'ThePantherExpress' packed with fans old and new is rolling into the Pioneer Valley looking for some old-fashioned payback for the two dings that have smudged 'TheBoys' otherwise perfect record. For the rookies, and those expecting the 'new normal' - and given recent seasons why would they expect anything different - the staff has added an extra lamaze therapist, to regulate the breathing starting tomorrow at 3p.m. We've heard (although not confirmed) that one newcomer swooned at first sight of a 'Willy Workman for Mayor' banner hanging from the ramparts of the North Hampton city hall, but was revived by one of the Panther Faithful, who said remember you're in foreign territory, until you get to "The Club at The Pub". So the fan sipped on the reviving brandy as the train rolled past the UMass station, quietly repeating The-Club-at-the-Pub, that new slogan for the Williams/Amherst disaffected.
Barring asteroidal interference, the blue-n'-white clad crowd will be streaming into The Pub (in Amherst) at noon tomorrow, with a meeting with 'the Makers' on their mind. Some will say that we have to stop meeting this way, but although it's not at Pepin, the better thing to focus on is that it's not at Chandler. The high spirits and excitement will be fueled by the lunching, or pre-game beers and Bloody Mary's, and the tales of this incredible run by The Panthers.
Then it's down to business at Lefrak where NolanT., Pedro and the rest of our 'Boys' will be required to do the heavy lifting to get us past Williams. From my perch here in the skyboxes it looks like this definitely do-able. Everything went just about perfect for Robertson and Mayer the first time around, so with some tinkering Midd ought to hold the upper hand. Things didn't go so well for Epley their leading scorer, and there doesn't promise to be any respite because Nolan's efforts at locking down big scorers or playmakers are finally drawing rave reviews beyond The Addison County Independent. TheBoys need to be able to crack the Williams zone early. That was problematical last time for two reasons. Lynch only got 16 minutes to damage them inside, and wasn't available for those big possessions late, and three big shooters clunked up at 4-for-25. Ouch. Very different late game scenario if we're near the 40 percent mark. on the 'D' end, If LongJack can get out and be more active in fronting Mayer when he's down low that will keep him from the big start that they need, allowing us to defend on the perimeter against Klemm and Epley. If Mayer wants to shoot treys, then James can defend better out there, and he will be there early to make it happen. The key in cracking the zone is that a more up-tempo favors our G.s driving by them, hitting the cutters, and finding the open man. Last time we had them almost to the cusp of getting away and they got the tempo back down, so it appears that TheBoys won't play into their strategy a second time. A lot riding on this outcome- trip to the finals, hosting in the ncaa's, and the feeling is that 'ThePantherExpress' should continue to roll in this difficult spot and earn the rematch with TheLordJeffNation for bragging rights to the northeast.
A finals repeat with Toomey and Pals promises to be great theater. Whether it will match the instant classic status of the first game is difficult to believe but if you plug in the fact that the last 3 meetings, have been decided through four OT's and a total of six points, all on the final possession, the ingredients are all there. This is not for the faint of heart, or those with long fingernails (too much chewing involved), but 'TheBoys' can do it. We know that it will be pointed out by prognosticators that the last time The LJN lost at home was during the Eisenhower administration. So what! You gotta believe! The best G. trio in the nation, Jake, Nolan and "Mr. Ice" (Joey) offer more than Toomey has. One of the best inside guys around, it says here that Pedro outlasts Kaasila in the foul-prone area. Maybe LongJack wakes up aggravated and stays that way. He's been acting that way, inching up the leader charts in blocks. Now that HunterM. realizes (with all of two games postseason experience) that the basket looks as big as a swimming pool, his treys will make a splash. And then we've got James with all the intensity focusing the way that late juniors make it happen, and you know that Amherst is do-able. A couple of hidden keys to the weekend are how far Churchill has come. He still has big upside, and needs to be a factor against Williamson, and Willy on the boards. We're also hoping that NateB. and DeanB. can give us some meaningful minutes, particularly the former because his athleticism is a good matchup against what Amherst tries to do, and his block of a Williamson dunk at the rim last year is not forgotten. At stake is not only the nescac title, but the one-seed in the ncaa's that ought to be enough. It says here that Midd's won the nescacs the last two odd-numbered years, so why not go for the three-peat!
And remember: "down The Alibi stairs, into the caboose on ThePantherExpress, past the Willy Workman banner, and off the keg at The Pub, nothin' but net!' Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
'Out of the frying pan... into the zone'
'TheBoys' were involved in what the talking heads at espn would have dubbed an instant classic on Tuesday night. Unfortunately for the PepinFaithful, fingernails chewed down to the quick led the lamaze sessions offered, by about the same margin that the LordJeffNation held after triple OT on Toomey's long 3-ball. The Workman play makes espn highlights, thanks, but given that we sort of just saw it vs. Wesleyan last month- I don't need to see it again. How it happened is the more bothersome issue- maybe we're just slow learners in this area. This is no time for head-hanging, it was a helluva game, and everybody left it all on the floor. But there are no ties, so TheBoys move on, now to one of the most dangerous spots of the season.
Wesleyan is in town for the nescac quarters today. And mostly everyone will be blatting up how we just survived in OT last time. And the nervous will be atwitter. To me that's like looking up from the bottom of the glass, trying to judge how full it is. True, it was a 'closie', but if you take it from Wesleyan's perspective, and knowing, that from the 5:57 mark they shot 8 -12 from the floor and 7-8 from the line, including Shasha's magical miss which fell just right, it still wasn't enough. That has to cause serious concern, and from our perspective, it is difficult to see how they can improve on that near storybook ending. TheBoys' job today is to dispel any Cardinal thoughts of repeat possibilities by taking it to them early and not allowing them to take the crowd out of the game as happened much of the first half last time.
Two threads can start to sew up the 'W'. Both are critical and one can feed off the other. If we start in a zone it puts Shasha in a position where he really can't drive it to the hole, and makes Wesleyan rely on their perimeter game. (Actually it might be better from a confusion standpoint to let NolanT. start on him and play a box and one. Have not seen one of those in years but it would be a very cool option. Whether JeffB. would consider such a bizarre look in a big game might depend on having enough time to put it in. So let's presume a more normal zone look.) Having seen them a bunch this year, this is not a strong point for them. They either don't swing the ball quickly enough, or because of the size limitations, Shasha and Beresford can't see over the top to cross it. One of the keys in this scenario, is that it takes Callaghan away from the inside, and it should demonstrate that since over the course of the season they haven't had an answer from 3-land to break a zone, they won't have on e today. (e.g. Williams used it in a 22-0 run on them earlier.) Occasionally Galvin will make the trey but he's not a guy who's going to beat you. Jumpers, and Callaghan on the outside, lead more to long RB's which our G's can pick off. That triggers a higher tempo game that takes advantage of our passing in the open floor. What it also does most importantly is turn up the frustration level for Shasha, because he will keep pounding it, looking for his opening, and gets them farther down into the possession clock every trip. The result should be evident early in the second half.
The danger is close to the surface. The gaudy record, the national rankings are in jeopardy, as is an ncaa bid. TheBoys - veterans in the post-seasons recently, know it as well and will perform at their optimum, which means they can play as well as Amherst- who I've thought all year is a Final Four team. And which makes us pretty damn close to one. Despite what happened last time, earning the 'W' is absolutely critical to locking in an ncaa bid, and the view from here is that on the lead, we have the G. trio to control the last eight minutes, and should be able to down the stretch, where we have pretty much excelled. It makes for great theater, and unless you suffer from the near-sightedness of the 'new normal' makes you realize just how precarious, and difficult it is to survive at these high altitudes of the d3 world.
NolanT. should be the player of the year in the nescac. Although honors like that usually never go to guys who've earned most of their accolades on the defensive side of the ball, he's been a big and important factor on offense as well, and on balance the biggest impact player night-in-and-night-out in the league.
And remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, off J.Gerald's ChuckTaylors, over Matt's announcer's chair, and past Hixon's barking in the silence, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
Wesleyan is in town for the nescac quarters today. And mostly everyone will be blatting up how we just survived in OT last time. And the nervous will be atwitter. To me that's like looking up from the bottom of the glass, trying to judge how full it is. True, it was a 'closie', but if you take it from Wesleyan's perspective, and knowing, that from the 5:57 mark they shot 8 -12 from the floor and 7-8 from the line, including Shasha's magical miss which fell just right, it still wasn't enough. That has to cause serious concern, and from our perspective, it is difficult to see how they can improve on that near storybook ending. TheBoys' job today is to dispel any Cardinal thoughts of repeat possibilities by taking it to them early and not allowing them to take the crowd out of the game as happened much of the first half last time.
