MBB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[AndOne]

Vikes scrimmaged Loras tonight at Carver. Augie won both halves, 36-34 and 51-31. Starters were DeSimone, Pelton, Voiles, Norton and Nelson. Brandon Kunz, who didn't play at all with the varsity at Platteville, looked very good. I think he had about 15 points. Kyle Nelson was dominant inside--27 points and 11 boards, 12-17 from the field. He's a load.

Not nearly the level of competition they faced in the first scrimmage, but I think the second half was pretty encouraging. They were able to cause a lot of havoc defensively, especially in the second half. Augie forced 26 turnovers, had 18 steals and outrebounded Loras 47-29.

Offensively, they've really pounded it inside in both scrimmages. They went to the line 37 times tonight and attempted just four threes. In two scrimmages they've shot 65 free throws and attempted just 12 threes.

Dansand,
How did Norton look in tonight's scrimmage?  I am assuming like a CCIW frosh?!?

Dan---

Given Augie won the 1st half by only 2, and the 2nd by 20, it would appear to an outsider like me that the Loras starters might be pretty good, but that Augie has far superior depth. OR, did either the Loras starters play especially well and the Augie starters not up to par, or both?

Augie 22--

Norton looked very good this summer in Deerfield. I thought he played better than Kunz, and even Scarlata.
However, Mr. Norton won't win any popularity contests (not that that has anything to do with winning basketball games) as during the recruiting process last year he "played" some teams by feigning interest in them, causing a lot of wasted time and effort. I think he knew he was going to Augie all along, which is fine. I just wish he had been man enough to be more direct and honest with the other schools rather than wasting their time.

[AndOne]

I took in the Sean Johnson show Wesleyan-Aurora scrimmage Tues night in Aurora. Wesleyan won the 1st half 56-40 with Aurora taking the 2nd, 46-45

IWU started Rosenkranz, Johnson, Sexauer, Koschnitzy, and for some reason O'Callaghan.

Johnson was basically unbelievable. IF he took as many shots as Steve D from Carthage, I think there would be a great chance that he would lead the league in scoring. He missed about 2 shots all night. He was largely the difference in the 1st half. He had about 8 threes on the evening. All I can say is that if a team doesn't basically order a defender to shadow Johnson every step he takes on the court, they're asking for trouble. Easier said than done as IWU runs him through all kinds of screens to free him up for open looks. He is a fabulous catch and shoot guy. You need to make him put it on the floor, an exercise at which he does not excel.

Sexauer was his usual efficient and dependable self, and was 2nd high scorer. Its amazing that he can keep going left despite the fact defenders should know that is his much preferred direction of movement. Defenders need to force him right and into the middle as opposed to allowing him the baseline where he'll kill you.

Rosenkranz & Koschnitzy played fairly well. Nothing special, but no glaring errors on the night. Although I think Coach Rose would like to see improved defense from these two.  

As far as O'Callaghan, i think he rebounds pretty well, but thats about it. I think Duncan Lawson is a better all around player with his ability to handle the ball, pass, and shoot. Lawson's main problem is lack of rebounding strength and an inside game. His talents are more suited to a perimeter game. Maybe Rose wants O'Callaghan's rebounding as opposed to Lawson's more varied talents. Additionally, if he hadn't had surgery, I believe on both shoulders, I think Dan Schouten would be the starter. He has basically missed the last year and a half and is just rounding back into condition following his rehab. He needs to increase his strength and endurance. If he can do this, I wouldn't be surprised to see him starting, or at least earning a lot of PT. Schouten played with the JVs and looked pretty good in what I saw of the 3rd half.

Although he doesn't do much else, Zimmer is also a great shooter, and compliment to Johnson. He is too skinny to bang even at 6'5" and he does a nice imitation of a matador on defense, but don't leave him open.  

I've always liked Dwyer. I don't think the Titans lose much, if anything, when he comes in for Rosenkranz. He could start at many schools, and i think if he wasn't a senior and was a Rose recruit, he'd be playing more.

Schick is a nice sub who doesn't necessarily do anything great, but lots well. He certainly won't hurt you, and is capable of valuable minutes.

