MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

A highlight of the evening actually occured in the JV game. With Elmhurst leading by 2  and the time remaining almost zero, NCC guard Dean Prince launched an approx 60 footer. The ball left Dean's hands about half a second before the horn, which sounded as the ball was in the air. The long bomb found nothing but net to give the Cards a victory over Coach Dan "Digger" Doyle's Jays.   

I saw in the box that Dean Prince got 16 minutes of varsity tick tonight as well for NCC, while Barringer got his first DNP of the season. Is Barringer hurt, or is Raridon just shaking things up amongst his guard cadre?

It's nice to see Prince finally start to get some varsity minutes. He must've purified himself in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

::[rimshot]::

[Gregory Sager]

  I certainly wouldn't be looking forward to playing Wesleyan on senior night -

Probably the most memorable senior night performance would go to Rick Alspach of North Park.

I was there for that game - wasn't that against Elmhurst - when he couldn't hit a thing?

Yes, which I think was End-Of-The-Alphabet Guy's point. Alspach went 0-13 from downtown that evening, as his nemesis Ryan Knuppel had one of his patented "shoot NPU out of the gym" kind of nights. I don't think I've ever seen a star player as frustrated and out of sorts as Alspach was that night. It was like Dr. Evil had stolen his mojo, or something. Of course, Rob Berki and I make it a point to bring up that game as often as possible when Rick's around.

Actually Jack Ecker had the all-time senior night performance at North Park, scoring a school record 54 points in his final home game against Carthage.  I think its the third or fourth highest scoring game in CCIW history.

It's tied for third and, interestingly, it's the only 50-point performance in a CCIW game since the three-point shot went into effect for the 1986-87 season:

1. 62, Jack Sunderlik, Millikin (vs. Carroll), 1967
2. 59, Scott Steagall, Millikin (vs. Augustana), 1951
3t. 54, Jack Ecker, North Park (vs. Carthage), 1995
3t. 54, Bill Simpson, Elmhurst (vs. Wheaton), 1975
5. 52, Bill Warden, North Central (vs. Lake Forest), 1955
6t. 50, Norm Pott, Wheaton (vs. Millikin), 1954
6t. 50, Bill Warden, North Central (vs. Millikin), 1953

In fact, aside from Big Jack's 54-spot against the Redmen, there's only been seven other 40-point performances in a CCIW game in the trey era:

8. 49, Kirk Anderson, Augustana (vs. North Park), 1992
36t. 42, Korey Coon, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. North Central), 2000
36t. 42, Alonzo Alexander, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1992
36t. 42, Mike Bohannon, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1987
47t. 41, Mike Owens, Augustana (vs. Elmhurst), 1987
53t. 40, Bryan Crabtree, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. Millikin), 1996
53t. 40, Shannon Cloyd, Millikin (vs. Elmhurst), 1992

Former Millikin great Leon Gobczynski broke the 40-point barrier in 15 CCIW games during his storied career back in the mid-'70s. That blows my mind.

[usee]

  I certainly wouldn't be looking forward to playing Wesleyan on senior night -

Probably the most memorable senior night performance would go to Rick Alspach of North Park.

I was there for that game - wasn't that against Elmhurst - when he couldn't hit a thing?

Yes, which I think was End-Of-The-Alphabet Guy's point. Alspach went 0-13 from downtown that evening, as his nemesis Ryan Knuppel had one of his patented "shoot NPU out of the gym" kind of nights. I don't think I've ever seen a star player as frustrated and out of sorts as Alspach was that night. It was like Dr. Evil had stolen his mojo, or something. Of course, Rob Berki and I make it a point to bring up that game as often as possible when Rick's around.

Actually Jack Ecker had the all-time senior night performance at North Park, scoring a school record 54 points in his final home game against Carthage.  I think its the third or fourth highest scoring game in CCIW history.

It's tied for third and, interestingly, it's the only 50-point performance in a CCIW game since the three-point shot went into effect for the 1986-87 season:

1. 62, Jack Sunderlik, Millikin (vs. Carroll), 1967
2. 59, Scott Steagall, Millikin (vs. Augustana), 1951
3t. 54, Jack Ecker, North Park (vs. Carthage), 1995
3t. 54, Bill Simpson, Elmhurst (vs. Wheaton), 1975
5. 52, Bill Warden, North Central (vs. Lake Forest), 1955
6t. 50, Norm Pott, Wheaton (vs. Millikin), 1954
6t. 50, Bill Warden, North Central (vs. Millikin), 1953

In fact, aside from Big Jack's 54-spot against the Redmen, there's only been seven other 40-point performances in a CCIW game in the trey era:

8. 49, Kirk Anderson, Augustana (vs. North Park), 1992
36t. 42, Korey Coon, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. North Central), 2000
36t. 42, Alonzo Alexander, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1992
36t. 42, Mike Bohannon, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1987
47t. 41, Mike Owens, Augustana (vs. Elmhurst), 1987
53t. 40, Bryan Crabtree, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. Millikin), 1996
53t. 40, Shannon Cloyd, Millikin (vs. Elmhurst), 1992

Former Millikin great Leon Gobczynski broke the 40-point barrier in 15 CCIW games during his storied career back in the mid-'70s. That blows my mind.

