Mahoning Valley teams in 09-10

• cmhs_pride

  Anybody hear the Campbell/ Hubbard score from last night?? I was busy answering the wants and needs of a 2 and a half week old and did not hear it.
  
  I hope this forum continues to grow because I definitely do not want to go back to jjhuddle. Very hard at times to get basketball scores on here, but it is in its early stages of development so that is understandable.
• GoPens

  

  sportsforlife wrote: Salem over Girard in a very physical battle. I can understand one "questionable" ref but three? It was unbelievably bad for both teams. Good job Quakers!!

  61 foul shots. Zzzzzzz....
• GoPens

  

  cmhs_pride wrote: Anybody hear the Campbell/ Hubbard score from last night?? I was busy answering the wants and needs of a 2 and a half week old and did not hear it.
  
  I hope this forum continues to grow because I definitely do not want to go back to jjhuddle. Very hard at times to get basketball scores on here, but it is in its early stages of development so that is understandable.

  Campbell 84-78
• bulldog8

  cmhs pride....here's the vindy article I found online this morning.
  
  Published: Sat, January 16, 2010 @ 12:10 a.m.
  
  The Red Devils made 18 of 19 free throws to hold off Hubbard for the 84-78 victory.
  
  By JOHN BASSETTI
  
  VindicaTOR SPORTS STAFF
  
  HUBBARD — There are no guarantees in life, especially in the last three minutes of a basketball game.
  
  Having just tied the game, 64-64, on two of four free throws following a shooting foul and a pair of technicals, Hubbard was in position to make its case against visiting Campbell Memorial in the final 3:28.
  
  But the Red Devils proceeded to sink 18 of 19 free throws to win, 84-78.
  
  Case closed.
  
  “We were fortunate to shoot well from the foul line,” Campbell coach Brian Danilov understated.
  
  Nate Hodge sank 7 of 8, Claxton Lebron made 6 of 6 and Jerah’me Williams converted 5 of 5 during the sequence of a game that, previously, saw no margin greater than seven.
  
  Williams had a game-high 27 points, while Mike Lopuchovsky led Hubbard’s balanced scoring with 20 points.
  
  “I told them in the locker room that we worked so hard to tie it up,” Hubbard coach Rick Fox said, “then the next three possessions we had a travel, a missed layup and we turned the ball over. They came down, and, next thing you know, we’re down seven.”
  
  Fox agreed that the Eagles (6-3, 0-0 AAC White) were capable of finishing off the Red Devils (6-3, 2-0 Blue).
  
  “I thought we had the momentum, if we could have finished there,” the coach said of the 3:28 mark. “I told them before the game that we’ve got to be strong with the basketball and we’ve got to finish [take it to the hole]. During those possessions, we weren’t strong and we didn’t finish.”
  
  Campbell finished 23 of 25 at the line and the Red Devils also made a respectable 28 of 51 goals.
  
  But, Hubbard was just as strong from the field — hitting 32 of 55 goals, but sank fewer free throws: 11 of 18.
  
  Still, it was a close game — until the final three minutes.
  
  “Luckily, our better foul shooters were getting to the line and we were getting some of the 50/50 [loose and tipped] balls,” Danilov said of the factors that put Campbell over the top.
  
  “I think they [Eagles] were getting them the first half, then we started getting them in the second half.”
  
  In addition to Williams’ scoring, Danilov credited his players’ poise.
  
  “We had some guys in foul trouble who didn’t lose their heads. Earlier in the year, we started getting too frustrated and lost our heads. So I think we’re learning to handle that better.”
  
  Also for the winners, Lester Hughes had 17 points, Lebron 16 and Hodge 14.
  
  Likewise, three Hubbard players had 19 points apiece: Drummond, Tyler Loveless and Chase Meyers.
  
  Campbell sub Richard Bledsoe landed on his back twice while attempting to retrieve rebounds.
  
  “He plays with a lot of energy and contests,” Danilov said of the 6-1 junior. “He got hurt, but he’s a Campbell kid; he’s supposed to be able to get hurt.”
  
  The coach also praised Hubbard point guard Kory Hopkinson, Drummond and Lopuchovsky.
  
  “Boy, does he play hard at both ends,” Danilov said of Lopuchovsky, a 6-1 junior who also had 11 rebounds to achieve his fourth double-double of the season.
  
  Drummond weighed in about the Red Devils.
  
