The Butler Bulldogs took on Division III in-state foe Hanover College at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday night and produced a crowd-pleasing blowout over the Panthers, 97-73, which was just what the Bulldog faithful needed.
In front of a crowd of 5,547 at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday night, the Butler Bulldogs got themselves back on track after a somewhat disappointing second half during the Maui Invitational title bout against Illinois. They shot 59% (35-59 overall) and 9-of-18- from outside-the-arc.
The host Bulldogs quickly jumped out to a 15-2 lead before Hanover (3-1) was forced to call a timeout. The closest that the Panthers could get was 27-18 with (9:00 left) and 41-32 (1:00) in the first half.
Butler led 45-35 at halftime, but there was still room to improve and make more things happen. With eight minutes left, the margin grew to 30 at 80-50 and BU still wasn't done. Hanover might have outscored Butler 23-17 in the final eight, but it a majority of that was done against Bulldog reserves.
The Dawgs’Atlantic 10 conference Player of the Week, Rotnei Clarke, had no trouble erupting for 5-for-6 from three-point land to knock down his 19 points. Khyle Marshall joined Clarke with 19, along with six rebounds and a pair of blocked shots. Andrew Smith dropped in 13 points and seven boards, Kellen Dunham had 12, while Roosevelt Jones added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Hanover was led by Ryan Nowicki and Michael Van Kleunen with 15 points each. The Panthers did force 16 Butler turnovers to only turning the ball over 11 times themselves. Hanover did have 20 assists on their 27 field goals made, including 10 by Tim Bass.
Brad Stevens and his Bulldogs stay home this Saturday, December 1st, as they host the Ball State Cardinals (2-2) at 2 p.m. They'll conclude this three-game home stand with the IUPUI Jaguars (3-4) coming to Hinkle Fieldhouse on Wednesday, December 5th at 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Illinois holds off pesky Butler for Maui Invitational title
The Maui Invitational has become the premier pre-season tournament in college basketball in recent years. Butler got its first invitation to play in Maui this year and made a great showing and better than most thought they would. They stunned Marquette on Monday afternoon with Rotnei Clarke's 25-foot three-pointer as time expired to win by one, 72-71. With 17 points each from Clarke and freshman Kellen Dunham, the Bulldogs completely shocked North Carolina in the semifinals, 82-71.
With the way the Butler Bulldogs (3-2) came alive against Marquette and North Carolina, they are quickly turning into a team with nerves of steel and really playing like they've got ice water in their veins. They gave it their best in the three-day Maui Invitational, but met their match in the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-0) on Wednesday night. Butler dropped the Maui Championship to Illinois, 78-61.
Brad Stevens' crew seemed a little behind than normal, which allowed Illinois to take advantage of Butler's somewhat late start in getting their style of game going. Senior Brandon Paul led Illinois with 20 points on the night and was named the MVP of the Maui Invitational.
The Illini sprang out to a 16-7 lead, thanks to a three-pointer right out of a timeout by D.J. Richardson. Butler closed the gap to a five (26-21) and six (28-22) points before Illinois extended their margin to 15 (37-22) before the first half came to a close, leading Butler 39-28.
With 12:26 left, Butler cut the deficit to five (49-44) with a Rotnei Clarke three, giving the Dawgs a big boost of confidence. Two three-pointers by Tyler Griffey and jumpers by Richardson and Brandon Paul deflated that Butler confidence and Illinois was back up on the Bulldogs by 15.
Butler twice brought it back to a nine point game before Illinois made its final push to put it out of reach for good, winning going away, 78-61.
Illinois had four players in double-figures, including Brandon Paul with 20, Tracy Abrams had 17 while D.J. Richardson and Tyler Griffey scored 14 each.
Butler's lone scorer in double-figures was sharp-shooting Rotnei Clarke with a game-high 27 points. The transfer from Arkansas was 10-for-19 from the floor and 6-of-13 from three-point land, playing 39 of the 40 minutes. The rest of the Bulldogs were pretty much shutdown from their normal outputs. Khyle Marshall finished with 8 points, Roosevelt Jones had 7 and Kameron Woods grabbed 8 rebounds.
Coach Stevens will look to regroup his Bulldogs back at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Tuesday, November 27 at 7 p.m. when Hanover makes the trip up from southern Indiana. Butler stays home and hosts the Ball State Cardinals at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 1st.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Butler dominates #9 North Carolina in Maui Invitational semis, 82-71
Brad Stevens and his coaching staff always seem to revert back to doing things The Butler Way. "The Butler Way demands commitment, denies selfishness, accepts reality yet seeks improvement every day. We aspire to improve ourselves and those around us. This applies to our excellent academics, supportive environment, vibrant campus and the contributions we make to our community and world."
This is exactly what Butler basketball exemplifies and they made this statement true, during last night's win over Marquette and again tonight against North Carolina.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 21-7 lead just over halfway through the first half, thanks in part to Rotnei Clarke and Khyle Marshall for combining for 13 of those first 21. Clarke netted 14 of his game-high 17 points in the first half and that helped Butler storm out to a commanding 35-18 halftime advantage.
North Carolina just couldn't get out of the funk they started the night in. Anything the Tar Heels brought, Butler always had something to counter right back.
Freshman guard Kellen Dunham made a better showing in his second start in a Butler uniform by pouring in 14 of his game-high 17 in the second half. He was counted upon to provide scoring in the second half when Clarke was heavily guarded and he rose up to the challenge.
Butler extended its lead to over 20 points numerous times and had its largest margin of 29 (60-31) with an Erik Fromm basket with 11:56 left. But, North Carolina was at the point where they'd had enough of being dominated. UNC outscored the Bulldogs 40-22 down the final 11:33, but still wound up losing by 11, 82-71.
North Carolina was led in scoring by P.J. Hairston off the bench with 15 points, while Marcus Paige and Reggie Bullock each scored 13 and James Michael McAdoo added 10.
