Big week in the NCAC by Coach Hoffman
"You want respect? You've got to earn it," said Coach Yester. "This tournament will tell us how good you are. If you can beat Byrd and South, you will accomplish something that hasn't happened here in a long time."
This was the challenge that Coach Yester presented to his Mohigan varsity team going into the tournament this past week. RCB and South, perennial 18-20 game winners, were the competition. We knew we would have to play our best to win and we played as well as we have all year. Coach could've scheduled Mount View, the weakest team in the tournament, but because of his confidence in this team, scheduled RCB in hopes that MHS would win and play South. The team came through, showing diversity on offense and tenacity on defense. The depth of the program is starting to show as we averaged 18 points from the bench in the two wins. Our opponents averaged 8.5 points from their bench. Does this tell you where we won the two ten point victories, or what? For this team to win the sectional and regional at the end of the year, our starters have to match the opponents and our bench will have to win the games. Playing a good regular season schedule is one of Coach Yester's trademarks, as he wants to find out early in the season if his lineup needs to be shuffled. He found out this year that his team is pretty good and if it keeps getting better, could be a force in the late season.
Wait until you hear the play by play on the South tape. Nate and Chris are very entertaining and Nathan is telling everyone what is going within the game. He is telling you what the coaches are thinking. If there is anyone that knows the game, it is Nate. A person can learn a lot just by listening to him. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy of any tape, please contact me.
Next up for the varsity is a trip to the "Dog Pound" at North Marion. I believe this is the toughest gym to visit in the state. They have a real home court advantage, as their fans not only are seated directly on the floor, but really get into it, like no other fans. They have several David Shavers, if you know what I mean. Their students get into it like our students have been, but three times the number of students. I believe the game will be a sell out, so don't show up at game time. The gym only holds 1500. This game will go along way to deciding the NCAC this year. The seniors made the NCAC championship, one of their goals this season.
Speaking of North Marion, here is the scouting report:
6'8 senior Center- Lance Vernon, great shot blocker, scored 26 and 22 points against us last season
6'2 sophomore- forward Rick Sell, left handed atheltic and can shoot from anywhere.
6'0 junior forward Matt Lambert, outstanding shooter and great baseline player
6'0 senior guard Zac Martin, left handed shooter, can take you off the dribble, very athletic
6'0 senior guard Rocky Manchin, one of the best players we play against, can drill it and is at his best when penetrating, outstanding defender
North will play mostly zone as they won't ask Vernon to leave the basket. They like to half court trap and lay back in a 2-3 matchup zone. Coach Sorine is by far the most animated coach we play against (even more than Barry Sanders), but also gets the most out of his players. We have great respect for them and many think they are the best team in our region. They won the local summer league, this past summer, beating our summer league team. Bobby, Seth and Geremey didn't play in the game. We'll see if they can make a difference. My bet is that they will.
I have heard more comments on the beautiful team play of our team as we have 6 players averaging double figures or close to it. Ronnie and Bobby are both averaging about 15 ppg, Nick is a steady 11 ppg, Vido is averaging 10 ppg, Seth checks in with 8 ppg and the last three games Geremy has scored 29 points. I think the bench players wll score more as time goes.
Its that time again, the South at Suncrest matchup. They square off Thursday evening at Suncrest. Both teams are undefeated with impressive victories. South beat Bridgeport at Bridgeport and Suncrest beat Miller at the Aquarium. Suncrest will go into the game 5-0 if they can beat Laurel Highlands on Wednesday and South is 4-0. It would be great to see many of our players and parents go watch these guys play. Many of them have not missed one of our games this year. Of course the trash talking that goes on among our Varsity and JV South players to the Varsity and JV Suncrest players gets more intense each year.
Our Freshman team will travel to Elkins on Thursday evening. Coach Van Voorhis has been busy with his team over the holidays, preparing them for the rest of the season. They shoot the ball very well. If they can pick up the defense, they will be tough to beat.
The JV and varsity will play Friday night then turn around and play again on Saturday evening at Elkins. This is a particularily tough thing for us to do. Its tough enough to play Elkins, let alone one night after an emotional game at North. Elkins has a great point guard in Nick Patella. It will be interesting to see him and Bobby go at it. They are certainly 2 of the best point guards in the state.
I still need tapes from the varsity players and Swifty still needs $30 from the varsity parents for the filming. Also, get those raffle tickets sold.
Our Condolences to the Dorinzi Family as this past week has been a sad time at the their house as Nick's grandmother passed away. Nick is a freshman on our 9th grade team. Last year he went to St. Francis, and is adjusting to his new teammates. It is times like this that put basketball in its proper perspective. We work very hard and take the game very seriously at Morgantown High, but our families always come first. Anytime one of our players loses a loved one it is felt throughout the program. The MHS family offers its condolences to the Dorinzi family.
GO MOHIGANS!