First of all, congratulations to Guilford on a great season.  I do think they were an excellent team, but there were some glaring weaknesses.  I know many have said that they don't think balance was an issue for them, but it was blatantly obvious on too many occasions especially on Friday night.  There was no way that Guilford could overcome Sanborn and Kimbrough not scoring a single point......unless Strong had another 59 point effort.  2nd thing is the lack of a true #2 scorer.  Henson will be a good one before all is said and done, but at this point in his career he just isn't ready for the 'big stage'.  Belkoski is a solid player but his productivity is highly dependent upon the matchup he has and whether Guilford decides to play big or go small.  Finally, 3 point shooting.  In the ODAC semis against Roanoke, they almost couldn't overcome a 2-17 performance from beyond the arc and I said that they couldn't have a similar performance and get by VWC and they didn't (shot 40%).  Well if you go 3-16 in an NCAA Tourney game it will be tremendously difficult to overcome that kind of shooting from distance, especially considering the opposition went 11-21.  I had a feeling that Guilford's demise this season would come down to them missing the presence of Jordan Snipes, an 18 point per game guy who played big in big games and man was I right.  With Snipes this team would have probably been the best squad in the country hands down, but wouldn't we all love to have another year of eligibility.  Good luck to Ben Strong in a promising professional career as well as the rest of the Quaker seniors who are, simply put, a classy group of young men.  Looking forward to next year in the ODAC, I really have no idea what to expect.  Macon should be the class of the league and in the Top 25 from start to finish.  I think 2-10 is a coin flip.  This incoming freshman class will have more of an impact on the league than any class has in quite some time.  Early predictions for first team all conference.......Stephen Fields, Turner King, Mason Wooldridge, Dominic Trawick, Curtis Peery and player of the year Justin Short.  Good luck to VWC tonight.  Should be a good one.

In responding to who (Guilford or VW) has the easiest road to Salem, the first thing that comes to mind is that they both got lucky.  The Top 5 teams from the last poll are all in the top half of the bracket while Guilford and VW are in the bottom half, and on different sides.  In addition to that, if you look at their brackets individually, Guilford avoided what I feel is the toughest opening weekend of all.  Looking at the upper half of Guilford's bracket, you have a rematch of last year's consolation game in Salem with Wooster taking on Washington on opening day March 7th!! The winner of that game, in all likelihood, gets the task of playing the host Augustana, champions of the CCIW on March 8th.  Also on the upper half of that bracket is St. Thomas, Chicago, & UW Stevens Point  who have all been in the Top 25 virtually all year.  The lower half of the bracket has Guilford, Mary-Hardin Baylor, and Millsaps.  So in summary, Guilford shouldn't have too many issues getting through the first weekend, but the sectional round is going to be a challenge with likely opponents being Millsaps and Augustana.  For Virginia Wesleyan, lets just say that whoever made the brackets may have a rooting interest for them to get back to Salem for a 3rd consecutive year.  They are in by far the easiest bracket with no teams, besides Virginia Wesleyan, that really jump out.  Ursinis is a potential March 8th matchup which would be a true road game for VW.  Ursinis' non-conference schedule was decent, playing 3 NESCAC teams and going 2-1.  They beat W&L by 5 on a neutral floor the 2nd game of the year.  Their other loss was to Immaculata (18-9) who got the automatic bid out of the PnAC.  25-2 overall and 18-0 in your league is impressive, but they certainly don't play in the strongest conference so it will be interesting to see how they fair against VW especially considering that Ursinis has not lost at home all year.  If they can get by Ursinis, their 3rd game would likely be easier than their 2nd, playing on a neutral floor against a team like Gettysburg.  A win there would put them in an elite 8 game against a team like Rochester, Mass-Dartmouth, or Trinity (Conn.).  Rochester has lost 5 of their last 11 so I wouldn't expect them.  My guess would be Trinity based on the conference they play in.  So if both Trinity and VW can get past 2nd round road games, I would expect them to meet in the elite 8.  Synopsis, I think Guilford has the easier opening weekend because it is against lesser competition and they are at home.  Overall though, I think their Sweet 16 and Elite 8 matchups would be much tougher so I would say Guilford has the more difficult road.  Should be interesting.   

#21 Alex Irmer C 6'7"/207 12.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg  (matched with Strong?)