Dunham and Clarke combined for 34 points 10 rebounds (17 points and 5 rebounds each), 9-of-15 on three-point attempts and 5-5 from the foul line. Center Andrew Smith dropped in 13 points, including 7-8 on free throws. Khyle Marshall added a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Chase Stigall contributed 9, while Erik Fromm had 7 and Roosevelt Jones 6.
Butler (3-1) is a completely different squad than when they were put in their place one week ago at Xavier, 62-47. The Bulldogs will play for a title against Illinois (5-0) in Wednesday night's Maui Invitational championship game at 10 p.m. ET. Illinois beat Chaminade, 84-61, in the second semifinal.
Rotnei Clarke's buzzer-beating 3-pointer lifts Butler over Marquette in Maui
Once again, the Butler Bulldogs (2-1) provided quite the dramatic finish. Senior guard Rotnei Clarke weaved his way up the court, found space deep on the right wing, pulled up from 25-feet and sank a one-handed three as time expired. Clarke was mobbed immediately by his teammates as Butler advanced in the Maui Invitational over Marquette (2-1), 72-71.
Butler trailed 70-69 with eight seconds left. Marquette's Junior Cadougan was at the free throw line with a chance to put the Golden Eagles up three. Cadougan made the first and missed the second, setting up the final play for Clarke.
Marquette got itself out to an 8-2 early lead only three minutes in before Butler and head coach Brad Stevens were forced to call a 30 second timeout to regroup. The Bulldogs climbed out of the hole it was in when freshman guard Kellen Dunham knocked down two free throws for a 25-23 lead. Clarke sank two himself from the charity stripe for a four point margin at 27-23. Vander Blue gave Marquette the lead again with six unanswered points to go up 29-27. Butler closed out the half, taking the lead on a pair of jumpers by Clarke and Khyle Marshall for a 31-30 advantage at intermission.
This first quarterfinal of the 2012 Maui Invitational was a game of spurts and seeing which team was going to outlast the other. Butler just didn't stop with its intense style of play and Marquette was never able to pull away like it appeared they wanted so badly to do. The Bulldogs caught a lot of breaks at got those at just the right times. A game that featured five ties and nine lead changes, the fans that made the trip to Maui were treated with a great game to open the three day invitational.
Vander Blue paced Marquette's scoring with 21 points, while Junior Cadougan had 14 and Devonte Gardner dropped in 12 and seven rebounds.
Khyle Marshall led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Rotnei Clarke finished with 20 points and six boards, including the 25-foot game-winner. Clarke was responsible for all four of Butler's three-point field goals (4-for-14) and the rest of the team was 0-7 from three. Also in double-figures for the victorious Bulldogs was Roosevelt Jones with 12 and Andrew Smith with 10.
Butler will have its hands full on Tuesday night when they'll take on #9 North Carolina at 8 p.m. ET in Maui. North Carolina rolled over Mississippi State, 95-49.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Butler Bulldogs sign three standouts for 2013 class
Talent comes and talent goes, but most schools just call it reloading. At a school like Butler University, student-athletes tend to stick around for all four years of their eligibility. Recently, the only exceptions that didn't stick around for their full four seasons of playing eligibility both had the priviledge of helping lead the Bulldogs to a National Championship game in their final seasons at Butler.
Gordon Hayward, now in his third NBA season with the Utah Jazz and Shelvin Mack is in his second season in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, were both a part of the 2010 National Runner-up team that almost beat Duke. Mack was a true leader in Butler's 2011 NCAA Tournament run before falling to Connecticut.
The 2013 Butler Bulldog recruiting class is compiled of three players that are winning as high schoolers and are great student-athletes, two ingredients that are a vital part of joining Brad Stevens' program and Butler University.
Nolan Berry is a 6'8 center at De Smet Jesuit Prep in Missouri. As a junior last season, Berry was recognized as one of the top high school players in Missouri and was a 1st Team All-State selection. Averaging 19.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, Nolan led De Smet Jesuit to a 19-9 record. His grandfather, Ed Macauley, is a former NBA player.
Andrew Chrabascz will also bring his talents to Indianapolis in 2013 from Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, but resides in Portsmith, Rhode Island. The 6'6 Chrabascz puts up some pretty solid numbers and will more than likely fit nicely playing as a small forward for the Bulldogs. During his junior year, Andrew averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game while leading Cushing Academy to a 20-7 mark. He is a physical presence with a great inside-out game.
Rene Castro is a 6'2 two-guard from Worcester, MA (Worcester Academy) will be a great addition right away next fall. Castro was the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, averaging 23.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals, while shooting 42% from three-point range. Rene picked Butler over fellow Atlantic 10 members, Duquesne and George Washington and also Boston University.
With guards Rotnei Clarke and Chase Stigall, along with center Andrew Smith all three graduating after this season, Berry, Chrabascz and Castro will be able to fill the shoes of three those outgoing seniors.
Gordon Hayward, now in his third NBA season with the Utah Jazz and Shelvin Mack is in his second season in the NBA with the Washington Wizards, were both a part of the 2010 National Runner-up team that almost beat Duke. Mack was a true leader in Butler's 2011 NCAA Tournament run before falling to Connecticut.
The 2013 Butler Bulldog recruiting class is compiled of three players that are winning as high schoolers and are great student-athletes, two ingredients that are a vital part of joining Brad Stevens' program and Butler University.
Nolan Berry is a 6'8 center at De Smet Jesuit Prep in Missouri. As a junior last season, Berry was recognized as one of the top high school players in Missouri and was a 1st Team All-State selection. Averaging 19.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, Nolan led De Smet Jesuit to a 19-9 record. His grandfather, Ed Macauley, is a former NBA player.
Andrew Chrabascz will also bring his talents to Indianapolis in 2013 from Cushing Academy in Massachusetts, but resides in Portsmith, Rhode Island. The 6'6 Chrabascz puts up some pretty solid numbers and will more than likely fit nicely playing as a small forward for the Bulldogs. During his junior year, Andrew averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game while leading Cushing Academy to a 20-7 mark. He is a physical presence with a great inside-out game.
