MBB: Coast 2 Coast Athletic Conference

[Goose_13]

Nothing like games 2 and 3 on your season and running into a little bit of competition! I do like this tho, like they took a page out of Matt Kelchner's (former CNU football coach) book and got some top quality programs on the schedule. I know I'll be tuning into the action this weekend as the Captains head to Owings Mill, MD for the big tournament. Coming away with two wins this weekend would be a smashing start to the season.

Watched a lot the CNU/RMC game on my phone Tuesday night, I have to say I was impressed. I know it's only the first game of the year, but they played some great defense. I know RMC might be "down" a bit from years past, but I'll take the good start. Need to work on the free throws though. They had a tendency to bite us a little in years past, so I'm hoping it's just a one-game thing.

Hoping to make it to some games this year Swish and CNU85. Gotta get the wife a car tho. Long story. 

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

CNU looked incredibly good last night.  Even when Point was hitting their defensive spots almost perfectly in the first half, the Captains still managed to score.  Deep team, with real contributions from freshmen.  I think this team is quite a bit stronger than last year's version, which is pretty scary.

[Swish3]

You must have jinxed the Captains, Ryan!   They did play well against Stevens Point, but their offense was atrocious against Marietta...the CNU announcers went back 10 years and couldn't find a worse shooting percentage.  Now, Marietta had something to do with that, but CNU couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat...we all know teams experience a lousy shooting night sometimes, but I think it got as bad as it did because Marietta wanted it more.  Also, CNU's AA needs to show up...he was MIA this weekend.  Okay, boys, it's time to get better and bounce back...you can't expect to just show up and win.

GO CAPS!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Marietta definitely wanted it more, for sure.  What I never would've been able to tell, though, until they were on the floor with each other, was just how tall and long those MC players are.  They were just as quick and bigger - CNU will have to adjust more.  The coaches, I think, understood that, but the players seemed blindsided.  John VanderWal told me after the game, it was the best Marietta defensive performance in his decade at the school.

I told him and his coach after the game, but I'll make it public here for you as well (although you probably know) - I am super impressed with Aaron McFarland.  I've been saying for a year that he's the key to that team on the floor - doing a lot of little things that don't always show up in the stats, but I was extra impressed this weekend with his attitude and leadership.  Even at the end of the game, when they were down almost 30 and super frustrated, he accidently ran over one of the Marietta guys backpedaling.  He stopped, helped the guy up with a word of apology and a smile.  He was the one on the bench standing up cheering and coaching the freshmen who played the last few minutes.  He was also the one vocally keeping the team together, providing encouragement and being positive.

I know some people would say the ability to separate drive to win from the way you treat other people is what keeps a player from being great, but for a 20, 21 year old kid to be able to play his heart out on the court and still have the discipline to keep emotions in check and maintain perspective is not just impressive, but inspirational.

I still believe the Captains will go a long way with him on the team.

[Swish3]

Marietta's good, and I think they'd be a stiff test for anyone in the country...I totally agree regarding Aaron...he's a heck of a player and person!  CNU's AA, Marcus Carter, needs to lead by example...I think he let the Captains down this weekend.

[lobcity23]

Got a chance to Watch Salisbury Vs Hokins this weekend and I was very impressed with SU. Hopkins isn't the strongest team but SU has very good Guard play with Leder (FR) & Witmer (SR) and with Wyatt Smith and Gordon Jeter controlling the interior I think they will be very tough to beat. I also noticed that St. Marys has a TON of players on their roster, looks like Harney brought in an entire new team......I counted over 20 players on the roster and it looks like he brought in a ton of JUCO kids this year.......the CAC should be very exciting this year

[Swish3]

Do you tend to follow/support a particular team, lobcity23?

[lobcity23]

Yeah I know a few coaches in the league so I'll watch/support them when I can.

[CNU85]

Marietta definitely wanted it more, for sure.  What I never would've been able to tell, though, until they were on the floor with each other, was just how tall and long those MC players are.  They were just as quick and bigger - CNU will have to adjust more.  The coaches, I think, understood that, but the players seemed blindsided.  John VanderWal told me after the game, it was the best Marietta defensive performance in his decade at the school.

I told him and his coach after the game, but I'll make it public here for you as well (although you probably know) - I am super impressed with Aaron McFarland.  I've been saying for a year that he's the key to that team on the floor - doing a lot of little things that don't always show up in the stats, but I was extra impressed this weekend with his attitude and leadership.  Even at the end of the game, when they were down almost 30 and super frustrated, he accidently ran over one of the Marietta guys backpedaling.  He stopped, helped the guy up with a word of apology and a smile.  He was the one on the bench standing up cheering and coaching the freshmen who played the last few minutes.  He was also the one vocally keeping the team together, providing encouragement and being positive.

I know some people would say the ability to separate drive to win from the way you treat other people is what keeps a player from being great, but for a 20, 21 year old kid to be able to play his heart out on the court and still have the discipline to keep emotions in check and maintain perspective is not just impressive, but inspirational.

I still believe the Captains will go a long way with him on the team.

And if you ever get a chance to talk to #4, you will be even more impressed with his attitude and maturity. An all around great guy!

[CNU85]

D-Mac - was nice to finally meet you in person this past weekend in Maryland.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

CNU85 - nice to meet you as well. I am sorry I didn't have a ton of time to chat... I tend to be running around that place with my head cut off most years. I need to find a way to get an assistant. LOL

[CNU85]

CNU85 - nice to meet you as well. I am sorry I didn't have a ton of time to chat... I tend to be running around that place with my head cut off most years. I need to find a way to get an assistant. LOL

Have the Classic at CNU soon and we will get you an assistant for the weekend!

[Swish3]

So what was your take on the CNU/Marietta game, '85?

[CNU85]

So what was your take on the CNU/Marietta game, '85?

From my rookie point of view:

1. too many practice shots during warmups. Regimbal hit about 30 treys in a row. It worried me. The entire team in warmups was nailing everything. Then the game starts and we are 16-61. Marietta has a very good D, but we should shoot better than that.
2. They were able to match up well with Daly and pretty much take him out of the game. He didn't post up much at all. I think they had their own All-American on him...not sure.
3. Carter wasn't his usual self all weekend.  He seemed off.
4. I noticed at halftime McFarland was having his hamstring stretched. Perhaps tweaked a little?
5. Marietta is a solid team
6. Marietta has a strong coach
7. MC has a sophomore, I believe, shoot the lights out in key situations. If I am right and he is only a sophomore...watch out!  #21.
8. I've noticed a couple of games where it is close until about halftime and then CNU wears down the opponent with depth.  MC also has depth. Only 1 player with 30 minutes.
9. By hanging tough early on and then going on their own run, it stunned CNU and gave MC energy. The game was pretty much over a minute or 2 into the second half.

That's my point of view. I still feel CNU is better this year than last year. I'm impressed with the Freshmen. I am confident that this loss will wake the team up a little and let them know that they can and will be beat on any given night if they don't "bring it"

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

As for #2, Marietta had their All-American AJ Edwards sub in and out to shadow Daly the entire game.  He wasn't always directly on his for defense, but 90% of the time.  Edwards could very well be the national Player of the Year - he's that kind of talent.  I think Daly could play more effectively in a rematch, but that's going to be true of just about every player on the CNU roster.  Who knows?  Maybe it'll happen in March.