MBB: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[WoostAr]

I watched the second half online...he did not leave until under 2 minutes to go in the game and that was the first time he came out -- even the announcers were commenting on it.

[Pat Coleman]

1. The media timeouts make these 38 minutes less stressful than the usual and will make tomorrow easier as well.
2. Sorry, I just have to chuckle. SCIAC is in this situation so rarely that one of the regular posters doesn't know when second round games are.

[WoostAr]

...and he went to Wooster. Really no excuse for that error.

[stag44]

Exciting for the Stags to get out of the first round in convincing fashion!!

Re: Tyler minutes - I think the medias help alot and generally the difference about 35 minutes is relatively trivial.

ETBU looked nice last night and playing a true road game for the Stags should be a great time. If the Stags can control tempo this will be a fun game!

[cmsme]

Wish you guys the best.  This is very exciting.  I am looking forward to the game.   

[cmsme]

That game did me in.  I can only imagine how exhausted the coach and players must be feeling.  Stag44--what did you think?

[dahlby]

I thought the last CMS comeback with under a minute to go was great. Too bad that the last 3 pointer did not fall. Really was pulling for CMS. They had a good season and put on a good showing in the tourney. Can't wait for next season. Congrads to CMS on their season!

[WoostAr]

Gaffney 6-23....5-10 fewer minutes last night and maybe some more of those go in.

Good season for the stags...happy to see the sciac get out of the first round.

[WoostAr]

Gaffney recognized as regional player of the year.

Arik Smith 2nd team

Zavrsnick and Powdrill 3rd team.

http://www.d3hoops.com/awards/all-region/2014-15/index

[coach_dains]

The NABC Division III All-Star game is uploaded to youtube.

http://youtu.be/jnEyG-3au-k

[coach_dains]

The SCIAC All-Star team had their first warm-up game against the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter, before they head to Italy to play four games from June 1-8.  Despite only having six players at their disposal due to conflicting schedules and injuries, and being undersized against a team that featured three 6'7 players, the SCIAC team won 84-82.  Colin Zavrsnick (Chapman) was fouled with .7 secs and knocked down 2 FTs for the win.  In tonight's contest, Zavrsnick was joined by fellow teammate Taylor Hamasaki, CLU's Arik Smith, CIT's Andrew Hogue, and Whittier's Andrew Bucholtz.  Nick Demusis (Whittier) and Michael Cohen (PP) were in attendance, but could not play due to minor injuries.  Not in attendance were Coltrane Powdrill (CLU), John Joyce (CHAP), and Niall Harrison (ULV).

The Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter, is one of the top teams that play in the Pan-Armenian games, once every four years.
https://www.ararat.org/divisions/athletics/pan-armenian.html
http://www.armradio.am/en/2015/03/25/6th-pan-armenian-games-on-august-2-13/

The Ararat Chapter featured 2004 SCIAC MVP, Zareh Avedian (CLU, 6'7), Narbeh Ebrahimian (SDSU, 6'4), and Zareh Zargaryan (CSDH, 6'7).

It was a good first showing.  The SCIAC team is hoping to have two more exhibitions before they leave on Monday.

[Gosox]

Coach Dains, thanks for the update!....it is greatly appreciated, love seeing ALL the SCIAC players get together for one last round of games...good luck the rest of the way!

[coach_dains]

The SCIAC All-Stars had their final tune-up scrimmage last night at Whittier college.  After a couple of 5 minute halves of intrasquad, the SCIAC team joined together to play a mix of local college graduates and NBA hopefuls.  To say the least, there is a difference between a 1st-Team SCIAC two-guard and Stanley Johnson, a predicted lottery pick, from Arizona.  All-in-all, the SCIAC team is coming together nicely and look to be very competitive for their four games in Rome and Florence from June 2-7.  They will be leaving today and returning June 8th. I will try to keep you all updated as we move forward.
Ciao!