Two threads can start to sew up the 'W'. Both are critical and one can feed off the other. If we start in a zone it puts Shasha in a position where he really can't drive it to the hole, and makes Wesleyan rely on their perimeter game. (Actually it might be better from a confusion standpoint to let NolanT. start on him and play a box and one. Have not seen one of those in years but it would be a very cool option. Whether JeffB. would consider such a bizarre look in a big game might depend on having enough time to put it in. So let's presume a more normal zone look.) Having seen them a bunch this year, this is not a strong point for them. They either don't swing the ball quickly enough, or because of the size limitations, Shasha and Beresford can't see over the top to cross it. One of the keys in this scenario, is that it takes Callaghan away from the inside, and it should demonstrate that since over the course of the season they haven't had an answer from 3-land to break a zone, they won't have on e today. (e.g. Williams used it in a 22-0 run on them earlier.) Occasionally Galvin will make the trey but he's not a guy who's going to beat you. Jumpers, and Callaghan on the outside, lead more to long RB's which our G's can pick off. That triggers a higher tempo game that takes advantage of our passing in the open floor. What it also does most importantly is turn up the frustration level for Shasha, because he will keep pounding it, looking for his opening, and gets them farther down into the possession clock every trip. The result should be evident early in the second half.
The danger is close to the surface. The gaudy record, the national rankings are in jeopardy, as is an ncaa bid. TheBoys - veterans in the post-seasons recently, know it as well and will perform at their optimum, which means they can play as well as Amherst- who I've thought all year is a Final Four team. And which makes us pretty damn close to one. Despite what happened last time, earning the 'W' is absolutely critical to locking in an ncaa bid, and the view from here is that on the lead, we have the G. trio to control the last eight minutes, and should be able to down the stretch, where we have pretty much excelled. It makes for great theater, and unless you suffer from the near-sightedness of the 'new normal' makes you realize just how precarious, and difficult it is to survive at these high altitudes of the d3 world.
NolanT. should be the player of the year in the nescac. Although honors like that usually never go to guys who've earned most of their accolades on the defensive side of the ball, he's been a big and important factor on offense as well, and on balance the biggest impact player night-in-and-night-out in the league.
And remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, off J.Gerald's ChuckTaylors, over Matt's announcer's chair, and past Hixon's barking in the silence, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
20,000 Leagues Under the Snow...
Jules Verne's brilliant, but twisted Captain landed himself on the all-northeast list this week. Unfortunately it wasn't for scoring or rebounding, but in providing "Nemo" as the title-name of this giant blizzard that swallowed New England. In Stratford, we put 38 in the books and I don't mean points on a hot night. That was inches here at the storm's epicenter. As I was digging my way through part of this dumping yesterday, with my snowblower being 'hors-de-combat', the thought that this was some sort of celestial payback for not being generous enough with my passing talents during my BBall years, crossed my mind. But that was dismissed pretty quickly because if one considers all the games played and the potential assists missed, we would have gotten a hundred and thirty-eight inches, and it'd still be comin' down. All this having been said, we won't be making the trek to Pepin, to let this senior group who've done so much to distinguish themselves, their teammates and the program on this incredible run that keeps unwinding, know that what they've accomplished, has indeed been a big deal.
'TheBoys' calmed a lot of critics and nerves by showing two things on the Maine trip. The first is surviving the road, particularly in the nescac is no small feat. I'm not sure if there's a much parity in the land of d3hoops as in the d-1's, but in every league at both levels the home team has the biggies marked out on the calendar and every bucket is earned, before you take the 'W' home. Secondly, TheBoys showed that their ability to win, made in the pot of practice, and stirred by coaching that infuses that ability, is an immeasurable quality when it meets the reality of that tough game situation while the heat is turned up. Like it has been said before, the difference is the ability of someone to make a play or two to put us over the top. There are no bad road 'W's. Turn the page and go out and play tonight. Maybe it's just starting to sink into the critics' heads that this intangible has fueled the new normal. Bowdoin battled long and late but were overcome by a solid performance. And when we could've caught a couple of breaks - we didn't, as Williams made the last couple of plays necessary at Colby. The Boys were solid and handled a young, but over matched group of White Mules, while Robertson, Epley, et al. almost didn't escape at Bowdoin, who had the last shot- and couldn't put it down, then unraveled in the OT.
Which brings us to "Nemo" time. Nemo spelled backwards is omen, and it is wondered here if the scheduling adjustments are an omen of what may go down in the final days of the nescac regular season. Much to be decided, but TheBoys should have a solid chance to earn a tie. It all starts today presumably with Amherst-Williams at 2 p.m. We need Toomey and Co. to control Williams early and often. They should be able to do it because they've got more firepower and flash, and are playing well. Sometimes this season they haven't been at their best on the road but having seen them easily dispatch Wesleyan there, and follow it up with convincing 'W's vs. Williams, who they torched in the last 25 minutes, and Tufts, in a track meet. We'll know that result before TheBoys tip, but it says here that we will need to take charge early and put any thoughts of upset out of the Bantams' mind, in order to set up the Tuesday showdown. JeffB.'s one game at a time mentality, as always, one of the keys to making this equation work.
Amherst at Pepin for the nescac title and hosting. There's payback for last year, and much at stake on all levels. We've got the G.s to make Toomey work harder for everything he gets and maybe just upset the balance of their 'O'. Along those lines if we could get LongJack to front Kaasila some, that would be tres helpful. Although Hixon has gotten the break from the quick turnaround, it also helps Midd's legs, and the fact that it's Tuesday will help fill Pepin with 1,200 of the screaming, nail-biting PantherFaithful doing their best to boost TheBoys' chances. And when they come away with that big 'W', Jake, Nolan, Pedro and Company wins what? A 3-way tie for the regular season. The small whopee! is appropriate here. Then it's all up to "the hat", or as referred to in the nescac tie-breaking procedures, a random action. Who's name is gonna come up first? Hosting throughout the nescacs, and ncaa hosting at stake. That's some hat! I'd volunteer mine but on a quick second thought will leave it to the powers that be, so if Midd's name doesn't come up first, there's not a 'shoot-on-sight' order waiting once I cross the Cornwall line. It should be some terrific theater. Here's hoping "the hat" works out as well.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, over DicktheHealer's whirlpool, off Hixon's leg, and outta the nescac hat, nothin' but net!". Be well. Clubbo.
'TheBoys' calmed a lot of critics and nerves by showing two things on the Maine trip. The first is surviving the road, particularly in the nescac is no small feat. I'm not sure if there's a much parity in the land of d3hoops as in the d-1's, but in every league at both levels the home team has the biggies marked out on the calendar and every bucket is earned, before you take the 'W' home. Secondly, TheBoys showed that their ability to win, made in the pot of practice, and stirred by coaching that infuses that ability, is an immeasurable quality when it meets the reality of that tough game situation while the heat is turned up. Like it has been said before, the difference is the ability of someone to make a play or two to put us over the top. There are no bad road 'W's. Turn the page and go out and play tonight. Maybe it's just starting to sink into the critics' heads that this intangible has fueled the new normal. Bowdoin battled long and late but were overcome by a solid performance. And when we could've caught a couple of breaks - we didn't, as Williams made the last couple of plays necessary at Colby. The Boys were solid and handled a young, but over matched group of White Mules, while Robertson, Epley, et al. almost didn't escape at Bowdoin, who had the last shot- and couldn't put it down, then unraveled in the OT.
Which brings us to "Nemo" time. Nemo spelled backwards is omen, and it is wondered here if the scheduling adjustments are an omen of what may go down in the final days of the nescac regular season. Much to be decided, but TheBoys should have a solid chance to earn a tie. It all starts today presumably with Amherst-Williams at 2 p.m. We need Toomey and Co. to control Williams early and often. They should be able to do it because they've got more firepower and flash, and are playing well. Sometimes this season they haven't been at their best on the road but having seen them easily dispatch Wesleyan there, and follow it up with convincing 'W's vs. Williams, who they torched in the last 25 minutes, and Tufts, in a track meet. We'll know that result before TheBoys tip, but it says here that we will need to take charge early and put any thoughts of upset out of the Bantams' mind, in order to set up the Tuesday showdown. JeffB.'s one game at a time mentality, as always, one of the keys to making this equation work.
