MBB: St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[hopefan]

Bonding activities = get the kids tight right off the bat...play ball together, eat together, go out on a weekend night together....  know if someone is uncomfortable and help keep him in the pack.... I
hated seeing four of last year's frosh not playing this year.

no mention of Ettenger as a point guard in the writeups.. but a positive statement about the kid from Chicago playing point... I hope they both push Gentry to play smarter.. critical to Fontbonne's success

[Denny McKinney]

McCoy didn't play PG in HS either. Kody handled the ball a lot. Best game off the dribble. He can definitely play PG.

Plenty of bonding in open gym. I see wars on the horizon. You have a lot of young kids wanting to show what they can do. And returners trying to keep PT.

[hopefan]

More interesting scheduling tidbits.....

Webster and Fontbonne play in early December.... a game that will surely show both programs where they stand this year  (does Webster have enough returning, will Fontbonne newbies be able to provide support right away)   Then they go all the way to the final day of the season at February end, with the conference tourney looming two days away, before they play again... I'm hoping that later matchup will be looked at with as much anticipation as the early one....

AND   uhh what were they thinking?  Blackburn opens its season at the Lee Pfund Classic at Wheaton... The other two schools are Wittenberg and UW-River Falls... I would be excited if one of the top two or three SLIAC teams was taking part.. to see if we could be competitive against these top notch programs... but to have BC served up to them seems to serve no positive purpose....These games are a tough way to start the season.

[Denny McKinney]

It will be an interesting decision for the FU coaching staff, 3 guards or go big. I think Greenlee is the only returner who has a spot earned. But guard wise, Gentry, Dorhauer, Welch, Demisee and Chism return. Then you bring in Ettinger, David, Chandler, Haywood, McDowell and Joseph as Freshmen. Not to mention transfer Mike Jackson. That's a boat load of guys fighting for 2 spots, or maybe 3. Welch is the only returning bonafide perimeter shooter. But Hey, it's a great problem to have. It's trying to keep all happy.

FU vs Webster has been the final game of regular season, more times then not.

[Denny McKinney]

Which ever Hopefan's buddies who's ragging on me. Just so you know, he's gotten a plus +K from me everyday for a week. I post about a sick child and the FU recruits and I go from -5 to -7? I know hopefan is the chosen one, but grow up. I will continue to give my opinions. If you don't like it keep piling on. I don't care. My thin skin has gotten thicker. Shout out to who ever gave me the love to get it back down to -5.

Hopefan I know it's not you. Looking forward to more tidbits. #400K

[hopefan]

It will be an interesting decision for the FU coaching staff, 3 guards or go big. I think Greenlee is the only returner who has a spot earned. But guard wise, Gentry, Dorhauer, Welch, Demisee and Chism return.

I have an email from a very good source that says Chism will not be returning this year....

[Denny McKinney]

Well the Senior Swoon happens to the best of them. I hope Yada sticks it out to give the Griff's some Senior leadership. He seemed to me to be a guy that brought some stability when on the floor. Anyone else not returning?

[Denny McKinney]

Wowzer. Double digits. Another 5 and I'll have to return my Dick Tracy decoder ring. 

[Denny McKinney]

I thought I'd give the Greenville Panthers recruits a little Love,

1.)Nick Trisko
Hometown:    Lexington, Kentucky
High School: Lafayette High School
Position Played: PF/Center
Height: 6'8"
Accomplishments: Nick has averaged close to 10 points per game and over 7 rebounds per game since the start of his junior year. Nick enjoys a challenge defensively. In Nick's freshman year his team went to the regional championship game and in his junior year his high school team was the district runner-up. Nick was named the MVP in the St. Roach Classic at Lexington Christian Academy in his junior year and was named the defensive player of the year in his junior year at Lafayette High School. Nick was an All-City Honorable Mention in his junior year. For Nick's senior year his high school team has been in the top 20 in the state of Kentucky since the beginning of the season.
Coaches Comments: Nick was a three-year starter for his high school team, and was selected as a Captain his Senior Year along with being elected Homecoming King. Nick has a unique skill set for a guy his height. He is an excellent shooter, very good ball handler, and a great rebounder. With his strong work ethic and basketball skills, Nick will be a great addition for the Greenville College Panthers.

