MBB: Midwest Conference

[The Roop]

While driving home today the I39 void between Madison and Stevens Point gave me plenty of time to think. So I thought of the wager between JeffP and myself for the Dec. 2nd GC-BC game.

It made me wish that Beloit still had a JV program. That way if anyone from Grinnell was academically qualified to transfer to Beloit that they might have some chance of making a team.

[hjmphelp]

the game - Grinnellian Paul Nordland has a great chance this year to break in to that list. He has been on fire since the later part of the year last year. Grinnell has a solid returning team and a great 1st year class. The are working well together in practices and off the court. I think this could be a good year for them.

Roop - once again you have proved that bC fans know nothing.

(about soccer)

no one from GC has a low enough esteem to transfer to BC, and why bother anyway? They will get to play varsity right away AND get a Grinnell degree to boot. Check your CEO's wall. She/he probably has one!

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

Roop gets a smite for the soccer knock and applause for the intelligent and subtle trash talk.  Well played.

[Early]

The game
I could be wrong, but I can't remember a POY that came from a team that didn't contend.  I think Braier is definitely above Hinz in ANY category, except pure scoring.
Also, I think Bo Johnson should be on your 1st team list.  He was all-conference HM last year.

jeffp.....Paul Nordland is still in school?  It seems like he has been there forever.   

[hjmphelp]

Early-
Brother Steve graduated in '04, Paul is a Senior. You are really gonna think he's been here forever after this year!

Petefish! Petefish! Petefish!

[ccfan69]

Braier for POY

[mwc4life]

Ripon vs. UW-GB tonight...I'm driving up to see the game with a certain buddy of mine (mr.kohl).  Should be interesting...atleast we can see how well this years Ripon team will compete.

Brier, Hinz, Beckford are locks. Bo Johnson was a 2nd teamer last year as a Soph. I believe he was the only soph. to make 2nd team.  Look for Bo to continue to score.  I personally have my eye on Schmitting.  I'm not saying he's going to be the "Manimal," but he's going to have an impact like Hoffman had in the middle.

[GrinnellFan68]

let's talk turkey, guys and gals...

Lebron James is the best player in the world, not Chris Braier or Josh Hinz, though you'd have to give the edge to Braier or Hinz based on his 2 NCAA tournament appearances and 3 playoff appearances. Braier has been better college player than Hinz or LeBron. Bar none.

Also, jeffp, any new quotes from Coach Arseneault...We need someone on the inside getting us anecdotes.

God bless you guys, and you know who you are. You don't know what your support has meant to me.

[Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan)]

I do like this new trend of the D1 schools scheduling d3 schools for exhibitions.  It used to be only d2 who could get these early season warm-ups, but I think maybe the big boys are realizing that solid d3 programs can give them fundamental team ball to play against, which will better prepare them for the season rather than the hot-shot all talent no skills play that half of d2 is becoming.

I'll be interested to hear your impressions from Green Bay.

[the game]

Where did Lebron come into the discussion. Obviously Lebron is great and might possibly be one of the top 5 greatest of all time. He might be MVP this season, but that's enough about him.

I failed to mention Nordlund. He's definetely in the running for 1st team. Schmitting in the running also. Hinz, Braier, beckford locks barring injury. Scheper should be there if he plays aggressive all  season. Same goes for mcmullen. nordlund should put up great numbers this year. He's an impossible guard for MWC guys.

[The Roop]

JeffP,

Would that be the famous "G"rinnell "E"ducation "D"iploma you were speaking of earlier.

[T-Bird Teacher]

About the Hinz/Braier comparison....Are you saying Hinz Isn't an option for POY based on his defense?  Last I checked, he is one guy guarding one guy.  Not too many guys score on him.  It's not all his fault that the others get beat and Hinz comes off his man to take the ball and they dish to his guy.  Let's look at where the play originates from before we pass judgement.  He is a solid defender (probably not as good as Braier), but you can't say there's no way he should win POY. 

[Early]

jeffp,

I realize when Steve Nordland graduated, I played against him and played against brother Paul.  One just forgets when a kid comes in as a Freshmand and plays right away how long 4 years is.  I said the same thing about Braier this year too.....It just seems like they have been there forever.

mwc4life,  give me an update of the team after the GB game.  I would like to know.

[mwc4life]

Jeffp,

You really think Nordlund is going to put up "Scuba Steve" like numbers.  Remember when Wood was averaging close to 30 a game (or more) people were reluctant to give him the award...not to mention his teams were doing quite well.  Unless he puts up close to 27pts/g and Grinell makes the playoffs, he has no chance....from past situations


This whole Brier/Hinz comparison has got to stop.  Is Hinz as good if not better scorer then Brier, probably...but that's where it stops.  Brier has won every year he's there.  Is it a coinsidence that LU has 3 playoff apperances since he's been there?  LU had Lavoy and Leverance and didn't do that much with two great players.  Brier's unselfish with the ball, plays GREAT defense, and makes his teammates that much better.  I can't say the same for Hinz. 

Early, I'll call you...hopefully

[hjmphelp]

mwc4life-
I never said Nordy would put up wood-like numbers, although he may well do so. I said he had been on fire since the last few games of last year.  IMHO, Nordy finally began to realize his potential and now I think the rest of the conference is going to realize it too. He now has the ability to demonstrate his complete game.
A lot has to do with the surrounding team as well, and I think this years team will complement what Nordy seems to be naturally gifted at doing. I'll stick to my guns-he has a great chance to break the top 5 this year.

Early-I know what you mean, although from the stands it always seems like the opponents best players stay around longer than possible! 
How about your take on a question someone posed earlier-do players pay attention to the nonsense we spew here?