Amherst at Pepin for the nescac title and hosting. There's payback for last year, and much at stake on all levels. We've got the G.s to make Toomey work harder for everything he gets and maybe just upset the balance of their 'O'. Along those lines if we could get LongJack to front Kaasila some, that would be tres helpful. Although Hixon has gotten the break from the quick turnaround, it also helps Midd's legs, and the fact that it's Tuesday will help fill Pepin with 1,200 of the screaming, nail-biting PantherFaithful doing their best to boost TheBoys' chances. And when they come away with that big 'W', Jake, Nolan, Pedro and Company wins what? A 3-way tie for the regular season. The small whopee! is appropriate here. Then it's all up to "the hat", or as referred to in the nescac tie-breaking procedures, a random action. Who's name is gonna come up first? Hosting throughout the nescacs, and ncaa hosting at stake. That's some hat! I'd volunteer mine but on a quick second thought will leave it to the powers that be, so if Midd's name doesn't come up first, there's not a 'shoot-on-sight' order waiting once I cross the Cornwall line. It should be some terrific theater. Here's hoping "the hat" works out as well.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, over DicktheHealer's whirlpool, off Hixon's leg, and outta the nescac hat, nothin' but net!". Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, February 1, 2013
'No Pedro..No big enchilada..'
That 'Tall Tree' that we all saw falling in the d3 forest was The Panthers. As one of the last three in the land, Midd couldn't escape the whacks of Mayer and Robertson down on Spring Street, coming up short by a point in a key nescac encounter with Williams. Just when it looked like 'TheBoys' were in position (up 8, 5:21 left) to take the nescac by the throat, it didn't happen. Although Nolan's trey stemmed the tide temporarily, Williams fought on, inching up the ladder towards victory. With the lead late and the control-factor that our G. rotation has exhibited when the clock is inside ten minutes, maybe the neophytes thought 'TheBoys' had snatched the 'W'. The battle-hardened knew we still had to make a couple of more plays to close them out. On the road against a high-quality team, it didn't quite get done. The Chandler Crazies, having been traumatized into silence by Midd's run in the first half, finally found their lungs in the last five minutes to fire up Maker's troops. It might not have gotten to this point if Lynch hadn't been saddled with fouls early, middle and late. Pedro pretty much had his way (16 pts.) with Williams' Bigs and would've done a lot more damage if he been available for more than 16 minutes. And regardless of that foul trouble, if he'd been around for the last 1:10, his presence down low would have created inside options on 'O', which might have been the difference. Without him, Williams was able to defend more tenaciously on the perimeter, and Midd couldn't find the stroke from outside (and we really hadn't all game with 3 good shooters going 4 for 25) to put that last nail in, and give us that big enchilada, the win.
But take heart, because in coming up short, there were big positives to build on. Nolan once again showed that there are few if any, in the land, with his defensive ability. Epley, coming in at 19.5 ppg, only took six shots (made one), and knows that he will have to face Nolan again. By the way, Nolan went for an encore performance Tuesday against Martin (some preseason polls had him 3rd team AA) of KeeneSt., by not allowing a bucket from him for the first 26 minutes. When he finally got on the board TheBoys were cruising at 49-27. Jensen continues to impress with his strength against bigger guys. He was a major reason that Pelleschi (at Tufts) stopped killing us, and he came in and started fronting Mayer, which greatly slowed his point production. Despite his early problems with Mayer, we noted, and liked the fact that LongJack is starting to realize that at 6'8, he's the big kid on the block and can be more assertive without offending anyone. To be successful in Maine this weekend, and to beat Amherst, Midd's chances will be improved with him continuing to grow in this area. Actually if he could be nastier that would be better.
So The Panther Express is off to visit 'ThePolarBearNation' tonight. Bowdoin is a solid middle of the road team. In their building they could cause a problem. Like at Williams, a good start is one of the keys to reducing the effectiveness of the home crowd. They get solid production from Madlinger and Pieri. It says here Nolan takes Madlinger and if he can put the handcuffs on him, ThePolarBears are going to come up more than a few buckets short. Also look for Pedro to do battle with Pieri. It is fairly certain that Lynch is more advanced in his skills than the soph, but the concern is that he doesn't get into a physical battle down low where he picks up a couple of cheap-o fouls which will have repercussions on our 'O' production. As for Joey and Jake, we know that Joey can control the game when need be, and should handle Hurley, their PG, and that Jake, when he's not finding the open man, will get his 1,000th point somewhere on this trip. One further point to note is that TheBoys came out with 'intent' at Williams. Not starting slow gave us a chance to make a really good run in the first half, and if Pedro hadn't been slowed by fouls, his presence then might've lead to us cracking them when we almost had the chance to do so. That carried over to KeeneSt., where TheBoys opened strong, and after a timeout, went on an 11-0 run that blew the game open at 28-11. We've got enough athletes to play that way, up the tempo and open the floor, and maybe that's a new signature for this team that's just now realizing they can do this. Tonight's a good test of this theory and if TheBoys put their foot on the gas, Bowdoin might not want to be in that kind of higher-paced game. Even with the credit for their home-cooking, and our shortened bench due to injuries, it says here Midd doesn't get tracked down by a Polar Bear like we were the last fat man on an ice floe. 'TheBoys' should take their road show up to Waterville, without the need for any lamaze therapists and come away with #18.
Although Colby is the back end of this trip, my take is that we should have no excuses. They are rebuilding, and still undermanned although they've got a big (6'8) frosh named Lugnut, who's been doing some damage to their foes. His supporting cast is still being assembled, and cannot imagine our backcourt not being able to take full advantage of that. Also have to like the fact that Williams should give them a pretty good going over tonight, so they just can't focus on Midd coming to town. TheBoys should be able to them close out with a strong first half, and give them a dose of the reality that any magical endings will have to be postponed to another time. If all that comes to pass we can start thinking about where next weekend might lead, but one game at a time.
Remember: 'Off the Pine Room keg, down the Alibi stairs, past Bud Farrell's Men's Shop, over the scorer's table, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
But take heart, because in coming up short, there were big positives to build on. Nolan once again showed that there are few if any, in the land, with his defensive ability. Epley, coming in at 19.5 ppg, only took six shots (made one), and knows that he will have to face Nolan again. By the way, Nolan went for an encore performance Tuesday against Martin (some preseason polls had him 3rd team AA) of KeeneSt., by not allowing a bucket from him for the first 26 minutes. When he finally got on the board TheBoys were cruising at 49-27. Jensen continues to impress with his strength against bigger guys. He was a major reason that Pelleschi (at Tufts) stopped killing us, and he came in and started fronting Mayer, which greatly slowed his point production. Despite his early problems with Mayer, we noted, and liked the fact that LongJack is starting to realize that at 6'8, he's the big kid on the block and can be more assertive without offending anyone. To be successful in Maine this weekend, and to beat Amherst, Midd's chances will be improved with him continuing to grow in this area. Actually if he could be nastier that would be better.
So The Panther Express is off to visit 'ThePolarBearNation' tonight. Bowdoin is a solid middle of the road team. In their building they could cause a problem. Like at Williams, a good start is one of the keys to reducing the effectiveness of the home crowd. They get solid production from Madlinger and Pieri. It says here Nolan takes Madlinger and if he can put the handcuffs on him, ThePolarBears are going to come up more than a few buckets short. Also look for Pedro to do battle with Pieri. It is fairly certain that Lynch is more advanced in his skills than the soph, but the concern is that he doesn't get into a physical battle down low where he picks up a couple of cheap-o fouls which will have repercussions on our 'O' production. As for Joey and Jake, we know that Joey can control the game when need be, and should handle Hurley, their PG, and that Jake, when he's not finding the open man, will get his 1,000th point somewhere on this trip. One further point to note is that TheBoys came out with 'intent' at Williams. Not starting slow gave us a chance to make a really good run in the first half, and if Pedro hadn't been slowed by fouls, his presence then might've lead to us cracking them when we almost had the chance to do so. That carried over to KeeneSt., where TheBoys opened strong, and after a timeout, went on an 11-0 run that blew the game open at 28-11. We've got enough athletes to play that way, up the tempo and open the floor, and maybe that's a new signature for this team that's just now realizing they can do this. Tonight's a good test of this theory and if TheBoys put their foot on the gas, Bowdoin might not want to be in that kind of higher-paced game. Even with the credit for their home-cooking, and our shortened bench due to injuries, it says here Midd doesn't get tracked down by a Polar Bear like we were the last fat man on an ice floe. 'TheBoys' should take their road show up to Waterville, without the need for any lamaze therapists and come away with #18.