Rene Castro is a 6'2 two-guard from Worcester, MA (Worcester Academy) will be a great addition right away next fall. Castro was the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, averaging 23.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals, while shooting 42% from three-point range. Rene picked Butler over fellow Atlantic 10 members, Duquesne and George Washington and also Boston University.
With guards Rotnei Clarke and Chase Stigall, along with center Andrew Smith all three graduating after this season, Berry, Chrabascz and Castro will be able to fill the shoes of three those outgoing seniors.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Butler Bulldogs are stacked, ready for another Final Four run
Basketball enthusiasts are wondering whether head coach Brad Stevens’ Butler Bulldogs will be able to find their way back to the Final Four again.
Butler shocked the nation by not just getting itself to its first Final Four appearance, but almost won the National Championship, dropping a heartbreaker on their hometown at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, 61-59.
They found themselves in a similar position, making their second straight Final Four appearance, this time in Houston in 2011. Making their presence known in their national semi-final victory over fellow mid-major VCU, Butler bowed out in the National Championship to Connecticut, 53-41.
The 2011-12 season last year became a down, rebuilding year for the Bulldogs. Despite losing in the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational, Butler still played 37 games (22-15) as it had in the previous two years reaching the Final Four in 2010 (33-5) and 2011 (28-10). Not making even an appearance in the NCAA Tournament is this past March’s Big Dance, left BU with a bad taste in its mouth that’s helped motivate them throughout the off-season.
A look at the 2012-13 Butler Bulldogs…
Just from hear-say around Indianapolis, the buzz before this season started was that this year’s Butler squad could really make a legit run to the Final Four in Atlanta. Yes, that is a pretty bold statement, especially since the ‘Dawgs have only played one game against Elon (won 74-59) to open their season and will get their first game of national attention today (Tuesday) at 4pm on ESPN at Xavier as a part of the ESPN Tip-Off Marathon.
The Bulldogs have a lot of experienced veterans that saw important floor time in both Final Four appearances two and three years ago. They also bring in a few newcomers that will be plugged into the equation right away and be key contributors as Butler journeys into its first year as a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Senior transfer Rotnei Clarke (Verdigris, OK/Verdigris) came to BU from Arkansas last year, but had to sit out because the NCAA requires so when transferring from one Division I athletic institution to another. Clarke is considered to be one of the country’s top three-point shooters and was an All-SEC second-team performer two years ago before heading to Indianapolis.
Clarke is joined by 6’6 freshman sharp-shooter Kellen Dunham (Pendleton, IN/Pendleton Heights) and 6’3 freshman point guard Devontae Morgan (Tampa, FL/Tampa Prep) as the three “rookies” on Brad Stevens’ roster.
Those three will provide much-needed depth in the backcourt, along with senior Chase Stigall (New Castle, IN/Chrysler) and sophomore swingman Roosevelt Jones (O’Fallon, IL/O’Fallon). Fellow sophomores Jackson Aldridge (Sydney, Australia/Australia Institute of Sport) and Alex Barlow (Springboro, OH/Archbishop Moeller) will both see considerable time off the Butler bench as the season progresses.
Andrew Smith (Zionsville, IN/Covenant Christian) is back for his senior season and will be joined in the Bulldog frontcourt by junior Khyle Marshall (Davie, FL/Flanagan), explosive sophomore forward Kameron Woods (Louisville, KY/Eastern), Erik Fromm (Bloomington, IN/South) and Andrew Smeathers (Bargersville, IN/Center Grove).
Butler sees its immediate move to the A-10 as a big step in the right direction. Not that they couldn’t have continued to do more damage as members of the Horizon League, but it’s almost better that the Bulldogs have stepped up their competition level, because they relish in challenge.
Projected starting lineup:
C 44 Andrew Smith SR (Zionsville, IN/Covenant Christian)
F 23 Khyle Marshall JR (Davie, FL)/Flanagan)
F 21 Roosevelt Jones SO (O’Fallon, IL/O’Fallon)
G 15 Rotnei Clark SR (Verdigris, OK/Verdigris)
G 33 Chase Stigall SR (New Castle, IN/Chrysler)
Off the Bulldog bench…
F 31 Kameron Woods SO (Louisville, KY/Eastern)
G 24 Kellen Dunham FR (Pendleton, IN/Pendleton Heights)
F 4 Erik Fromm JR (Bloomington, IN/South)
G 3 Alex Barlow SO (Springboro, OH/Archbishop Moeller)
G 2 Devontae Morgan FR (Tampa, FL/Tampa Prep)
G 11 Jackson Aldridge SO (Sydney, AUS/Aus. Institute of Sport)
F 0 Andrew Smeathers SO (Bargersville, IN/Center Grove)
C 22 Emerson Kampen SR (Muncie, IN/Yorktown)
G 30 Elliott Kampen SO (Muncie, IN/Yorktown)
Key games in 2012-13:
Tuesday, Nov. 13 at Xavier 4pm ESPN (ESPN Tip-Off Marathon)
Maui Invitational: The Lahaina Civic Center – Maui, HI
Monday, Nov. 19 vs. Marquette
Tuesday, Nov. 20 vs. TBA
Wednesday, Nov. 21 vs. TBA
Saturday, Dec. 1 vs. Ball State 2pm MyIndy-TV
Saturday, Dec. 8 at Northwestern 8pm Big Ten Network
Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Indiana (Boston Scientific Close the Gap Crossroads Classic at Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis) 2pm ESPN2
Saturday, Dec. 22 vs. Evansville 2pm MyIndy-TV
Saturday, Dec. 29 at Vanderbilt 8pm ESPNU
Saturday, Jan. 19 vs. Gonzaga 9pm ESPN
Thursday, Jan. 31 at Saint Louis 9pm CBS Sports Network
Friday, Feb. 22 vs. Saint Louis 7pm ESPNU
Saturday, Mar. 2 at VCU 12pm ESPN
Thursday, Mar. 7 at Massachusetts 7pm NBC Sports Network
Saturday, Mar. 9 vs. Xavier 6:30 CBS Sports Network
Saturday, November 10, 2012
2012-13 Indiana men's basketball preview
Expectations are higher than they haven been in many years in Bloomington. The Hoosiers that have come back to play another year to play for Tom Crean, are combining with this highly touted freshman recruiting class in hopes of bringing IU basketball back to the days of old.
