Mohigan Journal- 1-27-02
by Coach Hoffman
"Guts." Thats what the JV victory over UHS took. We couldn't do anything correctly. We definitely didn't play as well as we have the past several games. Maybe some of that is due to the rivalry between these two groups. But I think our guys took University lightly and when we raced to an 8-2 lead, we relaxed. They got it going and we had a hard time matching their intensity. The Hawks role players really know what to do and not to do. I try not establish role players, this being JV ball. Therefore, they stayed in the game and we never did establish a rhythm. Zack Solly's save of an errant pass and timeout call was a stroke of genius. He really knows the game and can think on his feet. Tyler Benson's perfect lob to Kameron Law'sand the subsequent catch and score was big time. The players sure made me look like I knew what I was doing. The whole game I was one call late or one call too early. Finally the last 30 seconds I got in gear. The guys showed a toughness and togetherness that this team has failed to show in the past. They are handling hard times with maturity. We have now one 7 straight and are 9-2. Traveling to Preston which owns two victories over UHS, will be a tall task. They are playing much better since our early season victory over them. Then on Friday we host North which owns our only conference loss.
Kameron's two dunks this week were fun to watch. They definitely fire up his teammates. The JV official that waved the one off in the UHS game for goal tending was out of position, and shouldn't have taken it away unless he had good position. The trail official wouldn't say it, but he knew it was a good slam. Anyway I didn't argue because they weren't going to change the call anyway. UHS went on a 7-0 run after that call, which almost spelled disaster for us. If it had counted, the game probably would have been a lot different.
Wednesday night the Varsity was as flat as I have ever seen that group get. The speed of our team forced several turnovers and we raced by an overmatched Buckhannon team. BU tried as hard as any team we have played, but just couldn't convert their layups. Then on Friday, UHS fell apart as they couldn't make a shot and we had a 46 point victory. I wish we could save some of the those points for when we play them the next time. I am sure they will shoot better and play us tougher. I know those kids and they won't quit. They will continue to strive to get better. Coach parsons is an outstanding motivator and really does a nice job. He will get them back to playing good ball before the season is over. Our bench really kicked in this week as they contributed immensely to the wins. Chad Murray is starting to show his value as he gets untracked. Matt Simpson has always had a knack of using his quickness and strength against bigger players and is playing his role beautifully. Geremy Rodamer and Dan Dalton are really turning up the pressure and getting us out running. Tim Williams is playing solid, making no mistakes and driving to the basket very well.
This week we face the always dangerous Preston Knights at the Castle. They will have about 1500 fans there screaming as they would like nothing better than to knock off the number six team in the state. We know if Thomas Hootten gets going, it will be a long night. They took West down to the wire and should have beaten them, two weeks ago. They will give solid effort and be prepared for us like no other team we play. Then on Friday we face North Marion at the MAC. North is one of the best teams in the state, but keep losing to the top ten teams. They lost to West by 2 on a last second shot. They lost to East by 20 in an upset. Then came back and almost beat Beckley. Were it not for some late missed freethrows would have beaten them. Then they lost to South Charleston, who looks like the team that will challenge Martinsburg for the state championship, and then to Wheeling Park by one. Its been a couple of tough weeks for the Huskies and look for them to come to our gym in a angry mood. We will need the Society in full force for this one. At 10-3, the Varsity is looking good, however the team feels they should be better than their record indicates. They are still hungry and hopefully will continue to improve.
Speaking of records the Freshman team is 7-1, the JV 9-2 and the varsity is 10-3. Combined this is 26-6, which speaks well for our program. Our boys and Parents work hard year round and it appears as though that work ethic is translating to victories for Morgantown High. We have a lot to be proud of, and hopefully we will continue to get better.
The Freshmen host UHS on Monday night at the Clyde Gym. We want as many of you as can to come and support this team. The 9th graders and their parents have loyally been to our Varsity games and supported them. It is tiem for our Varsity and JV parents and players to come and support the Frosh. The last time they played UHS it was close most of the way. Expect another good game. It was neat to watch Emil Siriwardane get hot aginst North Marion the other night. He made someting like 7 shots in a row at one point and the boys kept feeding him. Coach V has his team playing very good team ball.
To close this addition of the Journal I would like to comment on Ronnie's article this week in the Post. He lives what was printed, and it is refreshing to see high school kids be able to express their faith without threat of being tormented by thers. His peers have always respected and supported his convictions. Ronnie and I go back to when I met him in the Mountain View League, and I knew then, that he was a gem. The biggest reason I coach is because of the connection with people like Ronnie and these players. If these boys are what America has to look forward to, then as we grow older, we will be in good hands. Ronnie is not only a good role model on the court, but has grown into a man that will long be a role model in what ever community he lands in. Coach Yester has always built his program around the good kids he has, and he has a terrific group this year. We are very proud of our boys and Ronnie is a shining example.
GO MOHIGANS!