Sunday, January 27, 2013

A Crossroads for Pitt basketball.

                 The Pitt Panthers basketball team sits at a very curious place at this point in time. Pitt has raced out to a 17-4 (5-3) Big East start. That alone for most teams would be good enough, but for Pitt it certainly leaves some doubt. Pitt basketball is far away from being a North Carolina or Kansas, but over the past ten years, Pitt has had quite a ride. The Panthers were at or near the top of the ultra competitive Big East for quite some time, and often found themselves ranked in the nation's top 25. 2011-12 came along and the expectations were just as high with a preseason top ten ranking, all for Pitt to flop to a below mediocre season. The NIT did not even want the Panthers. It was a total disaster, which brings us back to the question at hand, How good is this Pitt team?

            It is certainly at a crossroads to decide where Pitt is this season. Could they be the Panthers that were a perennial top ten team for so long, or the CBI Panthers? At this point it is hard to say. They beat Georgetown and Villanova on the road by double digits, and took the #1 team in Michigan down to the wire, but they have also lost to Rutgers and needed a double digit comeback against Oakland University. This week will say a good bit about where the teams stands. The Panthers will take on Louisville in a nationally televised Big Monday showdown. The Cardinals are a top 25 team that is struggling, but are already calling Pitt a "must win" game. Louisville has owned Pitt of late, but could their struggles be a sign of weakness? Pitt could certainly take advantage on Monday night. Pitt has the talent and the depth to be a top tier team in the Big East. Freshman Center, Steven Adams, has been showing flashes of brilliance of late. He will be going up against a very good Louisville Center in Gorgui Dieng. Trey Zeigler has really turned it on of late, and is becoming a serious scoring threat, can he keep it going against the tough pressure by Peyton Siva and Russ Smith? All of these questions, along with many others, will be answered Monday night.


            Syracuse on Saturday is another massive test. The Orange are certainly regarded as a top ten team, even after losing to Villanova Saturday. They have incredible length, and talent. Pitt has fared well against Syracuse through the years, but Saturday is a very important game. Pitt will either be looking to avoid back to back losses, or take command of the conference's top slot. Pitt will have the benefit of a rowdy Petersen Events Center to aid in that one.


            This season was certainly supposed to be a bounce back year. They have more talent and  experience than the Pitt team of last year. Still, doubt has to be in everyone's mind. They have last season still lingering, and some questionable performances this season. Pitt does not need to win both of the games, actually they technically could lose both and still be fine. Although, Pitt does need to show they are back on the map. They cannot flop against these teams. It is not so much national perception, but rather perception within the locker room. They can get the Pitt swagger back in the matter of a week.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Just a typical night in the LHAC: Wednesday 1-23

                    The Laurel Highlands has almost certainly been asserted itself into being the best league for boys basketball in the region. There can be as many as eight teams from this league making it to some level of postseason play, with almost all of them being able to contend for a championship. Last weekend, it was
"Showdown Friday", and for good reason. Bishop McCort narrowly escaped the Johnstown Trojans at home, and Bishop Carroll earned a hard fought road win at Penn Cambria. Those victories propelled each team to the top of their sections, but it may be a short stay. This league is filled parity, and each night is turning into a battle. Let's take a look at some of the big games in the LHAC this Wednesday.


-- Richland at Bishop Guilfoyle- Richland enters this game with a 7-5 record, but they still remain a threat in this league. They scored a huge upset over Bishop McCort last week, and it put other teams on high alert. The Rams have three pretty reliable scoring threats with Kyle Flick, Matt Shaffer, and Aaron Miller. The Rams aren't great outside shooters, but they have a strong, physical team that can keep opposing teams out of sorts. The Rams are not going to outscore a lot of teams with their offense, but they can certainly slow the game to their pace. Bishop Guilfoyle is riding a six game winning streak as a part of their 10-2 record. They knocked off previously unbeaten, Bellwood-Antis, on the road last week. That win along with some key wins over McCort and Cambria Heights have the Marauders playing with a world of confidence. Brandon Drenning and company have been shooting it well lately. BG has certainly let it be known they will be a force to be reckoned with in the class A playoffs.