Indiana has plenty of depth across the board with 17 players on the 2012-13 roster. Two incoming freshmen, Peter Jurkin (Juba, Sudan/United Faith Christian Academy) and Hanner Mosquera-Perea (Istmina, Columbia/LaPort La Lumiere) have been suspended nine games by the NCAA for receiving improper benefits from an AAU coach Mark Adams while in high school, the Indiana University announced on Tuesday. Indiana is looking to appeal the amount of games that Jurkin and Perea will be suspended.
It's honestly looking like an 11 man rotation that the Hoosiers will run with and more than likely, they'll throw a couple more than that into their mix as the season progresses. Seniors Jordan Hulls (11.7 pts, 2.5 reb) and Victor Oladipo (10.8 pts, 5.3 reb) will join freshman phenom Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell to make up the three-guard lineup that Crean will start on the floor. Senior Christian Watford (12.6 pts, 5.8 reb) and sophomore Cody Zeller (15.6 pts, 6.6 reb) will form the post duo down low for IU.
Indiana's bench looks to be a big part of Crean's plan this winter. Will Sheehey (junior), Maurice Creek (junior), Derek Elston (senior), Remy Abell (sophomore), Jeremy Hollowell (freshman) and Austin Etherington (sophomore) all looks to be keys parts of the Hoosiers off the bench.
The Hoosiers have a lot of confidence, as they should, with the seasoned veterans that are back, as well as the new players to the program. They're the pre-season #1 ranked team in the country and are seeking the school's first national championship since 1987. Indiana surprised a lot of people when they advanced to the 2002 National Championship game before bowing out to Maryland under former head coach Mike Davis.
Expectations are one thing for the Hoosiers, living up to them is another and we'll see that throughout the season.
Last night, IU got their regular season schedule started vs. Bryant University at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. They found themselves down 15-14 early in the first half, but quickly climbed in front for good and went on to cruise to a 97-54 victory. Christian Watford (15 pts, 15 boards) and Cody Zeller (18 points, 10 rebounds) paced the Hoosiers, while Remy Abell and Jeremy Hollowell added 12 with Kevin Ferrell and Will Sheehey chipped in 10 points a piece.
Projected starting lineup:
F 2 Christian Watford SR (Birmingham, AL/Shades Valley)
F 40 Cody Zeller SO (Washington, IN/Washington)
G 1 Jordan Hulls SR (Bloomington, IN/South)
G 11 Kevin Ferrell FR (Indianapolis, IN/Park Tudor)
G 4 Victor Oladipo JR (Upper Marlboro, MD/DeMatha)
Off the Hoosiers bench...
G/F 0 Will Sheehey JR (Stuart, FL/Sagemont)
F 3 Maurice Creek JR (Oxon Hill, MD/Hargrave Military Academy)
G 23 Remy Abell SO (Louisville, KY/Eastern)
F 32 Derek Elston SR (Tipton, IN/Tipton)
F 33 Jeremy Hollowell FR (Indianapolis, IN/Lawrence Central)
C 12 Hanner Mosquera-Perea FR (Istmina, Columbia/LaPorte La Lumiere)
F 13 Austin Etherington SO (Cicero, IN/Hamilton Heights)
G 10 Jonny Marlin SO (Greenwood, IN/Center Grove/IPFW)
F 24 Jeff Howard JR (Westfield, IN/Westfield)
C 42 Peter Jurkin FR (Juba, Sudan/United Faith Christian Academy)
G 15 Raphael Smith RS SO (South Bend, IN/Riley)
G 20 Taylor Wayer JR (Indianapolis, IN/Bishop Chatard)
Key games in 2012-13:
Friday 11/9 Bryant Won, 97-54
Monday 11/19 Georgia (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY) 5:30pm ESPNU
Tuesday 11/20 UCLA/Georgetown (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY) 7:30 or 10pm ESPN/ESPNU
Sunday 11/25 Ball State 6pm Big Ten Network
Tuesday 11/27 North Carolina (ACC/Big Ten Challenge) 9:30pm ESPN
Saturday 12/15 Butler (at Banker's Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis: Boston Scientific Close the Gap Crossroads Classic) 2pm CBS
Tuesday 1/15 Wisconson 9pm ESPN
Sunday 1/27 Michigan State 1pm CBS
Wednesday 1/30 at Purdue 8:30 Big Ten Network
Saturday 2/2 Michigan (College Gameday at Assembly Hall) 9pm ESPN
Sunday 2/10 at Ohio State 1pm CBS
Saturday 2/16 Purdue 2pm ESPN2
Tuesday 2/19 at Michigan State 7pm ESPN
Tuesday 3/5 Ohio State 9pm ESPN
Sunday 3/10 at Michigan TBA TBA
Indiana has plenty of depth across the board with 17 players on the 2012-13 roster. Two incoming freshmen, Peter Jurkin (Juba, Sudan/United Faith Christian Academy) and Hanner Mosquera-Perea (Istmina, Columbia/LaPort La Lumiere) have been suspended nine games by the NCAA for receiving improper benefits from an AAU coach Mark Adams while in high school, the Indiana University announced on Tuesday. Indiana is looking to appeal the amount of games that Jurkin and Perea will be suspended.