Wow! The irony.  Alex Irmer the former Randolph-Macon recruit who couldn't get consistent PT in Coach Rhoades' system gets his chance in the Tourney while RMC is left out.  We will see how he plays against the best big man in the nation in Ben Strong

Just following up on Macon not getting in.  Although I said they got snubbed, it was simply an emotional reaction being that I'm a fan of the ODAC and want to see all of the teams do well.  At 20-6, it was a great season for the Jackets all things considered.  From the looks of the front page, it appears they were certainly one of the teams considered for the last couple of spots.  2 things it comes down to which I believe have already been mentioned is the non-conference schedule and the conference tournament performance.  Rhoades usually has a much more difficult non-conference schedule and not having it this year unfortunately hurt them.  Also, it is virtually impossible to overcome losing in the conference quarterfinals.  Macon did it a few years back, but  believe they were #1 at the time so it was going to have a huge impact on them.  This year, I believe they would have needed to not only beat Sydney, but probably beat VW as well to have a legit case against Wheaton and others.  UW Plateville was 19th in the poll, lost in the WIAC Quarterfinals and was denied a birth.  So for future reference, to overcome losing in the quarterfinals of your conference tournament, you need to be a top 10 team at the time to feel reasonably well about getting in.  Otherwise, you need to be in the top 25 with 4 losses or fewer and make your conference semifinals to warrant serious consideration.  This is obviously not an exact science just individual observation.  Using this logic, Macon had a little work to do to meet those criteria and even a win over Sydney would have made it extremely iffy.  I have a feeling though that Macon will indisputabely make the tourney next year and have an outstanding year.  Good luck to Guilford & VWC!!!!!!

Macon got snubbed

Roanoke falls to Guilford as the Quakers advance to the ODAC final tomorrow.  Guilford actually played a very sloppy game offensively with Ben Strong looking like the only one who knew how to put the ball in the hoop but as usual when their offense struggles their defense stepped up and locked Roanoke down in the halfcourt.  Very similar to Roanoke's game vs. Hope who has been a Top 5 team most of the year, RC stayed neck and neck with Guilford for 32-33 minutes but couldn't get it done in the clutch.  Roanoke finishes the season 18-9.  They lose 7 players to graduation and need a big time recruiting class to replace virtually their entire backcourt and Mr. Do It All Josh Laporte.  Not sure how a team with this much talent only won 3 ODAC Tournament games in their careers (all in the last 2 years) and no NCAA Tourney appearances.  Hopefully some changes will be made at the top and the program will restore a culture of winning and dominance in the ODAC that seems to have been lost in this decade.  Looking to next year, they return rising sophomore Melvin Felix to run the point and 3 rising seniors including Curtis Peery who will be a certain first team All-ODAC performer.  Other than that, hopefully they brought in some recruits because they need to replace 7 players this year and 3 next year and ultimately build a team around Melvin Felix just as RMC did around Justin Short.  Guilford was awful fom 3 tonight (2-17) so they need to improve on that if they want to be victorious in the final tomorrow night but with Ben Strong in the middle I like their chances.

With a 17 point halftime lead, Macon looked like they were well on their way to playing Virginia Wesleyan in the primetime game tomorrow night.........that is until they came out for the second half.  With 10 minutes remaining their lead had been trimmed to 1 and the young Jackets looked like they were buckling under the pressure.  A Kaase tip in with 3 seconds left gave the Tigers a 2 point win in an unbelievable collapse by the Jackets.  Give Sydney credit though, being down 19 with 18 minutes to go they could have thrown in the towel, but once again Coach Smith and the Tigers get it done in the ODAC Tourney.  Prehmus fouled out with 7 minutes to play and the Tigers still got it done.  Jackets will be back next year but what a heartbreaking way to end the season.  I think that may keep the from making it to the dance but we will wait and see.  2 great games again tomorrow.  Wow what a day.

Wesleyan escaped Bridgewater.  The most entertaining game of the day though is still yet to come in my opinion.  Guilford was dominant in the opener.........the final margin doesn't really do it justice.  Roanoke vs. W&L was competitive but Roanoke just has too much talent.  I'd say W&L is better coached and shows more heart on a consistent basis but Roanoke didn't let this one slip away like they did earlier in the month at the Bast Center.  Roanoke should have played Guilford in the semis last year but Guilford took a nap in the first round and got beat by Bridgewater.  They split this season with Roanoke winning by a solid margin at home and getting absolutely embarassed on the road.  Should be an interesting game.  The question is will 7 seniors find a way to get it done on their not so neutral court and extend their careers one more game.  My gut feeling says no, but if AJ and CP play like they did today and Laporte stays out of foul trouble, they have a chance.

