In the midst of spring time and the entertaining playoff basketball that comes with it, the high hopes I placed on my Seattle Mariners of the American League West are slowly diminishing. The M's of the northwest had lost five in a row and 10 of their last 11 (before beating the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on May 11), two of the contests being shutouts, only scoring a combined seven runs in the losing efforts. The problem is apparent in this dismal 15-24 start, good for last in the AL West in case you were wondering. The Mariner's bats haven't produced what their big chunky contracts said they could produce. Third baseman Adrian Beltre is batting a horrific .254 and is making 13,400,000 big ones. The 15.5 million dollar Richie Sexson has more stikeouts than hits and seems to be better at hitting pitchers with his helmet than putting a piece of wood to a ball. His current five game suspension could be the best thing that has happen to a team since I don't know when.
Ponder these discouraging facts with me for a moment and see if you can digest one of these explanations as a solution. Either they have simply accepted the fact that they have no chance at winning another pennant until they make a big trade to get A-Rod back in the evergreen state, they have given up hope on a manager that they didn't place much hope in in the first place, or they are buckling under the pressure of a city that has seen their Sonics move east to Oklahoma City.
It could be all of those circumstances or none of them, but none the less, I would advise you on one thing:
Don't sleep on Seattle.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Track & Feild
Track and Field here at ISU is really overlooked. We have several exceptional athletes in all events. Lately Cassie Merkley has had an amazing season for the Bengals. She is a javelin thrower and has qualified for the NCAA tournament 7 times just this year. She has also earned Big Sky field athlete of the week three times this season. She competed in last weekends Bronco Twilight in Boise recording a throw of 155 feet, 8 inches which won her second place.
Although track and field events are not publicized as much as other sports around here I think that track is a lot of fun to watch during the finals. I suggest going to watch some of the amazing athletes here at ISU.
Although track and field events are not publicized as much as other sports around here I think that track is a lot of fun to watch during the finals. I suggest going to watch some of the amazing athletes here at ISU.
Book Review
Blakely Peppinger
Book Review
"Reach For the Summit"
I read the book "Reach For the Summit" by Pat Summitt. This book written by Pat as she recalls her journey to where she is now as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers. She has been coaching since 1974 starting and staying with the Vols. She was an All-American and co-captain of the U.S. Olympic team in 1976. She said that each year her experiences of playing and coaching have helped her be a better coach.
She is well respected and you can see that by the way that she coaches. She mentions that she has made mistakes, said words that she wishes she could take back but that she always looks forward and is always looking to improve. One big thing that she mentions in this book several times is about never waiting till next year. She coached a few rough years with some hard working but unsuccessful teams but the teams have always come back at the end of the year for strong finishes. She hated those years because people from the Media kept asking her over and over about what she was going to change for the next season. She hated that because they were in mid-season and although the current situation wasn't looking too well she never let her teams give up and just wait it out to the following year.
She mentions that a big part of coaching and playing is being a good communicator. You don't have to speak well, but you do have to listen well. She says, "Talking is the least of it. If you really want to get something across, body language, facial expression, eye contact, and listening are all necessary parts of communicating."
She relates a lot of stories of current, and past players that have influenced her as a person. A lot of her big experiences in coaching have great life lessons. She loves her job and has a unique passion for the sport.
Another interesting fact about Pat is that this year she improved her coaching record to 983-182 which makes her the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history.
Book Review
"Reach For the Summit"
I read the book "Reach For the Summit" by Pat Summitt. This book written by Pat as she recalls her journey to where she is now as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers. She has been coaching since 1974 starting and staying with the Vols. She was an All-American and co-captain of the U.S. Olympic team in 1976. She said that each year her experiences of playing and coaching have helped her be a better coach.
She is well respected and you can see that by the way that she coaches. She mentions that she has made mistakes, said words that she wishes she could take back but that she always looks forward and is always looking to improve. One big thing that she mentions in this book several times is about never waiting till next year. She coached a few rough years with some hard working but unsuccessful teams but the teams have always come back at the end of the year for strong finishes. She hated those years because people from the Media kept asking her over and over about what she was going to change for the next season. She hated that because they were in mid-season and although the current situation wasn't looking too well she never let her teams give up and just wait it out to the following year.
She mentions that a big part of coaching and playing is being a good communicator. You don't have to speak well, but you do have to listen well. She says, "Talking is the least of it. If you really want to get something across, body language, facial expression, eye contact, and listening are all necessary parts of communicating."
She relates a lot of stories of current, and past players that have influenced her as a person. A lot of her big experiences in coaching have great life lessons. She loves her job and has a unique passion for the sport.
Another interesting fact about Pat is that this year she improved her coaching record to 983-182 which makes her the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Feature Story
Blakely Peppinger
Feature Story
May 7, 2008
Most people in this community know who the starting quaterback is here at Idaho State University. They also may know the team's record and even the stats of a few players. Since there are over 80 players on the football team at one time, it is hard to get to know any team member off the feild. One outstading player that has made a difference for ISU football is the current starting quarterback Russel Hill.
Russel comes from the Boise area and is a graduate of Timberline High School. He was a standout football palyer for Timberline as well as a star baseball player. In his junior and senior years, he led Timberline's football team to a 12-7 combined record. During his senior year, he helped carry the baseball team to a state championship.
Russel came to ISU in January of 2006 and redshirted that fall. He then earned the position as starting quarterback in 2007 as a Freshman.
Russel comes from a family of alumni of Idaho State. His father and grandfather both attended the University. His father Daryl has not missed a home game since Russ started his college career as a Bengal.
Russel's girlfriend of three years, Bonnie Wagstaff, has recently been called on an LDS mission to New Zealand. She has been to almost all of Russel's games and was with him throughout their senior year at Timberline. She will be leaving in July and will miss his sophmore season. She played volleyball in Wyoming her freshman year at Eastern Wyoming College. She then transfered to ISU last fall and played volleyball for the bengals.
Russel's teammates and coaches all think very highly of his dedication and character on and off the field. Teammate and friend Preston Kelly said, "Russ is a great leader through his hard work and passion for this team." The respect that Russel has earned from his teammates will surely benefit the team this fall.
His latest honor was receiving the "Newcomer of the Year" award at the annual Bennion Banquet. Russel will surely have many other awards coming his way throughout the remainder of his career at ISU.
Feature Story
May 7, 2008
Most people in this community know who the starting quaterback is here at Idaho State University. They also may know the team's record and even the stats of a few players. Since there are over 80 players on the football team at one time, it is hard to get to know any team member off the feild. One outstading player that has made a difference for ISU football is the current starting quarterback Russel Hill.
Russel comes from the Boise area and is a graduate of Timberline High School. He was a standout football palyer for Timberline as well as a star baseball player. In his junior and senior years, he led Timberline's football team to a 12-7 combined record. During his senior year, he helped carry the baseball team to a state championship.
Russel came to ISU in January of 2006 and redshirted that fall. He then earned the position as starting quarterback in 2007 as a Freshman.
Russel comes from a family of alumni of Idaho State. His father and grandfather both attended the University. His father Daryl has not missed a home game since Russ started his college career as a Bengal.
Russel's girlfriend of three years, Bonnie Wagstaff, has recently been called on an LDS mission to New Zealand. She has been to almost all of Russel's games and was with him throughout their senior year at Timberline. She will be leaving in July and will miss his sophmore season. She played volleyball in Wyoming her freshman year at Eastern Wyoming College. She then transfered to ISU last fall and played volleyball for the bengals.
Russel's teammates and coaches all think very highly of his dedication and character on and off the field. Teammate and friend Preston Kelly said, "Russ is a great leader through his hard work and passion for this team." The respect that Russel has earned from his teammates will surely benefit the team this fall.
His latest honor was receiving the "Newcomer of the Year" award at the annual Bennion Banquet. Russel will surely have many other awards coming his way throughout the remainder of his career at ISU.
volleyball
We have a coach! I know you were all concerned. It will be announced tomorrow at 4 with a press conference at Holt. I am very excited about this even though it has taken over 5 months. Luckily though it is just in time for the June 1st start.
Sports Writing Handbook
This book, by Steve Wilstein, was one of the chosen books for our class. I really liked the simple language that Wilstein used in this book, so I decided to use it to write my book report on. Wilstein broke his book up into chapters based on the different areas of sports reporting. He painted a basic picture of life as a sports writer.
At times, Wilstein made the occupation of sports journalism appealing to me and made me want to be on the sidelines watching the sport. Other times, he got into the other aspects of sports journalism, the traveling and long hours away from family. Being as maternal as I am, I plan to start a family soon and I could not leave my family for any length of time.
Wilstein also includes many pictures and quotes in his book so that his readers can rely on visuals as well as his words. The tips and truths about sports journalism make this book a must read for anyone who is interested in being a sports writer.
At times, Wilstein made the occupation of sports journalism appealing to me and made me want to be on the sidelines watching the sport. Other times, he got into the other aspects of sports journalism, the traveling and long hours away from family. Being as maternal as I am, I plan to start a family soon and I could not leave my family for any length of time.
Wilstein also includes many pictures and quotes in his book so that his readers can rely on visuals as well as his words. The tips and truths about sports journalism make this book a must read for anyone who is interested in being a sports writer.
GO CARDINALS!
As the semester comes to a close I begin to wonder what I will do without you guys.
WAIT! I haven't seen you guys in a while! :) Guess I'll be fine...
Well, baseball season has begun and I will say that my Cardinals are doing quite well for themselves. With 22 wins and only 12 loses they have earned the number one spot of their division. They will play the rockies tonight at 7:30 and I am looking forward to their win. Even though I could be rooting for either team - I would be in trouble if I didn't root for the Cardinals.
WAIT! I haven't seen you guys in a while! :) Guess I'll be fine...
Well, baseball season has begun and I will say that my Cardinals are doing quite well for themselves. With 22 wins and only 12 loses they have earned the number one spot of their division. They will play the rockies tonight at 7:30 and I am looking forward to their win. Even though I could be rooting for either team - I would be in trouble if I didn't root for the Cardinals.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Chris Paul
Has anyone seen the New Orleans Hornets play lately? Honestly, I have not seen them play at all this season but I watched them last night and I was really impressed. They are now up 2-0 in the series against the Spurs. I had never heard of Chris Paul until last night as I watched him lead his team as they dominated the Spurs. He is 6-1 and plays point guard and played his college career at Wake Forest. After asking a friend about him I realized that he was up for MVP along with Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. I would recommend you to keep an eye out for him because he seems to be a really classy guy and is a lot of fun to watch.
Monday, May 5, 2008
a race turned into a tragedy
I know we all aren't too concerned about horse racing but in the minutes following the Kentucky Derby, the horse Eight Belles collapsed from injuries to both if its legs. In the following minutes, vets had to put the horse down and out of its misery. There has been lot of speculation and criticism to the sport because of the death of this horse. Many animial rights activists say that this sport is becoming too harsh on the horses involved. I disagree with this because this is the first time that a horse has died right after the race due to injuries received during the race. There have been other serious injuies to horses during big races but this is very uncommon. Ahletes get hurt following games, races and matches. This is part of the sport and I think it shouldn't be a reason to ban horse racing altogether.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Penguins stick it to Rangers in Overtime
Late in the second period the Penguins led by two, and it looked as though the Ranger’s season and Stanley Cup aspirations had filtered past like pucks through their tight defense.
Ranger’s fans had steadily been disappointed by key players, such as Chris Drury and Brendan Shanahan during this match up, and the Penguins worked hard to keep Jaromir Jagr shutdown.
Starting the third period, Lauri Korpikoski snaked across the ice captured the puck, coiled for his second NHL shot and struck the first Ranger goal of the game. With just two minutes worth of play and 17:30 left in the third period, Korpikoski turned the ice on the Penguins.
The Rangers came into the third with a feverish pace, and Korpikoski had just boosted the team ego. A minute later with16:32 left in the third, Nigel Dawes careened down the ice and slapped one into the net. Early into the third, The Rangers tied the score and revived the spirit of this game.
The fast pace continued as both teams fought hard across the ice, took wide shots and were continually denied access by the goalkeepers. Both teams slowed across the ice briefly with just over 8 minutes left in the third period.
But as the clock marched down the third period, the two teams power housed the ice, tumbled bodies off the glass, dislodged sticks and scattered them over the ice like downed soldiers. With 1:18 left in the third, a penalty was called on Drury for high-sticking.
The penalty resulted in a four minute power play for Pittsburg and some controversy. As early in the second period, Ryan Malone mishandled his stick and after a collision with his teammate, Malone’s stick bloodied Drury’ face. Drury had to be removed from the game and the ice scrapped, but a penalty was not called on Malone.
Jarkko Ruutu tried to take advantage of the penalty time and aggressively shot the puck, but Henrik Lundqvist was quick with the block. The clock drained with both teams unable to score and 2:41 of the power play spilled into overtime.
The Penguins skated out to a clear advantage with fresh ice, power play time still on the clock and Drury warming the penalty box. The Rangers, however, remained sharp on their defense and drained the penalty time. Four minutes into overtime the Penguins failed to score and the Rangers failed to shot.
Three minutes later, fighting back hard the Rangers amassed 13 shots. The Penguins stood at 22 shots in overtime. The teams continued to battle with hard blocks and the defense held tight, they catapulted the puck over the ice desperate for an opportunity at the goal.
Sidney Crosby maneuvered into the Ranger’s zone, made a quick pass to Marian Hossa and Hossa ended the game soaring the puck past Lundqvist. The Penguins solidified a game five Eastern Conference win, 7:10 into overtime, and shattered Stanley Cup hopes for the Rangers. “It was three on three, the puck came to, I took the shot and ended the final period,” Hossa said after the game.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
It’s a 134 win for Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby
The brunette beast, Big Brown, charged from the outside loaded with an impressive 134 post, thundering past champions to win the 134th Kentucky Derby by almost five lengths. Breaking from the 20-gate, a tough outside position, that has not hosted a win in nearly two decades the favorite dazzled Derby fans burning past the competition for an uncontested win.
Big Brown’s nearest competition, Eight Belles, a tall, raven haired filly chased him down the last furlongs. About seven lengths from the finish the smoky horse slowed in stride, but continued to drive to the wire securing a second place victory before collapsing onto the soft, track soil. jockey, Gabriel Saez, walked away unharmed.