It's honestly looking like an 11 man rotation that the Hoosiers will run with and more than likely, they'll throw a couple more than that into their mix as the season progresses. Seniors Jordan Hulls (11.7 pts, 2.5 reb) and Victor Oladipo (10.8 pts, 5.3 reb) will join freshman phenom Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell to make up the three-guard lineup that Crean will start on the floor. Senior Christian Watford (12.6 pts, 5.8 reb) and sophomore Cody Zeller (15.6 pts, 6.6 reb) will form the post duo down low for IU.
Indiana's bench looks to be a big part of Crean's plan this winter. Will Sheehey (junior), Maurice Creek (junior), Derek Elston (senior), Remy Abell (sophomore), Jeremy Hollowell (freshman) and Austin Etherington (sophomore) all looks to be keys parts of the Hoosiers off the bench.
The Hoosiers have a lot of confidence, as they should, with the seasoned veterans that are back, as well as the new players to the program. They're the pre-season #1 ranked team in the country and are seeking the school's first national championship since 1987. Indiana surprised a lot of people when they advanced to the 2002 National Championship game before bowing out to Maryland under former head coach Mike Davis.
Expectations are one thing for the Hoosiers, living up to them is another and we'll see that throughout the season.
Last night, IU got their regular season schedule started vs. Bryant University at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. They found themselves down 15-14 early in the first half, but quickly climbed in front for good and went on to cruise to a 97-54 victory. Christian Watford (15 pts, 15 boards) and Cody Zeller (18 points, 10 rebounds) paced the Hoosiers, while Remy Abell and Jeremy Hollowell added 12 with Kevin Ferrell and Will Sheehey chipped in 10 points a piece.
Projected starting lineup:
F 2 Christian Watford SR (Birmingham, AL/Shades Valley)
F 40 Cody Zeller SO (Washington, IN/Washington)
G 1 Jordan Hulls SR (Bloomington, IN/South)
G 11 Kevin Ferrell FR (Indianapolis, IN/Park Tudor)
G 4 Victor Oladipo JR (Upper Marlboro, MD/DeMatha)
Off the Hoosiers bench...
G/F 0 Will Sheehey JR (Stuart, FL/Sagemont)
F 3 Maurice Creek JR (Oxon Hill, MD/Hargrave Military Academy)
G 23 Remy Abell SO (Louisville, KY/Eastern)
F 32 Derek Elston SR (Tipton, IN/Tipton)
F 33 Jeremy Hollowell FR (Indianapolis, IN/Lawrence Central)
C 12 Hanner Mosquera-Perea FR (Istmina, Columbia/LaPorte La Lumiere)
F 13 Austin Etherington SO (Cicero, IN/Hamilton Heights)
G 10 Jonny Marlin SO (Greenwood, IN/Center Grove/IPFW)
F 24 Jeff Howard JR (Westfield, IN/Westfield)
C 42 Peter Jurkin FR (Juba, Sudan/United Faith Christian Academy)
G 15 Raphael Smith RS SO (South Bend, IN/Riley)
G 20 Taylor Wayer JR (Indianapolis, IN/Bishop Chatard)
Key games in 2012-13:
Friday 11/9 Bryant Won, 97-54
Monday 11/19 Georgia (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY) 5:30pm ESPNU
Tuesday 11/20 UCLA/Georgetown (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY) 7:30 or 10pm ESPN/ESPNU
Sunday 11/25 Ball State 6pm Big Ten Network
Tuesday 11/27 North Carolina (ACC/Big Ten Challenge) 9:30pm ESPN
Saturday 12/15 Butler (at Banker's Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis: Boston Scientific Close the Gap Crossroads Classic) 2pm CBS
Tuesday 1/15 Wisconson 9pm ESPN
Sunday 1/27 Michigan State 1pm CBS
Wednesday 1/30 at Purdue 8:30 Big Ten Network
Saturday 2/2 Michigan (College Gameday at Assembly Hall) 9pm ESPN
Sunday 2/10 at Ohio State 1pm CBS
Saturday 2/16 Purdue 2pm ESPN2
Tuesday 2/19 at Michigan State 7pm ESPN
Tuesday 3/5 Ohio State 9pm ESPN
Sunday 3/10 at Michigan TBA TBA
Friday, November 9, 2012
IHSAA football Regional Championships
Eight teams left in each of the five classes. Eight matchups feature teams that have never met on the gridiron before this weekend, in their respective storied histories. Eight teams left that are still undefeated this season (12-0 records). Seven have one-loss and eight have just two losses on the season. The Regional Championships really get us down to the time of the 40th Annual IHSAA football state tournament when it's the "survival of the fittest" and if you don't bring your "A game," your dreams for a journey to a state championship are dashed in a heartbeat.
CLASS 5A
Carroll (Allen) (10-2) at Merrillville (10-2) [Demaree Stadium]
Carroll's football program is in a revitatalization stage and they've made great strides the past two seasons to get the Chargers back on track. Finished 8-4 last season, prior to having six consecutive losing seasons. Merrillville head coach Zac Wells just won his 4th sectional title in his 7th year with the Pirates. This should be a great matchup and probably a high-scoring affair.
My pick: Merrillville
Fishers (9-3) at Fort Wayne Snider (12-0) [Spuller Stadium]
Fishers surprised some, but not a lot of folks by winning Sectional 4. They had tough regular season losses to Hamilton SE, Zionsville and Brownsburg, but got their revenge on rival HSE in the sectional semifinals. Snider plays a tough schedule in the Summit Athletic Conference with wins over Fort Wayne Luers, Fort Wayne North (2 wins) and Fort Wayne Dwenger, along with big wins over Penn and Homestead. Fishers won this 2010 Regional matchup at Snider (47-34) en route to their 2010 5A State Championship
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
Pike (9-3) at Lawrence Central (12-0) [Smysor Field]
Red Devils head coach Derek Moyers and Bears head coach Jayson West gather the troops for a rematch of their Week 4 meeting that was at Pike. LC won that matchup 34-23. Lawrence Central has won 10 of the last 16 in this series. Pike just has losses to Ben Davis, these LC Bears and were tripped up in Week 8 against Perry Meridian.