2.)Jackson Ryan
Hometown: Bredford, In
High School:Bedford North Lawrence High School
Position Played:F/C
Height: 6'7"
Accomplishments: A member of the 2010-2011 4A conference champions. Averaged 5.9 points per game and 4 rebounds per game as a senior.
Coach Comments: Jackson will be a great addition to our team next year.  As a player, Jackson has a good size and a skill set that allows him to play multiple positions.  Jackson's experience being a leader at a large high school program will serve him well as he makes the transition to college.  Off the court Jackson is a strong student and is a person that will be well liked and respected at GC.

3.)Ron Harris
Hometown: Lake View Terrace, CA
High School: Saugus High School
Junior College: College Of The Canyons
Position: Forward
Height: 6'5
Accomplishments: A two year starter at College of the Canyons, Ron averaged 10 Points 7 Rebounds during sophomore season. He also helped lead his team to a conference championship with a record of 9-1.  During his sophomore year, College of the Canyons made the state playoffs and Ron posted a 19 point, 12 rebound performance during their first round win.  As a result of his strong play this year, Ron was selected to the all-conference honorable mention team.
Coach Comments:   We are very excited to welcome Ron to our team for the next two years.  Ron comes from a great Junior College program where he has learned how to play against high level competition.  Ron is a tireless worker and is described as by his coaches as a great teammate and a leader on and off the court.  Ron will be a great presence for us at the power forward position and will bring toughness and experience from his last two years at College of the Canyons.

4.)Alec Tatum
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
High School: Mission High School
Junior College: Pasadena City College   
Position Played: Forward
Height: 6'5"
Accomplishments: During his sophomore year at Pasadena, Alec led the team in rebounding with 185 rebounds on the season, including a single game where he grabbed 20 rebounds.  His strong play during his sophomore year led to him being a first team all-conference selection.
Coach Comments: Alec is a great get for us and will play a key role in the team's success over the next two years.  Alec is a strong defender and an excellent rebounder.  Being all-conference first team in a good junior college league is a great individual honor.   We expect great things out of Alec during his next two years at GC.  Alec is a humble guy who has been great during the recruiting process and will be well liked on our campus.

5.) Orion Kidd
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
High School: Bradshaw Christian High school
Junior College: Cosumnes River College
Position Played: Small forward/Power forward
Height: 6"4

Accomplishments: In high school, Orion was a first team all-league selection both his Junior and Senior year.  A player that goes hard to the glass on both ends, Orion grabbed 23 rebounds in one game during high school.  Moving on to Cosumnes River College, Orion was a key part of the team his Sophmore year.  He is described by his coach as a leader, a captain, and a great teammate.
Coach Comments:  Orion is the type of player and person that will fit in great here at Greenville.  On the court he has a great motor, and brings very high energy and intensity to all parts of the game.  We expect Orion to bring an inside physicality to our team next year.  He is an excellent rebounder and defender and has the ability to play multiple positions.  Off the court, Orion is a humble person who is well respected by coaches, professors, and teammates.  We look forward to welcoming Orion to our program for the next two years.

6.)Austin Hershberger
Hometown: Davis, CA
High School: Davis High School
Junior College: Mira Costa, CA
Position Played: Shooting Guard
Height: 6'1"
Accomplishments: A first team all-conference selection during his Senior year at Davis, Austin averaged 11ppg, 6.9 rpg, and shot 42% from 3. Moving on to Junior College at Mira Costa, Austin helped his team to a conference championship, finishing the year with a record of 19-9.
Coach Comments: We are pleased to be adding Austin to our program next year.  Austin is a high IQ guard who will do whatever it takes to help the team.  He is a good outside shooter, strong defender, and great temmate.  Everywhere he has been, his coaches have praised his leadership and toughness, and work ethic.  Austin will be a valuable member of our team next year

7.)Michael Hohm
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois
High School: Decatur Christian School
Position Played: Guard
Height: 6'1"
Accomplishments: All-area honorable mention, First team All-Conference, Defensive MVP.  Michael averaged 19.4 points per game, 4.9 assists per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 3.3 steals per game during his Senior season.
Coach Comments:  We are very pleased to have Michael as a part of our program next year.  Michael we be an excellent fit for us:  a great basketball player with high academics and great character.  Michael is a great all-around guard, with the ability to score from all over the court and defend another team's strongest perimeter player.