Her downfall spooked Big Brown and jilted Kent Desormeaux from the saddle. Like a cat Desormeaux landed on his feet and quickly recovered his mount. Eight Belles, however, never recovered her footing.
The soul female on the track, she remained motionless until the equine paramedics arrived. Eight Belles is one of eight fillies to make a top three finish in the Kentucky Derby, and one of two for a second place finish. Within moments of her collapse, it was determined the filly had fractured both her front ankles and she was immediately euthanized on sandy track.
A faint blemish that lightly showed on the victors’ faces as jockey, trainer and owner marched to the winner’s circle. Desormeaux dedicated his valiant ride to his family; namely, his son Jason, who suffers from a rare illness that threatens both his hearing and vision.
It may have been something in the opening song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” that marshaled this spirited runner home. After all, Big Brown was bred in Kentucky, the bountiful offspring of Boundary out of the Nureyev and mare Mien. Big Brown remains undefeated after four lifetime starts, and his winnings now out purse the closest competitor by more than $1,000,000.
Big Brown’s nearest competition, Eight Belles, a tall, raven haired filly chased him down the last furlongs. About seven lengths from the finish the smoky horse slowed in stride, but continued to drive to the wire securing a second place victory before collapsing onto the soft, track soil. jockey, Gabriel Saez, walked away unharmed.
Her downfall spooked Big Brown and jilted Kent Desormeaux from the saddle. Like a cat Desormeaux landed on his feet and quickly recovered his mount. Eight Belles, however, never recovered her footing.
The soul female on the track, she remained motionless until the equine paramedics arrived. Eight Belles is one of eight fillies to make a top three finish in the Kentucky Derby, and one of two for a second place finish. Within moments of her collapse, it was determined the filly had fractured both her front ankles and she was immediately euthanized on sandy track.
A faint blemish that lightly showed on the victors’ faces as jockey, trainer and owner marched to the winner’s circle. Desormeaux dedicated his valiant ride to his family; namely, his son Jason, who suffers from a rare illness that threatens both his hearing and vision.
It may have been something in the opening song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” that marshaled this spirited runner home. After all, Big Brown was bred in Kentucky, the bountiful offspring of Boundary out of the Nureyev and mare Mien. Big Brown remains undefeated after four lifetime starts, and his winnings now out purse the closest competitor by more than $1,000,000.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
What's with the Mavs??
I know I don't follow the NBA all that closely but I don't understand how the Dallas Mavericks could fire the coach that turned the franchise around. Avery Johnson help to turn around a franchise that was basically the laughing stock of the NBA before he arrived. He led the team to four straight playoff appearances and one finals appearance that they should have won but lost to the Heat. I understand that the game now is all about winning but how do you fire the guy that helped lead the team to where they are now. I don't get it but I think in the end the Mavs will pay for it.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Caveliers Fall to Washington
Blakely Peppinger
Game Story
May 1, 2008
The go to man, Lebron James, misses the game winning shot at the buzzer as the Cleveland Caveliers fall in game 5 of the series to the Washington Wizards. Caron
Butler made a strong layup with 3.9 seconds left and the time on the clock was enough for the Caveliers to run the ball down the court. The ball was given to James and he missed the potential series-ending layup against the backboard and off the front of the rim ending the game with a 88-87 victory for the Wizards.
The series is now 3-2 for the Caveliers as the teams head to Washington for another match-up scheduled for Friday night. Washington Guard Gilbert Arenas will not finish playing in the series due to a knee injury
James held the game high of 34 points, which 24 were recorded in the second half. Butler was right behind that with 32 points for the night. Deshawn Stevenson added 17 points for the Wizards.
The Caveliers led by five with 1:50 left but Washington went on a scoring run in the last minute to end a five-game playoff losing streak in Cleveland. Cleveland had two missed 3-pointers in that final minute and Antonio Daniels hit two critical free throws.
Washington has been beaten by many last-second shots in past playoff games and as James drove into the lane, it looked as if the Wizards were going to lose it again against that final buzzer. After the miss by James, the Wizards celebration was certainly lead by Stevenson as he ran to midcourt to celebrate the victory.
James, who has withstood body blows throughout the series, felt he was fouled on his final shot but didn't make excuses.
''I thought it was going to go in,'' he said. ''It just didn't fall.''
A big turnaround for Wasington was Antawn Jamison's strong plays and 3-pointers in a 16-6 run putting Washington ahead 69-65 in the third quarter. The run gave the Wizards a strong momentum to keep the game close the entire fourth quarter.
The win is a mental booster for the Wizards and they will get to host the Caveliers on their home court Friday night for game 6 in the series.
Game Story
May 1, 2008
The go to man, Lebron James, misses the game winning shot at the buzzer as the Cleveland Caveliers fall in game 5 of the series to the Washington Wizards. Caron
Butler made a strong layup with 3.9 seconds left and the time on the clock was enough for the Caveliers to run the ball down the court. The ball was given to James and he missed the potential series-ending layup against the backboard and off the front of the rim ending the game with a 88-87 victory for the Wizards.
The series is now 3-2 for the Caveliers as the teams head to Washington for another match-up scheduled for Friday night. Washington Guard Gilbert Arenas will not finish playing in the series due to a knee injury
James held the game high of 34 points, which 24 were recorded in the second half. Butler was right behind that with 32 points for the night. Deshawn Stevenson added 17 points for the Wizards.
The Caveliers led by five with 1:50 left but Washington went on a scoring run in the last minute to end a five-game playoff losing streak in Cleveland. Cleveland had two missed 3-pointers in that final minute and Antonio Daniels hit two critical free throws.
Washington has been beaten by many last-second shots in past playoff games and as James drove into the lane, it looked as if the Wizards were going to lose it again against that final buzzer. After the miss by James, the Wizards celebration was certainly lead by Stevenson as he ran to midcourt to celebrate the victory.
James, who has withstood body blows throughout the series, felt he was fouled on his final shot but didn't make excuses.
''I thought it was going to go in,'' he said. ''It just didn't fall.''
A big turnaround for Wasington was Antawn Jamison's strong plays and 3-pointers in a 16-6 run putting Washington ahead 69-65 in the third quarter. The run gave the Wizards a strong momentum to keep the game close the entire fourth quarter.
The win is a mental booster for the Wizards and they will get to host the Caveliers on their home court Friday night for game 6 in the series.
sports cloumn
Why Does Mel Kiper's Opinion Matter?
Like most NFL fans I spent the last weekend watching the draft and as the rounds went by and the players came off the board so called draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. had analysis for every player drafted. I wondered what made him an expert.
Now there are millions of people who think they are draft experts around the country that watch 10-15 games on every weekend during the fall. But just because they know a lot about football they don't try to get on national television and talk about every player in college football. But, Mel Kiper does. Kiper has been on ESPN's draft coverage for the last 25 years and there are many clips of general managers telling Kiper off and he doesn't know anything about the draft process. But then the rest of America doesn't seem to question his so called expertise.
Kiper is President of Kiper Enterprises which he started in 1981 while he was in college. The company prints annual magazines that analyze the upcoming college draft class. According to Kiper's website he got the idea to publish draft information from former Baltimore Colts General Manager Ernie Accorsi who told him that he should turn his expertise into a buissness.
It has been well documented about how Kiper's ability to evaluate talent has led to problems between him and General Mangers around the league. His rating system for players baffles many because he would have some players that turned out to be complete busts as the top picks on his draft board. For instance Rick Mirer who was a quarterback from Notre Dame was ranked as the best player the year he came out of college. But, Mirer was one of the biggest busts of the last 15 years.
Having never played the game what qualifications does Kiper have to do what he has been doing for the last 25 years. I am not really sure i was not able to find anything that gives a person a specific job tittle of draft expert. What that basically means is that anyone that watches a lot of football and has any idea about evaluating talent can do what Kiper does.
Every year during April Mel Kiper Jr.'s face is all over the ESPN family of networks. And during these appearances he proclaims to know more than anyone about college and pro football and the draft. even though he has no real qualifications every year the public looks to him for information about every player in college football. With his track record no one should care what he really has to say. Form your own opinion don't use one from someone who knows as much as I do about the game and the players.
Thanks Dave!
Thanks for making this class available. I had a great time this semester. Good luck with your next job. You will be missed here at Idaho State!
Monday, April 28, 2008
ISU Spring Game
The Bengal offense shined in the annual spring game at Holt Arena. The Bengals scored twice in the first half. Russel Hill completed just over half of his passes and finished the game with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
“I thought we moved a lot faster as a unit than we did last spring,” said Russel Hill, Quarterback. “We competed hard.”
Lance Cartwright, anchor of the offensive line attributed the success of the offense to the newcomers on the team.
“A lot of the kids stepped it up, said Lance Cartwright, Offensive Lineman. “We had freshmen step in and play really well. A lot of the guys got time and got better so come this fall we can rotate and get fresh people in and out on both sides of the ball.”
The Bengals finished last season with a disappointing 3-8 record. They know that the quickest way to turn things around is with team speed.
“I thought we moved a lot faster as a unit then we did last spring,” said Lance Cartwright.
In just his second year as head football coach John Zamberlin noticed a huge improvement in the way his team approach the spring drills.
“I think guys competed hard,” said Coach Zamberlin. “We did good things on both sides of the ball. I thought we took another step forward and improved.”
Coach Zamberlin was pleased with the way the spring game went.
“It was a good way to finish up the spring,” said Coach Zamberlin
The Bengals start their season August 30, at Boise State.
Football scrimmage Story with video
Spring football practice came to an end Friday night in the Holt Arena, with the last of the spring scrimmages. A small crowd of Bengal supporters came to see how much the team has improved with spring practice.
A major rule change did present a problem for the offense it was then decided not to implement it. The new 40 second play clock, which is like the NFL, the clock stats with the end of the last play, instead of when the referee whistles the ball live. This created a confusion for Russel Hill the starting quarter back, so the coaches and the referees decided not to enforce this new rule.
Russel Hill had the first drive of the game, he moved the team to 45 with a good mixture of runs and a 15 yard pass to number 32 Ken Cornist. The first series of downs came to an end when number 11 Jeremy Gibbson and number 52 Phillip Aris sacked quarterback Russel Hill
on the 35 yard line.
Second set of downs bought number 8 Kyle Blum to quarterback the offense. Kyle lead the offense down the field with two passes one of 45 yards and the other of 30 yards, again the defense stop the offensive on downs.
Before the end of first half Kevin Mozzochi number 10 came out lead the team on downs and was stopped by the defense.
With the break in the action the special teams showed a little of their talent with the punters kicking and special team receivers catching the ball.
After the intermission play resumed. Russel Hill then showed his passing talent with a pass for a touchdown to Isaiah Burl, this was one of his two passes that were completed for touchdowns. Hill went 7 for 12 in passing for 79 yards .
Showing that he was ready to step in if Hill is injured Kylm Blum went 6 for 12 for 92 yards in the pass department with one touchdown to Kenyon Blue.
Performing outstandingly on defense was Keith Goins who continue to pick off passes, he pick off his third pass in three scrimmages.
Looks like there is a possibility for some wins in the up coming seasons said one of the loyal fans as he left the arena. Showing his crossed fingers.
There was no scoring unofficially the offense out scored the defense 45 to 39.
To see highlights of the first half of the scrimmage you can go to u tube under Idaho State Football 4/26
A major rule change did present a problem for the offense it was then decided not to implement it. The new 40 second play clock, which is like the NFL, the clock stats with the end of the last play, instead of when the referee whistles the ball live. This created a confusion for Russel Hill the starting quarter back, so the coaches and the referees decided not to enforce this new rule.
Russel Hill had the first drive of the game, he moved the team to 45 with a good mixture of runs and a 15 yard pass to number 32 Ken Cornist. The first series of downs came to an end when number 11 Jeremy Gibbson and number 52 Phillip Aris sacked quarterback Russel Hill
on the 35 yard line.
Second set of downs bought number 8 Kyle Blum to quarterback the offense. Kyle lead the offense down the field with two passes one of 45 yards and the other of 30 yards, again the defense stop the offensive on downs.
Before the end of first half Kevin Mozzochi number 10 came out lead the team on downs and was stopped by the defense.
With the break in the action the special teams showed a little of their talent with the punters kicking and special team receivers catching the ball.
After the intermission play resumed. Russel Hill then showed his passing talent with a pass for a touchdown to Isaiah Burl, this was one of his two passes that were completed for touchdowns. Hill went 7 for 12 in passing for 79 yards .
Showing that he was ready to step in if Hill is injured Kylm Blum went 6 for 12 for 92 yards in the pass department with one touchdown to Kenyon Blue.
Performing outstandingly on defense was Keith Goins who continue to pick off passes, he pick off his third pass in three scrimmages.
Looks like there is a possibility for some wins in the up coming seasons said one of the loyal fans as he left the arena. Showing his crossed fingers.
There was no scoring unofficially the offense out scored the defense 45 to 39.
To see highlights of the first half of the scrimmage you can go to u tube under Idaho State Football 4/26
Exciting Friday NightNothing exciting happened at the dome Friday night. It was missed advertised, as a football scrimmage. There was a offense, a defense, some guys running around in stripes, a football and guys dressed in dark shirts, coaches.
Not understanding what a Bengal scrimmage game is I was waiting for a kick off, a run back and tackle. Instead the offense came on the field with a quarterback,ran a few plays, didn't make a first down, brought out another quarterback and started all over again. But, the defense scored points for stopping the offense. Interesting they didn't even cross the goal line.
The public address announcer was certainly not helpful in explaining the action on the field or rules of engagement. He must have been surfing the web looking for a good movie to go to after the "game" was over.
In between the dropped passes and the runs, there were a few exciting plays, showing there is a potential for some exciting Bengal football come this fall.
Looking for the happening place in Pocatello on a Friday night will be less changeling now that the football scrimmage is over.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
ISU Spring Game
It was all offense early in Idaho State’s spring practice last Friday night at Holt Arena. Following a failed drive by quarterback Russel Hill, backup QB Kyle Blum marched his offense down the field from their own 20-yard line. The Moorpark High School graduate Blum connected with freshman wide-out Kelvin Krosch for a 45-yard reception that set the Bengal offense up at the 5-yard line. Two plays later, Blum would shovel an awkward 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kenyon Blue.