Connolly almost looks skinny compared to last year. He must be down to 270-275. He was on a restricted diet, and it looks like its paid dividends. When he receives the ball, his tendency is to bull his way to the basket. He tends to draw a lot of contact, and has a deft touch from the line when fouled. I think ballet classes are next on the agenda.

Kevin Reed looks to have a ton of potential, and I woulldn't be surprised to see him become a team star in future years.

Lastly, lets remember this was just one scrimmage. We'll see how things pan out. Lots of potential here with one of IWU's greatest strengths being its depth.  

[dansand]

Dan---

Given Augie won the 1st half by only 2, and the 2nd by 20, it would appear to an outsider like me that the Loras starters might be pretty good, but that Augie has far superior depth. OR, did either the Loras starters play especially well and the Augie starters not up to par, or both?

I don't think you can look at it as starters vs. non-starters as both teams played a regular rotation in each half. Augie just didn't play particularly well in the first. They missed a bunch of layups and committed more fouls on defense than Coach G would like. I'm not sure what he told them between halves, but they really cranked up the pressure in the second half. I think it was something like 29-5 after the first 10 minutes.

I would definitely agree that Augie's depth really wore down Loras. Even with three frontcourt guys out, they we're still able to run waves of big guys at 'em. Like I said before, it certainly wasn't the same level of competition that they saw last Friday (I think Loras was picked for the middle of the pack in the IIAC), but still pretty encouraging, especially the way the young guys looked.

[Hardwood]

Vikes scrimmaged Loras tonight at Carver. Augie won both halves, 36-34 and 51-31. Starters were DeSimone, Pelton, Voiles, Norton and Nelson. Brandon Kunz, who didn't play at all with the varsity at Platteville, looked very good. I think he had about 15 points. Kyle Nelson was dominant inside--27 points and 11 boards, 12-17 from the field. He's a load.

Not nearly the level of competition they faced in the first scrimmage, but I think the second half was pretty encouraging. They were able to cause a lot of havoc defensively, especially in the second half. Augie forced 26 turnovers, had 18 steals and outrebounded Loras 47-29.

Offensively, they've really pounded it inside in both scrimmages. They went to the line 37 times tonight and attempted just four threes. In two scrimmages they've shot 65 free throws and attempted just 12 threes.

Dansand,
How did Norton look in tonight's scrimmage?  I am assuming like a CCIW frosh?!?

Dan---

Given Augie won the 1st half by only 2, and the 2nd by 20, it would appear to an outsider like me that the Loras starters might be pretty good, but that Augie has far superior depth. OR, did either the Loras starters play especially well and the Augie starters not up to par, or both?

Augie 22--

Norton looked very good this summer in Deerfield. I thought he played better than Kunz, and even Scarlata.
However, Mr. Norton won't win any popularity contests (not that that has anything to do with winning basketball games) as during the recruiting process last year he "played" some teams by feigning interest in them, causing a lot of wasted time and effort. I think he knew he was going to Augie all along, which is fine. I just wish he had been man enough to be more direct and honest with the other schools rather than wasting their time.

And One, I recommend a change of diet.  The "Spilled milk" and "Sour grapes" thing is getting old.

[AndOne]

And facts are facts Hardwood.
Is it too much to ask a kid just to be honest about his intentions? Why would you have a problem with that request. Isn't that how you would like to be treated??
And I don't like milk or grapes so there is no need for any cleanup on this end.

[Hardwood]

AO, the fact is that alot of parameters go into a 17-18 year old making a decision on a school.  Yes, maybe he wanted to go to Augustana all along but was unsure of financial aid or just wanted time to make a good decision.  At that point you have to keep other options open.  I don't know the situation closely, but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.

The bigger issue I have is you making disparaging remarks or airing out heresay about young men who have not chosen to go the Naperville route.  (Previous to this were your comments on Guzman at Carthage). 

