Saturday, March 17, 2007

PIAA Western Finals :  10-1 General McLane vs 10-2 Grove City

Tuesday March 20, 2007

McComb Field House on the campus of Edinboro University

Tip off is set for 7:00pm

 

 

Is GM that Good, or is AAA Basketball just that Bad?

Make it three for three in state playoff victories for the Lancers after another thrashing of a Western Pennsylvania opponent. The latest victim was Oliver High School in which the Lancers defeated 73-53 securing them a spot in the PIAA Western Finals versus either Susquehanna Twp or Grove City. With the victory over Oliver, General McLane has now beat three programs in the Western part of the bracket by an average score of 23.3 points per game. This is almost unheard of at this point in the season which leads me to my question, Will this team be tested at all?

 

Well, one would think that if former District 10 foe Grove City can beat Susquehanna Twp today that it will not come from the Eagles as General McLane has already beaten the Eagles by twenty one points 62-41 in the district 10 Championship game back on March 2, 2007. With another large GM  victory here this would put the Lancers in the State Championship game at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University still untested.

 Let's take a look at the Lancer team a bit, point guard Bobby Stauffer has been one of the most competitive athletes District 10 has seen this year and will be continuing his basketball career at Division II Edinboro University next season. Bobby has given incredible effort over his career for the Lancers but has struggled a bit finding his shooting touch this season. One thing most do not realize though is that Bobby is still doing all the little things often overlooked by players playing the point guard position. Bobby is handling the basketball and distributing very well which is not often easy to do at this level.

Backcourt mate Drew Astorino has also been one of the most competitive athletes the District has seen in many years and will take his athletic self down to Happy Valley next season to continue his career playing football for Joe Pa and the Division I Nittney Lions. Drew is one of the quickest basketball players I have seen this season and has done a great job of scoring the ball as well as getting to the hoop and distributing throughout the Lancers Playoff run.

I would have to say that this duo has to rank up there as the most athletic tandems in all of the state.

 

Big man Shawn Walker has been the biggest beneficiary of the GM talented guards. The Junior stands about 6'4" and has some of the best hands I have seen on a big man in quite some time. Thank goodness for that as Stauffer and Astorino have been threading the needle to the big guy all season. Along with his soft hands, Shawn is also one of the best big men as far as using his wide frame for positioning and finishing in traffic. I really believe that if Shawn keeps progressing that at this time next season he will have a difficult couple of decisions to make, which college to attend and which sport to continue to play.

Kelly Ponsoll brings something that every good team has to have to be what I consider to be special. He is the ultimate "garbage man", by that I mean he does all the little things such as rebounding, diving for loose balls, and every now and then knocking down a big shot or two.

Dan Skelton, is a mirror image of Ponsoll. Dan is the ultimate hustling machine, loose balls ,rebounding, steals, and above all is an absolute pain in the neck for opposing guards with his defensive effort.

This could be a State Championship group in both football as well as basketball which would be an incredible accomplishment for them as well as District 10.

Destiny ? One might think so and at the conclusion of this article we just learned that #1 seed West York in the east has been upset by Greencastle Antrim District 3 # 5 seed 60-58.

 

Grove City

As it looks we have an all District 10 Match up...Grove City has advanced and will now play the Lancers with a trip to the Bryce Jordan Center on the line as well as a possible State Championship. Congratulations to Grove City on what has been an amazing run for the Eagles. I must say after GM pretty much gave it to the Eagles in the District Championship I had my doubts concerning Grove City and their ability to compete at this level. But just like Big always says  " what does he know".  This has truly been a fantastic job of prepping by Coach Fee and also by the Grove City kids in their execution of Coach's preparation. One thing about the playoffs I have learned over the years is that something special, whatever it may be, is going on with Grove City right now and that could be dangerous in the GM rematch with everything on the line. Regardless of the outcome in the Western Final everyone in District 10 should be proud of both programs in achieving their goals.

 

On a bit of a personal note, I could not be happier for my friend that has helped me many times through my years as a head coach, Coach Fee. Coach is one of the truly good gentleman still patrolling the sidelines today. With that said, the Grove City success this season could not of happened to a nicer guy and a  harder worker in my opinion.

I can't wait to attend this baby!

 

 

In Class A action

 

PIAA Western Finals :  Kennedy Catholic vs DuBois Central Catholic

Tuesday March 20,2007

Tippen Gymnasium on the campus of Clarion University

Tip off set for 7:00pm

 

Lancers Dominate

GENERAL MCLANE 72

INDIAN VALLEY 43

Playing before an estimated crowd of 2,000 at Clarion University’s Waldo S Tippin Gymnasium the Lancers of General McLane totally dominated Indian Valley on their way to a 72-43 second round win in the PIAA Class AAA playoffs.