Following the successful drive, third-string quarterback Evan Mozzochi took his turn under center. The drive was dominated by a strong Bengal defense, disallowing any momentum to commence. The only highlight was Angelo Magee’s diving catch. Russel Hill would lead the next scoring drive of the half, after running back Ken Cornist ran for a 32-yard pickup to take the offense inside the 20-yard line. The following play featured Hill hitting Jaron Taylor on a slant route that was momentarily bobbled, but then secured for a touchdown catch.
After witnessing the first half, it was apparent to me that ISU will heavily depend on the running game next season. If the defense gives up a lot of points, it would be wise of the offense to control the pace of the game through a steady running game. My only concern there would be the offensive line and their ability to give the runners room to run.
Following the successful drive, third-string quarterback Evan Mozzochi took his turn under center. The drive was dominated by a strong Bengal defense, disallowing any momentum to commence. The only highlight was Angelo Magee’s diving catch. Russel Hill would lead the next scoring drive of the half, after running back Ken Cornist ran for a 32-yard pickup to take the offense inside the 20-yard line. The following play featured Hill hitting Jaron Taylor on a slant route that was momentarily bobbled, but then secured for a touchdown catch.
After witnessing the first half, it was apparent to me that ISU will heavily depend on the running game next season. If the defense gives up a lot of points, it would be wise of the offense to control the pace of the game through a steady running game. My only concern there would be the offensive line and their ability to give the runners room to run.
Spring Game as lacking as the blooms
The Bengals started their spring scrimmage the same way it ended- slowly. After a hop, skip and jump, the scrimmage opened to a molasses start with the offense creeping over Holt Arena’s turf Friday night, April 25.
Russell Hill, a sophomore recruited from Boise, Idaho, was one of the offensive stars of the evening throwing two of the five touchdowns during the game.
Kelvin Krosch mustered some action early in the game with a 46 yard run, ending at the 35 yardline. From there the game recovered the humdrum pace, as Krosch progressed the ball another five yards, and then to the five yardline. Isaiah Burel then worked the ball into the endzone for the first touchdown of the game.
Krosch became the other offensive star of the evening, after he gathered three passes for a total of 91 yards.
From there the game slowly tapered off until Kenyon Blue received a shovel pass and tried to powerhouse the ball into the end zone. The play failed.
Then, the game collapsed into an intermission of punting and kicking drills.
Afterwards, Edsel Logan led a respectable effort for the ball, ultimately coming up incomplete. Ken Cornist was next to get his hands on the ball and made a nice run, which was followed by Jaron Taylor landing the second touchdown of the game.
Overall, the play seemed rather slow and forgiving even for a scrimmage. While the offense outplayed the defense winning 45-39, it seems the Bengals are going to need to sharpen their offensive line and their defensive game before facing off with Boise State in September.
The Spring Game, however slow, was still a nice way to whet the appetite of football hungry Bengal fans.
Russell Hill, a sophomore recruited from Boise, Idaho, was one of the offensive stars of the evening throwing two of the five touchdowns during the game.
Kelvin Krosch mustered some action early in the game with a 46 yard run, ending at the 35 yardline. From there the game recovered the humdrum pace, as Krosch progressed the ball another five yards, and then to the five yardline. Isaiah Burel then worked the ball into the endzone for the first touchdown of the game.
Krosch became the other offensive star of the evening, after he gathered three passes for a total of 91 yards.
From there the game slowly tapered off until Kenyon Blue received a shovel pass and tried to powerhouse the ball into the end zone. The play failed.
Then, the game collapsed into an intermission of punting and kicking drills.
Afterwards, Edsel Logan led a respectable effort for the ball, ultimately coming up incomplete. Ken Cornist was next to get his hands on the ball and made a nice run, which was followed by Jaron Taylor landing the second touchdown of the game.
Overall, the play seemed rather slow and forgiving even for a scrimmage. While the offense outplayed the defense winning 45-39, it seems the Bengals are going to need to sharpen their offensive line and their defensive game before facing off with Boise State in September.
The Spring Game, however slow, was still a nice way to whet the appetite of football hungry Bengal fans.
Big Hurt re-joins A’s and pains the Twins
Oakland faced off April 24 with the Minnesota Twins, and for the first time in 13 years a Twins’ starter allowed more than 6 runs without pitching an entire inning. The resulting 11-2 victory for the A’s left their new designated hitter pleased.
Unlike Minnesota’s starter Francisco Liriano, who was left feeling some big hurt after Thursday’s game. Within 29 minutes of the game, Liriano was removed. After allowing six runs and five hits, Liriano walked three and failed to procure a single stikeout. Maybe he is still suffering from the surgery he underwent in fall of 2006.
Suffering aside, Frank Thomas could not have looked more comfortable shaking the dust and rust from his green and gold No. 35 uniform. His teammates don’t even seem bitter about spending less time at the plate.
In fact, Rajai Davis and Donnie Murphy contributed to the excitement of A’s fans during this game. Davis slammed three hits in his debut with the Athletics. Murphy, however, outshined him with his first career multi-homer game. Way to earn your $400,000 salary! (Did I mention how incredibly attractive baseball players’ salaries are? Do I need to?)
Let’s hope that the reacquisition of the Big Hurt continues to pay in wins for the A’s.
Unlike Minnesota’s starter Francisco Liriano, who was left feeling some big hurt after Thursday’s game. Within 29 minutes of the game, Liriano was removed. After allowing six runs and five hits, Liriano walked three and failed to procure a single stikeout. Maybe he is still suffering from the surgery he underwent in fall of 2006.
Suffering aside, Frank Thomas could not have looked more comfortable shaking the dust and rust from his green and gold No. 35 uniform. His teammates don’t even seem bitter about spending less time at the plate.
In fact, Rajai Davis and Donnie Murphy contributed to the excitement of A’s fans during this game. Davis slammed three hits in his debut with the Athletics. Murphy, however, outshined him with his first career multi-homer game. Way to earn your $400,000 salary! (Did I mention how incredibly attractive baseball players’ salaries are? Do I need to?)
Let’s hope that the reacquisition of the Big Hurt continues to pay in wins for the A’s.
book review
Jason Enes
Book Review
MC 299
April 27, 2008
Baseball has been in San Diego in some form since 1871 and the Padres have been in San Diego since 1936. In Bill Swank’s book Baseball in San Diego from the Padres to Petco he details the history of the team as the Padres from 1936-2003.
The book details the history of the team as a minor league team in the Pacific Coast League. It also talks about how many people were unaware that Ted Williams actually began his baseball career as a Padre. The Boston Red Sox great spent the 1936 season as a 17 year-old outfielder with the Padres before being sold to Boston in 1937.
It then goes into the struggles of San Diego getting an expansion team in the late 1960’s and how just trying to get the money together to purchase the team but many people in the city into debt. Once the team was awarded to the city it goes into the struggles that the team had to win games and get people into the seats in brand new San Diego Stadium.
The Padres have struggled mightily during their existence but the players that have been Padres are an impressive list. Ozzie Smith, Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn and Jake Peavy are just a small sampling of the players that have graced the city of San Diego with their baseball talents. The history of the Padres in a long one with lots of struggles on and off the field and Bill Swank does a great job in showing that and even as big of a Padre fan that I am a learned a lot about the team and it’s players that I did not even know.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Spring Football Game
Blakely Peppinger
Spring Football Game
April 25, 2008
The offense came back for a strong finish in the Idaho State Spring football game Friday night. Russel Hill led the Bengals offense completing 7 passes on 12 attempts for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The annual Spring game was held at Holt Arena this year, led by head coach John Zamberlin.
Hill connected with Jaron Taylor and Isaiah Burel each for a touchdown. Kyle Blum went 6 for 12 with a touchdown to Kenyon Blue to cap off his first drive at quarterback. The Bengals offense was also fueled by Ken Cornist who gained 79 yards on 9 carries.
Defensively, Keith Goins, Jr. had his third interception of the Spring in as many scrimmages. He has been a standout player for the Bengals all Spring after seeing limited time last fall as a true freshman.
Evan Mozzochi and Preston Kelly also were effective at times moving the football. Mozochi was 5 for 10 with 1 interception and Kelly was 6 for 9 for 49 yards including a scoring drive capped off by a one yard touchdown plunge by Trevor Messersmith.
Travis Anderson led with seven tackles and Amir Owens made a strong stand against the offensive passing game. Hill said, “The defense played well. They have made some great plays throughout the Spring and today wasn’t any different.”
The game ended the Spring season for the Bengals but Zamberlin assures that they will continue to improve throughout the Summer and be ready to improve on their 3-8 season in 2007.
Spring Football Game
April 25, 2008
The offense came back for a strong finish in the Idaho State Spring football game Friday night. Russel Hill led the Bengals offense completing 7 passes on 12 attempts for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The annual Spring game was held at Holt Arena this year, led by head coach John Zamberlin.
Hill connected with Jaron Taylor and Isaiah Burel each for a touchdown. Kyle Blum went 6 for 12 with a touchdown to Kenyon Blue to cap off his first drive at quarterback. The Bengals offense was also fueled by Ken Cornist who gained 79 yards on 9 carries.
Defensively, Keith Goins, Jr. had his third interception of the Spring in as many scrimmages. He has been a standout player for the Bengals all Spring after seeing limited time last fall as a true freshman.
Evan Mozzochi and Preston Kelly also were effective at times moving the football. Mozochi was 5 for 10 with 1 interception and Kelly was 6 for 9 for 49 yards including a scoring drive capped off by a one yard touchdown plunge by Trevor Messersmith.
Travis Anderson led with seven tackles and Amir Owens made a strong stand against the offensive passing game. Hill said, “The defense played well. They have made some great plays throughout the Spring and today wasn’t any different.”
The game ended the Spring season for the Bengals but Zamberlin assures that they will continue to improve throughout the Summer and be ready to improve on their 3-8 season in 2007.
ISU Spring Game
Jason Enes
Spring game story
April 25, 2008
The offense dominates the first half of the spring game by scoring two touchdowns.
The 2008 Idaho State spring game was played Friday night at Holt Arena. The annual game played between the offense and the defense was dominated in the first half by the Bengal offense.
After a fairly ineffective first series led by quarterback Russel Hill the first scoring drive was led by backup quarterback Kyle Blum from the offense’s own 20 yard line. The highlights of the drive were a 45-yard pass down to the 5-yard line from Blum to freshman receiver Kelvin Krosch. The reception setup a shovel pass for a score to Kenyon Blue two plays later.
Third string quarterback Evan Mozzochi led the next series and the defense had their best series of the first half. The defense never let the offense get anything going and when they offense got any momentum it was quickly shut down with a big play. The only highlight for the offense was a diving catch made by Angelo Magee.
Russel Hill led the offense for the second scoring drive of the half. After a few running plays that gained very little Ken Cornist broke a run for 32 yards down inside the 20. On the next play Hill hit Jaron Taylor on a slant route that he bobbled and eventually controlled for a touchdown reception.
After the first half of play it was obvious to see that the offense was further ahead of the defense this spring. With the play of the quarterbacks and recivers the only part of the offense that needs to improve is the offensive line. A big part of the Bengal offense is the running game and if the offensive line doesn’t do there job the running game doesn’t work and neither does the offense.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Jared Allen
Jared Allen is now the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. On Wednesday he was traded to the Vikings with a deal including $31 million guaranteed and could be worth $74 million if he meets incentives. Last year Allen led the league in sacks and has made a name for himself. This is a big accomplishment coming from a 4th round draft pick by Kansas City and playing his college career here at Idaho State. He was a standout player here and hopefully this amazing opportunity will encourage him to give back to Idaho State. His younger brother is currently on the team which will hopefully be a higher incentive to give back. He has already purchased new uniforms for the football team for next season. The success of Allen can only benefit ISU football and hopefully other ISU sports.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Book Review
Dean Smith, A Coach’s life gives the reader behind the scenes access to what it is like to be the head coach at one of the top basketball schools in the country. Dean is candid about his relationship with some of his players throughout the years. He often refers to basketball as a metaphor for life.
Dean talks about the reluctance of some to allow African Americans to play basketball in the 1960’s. He felt like basketball helped end segregation in this country by giving minorities an opportunity to showcase their talents.
The book is a must read for even the casual basketball fan. Diehard fans will truly appreciate the stories about some of the games greats like James Worthy and Michael Jordan. 
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Book Report: Pistol
Pete Maravich was the classic example of an athlete who truly ate, slept and lived the game of basketball. Beginning at the age of seven, his father Press lectured the importance of practice and how it was essential to Pete’s success in the future. Growing up, Pete practiced his ball handling skills for hours and polished his shooting abilities to perfection. Although Press gave his son something to be passionate about, he placed such a heavy importance on improving that it would eventually lead to the only thing that was important to him. It was said that his father required him to make 100 shots from the half-court line in their driveway every night after dinner before he could go to bed. The obsessiveness would set in when Pete would deliberately miss the 100th shot so he could continue shooting.
He attended LSU and averaged an improbable 44.2 points in 83 games for three seasons, leading the NCAA in scoring three times (freshmen weren’t allowed to play varsity). He set an NCAA record by scoring more than 50 points 28 times. Among many of these records that he still holds today, Pete was named a three-time All-American.
In 1970, the Pistol (named because of his gun holster shot) graduated from LSU and was selected third in the first round of that year's NBA draft. He signed a record 1.6 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 23.2 points per game his rookie year and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. He was traded from the Hawks after four seasons to the New Orleans Jazz for eight players. His time in New Orleans would be the climax of his career. The Jazz would move the team to Utah before the start of the 1979-80 season and Pete would later be traded to the Boston Celtics. He would finish the rest of the season playing alongside Larry Bird before his retirement.
Pete’s career was much too short for the caliber of player he was. Many argue that he could have been the best all-time if his leg injury hadn’t shortened his time in the NBA. He would fall into an addiction with alcoholism and avoided having a social life for about two years. The most intriguing part of this story for me, wasn’t the great ability and style he displayed on the court (although that was entertaining), it was what he searched for during the last years of his life. He would experiment with Yoga, Hinduism, vegetarianism, and macrobiotics before discovering the Lord and becoming a Christian.
