with a bit of wrestling and basketball. The Wichita Northwest-Bishop Carroll wrestling match begins at 7 p.m. Carroll's dual-match win streak is at 92. While it will likely extend to 93 tonight, Northwest is equipped to put up a fight. With Kyle Caylor, Trey Page and Brock Heithaus grappling in the upper weights, Northwest could get some wins there. But Carroll is stacked from 171 pounds and down.
Down the road, Maize hosts Derby in hoops. The AV-CTL I boys is a tough one to figure out this season. The league is lacking a standout team, and either Maize or Derby could become that team. Hutchinson has gotten its legs under them after a long football season, beating Maize before break. Maize has to deal with Salina Central next week after Derby. Bob Hovey ranks Central No. 5 in Class 5A. A loss tonight could send the season into a tailspin for Maize. Derby gets Salina Central next Friday after Maize.
The girls game is very interesting, as the AV-CTL I girls is so strong. We knew Derby, Goddard and Hutchinson would be good coming into this season, but Maize has also entered the conversation. They followed an upset win over rival Goddard with a loss at Hutch, but it was very close. Derby has the best of both worlds with Joanna McFarland and Cammi Stith. If Maize hangs with them, we can start talking about state-tournament possibilities for the Eagles.
Check out Koch Arena this weekend for the GWAL-CatchItKansas.com Basketball Classic. High School Sports The Magazine will also be a feature sponsor of the tournament. Watch the games and pick up a magazine. Most of the City League, both boys and girls will be in action on Friday and Saturday.
Also, there's tons of wrestling this Saturday:
Derby Invite – Wrestling
Maize Invite – Wrestling
North Invite – Wrestling
Augusta Tournament – Wrestling
Bishop Carroll also hosts in baker bowling tournament Saturday: girls start at 11 a.m. and boys at 2 p.m.
Check out the HSSTM Central Kansas Web site for new rankings from Bob Hovey at Hovpen Sports. He has ranked the top ten teams in all six class for both boys and girls.
Also new on the site today is the continuation of the Eddy's. In this month's magazine, I picked my top 11 high school football players from this past season. On the Web today, we will release a list of juniors and sophomores from this past season who should have huge impacts in the fall of 2008. Feel free to discuss who was included and who wasn't in this blog or in our forums accessible at the top of the main page of the Web site.
I will appear on the Sports Daily radio show at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning to talk preps with Bruce and Bob's replacements. Bruce and Bob will be coming back from Miami, where they're covering the KU's berth in the Orange Bowl.
Preps roar back into action tonight with a bit of wrestling and basketball. The Wichita Northwest-Bishop Carroll wrestling match begins at 7 p.m. Carroll's dual-match win streak is at 92. While it will likely extend to 93 tonight, Northwest is equipped to put up a fight. With Kyle Caylor, Trey Page and Brock Heithaus grappling in the upper weights, Northwest could get some wins there. But Carroll is stacked from 171 pounds and down.
Down the road, Maize hosts Derby in hoops. The AV-CTL I boys is a tough one to figure out this season. The league is lacking a standout team, and either Maize or Derby could become that team. Hutchinson has gotten its legs under them after a long football season, beating Maize before break. Maize has to deal with Salina Central next week after Derby. Bob Hovey ranks Central No. 5 in Class 5A. A loss tonight could send the season into a tailspin for Maize. Derby gets Salina Central next Friday after Maize.
The girls game is very interesting, as the AV-CTL I girls is so strong. We knew Derby, Goddard and Hutchinson would be good coming into this season, but Maize has also entered the conversation. They followed an upset win over rival Goddard with a loss at Hutch, but it was very close. Derby has the best of both worlds with Joanna McFarland and Cammi Stith. If Maize hangs with them, we can start talking about state-tournament possibilities for the Eagles.
Check out Koch Arena this weekend for the GWAL-CatchItKansas.com Basketball Classic. High School Sports The Magazine will also be a feature sponsor of the tournament. Watch the games and pick up a magazine. Most of the City League, both boys and girls will be in action on Friday and Saturday.
Also, there's tons of wrestling this Saturday:
Derby Invite – Wrestling
Maize Invite – Wrestling
North Invite – Wrestling
Augusta Tournament – Wrestling
Bishop Carroll also hosts in baker bowling tournament Saturday: girls start at 11 a.m. and boys at 2 p.m.
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