Bob Stauffer got the Lancers off first scoring 45 seconds into the contest hitting a floater in the lane. Seconds later Drew Astorino stole the inbounds pass and made the lay up for a 4-0 lead. The Lancers upped the lead to 9-2 on a 25 footer from Astorino and a hoop from Stauffer. The quarter ended 19-10 and the rout was on.

The Lancers won the second quarter outscoring the Warriors 14-10. Shawn Walker had a nice quarter scoring 6 points, grabbing numerous rebounds, and altering a few shots. The only negative for the game for GM was the fact they missed 4 straight free throws and when that is the worst thing you do in a quarter you can leave the Tylenol in the bottle.

The third quarter was another clinical display of basketball for GM as they outscored IV 21-13. Walker had another monster quarter with 9 points and 6 bounds. Maybe the play of the night occurred with 4 seconds to go in the quarter when Stauffer completed a 70 foot pass to Astorino who laid the ball in at the buzzer as GM led 54-33 going to the fourth quarter.

General McLane outscored the Warriors 18-10 in the final stanza as Coach Andy Schultz had his second unit in the game with 4:45 to go in the game.

For the game Shawn Walker posted a double double with 23 points and 12 rebounds while Drew Astorino tossed in 20 points and Bob Stauffer tallied 10.

McLane advanced to the third round with the win and they continue to play at this level they could be eating ice cream at the Creamery in a week and a half.

Co-players of the game: Shawn Walker and Drew Astorino

 

I would like to thank our guest reporters thus far this Year.  Mike Williams, Mercer Boys Varsity Coach and West Middlesex AD, has done a very nice job reporting for us this year and tonight we add Dick Leavy who reported on the General McLane Game for us.  Dick is from my former hometown of Parker, Pa and is a sports writer for the Progress News out of Emlenton and a former car  pool partner of yours truly.  That ride to and from work everyday was our Sports Center.

Sorry about the lack of coverage.  I was at the Fairview/Shenango game but came down with the flu shortly thereafter.  I was very proud of the way that Fairview represented our District.  They really played hard and never lost focus even though they were down by three at the half.  They find themselves in a familiar place now as they face an Aliquippa team that has been hyped all year as the best in Double A.  Earlier Fairview faced the highly hyped Farrell team and came out on top.  I look for them to play very hard against Aliquippa. Go Fairview!

Congratulations to Justin Haney who scored his 1000th point in this game.

BigSkinny Player of the Game - Zane Meeder for his overall leadership and a game high 23 points.

Here are a few pictures:

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Update on our district 10 teams still playing

AAAA

Cathedral Prep - The Ramblers will play on Saturday March 10, 2007 at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University. Tip off is set for 7:30pm

10-1 Cathedral Prep who comes in with a 22-4 record after it's dismantling of State College on Saturday by the score of 73-52 will play next play 7-4 Pine Richland. Pine Richland comes into the contest at 18-8 after losing in the semi finals of the WPIAL tournament to Albert Gallatin by the score of 42-38. Prior to that loss pine Richland defeated MeKeesport in round 1 by the score of 76-68 and Norwin in round 2 by the score of 40-36.

AAA

General McLane- The Lancers will play on Friday March 9, 2007 right in their own backyard at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University. Tip off is set for 7:30pm.

10-1 General McLane who comes into the contest riding on a victory over district arch rival Grove City in rather dominating fashion will face the winner of the Blackhawk 16-10 vs Peabody 14-11 game. This game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 7:30pm at North Hills High School.

 

Grove City - The Eagles will play on Friday March 9, 2007 at Butler High School. Tip Off is set for 7:30pm.

10-2 Grove City comes into the contest with a devastating loss to General McLane for the district championship lingering. I say devastating because Grove City learned real quick that they are going to be unable to compete with the AAA talent that GM and others posses at the state level. However if anyone can right the ship, it will be Coach Fee. The Eagles will now test their luck against 23-5 Chartiers Valley, the WPIAL's number two seed. This appears to be a very tough draw for the Eagles due to Chartiers Valley being upset in the WPIAL Championship game by West Allegheny by the score of 62-58 in double overtime.

 

Warren- The Dragons will play on Friday March 9, 2007 at North Allegheny HS, Wexford against West Allegheny(17-11) the 7-1 team.  Tip off for this AAA contest is set for 7:30pm.

10-3 Warren comes in with a 19-7 record after their 52-40 victory over an average Fort LeBoeuf team in the district 10's third place game held Friday night. Warren defeated St Mary's at Edinboro's McComb FieldHouse on Tuesday.  Final Score: Warren 84 St Marys 56.