Although Colby is the back end of this trip, my take is that we should have no excuses. They are rebuilding, and still undermanned although they've got a big (6'8) frosh named Lugnut, who's been doing some damage to their foes. His supporting cast is still being assembled, and cannot imagine our backcourt not being able to take full advantage of that. Also have to like the fact that Williams should give them a pretty good going over tonight, so they just can't focus on Midd coming to town. TheBoys should be able to them close out with a strong first half, and give them a dose of the reality that any magical endings will have to be postponed to another time. If all that comes to pass we can start thinking about where next weekend might lead, but one game at a time.
Remember: 'Off the Pine Room keg, down the Alibi stairs, past Bud Farrell's Men's Shop, over the scorer's table, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, January 25, 2013
'the nescac stew starts to thicken..'
And you don't even have to add any flour to the recipe. 'ThePantherExpress', all shined up, will chug into the Spring Street station tomorrow so that the traveling Panther Faithful can confront the Chandler 'crazies', while 'TheBoys' (at #3) do battle with The Eph-men (at #9). What is on the line is considerable, but we're at the point in the season, where the possessions start getting a little bigger, and for the uninitated, the diameter of the hoop begins to shrink just a bit. On the line is the first leg up on the nescacs. After tomorrow there will be two unbeatens in league play- Amherst (they're not losing to Trinity at Lefrak. Period) and the Chandler winner. After watching Amherst close down Maker's attack the last four minutes of the first half and crush them from that point (Amherst was plus 25 the last 24minutes), several things came to mind.
Williams' style has been to try to push it early, open the 3-ball game, with Epley, Mayer and Klemm, and once in front slow the pace, use the shot clock, and run their sets. Against Toomey and his pals, who have firepower, they did open up early, but couldn't get it past plus ten. Then the higher pace played more to the Amherst strength on 'O'. Amherst is adept at finding the open weak-side guy, and is deeper off the bench, and once the ball started to go in, Williams couldn't answer. The 'why' holds the key to TheBoys' strategy. Back at Chandler, with the place roaring, you know Maker will be looking for the kill early. The answer to 'why' Amherst controlled them is in the match-ups on 'D'. First: the one to close down is Epley- who as a senior has come on. Two keys on controlling him are keep the weak-side passes away from him, so he can't spot up for the 3-ball, and if he does get it, sit on his left hand, and make him to put it on the floor. He will oblige, but is not nearly as effective once he does that. Also if he's out of rhythm they have to look elsewhere for those missing buckets. It used to be that Klemm would get the ball for some of those 3's. Not so much anymore, but he's got to be played because he's still got firepower. Seems that NolanT.would get first call on putting the cuffs on Epley. Jensen could spell him, but there's a concern about possible foul trouble out there on the perimeter for James. Joey draws the assignment on Robertson who's their triggerman and did more driving against Toomey, than he's done in other outings. Mayer is the other potential problem. Thought Hixon got it right by having his bigs play about 6 feet off of him while being always watchful of him. Yes, Mayer did make some 3's when open, but his trick is to flash down the lane for the high pass and finish, when the big man turns his head. Would like to see Pedro Lynch in this position because he's quicker to close the passing lanes. If we do those kinds of things Williams doesn't get off and cruising on the front end.
That plays into Midd's hidden strength. For a group at 16-0, there have been a lot of questions about whether TheBoys belong in the top tier. Suffice it to say my take has been that we may not be the dominant defensive team of a couple of years past, but this edition know what it takes to close teams out and win. On that basis, I broke down twelve of the wins on a statistical basis. Not included were Green Mt.; So.VT.; JohnsonSt.; and St.Joe's because in those games Midd was comfortably ahead by halftime, and the last ten minutes were extended 'garbage time' to steal a phrase from Marv Albert. Each game was put under a microscope I borrowed from bio lab, and season-wise the stats presented pertain only to our play once the clock goes under ten minutes.
This is the best G.trio in the country. If we say it enough times somebody beyond the Otter Creek might hear us. In the games dissected Midd is plus 80! That includes the Wesleyan game, where Shasha and Co. went 11-20 from the floor (minus 10); and the Bates game where they went 10-19 (minus 2). Although the FG percentage 'D' isn't great with those two games figured in (67-155 or 43.2%), in our other ten games, it's 38.1%. so the 'D' is there. One other major contributor to the close-out scenario is FT shooting. In years past, we've been shaky at best. This group has been very effective at 85-109 (78%). Remember this is the last ten minutes only, but it is maintained here that crunch time consistency not only wins the 'closies', but creates the atmosphere where TheBoys expect to win and don't feel as much pressure.
Knowing it's at Chandler, knowing we often start slowly, it's certain that the pre-paid lamaze cards will be getting swiped with regularity. However the take from here is that TheBoys will be fully focused early, play the kind of 'D' that won't let Williams get away and should damper the 'crazies'. Although our depth is getting into uncharted waters because of the injury bug, from what Maker has done, it doesn't appear that he has the depth of other Williams' teams, and some of our guys are capable of big minutes that should turn things our way. Williams is do-able, even on the road and Midd should joins Amherst atop the nescac. After some extra breathing sessions, or even after a couple of the Faithful are whacked with a defibrillator to get their heart palpitations back in line, 'ThePantherExpress' can head back north with the champagne corks a-popping.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, over the Otter Creek bridge, past the VFW's bar stools, off DickTheHealer's whirlpool, nothin' but net!" I've heard that many more people read this blog than comment, but would appreciate comments- yay or nay- that anyone might have. Be well. Clubbo.
Williams' style has been to try to push it early, open the 3-ball game, with Epley, Mayer and Klemm, and once in front slow the pace, use the shot clock, and run their sets. Against Toomey and his pals, who have firepower, they did open up early, but couldn't get it past plus ten. Then the higher pace played more to the Amherst strength on 'O'. Amherst is adept at finding the open weak-side guy, and is deeper off the bench, and once the ball started to go in, Williams couldn't answer. The 'why' holds the key to TheBoys' strategy. Back at Chandler, with the place roaring, you know Maker will be looking for the kill early. The answer to 'why' Amherst controlled them is in the match-ups on 'D'. First: the one to close down is Epley- who as a senior has come on. Two keys on controlling him are keep the weak-side passes away from him, so he can't spot up for the 3-ball, and if he does get it, sit on his left hand, and make him to put it on the floor. He will oblige, but is not nearly as effective once he does that. Also if he's out of rhythm they have to look elsewhere for those missing buckets. It used to be that Klemm would get the ball for some of those 3's. Not so much anymore, but he's got to be played because he's still got firepower. Seems that NolanT.would get first call on putting the cuffs on Epley. Jensen could spell him, but there's a concern about possible foul trouble out there on the perimeter for James. Joey draws the assignment on Robertson who's their triggerman and did more driving against Toomey, than he's done in other outings. Mayer is the other potential problem. Thought Hixon got it right by having his bigs play about 6 feet off of him while being always watchful of him. Yes, Mayer did make some 3's when open, but his trick is to flash down the lane for the high pass and finish, when the big man turns his head. Would like to see Pedro Lynch in this position because he's quicker to close the passing lanes. If we do those kinds of things Williams doesn't get off and cruising on the front end.
That plays into Midd's hidden strength. For a group at 16-0, there have been a lot of questions about whether TheBoys belong in the top tier. Suffice it to say my take has been that we may not be the dominant defensive team of a couple of years past, but this edition know what it takes to close teams out and win. On that basis, I broke down twelve of the wins on a statistical basis. Not included were Green Mt.; So.VT.; JohnsonSt.; and St.Joe's because in those games Midd was comfortably ahead by halftime, and the last ten minutes were extended 'garbage time' to steal a phrase from Marv Albert. Each game was put under a microscope I borrowed from bio lab, and season-wise the stats presented pertain only to our play once the clock goes under ten minutes.
This is the best G.trio in the country. If we say it enough times somebody beyond the Otter Creek might hear us. In the games dissected Midd is plus 80! That includes the Wesleyan game, where Shasha and Co. went 11-20 from the floor (minus 10); and the Bates game where they went 10-19 (minus 2). Although the FG percentage 'D' isn't great with those two games figured in (67-155 or 43.2%), in our other ten games, it's 38.1%. so the 'D' is there. One other major contributor to the close-out scenario is FT shooting. In years past, we've been shaky at best. This group has been very effective at 85-109 (78%). Remember this is the last ten minutes only, but it is maintained here that crunch time consistency not only wins the 'closies', but creates the atmosphere where TheBoys expect to win and don't feel as much pressure.