Gregory,

don't forget  Kent Raymond's 44pt night at the shirk last saturday.

[Gregory Sager]

don't forget  Kent Raymond's 44pt night at the shirk last saturday.

Good point. Time for CCIW SID Mike Krizman to get on the men's basketball history page and update that sucker!

[REDMENFAN]

Here's the article from the Kenosha News about the Carthage/NP game lastnight. http://kenoshanews.com/articles/index.php?articleNum=693931          Couldn't make it, sure sounds like it was a great one.  About Simmons from NC, I saw the game at Carthage last weekend. He scored early and often in the game, and was constantly talking trash back and forth with some students from Carthage (those who've been to the PEC know students are basically on the floor.) The students tried to get in his head, but it back fired and Simmons started going off. Once they figured out Simmons wasn't missing and started to quiet down, it was as if he did as well. From only observing one game of his, I would say he seems like a player who when motivated can completely take over a game.

[Gregory Sager]

Here's the article from the Kenosha News about the Carthage/NP game lastnight. http://kenoshanews.com/articles/index.php?articleNum=693931 

I'm not sure why Bosko was raving about NPU's shooting. A 47% FG mark is not all that spectacular. In fact, it's right around NPU's CCIW shooting average.

[Jim Matson]

Congrats to Augie for their CCIW Championship.  A nice win in Bloomington on a night when the Titans wanted it badly.  And after looking at the numbers for the game and the season, I'm starting to be a believer in this idea that Zach might just be the M.O.P.

I listened for a while to the North Central/Elmhurst game (from where I live, I can pick up both school's radio stations).  I really enjoy listening to the North Central play-by-play guy.  He is good at keeping the time and score updated and really does know the game of basketball.  I'd vote for a "Bob Quillman/North Central guy" team to call the CCIW Tourney on d3Hoops.com, or another agreeable college station that streams on the web.

[79jaybird]

Congratulations to Augustana for their 2nd straight CCIW Title, and really they were the team that played the best TEAM basketball, which is why I think they were able to win those tight squeakers.
North Central had more intensity, more drive, more heart, and virtually beat Elmhurst at our own game.  They are a desperate team and played as though there was no tomorrow.  I noticed this the most with the rebounding.  NC was getting to every loose ball, driving in the paint and scoring past our big guys, and was difficult to watch at times.  The Jays better "tune it up" as Wheaton comes a calling Saturday and that long trip to Decatur looms next week.
Couple things that I have kept quiet until now.

1) And One, what's the big deal?  Commentators, Media guys make cracks and let their mouths go 240 all the time.  It's not a new thing.  ECDubb is stating his opinion which are like that (other thing), where everybody has one.  You don't have to go "ranting" after a NC win as a sore winner.  You win with grace, lose with grace etc.

2) I thought it was unprofessional, very unclassy, and a shock to see the Cardinals bench acting as cheerleaders to get a rise for their team.  That is what cheerleaders, pep band, and fans are for.  I felt that this was very unprofessional and not the right thing to do. 

3) I am sorry to see North Park fall short and not be in contention for the CCIW Tournament.  I think if they were able to make the tournament they would have pulled off an upset, just because they always play with 110% hustle!

Blrhsfan,  I did not listen to the game, because I was there at the game.  Pretty good turnout for Elmhurst in Naperville as most of the familiar faces were in attendance.

[Late nite]

Quite enjoyable watching Augie meet pre-season expectations and win another conference championship---It's nice to see a team and it's supporters win graciously---20 wins and a conference championship virtually clinches a spot in the NCAA's---The Vikes are probably not in a must-win situation like the other 3 teams---Augie has proven once again that team chemistry is a key to sustained success---When players are asked to rebound, they are expected to rebound---When players are asked to defend, they are expected to defend---And when players are asked to shoot, they are expected to shoot---Most intelligent basketball observers would be able to recognize the role of each player and part they play in the overall success of the team---If they aren't doing what Coach G is asking of them, he has been known to quietly counsel them!?!---Looking forwrd to NCC coming out to RI on Saturday night---Senior Night, NCC fighting for tourney spot---Should be intense---You can count on Giovanine having them ready to play---Even though they have already clinched, he is not the type to give his team the night off

[mwunder]

In fact, aside from Big Jack's 54-spot against the Redmen, there's only been seven other 40-point performances in a CCIW game in the trey era:

8. 49, Kirk Anderson, Augustana (vs. North Park), 1992
36t. 42, Korey Coon, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. North Central), 2000
36t. 42, Alonzo Alexander, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1992
36t. 42, Mike Bohannon, North Central (vs. Augustana), 1987
47t. 41, Mike Owens, Augustana (vs. Elmhurst), 1987
53t. 40, Bryan Crabtree, Ill. Wesleyan (vs. Millikin), 1996
53t. 40, Shannon Cloyd, Millikin (vs. Elmhurst), 1992

Former Millikin great Leon Gobczynski broke the 40-point barrier in 15 CCIW games during his storied career back in the mid-'70s. That blows my mind.