10-3 Warren 20-7 will next play West Allegheny after coming off a dominating performance against St. Marys on Tuesday evening in which the Dragons won 84-56. West Allegheny 17-11 enters as the WPIAL # 1 seed after upsetting Keystone Oaks, Greensburg Salem, Montour, Ambridge, and Chartiers Valley to win the WPIAL Tournament. The big question is which West Allegheny team will Warren see, the one that went 12-11 in the regular season or the one that went 5-0 and won the WPIAL Tournament?

 

AA

North East- The Grapepickers will play on Saturday March 10, 2007 at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University. Tip off is set for 4:30pm.

10-1 North East comes into the contest with a 25-2 record after beating a very good Fairview team for the district championship on Friday on this vary same court. North East will face the winner of the Carlyton 21-4 vs  Tussey Mountain 21-5 game which is scheduled for tip off at 7:30pm on Tuesday night at Hempfield High School in Greensburg. Carlyton was beaten by Beaver Falls in the quarter Finals of the WPIAL tournament 82-73 and thus their 8th seed from the very strong WPIAL conference.

Fairview- The Tigers will play on Saturday March 10, 2007 at McComb Fieldhouse on the campus of Edinboro University. Tip off is set for 3:00pm.

10-2 Fairview comes into the contest with a 23-4 record and a heartbreaking loss to NorthEast in the district championship Friday evening. The Tigers will need to rebound as they play WPIAL number six seed Shenango who comes in at 19-7. This appears to be a good draw for Fairview as Shenango got the six seed in the WPIAL tournament by beating (7-16) New Brighton 60-47 in round one and (13-7) Rochester 50-47 before falling to (20-3)Jeannette 81-62 in the quarterfinals.

 

Farrell- The Steelers will play on Saturday March 10,2007 at Plum High School. Tip off is set for 4:30pm.

10-3 Farrell comes into the contest with a 23-3 record and struggled a bit with the Districts teams from up north finishing a disappointing 3rd place. With that said it really does not matter as that is in the past and the Steelers are in the show and I bet will have a different attitude playing a team they are more familiar with in Jeannette. Jeannette comes in as the WPIAL's number two seed at 21-4 and lost to the very powerful Quips from Aliquippa in the WPIAL championship by a score of 73-69. This should be a very entertaining game to watch with many quality players on the floor.

 

A

Kennedy Catholic- The golden Eagles play on Friday March 9, 2007 at Sharon High School. Tip off is set for 7:30pm.

10-1 Kennedy Catholic comes into the contest at 19-5 and another single A championship to boot.  They will face 9-3 Coudersport  who enters with a 24-2 record. Coudersport lost to district 9 powerhouse Elk County Catholic by 20 points 68-48 in the district 9 quarterfinals and then beat Dubois Central Catholic in the losers bracket to earn the number 3 seed.

 

West Middlesex- The Big Reds will play on Friday March 9, 2007 at  Keystone's home away from home, Clarion University. Tip off is set for  6:30pm.

10-2 West Middlesex comes into the contest with a 14-7 record after being blown out by Kennedy for the district 10 championship. This is a team however that is no stranger when it comes to the state playoffs, as the Big Red's football team won the state championship in football this past season. This is not football however and have a very tough draw as they will face 9-2 Keystone who enters at 24-2. This Keystone team is a team I am very familiar with as my good friend Greg Heath is their coach. They eliminated my Saegertown team a few years back by two points in the double a bracket and I will tell you one thing, the Big Reds better be prepared because I promise that Keystone will be. Keystone has one of the top coaching staffs in the entire area.

McLane Handles Grove City 62-41

General McLane impressed all in attendance at the District 10 “AAA” title tilt at a packed Slippery Rock University Field House 62-41 Friday evening.  The Lancers of Coach Andy Schulz played outstanding team defense, while riding the inside play of forward Shawn Walker and the controlling guard play of Bobby Stauffer.  Grove City was forced into 21 turnovers, many caused by McLane’s defense, some unforced.  Walker dumped in 21 markers to go with his Herculean board work that produced 16 rebounds.  In fact, the long and wide Walker nearly collected as many rebounds as they entire Eagles ball club (19).  Stauffer seemed part magician, part orchestra conductor, as produced a 12-point, 8 assist, 5 steals spread en route to leading the Lancers to the D-10 crown.