My pick: Lawrence Central
Castle (12-0) at Center Grove (11-1) [Trojan Field]
Castle is a team that always seems to fly "under the radar" down in the southern part of the state near Evansville. This may be the year that the Knights get over the hump and continue on in the playoffs. It'll be a tough task playing at Center Grove. The Trojans, on the other hand, have that upper hand tonight playing at home. They did take Castle by surprise in 2008 on the road, beating the Knights on their home turf, 49-7 in their last meeting.
My pick: Center Grove
CLASS 4A
Hammond Morton (7-5) at Mishawaka (9-3) [Steele Stadium]
After going just 4-5 during their regular season, the Hammond Morton Governors have righted their ship and have since won four in a row by a combined 182-50, two of those being shutouts. The host Mishawaka Cavemen have won 7 games in a row. In just their second season in Class 4A, Mishawaka is seeking its first Regional Championship. This is the first meeting between Hammond Morton and Mishawaka. Previously a Class 5A membered school, they struggled for years to advance in the playoffs because of yearly sectional matchups with the powerhouse Penn Kingsmen.
My pick: Mishawaka
Concord (10-2) at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (6-6) [Zollner Stadium]
The Concord Minutemen know they have a tough task ahead of them tonight when they head to Fort Wayne to face a scrappy Bishop Dwenger squad that has had an up-and-down year. The Saints have had two separate three-game losing streaks to their discredit, the first against FW North, FW Northrop and Cathedral and the other streak losing three in a row to Chatard, FW Snider and FW Luers. Playing a brutal schedule turns out to be a good thing for both of these teams. Dwenger put together three wins in a row over Jay County, Columbia City and Norwell to take Sectional 12. The Minutemen have two five-game winning streaks that opened them at 5-0 and now have them on another five-game winning streak. In the middle of their season in Weeks 6 and 7, Concord hit a snag in their stride, losing two in a row to then-3A #1 Jimtown and then-4A ranked Plymouth by a combined 79-28, a shutout coming at Jimtown (48-0). The Minutemen win tonight, there's no stopping them en route to Indianapolis.
My pick: Concord
Mount Vernon (Fortville) (11-1) vs. Indianapolis Cathedral (7-5) [at Indianapolis Tech]
After an season-opening loss in overtime (28-21) to Kokomo, the Marauders of Mount Vernon have been virtually unstoppable in running off 11 consecutive wins heading into tonight's Regional vs. Cathedral at Indianapolis Tech. Cathedral always plays a tough regular season, because they have the freedom to play whomever, whenever and wherever to make the Irish as competitive as they are year in and year out in the 4A playoffs.
My pick: Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Columbus East (12-0) at Evansville Reitz (9-3) [The Reitz Bowl]
People may have expected the Columbus East Olympians to be a little down after having Gunner Kiel as their QB the past few years, but that hasn't happened in the least bit. The Olympians have tweaked their offense somewhat, but bring their 12-game winning streak on the line when they head to The Reitz Bowl on Saturday to face Reitz. The Panthers were considered written off, to an extent, when they started the season 1-3. Winning at Henderson County (Kentucky), then losing three in a row at Louisville Central and at home to Castle and Evansville Central, Reitz has completely turned its season around by rattling off eight wins, including their latest, a thriller for the 4A Sectional 16 title over #2 Jasper, 31-30.
My pick: Columbus East
CLASS 3A
Heritage (10-2) at Mishawaka Marian (9-3) [Otolski Field]
Heritage shocked #1 Jimtown 40-29 at home for the Sectional 18 Championship. They also have to their credit four and six-game winning streaks. The host Knights are on a four-game winning streak, outscoring those opponents 154-56.
My pick: Mishawaka Marian
Hamilton Heights (11-1) at Eastbrook (9-3) [George Freck Field]
Hamilton Heights lost their season-opener to Tipton (19-14) at Lucas Oil Stadium, but has ran the table from Week 2 with 11 straight wins. Look out for the Huskies. Eastbrook is now on its second four-game winning streak and looks to knock off this hot Hamilton Heights group, but it will be the toughest of tasks.
My pick: Hamilton Heights
Greensburg (10-2) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (10-2) [at Lawrence North]
The Greensburg Pirates won their first Sectional title since 1989 with their 3A Sectional 22 win over Indian Creek last week. Scott Moore's Pirates are a three-headed monster in the backfield with Derek Chambers, Elliott Green and Ryan Martin all sharing carries and look to catch Chatard's defense. Chatard started out 4-0, then lost two straight to Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter and Cincinnati Elder, combining to double-up the Trojans in those two 80-40. Since then, head coach Vince Lorenzano's Trojans have won six in a row, by an astounding 236-28.
My pick: Indianapolis Bishop Chatard
Gibson Southern (10-2) at Charlestown (12-0) [Dutch Reis Field]
Gibson Southern head coach Nick Hart has his Titans playing a dream season, aside from regular season losses coming at the hands of North Posey and Southridge. Charlestown is fully having that dream season with their 12-0 mark. The Pirates have only allowed 79 points (6.6 avg.) all season while scoring 720 (60 avg.), with four shutouts and only three opponents have scored in double digits. They may be unstoppable.
My pick: Charlestown
CLASS 2A
Andrean (10-2) at Lewis Cass (11-1) [Owens Field]
This is the first meeting ever between the Fighting 59ers and the Kings, and what better atmosphere to play at than Owens Field and its stories history. Andrean has only losses to Merrillville and Hobart, both on the road. Cass lost its lone game in Week 4 in a Mid-Indiana Conference game at Hamilton Heights. Since then, Scott Mannering's Kings have taken control of their season with eight wins in a row.