Knowing it's at Chandler, knowing we often start slowly, it's certain that the pre-paid lamaze cards will be getting swiped with regularity. However the take from here is that TheBoys will be fully focused early, play the kind of 'D' that won't let Williams get away and should damper the 'crazies'. Although our depth is getting into uncharted waters because of the injury bug, from what Maker has done, it doesn't appear that he has the depth of other Williams' teams, and some of our guys are capable of big minutes that should turn things our way. Williams is do-able, even on the road and Midd should joins Amherst atop the nescac. After some extra breathing sessions, or even after a couple of the Faithful are whacked with a defibrillator to get their heart palpitations back in line, 'ThePantherExpress' can head back north with the champagne corks a-popping.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, over the Otter Creek bridge, past the VFW's bar stools, off DickTheHealer's whirlpool, nothin' but net!" I've heard that many more people read this blog than comment, but would appreciate comments- yay or nay- that anyone might have. Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, January 18, 2013
"the 'new normal'...not for the faint-hearted"
No post last week as we were off to Pepin and Midd environs for the annual BBall Alumni Weekend. Terrific turnout by the alums who were treated to two great efforts by 'TheBoys' in pulling away from The Camels in the second stanza on Friday. Then holding off Shasha, Callaghan and the rest of the JoeReilly's, late to post a photo-finish, O.T. win over Wesleyan. The intensity of the 'D' in the last 14 seconds was riveting, and we've heard indirectly that during Wes's late charge the pre-paid lamaze cards were in liberal use, particularly for the rookies in the crowd. As Shasha's feet slipped out trying to escape the choking tenacity that encompassed him, serious watchers knew his falling away, two-handed set from his waist wasn't going to draw iron, and the rest let out a collective whoosh before heading to the pubs to re-live the excitement.
In case anyone thought that the nescac wasn't going to be its usual bumpy ride this season, three wins by a total of five points gives cause to pause. TheBoys put up two W's at Bates and Tufts, and overcame the great equalizer of "the road". Then they had to deal with Wesleyan's late game hot handedness (12 of 18 from the floor in the last 8:55 plus O.T.) to survive atop the nescac with Williams and Amherst. Although four-and-oh, Midd suffered more casualties in the ConnColl game. Brierly and Bullock both went down with serious injuries diving for loose balls. Reminds one of that cynical corollary to Murphy's Law- 'no good deed goes unpunished'. Dylan Sinnickson an earlier casualty of 'hustle' is still on the mend from his preseason broken arm (diving for a loose ball). Hopefully he might be ready for Amherst weekend, but that's undecided at present. As for the 'B. brothers', Nate and Dean, only time may tell, but our depth is now on thinner ice, although when pressed into service Bert Nasciemento and 'Winston' Churchill stepped right up with solid contributions in their minutes. Shows how deep the talent on this team really is, when Bert can come off the bench after sitting for two-plus seasons and drain a couple of beautiful 3-balls. That's one hot dog with plenty of mustard. 'Winston', a potential great work in progress, had said he was ready (after a long bout with mono), and played right to his words. Of course, those who think 93-10 over the last four seasons is the new normal, expect JeffB. to keep bringing guys up from down the bench and keep the play at championship levels. So far they haven't been disappointed.
Hamilton is on the docket tonight. They're primarily a G. oriented team, that's been in and out but is capable when everything goes well. They scared the bejeezus out of Amherst, but couldn't close the deal after leading by four with a minute to play. Their best scorer is a frosh. Welcome to Pepin, where he gets introduced to Nolan T., maybe the most underrated big-time G. in the country. That should be enough to make his forty minutes miserable. And it isn't like the other G. is getting a walk in the park, if Joey or James matches up. Inside, 'Pedro' Lynch, at number three nationally in FG percentage, is a force. Also like the way that 'Longjack' has come on. More fire in his game. More assertion on the 'D'. With the addition of Winston inside, TheBoys ought to be able to win the battle in the paint, and because this is our only nescac dance this weekend, should be fully focused. Hamilton is definitely do-able particularly if my take on the match-ups is right. At Pepin, with the Panther Faithful in full voice, something in solid double digits is the expected margin, and then TheBoys can get ready for the trip to Williams next weekend, to see who gets the first leg up on hosting the nescacs.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, past Moose Provancha's gas pumps, by Duke Nelson snoring with his feet uop on the desk, off Old Albert's cage, nothin' but net." Be well. Clubbo.
In case anyone thought that the nescac wasn't going to be its usual bumpy ride this season, three wins by a total of five points gives cause to pause. TheBoys put up two W's at Bates and Tufts, and overcame the great equalizer of "the road". Then they had to deal with Wesleyan's late game hot handedness (12 of 18 from the floor in the last 8:55 plus O.T.) to survive atop the nescac with Williams and Amherst. Although four-and-oh, Midd suffered more casualties in the ConnColl game. Brierly and Bullock both went down with serious injuries diving for loose balls. Reminds one of that cynical corollary to Murphy's Law- 'no good deed goes unpunished'. Dylan Sinnickson an earlier casualty of 'hustle' is still on the mend from his preseason broken arm (diving for a loose ball). Hopefully he might be ready for Amherst weekend, but that's undecided at present. As for the 'B. brothers', Nate and Dean, only time may tell, but our depth is now on thinner ice, although when pressed into service Bert Nasciemento and 'Winston' Churchill stepped right up with solid contributions in their minutes. Shows how deep the talent on this team really is, when Bert can come off the bench after sitting for two-plus seasons and drain a couple of beautiful 3-balls. That's one hot dog with plenty of mustard. 'Winston', a potential great work in progress, had said he was ready (after a long bout with mono), and played right to his words. Of course, those who think 93-10 over the last four seasons is the new normal, expect JeffB. to keep bringing guys up from down the bench and keep the play at championship levels. So far they haven't been disappointed.
Hamilton is on the docket tonight. They're primarily a G. oriented team, that's been in and out but is capable when everything goes well. They scared the bejeezus out of Amherst, but couldn't close the deal after leading by four with a minute to play. Their best scorer is a frosh. Welcome to Pepin, where he gets introduced to Nolan T., maybe the most underrated big-time G. in the country. That should be enough to make his forty minutes miserable. And it isn't like the other G. is getting a walk in the park, if Joey or James matches up. Inside, 'Pedro' Lynch, at number three nationally in FG percentage, is a force. Also like the way that 'Longjack' has come on. More fire in his game. More assertion on the 'D'. With the addition of Winston inside, TheBoys ought to be able to win the battle in the paint, and because this is our only nescac dance this weekend, should be fully focused. Hamilton is definitely do-able particularly if my take on the match-ups is right. At Pepin, with the Panther Faithful in full voice, something in solid double digits is the expected margin, and then TheBoys can get ready for the trip to Williams next weekend, to see who gets the first leg up on hosting the nescacs.
Remember: "down 'The Alibi' stairs, past Moose Provancha's gas pumps, by Duke Nelson snoring with his feet uop on the desk, off Old Albert's cage, nothin' but net." Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, January 4, 2013
'Act Two..the nescac season'
The Panther Express, all shined up and still sporting a number-two-in-the-land pennant swirling in the Maine winds, rolls into Lewiston today for the nescac tipoff with Bates. As ventured here last week, our 9-0 was good enough to hold down the second spot in the national polls, but Midd was leapfrogged for #1, by No.Central (Ill.), probably based on their early strength of schedule edge. Not to worry, 'TheBoys' recognize that there are only five 'Tall Trees' left in the d3 forest, and being on the road with the gaudy ranking makes them a big target. Bates is scrappy, but doesn't really shoot 3's well, and looks out-manned, but have us in their building. Does 'the road' plus the fact that they always play hard, give them enough to overcome our guards, new found 'O' punch, and depth? From here the answer is a respectful, 'No'! Joey, Jake and NolanT. have a good hand on the game throttle, score as necessary and have demonstrated close out abilities regularly. Now with added options from Lynch's inside consistency and Merryman's ability to score from downtown, the offense keeps the pressure on the opponent to be able to match buckets at each possession. Although the 'D' is not at the nation-leading (percentage wise) levels of recent seasons, most coaches would be drooling to get the likes of Jensen, NateB. or LongJack to play hard-nosed stoppers or get he ball off the boards. And that doesn't even count their scoreboard contributions. Bates is definitely do-able despite their positives, and TheBoys will move on to Tufts.