8.)Ben Hays
Hometown:Bloomfield, IN
High School: Bloomfield High School
Position Played: Guard
Height: 5'10
Accomplishments-2 time conference honorable mention, All-conference senior year, Greene County Invitational All-tourney team, Pizza Hut Classic all-tourney team, 2 time all state honorable mention, Herald times honorable mention, team leading scorer for 3 years, team captain senior year.
Coach Comments:  We are excited to be adding Ben to next year's GC team.  Ben is an extremely hard worker that has a great passion for the game of basketball.  He is a quick and athletic guard that is very good at getting in the lane and getting his shot off or finding teammates.  Ben is also a humble person who will be well liked by teammates and coaches.  We look forward to great things from Ben during his time at Greenville.

Seems to be a good mixture of HS Kids and Juco experience.
 

[GC Panther 01]

4 kids coming in at 6'5" or over (on paper) is a big deal for GC I believe, they have been short on the height departmant for seveal years now.  3 of those have JUCO experience.  Will be very interesting to see how this all comes together this year.  If they have some speed and athletic ability this could make for a wicked combination of the full court press that Coach likes to utilize.   

Bonding experiences is a key element I believe as well in my time at GC we did a pre season retreat every year, overnight somewhere off campus with goal setting sessions, speakers on faith, life and motivation, getting to know your teammates, was always a great experience.  We also did some paintball, capture the flag team building exercises and Coach would always throw a team challenge into pre season conditioning as well as have everyone over to his house several times for a meal and games where you got to know more about each other.  Those are some great experiences getting to know the guys you are to sweat and bleed with the next 5-6 months on a daily basis.

On top of those things Coach Barber is very well connected in the hoops world and always managed  to put toghther a good trip during the season.  As a Jr we went to play in Chicago one day, practice at the Berto Center in Chicago the next morning, then on to South Bend to tour and do a walk thru at Notre Dame before playing the next day in Indiana.  As a SR we got to hang out at the player development center at UK and tour and meet the team at the Wildcat Lodge with the UK players.  These experiences are also valuable team experiences, things I remember as well as the games and practices.

[GC Panther 01]

Newest GC Commit

Jake Dewitt

Hometown: Lynden, Washington
High School: Lynden High School
Junior College: Clackamas
Position Played: Guard
Height: 6'2

Accomplishments:  Jake finished a strong high school career as a first team all-league selection and a participant in the WIBCA all-state game.  Moving on to Clackamas, Jake was a 2-year starter at the guard position.  Jake was named to the NWAACC all-freshmen team his 1st year, and was selected to the NWAACC all-defensive team as a sophomore, while helping lead the team to a birth in the NWAACC tournament.

Coach Comments:  Jake was a player that we targeted very early as our top transfer recruit at his position.  He is a great fit in every regard.  Off the court, he carries a near perfect GPA and is an excellent student.  On the court, he is a versatile guard that can score from anywhere on the court, and guard the other team's best perimeter player.  More than that, Jake is a great teammate, an extremely hard worker, and a humble person.  Jake is a big addition for us and will be a key piece of our backcourt for the next two years.

[hopefan]

I guess I don't understand why Greenville has gone the JC route....  last year with 6 transfers, 4 more this year.. Yet also a number of pretty decent high school recruits....   the transfers (most from very far away) didn't work out well at all last year... let's hope there is a more positive impact this year from the holdovers (assuming some return) as well as the new faces..... Greenville will be the mystery team of the conference entering the season.....  The most recent addition, Jake DeWitt, sounds very good.....

[y_jack_lok]

I have noticed a consistent use of the word "humble" as being descriptive of almost all the Greenville recruits mentioned above. And I'm sure all these guys are humble. It is one of the very positive things about the Greenville program that their players are good sportsmen, well-mannered, and behave with humility on the court. So let's just agree that we will consider all Greenville's players to be humble guys and they can stop putting that word in the write ups.

[Titan Q]

Blackburn plays at IWU on December 17.

http://www.iwuhoops.com/2013-14%20Schedule.pdf

[Denny McKinney]

What are the folks at BC thinking??? Wheaton and IWU feeding on cupcake.