My pick: Lewis Cass
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (8-4) at Tipton (11-1) [Tipton Field]
Luers has a two, three and now a four-game winning streak so far this season. The Knights will for sure be tested when they play at Tipton tonight. The Blue Devils have only been tripped up once this season and that was in Week 6 at Lafayette Central Catholic, 24-13. Other than that, Tipton has been in a complete business mode, starting out 5-0 and have won six straight since that Week 6 blemish at Lafayette Central Catholic.
My pick: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers
Shenandoah (9-3) vs. Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (12-0) [Knights Stadium, Marian University]
Saying Shenandoah has their work cut out for them, is a big understatement. But, they did knock off high-scoring Heritage Christian at home for the sectional title last week, 41-35. Cardinal Ritter has overwhelmed its opponents 620 (51.7) to 221 (18.4).
My pick: Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter
Evansville Mater Dei (10-2) at Lawrenceburg (11-1) [Neary Memorial Field]
Defending 2A State Runners-up Mater Dei looks to get back to Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving Friday, but the high scoring Lawrenceburg Bears are standing in their way in this week's Regional. Mater Dei started their season out 7-0 before two losses in a row to a couple bigger school in Castle and Evansville Reitz. Lawrenceburg lost their only regular season game to a 4A ranked East Central team in Week 7. Since that loss, the Tigers have scored at least 50 points per game and allowed just 68 in their five wins since Week 7.
My pick: Lawrenceburg
CLASS 1A
Lafayette Central Catholic (11-1) at Winamac (9-3) [Roudebush Field]
The Knights and Warriors have never met on the football field. Lafayette Central Catholic is gunning for their fourth straight 1A State Championship. Winamac will be a tough road game for LCC.
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Sheridan (8-4) at North Miami (9-3) [North Miami Field]
This game is almost a toss-up. Sheridan has had an odd season in that they've had two four-game winning streaks, but have legit losses to Western Boone, Hamilton Heights, Tipton and Culver Academy. You never know what a Bud Wright team will do in the playoffs though. North Miami has separate streaks of four and three wins to get them to Regionals.
My pick: Sheridan
Indianapolis Scecina (9-3) at North Vermillion (12-0) [Gibson Field]
Scecina might be the defending 1A State Runners-up, but they're ironically the same, record-wise, as they were a year ago on their way to Lucas Oil Stadium. North Vermillion is in a lot better position than they were for last year's Regional. They were 6-6 heading into last year's Regional vs. Scecina, losing that game 35-8. Now undefeated, the Falcons look to avenge that loss in 2011.
My pick: North Vermillion
Linton-Stockton (12-0) at West Washington (9-3) [Art Sanders Field]
These two haven't squared off in the playoffs since 2008 in Sectional play (a 20-8 Linton-Stockton win), but this time its at West Washington. The host Senators are riding high off a big road win last week for a sectional title at Milan, their first since 1994, but West Washington hasn't won a Regional since 1993. Linton-Stockton might turn this game into a runaway, right away. The Miners have outscored their 12 opponents 639 (53.3 avg.) to 63 (5.3 avg.) and have only allowed two opponents to score in double digits.
My pick: Linton-Stockton
It's going to be a fun night of high school football Regional action! I will be at Lawrence North High School for the Greensburg (10-2) vs. Indianapolis Chatard (10-2) matchup in 3A with Matt Scheidler on seilocalsports.com calling the game.
CLASS 5A
Carroll (Allen) (10-2) at Merrillville (10-2) [Demaree Stadium]
Carroll's football program is in a revitatalization stage and they've made great strides the past two seasons to get the Chargers back on track. Finished 8-4 last season, prior to having six consecutive losing seasons. Merrillville head coach Zac Wells just won his 4th sectional title in his 7th year with the Pirates. This should be a great matchup and probably a high-scoring affair.
My pick: Merrillville
Fishers (9-3) at Fort Wayne Snider (12-0) [Spuller Stadium]
Fishers surprised some, but not a lot of folks by winning Sectional 4. They had tough regular season losses to Hamilton SE, Zionsville and Brownsburg, but got their revenge on rival HSE in the sectional semifinals. Snider plays a tough schedule in the Summit Athletic Conference with wins over Fort Wayne Luers, Fort Wayne North (2 wins) and Fort Wayne Dwenger, along with big wins over Penn and Homestead. Fishers won this 2010 Regional matchup at Snider (47-34) en route to their 2010 5A State Championship
My pick: Fort Wayne Snider
Pike (9-3) at Lawrence Central (12-0) [Smysor Field]
Red Devils head coach Derek Moyers and Bears head coach Jayson West gather the troops for a rematch of their Week 4 meeting that was at Pike. LC won that matchup 34-23. Lawrence Central has won 10 of the last 16 in this series. Pike just has losses to Ben Davis, these LC Bears and were tripped up in Week 8 against Perry Meridian.
My pick: Lawrence Central
Castle (12-0) at Center Grove (11-1) [Trojan Field]
Castle is a team that always seems to fly "under the radar" down in the southern part of the state near Evansville. This may be the year that the Knights get over the hump and continue on in the playoffs. It'll be a tough task playing at Center Grove. The Trojans, on the other hand, have that upper hand tonight playing at home. They did take Castle by surprise in 2008 on the road, beating the Knights on their home turf, 49-7 in their last meeting.
My pick: Center Grove
CLASS 4A
Hammond Morton (7-5) at Mishawaka (9-3) [Steele Stadium]
After going just 4-5 during their regular season, the Hammond Morton Governors have righted their ship and have since won four in a row by a combined 182-50, two of those being shutouts. The host Mishawaka Cavemen have won 7 games in a row. In just their second season in Class 4A, Mishawaka is seeking its first Regional Championship. This is the first meeting between Hammond Morton and Mishawaka. Previously a Class 5A membered school, they struggled for years to advance in the playoffs because of yearly sectional matchups with the powerhouse Penn Kingsmen.