Tufts will be the harder game of the two. One advantage for Midd is that Tufts is going to be all juiced up to try and beat Williams tonight. If things go well in Lewiston early, it gives us the advantage of saving some legs for the trip down to Medford. That is always a plus in the 'back-to-backs'. They've got size in Lanchantin and (frosh) Pallencini (both 6'8) to be effective up front and decent G. play. They've played hard and hung till late with MIT (then #1), and Ill.Wes. and those were 'roaders'. The advantages TheBoys have are in the close-out ability led by our G. rotation, whereas they haven't yet quite finished the deal. Add the fact that one of their scorers may be in for a deflating afternoon because I'm advised NolanT. is bringing his handcuffs, and that is another hidden plus that you can't find by looking at a box score. Maybe close, but no Red Auerbach cigar for The Jumbo's.
A quick rundown of the nescac looks like there are three tiers: up top, Midd, The Ephs and TheLordJeffNation; at the next level are the aforementioned Jumbo's, Wesleyan- who has been tres disappointing to date, but still have the coaching and talent to be heard from, then maybe Bowdoin. The bottom group is up in the air- because Bates has a problem scoring with regularity, always a negative in games where the most points determines the winner; Trinity is in the same boat shooting-wise, and also has the underlying question of what is going on over there, with at least six kids having left the program in the last two years. From my seat that doesn't bode well for seasonal success. I don't know where Hamilton is strength wise but they've been in and out at best in the nescac run-up. The absolute bottom looks like a tossup between ConnColl. and Colby and I'd take The Camels to break that tie simply because Vadas will be the only impact player in the game when those two go head to head.
From the scheduler's standpoint The Ephs get the best of it because both Midd and TheLJN have to travel to Spring Street this season. And The Panthers get last licks with Toomey and his pals at Pepin to end the regular season. It ought to be challenging, and certainly there will be the need for lamaze sessions as the season tightens down. Maybe tomorrow, but not tonight.
Before signing off- I would like everyone to know that Midd lost one of the stars in its constellation the other day when Paul ('Head') Witteman, '66, passed after being saddled with multiple myeloma for the past nine seasons. 'Head' was one of our great BBall supporters, loved the game, and loved Middlebury. An enthusiatic, caring and brilliant man, he made sure after Roger Ralph graduated, that Butch got picked up for every game. He was the important second in that line of young men, (and that all of us who've been lucky enough to put on the blue-and-white are a part of), that have given some of their time to helping Butch, and for which tradition, Middlebury has been recognized and rewarded. I am certain that when Midd's Bball Alumni gather next weekend that more than a glass or two will be raised with a story about 'Head'. From somewhere you know he will be watching.
And remember: "down The Alibi's stairs, out of SamEmilio's beer cooler, over the scorer's table and off the thirty-five second clock, nothin' but net". Be well. Clubbo.
Tufts will be the harder game of the two. One advantage for Midd is that Tufts is going to be all juiced up to try and beat Williams tonight. If things go well in Lewiston early, it gives us the advantage of saving some legs for the trip down to Medford. That is always a plus in the 'back-to-backs'. They've got size in Lanchantin and (frosh) Pallencini (both 6'8) to be effective up front and decent G. play. They've played hard and hung till late with MIT (then #1), and Ill.Wes. and those were 'roaders'. The advantages TheBoys have are in the close-out ability led by our G. rotation, whereas they haven't yet quite finished the deal. Add the fact that one of their scorers may be in for a deflating afternoon because I'm advised NolanT. is bringing his handcuffs, and that is another hidden plus that you can't find by looking at a box score. Maybe close, but no Red Auerbach cigar for The Jumbo's.
A quick rundown of the nescac looks like there are three tiers: up top, Midd, The Ephs and TheLordJeffNation; at the next level are the aforementioned Jumbo's, Wesleyan- who has been tres disappointing to date, but still have the coaching and talent to be heard from, then maybe Bowdoin. The bottom group is up in the air- because Bates has a problem scoring with regularity, always a negative in games where the most points determines the winner; Trinity is in the same boat shooting-wise, and also has the underlying question of what is going on over there, with at least six kids having left the program in the last two years. From my seat that doesn't bode well for seasonal success. I don't know where Hamilton is strength wise but they've been in and out at best in the nescac run-up. The absolute bottom looks like a tossup between ConnColl. and Colby and I'd take The Camels to break that tie simply because Vadas will be the only impact player in the game when those two go head to head.
From the scheduler's standpoint The Ephs get the best of it because both Midd and TheLJN have to travel to Spring Street this season. And The Panthers get last licks with Toomey and his pals at Pepin to end the regular season. It ought to be challenging, and certainly there will be the need for lamaze sessions as the season tightens down. Maybe tomorrow, but not tonight.
Before signing off- I would like everyone to know that Midd lost one of the stars in its constellation the other day when Paul ('Head') Witteman, '66, passed after being saddled with multiple myeloma for the past nine seasons. 'Head' was one of our great BBall supporters, loved the game, and loved Middlebury. An enthusiatic, caring and brilliant man, he made sure after Roger Ralph graduated, that Butch got picked up for every game. He was the important second in that line of young men, (and that all of us who've been lucky enough to put on the blue-and-white are a part of), that have given some of their time to helping Butch, and for which tradition, Middlebury has been recognized and rewarded. I am certain that when Midd's Bball Alumni gather next weekend that more than a glass or two will be raised with a story about 'Head'. From somewhere you know he will be watching.
And remember: "down The Alibi's stairs, out of SamEmilio's beer cooler, over the scorer's table and off the thirty-five second clock, nothin' but net". Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, December 28, 2012
'fast away the Old Year passes..'
While some of us are sticking the family fruitcake in the bird-feeders (whoever thought those little green things were tasty?) and hoping that our guests finish up the last batch of holiday eggnog, it is noted that 'TheBoys' are back in Pepin getting ready for RPI, and a run at the nescac title - which is the main order of the winter's business. RPI will in town on Sunday afternoon with Pedro Lynch And Company looking to raise their standard to nine-and-oh. By tip time a couple of more "Tall Trees" (defined as those teams remaining undefeated and untouched by the woodsman's axe) will have crashed in the d3 forest. That will leave The Panthers and only five others unscathed as the remaining "Tall Trees" on the d3 landscape. This doesn't appear to be one of RPI's better editions. Although we haven't seen them up close, common opponents indicate that this game shouldn't require any halftime lamaze sessions. It's been more than three weeks since TheBoys were at game speed, but we've seen many times over this incredible six-plus year run that JeffB. always has them primed and focused. Always is one of those terms that one hates to use because of its finality, but it recognizes the understated mastery that this coach has for his craft. He has worked it with all of Midd's recent editions. The beauty of it is in the preparation. And in getting each group to buy in. Sure, there may be some squirts of WD-40 to get everything up to game speed, but cannot envision an overmatched RPI group, also coming off a layoff hanging around too long at Pepin. Something in range of a 20 point-plus tuneup is what's expected from this corner, and then TheBoys will take up the chase for the nescac title. And next week, they might be the new number one, although based on a stronger early season quality, both St. Thomas and North Central, if they survive Ramapo, would qualify for that spot, if my take is correct.
The biggest step-ups of the season have been the inside play of Lynch, now up to about fifth in the country in FG percentage, and the discovery of Hunter Merryman as 'instant offense' night in and night out. Pressed into duty when Dylan Sinnickson went down with a broken arm, he has not missed a beat, and one would have to think that he's crossed the bridge to being a full-time threat. That now gives us two potential standouts in the sophomore brigade, and it's my take there will be more.
Two other points remain to be noted. First: although the Midd defense is not the dominant, lock-down type that has carried us in the past few years, it has been very good in the last ten minutes of every game. Nobody yet has been able to put up a run that has paralyzed us. So my take is that the defense is hidden in the statistics, and when the pretenders want to become contenders, TheBoys are able to make plays on both ends that control the outcome. Part of that is that the offense is better. Inside and out. Secondly: the foul shooting has improved markedly. That should pay off in a big way as the season tightens down and the possessions become bigger.
Finally there has been a lot chatter about the scheduling- is it too weak, is it challenging enough, etc.?
If you look back at the final regular season poll from last year and the second and third polls this year- even without the nescac schedule being in the forefront, it appears by my count that Midd has played at least 16 of the ranked 75 teams in those three polls. Given the overlap of teams it's possible that there aren't more than 45 actual different teams, and given that we've played some multiple times, often in elimination games, the thought from this corner is 'TheBoys' are prepared every night, and know what challenges need to be met as the season unfolds.
Fast away the Old Year passes.. sending you all wishes for health and prosperity in the New Year!