Outlook- Bishop Guilfoyle is a very difficult gym for opponents to conquer. The Marauders play well at home, and it is one of the better home court advantages in the area. BG is playing very well right now, and to note, after Richland's big upset they have followed it with two double digit road losses. I'd give the edge to BG, but this league is far from a sure thing.

-- Somerset at Cambria Heights-Cambria Heights enters this game as a 9-6 ball team, but they are not an easy out by any measure. The Highlanders have the size and shooting abilities to at least make any game close. Isaac Vescovi is a versatile forward that is among the leading scorers in the league.Nathan Bearer and Brad Hoppel are the other Highlanders that average more than two points a game. This team has size and some athletes, and they can knock off anyone on any given night. Somerset has proven to be another up and down type team in this league. Somerset has dealt with injuries, but when healthy, they certainly look the part of a top tier team. The Eagles have a host of shooters, as well as some great size and length. Somerset is also a senior oriented team, led by Brett Barron and Jake Close. They also have a pretty special freshman in Dylan Barnes. All three average double figure scoring.

Outlook- Somerset certainly has one of the better shooting teams in the area. The Eagles have knocked in double digit three pointers in eight contests already. If the shots are flying, they are tough to beat. Cambria Heights gets the benefit of playing at home, and they can stroke it, too. This game is all about which team shows up hungry for a win. It is at the point of the season, where both teams need to stop the bleeding and piece together a win.


-- Johnstown at Bishop Carroll- Bishop Carroll may be setting themselves up to be the best team in the LHAC. The young Huskies have won eight straight, and raced out to an impressive 11-2 clip. They are led by a tough sophomore guard, Brandon Martinazzi. He leads the Huskies in scoring, and they go as he does. BC also boasts one of the best big men in the league in Marcus Lee. The junior is averaging 14 points and 9 rebounds a game. Carroll is hot right now, and they are playing very well as a team. It will not be easy for anyone to beat them right now. Johnstown enters the game at 10-4, and that may come as a bit of a surprise to some. The Trojans have a proud program, and it is showing this year. Phillip Madison is as good of a guard as you will find in the area. He leads the Trojans in scoring. Roshon Fields has taken his game to another level, and the 6-6 Forward is a key element to this basketball team. The Barfield twins are undersized, but have great quickness. They can stretch the floor with their shooting as well.

Outlook- Both teams have impressive resumes to this point. The Huskies have good quickness from their guards and a steady big man. Cosie Aliquo does an excellent job getting his team prepared for anything. Neil Cobaugh has certainly done a fine job thus far as well. He lost four starters from some very successful teams. These Trojans play hard, and they are scrappy. This should be one heck of a game. The Roshon Fields-Marcus Lee battle will be a good one to see. This is anyone's ball game.


-- Bishop McCort at Penn Cambria- The preseason 1-2 in the LHAC, this one should be good. The Crimson Crushers came up victorious in "Showdown Friday" and they are looking to score another big win. Nemo Trexler comes into this game averaging 19 and 9. He is one of the best forwards in the area, and one of the most athletic ones, too. Billy Hipp has played well adjusting to the point guard position. The Crushers' strength could be their senior leadership and depth. The Crushers can play up to 11 different guys. Penn Cambria is sitting at 11-3 overall, after a tough loss to Bishop Carroll on Friday. The Panthers are led by a very experienced group, as most of them have been starting since they were sophomores. UPJ recruit, AJ Leahey  is arguably one of the best all around players in District Six. He averages over 20, while three Panthers average 8. Nathan Keagy, Mack Behe, and Devin Lawhead all bring something a little different to the table and makes this team incredibly versatile.

Outlook-The preseason expectations surrounding these teams, plus McCort knocking Penn Cambria out of the playoffs the past two years will certainly make this game hyped. The interesting matchups will be who will guard Trexler and Leahey for each side. It would be unlikely the two stars will be guarding each other. This game should be intense as it is good. These teams have the potential to meet each other again, as that is how it worked out the past two years.



Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Shanksville pulls the upset over rival Shade.