Before his death in 1988, Maravich would say, “I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Him to the utmost. Not as a basketball player.”
He attended LSU and averaged an improbable 44.2 points in 83 games for three seasons, leading the NCAA in scoring three times (freshmen weren’t allowed to play varsity). He set an NCAA record by scoring more than 50 points 28 times. Among many of these records that he still holds today, Pete was named a three-time All-American.
In 1970, the Pistol (named because of his gun holster shot) graduated from LSU and was selected third in the first round of that year's NBA draft. He signed a record 1.6 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 23.2 points per game his rookie year and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. He was traded from the Hawks after four seasons to the New Orleans Jazz for eight players. His time in New Orleans would be the climax of his career. The Jazz would move the team to Utah before the start of the 1979-80 season and Pete would later be traded to the Boston Celtics. He would finish the rest of the season playing alongside Larry Bird before his retirement.
Pete’s career was much too short for the caliber of player he was. Many argue that he could have been the best all-time if his leg injury hadn’t shortened his time in the NBA. He would fall into an addiction with alcoholism and avoided having a social life for about two years. The most intriguing part of this story for me, wasn’t the great ability and style he displayed on the court (although that was entertaining), it was what he searched for during the last years of his life. He would experiment with Yoga, Hinduism, vegetarianism, and macrobiotics before discovering the Lord and becoming a Christian.
Before his death in 1988, Maravich would say, “I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Him to the utmost. Not as a basketball player.”
Newlee Leaving
I'm not buying it. The women's basketball coach leaving for Idaho is like a stab in the back. There has to be a lot more going on in the athletic department that's not being said either that or he is just a putz jumping ship after his two big stars have left. I understanding wanting to move up the coaching food chain but the Vandals are not up but a sideways move. I could have retained any respect I had for him had he left for a non-Idaho, non-Big Sky school. As it stands now I think he's a putz and should have shown more respect for the program he helped build. I feel bad for the women he left behind and now with everything else going on here with ISU be able to bring in a top notch coach to maintain the momentum built or with the lack of stability and whirlwind surrounding Bengal athletics with the team slip into mediocrity.
Just some thoughts I had swirling in my head
Just some thoughts I had swirling in my head
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Fantasy Baseball transforms the fan
By Sarah Kalkwarf
Staff Writer
March 31 marked the first day of the 2008 baseball season. This day, known to baseball fans as opening day, left me wondering how fantasy baseball participants react to games.
It seems to me that fantasy leagues have changed the way people watch the game, focusing attention on individual performance rather than on one favorite team.
Fantasy baseball is an online game in which participants manage imaginary baseball teams based on the performance of Major League Baseball players. The participants then compete against one another using the players’ statistics to score points.
Picking players for the team is no easy task. It requires a large amount of research and knowledge of the game. Fantasy league sites like Yahoo! and ESPN track statistics and offer advice to participants. Sites like these also house features like message boards so participants can communicate with one another.
Because Major League Baseball presents multiple games in a week, fantasy baseball players tend to have their hands full keeping up with the statistics of their own team. The fantasy baseball participant has to make sure that the players they chose are playing that week and that they are earning the appropriate statistics for the fantasy team.
The typical fantasy baseball participant runs multiple teams because of the many invites they receive to join leagues. The different invites might be from different groups of friends or co-workers who the average participant does not wish to turn down obligating them to multiple fantasy teams and monopolizing much of their time.
Many online sites that provide fantasy league opportunities do so at no cost to the participants. There are some leagues who charge a flat rate to join; these are referred to as prize eligible leagues. Both prize eligible leagues and free leagues can be found at Yahoo! and ESPN.
Because of the focus on singular players and their statistics, fantasy baseball has transformed the typical baseball fan. Instead of routing for their favorite teams, fans who participate in fantasy baseball find themselves watching many teams and singular players. Fantasy baseball has removed the baseball fan and created amateur team managers.
These team managers spend much of their time throughout the season focusing on the singular players that make up their fantasy baseball team. They find themselves watching the game only to find out how their players are fairing and having little concern over which team wins.
In recent years, with the rising popularity of fantasy baseball, many baseball stars have emerged. On ESPN’s fantasy baseball site a participant can view the top players by clicking on the player rater link. This link provides participants with all of the statistics up to date and ranks the different players based on performance.
I think that it is great that with a few clicks of the mouse I can get a list of the top players in the league and the players with the best performance should be recognized. I would like to know what happened to the magic of watching a game and routing for the preferred team, not the preferred player.
In the 2008 Major League Baseball season I choose to remain the fan and route for my one and only team. Go Cardinals!
Staff Writer
March 31 marked the first day of the 2008 baseball season. This day, known to baseball fans as opening day, left me wondering how fantasy baseball participants react to games.
It seems to me that fantasy leagues have changed the way people watch the game, focusing attention on individual performance rather than on one favorite team.
Fantasy baseball is an online game in which participants manage imaginary baseball teams based on the performance of Major League Baseball players. The participants then compete against one another using the players’ statistics to score points.
Picking players for the team is no easy task. It requires a large amount of research and knowledge of the game. Fantasy league sites like Yahoo! and ESPN track statistics and offer advice to participants. Sites like these also house features like message boards so participants can communicate with one another.
Because Major League Baseball presents multiple games in a week, fantasy baseball players tend to have their hands full keeping up with the statistics of their own team. The fantasy baseball participant has to make sure that the players they chose are playing that week and that they are earning the appropriate statistics for the fantasy team.
The typical fantasy baseball participant runs multiple teams because of the many invites they receive to join leagues. The different invites might be from different groups of friends or co-workers who the average participant does not wish to turn down obligating them to multiple fantasy teams and monopolizing much of their time.
Many online sites that provide fantasy league opportunities do so at no cost to the participants. There are some leagues who charge a flat rate to join; these are referred to as prize eligible leagues. Both prize eligible leagues and free leagues can be found at Yahoo! and ESPN.
Because of the focus on singular players and their statistics, fantasy baseball has transformed the typical baseball fan. Instead of routing for their favorite teams, fans who participate in fantasy baseball find themselves watching many teams and singular players. Fantasy baseball has removed the baseball fan and created amateur team managers.
These team managers spend much of their time throughout the season focusing on the singular players that make up their fantasy baseball team. They find themselves watching the game only to find out how their players are fairing and having little concern over which team wins.
In recent years, with the rising popularity of fantasy baseball, many baseball stars have emerged. On ESPN’s fantasy baseball site a participant can view the top players by clicking on the player rater link. This link provides participants with all of the statistics up to date and ranks the different players based on performance.
I think that it is great that with a few clicks of the mouse I can get a list of the top players in the league and the players with the best performance should be recognized. I would like to know what happened to the magic of watching a game and routing for the preferred team, not the preferred player.
In the 2008 Major League Baseball season I choose to remain the fan and route for my one and only team. Go Cardinals!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Newlee will be missed
Idaho State Coach Jon Newlee made it official today by announcing his departure for the University of Idaho. Many may view the move as a lateral one. Newlee leaves ISU with with one year remaining on his contract. Here are some of the reasons you should not be surprised that he is leaving for the University of Idaho:
With the budget shortfalls, Jon knows that the Idaho State athletic department is at best a sinking ship right now.
Stability, he has worked with four separate Athletic Directors in his six years here.
He is the most successful coach in the history of the program, his teams have been to post season four times during his short tenure here, and yet ISU hasn't made an offer to sign him to a long term contract.
His team is forced to use an old run down locker room while the state of the art men's locker room sits empty because the men no longer play their games at Reed Gym.
The number one reason I think Jon is leaving is because Lightfoot and Doma will not be returning next year and now is stock is hot right now. Next year will be a rebuilding year. Now is the right time to move.
I wish Jon the best of luck at Idaho. It has been a pleasure working with him. I know that this decision was difficult for him to make. Instead of being bitter about his decision to leave we should be grateful to him and his staff for the level of success he has brought to our university.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Dominator gets her shot.
POCATELLO-Natalie Doma will get her shot at the WNBA with the Seattle Storm.Doma is the first player ever from Idaho State to sign a contract with the WNBA. The native of British Columbia is thrilled to be coming home to the Pacific Northwest.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” said Natalie Doma. “I mean my parents have had to travel miles to come watch me play and now if everything works out the way I hope it will they will just have to take a two hour ferry ride over.”
Natalie was understandably disappointed about not being drafted but that quickly changed moments after the draft ended.
“At first watching the draft I was a little disappointed and then right after the draft coach got a call from the Seattle coach and they called my agent and he called me right back saying that they wanted to offer me a free agent deal and I was just overjoyed,” said Doma. “I mean it’s right close to my home, it’s just all working out so I was really excited.”
The signing was important to Idaho State as well.
“It kind of puts us on the map now,” said Head Coach Jon Newlee. “People will be like Idaho State and look us up and see what kind of program we have and everything.
Natalie couldn’t be happier with the way things worked out.
“It would have been nice to have been drafted but it’s always been my dream to play in the WNBA and it’s kind of happening right,” said Doma.” I just have to go out and prove myself.”
Camp for the Seattle Storm begins April 20.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Spring Football
Spring Football
If the video processes correctly you will be able to see some of the plays from Saturdays first scrimmage. Only having last season football roster, I could not tell who was who with on the video I shot. The video did not load on Blog but I added it to u tube....I think the link is available. ( First time I tried this) Go to Spring Scrimmage Idaho State University
To use the old cliché it was a perfect day to play football, sun was shining blue skies and the temperature was cool. The first outside contact scrimmage for the ISU football team was held Saturday under perfect condition.
Russel Hill the sophomore quarterback lead the offensive to two touchdowns, the sophomore quarterback threw for one touchdown and lead the offensive to a running touchdown. Hill for the day went for 12 of 17 passes for 117 yards, with the one touchdown and one interception.
The defense took their turn to shine in the sun, they held the offense out of the red zone three times. With, two interception , Chris Holmsely, intercepted Hill, while Keith Goins picked off Evan Mozzochi, to end scoring drive in the red zone.
On special teams, Mike Romas was 1 of 4 field goals, making only a 29 yard attempt, missing from 29, 31 and 24 yrds.
Next big scrimmage will be the inter squad game Before the end of school.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sports Column
The Fantastic Final Four
Many college basketball fans would view this year’s NCAA tournament in San Antonio as a predictable one, but in retrospect, it really wasn’t. For the first time since the NCAA tournament began seeding teams, all four number one seeds (North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, UCLA) made the Final Four. Baby-faced Stephen Curry lead his tenth seeded Davidson Wildcats of the Midwest region to the Elite Eight and the hot-shooting Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky made an improbable Sweet 16 run before running into UCLA, losing by ten. This year’s NCAA tournament was far from predictable; it was unprecedented.
Shortly after the David’s mangled the Goliaths’, the dust settled and the teams that were supposed to be there, were. Memphis, who were viewed as a national powerhouse wannabe, were criticized for their weak conference schedule. But when the madness in March arrived, they were crushing legitimate opponents like Michigan State (92-74), Texas (85-67), and PAC Ten champion UCLA (78-63). NBA-bound point-guard Derrick Rose, who many foresee becoming a higher-quality version of Jason Kidd, was doing all the right things and being a freshmen, it held many in contempt.
The UCLA Bruins, who many picked to win the tournament, were nearly shocked in the second round by Big 12 opponent Texas A&M, but pulled through late and became a near championship lock. Freshman phenom Kevin Love (PAC Ten player of the year) and point-guard Darren Collison led Ben Howland to his third straight Final Four before falling short to Memphis in the semifinals.
Roy William’s Tarheels entered the NCAA tournament as the nation’s top team. They began the tournament, hosted in Charlotte, on a killing spree. Beating their first three victims by 39, 31, and 21 points. That’s a lot of blood! Following a hard-fought battle in the Elite Eight against Louisville, North Carolina faced a familiar opponent in Kansas, whom Roy Williams coached for 15 seasons. His “new team,” lead by AP player of the year Tyler Hansbrough, would fall behind 40-12 before putting together a second-half surge and pulling to within four with 11:15 left. Kansas proved to be too much and would eventually seal an 18-point victory.
The Kansas Jayhawks, sharers of their eighth Big 12 regular-season title, were placed under a dark cloud of skepticism after back-to-back early first-round exits in the tournament and again last year in the Elite Eight. Many wondered if head coach Bill Self could win the big one. Finally in this year’s Big Dance, they overcame the hump and got to the Final Four, but wouldn’t stop there. After dismantling Davidson, the Jayhawks stormed past North Carolina and would take on John Calipari’s Memphis Tigers.
The game would remain close the entire way, with teams exchanging baskets for the majority of the contest. With 2:12 remaining, Kansas trailed 59-51 as Memphis began to feel a championship. But with less than two minutes to play, Kansas stole an inbounds pass and Sherron Collins (yes, the backup point-guard) would drop a 3-point dagger and cut Memphis’ lead to 60-56. Thanks to numerous failed attempts from the free-throw line with under a minute remaining, Kansas would tie the game at 63 when Mario Chalmers connected on a 3-pointer coming off of a screen-and-roll. Kansas would hold on to all momentum in the overtime period and win their first national championship in 20 years.
It was an entertaining tournament. And in all actuality, if you look past the annoying Taco Bell commercials and put aside the ridiculous 12% increase in ad revenue to make such things, you could honestly feel the excitement during the close games, and for a fan, that’s what the NCAA tournament is about.
Many college basketball fans would view this year’s NCAA tournament in San Antonio as a predictable one, but in retrospect, it really wasn’t. For the first time since the NCAA tournament began seeding teams, all four number one seeds (North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, UCLA) made the Final Four. Baby-faced Stephen Curry lead his tenth seeded Davidson Wildcats of the Midwest region to the Elite Eight and the hot-shooting Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky made an improbable Sweet 16 run before running into UCLA, losing by ten. This year’s NCAA tournament was far from predictable; it was unprecedented.
Shortly after the David’s mangled the Goliaths’, the dust settled and the teams that were supposed to be there, were. Memphis, who were viewed as a national powerhouse wannabe, were criticized for their weak conference schedule. But when the madness in March arrived, they were crushing legitimate opponents like Michigan State (92-74), Texas (85-67), and PAC Ten champion UCLA (78-63). NBA-bound point-guard Derrick Rose, who many foresee becoming a higher-quality version of Jason Kidd, was doing all the right things and being a freshmen, it held many in contempt.
