MBB: Midwest Conference

[systemfan86]

And can we have a hand for the conference champions, Grinnell College? 

13 wins in a row and counting. They haven't lost in six weeks. Started the conference season 1-3 and then won their remaining conference games. Not a bad showing.

Not bad at all.  8)

[systemfan86]

Through the NRO grapevine I've heard that Carroll beat LU by 14 so Lake Forest didn't have to do anything. The Ripon website has them defeating Beloit 82-60 although no story or stats yet. 82-60 pretty much tells it all though.

Yup, 82-60. Here's the box score. http://www.ripon.edu/athletics/mbasketball/2006-07/stats/BCRCMB22.HTM Looks like Schmitting had a big game - 21 pt, 9 RB.

So it's GC v LFC, and CC v RC in central Iowa next weekend. Should be interesting. Wish I could be there. 

[jeffdc]

kind of a bummer that none of the amazing tiebreaking stuff kicked in

[Dolph Stanley]

. The Ripon website has them defeating Beloit 82-60 although no story or stats yet. 82-60 pretty much tells it all though.

With a full week to prepare for the final game of the season the Bucs came out roaring and only spotted the Red Hawks (ugh, that name) 17 points before getting on the board.  Beloit ends the season 4-19 with no wins over teams above :500 no wins on the road and a six game losing streak including a 13 point loss to IC. 

Recruit X better bring along a fair number of teammates and opponents from the state high school all star game or (despite a year in which Horton could break a number of Beloit single season records) next year looks to be more of the same.

[augiefan]

Youngblood is the worst coach in MWC. It speaks volumes about the BC President's total disinterest in sports that Cecil is still there.

[hjmphelp]

Congrats to Grinnell for accomplishing what looked like an impossible feat several weeks ago! this was a total team effort again-has been since the loss at LFC that put Grinnell at 1-3. Something happened to this team during the 1st Larry game (at GC) that they have been able to carry over through the rest of the conference season. They found the will, skill and determination to win games. there are a few early season games I'd like back this time of year - away games at Carroll, StN, Carthage and LFC. Still will  get one or both of em during the tourney - and that tourney should be a great one!

[The Roop]

No, the only accomplishment here was a case of acute sandbagging early in the year LOL.

[hjmphelp]

Sandbagging?

No, we call it peaking at the right time of the year!






Off to Gramma's house - 85th  birthday - more next week!

[jeffdc]

A thank you to the GC team from a devoted alum and home town fan:

GC has shown a level of grittiness and determination that has really paid off this season. I honestly had my doubts back in December. Then, as JeffP noticed, the team focused and learned how to handle anything any team in the MWC could dish out. A few particular call outs:

Coaches Arseneault and Malinowski: great job of building a team that can switch styles at the drop of a hat - to the consternation of its opponents

Schmidt: a key trey shooter, yes, but Mike has also made some important defensive plays during the season
Laine: new this year and already showing he knows how to rebound and steal
Pflazer: having a great senior season!
Arseneault: Mr. consistency. Game in and game out, Jr knows how to deliver the assists and 2 ptrs when we need them
Grotberg: a great shooter having a very good season, but again, a very good defensive player
Ticus: I'm going to miss seeing Doug steal next year!
Langenhan: another of the team's solid 3pt shooters - and another reason that there's always a trey shooter the team can rely on, no matter how the game is going
Long: Bobby is a joy to watch as he eludes opponents moving down the court. And his 3 point shooting isn't bad, either!
Idrissa: despite some personal challenges, he continues to be the fastest man on the court and gunning for Ticus's steal record
Chamberlain: this is the year the big man became Mr. Intimidation.

So good luck guys at the tourney. You've earned it!   

[titan2000]

Will the Grinnell Taco John's have an MWC special menu for the tourney at Darby?

I'd suggest the following items:

1) A "3" taco and potato ole's package, call it the Grotberg
2) There has to be a chicken tostada called the "flat out fowl" as Grinnell sure knows how to do that and somehow mesmerize the refs into not calling them
3) I don't think they have a liquor license or they could serve the "Davey Whine" and cheese

Ah yes, Taco Johns, Grinnell's finest restuarante.

[Dolph Stanley]

So, if you were giving a "Coach of the Year" award for the regular season who would get it?  Arseneault seems like the easy choice but Conger took a team picked to finish in a tie for seventh to the playoffs, Schultz overcame the loss of several key players who were expected to return at the time they were picked to finish second and, as much as I hate to admit it, all Gillespie does is take Ripon to the final weekend year in and year out with excellent game planning and getting the most out of his talent.

So, who would it be?   

[The Roop]

Jewel of the Prairie
by Martha Purcell

A pilgrim's faith
Began the move
From East Coast to the West.
A perfect life
on fertile soil
Drew others to the quest.
The railroad crossed,
The tall corn grew,
And education thrived.
Through Vision stained
By sacrifice,
Our jewel came alive.

[systemfan86]

crickets, t2k, crickets

[systemfan86]

So, if you were giving a "Coach of the Year" award for the regular season who would get it?  Arseneault seems like the easy choice but Conger took a team picked to finish in a tie for seventh to the playoffs, Schultz overcame the loss of several key players who were expected to return at the time they were picked to finish second and, as much as I hate to admit it, all Gillespie does is take Ripon to the final weekend year in and year out with excellent game planning and getting the most out of his talent.

So, who would it be?   

I think you've pretty accurately described it. GC was picked to finish 4th, so in terms of position, Coach A's team outperform expectations roughly the same as Conger's LFC. But taking a team to the MWC tournament for 7th IS impressive. I'm going to guess that the award goes to Arseneault, but I wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if it went to Conger. If Norbs had finished stronger, I think Grzesk would have been the choice.

Are the two seniors Schmitting and Drury the most likely choices for POY? While there might be some other, younger, players to get consideration, I can't see the coaches skipping one of these two seniors.

[jeffdc]

Jeffp, Systemfan 86,  how about GC players? Any candidates there for POY?