MBB: Northwest Conference

[NWCer]

Yes OxyBob, Krauel is very good, those three are as good as a trio that I've seen in this league.  He's masquerading as a 6th man, says a lot about that kid being willing to come off the bench when he could easily start, and star, for any team in this conference, including his own.

[LogShow]

I'm happy for Whitworth and our conference Logshow and I hope they keep going, but you know I'm already looking forward to next year!!

After seeing UPS at Pacific early in the year, I still go away saying Williams and Foster (along with Symes) are probably the two most gifted players in the league, just a different type of player and athlete, and then you throw in Krauel, and they will be losing a TON after next season and I just wasn't as sure about the younger guys on the team, if they can match that.  And they've been 11-5 the last two years WITH those 3, do they get better, stay the same, get worse?  Just food for thought.

let me chew on that one for a bit...

Logshow, you still chewing??

Alright all finished...that was some tough steak!


In a sense I am a bit worried about UPS.  It is a bit confusing and difficult to understand why the true potential of this logger team has not come to fruition.  What has this group of soon to be seniors accomplished at UPS in their 3 years?  

They have won a conference title and made it to the elite 8 their freshman year.  Granted that Williams and Foster both started and played a significant amount of mins, but that team was driven by McVey, Curtiss, along with a much less talented goup(one without any Jrs on the roster).  They just rode the coat tails.  With that great experience as freshman, one would think that class would be polished and have a lot of court savvy.  Yet in each of the past two seasons the loggers have floundered in the second round of league finishing with a .500 record and 11-5 overall in league.  It is a bit concerning since UPS has tons of talent.  

Foster and Williams are probably 2 of the top 4 players in the league, with Kraul not far behind.  But talent doesn't equate to success.  Overall the two things that stick out most are the lack of defense and rebounding.  UPS seemed to vamp down their pressure and pressing this year, but still got out of position leading to easy penetration, allowing  teams to shoot way too high a %.  Rebounding as a whole was ok, but it seemed like every critical posession wheter it be in the 1st or 2nd half wasn't secured.

As far as the younger players...I am not too sure, but I would expect them to step up and contribute.  Most of the younger players didn't see much time except Boyce and Koach, so its tough to judge.  I thought Gehring looked pretty good the few times he got in, being very aggressive and putting the ball in the hoop, and Wright might have some potential as a shot blocker.  Levine knocked down a few 3's.

It kind of seems like UPS is at a crossroad.  And next year will have a huge impact on what way they go.

[NWCer]

Thanks Logshow, that's a great analysis, very objective too, impressive especially knowing you bleed the maroon (or is it brown?).  I couldn't come close to breaking down my Boxers like that (other than your Loggers owned them this year).  Didn't even realize they were 4-4 during the second round of league this year, as well as last year, throw in 1-2 in the NWC playoffs and there sub .500 after the turn, very surprising.  A crossroads may be right, Lunt seems like a bright young coach, so them coming out of it positively is likely. 

[LogShow]

Thanks Logshow, that's a great analysis, very objective too, impressive especially knowing you bleed the maroon (or is it brown?).  I couldn't come close to breaking down my Boxers like that (other than your Loggers owned them this year).  Didn't even realize they were 4-4 during the second round of league this year, as well as last year, throw in 1-2 in the NWC playoffs and there sub .500 after the turn, very surprising.  A crossroads may be right, Lunt seems like a bright young coach, so them coming out of it positively is likely. 

I almost wish I bled Brown and Gold ...that way I could say "we deliever" but unfortunately the Logs haven't the past two years. 

Last year was understandable, they were a very young team and those things happen, you don't like to see them...but they do happen.  This year was tough to stomach, since this team returned everyone and should have some great experience and court savvy.  Like I said next year will be huge for those soon to be senior's "legacy"


I am of course partial to UPS and will always support and pull for them...but I feel like its important to take an objective look at things.  Especially when things haven't been going UPS' way.  Its easy to get caught up in the hype, but there needs to be a little substance for proof. 

