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MORGANTOWN YOUTH BASKETBALL MARCH 27, 2010 |
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MOHIGANS FALL, STILL A GREAT SEASON By Coach Hoffman I have taken a week to write this article about the 2009-10 Varsity Mohigans, because it is a difficult to express my true feelings after such a heart breaking loss to Capital at the State Tournament. The team had one goal and one goal onlyÉ a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. There was a lot of hard work and sacrifices, by not only the players but the parents and coaches. Getting back to Charleston is always something to be proud of, but this program needs a state championship and needs one next year.
This group of seniors has done everything they could to reach their goal and fell two games short. No group has ever worked harder and we are very proud of them. They actually beat this yearÕs state champions in February, by 15 points. Nathan, Luke, Jordan, Sam and Ryan will be forever remembered for their team play, but more importantly because they are great young men. The example they have shown would be a good one for all the young Mohigans to follow. They will make us proud as they go out to the real world and they all have college plans and hope to play college basketball. We will keep you updated on these young men as they will always be welcome at Morgantown High.
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EXPERIENCE RETURNS ON EDGEWOOD By Coach Hoffman
The Mohigan Varsity challenged the best in the state this past season and finished with a 19-5 record and another state tournament appearance. (the 8th in 11 years, 19th in school history) In doing so, many underclassmen saw valuable playing time and hope to have a bigger impact on next yearÕs state tournament run. Led by a solid group of juniors, MHS should expect nothing less.
It will all begin with a trio of point guards. Evan Berryhill, when he was healthy, was one of the finer point guards we have had at Morgantown High in recent years. He has a knack of handling pressure and getting the offense started. He will have to look to score more next year for MHS to make a serious run. Carlton Drake will return and the athletic combo guard looks to give Coach Yester some interesting options. He may not be the best at any one position, but he certainly is the most versatile Mohigan. His strength is certainly his defense and he is one the best defenders MHS had had in some time. Sammy Lusk, a sophomore, finished the season as the starting point guard and helped lead MHS to three late season victories over the best Fairmont West Team in years. Look for Coach Yester to use these three guys in a rotation with Alex Watson as the one and two guards next year. Alex has really become a good shooter and has ability to create a shot for himself.
Taylor Price will return to play the four position, and if this season is any indication, he will return as one of the best players in WV next year. There were many games that the 6Õ5 junior took over this season and appears to be in a position to lead MHS back to state wide prominence. He possesses a solid jump shot and is a nifty ball handler.
Michael Keffer will return and play a key role in next yearÕs team. The athletic guard/forward created mismatches and shut down some terrific players this past season and next year he will see more playing time. He is a tough player to guard and now that he has a jump shot, it is impossible to completely shut him down. There were games this year that MHS couldnÕt have won without ÒKeffÕsÓ contribution.
Ben Blemings will return and has the best footwork we have had in some time. The 6Õ5 junior will be a solid performer as he averaged double figures this past season as part of the JV team. In Varsity games this past year, he often created mismatches for other teams as he used his size as an advantage. He has the sweetest Òbaby hookÓ in WV and will look to use it with this team next year.
Freshman, Nathan Adrian played a pivotal role on last yearÕs team and made a huge contribution in several games. The 6Õ7 forward is also versatile and can play all five positions, which will allow Coach Yester more flexibility. Nathan is the first ever freshman to play basketball at MHS and is certainly one of the best looking prospects in the history of the school.
Tyler Filandino, Andy Maloney, Nick Fleming (transfer from Texas),Nick Fulmer, Josh Childs and Conner Loudin look to make a contribution on the team as they competed with the JV team this year. Right now, 6Õ4 Conner Loudin looks to have promise to help immediately, but the other sophomores have a terrific work ethic and are expected to contribute.
Two other freshmen show ability to compete for a Varsity slot next year. Nick Colasante and Dean Marshall have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and work real hard at their games, so they will undoubtedly challenge for time. They both averaged double figures as freshmen on last yearsÕ NCAC Championship Mohigan Freshman team.
With all this talent returning, MHS will be shooting for another state tournament berth. But, what they are really seeking is, that illusive state championship. The quest for the championship has already begun in the Clyde Gym on Edgewood street. The boys of 2010-11 are fast at work and are looking to carving out their place of Mohigan Basketball history.
The above comments do not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Morgantown High coaching staff. They are just my opinion.
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8TH 9TH AND 10TH MYBO PRACTICE ON MONDAY AT 6:00 AT MHS (TO 7:30) We will practice on Monday. Check text messages for last minute announcements. Please get your $95 check mailed this week. Mail it to 109 Apolla Dr. Morgantown, WV 26501. Game jerseys have been ordered and entry fees need to be paid.
7th to begin Tuesday April 13th at 6:00 at MHS |
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Visit www.mohiganbasketball.com Everyone is invited to visit the guest book on www.mohiganbasketball.com and leave a message for any player, middle school through high school throughout the season. |
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This newsletter sponsored by:
State Farm Agent
Specializing in electrical, roofing, air conditioning and heating Will do remodeling projects Recommended by Coach Hoffman, a very satisfied customer Donated time to Morgantown Basketball for work in locker room Call him before he gets booked up, free estimates Call: 304-290-5231 If you want to be added to this newsletter: email jeffhoffman@mohiganbasketball.com |