And remember: "down from the star at the top of the tree, under the Christmas bells over Otter Creek, past the wreath on Ma Kelley's door, off of DickTheHealer's new whirlpool, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
The biggest step-ups of the season have been the inside play of Lynch, now up to about fifth in the country in FG percentage, and the discovery of Hunter Merryman as 'instant offense' night in and night out. Pressed into duty when Dylan Sinnickson went down with a broken arm, he has not missed a beat, and one would have to think that he's crossed the bridge to being a full-time threat. That now gives us two potential standouts in the sophomore brigade, and it's my take there will be more.
Two other points remain to be noted. First: although the Midd defense is not the dominant, lock-down type that has carried us in the past few years, it has been very good in the last ten minutes of every game. Nobody yet has been able to put up a run that has paralyzed us. So my take is that the defense is hidden in the statistics, and when the pretenders want to become contenders, TheBoys are able to make plays on both ends that control the outcome. Part of that is that the offense is better. Inside and out. Secondly: the foul shooting has improved markedly. That should pay off in a big way as the season tightens down and the possessions become bigger.
Finally there has been a lot chatter about the scheduling- is it too weak, is it challenging enough, etc.?
If you look back at the final regular season poll from last year and the second and third polls this year- even without the nescac schedule being in the forefront, it appears by my count that Midd has played at least 16 of the ranked 75 teams in those three polls. Given the overlap of teams it's possible that there aren't more than 45 actual different teams, and given that we've played some multiple times, often in elimination games, the thought from this corner is 'TheBoys' are prepared every night, and know what challenges need to be met as the season unfolds.
Fast away the Old Year passes.. sending you all wishes for health and prosperity in the New Year!
And remember: "down from the star at the top of the tree, under the Christmas bells over Otter Creek, past the wreath on Ma Kelley's door, off of DickTheHealer's new whirlpool, nothin' but net!" Be well. Clubbo.
Friday, December 7, 2012
showing Skids we're the thoroughbreds..
The Panther Express is steaming into the match-up with Skidmore at seven-and-oh. Now up to an all-time high of #3 in the D-3 polls, there are those - all serious followers of Midd's long run in this 'new normal' era - whose concerns about strength of schedule and challenges merit comment. Most of the commentary back and forth has gone on off this page. Those concerns are rooted in the fact that 'TheBoys' are too parochial in playing a variety of Vermont-baked cupcakes (i.e, Johnson St., Green Mountain, etc.)While there is clamor from the outside, and regardless of outcome it would give the Pepin faithful something further to cheer about, for Midd to schedule 'up' to a St. Mike's (d2 and they don't want to play us in the regular season) or get a game with an Ivy Leaguer (ditto's), my take is that from their side of the ball, there's nothing to be gained. When we were trying to get this program out of the New England cellar, my freshman squad met up with J. State. Ecstatic, after putting up a '39' (in the pre-trey days) by my name in the box score, 'The Vendor', my coach, told me, we're not playing them again, they stink- so they got replaced with Northeastern. Not so great an idea -since they shortly thereafter became a D1. So we struggled through three long seasons, at 3and57. Maybe I'm calloused by the 3-57, and just like to see the W's, knowing that in each season, even as they succeed, there are more than enough challenges to keep 'TheBoys' interested.
It was a lot easier to schedule 'up' back then because there was only D1 and D2. It's also easier to schedule up when you haven't gotten five ncaa bids in a row. Coaches everywhere are concerned about getting enough 'W's to keep their j-o-b-s, and if an annual meeting with The Panthers was detrimental to that prospect, then they are no longer on our dance card. Among those who have decided otherwise are many longtime rivals. Union and St. Lawrence recently said enough. Norwich and Clarkson had also gone that route, and Colby-Sawyer (who beat us in '09-10) bowed out. The rise of the 'conferences' has contributed to this because there is the reality that if you don't win your conference and get an automatic ncaa bid, then there are only 19 other 'at large' bids handed out. And very few of them- maybe no more than six- are locked in come tournament time. Coaches recognize that unless you have 19 or 20 wins your chances of getting in are slim, even with an enhanced strength of schedule, so don't go 18 and 6 or 7. For that matter even with 20 'W's, there are teams every year that get left out in the cold. Recently Keene State and Wesleyan fell short. For those not familiar with D3, there are 403 teams versus less in D1 (236, and less conferences) so there's only about a dozen 'at large' bids nationally. So we play who we play. The nescac, its tournament and pressure, and the ncaa's are the only measuring sticks that the top programs really go by. And come tourney time you don't want to be left out in the cold.
Skids at Pepin tomorrow. First trip to Midd for their young trio of Merill, Brooks, and Medunjanin (a soph and two frosh). One of the two frosh G's will have Nolan T. in his grill. Medunjanin, bigger at 6'4 seems the more likely to require Nolan's handcuffs. Don't know whether Merrill is strictly a down low guy or whether he roams. Down low, he'll get either Peter or Longjack. If he is a roamer, then he'll have to contend with Jensen. If Brooks is the PG, he gets the unenviable task of trying to beat Joey. Good luck on that front. Although they won the Liberty last year, and Merrill is very capable, think our experience and pressure, particularly at guard, is key here. Also don't see Merrill pounding Peter and/or Longjack. Know our depth is better going eight deep for sure, particularly with Merryman's instant offense such a factor every night (he has been the 'find' of the new season). All in all, my take is that Skids finds out what real thoroughbreds look like, and that TheBoys go to the break at 8-0. Notable that Williams fell out of the top 25 last week (didn't think they belonged). Today they have the flags in Amherst at half mast because the LordJeffNation went down to Babson at Lefrak, loss number two. This not only seriously jeopardizes their #10 ranking, maybe it exposed their overall lack of real depth (Hixson only went with seven guys), which certainly bodes positive for the Panthers.
Remember: "down The Alibi stairs, past Ma Kelley's front door, and off DickTheHealer's whirlpool, nothin' but net!" Clubbo.
It was a lot easier to schedule 'up' back then because there was only D1 and D2. It's also easier to schedule up when you haven't gotten five ncaa bids in a row. Coaches everywhere are concerned about getting enough 'W's to keep their j-o-b-s, and if an annual meeting with The Panthers was detrimental to that prospect, then they are no longer on our dance card. Among those who have decided otherwise are many longtime rivals. Union and St. Lawrence recently said enough. Norwich and Clarkson had also gone that route, and Colby-Sawyer (who beat us in '09-10) bowed out. The rise of the 'conferences' has contributed to this because there is the reality that if you don't win your conference and get an automatic ncaa bid, then there are only 19 other 'at large' bids handed out. And very few of them- maybe no more than six- are locked in come tournament time. Coaches recognize that unless you have 19 or 20 wins your chances of getting in are slim, even with an enhanced strength of schedule, so don't go 18 and 6 or 7. For that matter even with 20 'W's, there are teams every year that get left out in the cold. Recently Keene State and Wesleyan fell short. For those not familiar with D3, there are 403 teams versus less in D1 (236, and less conferences) so there's only about a dozen 'at large' bids nationally. So we play who we play. The nescac, its tournament and pressure, and the ncaa's are the only measuring sticks that the top programs really go by. And come tourney time you don't want to be left out in the cold.
Skids at Pepin tomorrow. First trip to Midd for their young trio of Merill, Brooks, and Medunjanin (a soph and two frosh). One of the two frosh G's will have Nolan T. in his grill. Medunjanin, bigger at 6'4 seems the more likely to require Nolan's handcuffs. Don't know whether Merrill is strictly a down low guy or whether he roams. Down low, he'll get either Peter or Longjack. If he is a roamer, then he'll have to contend with Jensen. If Brooks is the PG, he gets the unenviable task of trying to beat Joey. Good luck on that front. Although they won the Liberty last year, and Merrill is very capable, think our experience and pressure, particularly at guard, is key here. Also don't see Merrill pounding Peter and/or Longjack. Know our depth is better going eight deep for sure, particularly with Merryman's instant offense such a factor every night (he has been the 'find' of the new season). All in all, my take is that Skids finds out what real thoroughbreds look like, and that TheBoys go to the break at 8-0. Notable that Williams fell out of the top 25 last week (didn't think they belonged). Today they have the flags in Amherst at half mast because the LordJeffNation went down to Babson at Lefrak, loss number two. This not only seriously jeopardizes their #10 ranking, maybe it exposed their overall lack of real depth (Hixson only went with seven guys), which certainly bodes positive for the Panthers.
Remember: "down The Alibi stairs, past Ma Kelley's front door, and off DickTheHealer's whirlpool, nothin' but net!" Clubbo.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
not bad for an opening act...