I have every confidence that Lunt will get the Loggers back on track.

[LogShow]

Also NWCer,

You are almost to starter status...keep up the good posts!

[bbaddict]

Logs, I think you're being too hard on your team.  UPS dominated for a couple of years (with Bridgeland as their coach) but NWC is an extremely competitive conference, where on any given night, any team can win.   I might be mistaken, but didn't the Loggers have some pretty close contests?

Remember, this year we had Whitworth at 1st, UPS at 2nd and four teams tied for 3rd place -- not an easy win on any night!

[LogShow]

Logs, I think you're being too hard on your team.  UPS dominated for a couple of years (with Bridgeland as their coach) but NWC is an extremely competitive conference, where on any given night, any team can win.   I might be mistaken, but didn't the Loggers have some pretty close contests?

Remember, this year we had Whitworth at 1st, UPS at 2nd and four teams tied for 3rd place -- not an easy win on any night!

Maybe, that could very well be.  My response would be: with success comes expectations.  Each time UPS won the league the expectations of them increased.  I would admit that the bar is set very high for them...But that's the causation of a successful program.

I would have to agree that is definately is much more parody in the NWC this year.  Not really sure why.  Maybe all the other teams have just started recuriting better players like WW and UPS.  I like it though...makes for an interesting league.

[Pio20]

Logs, I think you're being too hard on your team.  UPS dominated for a couple of years (with Bridgeland as their coach) but NWC is an extremely competitive conference, where on any given night, any team can win.   I might be mistaken, but didn't the Loggers have some pretty close contests?

Remember, this year we had Whitworth at 1st, UPS at 2nd and four teams tied for 3rd place -- not an easy win on any night!

Maybe, that could very well be.  My response would be: with success comes expectations.  Each time UPS won the league the expectations of them increased.  I would admit that the bar is set very high for them...But that's the causation of a successful program.

I would have to agree that is definately is much more parody in the NWC this year.  Not really sure why.  Maybe all the other teams have just started recuriting better players like WW and UPS.  I like it though...makes for an interesting league.

LogShow I have nothing but respect for you...but http://www.d-e-f-i-n-i-t-e-l-y.com/ 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Pio20,

Not wishing to be a 'parody' of your post,  but you could correct 'definitely' without even noticing the substitute for 'parity'?!

Apologies to you both for being a pedant.

[bbaddict]

I wondered why Pio was being selective about his spelling correction, but I thought it was fashionable when texting or messaging to use shortened words and wrong spellings.

Anyway Logs, we knew what you meant!

[bbaddict]

We really need something new to talk about. . . So, is Whitworth going to win over Wheaton?

[NWCer]

Definite is one of those tough ones.........  Along with receive (i before e except after c) and Wednesday, I'm just glad microsoft word finishes that day for me as soon as I hit W-E-D........

Got your back Logs.....

[NWCer]

We really need something new to talk about. . . So, is Whitworth going to win over Wheaton?

Yes!!!  Let's go NWC, two trips to the Elite 8 in three years for our conference would be huge...........

[Pio20]

Pio20,

Not wishing to be a 'parody' of your post,  but you could correct 'definitely' without even noticing the substitute for 'parity'?!

Apologies to you both for being a pedant.

ooh I didn't even see that. Misspelled words don't bother me that much really. I'm no English major. Just poking a little fun at Logs. 

But yes I think a win over Wheaton would be big. I feel like one West team winning over another West team doesn't do much for the West's reputation. But with every win over an East team (or close enough) we gain a little more respect.

[NWCer]

Pio20,

Not wishing to be a 'parody' of your post,  but you could correct 'definitely' without even noticing the substitute for 'parity'?!

Apologies to you both for being a pedant.

ooh I didn't even see that. Misspelled words don't bother me that much really. I'm no English major. Just poking a little fun at Logs. 

But yes I think a win over Wheaton would be big. I feel like one West team winning over another West team doesn't do much for the West's reputation. But with every win over an East team (or close enough) we gain a little more respect.

Agreed, let's get it done