Roanoke is victorious over W&L.  AJ Dowell leads the way along with Curtis Peery.  They will need more of the same to handle Guilford tomorrow.

Hello All -

Wanted to check and see if anyone knew anything about AJ Dowell.  He played only 13 minutes against Lynchburg then came off the bench to play only 5 minutes against Bridgewater on senior night and did not play at all in the season finale against EMU.  He is the second leading scorer behind Peery on the team and the young man who single handedly carried Roanoke to the ODAC Championship game last year.  RC's demise in February (3-5) I believe has a lot to do with his struggles.  At 14-3 heading into this month 6-2 would have put them in good shape for a potential automatic bid but they simply haven't played to their ability.  Im assuming the thing with AJ is injury related because if Moir is benching one of his senior leaders at this point of the season, there is a lot more wrong in Salem than I thought.  So clarification on this would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.  17-8 and 11-7 in conference is a very good year for most teams but I expected a little more from this squad.  For more than a half dozen years now, I've seen Roanoke's decline and also the ODAC as a whole getting better (which is a good thing) but as a Maroon Alum, I've grown to expect more from the program.  With half their roster being seniors this year, I thought it would be their year to climb back to the top and restore their supremacy, but barring an ODAC Tourney run, it will be a season viewed as a disappointment.  Page Moir has done a solid job with the program over the years and I commend him for his efforts but I feel that the program may be better suited with bringing in a new coaching staff and restoring a culture of excellence that seems to have faded in recent years.  They return 4 players with significant playing experience next years (3 seniors and a sophomore), so regardless, I hope the rebuilding effort, with Page at the helm or not, is a quick and positive one.  On another note, what do people think about Randolph-Macon's chances at an automatic bid?  Beating Sydney in the first round is essential I think, but losing to VWC (for the 3rd time this year) in the 2nd round is not a bad loss.  21-6 in a quality conference has to get you in right?  With Guilford and VWC likely being top 15 teams in the next poll, I think they have to be locks for the postseason so 3 teams for a 2nd consecutive year would be a great thing for the ODAC (I was hoping Roanoke would be a 4th but a poor February will prevent that from happening).  Good luck to all in the ODAC Tournament, and for those of you that are making the trip to Salem this year, safe travels!!!

I figured that someone would post the defending champions scouting report but I will do so.  Virginia Wesleyan is currently 24-4 and went 17-1 in conference with their only loss coming to Emory & Henry which plays a Grinnell (run and gun) style offense.  VWC lost in the semifinal of ODAC tournament losing to Hampden-Syndney.  VWC controlled the first half of play and took a ten point lead, but did not show up for the first fifteen minutes of the second half falling into a double-digit hole and subsequently losing by three.  I will give HSC credit for playing an inspired brand of basketball but VWC did not play anywhere near their potential.  VWC advanced yesterday with a 3 point win over Averett (Guilford and HSC also advanced meaning that 3 of the final 32 teams are from the ODAC).  VWC, as they did last year in their run to the national championship, got well behind in the first half and made a furious run in the final eight minutes to steal a game that Averett could have easily won.  Balenga was terrible shooting 3-15 from the floor and 1-10 from beyond the arc.  Adair was doubled often (as always) and managed to scored 19 and became the first player in school history to surpass the 2000 point mark.