The UCLA Bruins, who many picked to win the tournament, were nearly shocked in the second round by Big 12 opponent Texas A&M, but pulled through late and became a near championship lock. Freshman phenom Kevin Love (PAC Ten player of the year) and point-guard Darren Collison led Ben Howland to his third straight Final Four before falling short to Memphis in the semifinals.
Roy William’s Tarheels entered the NCAA tournament as the nation’s top team. They began the tournament, hosted in Charlotte, on a killing spree. Beating their first three victims by 39, 31, and 21 points. That’s a lot of blood! Following a hard-fought battle in the Elite Eight against Louisville, North Carolina faced a familiar opponent in Kansas, whom Roy Williams coached for 15 seasons. His “new team,” lead by AP player of the year Tyler Hansbrough, would fall behind 40-12 before putting together a second-half surge and pulling to within four with 11:15 left. Kansas proved to be too much and would eventually seal an 18-point victory.
The Kansas Jayhawks, sharers of their eighth Big 12 regular-season title, were placed under a dark cloud of skepticism after back-to-back early first-round exits in the tournament and again last year in the Elite Eight. Many wondered if head coach Bill Self could win the big one. Finally in this year’s Big Dance, they overcame the hump and got to the Final Four, but wouldn’t stop there. After dismantling Davidson, the Jayhawks stormed past North Carolina and would take on John Calipari’s Memphis Tigers.
The game would remain close the entire way, with teams exchanging baskets for the majority of the contest. With 2:12 remaining, Kansas trailed 59-51 as Memphis began to feel a championship. But with less than two minutes to play, Kansas stole an inbounds pass and Sherron Collins (yes, the backup point-guard) would drop a 3-point dagger and cut Memphis’ lead to 60-56. Thanks to numerous failed attempts from the free-throw line with under a minute remaining, Kansas would tie the game at 63 when Mario Chalmers connected on a 3-pointer coming off of a screen-and-roll. Kansas would hold on to all momentum in the overtime period and win their first national championship in 20 years.
It was an entertaining tournament. And in all actuality, if you look past the annoying Taco Bell commercials and put aside the ridiculous 12% increase in ad revenue to make such things, you could honestly feel the excitement during the close games, and for a fan, that’s what the NCAA tournament is about.
Final Tally
Here are the final results and I have to say I've never been this lucky in all the years I've been picking brackets. Thanks for the fun. See you Thursday
Final Bracket Results
Men
Dave 40/63 235 points correctly picked Kansas
Zach 41/63 199 points
Jason 41/63 189 points
Nic 37/63 187 points
Sarah 36/63 177 points
Blakely 35/63 176 points
Phil 35/63 134 points
Jim 33/63 134 points
Melinda 27/63 90 points
Women
Jason 47/63 243 points
Dave 45/63 238 points correctly picked Tennessee
Nic 44/63 213 points
Zach 46/63 208 points
Blakely 43/63 190 points
Sarah 37/63 154 points
Phil 38/63 138 points
Jim 23/63 55 points
WNIT
No one correctly picket Marquette as the winner, Zach was the closest he had Michigan state in championship
Zach 28/47 152 points
Blakely 26/47 120 points
Melinda 23/47 116 points
Dave 27/47 114 points
Sarah 26/47 111 points
Phil 22/47 90 points
Jason 22/47 89 points
Nic 22/47 82 points
Jim 11/47 31 points
Total
Dave 112/173 587 points
Zach 115/173 559 points
Jason 110/173 521 points
Blakely 104/173 486 points
Nic 103/173 482 points
Sarah 99/173 442points
Phil /173 362points
Jim 67/173 220 points
Melinda 50/173 206 points
Final Bracket Results
Men
Dave 40/63 235 points correctly picked Kansas
Zach 41/63 199 points
Jason 41/63 189 points
Nic 37/63 187 points
Sarah 36/63 177 points
Blakely 35/63 176 points
Phil 35/63 134 points
Jim 33/63 134 points
Melinda 27/63 90 points
Women
Jason 47/63 243 points
Dave 45/63 238 points correctly picked Tennessee
Nic 44/63 213 points
Zach 46/63 208 points
Blakely 43/63 190 points
Sarah 37/63 154 points
Phil 38/63 138 points
Jim 23/63 55 points
WNIT
No one correctly picket Marquette as the winner, Zach was the closest he had Michigan state in championship
Zach 28/47 152 points
Blakely 26/47 120 points
Melinda 23/47 116 points
Dave 27/47 114 points
Sarah 26/47 111 points
Phil 22/47 90 points
Jason 22/47 89 points
Nic 22/47 82 points
Jim 11/47 31 points
Total
Dave 112/173 587 points
Zach 115/173 559 points
Jason 110/173 521 points
Blakely 104/173 486 points
Nic 103/173 482 points
Sarah 99/173 442points
Phil /173 362points
Jim 67/173 220 points
Melinda 50/173 206 points
ISU Volleyball Tournament Schedule
Here is the Volleyball Tournament schedule for Saturday April 19th at Reed. All games are in the main gym and are 2 out of 3.
9am Ct 1 Idaho State vs. CSI
9am Ct 2 Westminster vs. Northwest Nazarene
10am Ct 1 Idaho State vs. College of Idaho
10am Ct 2 CSI vs. Westminster
11am Ct 1 Westminster vs. College of Idaho
11am Ct 2 Northwest Nazarene vs. CSI
12pm Lunch break
1pm Ct 1 Idaho State vs. Westminster
1pm Ct 2 College of Idaho vs Northwest Nazarene
2pm Ct 1 Idaho State vs. Northwest Nazarene
2pm Ct 2 College of Idaho vs. CSI
9am Ct 1 Idaho State vs. CSI
9am Ct 2 Westminster vs. Northwest Nazarene
10am Ct 1 Idaho State vs. College of Idaho
10am Ct 2 CSI vs. Westminster
11am Ct 1 Westminster vs. College of Idaho
11am Ct 2 Northwest Nazarene vs. CSI
12pm Lunch break
1pm Ct 1 Idaho State vs. Westminster
1pm Ct 2 College of Idaho vs Northwest Nazarene
2pm Ct 1 Idaho State vs. Northwest Nazarene
2pm Ct 2 College of Idaho vs. CSI
Sunday, April 6, 2008
NCAA Tournament Mess
Now that the NCAA men's national championship game will be played monday night I would imagine like many in the country have thrown their brackets in disgust as many's national champion predeictions North Caolina or UCLA were not just beaten last night but man handled by Kansas and Memphis. I think tomorrow nights game should be a good one as though both of the two teams playing were in the top 5 all year nobody expected them to play in this game. I expect Memphis to win because they play a more uptempo style of basketball and they don't turnover the ball as much as Kansas does. 19 turnovers in a national semi final game is a ton but Kansas was able to overcome them and still beat North Carolina by 18. Let's hope tomorrow nights game is a entertaining like saturday's were.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Hockey and Food
Only if it could be true, this is from THE ONION so you know it isn't true, and Phil this will not be considered one of my blogs just something funny I thought. I'd like to share...................old dog NEW YORK—Flanked by Food Network president Brooke Johnson and cooking-show host Rachael Ray, Commissioner Gary Bettman announced yesterday that the NHL has opted out of its contract with the Versus cable channel (formerly the Outdoor Life Network) and has reached a long-term broadcasting deal with the Food Network starting in the 2007-08 season.
"In all my years as commissioner, I have learned that our diverse group of fans and players all enjoy food of some sort. Italian, French, barbecue, quick-and-easy 30-minute meals—you name it, one or more of them eat it," said Bettman, adding that Iron Chef French host Hiroyuki Sakai will join play-by-play announcer Mike "Doc" Emrick and analyst Brian Engblom to form a new lead announcing team for all Food Network games. "This partnership has been a long time coming. If the Food Network would have been around in 1991, we would have left ESPN in a heartbeat."
“It’s great to know we will be on television next year,” Bettman added, smiling as the NHL’s new studio team, consisting of Rachael Ray as head hockey anchor and Bill Clement as game analyst, collaborated in an attempt to equate the offsides penalty to “zesting up” a pan-seared T-bone steak. “Thanks, Food Network.”
Though Bettman maintained that the Food Network was always the league's first choice, sources close to the commissioner confirmed that the NHL also considered broadcasting games on E!, the Golf Channel, and Cartoon Network before eventually deciding to go with the network offering the best combination of financial incentives and airtime.
"We also thought the lead-in programs on Versus, especially those that focused on bull-riding, bass fishing, and violent contact sports, were not entirely compatible with the image of the league," Bettman said. "Now, hockey games will follow Emeril Live, Feasting On Asphalt, and The Hungry Detective, which, as you can plainly see, are a better fit. Also, we are paying the Food Network much less money to broadcast our games."
According to terms of the deal, the Food Network will schedule broadcasts of over 50 full-length hockey games and will carry both the Eastern and Western Conference Semi-Finals, as well as Games 4 through 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The only exception, Bettman said, would be made for Rachael Ray, who appears on television roughly three times more than the NHL. In the case of Ray experiencing a scheduling conflict, hockey games will be postponed and rescheduled at Ray's convenience.
"We liked the idea of having hockey because it has two halftimes," said Food Network president Johnson, adding that the first game on the channel will feature the ceremonial dropping of an inaugural homemade Italian meatball at center ice by honorary referee Mario Batali. "Our debut coverage will include a halftime show hosted by Giada De Laurentiis, who will recap the game's events while guiding you through the preparation of Sicilian penne with swordfish and eggplant. Or, if you are in the mood for something more immediate, on-ice reporter Paula Deen will spend timeouts showing you certain tactics to enhance the flavor of your traditional southwestern dip."
Though she stated that she didn't want to give anything away, Johnson said that the network's first hockey-related profile will focus on Sidney Crosby eating veal and creamed spinach prepared by Roker On The Road host Al Roker. Other hockey players now contractually obligated to make appearances on shows include Chris Drury on Food 911, Martin Brodeur on Calorie Commando, and Alexander Ovechkin on Dinner: Impossible.
The new broadcasting deal has some sportswriters saying the move will make hockey even more irrelevant, while others believe this is a clear step up for the league.
"I watch the Food Network far more than I watch hockey, and I think most sports fans feel the same way," said Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan. "My favorite program is Food Nation With Bobby Flay. So I'll definitely watch that, and then maybe stick around to watch part of a period if the Bruins are playing. Everybody wins here."
This Year's Final Four
I am very exicited, to put it mildly, about the two games this Saturday that determine who plays Monday night for the national championship. Despite all the number one seeds making it to the semifinals for the first time ever, this year's tournament has been full of surprises. Stephen Curry carrying his Davidson Wildcats to the Elite Eight with his brilliant shooting. Twelfth seeded Western Kentucky beating Drake and San Diego for Sweet 16 rights. All of this has built up the anticipation of crazed college basketball fans, like myself, for North Carolina, Kansas, Memphis, and UCLA.
Roy Williams will do battle with Kansas, a team in which he departed from five years ago for his alma mater Tarheels of North Carolina. Carolina won the whole thing in 2005, with future NBA prospects Sean May, Raymond Felton and Rashard McCants. Now he looks to do it in a different way: depth and speed.
Kansas has been a solid team all season long. Of all the number one seeds in the tournament, it felt the most unusual when the Jayhawks fell in three of their regular season games. They are so well disiplined and work sensationally together on both ends of the court. They are the most balanced team remaining, which will be a plus (and has proved to be one) if one of their starters get into foul trouble.
John Calipari's Memphis Tigers are the outlier of the number one seeds. Critics have been skeptical of Memphis and their conference schedule, while overlooking the wins they had against Michigan State, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Arizona, and Connecticut in their non-conference schedule. They have blown out their last two opponents in Texas and Michigan State (again) for a chance against Pac-Ten champs UCLA. Their biggest negative will be free-throw shooting, but they shoot such a high percentage from behind the arc that it could make up for it.
UCLA has made three straight Final Four appearances with Ben Howland as the chief, but Howland will attempt to earn the Bruins their first national title since 1995. Kevin Love is a monster inside. When defenders think they have his turnaround baby-hook figured out, he will step behind the 3-point line and make you pay. Darren Collison is one of the quickest players in the nation and can take the game by himself when the time is right.
UCLA over Memphis by 7; North Carolina over Kansas by 4; North Carolina over UCLA by 8
Roy Williams will do battle with Kansas, a team in which he departed from five years ago for his alma mater Tarheels of North Carolina. Carolina won the whole thing in 2005, with future NBA prospects Sean May, Raymond Felton and Rashard McCants. Now he looks to do it in a different way: depth and speed.
Kansas has been a solid team all season long. Of all the number one seeds in the tournament, it felt the most unusual when the Jayhawks fell in three of their regular season games. They are so well disiplined and work sensationally together on both ends of the court. They are the most balanced team remaining, which will be a plus (and has proved to be one) if one of their starters get into foul trouble.
John Calipari's Memphis Tigers are the outlier of the number one seeds. Critics have been skeptical of Memphis and their conference schedule, while overlooking the wins they had against Michigan State, Georgetown, Gonzaga, Arizona, and Connecticut in their non-conference schedule. They have blown out their last two opponents in Texas and Michigan State (again) for a chance against Pac-Ten champs UCLA. Their biggest negative will be free-throw shooting, but they shoot such a high percentage from behind the arc that it could make up for it.
UCLA has made three straight Final Four appearances with Ben Howland as the chief, but Howland will attempt to earn the Bruins their first national title since 1995. Kevin Love is a monster inside. When defenders think they have his turnaround baby-hook figured out, he will step behind the 3-point line and make you pay. Darren Collison is one of the quickest players in the nation and can take the game by himself when the time is right.
UCLA over Memphis by 7; North Carolina over Kansas by 4; North Carolina over UCLA by 8
Thursday, April 3, 2008
To the little guys...
I think that people get so caught up in who the winner is that they seem to forget about the little guys who help the "winner" get to the top. I think that there should be a MVA award given out along with the MVP. MVA being Most Valuable Assistant. I at least think that there should be some golden stars given out to those who assist the top players.