  “We knew they were an athletic team. It was a foot-race and we knew it was going to come down to the defensive end. We’re both good offensive teams, but they came down and hustled more.”
  
  In the first half, Drummond had a show going with three consecutive dunks and a 3-point goal.
  
  “I try to distribute to my team, but we also try to get the ball and run. I was fortunate enough to have opportunities during that stretch.”
• cmhs_pride

  Thanks Bulldogs 8. Glad to see the Devils play hard and play together. That was one of those games that could go either way. I see maybe two more on their schedule. Other than that...the Devils have to stay focused and not get cocky. If they do....the districts could bite them.
• sonnyblack

  Well Pride, we will see if Labrae is a legitimate contender for the Blue title this coming friday when they come to Campbell. (No game scheduled for the Devils on tuesday).
• bulldog8

  Fatimus keys balanced attack as Poland issues royal beating
  
  Published: Sun, January 17, 2010 @ 12:00 a.m.By Joe Scalzo
  
  POLAND — Inside the Poland locker room after Saturday’s 85-60 win over Streetsboro, several Bulldog players sang along with the hip-hop song playing overhead while donning Burger King crowns on their heads.
  
  “We had to get our crown back,” said senior Luke Wollet, smiling.
  
  Ten months removed from a heartbreaking loss to the Rockets in the district final, this year’s Bulldogs are looser, closer and even more talented.
  
  Most importantly, they’re better.
  
  “Hubbard kind of stole our mystique last year,” said Poland coach Ken Grisdale, referring to an 81-78 loss to the Eagles last January that set the tone for a disappointing season. “Then Streetsboro stole our crown.”
  
  Looking out of his offices at the Burger King crowns, Grisdale shrugged and said, “You’ve always got to use your angles to motivate.”
  
  For all of the talent on last year’s team, it was still a junior-heavy roster that never quite resolved the individual vs. team dynamic. Wollet has admitted as much.
  
  “This year feels different,” he said. “I’m sure it looks different, too.”
  
  At times last winter, Grisdale lost sleep worrying that the most talented class of his tenure would fall short of its potential.
  
  Not this year.
  
  “I said this year, ‘I’m not going to worry about it. I’m just going to do the best I can.’ ”
  
  The Bulldogs (8-0) dominated Streetsboro from the start on Saturday, opening a 27-14 lead after one quarter and leading by as many as 31 down the stretch.
  
  The Rockets (6-2) lost four key players to graduation and another returning starter to a back injury, but after getting two talented transfers, they’re still pretty good. But while Streetsboro’s guards did OK against Poland’s pressure, it had no one to finish near the basket.
  
  “Any time you come in here against a Poland team, you know you’re going to get a great look against a great team, a well-coached team that’s going to bring a lot of pressure at you,” said Streetsboro coach Todd Muckleroy. “That’s good for our kids to see.
  
  “Win or lose, it’s a win situation for us.”
  
  Leon Hedgepeth scored 17 to lead Streetsboro, while Ben Gency scored 13 with seven rebounds and four assists.
  
  Senior Niko Fatimus scored 18 points to lead Poland, which managed to score 85 points while shooting just 33 of 77 from the field.
  
  “That’s the worst we shot all year,” said Grisdale. “But we played hard and we competed.
  
  “I’m very pleased with the effort.”
  
  Senior David Baker added 14 points and seven rebounds and junior Darius Patton had 14 points off the bench.
  
  Wollet, meanwhile, had four steals, three assists and two rebounds but scored just two points due to foul trouble.
  
  “It wasn’t my night,” he said, shrugging. “It was someone else’s night. That’s why we have 12 guys.”
  
  Grisdale did play a 12-man rotation with 10 different players scoring, experimenting with different lineups in the second half. He’s still discovering what works best.
  
  “I still have to figure out how to put all the pieces together,” said Grisdale, who has led three Poland teams to the state semifinals. “In the second half, I was mixing and matching more than I usually do.
  
  “The chemistry is getting better. We’re far from where I think we can be.
  
  “But I like the path we’re on.”
  
  [email protected]
• BigDean1

  

  sonnyblack wrote: Well Pride, we will see if Labrae is a legitimate contender for the Blue title this coming friday when they come to Campbell. (No game scheduled for the Devils on tuesday).

  Hopefully I can make this one. Work committments have caused me to miss a few games this season.
• gyea36

  anyone know when fred williams will be back for harding?
• wgh raider

  i guess we will find out tonight in boardman. ive heard alot of different takes on whats up??
• sports_talk

  bulldog8 wrote: cmhs pride....here's the vindy article I found online this morning.
  
