MBB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[sac]

I'll echo what FDF said about Hope playing well in the first half, it was pretty close to domination, after UDM made their first 3 shots all mid-range jumpers it was 40-18 Hope and there was nothing flukey about it (except maybe the 3pt shooting.)

With that said though UDM's big guys were pretty lazy, and they made no strong effort to post Hope up down low.  Where UDM could and did eventually beat Hope was at the gaurd position.

The defense early really wasn't bad from either team, but with about 3 minutes to go in the first half UDM realized they had to start putting in a better effort.   Simply put from that point on Hope could not stop Jon Goode, and Goode was willing to defend anyone at the other end.  Several times he ended up on Reimink, Klein and Wolfe.  Honestly he singlehandidly beat Hope tonight, and I don't think its too bold to say that without him Hope might have won this one easily.  Goode also had the best looking mohawk in the gym.

Hope went a long stretch of the second half without scoring or really even getting off a FG attempt.   The difference in getting off shots vs D3 competition and D1 was evident most of the night.  UDM kind of played big bully on the playground for a few minutes while Hope had a lineup on the floor that had scored exactly 1 point among them and had 2 or 3 Fr. on the floor.  This little defensive stretch closed a gap Hope was keeping open and from that point on Hope couldn't stop the Titans.


The point looks solid with VanSolkema, Carter and Bosch.  Although Carter showed no scoring threat tonight and of the Fr. probably struggled the most.  Bosch however was very surprising at both ends.

The two gaurd with Wolfe and Tanis also solid.   Wolfe was terrific in the first half, but UDM locked him down in the second.  Tanis shot the ball like a Freshman playing his first college game, but other than that looked comfortable.

The forward slots look, well, like a bunch of clones.  All 6-4 to 6-5, not built solid but long.  Klein I thought might have been the best player on the floor for Hope tonight.  Kratz looks a bit stronger, Sharples played some and looks very comfortable in a varsity uniform (he'll be this years Kratz).  Will Bowser looks like he's jumping standing still, could very well be a Ryan Klein type player not sure we saw all his weapons tonight.   Dan Holt, Scott Glaser and Zach Osburn will all contribute.  Osborne looks improved and much more comfortable as a ballplayer.  I think Hope's interior guys,  Klein, Holt, Reimink, Osburn deserve some credit for standing up to the taller more athletic big guys, even if UDM didn't really feature them.  I think all of them for UDM were in foul trouble.

I'm really interested to see this team against D3 level competition.  I didn't see anything tonight to make me think Hope will be a great deal better or worse than last season.  But, I saw enough to know they'll be right in the hunt, and they have some things to work on.........and they missed Marcus

[sac]

Other thoughts


Detroit finished 11-19 and 8th in the Horizon League last season.  The league features  Wright State, Loyola, UW-Green Bay, Youngstown, Illinois-Chicago, UW-Milwaukee and Cleveland State.  It seems one or two of these teams gives someone a headache in the NCAA's every year.  But I really have no idea how this conference stacks up.  I imagine Detroit was picked in the bottom 3rd.

I do think that without  Cotten and Goode there's a good chance UDM is a pretty poor D1 team in 2008.  If I had to choose between UDM and GVSU, I think I'd take GVSU.


I can't imagine Hope seeing a better player than Goode, he was simply a man amongst boys, including his own team.  He just put his team on his back, I think every offensive and defensive play involved him in 2nd half.

Not only was UDM missing Cotton but they are relying heaviliy on transfers from the JUCO ranks this season.   They didn't have a lot of team chemistry and it showed, but they sure picked up the defense in the second half.


Lastly Callahan Hall is a terrific gym, I can imagine its glory days of full houses are long gone, but it sure looked like the crowd would be right on top of you.  Pretty steep seating.


.....and the old lady at the corner looks sad.  I haven't seen Tiger Stadium since around 1992.  Sure brought back some great memories though, you could almost smell it.  Still can't believe Gibby hit the lumberyard, man what a shot.

[Gregory Sager]

If you love basketball, what possible downside could there be to playing and/or coaching it overseas?

None of mom's home-cooked meals!