               Shanksville and Shade met Tuesday night in  a WestPac South battle for first place. The game had been billed as one of the most anticipated matchups in the early season, and it did not disappoint. There was a packed house at the tiny Shade gym, but the patrons certainly got their money's worth for this one.  The game featured a back and forth affair all night long, with the lead never exceeding more than seven points for either side.       

            Shanksville raced out to an early lead in the first quarter, but Shade was able to weather the storm. The Panthers were settling for three's in the early portion of the game, but found some rhythm by attacking the basket and letting senior forward, Wade Walker facilitate the offense. The first quarter finished with a Shade 10-9 lead. The second quarter is when things started to pick up on the intensity scale. Shanksville's leading scorer, Carter Slade, went out with two foulds and Shade took full advantage. Wade Walker and younger brother, Nash Walker opened up the second with back to back three pointers.  It appeared as though Shade has all the momentum, but the Shanksville bench came up in a big way. The energy brought on by senior Nathen Gardner helped change the tides. He came up with two big buckets and some big hustle plays to ignite the Vikings' effort. Combine Gardner's efforts with Slade coming back into the game, Shanksville was able to mount a 28-26 lead at the half.
 
  
            The third quarter opened with the momentum staying with Shanksville as they had a 7-2 run to start the quarter. With the score standing at 35-28, Shade started their own run led by sophomore guard Jeremy Pyles. The sophomore reserve made two three pointers in the quarter, and Nash Walker added another. The teams traded buckets once again, and the third quarter finished with Shade leading 39-38. The fourth quarter seemed as though there was a lid on both baskets. Shansville made one field goal in the first seven minutes of the frame, and relied on some defense and some gifts from Shade. Shade also had their troubles shooting the basketball in final set, as they only made one basket themselves. Shade's Nash Walker and Jeremy Pyles each missed front ends of one and one's, keeping the game in striking distance for Shanksville. After a Wade Walker went one of two from the free throw line with jsut over a minute remaining, it set the score 46-43 in favor of the home team, Ryan Platt of Shanksville then drove down the lane and hit a tough lauup, and was fouled with a minute a left in the contest. Platt was able to convert the three point play to tie the game. A mix up, and some pressure applied by Shanksville forced a Shade turnover giving the ball to the Vikings with under a minute remaining. Shanksville ran the clock down and a deflection gave the ball to the Vikings underneath their own basket with one second remaining. This confusion starts here, Shanksville threw the ball in play to nobody, and the ball went untouched, the problem is that the clock ran out without anyone touching the ball. The officials put one second back, and gave Shanksville the same scenario, and the Vikings did not let it go to waste. Carter Slade hit a jump shot from the left wing as time expired to give Shanksville the 48-46 win.


          The win moves Shanksville to 10-1 (9-0 in WestPac) and drops Shade to 11-1 (7-1). Carter Slade paced the Vikings with 20 points, and Ryan Platt and Jordan Wilt each supplied 9. Shade was led by Wade Walker's 17 points, but he held to just three points in the second half. Nash Walker chipped in with ten, and Jeremy Ryles scored 9, all on three pointers. Shade was ranked number 9 in the state by the Harrisburg Patriot News heading into the week. The two teams will meet again on February 12 at Shanksville.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Showdown Friday

                    The High School Basketball season is still really early to call on any front, still the action is heating up quickly. The LHAC always seems to be the premier conference in the District 5/6 region for boys basketball, and it is no different this season. There will be two big time matchups Friday night pitting the four best teams agaisnt one another. The right to represent their respective sections in the LHAC tttle game will not be decided Friday, but they can go a long way in determining who will. Let's take a look at both games, and get a feel for all teams involved.


Bishop Carroll at Penn Cambria Friday 7:30



           In a clash for Section I supremacy, Bishop Carroll will make the trip to Cresson to take on Penn Cambria. The Huskies have been playing extremely well early on in the season. Bishop Carroll is 9-2 and 5-0 in the LHAC. They must face Forest Hills on Wednesday in Sidman before the big game Friday. Cosie Aliquo's squad is coming off a strong non conference road victory over previously unbeaten, VIncentian Academy of District 7. They are led by a young shooting  guard, Brandon Martinazzi. Martiazzi is only a sophomore, but leads the Huskies in scoring. Marcus Lee is a junior post player that has developed into one of the better big men in the area. He is always a candidate for a double double. BC also has senior leader, Scott Ranck making an impact. Bishop Carroll is always coached well, and they will be prepared for the big game atmosphere.