  Published: Sat, January 16, 2010 @ 12:10 a.m.
  
  The Red Devils made 18 of 19 free throws to hold off Hubbard for the 84-78 victory.
  
  By JOHN BASSETTI
  
  VindicaTOR SPORTS STAFF
  
  HUBBARD — There are no guarantees in life, especially in the last three minutes of a basketball game.
  
  Having just tied the game, 64-64, on two of four free throws following a shooting foul and a pair of technicals, Hubbard was in position to make its case against visiting Campbell Memorial in the final 3:28.
  
  But the Red Devils proceeded to sink 18 of 19 free throws to win, 84-78.
  
  Case closed.
  
  “We were fortunate to shoot well from the foul line,” Campbell coach Brian Danilov understated.
  
  Nate Hodge sank 7 of 8, Claxton Lebron made 6 of 6 and Jerah’me Williams converted 5 of 5 during the sequence of a game that, previously, saw no margin greater than seven.
  
  Williams had a game-high 27 points, while Mike Lopuchovsky led Hubbard’s balanced scoring with 20 points.
  
  “I told them in the locker room that we worked so hard to tie it up,” Hubbard coach Rick Fox said, “then the next three possessions we had a travel, a missed layup and we turned the ball over. They came down, and, next thing you know, we’re down seven.”
  
  Fox agreed that the Eagles (6-3, 0-0 AAC White) were capable of finishing off the Red Devils (6-3, 2-0 Blue).
  
  “I thought we had the momentum, if we could have finished there,” the coach said of the 3:28 mark. “I told them before the game that we’ve got to be strong with the basketball and we’ve got to finish [take it to the hole]. During those possessions, we weren’t strong and we didn’t finish.”
  
  Campbell finished 23 of 25 at the line and the Red Devils also made a respectable 28 of 51 goals.
  
  But, Hubbard was just as strong from the field — hitting 32 of 55 goals, but sank fewer free throws: 11 of 18.
  
  Still, it was a close game — until the final three minutes.
  
  “Luckily, our better foul shooters were getting to the line and we were getting some of the 50/50 [loose and tipped] balls,” Danilov said of the factors that put Campbell over the top.
  
  “I think they [Eagles] were getting them the first half, then we started getting them in the second half.”
  
  In addition to Williams’ scoring, Danilov credited his players’ poise.
  
  “We had some guys in foul trouble who didn’t lose their heads. Earlier in the year, we started getting too frustrated and lost our heads. So I think we’re learning to handle that better.”
  
  Also for the winners, Lester Hughes had 17 points, Lebron 16 and Hodge 14.
  
  Likewise, three Hubbard players had 19 points apiece: Drummond, Tyler Loveless and Chase Meyers.
  
  Campbell sub Richard Bledsoe landed on his back twice while attempting to retrieve rebounds.
  
  “He plays with a lot of energy and contests,” Danilov said of the 6-1 junior. “He got hurt, but he’s a Campbell kid; he’s supposed to be able to get hurt.”
  
  The coach also praised Hubbard point guard Kory Hopkinson, Drummond and Lopuchovsky.
  
  “Boy, does he play hard at both ends,” Danilov said of Lopuchovsky, a 6-1 junior who also had 11 rebounds to achieve his fourth double-double of the season.
  
  Drummond weighed in about the Red Devils.
  
  “We knew they were an athletic team. It was a foot-race and we knew it was going to come down to the defensive end. We’re both good offensive teams, but they came down and hustled more.”
  
  In the first half, Drummond had a show going with three consecutive dunks and a 3-point goal.
  
  “I try to distribute to my team, but we also try to get the ball and run. I was fortunate enough to have opportunities during that stretch.”

  MY TEAM. Boy these kids watch LeBron way to much. I swear there is not one player on the planet that owns a team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• CardsFlyinHigh

  Canfield 96, Poland 89 . Great win Cards.
• SQ_Crazies

  

  ^Wow...now THAT is a real rivalry.
• cmhs_pride

  How about that sold out Poland vs. Canfield game. Wow.
  