Roster:

Bucholtz, Andrew - Whittier
Cohen, Michael - Pomona-Pitzer
Demusis, Nick - Whitter
Hamasaki, Taylor - Chapman
Harrison, Niall - Laverne
Hogue, Andrew - Cal Tech
Joyce, John - Chapman
Powdrill, Coltrane - CLU
Smith, Arik - CLU
Zavrsnick, Colin - Chapman

Head Coach - Mark Jensen - Whittier
Asst. Coach - Geoff Daiins - CLU
Asst. Coach - Ryan Conboy - Whittier

[coach_dains]

Day 1:
The SCIAC All-star trip has begun and we have all arrived safely in Rome with minimal hiccups. We flew out of LAX to Madrid, Spain.  After a 2 hr layover, we flew into Rome. Once we found John Joyce's passport, that had fallen out of his pocket, at Rome airport security we were met by our Premeire International tour guide, George. George, to say the least, is a jovial Croation/Serbian gentleman that self admits he likes his cigarette, cappuccino, cigarette, cappuccino every morning. Probably, in that order.

Once at the hotel, we were served dinner - Bread w/olive oil, 2 large portions of pasta, porkchops, spinach, salad, and of course, a nice ending cup of GELATTO!!  It was a very nice meal to end our very long, first leg, of our trip!

We plan on visiting Downtown Rome from 845 am - 4 pm, having lunch in the city during the site seeing. We will return to the hotel for dinner, then prepare for our first game at 8pm.

It is really neat to hear these young men laugh, talk, and interact about their experiences in the SCIAC and from their particular schools. These guys have competed against each other for 2-4 years and now they get to play for each other. Great start to to what looks like a fantastic trip!!

I will try to keep you updated the best I can!!

[coach_dains]

 Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Waking up early at 6:30 AM was quite the chore, as we have yet  to get adjusted to the time change. But we made it down for our buffet breakfast before we headed out on the bus to see downtown Rome at 830. To say the least, the bus ride through downtown Rome was an adventure. As a pedestrian, a Vespa driver, or the driver of a Fiat, you are constantly in survival mode switching lanes or making a simple left turn.

After several stoplights, U-turns, and illegal crossings we made it to our first destination, a small farmers market in the middle of the city.   In the  piazza Campo dei Fiori, we all ventured around looking at the available spices, foods, and trinkets for purchase. Of all the items, this selfie stick became the most popular item!! Andrew Bucholtz's bartering skills were in full effect as he purchased the hot item  at 50% of cost. Just follow him on Instagram and you will see all of his pictures from his selfie stick!!

From there, we moved  through the Piazza Navona and  on to the world-famous Pantheon.  To say the least, everyone was truly excited to see and learn about the history and to see the culture that was around them.  We moved on over to the Trevi fountain but unfortunately it was under renovation. There was no water, so no wishes could be made by throwing two coins over your shoulder. But they did allow close up views with the scaffolding.  But we were still rewarded with some fantastic gelato!

From there, we walked through the Foro Romano, The heart of ancient Rome. Also known as the political, economic, religious and commercial hub of the city during Republican times. This path, of course let us directly to the COLOSSEO,  or Coliseum.  Our tour guide, George,  worked his magic and got us in without the typical wait. to say the least, it was an unbelievable site. I think we heard more "GLADIATOR" quotes during the tour then if you had actually watched the movie. The team is truly excited to be there and to be able to witness this spectacular multipurpose venue.

After the coliseum, we ventured on the subway back to the hotel for a little R and R as we needed to prepare for our game against ASD Petriana Roma, an 8 pm tipoff.   As you could imagine, after a long day of walking, the SCIAC all stars  started off a little sluggish.  After  being down early, they were able to make a great run and take a 34 to 29 lead by the end of the quarter.  They found their stride in the middle of the second quarter and took a 56-47 lead into halftime.  From then on the SCIAC all-stars  blew the lead wide open and cruised to a 125 to 78 victory. From a coaching perspective, it was great to see all of these great players work together both offensivelyand defensively!  They truly trust each other, and have no problem passing the ball to each other.

Taylor Hamasaki led all scorers with 25 points  as he was able to score from all over the court with unbelievable drives and timely three-pointers.   But the team was very well-balanced as everybody pitched in. Arik Smith  was probably the most favorite player with the fans after his two amazing NBA like dunks over unexpected defenders.   John Joyce, Niall Harrison, and Andrew Hogue were very physical and created a lot of havoc in the low post. Colin Zaversnick was his typical self with 5, 3-pointers. He also showed off his defensive display with five block shots.

Now everyone must get some rest as we have another early morning planned, heading to the Vatican. I think Bucholtz is planning on taking a selfie with the Pope.  And tomorrow night they will tip off against ASD Pallacanestro SORA at 8 pm!