         Penn Cambria is a senior led team that has good balance, and presents matchup problems for opponets. It all starts with UPJ recruit, AJ Leahey. Leahey is not a typical 6-7 post player, as he can handle the ball and shoot from all over the place. He is a difficult match for opposing defenses. Leahey is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game. Nathan Keagy is 6-5, and adds to the length for Penn Cambria. Mack Behe is a vrsatile threat at 6-2. He averages 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His value is enhanced by his defense. Penn Cambria starts four players 6-1 or taller. The Panthers must face a dangerous Cambria Heights team on Wednesday before the date with BC. They are currently 9-2 with both losses coming by one point.

              This game has all the makings to be a classic. They are both headstrong teams that are hungry. Penn Cambria has put together a nice run with this same group, but they have failed to win a championship with them. It is their time to prove they can win the league and district. Carroll is still young, as they start 4 underclassmen. Still, Bishop Carroll kids have played in big games, and their confidence has to be high right now. The game will be played on a small court, and that can play right into the home team's hand. Carroll starts three guards under 6-0, and the length of Penn Cambria could play a factor. AJ Leahey is tough to defend, and even if you defend him well, he can still make his shots. He is that type of player. It is anyone's ball game, and definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.



Johnstown at Bishop McCort Friday 7:30

         Johnstown is the three time defending LHAC champions. They are also winners of four straght District Six AAA championships as well. Those are some impressive feats, still the expectations were not quite as high this season. Many of the players that fueled those runs have graduated, and some uncertainty ensued. Rather than accepting the lower expectations, the Trojans have jumped out to an 8-3 start. They still have a game with Westmont on Wednesday, before the showdown with McCort. The Trojans are led by savvy senior point guard, Phillip Madison. He can open things up with his scoring ability, yet can keep everyone involved with his passing skills as well. He finds shots for fellow senior guards, Damean and Daniel Barfield. The two twins have relished the starting roles and have not disappointed. Johnstown is also benefitting from the improvment of senior center, Roshon Fields. Fields has been a force on the rebound front, and is a much improved scorer. The Trojans are coming off a big victory over rival Altoona, and they will enter Friday with a ton of confidence.

            Bishop McCort is the two time defending District Six AA champs. That is a lot of success for one program, but they are in the midst of an eight game losing streak to their rivals. That is something they would like to end. The Crimson Crushers are a deep team, led by two talented juniors. Billy Hipp is a 6-3 point guard that has been averaging 15 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals a contest. He creates a tough match for any opponet with his size. His running mate is the ultra athletic, Nemo Trexler. Trexler is a three year starter that is averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds on the season. He is a versatile player that can do plenty of different things on the court. The Crushers have good senior leadership in Gap Barbin and Jordan Spangler. Spangler is the team's third leading scorer, and is a three point threat. The Crushers are coming off a strong win at Somerset, and must travel to Richland on Wednesday before the Friday night bout.

          The Johnstown-McCort rivalry always brings out loud cheering sections, and emotional games on the court. Both schools have plenty of pride, and they figure to be ready for a big time atmosphere on Friday. This game typically favors the home team, as they can set the tempo as they wish. There will be plenty of athletes on display Friday, so get to the Osborne Street gym early and try to find a spot. 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Bowl season recap....and 2013 look ahead.

- Dominant Tide.  The 2012 college football season wrapped up last night as Alabama trounced Notre Dame in Miami. Can anyone really be all that shocked by this? No offense to Notre Dame....they were 12-0. But, examining the things further, they played a weak schedule, they struggled with that weak schedule, and they had half as much talent as Alabama. This was essentially a Big Ten-SEC battle, and that league never fares well against the speedy SEC. Alabama had a power running game that was clicking on all levels, a passing game that made it look easy, and a defense full of physical specimens. They were on a different level last night, and it is a shame college football had a boring end to an exciting season. 