  Campbell slips past Labrae to remain undefeated in their tier. Don't know how good Labrae is, but my buddy who was at the game texted me that this is not one of the better Labrae teams. I am starting to wonder whether or not this is not one of the better Campbell teams as well.
• QuakerOats

  And once again, Salem's coach was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a loss to Struthers.
  Somebody please .................... beam me up.
• bulldog8

  Great win for the Cards....They always come to play vs Poland and deserve much praise for their performance last night. To this point, I really didn't think Poland would see much resistance in the Mahoning Valley area, but I love to be proved wrong. Canfield always has someone step up and have a huge night.....last year it was Podolsky, this year it was Hoezel with 40+ points. Congratulations again to the Cardinals and best of luck the rest of the season (at least until you meet the Dogs again) Dogs need to regroup and get back to work - they needed a true test like this to realize they have yet to reach their full potential.
• CardsFlyinHigh

  As hard as the players worked, I think the main factor is coaching. Cullen may be the best in the valley and got his team ready and put them in position to suceed and knock off one of the top 5 D2 teams in the state.
  
  A side note, this is why Canfield/Poland is THE best rivalry in the valley. While Ursuline/Mooney might be more on the football side, the Battle of 224 is always this intense and compeitive in all sports. Looking forward to the rematch but sad thinking that we won't get a third match in the tournament.
• CardsFlyinHigh

  As for the Salem/Struthers game, I don't know why Salem stopped getting the ball inside to Toothman after he dominated the first half, but Klucinec didnt shoot 6-of-16 from the line and he didnt start throwing the ball away during key possessions down the stretch.
  
  However, I will give you that they waited way to long to take shots with the game on the line at the end
• sports_talk

  Kice win Cards. Bobby knight's fundamentals of defensive basketball surely does not exist on 224.
• cmhs_pride

  Can't argue the Poland vs. Canfield rivalry. When you are selling out the game....and the way that one went down the other night.....just can't argue. Just another example of why playing within the Valley will always be better then playing teams 100 miles away. More for football than basketball, but nonetheless, rivalries happen in your own backyard. At the high school level anyway.
  
  What are some records out there. I believe the Devils are 8-3 and 4-0 in conference.
• BigDean1

  

  This may be the year where Campbell Memorial does not win the Salem district. The Red Devils have four very good players in Williams, Hughes, Lebron, and Hodge. But they really lack a consistent inside game.
  Doug Jones is a senior but is basically just a first year starter. Letlow is just a sophomore and is very raw, although he will be a nice player by the time he is a senior. I am also wondering as to why the Red Devils have just an 18 game schedule this season. sonnyblack made a very good point to me at the LaBrae game last Friday. Campbell often is playing just one game per week. And it's tough to get into a consistent rhythm. There may be a perfectly legitimate reason as to why Campbell is playing just 18 games. But if there isn't, the AD needs to get it together to make sure a full schedule of 20 games is played next season. If there was no trip to the Ironton tournament this season, would Campbell be playing just 16 games???
• sports_talk

  BigD, I can not think of any reason why they can't get 20 games like everyone else. Something is fishy in the Mahoning River"
• cmhs_pride

  You know now that you have me thinking about it...I am starting to get annoyed. Why in the hell are there not 20 games on that schedule? How in the world can you be in a conference with 18 teams or so and not be able to schedule 20 games.....especially when half your games are already there for you? You play 5 teams twice....that is TEN games given to you.
  
  You mean to tell me that the upper tier is that afraid to play Campbell at Campbell??? I want to believe that is not the case and it is plain laziness on the part of scheduling. I know a few teams don't want to come to Campbell where there is murder and violence on a daily basis..........ummmm....yea O.K..........but you mean to tell me that all teams in the other two tiers refused to play us? Really?
  
  
  Whoa....gotta go.....gun shots are flying over the top of my house.
• QuakerOats

  CardsFlyinHigh wrote: As for the Salem/Struthers game, I don't know why Salem stopped getting the ball inside to Toothman after he dominated the first half, but Klucinec didnt shoot 6-of-16 from the line and he didnt start throwing the ball away during key possessions down the stretch.
  
  However, I will give you that they waited way to long to take shots with the game on the line at the end

  Not only did they stop going inside to Toothman who was completely unstoppable in there; they also went back to the 2-3 zone for the entire second half and promptly gave up 40 points as opposed to the 15 in the first half when they were getting after them in a man. And as for the poor shooting, maybe we should be shooting a hundred foul shots a day per man instead of lifting weights --- I think that is nuts. And there is plenty more ........................................................... incredibly frustrating.
• SQ_Crazies

  

  Any coach who switches to zone after giving up 15 points in man in the 1st half is bound to be labelled a moron.