43            Jason Wiertel vs. Wheaton (Ill.) on Feb. 13, 1999

Carthage and Wheaton are still in the CCIW right??

[knarocky22]

How exactly was the Cardinal bench acting as cheerleaders? 

[knarocky22]

I believe these are the new regional rankings.

http://www.d3hoops.com/dailydose/2007/02/14/ncaa-regional-rankings-week-2

Right now, I would say Augie is the only team in the CCIW that is a lock for an NCAA Tournament bid.  If Elmhurst loses one more regular season game, then loses in the first round of the CCIW tournament, I can see them not getting in.  Same thing for Wheaton, although I have a hunch that the only way the Thunder or Carthage (Carthage for sure) gets in is if they win the CCIW Tournament.

Looking at these rankings, I would say Augie still has a lot to play for, as in home court for the NCAA Tourney.  I would say there is a well above average chance the Vikings will be hosting their first two games.  If they beat North Central on Saturday and proceed to win the CCIW tournament, that would put them at 25-4 overall, 25-3 in-region.  Right now there are only 7 teams with higher QOWI than Augie.  Wins over NC and whoever they might play in the tournament would probably move them higher in this regard.  What do you think the chances are of Augie hosting past the first two rounds if they win out? 

[AndOne]

Congratulations to Augustana for their 2nd straight CCIW Title, and really they were the team that played the best TEAM basketball, which is why I think they were able to win those tight squeakers.
North Central had more intensity, more drive, more heart, and virtually beat Elmhurst at our own game.  They are a desperate team and played as though there was no tomorrow.  I noticed this the most with the rebounding.  NC was getting to every loose ball, driving in the paint and scoring past our big guys, and was difficult to watch at times.  The Jays better "tune it up" as Wheaton comes a calling Saturday and that long trip to Decatur looms next week.
Couple things that I have kept quiet until now.

1) And One, what's the big deal?  Commentators, Media guys make cracks and let their mouths go 240 all the time.  It's not a new thing.  ECDubb is stating his opinion which are like that (other thing), where everybody has one.  You don't have to go "ranting" after a NC win as a sore winner.  You win with grace, lose with grace etc.

2) I thought it was unprofessional, very unclassy, and a shock to see the Cardinals bench acting as cheerleaders to get a rise for their team.  That is what cheerleaders, pep band, and fans are for.  I felt that this was very unprofessional and not the right thing to do. 

3) I am sorry to see North Park fall short and not be in contention for the CCIW Tournament.  I think if they were able to make the tournament they would have pulled off an upset, just because they always play with 110% hustle!

Blrhsfan,  I did not listen to the game, because I was there at the game.  Pretty good turnout for Elmhurst in Naperville as most of the familiar faces were in attendance.

79jaybird----

1. Congrats are certainly in order for Augie on their 2nd CCIW regular season title in a row.

2. You are correct in your statement that NCC wanted it more than EC did last night

3. The "big deal" is that ECDubb attacked a student-athlete on a personal basis rather than keeping his comments relative to that players basketball skills . As a broadcaster, he should know better. Even if he wanted to criticize the player's actions aside from basketball he could have said something like "(player's name) has a difficult time keeping his emotions in check" or something on that order rather than resorting to the labeling and name calling that he did. Furthermore, he openly stated that if the player in question proved him wrong last night that he would apologize to the player. After the game, I offered him and his partner the opportunity to interview the player. It would have been the perfect opportunity for him to apologize. However, he declined. Since then , he still has not issued the apology he promised. Dishonorable and unprofessional behavior to say the least.

4. YOU have always proven to be an informed and fair-minder poster. AS such, I can't believe you are defending ECDubb's actions in this case.

5. I have no idea of what you mean by the NCC bench ascting as cheerleaders. They were cheering for their team NO LESS than the Elmhurst bench was for theirs, or for that matter, any less than I have seen any bench cheer on their team this season. As knarocky asked---specifically what did you find wrong?

6. North Park has made tremendous strides this season and will be a force in the CCIW next year, especially considering all their talented underclassmen.

[tjcummingsfan]

Its not attacking him on a personal basis if he's commenting on his on-court personality... it is no different from calling a player a ballhog or soft. 

Its pretty rediculous for you to try and force an apology form ECdub at the game.  Just because its your opinion that broadcasters aren't entitled to opinions on the players they've seen play for 4 years, and ought to apologize for any negative comment made about their presence on the court, doesn't mean you have the right to attempt to guilt someone in to an on-air apology. 

Its getting really old watching you champion Simmons on this subject, whether you know him or not. 

[REDMENFAN]

Sager, did NP shoot exceptionally well in the first half? Maybe that's what Bosko meant when NP jumped out to such a large lead. Not positive that's what he was implying, just a guess on my part.