Ouch, CCM. Since my mom is the world's greatest cook, that one scored a hit.

[hornet fan]

Stinger, I always appreciate your insights on MI HS bball and the college scene in general.  Thanks for the motivation to return to the board.  My participation will be limited, as I do not live in Michigan anymore and seeing MIAA games becomes difficult. 
PicknRoll, glad to see we have another Hornet follower.  I agree with the assessment that PicknRoll provided.  Clancy, Kellogg, McCain is a nice nucleus.  Hopefully, some of the others will step up.  If so, the Hornets could finish third through fifth.  Here is to eternal optimism...
To all, good luck this season.

[ChicagoHopeNut]

Thanks to SAC and FDF for the report from last night's game. I am very glad to hear that neither MVH or Canan were hurt and only missed the game due to precautions over a flu. Its also great Sharples is back on the floor already. Sounds like Hope put forth a good effort and had a good experience by being forced to see Goode. I am looking forward to the season!

[veragrace]

Does anyone know definite times for "Meet the Dutch/Dutchmen"?

[academy1]

Kalamazoo will start out with a pretty tough test in a scrimmage vs. Hillsdale College. I know Hillsdale played Central Michigan pretty tough, so hopefully Kalamazoo can keep the trend going of knocking off or playing tight with a higher division team.

The Hornets then head out to Wheaton College next Friday.  I know Wheaton has Kent Raymond returning so I am hoping someone can keep him contained, because without a hand in his face it's lights out.  I am planning on making it to the games next weekend, so hopefully there will be some other Hornet alums in attendance.

A big question mark for the Hornets will be to see who can handle the PG spot for them this year.  I know Ben Jerome and some freshman will be battling for the job, hopefully one of them can step up and take control of the spot from the get-go.  Another question is what happens to the 5-spot when Kellogg gets into foul trouble or needs a break.  K is already undersized with him at the 5, but there is not another true 5-man on the roster.  Could cause for some match-up problems if they move McCain to the 5, but on the other hand that would make for a small lineup.  I guess we will see soon enough.

[almcguirejr]

Other thoughts


I can't imagine Hope seeing a better player than Goode, he was simply a man amongst boys, including his own team.  He just put his team on his back, I think every offensive and defensive play involved him in 2nd half.

I thought DVS being a fifth year, former DI, point guard would be able to compete with these fellas.

[hope1]

meet the dutchmen is at  12.00  or 12.30  the girls go at  10.00 

[NW Hope Fan]

Other thoughts


I can't imagine Hope seeing a better player than Goode, he was simply a man amongst boys, including his own team.  He just put his team on his back, I think every offensive and defensive play involved him in 2nd half.

I thought DVS being a fifth year, former DI, point guard would be able to compete with these fellas.

You said it not us...

[HopeConvert]

If you love basketball, what possible downside could there be to playing and/or coaching it overseas?

None of mom's home-cooked meals!

Ouch, CCM. Since my mom is the world's greatest cook, that one scored a hit.

My mom's cooking was part of the reason I couldn't wait to go to college. Cafeteria food was like dinner at the Four Seasons.

[sac]

I thought DVS being a fifth year, former DI, point guard would be able to compete with these fellas.

13 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 turnover in 27 minutes.....just didn't shoot the ball well.  He competed fine.

[almcguirejr]

I thought DVS being a fifth year, former DI, point guard would be able to compete with these fellas.

13 pts, 4 rebounds, 1 turnover in 27 minutes.....just didn't shoot the ball well.  He competed fine.

I thought with his experience he would be able to handle someone like Goode.

[sac]

Well it wasn't like dropping 20 on Calvin which for DVS seems to be easy.  There aren't many, if any in D3  who could handle Goode's quickness.

I don't know what your beef is with DVS and his family, maybe they stiffed your kid at Halloween to many times, but he played fine.

[almcguirejr]

Well it wasn't like dropping 20 on Calvin which for DVS seems to be easy.  There aren't many, if any in D3  who could handle Goode's quickness.

I don't know what your beef is with DVS and his family, maybe they stiffed your kid at Halloween to many times, but he played fine.

I see your thin skin is back in midseason form.