For instance, the water boys and girls who have water filled and prepared for the players so that they don't get dehydrated and can continue to play well. Also very important people who are left in the dust are those who are on the sports medicine crew. You know, the ones who deal with the smelly feet while taping up ankles and the ones who hand the players band-aids when they are bleeding. Where is that award?
So let's give it up for the little guys!!
For instance, the water boys and girls who have water filled and prepared for the players so that they don't get dehydrated and can continue to play well. Also very important people who are left in the dust are those who are on the sports medicine crew. You know, the ones who deal with the smelly feet while taping up ankles and the ones who hand the players band-aids when they are bleeding. Where is that award?
So let's give it up for the little guys!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Update
Womens
Jason 3/4 45 points 46/60 223 points
Zach 2/4 30 points 46/60 208 points
Nic 3/4 45 points 43/60 193 points
Dave 2/4 30 points 43/60 193 points
Blakely 2/4 30 points 43/60 190 points
Sarah 1/4 15 points 37/60 154 points
Totals
Zach 539 points
Jason 501 points
Dave 497 points
Blakely 486 points
Sarah 442 points
Nic 442 points
Phil 362 points
Jim 220 points
and Phil I agree with Zach you are a dork, you didnt even get the color scheme right
Womens
Jason 3/4 45 points 46/60 223 points
Zach 2/4 30 points 46/60 208 points
Nic 3/4 45 points 43/60 193 points
Dave 2/4 30 points 43/60 193 points
Blakely 2/4 30 points 43/60 190 points
Sarah 1/4 15 points 37/60 154 points
Totals
Zach 539 points
Jason 501 points
Dave 497 points
Blakely 486 points
Sarah 442 points
Nic 442 points
Phil 362 points
Jim 220 points
and Phil I agree with Zach you are a dork, you didnt even get the color scheme right
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
NCAA
I caught bits and pieces of a few NCAA games over the break. I was able to keep up with the brackets well enough and understand what was going on (with a little help from my Dad). One of the games that I was actually able to catch a large chunk of was the March 27 game between Xavier and West Virginia. We only caught the second half...but that was the most thrilling half of the game I am sure. West Virginia put up an awesome fight and I will admit that I began cheering for them to win. There were some amazing plays made by WV and I was shocked when they missed the last freethrow that probably would have led them to victory. Instead they made it into overtime, which was much more thrilling for the fans. I believe that a player from each team was removed from the game due to fouls called against them. In the end Xavier took the win at 79-75. I enjoyed watching the win!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
GETTING CLOSER
Back from vacation here's the results
Men
Zach 9/12 105 points 41/60 199 points 3/4 final four
Dave 9/12 105 points 38/60 190 points 3/4 final four
Jason 7/12 85 points 41/60 189 points 3/4 final four
Sarah 8/12 100 points 36/60 177 points 4/4 final four
Blakely 8/12 95 points 35/60 176 points 3/4 final four
Nic 7/12 85 points 36/60 167 points 3/4 final four
Jim 5/12 60 points 33/60 134 points 2/4 final four
Phil 4/12 45 points 35/60 134 points 1/4 final four
Melinda 2/12 25 points 27/60 90 points 1/4 final four
Womens
Jason 7/8 70 points 43/56 178 points
Zach 6/8 60 points 44/56 178 points
Dave 6/8 60 points 41/56 163 points
Blakely 6/8 60 points 41/56 160 points
Nic 4/8 40 points 40/56 148 points
Sarah 5/8 50 points 36/56 139 points
Phil 4/8 40 points 38/56 138 points
Jim 55 points
WNIT (only zach has any teams alive)
Zach 5/12 55 points 27/44 132 points
Blakely 3/12 35 points 26/47 120 points
Melinda 4/12 45 points 23/47 116 points
Dave 3/12 30 points 27/47 114 points
Sarah 3/12 35 points 26/47 111 points
Phil 2/12 20 points 22/47 90 points
Jason 3/12 30 points 22/47 89 points
Nic 1/12 10 points 22/47 82 points
Jim 0/12 0 points 11/47 31 points
Totals
Zach 509 points
Dave 467 points
Blakely 456 points
Jason 456 points
Sarah 427 points
Nic 397 points
Phil 362 points
Jim 220 points
Men
Zach 9/12 105 points 41/60 199 points 3/4 final four
Dave 9/12 105 points 38/60 190 points 3/4 final four
Jason 7/12 85 points 41/60 189 points 3/4 final four
Sarah 8/12 100 points 36/60 177 points 4/4 final four
Blakely 8/12 95 points 35/60 176 points 3/4 final four
Nic 7/12 85 points 36/60 167 points 3/4 final four
Jim 5/12 60 points 33/60 134 points 2/4 final four
Phil 4/12 45 points 35/60 134 points 1/4 final four
Melinda 2/12 25 points 27/60 90 points 1/4 final four
Womens
Jason 7/8 70 points 43/56 178 points
Zach 6/8 60 points 44/56 178 points
Dave 6/8 60 points 41/56 163 points
Blakely 6/8 60 points 41/56 160 points
Nic 4/8 40 points 40/56 148 points
Sarah 5/8 50 points 36/56 139 points
Phil 4/8 40 points 38/56 138 points
Jim 55 points
WNIT (only zach has any teams alive)
Zach 5/12 55 points 27/44 132 points
Blakely 3/12 35 points 26/47 120 points
Melinda 4/12 45 points 23/47 116 points
Dave 3/12 30 points 27/47 114 points
Sarah 3/12 35 points 26/47 111 points
Phil 2/12 20 points 22/47 90 points
Jason 3/12 30 points 22/47 89 points
Nic 1/12 10 points 22/47 82 points
Jim 0/12 0 points 11/47 31 points
Totals
Zach 509 points
Dave 467 points
Blakely 456 points
Jason 456 points
Sarah 427 points
Nic 397 points
Phil 362 points
Jim 220 points
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Update (on vacation will update again when I get back)
Women's NCAA
Zach 14/16 70 points 38/48 118 points
Jason 12/16 60 points 36/48 108 points
Nic 12/16 60 points 36/48 108 points
Dave 11/16 55 points 35/48 103 points
Blakely 10/16 50 points 35//48 100 points
Phil 10/16 50 points 34/48 98 points
Sarah 9/16 45 points 31/48 89 points
Jim 3/16 15 points 23/48 55 points
WNIT (only Blakely, Melinda, and nic can still have picked the overall winner correctly)
Blakely 9/10 45 points 23/32 85 points
Dave 8/10 40 points 24/32 84 points
Zach 8/10 40 points 22/32 77 points
Sarah 8/10 40 points 23/32 76 points
Nic 6/10 30 points 21/32 72 points
Melinda 7/10 35 points 19/32 71 points
Phil 6/10 30 points 20/32 70 points
Jason 5/10 25 points 19/32 59 points
Jim 2/10 10 points 11/32 31 points
Totals
Zach 374 points
Dave 364 points
Blakely 356 points
Jason 353 points
Nic 352 points
Phil 345 points
Sarah 322 points
Jim 221 points
Zach 14/16 70 points 38/48 118 points
Jason 12/16 60 points 36/48 108 points
Nic 12/16 60 points 36/48 108 points
Dave 11/16 55 points 35/48 103 points
Blakely 10/16 50 points 35//48 100 points
Phil 10/16 50 points 34/48 98 points
Sarah 9/16 45 points 31/48 89 points
Jim 3/16 15 points 23/48 55 points
WNIT (only Blakely, Melinda, and nic can still have picked the overall winner correctly)
Blakely 9/10 45 points 23/32 85 points
Dave 8/10 40 points 24/32 84 points
Zach 8/10 40 points 22/32 77 points
Sarah 8/10 40 points 23/32 76 points
Nic 6/10 30 points 21/32 72 points
Melinda 7/10 35 points 19/32 71 points
Phil 6/10 30 points 20/32 70 points
Jason 5/10 25 points 19/32 59 points
Jim 2/10 10 points 11/32 31 points
Totals
Zach 374 points
Dave 364 points
Blakely 356 points
Jason 353 points
Nic 352 points
Phil 345 points
Sarah 322 points
Jim 221 points
Monday, March 24, 2008
Take two
Have to love Windows to Mac........
ISU Women’s tournament dreams ended in Boise with a 77 to 54 lost to the Boise State Broncos. The lost brought to an end not only the dreams of the Bengals moving on to the second round, but also the careers of Natalie Doma and Andrea Lightfoot. Even though Doma had another double-double 13 points and 17 rebounds, along with Lightfoot 16 points, it wasn’t enough to over come the lack of defensive rebounding that gave Boise State 21 points. In the rebounding department BSU out rebound ISU 66 to 44 with 21 put back points for BSU to ISU 2 points.
Coach Jon Newell said about the rebounding,” When you let someone have 27 offensive rebounds it’s hard to win the game. We do a great job defensively and force a bad shot, but don’t get the block out and give up second and third chances and that’s a part of defense.”
Shots seem to be rejected by the rims for both teams, ISU shot 25 percent from the floor with BSU shooting 31 percent for the game. The Broncos put up an astounding 85 shots towards the basket.
The physical play by BSU with the constant push for rebounds wore down the ISU team. “We were manhandled tonight all over the floor, We have to be tough we did for awhile the we backed down as a team, got to us finally and that’s when they went on the run. The frustration was just rising with every possession. Most of that crap went on, then we it beat us down.” ,said Coach Jon Newelle
The Bengals had a chance with 8:01 left in the game, Doma put in a lay up which made the score 49-44, a foul by Videbeck and a media time, slowed the pace down. After the time out Boise went on a 16 to 0 run, to end the game.
As Newell pointed out it was the rebounds that led to the Bengals demise.
Coach Jon Newell said about the rebounding,” When you let someone have 27 offensive rebounds it’s hard to win the game. We do a great job defensively and force a bad shot, but don’t get the block out and give up second and third chances and that’s a part of defense.”
Shots seem to be rejected by the rims for both teams, ISU shot 25 percent from the floor with BSU shooting 31 percent for the game. The Broncos put up an astounding 85 shots towards the basket.
The physical play by BSU with the constant push for rebounds wore down the ISU team. “We were manhandled tonight all over the floor, We have to be tough we did for awhile the we backed down as a team, got to us finally and that’s when they went on the run. The frustration was just rising with every possession. Most of that crap went on, then we it beat us down.” ,said Coach Jon Newelle
The Bengals had a chance with 8:01 left in the game, Doma put in a lay up which made the score 49-44, a foul by Videbeck and a media time, slowed the pace down. After the time out Boise went on a 16 to 0 run, to end the game.
As Newell pointed out it was the rebounds that led to the Bengals demise.
The End of a Season
Put the ball though the hoop is the idea of basketball. Neither the Bengals or Broncos could get the ball though the hoops. Listening to Jerry Miller, on KISU, he kept saying," the ball hit the front of the rim, or," the ball hit the back of the rim,"
Those lines rang though the whole 40 minutes for the Bengals, shooting a miserable 25 percent for the game. The Broncos didn't shoot any better 31 percent but what made the difference was the rebounding and second shot attempts put up by the Broncos. Boise State had 21 points from their 27 offensive rebounds, to Idaho States 2 points.
The Broncos put the game away in the final eight minutes with a 16-0 run which buried the Bengals.
"When you let someone have 27 offensive rebounds it's hard to win a game. We do a great job defensively and force bad shot , but we don't get the block out and give up second and third chances, and that's part of the defense, " said Coach Jon Newell.
Playing in their last game Andrea Lightfoot scored 16 points, Natalie Doma had another double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
Boise State moves on to the second round of the WNIT and the Bengals get a bus ride home, proud knowing that they have once again gotten a bid to play in a post season game.
Those lines rang though the whole 40 minutes for the Bengals, shooting a miserable 25 percent for the game. The Broncos didn't shoot any better 31 percent but what made the difference was the rebounding and second shot attempts put up by the Broncos. Boise State had 21 points from their 27 offensive rebounds, to Idaho States 2 points.
The Broncos put the game away in the final eight minutes with a 16-0 run which buried the Bengals.
"When you let someone have 27 offensive rebounds it's hard to win a game. We do a great job defensively and force bad shot , but we don't get the block out and give up second and third chances, and that's part of the defense, " said Coach Jon Newell.
Playing in their last game Andrea Lightfoot scored 16 points, Natalie Doma had another double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
Boise State moves on to the second round of the WNIT and the Bengals get a bus ride home, proud knowing that they have once again gotten a bid to play in a post season game.
HELP !!!!!
The bottom of the list, I might take heart, looking at the winners and losers in March Madness. How do you pick a winner out of this mess?
Hope you all have a good spring break.......................
Hope you all have a good spring break.......................