 Conversely, Grove City’s foes began in the first frame as they missed lay-up after lay-up.  The first quarter saw GC grab a handful of rebounds, the same total produced by GM’s Walker, while struggling through a 3 of 11 shooting performance.  Grove City fell behind 18-6 after the 1^st period, but rallied to cut to lead to 18-10 after consecutive hoops by fellow seniors Jordan Fee and Dan Keil.  Unfortunately, the bottom fell out after that as the Lancers ran off nine unanswered tallies to move to 27-10.  Grove City boss Don Fee hailed a timeout with 4:22 left in the half to stop the run.  McLane continued to push their way to a 33-17 half time margin.

 Both teams seemed to trade baskets throughout the third frame as General McLane kept their 16 point lead at the turn, 47-31, paced by reserve Steve Roach’s six tallies and three boards.  A great opportunity was squandered, however, by the Eagles at 4:45 of the third.  GC senior Ben Liebling lifted a triple from the right wing that did not find its mark.  McLane guard Drew Astorino was whistled for a foul that also resulted in a technical foul against Astorino for his comments directed towards the official who made the call.  With the score 39-21, Grove City had a chance to really cut into the Lancer lead.  Unfortunately, Liebling converted one of the three freebies, while Fee added two for the technical.  The ensuing GC possession resulted in a turnover and lay-up on the other end.

 The final frame saw mop up time midway through the quarter as both teams played their reserves.  The D-10 champions also in football, General McLane was led by Walker’s 21 points and Stauffer’s 12 markers, but also received 10 from Roach.  Grove City gained 13 from Fee and another 11 from Maxx Stutz. 

 Player of the Game honors went to Bobby Stauffer, who played an all-around game, not only scoring some points, but was in complete control of the game.  Stauffer was everywhere tonight.  He handled the ball, defended his man, and passed the ball as well as any guard I’ve seen this year. 

 

Kennedy humbles West Middlesex 75-57

 What a difference one player makes.  Region 1 titlist Kennedy Catholic captured their 10^th consecutive District 10 “A” championship on Friday night, vanquishing region rival and foe West Middlesex 75-57 at Slippery Rock University.  Behind the play of guard Marsell Holden, a former Farrell High ace, the Golden Eagles of Interim Coach Marlon McGaughy completed a three game sweep of the Big Reds.  What a difference one player makes.  Holden did not dress for the KC-Cochranton semi-final on Tuesday at Sharon High School, and the Golden Eagles did not impress.  Cochranton’s zone defense at times seemed to bother Kennedy.  The team seemed out of sorts against the overmatched Cardinals.  That, however, was not an issue in the D-10 title game.  Holden was outstanding as he collected 20 points, dished out a handful of assists, and completely dominated the game from his guard position.  The Big Reds of veteran Coach Chad Mild could not stop the continued penetrating dribble show put on by Holden and backcourt mate Kyle Randall.  The two repeatedly broke down the Middlesex defense for easy jumpers and even easier lay-ups to teammates.  Randall also dished out five dimes to fellow Golden Eagles.

 The Golden Eagles began the game up 4-0 before WM went on a 7-0 run to take a 7-4 margin into the game’s first timeout, hailed by McGaughy, at 4:18 of the first stanza.  With the game tied at 10, Randall penetrated the Big Reds defense and worked his way to the rim, scoring the lay-up along with receiving a whistle with 55 seconds left in the first quarter.  He converted the freebie and moved KC to a 13-10 margin.  WM guard Jake Porterfield released a long shot with 17 ticks remaining in the period, allowing KC one more possession prior to the buzzer.  They made it count.  Holden converted a driving lay-up with two seconds left, forging the KC margin to 15-10 at the first quarter turn.

Behind Holden’s six points, Kennedy extended their lead to 36-20 by half-time as the Big Reds problems continued to escalate.  Outscoring Middlesex 21-10 in the second, the game was all but over by half-time.  The third quarter began as the second quarter ended as KC marched out to a 9-2 start, forcing Mild to call for a timeout with 6:00 to go in the third, trailing 45-22.  Senior Blair Rozenblad came to life in the third, scoring nine points and garnering five boards and three steals during the period.  Rozenblad finished the game with 17 points and 12 boards to compliment Holden’s 20.  Randall added another 10 for the victors.

 West Middlesex and Kennedy subbed for much of the final quarter, as the reserves finished the game for both teams.  Middlesex was lead by junior shooting star and reserve Matt Murray, who produced five triples en route to a team high 17 points.  He was aided by Porterfield’s 11 markers and Troy Mild’s 10 points.  Kennedy outboarded the Big Reds 20-12, while both teams committed 13 turnovers.  Both teams advance to the P.I.A.A. (State) Tournament, which will commence on Friday evening at times and sites to be determined.

 Player of the Game was Marsell Holden.  What a difference one player makes.