- Johnny Football is pretty good. The way Notre Dame lost last night showed off how good Johnny Manziel truly is. Think about it. A freshmen on the road playing Alabama, and he beat them. Manziel also posted better seasons than Tebow and Newton's Heisman campaigns. He was clearly the best football player in the country, and the way Manti Te'o was non existent last night only proves that. Not to mention the way Manziel knifed through Oklahoma's D like better was another telling sign of how good he is. I will say this, Johnny Football is already an annoying name. He is now the face of college football for a few more seasons, we are all going to get sick of him, if you aren't already. 

- SEC! SEC! SEC!  We all know the SEC is the premier college football conference, but can we stop overrating it to all levels. Look, LSU lost to Clemson (the same Clemson team that allowed 70 points to WVU last year) Louisville destroyed Florida. The middle of the pack, and bottom feeding teams of the SEC are so quick to yell the rallying cry of their conference, but lets be real. Its not like the worst team in the SEC would be a top team somewhere else. Yes, it is a good league. No, it is not what everyone thinks it is. It is a good collection of teams, and leave it at that. 

- The Hit.  You know what I'm talking about.....everyone does. THE hit heard round the world. Jadaveon Clowney clowed a Michigan offensive lineman and running back in a matter of two seconds, and announced to the world he is a beast. Again, if you didn't know this already. Clowney was the #1 recruit coming out of high school, and it shows. He is just a SOPHOMORE. Yes, he will be playing on Sundays Saturdays next fall. So if you happen to be a college quarterback, be afraid. 


2013

- Heisman(s) Johnny Manziel will clearly be in the race for a Heisman next season, but no shoe-in to win it. Jadaveon Clowney will be the token defensive player representative, and he may have a legitimate shot. The sack numbers need to be way high, but what offensive tackle is slowing him down?  Teddy Bridgewater is a fine quarterback from Louisville, and had a big coming out party against Florida in the Sugar Bowl, which will be the start of his campaign. AJ McCarron is more than a game manager for Alabama, and he has playing for the best team in his corner. Finally, Braxton Miller for The Ohio State University may have it. He can do it all, and has one of the best offensive minds coaching him up in Urban Meter. The Buckeyes are off probation, so let the fun begin.

Contenders

1. Alabama- This one is rather easy. They have McCarron back leading the squad. TJ Yeldon is back for sure at running back, and same goes for Amri Cooper at receiver. Those three right there is good enough, add in the guys they will bring back on defense. Plus, another star studded recruiting class is on the way. As long as Saban stays, the Tide will be near the top.

2. Oregon- The Ducks were oh so close to playing for a championship this season. 2013 may be their year. Chip Kelly is staying for another year, and that is great news for Oregon fans. Marcus Mariota will only grow as a quarterback, and the ever dangerous DeAnthony Thomas may have a more prominent role. The Ducks are all about speed, and they may sprint to the national championship in Pasadena. 

3. Ohio State- The Buckeyes are off probation, and into the national title hunt. Urban Meyer has his main man ready to lead tOSU to the top. Braxton Miller emerges as a top Heisman candidate, and the key to OSU's title run. Meyer has been recruiting like a mad man, and he hopes to make Ohio State an SEC competitor. 

4. Texas A&M-This run is fueled solely by one of the nation's premier players in Johnny Manziel. He showed that he can win in any circumstance, and they hope to dethrone Alabama from the top of the SEC West. 

5. Georgia-The Dawgs were so close to playing for this year's title before losing out to Alabama in the final seconds of the SEC championship. Aaron Murray will return to lead the offense that also features Trent Gurley, one of the nation's premier running backs. 


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

District Five Boys A Rankings January 1.

                       The High School Basketball season is under way, and its time to take a look who will be the major players in the Class A District Five race.


1. Shade (9-0) Key Win- Chestnut Ridge 64-44
The Proof-Shade is off to a predictably hot start to the season. The Panthers had a lot coming back from last season, and they are not disappointing early on. Ryan Fyock has been the team's top offensive threat. Wade Walker is playing tough down low, and the supporting cast headed by Brock Medva and Nash Walker are playing very well also. Shade has that potential to win every game left on their schedule, its just a matter of being ready to play each and every night.