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Day four -- who can take any more
More of the same
Mens
Jason 6/8 30 points 34/48 104 points
Zach 5/8 25 points 32/48 94 points
Phil 5/8 25 points 31/48 89 points
Dave 5/8 25 points 29/48 85 points
Nic 4/8 20 points 29/48 82 points
Blakely 4/8 20 points 27/48 81 points
Sarah 4/8 20 points 28/48 77 points
Jim 4/8 20 points 28/48 74 points
Womens
Blakely 14/16 28 points 25/32 50 points
Jason 14/16 18 points 24/32 48 points
Nic 14/16 28 points 24/32 48 points
Zach 13/16 26 points 24/32 48 points
Dave 12/16 24 points 24/32 48 points
Phil 12/16 24 points 24/32 48 points
Sarah 12/16 24 points 22/32 44 points
Jim 9/16 18 points 20/32 40 points
WNIT (one game)
Dave 1/1 5 points 16/22 44 points
Nic 1/1 5 points 15/22 42 points
Blakely 0/1 14/22 40 points
Phil 1/1 5 points 14/22 40 points
Zach 0/1 14/22 37 points
Sarah 0/1 15/22 36 points
Jason 0/1 14/22 34 points
Jim 0/1 9/22 21 points
Totals
Jason 186 points
Zach 179 points
Phil 177 points
Dave 177 points
Nic 172 points
Blakely 171 points
Sarah 157 points
Jim 135 points
Mens
Jason 6/8 30 points 34/48 104 points
Zach 5/8 25 points 32/48 94 points
Phil 5/8 25 points 31/48 89 points
Dave 5/8 25 points 29/48 85 points
Nic 4/8 20 points 29/48 82 points
Blakely 4/8 20 points 27/48 81 points
Sarah 4/8 20 points 28/48 77 points
Jim 4/8 20 points 28/48 74 points
Womens
Blakely 14/16 28 points 25/32 50 points
Jason 14/16 18 points 24/32 48 points
Nic 14/16 28 points 24/32 48 points
Zach 13/16 26 points 24/32 48 points
Dave 12/16 24 points 24/32 48 points
Phil 12/16 24 points 24/32 48 points
Sarah 12/16 24 points 22/32 44 points
Jim 9/16 18 points 20/32 40 points
WNIT (one game)
Dave 1/1 5 points 16/22 44 points
Nic 1/1 5 points 15/22 42 points
Blakely 0/1 14/22 40 points
Phil 1/1 5 points 14/22 40 points
Zach 0/1 14/22 37 points
Sarah 0/1 15/22 36 points
Jason 0/1 14/22 34 points
Jim 0/1 9/22 21 points
Totals
Jason 186 points
Zach 179 points
Phil 177 points
Dave 177 points
Nic 172 points
Blakely 171 points
Sarah 157 points
Jim 135 points
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Day Three -- more tears and torn sheets
I join the ranks of those who have to admit they no nothing about predicting winners
Mens
Jason 6/8 30 points 28/40 74 points
Zach 5/8 25 points 27/40 69 points
Phil 4/8 20 points 26/40 64 points
Nic 4/8 20 points 25/40 62 points
Blakely 5/8 25 points 23/40 61 points
Dave 4/8 20 points 24/40 60 points
Sarah 3/8 15 points 24/40 57 points
Jim 2/8 10 points 24/40 54 points
Melinda 1/8 5 pints 21/40 45 points
Womens
Dave 12/16 24 points
Phil 12/16 24 points
Zach 11/16 22 points
Blakely 11/16 22 points
Jim 11/16 22 points
Jason 10/16 20 points
Nic 10/16 20 points
Sarah 10/16 20 points
WNIT
Blakely 4/6 17 points 14/21 40 points
Dave 3/6 12 points 15/21 39 points (but lost my overall winner)
Nic 4/6 14 points 14/21 37 points
Zach 4/6 14 points 14/21 37 points
Sara 3/6 9 points 15/21 36 points
Melinda 4/6 17 points 12/21 36 points
Phil 4/6 14 points 13/21 35 points
Jason 3/6 9 points 14/21 34 points
Jim 3/6 9 points 9/21 21 points
Totals
Jason 128 points
Zach 128 points
Blakely 123 points
Dave 123 points
Phil 123 points
Nic 119 points
Sarah 113 points
Jim 97 points
Mens
Jason 6/8 30 points 28/40 74 points
Zach 5/8 25 points 27/40 69 points
Phil 4/8 20 points 26/40 64 points
Nic 4/8 20 points 25/40 62 points
Blakely 5/8 25 points 23/40 61 points
Dave 4/8 20 points 24/40 60 points
Sarah 3/8 15 points 24/40 57 points
Jim 2/8 10 points 24/40 54 points
Melinda 1/8 5 pints 21/40 45 points
Womens
Dave 12/16 24 points
Phil 12/16 24 points
Zach 11/16 22 points
Blakely 11/16 22 points
Jim 11/16 22 points
Jason 10/16 20 points
Nic 10/16 20 points
Sarah 10/16 20 points
WNIT
Blakely 4/6 17 points 14/21 40 points
Dave 3/6 12 points 15/21 39 points (but lost my overall winner)
Nic 4/6 14 points 14/21 37 points
Zach 4/6 14 points 14/21 37 points
Sara 3/6 9 points 15/21 36 points
Melinda 4/6 17 points 12/21 36 points
Phil 4/6 14 points 13/21 35 points
Jason 3/6 9 points 14/21 34 points
Jim 3/6 9 points 9/21 21 points
Totals
Jason 128 points
Zach 128 points
Blakely 123 points
Dave 123 points
Phil 123 points
Nic 119 points
Sarah 113 points
Jim 97 points
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day two
And now we know why its called march madness.
Men's
Zach -- 7/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Jason -- 10/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Jim -- 11/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Phil -- 11/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Sarah 9/16 total 21/32 -- 42 points
Nic 8/16 total 21/32 -- 42 points
Dave 8/16 total 20/32 -- 40 points
Melinda 11/16 total 20/32 -- 40 points -- she rebounded well for day but both her final two lost in the first round
Blakely 7/16 total 18/32 -- 36 points
WNIT
Dave 3/3 total 12/15 -- 27 points
Sarah 2/3 total 12/15 -- 27 points
Jason 2/3 total 11/15 -- 25 points
Blakely 3/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Zach 2/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Nic 2/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Phil 3/3 total 9/15 -- 21 points
Melinda 2/3 total 8/15 -- 19 points
Jim 0/3 total 6/15 -- 12 points
Women NCAA -- Still waiting
Totals
Sarah 69 points
Jason 69 points
Zach 67 points
Dave 67 points
Phil 65 points
Nic 65 points
Blakely 59 points
Melinda 59 points
Jim 56 points
Men's
Zach -- 7/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Jason -- 10/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Jim -- 11/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Phil -- 11/16 total 22/32 -- 44 points
Sarah 9/16 total 21/32 -- 42 points
Nic 8/16 total 21/32 -- 42 points
Dave 8/16 total 20/32 -- 40 points
Melinda 11/16 total 20/32 -- 40 points -- she rebounded well for day but both her final two lost in the first round
Blakely 7/16 total 18/32 -- 36 points
WNIT
Dave 3/3 total 12/15 -- 27 points
Sarah 2/3 total 12/15 -- 27 points
Jason 2/3 total 11/15 -- 25 points
Blakely 3/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Zach 2/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Nic 2/3 total 10/15 -- 23 points
Phil 3/3 total 9/15 -- 21 points
Melinda 2/3 total 8/15 -- 19 points
Jim 0/3 total 6/15 -- 12 points
Women NCAA -- Still waiting
Totals
Sarah 69 points
Jason 69 points
Zach 67 points
Dave 67 points
Phil 65 points
Nic 65 points
Blakely 59 points
Melinda 59 points
Jim 56 points
Jackson's jumper gives USD upset win over UCONN
Jason Enes
NCAA Tournament Story
March 21, 2008
Tampa- De'Jon Jackson's jumper with 1.2 seconds left on the clock in overtime and the following inbounds pass was blocked gave the University of San Diego there first ever win in the NCAA Tournament.
"I wanted it in JaDe'jon's hands," USD head coach Bill Grier said.
The number 13 seed Torereos 70-69 victory of the number 4 seed Conneticiut Huskies concluded an afternoon of upsets in Tampa Florida.
Gyno Pomere paced the Toreros with 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting and Brandon Johnson had 18 in a game that saw UCONN come out flat and USD end the first half with a 34-29 lead.
The Huskies may have an excuse when there floor leader point guard A.J. Price left the game with 9:39nleft to go in the first half. Price tweaked his knee on a drive to the basket and left the game not to return. He was taken to the locker room and diagnosed with a sprained knee.
The Toreros led by as many as 11 points in the second half but that all changed with a 4:16 scoreless streak that allowed UCONN to get within one and eventually take the lead by as many as three. Jerome Dyson hit two free throws tying the game at 60 and a last second drive to the basket by USD was unsuccessful and the game went to overtime.
"Coach talked to us about believing,' guard Brandon Johnson said. "You've just got to believe."
In overtime USD jumped out to a quick 64-60 advantage that was quickly wiped away when Pomare and Johnson fouled out for USD. Dyson hit two more free throws to give UCONN a 69-68 lead. After a timeout Jackson hit his game winning jumpshot.
Grier said it was fitting that Jackson made the shot that helped to win the game.
"He's like the guy who works in the mill," Grier said. " He goes in and punches his time card, goes to work and then punches out."
USD will next take on Western Kentucky who upset Drake on a last second three pointer on Sunday afternoon.
NCAA Tournament Story
March 21, 2008
Tampa- De'Jon Jackson's jumper with 1.2 seconds left on the clock in overtime and the following inbounds pass was blocked gave the University of San Diego there first ever win in the NCAA Tournament.
"I wanted it in JaDe'jon's hands," USD head coach Bill Grier said.
The number 13 seed Torereos 70-69 victory of the number 4 seed Conneticiut Huskies concluded an afternoon of upsets in Tampa Florida.
Gyno Pomere paced the Toreros with 22 points on 10 of 12 shooting and Brandon Johnson had 18 in a game that saw UCONN come out flat and USD end the first half with a 34-29 lead.
The Huskies may have an excuse when there floor leader point guard A.J. Price left the game with 9:39nleft to go in the first half. Price tweaked his knee on a drive to the basket and left the game not to return. He was taken to the locker room and diagnosed with a sprained knee.
The Toreros led by as many as 11 points in the second half but that all changed with a 4:16 scoreless streak that allowed UCONN to get within one and eventually take the lead by as many as three. Jerome Dyson hit two free throws tying the game at 60 and a last second drive to the basket by USD was unsuccessful and the game went to overtime.
"Coach talked to us about believing,' guard Brandon Johnson said. "You've just got to believe."
In overtime USD jumped out to a quick 64-60 advantage that was quickly wiped away when Pomare and Johnson fouled out for USD. Dyson hit two more free throws to give UCONN a 69-68 lead. After a timeout Jackson hit his game winning jumpshot.
Grier said it was fitting that Jackson made the shot that helped to win the game.
"He's like the guy who works in the mill," Grier said. " He goes in and punches his time card, goes to work and then punches out."
USD will next take on Western Kentucky who upset Drake on a last second three pointer on Sunday afternoon.
CBS Coverage of NCAA tournament
I must say I enjoy watching the tournament as much as the next guy but I am very irritated with CBS's coverage of the tournament. I don't like how they jump from game to game especially when you start watching one that is almost through the first half and they cut to a new game. I was watching the USC- K State game last night and with around 8 minutes left they left for the BYU Texas A&m game. Now I understand the market we live in and why they changed games It is just irriatating when you get into a game and they take it from you luckily I watched the rest of the game online and I really enjoyed watching the two best freshman play against each other.
First Impressions of the First Day
For one of the first times in my life I woke at an early hour during what I'm considering vacation time. And for what purpose? The opening round games of the NCAA tournament. To put it lightly, I was mildly pleased with the entertainment linked to the excitement involved in these first games. Belmont hung with Duke in a contest that concluded with a missed half court shot by a Belmont player to win the game. Duke held on 71-70. The highly anticipated phenom freshmen game, consisting of star guard OJ Mayo and unstoppable forward Michael Beasly was a game that I viewed as one of the most evenly matched 11 and six matchups. Beasly prevailed with 80-67 and prevented my bracket from remaining perfect for the first 16 games (15/16).
Higher seeds like Wisconsin, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA, Purdue, Wasington State, UNLV, Marquette, West Virginia Pittsburg, and Michigan State all moved on with convincing wins. Xavier received a momentary scare when SEC tournament champion Georgia took control in the first half. The Muskateers would put together impressive runs to take an advantage. Xavier put an end to Georgia's impressive postseason run 73-61. Big Sky representative Portland State went down in what seemed to be an easy 1-16 game against Bill Self's Kansas Jayhawks.
I was left to stress the Gonzaga Bulldogs first round game (with them not playing until Friday). Gonzaga, a seven seed, will play 22-game in a row winner (yes, like the Rockets) Davidson. Outstanding shooting guard Stephen Curry, who's averaging 25 points a game this season, will lead #23 ranked Wildcats.
And on one last thought, BSU will attempt to take down Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals in a 3-14 game. I don't have enough manly hairs (like my boy Phil Good) to pick an upset like this, but I will share one interesting fact with you. The Cougars of BYU, who went down today against Big 12 opponent Texas A & M (sorry prof.), beat Louisville in November and Boise State would later beat BYU 73-70.
It could happen.
Higher seeds like Wisconsin, Stanford, Notre Dame, UCLA, Purdue, Wasington State, UNLV, Marquette, West Virginia Pittsburg, and Michigan State all moved on with convincing wins. Xavier received a momentary scare when SEC tournament champion Georgia took control in the first half. The Muskateers would put together impressive runs to take an advantage. Xavier put an end to Georgia's impressive postseason run 73-61. Big Sky representative Portland State went down in what seemed to be an easy 1-16 game against Bill Self's Kansas Jayhawks.
I was left to stress the Gonzaga Bulldogs first round game (with them not playing until Friday). Gonzaga, a seven seed, will play 22-game in a row winner (yes, like the Rockets) Davidson. Outstanding shooting guard Stephen Curry, who's averaging 25 points a game this season, will lead #23 ranked Wildcats.
And on one last thought, BSU will attempt to take down Rick Pitino's Louisville Cardinals in a 3-14 game. I don't have enough manly hairs (like my boy Phil Good) to pick an upset like this, but I will share one interesting fact with you. The Cougars of BYU, who went down today against Big 12 opponent Texas A & M (sorry prof.), beat Louisville in November and Boise State would later beat BYU 73-70.
It could happen.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Day one
First of all, nice story Phil enjoy your cruise.
So much for the Bengals, the women's basketball team will enjoy the break watching games like the rest of us.
With day one in the books here are the results of the brackets Rankings are done by points first and then second chances for scoring points in the following rounds.
Women's NIT
Sarah -- 10/12 -- 20 points
Dave -- 9/12 -- 18 points
Jason -- 9/12 -- 18 points
Zach -- 8/12 -- 16 points
Nic -- 8/12 -- 16 points
Blakely -- 7/12 -- 14 points
Jim -- 6/12 -- 12 points
Melinda -- 6/12 -- 12 points
Phil -- 6/12 -- 12 points (out of the running his champion pick while patriotic lost in the first round)
Womens NCAA
yet to play
Mens NCAA
Zach -- 15/16 -- 30 points
Nic -- 13/16 -- 26 points
Sarah -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Dave -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Jason -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Blakely -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Jim -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Phil -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Melinda -- 9/16 -- 18 points
Totals
Zach -- 46 points
Sarah -- 44 points
Dave -- 42 points
Jason -- 42 points
Nic -- 42 points
Blakely -- 36 points
Jim -- 34 points
Phil -- 34 points
Melinda -- 30 points
So much for the Bengals, the women's basketball team will enjoy the break watching games like the rest of us.
