MBB: USA South Conference

[cnu85]

If FT ever brought the ball up court, he'd have to stop at the becnh on the way to half court to get oxygen!!

[cnu85]

some observations from the game last night. First of all it was against a very weak team...very very weak...2-21 last year.

These observations are made based on what I have seen so far, and I fully understand that things will change when the conference games begin.

I see a team that doesn't quit, has a lot of heart, and seems to have the basis for a nice unit when the chemistry starts to click. I also do not see that much of a drop off in most cases when the bench gets into the game. That could signify one of two things (possibly more - I can only think of 2) - 1. depth or 2. a consistently weak team. I'm holding out for option #1.

The players:
Romeo - he can play. not much more to say.
Lewis - can play, but also I think he could play better. I hope he realizes soon that he is a senior and a team leader.
Selden - seems more comfortable this year and more aware of the entire court. I think he is a great complement to Barton.
Davon Barton - If he continues his level of play into the conference games he will hands down win Rookie of the Year.
Blasingame - has taken giant leaps since opening night. He is very aggressive. I have also noticed during warmups that he has a sweet outside shot...I hope he pops a few.
Riley - I think he could start a few games by year end. Comes off the bench well. He is also very aggressive.
Witham - good bench player. doesn't make mistakes, plays hard.
Dickerson - nice shot...seems like a quiet kid. I'll keep watching his play. He's only a So.
McShepherd...last night was his first game...12 points. goes to the hoop VERY strong.....and did you see the first time he touched the ball? Rebound in the key, dribbled downcourt, through traffic and layed it up...all 6-9 185lbs. Put 40 pounds on this kid and watch out. I was remined on that play (just reminded - not saying he is) of Ralph Sampson....big guy who could handle the ball.
Jared Boone - only guy not to score....but he played well off the ball. Very quick. Somewhat eager last night. He had a foul in which if it had occurred anywhere else besides a basketball court, he would be in jail for assualt. He flew into a rebound situation like Hong Kong Phooey!! Legs and arms flailing all over the place.
Kraut - seems to see the court well. Moves good without the ball.
Coleman - another nice player to come off the bench. He also moves to the hoop very well.
Sean Branch - I think he saw action for the first time last night at PG. He was ok....he needs more time. Was aware fo the court, but the speed of the college game was more than he is used to.
Purdham - he has picked up his offensive game. He was always a good D player...now he has been given the opporunity to play O.....he plays very well when Romeo is on the court.

We'll see how these observations hold up come crunch conferenc time.

[captj]

What is the story on the neutral site tournament that CNU and Greensboro will be playing in Myrtle Beach on 12/20-21?  The other two teams are Lincoln and Keystone (two good teams from PA).  It appears that there is no home team.  Are the folks in Myrtle Beach so hoops-starved that they bring in outside teams for their own tournament?  There are lots of neutral sites much more convenient to all of these teams (like the DC area).

[captj]

Prediction for tonight -

CNU 82
SoVA 68

[cnufan]

captj-
   CNU is the unofficial host of the tournament. From what Ive heard, The Capts are the quote un quote hosts and have to provide many of the necessities much like a home game. Should at least be fun, getting out Newport News for once and thank god its in Myrtle Beach, cant get in to too much trouble there!!

[cnufan]

Captains lead at the break 41-38. Lots of sloppy play early but Barton is having another stellar  game in double figures already and dishing out some nice dimes!!

[cnufan]

Final CNU 77-68. Romeo with 21, Barton had 16, 10 assists, six boards and five steals. Selden added 13 points, six rebounds and five steals. Edward Riley added 11 points.

[cnu85]

As I left the game I noticed the ambulance taking Barton to the hospital. Let's pray he's ok!

[narch]

monarchs lose by 14, 77-63 to #3 wooster...no details

hope barton is alright

[cnufan]

So do we. Not exactly sure what happend, but I know he and another So. VA player collided and he went down like quicker than you can shake a stick at. Not sure if got hit in the "mommy/daddy button." Poor attempt at humor from an Austin Powers movie.

[captj]

Goose -

Since you're so close to the team we're going to depend on you letting us know about Barton when you have info.

[hasanova]

What is the story on the neutral site tournament that CNU and Greensboro will be playing in Myrtle Beach on 12/20-21?  The other two teams are Lincoln and Keystone (two good teams from PA).  It appears that there is no home team.  Are the folks in Myrtle Beach so hoops-starved that they bring in outside teams for their own tournament?  There are lots of neutral sites much more convenient to all of these teams (like the DC area).

Evidently, they have this tournament every year.  I know Guilford played there a few years ago.  The Quakers played North Central and Goucher - not sure who the fourth team was. 

[captj]

Are there no hoops in Myrtle Beach?  I'm not familiar with the area, but it seems like they should have colleges near by.  If CNU is the "home" team, does that mean that we have to bring hardwood and backboards with us?  Regardless, it's nice of the folks down south to have us, and our guys can sure use the road time, even if it won't be to a hostile environment.

[captj]

Goose -

The DP article suggests that you might be right about the mommy/daddy button.  I don't know if that's better or worse than what we were all fearing as he lie on the floor clutching his knee.  I can't imagine the horror of a knee to the nads so bad that it required a trip to the hospital.

[captj]

narch -

How did your guys play?  Do you have a report for us?