Starters:

Brandon Adair (6'5  215)  [Sr. F]  (17.8pts, 7.9rbs)
Tyler Fantin (6'6  210) [Jr. F]  (9.3pts, 7.0rbs)
TonTon Balenga (6'2  190)  [Jr. G]  (15.6pts, 4.7rbs)
Thomas Sumpter (5'9  160) [Sr. G]  (5.0pts, 3.3ast)
Terrell Dixon (5'10  165)  [So. G]  (6.1pts, 1.9rbs)

Reserves:

Stephen Fields (6'2  175)  [Fr. G]  (8.7pts, 3.3rbs)
D'Juan Tucker (5'9  160)  [Jr. G]  (7.0pts, 3.1ast)
Rodney Young (6'4  195)  [Sr. F]  (4.6pts, 1.7rbs)
Norman Hassell (6'6  200)  [So. F]  (3.0pts, 1.6rbs)

Head coach Dave Macedo will play a nine man rotation until his tenure at VWC is done.  Unless they are up by 40 or in EXTREME foul trouble he will stick to those 9 players.  Brandon Adair is the most complete player in Division III basketball.  At 6'5, he doesn't appear as someone who can dominate in the post, but he will either out-muscle, out-quick, or out-think whatever defensive scheme you throw at him.  Although he averaged about 18 points per game during the regular season, expect him to be closer to 25 points per game in the post-season.  He is option 1, 2, and 3 on every play that they run.  He will not shoot the 3 (although I feel he could shoot a decent percentage from the if he had to), but anything inside the arc is fair game.  Plays both with his back to the basket as well as facing up.  Quick, strong and finishes around the basket very well.  He will exploit the double-team with regularity due to the fact that the other four guys on the court can all knock down the 3 consistently.  He is one of the more special Division 3 basketball players that I've ever seen and it was a privelege watching  him play over the past 4 years.  TonTon Balenga is the clear number 2 option and almost always steps up in the big games (except for last night).  Strong guard who can get all the way to the rim and has a very impressive mid-range game.  His clear strength is shooting the trifecta.  Although he went 1-10 last night from beyond the arc, he has the ability to go 9-10 from that range as well.  Didn't shoot as good of a percentage this season as in years past but this guy is a proven champion and is known for hitting the big shot (for those of you who were at last year's Final Four, you know what I mean).   Tyler Fantin is the third option on the court.  Versatile 6'6 player who can post-up and hit the 3 either in transition or out of a half court set.  A lot of his production comes because Adair demands so much attention.  Fantin's biggest contribution comes on the defensive end because he will always guard the opponent's best big man so that Adair can avoid foul trouble at all costs.  He is the perfect compliment to Adair.  Thomas Sumpter is the point guard and holds the school record for steals.  He is a tenacious defender both on and off the ball and really sets the tone for VWC on that side of the ball.  On offense, he is strictly a penatrator and distributor.  He gets the team into the offense very quickly and efficiently.  He gets most of his points either out on the fast-break or driving to the rim in the half-court set.  Terrell Dixon is the shooting guard who is more than capable of knocking down the 3.  Solid defender who is essentially the "role player" out on the court.  The guards coming off the bench are D'Juan Tucker and Stephen Fields.  Tucker is an electrifying point guard who will spell Sumpter at times and play the shooting guard position when he and Sumpter are in the game together.  He is an intense defender and a solid 3 point threat.  Fields is the only freshman who will see any playing time.  He is essentially a hit or miss with respect to being a spark off the bench.  When he comes in and provides a lift, VWC can be incredibly tough to beat, but Fields has a tendency for being invisible on the court.  It's not easy going out there with 4 experienced players who have a national championship in their back pocket, but more times than not he will come in a provide a spark.  Good slasher and an excellent shooter if left open.  The forwards off the bench are Rodney Young and Norman Hassell.  Young simply does it all, he can play 4 different position on the floor (everything except point) and best of all, he is a senior and provides veteran leadership.  Great defender who is not much of an offensive threat.  Gets most of his points in transtion, but capable of making the 3 if left open.  Hassell is the other reserve forward who will spell Adair for a few minutes each half.  Good shooter for a big man and is usually fairly productive in the few minutes he sees on the court.

There is no reason that they should not win another championship.  If they lose, it will be because they beat themselves.  The keys to beating VWC are: 1)Attack inside - you need to try and get Fantin or Adair in foul trouble. 2) When you double Adair, do so with whoever is guarding Sumpter.  He is not a shooting threat and it will ultimately give your defense time to scramble and recover. 3) Try and force Adair to go right.  He is left-hended and loves to spin left, but do not get the impression that he is one dimensional because he is anything but.  4) Pray.  You need to hope that Balenga and the other perimeter players have a bad day from the field.  Adair & Fantin are good for 30pts and 15 boards every night and that won't be stopped.  Averett had their chance, but they let it slip away and that could spell National Championship #2 for VWC in back to back years.