2. Shanksville Stonycreek (6-1) Key Win- Tussey Mountain 58-49
The Proof-Shanksville is off to another hot start. Carter Slade is one of the best players in the district, and he is having a big season. Jordan Wilt and Ryan Platt form a great backcourt as well. Shanksville lost some key pieces from last season, but still figure prominently in the district title race. The Vikings had Shade's number last season, and they still have two big meetings with them looming.

3. Fannett Metal (5-1) Ket Win- Tussey Mountain 89-80
The Proof- The Tigers did not have an ideal season last year, but they are well on their way to avenging it this time around. Fannett Metal already has scored some big wins this season. Walker Bannister has been a phenomenal offensive threat early on this season. At 6-3 he creates difficult matchup problems for opposing defenses. The Tigers have four guys averaging double figures at this point, so it is not easy to stop all four at once.

4. H.O.P.E. for Hundman (5-2) Key Win-Berlin 51-46
The Proof-Hyndman has been a nice surprise early on in the season. They are out to a 5-2 start and many believe they can compete for a district championship. Brad Torbet has been solid so far, as he has posted double digit scoring in every game to date. Chad Deneen and Tim Leydig are two seniors that have been consistent as well. Hyndman starts four seniors, so the experience factor is there. The season is still young, but there is plenty of optimism around this squad.


5. Berlin Brothersvalley (4-3) Key Win- Forbes Road 87-57
The Proof-Berlin has not had the best of starts, but the talent is there to contend. Berlin has plenty of athletes, and a deep roster. They may not be one of the best teams in the district, but they can contend with the best. Jacob Snyder is a really good guard for this team, and Drew Glotfelty uses his athletic ability very well. Berlin will have some up and down moments in the WestPac, but they can knock off some quality teams.


The Rest......
6. Meyyersdale
7. Turkeyfoot Valley
8. Rockwood
9. McConnellsburg
10. Forbes Road
11. Salisbury Elk Lick

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

PFN Football News All State Teams

           The Pa Football News announced its all state teams, and it is littered with local standouts. Here is the list of kids that made it. Congratulations to all the athletes being honored for their seasons.


AAA 2nd Team Defense
- Dalvin Williams LB Greater Johnstown

AA 1st Team Offense
-Tanner Solarczyk RB Richland
-Kyle Flick WR Richland

AA 2nd Team Offense
-Chase Bowsman OL Juniata
-Josh Dinniny OL Richland
-Micah Tennant OL Ligonier Valley
-Matt Shaffer QB Richland
-James Oliver RB Tyrone

AA 3rd Team Offense
-Ryan Torrance RB Ligonier Valley
-AJ Frederick TE Central
-Jared Shope WR Forest Hills
-Luke Shertzer WR Richland

AA 1st Team Defense
-Colton Mearkle DB Everett
-Mack Behe LB Penn Cambria
-Stuart Urch DE Ligonier Valley

AA 2nd Team Defense
-Bradi Moore KR Central

AA 3rd Team Defense
-Stephen Gironda DL Central Cambria

A 1st Team Offense
-Danny Ferens Ath Penns Manor
-Kasey Jewart OL Penns Manor

A 2nd Team Offense
-Jordan Spangler K Bishop McCort
-Drew Glotfelty RB Berlin Brothersvalley
-Casey Gray RB Bellwood-Antis
-Ian O'Sea TE Bellwood-Antis

A 3rd Team Offense
-Levi Bowser OL Berlin Brothersvalley
-Luke Ruddock OL Penns Manor
-Brock Medva RB Shade
-Matt Barkley WR Windber

A 1st Team Defense
-Doug Twigg DB Glendale
-Keith Shawley DL Bellwood-Antis
-Parker Emigh P West Branch

A 2nd Team Defense
-Kyler Diehl DB Northern Bedford
-Luke DiFrancesco DB Bishop McCort
-Nick Ceschini DL Bishop Guilfoyle
-Stew Trulick DL Berlin Brothersvalley
-Alex Atkins LB Northern Cambria
-Tyler Campbell LB Bellwood-Antis

A 3rd Team Defense
-Seth Worthing Ath Bellwood-Antis
-Brantley Rice DB North Star
-Devon Tomlinson DB Windber
-Dustin Blough P Windber