MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hopefan]

oooops  just realized I made an error in one of my more prominent playoff scenarios   -  in my scenario 6, I mentioned it was the one scenario that created a playoff game for 4th  -  between Westminster and Eureka  -  However, I failed to recognize that in that scenario, Westminster has swept Eureka - therefore, no playoff, Westminster gets the 4 spot, Eureka stays home.

[fcnews]

No way Allen would be 1st team #2 guard. One he's a point guard and two as a shooting guard I would take Coleman anyday. Plus Conquest is probably had a much better season.

Also, You may have Tarpley out of position. He is at least a four. And as a wing player he doesn't compare to White.

[BunchTime]

Mac...I believe that in most years - and it has been this way for some time - that the Coach of the Year is awarded to the Conference Champion Coach.  However, if there would be a tie between Webster and MacMurray, I would think that Hettinga would get the nod because of the reasons you mentioned.  Additionally, he took over the program in June or July which further validates his candidacy as COY.  However, therefore if Webster won I would think Bunch would still win the award. Bunch has a done a fine job as well, along with many other coaches...as we all know it awfully tough to win the SLIAC as the pre-season favorite and the bulls-eye on your back throughout the season.  Heck, in my opinion, McKinney, Hettinga, and Bunch are all deserving candidates.  I have never been a big fan of simply handing over the award based solely on the team winning the conference.  Though, in most years this seems natural, but in years like this, they should deviate from norm if it so dictates.  I know this would potentially cost Bunch some hardware, but I try to be objective as possible too.  Nor do I think Bunch (and probably most other coaches) really care who wins the COY, as long as the Gorloks are playing after the Conference tourney.  I think it is just an easy way out in terms of voting for the coaches!  Just my opinion!

[fcnews]

Very well put Bunchtime. In case of a tie they would be Co-COY. That's just the way the SLIAC awards it.

Ought to be a fun night on Big Bend on wednesday. The Gorloks have alot riding on this game. Possible Co-Champs and hosting. But, nothing personal to any WU fan, everybody knows FU will come ready to play.

Just like OU coach Barry Switzer once said, " As long as we beat Texas it's a good season."

Same holds true for WU & FU basketball. WU got us in our house. FU has always played very well in the confines of the Gorlock Arena.

[Mac Attack]

I'm pretty sure Allen didn't play the point against MacMurray the first time around, but with the way they run their offense, I wasn't really sure. I thought he played the #2. Coleman is a terrfic player who has had a real nice season. Same for Conquest. I like them both a lot and they are deserving of all conference mention. Tarpley should have played the #4 against MacMurray, but he didn't - he roamed the floor and really settled in on the wing where he drained several 3s against the Highlanders. Looked like he fit right in on the wing, in spite of his size. White is another outstanding talent with a lot to look forward to. Can't go wrong with any of them.

Hettinga, Bunch, and McKinney have all done wonderful jobs this year, as has several other SLIAC coaches. Automatically giving the COY award to the regular season champ is the easy way to do it - but I think you have to take into consideration personnel, circumstances, and expectations.

[BunchTime]

Mac... I agree with you that other considerations such as the ones you mentioned should also be used in determining the COY.

FC...no need to set up your statement with "nothing personal against WU fans" -- because we both know that Webster and its fans would love to blast Fontbonne, and the same is true for Fontbonne.  These 2 teams are rivals and it is always a big game when they play.  Thats why it is always fun.  You are right that both teams have a lot riding on this game, and to top things off, it is Senior Night for the Gorloks.  The Gorloks have 3 seniors, most notably Scott Spinner who has had an outstanding career.  However, 2 other Gorloks have played a vital role over the last 4 years -- Jeff Messman and Shawn Nichoalds. Neither of them are touted as high scorers and there names are rarely mentioned, but they deserve a lot of credit.  Both are 2 great individuals who work extremely hard and provide many intangibles to the team.  Hopefully, the 3 of them go out as winners on Wedneday and it isn't the last game at Grant Gymnasium!

It will be a fun game!  Good Luck Gorloks!

[hopefan]

Would be great to have a packed house full of Webster and Fontbonne students to create an atmosphere that this game deserves!!!!!!!

[fcnews]

LOOK for the "Purple Rain" group of students to be leading a good crowd from "Griffin Nation". I'm sure this game will bring out a lot of Alumni also. But remember with a 6pm (stupid) start time a lot of your out of town families will be getting there at game time.

[BunchTime]

FC...couldn't agree more!  I just abhor how gender equity trumps the norm of featuring guys games (typically, the game of higher interest) at the prime time slot.  Its a shame.  I have never heard of a girl's district final game in high school being played after the boy's district final game!  Don't won't to start a big debate about this, because there nothing to be done now anyway!

[the godfather]

Week #13 Pick 'em

Wednesday, February 14   
Westminster
Greenville
Webster
Lincoln Christian
MacMurray
   
Friday, February 16   
Lincoln Christian 7:00 PM
   
Saturday, February 17   
MacMurray
Eureka
Webster
Westminster
Fontbonne
   
Tuesday, February 20   
Fontbonne
Westminster
Eureka
Blackburn

[y_jack_lok]

Actually, I preferred the old system when the men's and women's week night games were played on different nights at 7 p.m. Much more convenient for everyone, it seems. As for who plays first in the current format, it doesn't matter to me.

[fcnews]

Oh Great !!! It's Spinner's senior night also

This will be a game for the ages. I hope!!!!!

If White can come out and shoot well. If Branch shoots 40% from 3's. If Fogerty gets a fair game at both ends. Then Fontbonne has a chance to steal one.

Give Hoggatt 25 and Spinner 15, then make the rest beat you. Kuhn has to be watched and keyed on. But, he has become pretty much a perimeter player. Hedrilka (sp??) has shown at moments he can shoot.

The classic match up in the SLIAC. It all comes down to a "Big game of HORSE". IF FU shoots well I like the Griffin's chances.

[pantherpride06]

Actually, I preferred the old system when the men's and women's week night games were played on different nights at 7 p.m. Much more convenient for everyone, it seems. As for who plays first in the current format, it doesn't matter to me.

It makes more since to play the games on the same night.  At Greenville, the girls enjoyed playing early because they got a huge crowd at their games.  Fans began showing up at 6:30 for the guys game that started at 8.  By the 2nd half, our girls would have a crowd of 200-250 fans and they loved it. Now, with the new format (years when girls are at 8), the guys have a big crowd then they leave after the guys game, leaving under 100 for their game.

But, again this is a question we have beat up a ton.

[the godfather]

If Webster wins Weds and WC can avenge a tough home loss to MU at their place, we will have a four way tie for third.  This is going to be really interesting to see how it works out.  Barring a let down I dont see WC folding and I gotta think they get one of the spots, and FU likely taking the other.  What does everyone else think about this and who do you guys like?  It never works out the way we think it will but maybe someone will pick it right. 

[fcnews]

Games are played on the same night for travel expense only. The choice of which game is played first was brought to the table quite awhile back by a past WU womens coach. It would take a major conference vote. Now that the gender case has been played I don't see the conference reversing it.