The Panther Express is rollin' again. After earning accolades for their performances against 'Your-sinuses' whose Bigs did give us a major headache, and Lebanon Valley who had a kid throw a 30 point night, which usually is a knockout punch on its own, 'TheBoys' survived, and controlled him (one trey in the last 14:18) and the game late. Off to Plattsburgh for another roader, they trailed 26-35 while those with the prepaid lamaze cards were breathing rhythmically (but quickly), then TheBoys closed them down from the time it was 49-all with eight minutes to go. Three things triggered this finish, only 3 turnovers in that span, Lynch coming through in a decisive way with ten big points down this stretch, and the fact that they knocked down 11 of 14 from the line to close Platts out. So at five and oh, there is more than a possibility that Midd ought to head into the holiday break at 8-0. Sure there's a trip to Providence on Sunday, but Johnson and Wales doesn't appear to have the firepower of the their past two squads, with the nation's leading scorer (Lamonte Thomas) having graduated. Add in that J&W has a roader at Rivier (in New Hampshire) on Saturday, and our legs may be the fresher than being on the end of a back-to back. Johnson St. at Pepin should give everybody the opportunity to show game talent, and finally we've got Skidmore before the exam-holiday break. Skids will require a top effort as they've got some of the firepower that earned them an ncaa bid last year, to go along with a solid 'Big' in Conor Merrill who registered with 26 against d1 Siena in an exhibition game. Recent Midd-Skids encounters have been rough and tumble affairs and they're not at all awed by a trip to Pepin, so it will be a test.
What we've seen so far is that the guard rotation of Nolan T., Joey Kizel and Jake Wolfin is as good as we thought. Scary good. Nolan earned MVP for his effort at Lebanon Valley, and this trio has controlled the tough games so far with their cohesion, foul shooting, and defense, especially late, and that ability has anchored the 5-0 start. Up front, we have been searching a little bit, but it looks like the Bigs are starting to find themselves. Lynch is demonstrating that he can be a down low force on 'O', and carry that through to crunch time. My take is that he still has upside as his confidence grows. Important to see LongJack have a statement game the other night, even against an overmatched opponent. Think he might have needed that mentally. Still a work in progress, every game is a step forward for him, and a positive addition that is needed every night. Jensen's play has been strong early on both ends, and his intensity is infectious. Nate Bulluck has made good contributions in his limited minutes, and the feeling is that if he continues on this positive path his athleticism will add to those minutes. Still it's tough to crack the best G. rotation in the country. Dylan Sinnickson, he of the "smooooth" jumper, broke his arm and is on the mend, although he won't be back to mid-January at best, so that is a negative. But like the old proverb says, when one door closes another one opens, so enter Hunter Merryman, who has provided 'instant offense' off the bench, with a solid 3-ball, for double digits every game. Gotta like that. And maybe he's the "dial-up" jump shooter that has been absent from our arsenal the last couple of seasons. Still waiting for Churchill to emerge from the shadows of his bout with mono, and think that he might get some decent minutes in the next 3 games.
So before this opening act which is the pre-conference schedule is over, what have we learned, about us and about the northeast region in particular. My take, having only seen TheBoys 'run' in preseason but bolstered by 3 decent-to-tough road W's, is that this year's edition is better than pretty good, and the national ranking stays intact till the nescac tips off. Have seen part of the nescac already and am fairly sure of two things. First, Wesleyan is not at the level they were at last year. Too much Shasha with the ball means they have regressed, and makes them easier to defend. Plus they don't yet have a bail out shooter because Mendell graduated. Unless those problems are solved, nescac hosting will remain at a more traditional site. Secondly, Williams will be better than last time around. Liked their team 'D', but they have no flash and must run their offense to death- which they did - to get good shots. Hoffman gives them adequate backup for Mayer, and they're getting good contributions from Epley, Klemm and Wohl, a running mate of Merryman's. They have the advantage of home cooking in key nescac matchups. Amherst has new pieces to go with Toomey and Workman, but gets their first test vs. Springfield tonight. Tufts has been in and out but don't judge them just by their record. They had the lead on Ill.Wesleyan (#7) last night with five minutes left and couldn't close the deal. Think they'll be a big road test in January. Don't know which Trinity we'll see, because of the turmoil that surrounds the program. Six kids, and counting, have left the team in the last two years. Elsewhere, MIT without Hollingsworth (major foot surgery) and Karraker, (knee), is a good team but not the powerhouse I'd envisioned. The newmac will be tough for them. WPI, is solid, and Springfield is improving. The Little East has two good teams in RIC, terrific 'D', and very well coached, and Keene St. who we already know about. Possible that UMass-Boston adds to the mix, but it looks like EasternConn is weaker, and WesConn now in a down year. Enough details for now, The Boys should be able to take care of business at hand and be ready to pull into the break with a win over Skidmore. Getting to eight and oh is better than pretty good, although many fans along the Otter Creek expect this, the "new normal". Be well. And remember, "off 'The Pine Room' keg, down The Alibi stairs, past the burned out DKE house, over Albert's laundry basket, nothin' but net!" Clubbo.
What we've seen so far is that the guard rotation of Nolan T., Joey Kizel and Jake Wolfin is as good as we thought. Scary good. Nolan earned MVP for his effort at Lebanon Valley, and this trio has controlled the tough games so far with their cohesion, foul shooting, and defense, especially late, and that ability has anchored the 5-0 start. Up front, we have been searching a little bit, but it looks like the Bigs are starting to find themselves. Lynch is demonstrating that he can be a down low force on 'O', and carry that through to crunch time. My take is that he still has upside as his confidence grows. Important to see LongJack have a statement game the other night, even against an overmatched opponent. Think he might have needed that mentally. Still a work in progress, every game is a step forward for him, and a positive addition that is needed every night. Jensen's play has been strong early on both ends, and his intensity is infectious. Nate Bulluck has made good contributions in his limited minutes, and the feeling is that if he continues on this positive path his athleticism will add to those minutes. Still it's tough to crack the best G. rotation in the country. Dylan Sinnickson, he of the "smooooth" jumper, broke his arm and is on the mend, although he won't be back to mid-January at best, so that is a negative. But like the old proverb says, when one door closes another one opens, so enter Hunter Merryman, who has provided 'instant offense' off the bench, with a solid 3-ball, for double digits every game. Gotta like that. And maybe he's the "dial-up" jump shooter that has been absent from our arsenal the last couple of seasons. Still waiting for Churchill to emerge from the shadows of his bout with mono, and think that he might get some decent minutes in the next 3 games.
So before this opening act which is the pre-conference schedule is over, what have we learned, about us and about the northeast region in particular. My take, having only seen TheBoys 'run' in preseason but bolstered by 3 decent-to-tough road W's, is that this year's edition is better than pretty good, and the national ranking stays intact till the nescac tips off. Have seen part of the nescac already and am fairly sure of two things. First, Wesleyan is not at the level they were at last year. Too much Shasha with the ball means they have regressed, and makes them easier to defend. Plus they don't yet have a bail out shooter because Mendell graduated. Unless those problems are solved, nescac hosting will remain at a more traditional site. Secondly, Williams will be better than last time around. Liked their team 'D', but they have no flash and must run their offense to death- which they did - to get good shots. Hoffman gives them adequate backup for Mayer, and they're getting good contributions from Epley, Klemm and Wohl, a running mate of Merryman's. They have the advantage of home cooking in key nescac matchups. Amherst has new pieces to go with Toomey and Workman, but gets their first test vs. Springfield tonight. Tufts has been in and out but don't judge them just by their record. They had the lead on Ill.Wesleyan (#7) last night with five minutes left and couldn't close the deal. Think they'll be a big road test in January. Don't know which Trinity we'll see, because of the turmoil that surrounds the program. Six kids, and counting, have left the team in the last two years. Elsewhere, MIT without Hollingsworth (major foot surgery) and Karraker, (knee), is a good team but not the powerhouse I'd envisioned. The newmac will be tough for them. WPI, is solid, and Springfield is improving. The Little East has two good teams in RIC, terrific 'D', and very well coached, and Keene St. who we already know about. Possible that UMass-Boston adds to the mix, but it looks like EasternConn is weaker, and WesConn now in a down year. Enough details for now, The Boys should be able to take care of business at hand and be ready to pull into the break with a win over Skidmore. Getting to eight and oh is better than pretty good, although many fans along the Otter Creek expect this, the "new normal". Be well. And remember, "off 'The Pine Room' keg, down The Alibi stairs, past the burned out DKE house, over Albert's laundry basket, nothin' but net!" Clubbo.
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