[Gregory Sager]

(I think Loras was picked for the middle of the pack in the IIAC)

The Duhawks were picked to finish in a three-way tie for sixth in the nine-school IIAC -- in other words, next-to-last -- so it appears that the IIAC coaches are looking for a significant drop-off from a Duhawks program that has been one of the league's elite over the past five years, finishing (going backwards, starting with 2008-09) third, second, first, fourth, and second.

Of course, this is a preseason coaches poll we're talking about, and I didn't bother to check on the past accuracy of the IIAC braintrust.

[dansand]

(I think Loras was picked for the middle of the pack in the IIAC)

The Duhawks were picked to finish in a three-way tie for sixth in the nine-school IIAC -- in other words, next-to-last -- so it appears that the IIAC coaches are looking for a significant drop-off from a Duhawks program that has been one of the league's elite over the past five years, finishing (going backwards, starting with 2008-09) third, second, first, fourth, and second.

Of course, this is a preseason coaches poll we're talking about, and I didn't bother to check on the past accuracy of the IIAC braintrust.

Greg,
As I get older, my "middle" gets bigger, so now I consider the middle of a nine-team league to be anywhere from second to eighth. 

[Titan Q]

A nice story from the St. Louis Post Dispatch about Harry Statham.  Statham, in his 44th year as head coach at NAIA McKendree, is sitting on 999 career wins...

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/othersports/story/E234D7EE0097306B8625766C00163523?OpenDocument

Statham is Titan Hammer's uncle.  One has to wonder why the legendary coach decided not to recruit his 6-7 nephew out of powerhouse Lincoln H.S. in 1986-87.  (Hammer ended up accepting a ride to Tennessee Tech and later transferred to IWU.)  MT viewed as a "bad clubhouse guy"?  Questions about his academic profile?  Concerns he might only be 6-3 without the curly locks?  Standing next to Jack Sikma, and without the afro, Hammer certainly doesn't look any taller than 6-2...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/QSikmaMT1.JPG


McKendree, ranked #5 in NAIA I, faces East-West Friday evening...

http://athletics.mckendree.edu/index.asp?path=mbball&tab=mens

[Gregory Sager]

Greg,
As I get older, my "middle" gets bigger, so now I consider the middle of a nine-team league to be anywhere from second to eighth. 

Sound reasoning, Dan. I may borrow that one.

Standing next to Jack Sikma, and without the afro, Hammer certainly doesn't look any taller than 6-2...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/QSikmaMT1.JPG

It's hard to tell from that angle, but maybe the beer is causing him to fall backwards. Perhaps the verb "hammer" should be past tense as far as that picture is concerned.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Q, for any posters who don't know, you should probably identify that you are the 'midget' on the right in that photo!

(I figure I can get away with saying that since Q has still got me beat by several inches! )  It's like teasing my wife about her 'advanced age' when I'm 6 years older! )

[Gregory Sager]

For those who are interested in participating in this year's CCIW pick'em contest, the first week's slate of games is now posteed in the CCIW pick'em room. Everybody is welcome to participate! Just be sure to get your initial picks in by Sunday afternoon at 1 pm Central, which is when the first games of the year will be tipped off.

Let's see if we can dethrone "football guy" USee and get a basketball-oriented fan to win this season's pick'em title.

[augie22]

Just to put a little closure to Mr. Norton's college decision.  He did what I would think is what more young men should do.  He simply gathered facts, took visits and made a decision that was best for him.  In all college recruiting situations there is a win/lose.  You cannot blame a kid for making a decision one way or another.

[AndOne]

Just to put a little closure to Mr. Norton's college decision.  He did what I would think is what more young men should do.  He simply gathered facts, took visits and made a decision that was best for him.  In all college recruiting situations there is a win/lose.  You cannot blame a kid for making a decision one way or another.

Augie---

No blame inferred or given. A kid should always go where it feels right.

[titanhammer]

Statham is Titan Hammer's uncle.  One has to wonder why the legendary coach decided not to recruit his 6-7 nephew out of powerhouse Lincoln H.S. in 1986-87.  

There's a reason he's won 999 games.  One of the things I do like is that he's about the exact opposite on the sideline as some former and current CCIW coaches.  There is no yelling or stamping of the feet.