With day one in the books here are the results of the brackets Rankings are done by points first and then second chances for scoring points in the following rounds.
Women's NIT
Sarah -- 10/12 -- 20 points
Dave -- 9/12 -- 18 points
Jason -- 9/12 -- 18 points
Zach -- 8/12 -- 16 points
Nic -- 8/12 -- 16 points
Blakely -- 7/12 -- 14 points
Jim -- 6/12 -- 12 points
Melinda -- 6/12 -- 12 points
Phil -- 6/12 -- 12 points (out of the running his champion pick while patriotic lost in the first round)
Womens NCAA
yet to play
Mens NCAA
Zach -- 15/16 -- 30 points
Nic -- 13/16 -- 26 points
Sarah -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Dave -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Jason -- 12/16 -- 24 points
Blakely -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Jim -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Phil -- 11/16 -- 22 points
Melinda -- 9/16 -- 18 points
Totals
Zach -- 46 points
Sarah -- 44 points
Dave -- 42 points
Jason -- 42 points
Nic -- 42 points
Blakely -- 36 points
Jim -- 34 points
Phil -- 34 points
Melinda -- 30 points
It's one and done for Kentucky in NCAA Tournament play.
Phillip Campbell
March 20, 2008
NCAA Tournament Story
ANAHEIM, Calif.- Joe Crawford’s 35 points were not enough as the Golden Eagles send the Wildcats packing in the first round of the south regional.
Kentucky struggled to keep pace with a hungry Marquette squad that was desperately trying get their first win in the tournament since 2003. Joe Crawford seemed to be carrying the load for the Kentucky in the second half.
“He has done that all season,” said Kentucky Coach Billie Gillispie. "He is as clutch of a player as I have ever been around."
Crawford was quick to point out his disappointment in the loss.
"I came here to win,” said Joe Crawford. "That's what I wanted to do. So I'm just kind of sad right now because, you know, I feel like we had a good chance and I'm just kind of down right now."
The last time Marquette won a game in the tournament Dwayne Wade was on the team. That team beat Kentucky in regional final. The Golden Eagles seemed focused from the tip off; still the team needed to hit free throws down the stretch for the win.
"It's easy to make them when your whole team and coaches have this confidence in you,” said, Wesley Mathews. "It was just a matter of going up there and making them."
Kentucky lost more than the game on Thursday. This was the final game for two of the leaders on their team.
March 20, 2008
NCAA Tournament Story
ANAHEIM, Calif.- Joe Crawford’s 35 points were not enough as the Golden Eagles send the Wildcats packing in the first round of the south regional.
Kentucky struggled to keep pace with a hungry Marquette squad that was desperately trying get their first win in the tournament since 2003. Joe Crawford seemed to be carrying the load for the Kentucky in the second half.
“He has done that all season,” said Kentucky Coach Billie Gillispie. "He is as clutch of a player as I have ever been around."
Crawford was quick to point out his disappointment in the loss.
"I came here to win,” said Joe Crawford. "That's what I wanted to do. So I'm just kind of sad right now because, you know, I feel like we had a good chance and I'm just kind of down right now."
The last time Marquette won a game in the tournament Dwayne Wade was on the team. That team beat Kentucky in regional final. The Golden Eagles seemed focused from the tip off; still the team needed to hit free throws down the stretch for the win.
"It's easy to make them when your whole team and coaches have this confidence in you,” said, Wesley Mathews. "It was just a matter of going up there and making them."
Kentucky lost more than the game on Thursday. This was the final game for two of the leaders on their team.
"You hate to see those guys walking out of here for the last time," Coach Gillispie said. "They've made a definite mark on Kentucky basketball.”
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Rockets' Brilliant Streak Ends
The Houston Rockets 22-game win streak was snapped Tuesday night against the NBA's best team (by defense and record) the Boston Celtics. Houston hadn't lost a game since late January and were fresh off of a 12-point win at home versus the Pau Gasoless Lakers. Tracy McGrady and company have picked up the load to expand on a winning streak that many thought would surely deteriorate after all-star center Yao Ming got hurt and was projected out for the rest of the season.
On the other side, the Celtics won back-to-back games in Texas since the 1993-94 season, after beating the Spurs by two after trailing by as much as 22. They are now 22-4 against western conference teams and 54-13 overall (I know, they mathematically can't win 70 games now). Boston has been without Ray Allen, who is out with a heel injury.
There has been lots of speculation after the Rockets continued winning without Yao, mostly concerning the quality of opponents such as New Jersey, Charlotte, Atanta and the Dirkless Maves. One significant point that I thought I would highlight is the fact that they've been doing withOUT, yeah you guessed...Yao Ming. A big man who will almost surely guarentee you 20 points and 10 boards a game. But one thing you and I have to remember is that their will always be haters attempting to dampen what truly is remarkable.
On the other side, the Celtics won back-to-back games in Texas since the 1993-94 season, after beating the Spurs by two after trailing by as much as 22. They are now 22-4 against western conference teams and 54-13 overall (I know, they mathematically can't win 70 games now). Boston has been without Ray Allen, who is out with a heel injury.
There has been lots of speculation after the Rockets continued winning without Yao, mostly concerning the quality of opponents such as New Jersey, Charlotte, Atanta and the Dirkless Maves. One significant point that I thought I would highlight is the fact that they've been doing withOUT, yeah you guessed...Yao Ming. A big man who will almost surely guarentee you 20 points and 10 boards a game. But one thing you and I have to remember is that their will always be haters attempting to dampen what truly is remarkable.
Monday, March 17, 2008
RPI answer
RPI is the basketball equivalent of Football's strength of schedule. RPI stands for the ratings percentage index.
The basic RPI formula is 1/4*(Winning Percentage) + 1/2*(Opponents' Average Winning Percentage) + 1/4*(Opponents' Opponents' Winning Percentage)
An explanation of the RPI formula can be found here.
link: http://kenpom.com/rpi.php
I hope this helps
2008 College Basketball Ratings Percentage Index (RPI)
This is a re-creation of the Ratings Percentage Index for NCAA men's college basketball.The basic RPI formula is 1/4*(Winning Percentage) + 1/2*(Opponents' Average Winning Percentage) + 1/4*(Opponents' Opponents' Winning Percentage)
An explanation of the RPI formula can be found here.
link: http://kenpom.com/rpi.php
I hope this helps
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Game Story 2
This one didn't get published due to lack of space in the sports pages....but I wrote it and I think it's excellent, so I am sharing! It would've gone in the March 12 paper.
Men’s Rugby team fights for a championship
The Idaho State University Men’s Rugby Club began their season with one goal in mind, a national championship.
The Bengals began their regular season with a game against Utah State University on March 1. On a cold, wet day on their home turf, the Bengals scored a 17-5 victory over USU.
The Bengals started off the game with a score of 7-0 gained in the first 20 minutes. The score stayed the same until the second half when USU scored. USU missed the kick making the score 7-5. Toward the end of the second half Dane Ashley kicked a penalty that moved the score up to 10-5. The Bengals squeezed in one more score before the end of the game and ended the game with a 17-5 victory.
“The whole team played hard,” said Head Coach Ram Eddings. “It was a cold and wet day but both teams played very hard. I was very happy with the Bengals play.”
The National Guard, sponsors of the USA Rugby National Championships, awarded equipment kits worth $6,000 to selected colleges in the Nation. Only 300 colleges were chosen and ISU was one of the colleges selected to receive an equipment kit. The kit will include safety equipment, pads and new uniforms.
“We are very happy to have been awarded this grant,” said Eddings. “It will be a great help in our continued training for our players.”
The next home game for the Bengals Rugby Club will be held at Bartz Field on Saturday April 12 around 1 p.m. and they will face Boise State University. They will also be holding a Rugby Clinic from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on both April 11 and 12.
Men’s Rugby team fights for a championship
The Idaho State University Men’s Rugby Club began their season with one goal in mind, a national championship.
The Bengals began their regular season with a game against Utah State University on March 1. On a cold, wet day on their home turf, the Bengals scored a 17-5 victory over USU.
The Bengals started off the game with a score of 7-0 gained in the first 20 minutes. The score stayed the same until the second half when USU scored. USU missed the kick making the score 7-5. Toward the end of the second half Dane Ashley kicked a penalty that moved the score up to 10-5. The Bengals squeezed in one more score before the end of the game and ended the game with a 17-5 victory.
“The whole team played hard,” said Head Coach Ram Eddings. “It was a cold and wet day but both teams played very hard. I was very happy with the Bengals play.”
The National Guard, sponsors of the USA Rugby National Championships, awarded equipment kits worth $6,000 to selected colleges in the Nation. Only 300 colleges were chosen and ISU was one of the colleges selected to receive an equipment kit. The kit will include safety equipment, pads and new uniforms.
“We are very happy to have been awarded this grant,” said Eddings. “It will be a great help in our continued training for our players.”
The next home game for the Bengals Rugby Club will be held at Bartz Field on Saturday April 12 around 1 p.m. and they will face Boise State University. They will also be holding a Rugby Clinic from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on both April 11 and 12.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
ISU Basketball
The game against Portland State was revealing. It was painfully obvious that the Vikings were the better team on the court. Every time the Bengals would cut the lead down the Vikings had an answer. The Bengals learned a lot in that game. They learned that they are a few pieces away from contending for a conference championship. The Bengals have already taken steps to get to that level. Kal Bay will have a huge impact at point guard next season. The effort shown by the Bengals on Tuesday is reason for optimism. Opposing teams know that a win over the Bengals is not an easy task. The team believes in the system and they are playing hard for Coach O'Brien.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Film editing Project
I had a lot of fun working on this film editing project. I learned how to go about preparing for a shoot, what I should and shot not do in editing the film, how to present it, and of course the voice over and sound levels.
What I learned is that writing the script first is a must. I learned how I should handle the camera and I should have let the camera roll longer on some shots to give me a better opportunity to tell the story.
I'm grateful for what I learned on this project and can't wait to get started on another video project.
Go here to watch it and blog here what you think
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEwky57lZmg
What I learned is that writing the script first is a must. I learned how I should handle the camera and I should have let the camera roll longer on some shots to give me a better opportunity to tell the story.
I'm grateful for what I learned on this project and can't wait to get started on another video project.
Go here to watch it and blog here what you think
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEwky57lZmg
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Game Story Two
In a game that featured four technical fouls, one ejection, seven lead changes and 2,190 screaming fans, the Idaho State Bengals, lead by Logan Kinghorn’s game-high 17 points and 10 rebounds, picked up a hard fought 67-65 victory over Montana Saturday night. Despite the Grizzles connecting on 12 3-pointers (seven in the first half) and losing Donnie Carson to an ejection for pushing an opposing player, Idaho State was able to maintain the lead that they built down the stretch in the second half and advance to the second round against Portland State in the Big Sky tournament.
The Bengals fell behind quickly 11-2 to begin the game and trailed 32-26 at half, but came out on fire in the second half, shooting nearly 78 percent from the field, all while holding a 36-24 rebounding margin. Prior to the conference tournament match-up, Idaho State was an astounding 1-17 when trailing at halftime.
Idaho State displayed a balanced scoring attack, as Donnie Carson had 10 points and five rebounds, while Matt Stucki added 11 points. Austin Kilpatrick, who was sick all week, hit three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three blocks. “My teammates just found me open, one the baseline and coming off a screen,” Kilpatrick would say about his 3-point conversions. “Both times they were just good looks and I felt comfortable with my release, let it go and they went in.”
Montana’s six-foot guard Matt Martin made five 3-pointers (5-for-9) and was the Grizzles’ leading scorer with 16 points. Martin was the beneficiary of a double-technical foul following a mid-court conflict with Donnie Carson. Carson was ejected from the game with 1:48 remaining, leaving his team with a six-point lead 61-55.
Down seven with 39 seconds remaining, Andrew Strait’s lay-up cut the Bengal lead to 64-59. Expecting to foul following the basket, Montana was instead awarded with a Kilpatrick turnover. Matt Martin would nail a pull-up 3-pointer with 14 seconds left making it 64-62. Matt Stucki would then make two free throws to extend the Bengal lead to four. After a Grizzle missed three, Demetrius Monroe would make one of two free throws to close out the game. Cameron Rundles would connect on another 3-pointer at the buzzer, but all too little too late.
Grizzles’ head coach Wayne Tinkle said after the game, “We didn’t defend as well as we should have the second half, we didn’t rebound the whole game. They played a lot more physical than we did and I think that’s where we lost the game.”
The Bengals fell behind quickly 11-2 to begin the game and trailed 32-26 at half, but came out on fire in the second half, shooting nearly 78 percent from the field, all while holding a 36-24 rebounding margin. Prior to the conference tournament match-up, Idaho State was an astounding 1-17 when trailing at halftime.
Idaho State displayed a balanced scoring attack, as Donnie Carson had 10 points and five rebounds, while Matt Stucki added 11 points. Austin Kilpatrick, who was sick all week, hit three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three blocks. “My teammates just found me open, one the baseline and coming off a screen,” Kilpatrick would say about his 3-point conversions. “Both times they were just good looks and I felt comfortable with my release, let it go and they went in.”
Montana’s six-foot guard Matt Martin made five 3-pointers (5-for-9) and was the Grizzles’ leading scorer with 16 points. Martin was the beneficiary of a double-technical foul following a mid-court conflict with Donnie Carson. Carson was ejected from the game with 1:48 remaining, leaving his team with a six-point lead 61-55.
Down seven with 39 seconds remaining, Andrew Strait’s lay-up cut the Bengal lead to 64-59. Expecting to foul following the basket, Montana was instead awarded with a Kilpatrick turnover. Matt Martin would nail a pull-up 3-pointer with 14 seconds left making it 64-62. Matt Stucki would then make two free throws to extend the Bengal lead to four. After a Grizzle missed three, Demetrius Monroe would make one of two free throws to close out the game. Cameron Rundles would connect on another 3-pointer at the buzzer, but all too little too late.
Grizzles’ head coach Wayne Tinkle said after the game, “We didn’t defend as well as we should have the second half, we didn’t rebound the whole game. They played a lot more physical than we did and I think that’s where we lost the game.”
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