My pick: Mishawaka
Concord (10-2) at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (6-6) [Zollner Stadium]
The Concord Minutemen know they have a tough task ahead of them tonight when they head to Fort Wayne to face a scrappy Bishop Dwenger squad that has had an up-and-down year. The Saints have had two separate three-game losing streaks to their discredit, the first against FW North, FW Northrop and Cathedral and the other streak losing three in a row to Chatard, FW Snider and FW Luers. Playing a brutal schedule turns out to be a good thing for both of these teams. Dwenger put together three wins in a row over Jay County, Columbia City and Norwell to take Sectional 12. The Minutemen have two five-game winning streaks that opened them at 5-0 and now have them on another five-game winning streak. In the middle of their season in Weeks 6 and 7, Concord hit a snag in their stride, losing two in a row to then-3A #1 Jimtown and then-4A ranked Plymouth by a combined 79-28, a shutout coming at Jimtown (48-0). The Minutemen win tonight, there's no stopping them en route to Indianapolis.
My pick: Concord
Mount Vernon (Fortville) (11-1) vs. Indianapolis Cathedral (7-5) [at Indianapolis Tech]
After an season-opening loss in overtime (28-21) to Kokomo, the Marauders of Mount Vernon have been virtually unstoppable in running off 11 consecutive wins heading into tonight's Regional vs. Cathedral at Indianapolis Tech. Cathedral always plays a tough regular season, because they have the freedom to play whomever, whenever and wherever to make the Irish as competitive as they are year in and year out in the 4A playoffs.
My pick: Mount Vernon (Fortville)
Columbus East (12-0) at Evansville Reitz (9-3) [The Reitz Bowl]
People may have expected the Columbus East Olympians to be a little down after having Gunner Kiel as their QB the past few years, but that hasn't happened in the least bit. The Olympians have tweaked their offense somewhat, but bring their 12-game winning streak on the line when they head to The Reitz Bowl on Saturday to face Reitz. The Panthers were considered written off, to an extent, when they started the season 1-3. Winning at Henderson County (Kentucky), then losing three in a row at Louisville Central and at home to Castle and Evansville Central, Reitz has completely turned its season around by rattling off eight wins, including their latest, a thriller for the 4A Sectional 16 title over #2 Jasper, 31-30.
My pick: Columbus East
CLASS 3A
Heritage (10-2) at Mishawaka Marian (9-3) [Otolski Field]
Heritage shocked #1 Jimtown 40-29 at home for the Sectional 18 Championship. They also have to their credit four and six-game winning streaks. The host Knights are on a four-game winning streak, outscoring those opponents 154-56.
My pick: Mishawaka Marian
Hamilton Heights (11-1) at Eastbrook (9-3) [George Freck Field]
Hamilton Heights lost their season-opener to Tipton (19-14) at Lucas Oil Stadium, but has ran the table from Week 2 with 11 straight wins. Look out for the Huskies. Eastbrook is now on its second four-game winning streak and looks to knock off this hot Hamilton Heights group, but it will be the toughest of tasks.
My pick: Hamilton Heights
Greensburg (10-2) vs. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (10-2) [at Lawrence North]
The Greensburg Pirates won their first Sectional title since 1989 with their 3A Sectional 22 win over Indian Creek last week. Scott Moore's Pirates are a three-headed monster in the backfield with Derek Chambers, Elliott Green and Ryan Martin all sharing carries and look to catch Chatard's defense. Chatard started out 4-0, then lost two straight to Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter and Cincinnati Elder, combining to double-up the Trojans in those two 80-40. Since then, head coach Vince Lorenzano's Trojans have won six in a row, by an astounding 236-28.
My pick: Indianapolis Bishop Chatard
Gibson Southern (10-2) at Charlestown (12-0) [Dutch Reis Field]
Gibson Southern head coach Nick Hart has his Titans playing a dream season, aside from regular season losses coming at the hands of North Posey and Southridge. Charlestown is fully having that dream season with their 12-0 mark. The Pirates have only allowed 79 points (6.6 avg.) all season while scoring 720 (60 avg.), with four shutouts and only three opponents have scored in double digits. They may be unstoppable.
My pick: Charlestown
CLASS 2A
Andrean (10-2) at Lewis Cass (11-1) [Owens Field]
This is the first meeting ever between the Fighting 59ers and the Kings, and what better atmosphere to play at than Owens Field and its stories history. Andrean has only losses to Merrillville and Hobart, both on the road. Cass lost its lone game in Week 4 in a Mid-Indiana Conference game at Hamilton Heights. Since then, Scott Mannering's Kings have taken control of their season with eight wins in a row.
My pick: Lewis Cass
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (8-4) at Tipton (11-1) [Tipton Field]
Luers has a two, three and now a four-game winning streak so far this season. The Knights will for sure be tested when they play at Tipton tonight. The Blue Devils have only been tripped up once this season and that was in Week 6 at Lafayette Central Catholic, 24-13. Other than that, Tipton has been in a complete business mode, starting out 5-0 and have won six straight since that Week 6 blemish at Lafayette Central Catholic.
My pick: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers
Shenandoah (9-3) vs. Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (12-0) [Knights Stadium, Marian University]
Saying Shenandoah has their work cut out for them, is a big understatement. But, they did knock off high-scoring Heritage Christian at home for the sectional title last week, 41-35. Cardinal Ritter has overwhelmed its opponents 620 (51.7) to 221 (18.4).
My pick: Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter
Evansville Mater Dei (10-2) at Lawrenceburg (11-1) [Neary Memorial Field]
Defending 2A State Runners-up Mater Dei looks to get back to Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving Friday, but the high scoring Lawrenceburg Bears are standing in their way in this week's Regional. Mater Dei started their season out 7-0 before two losses in a row to a couple bigger school in Castle and Evansville Reitz. Lawrenceburg lost their only regular season game to a 4A ranked East Central team in Week 7. Since that loss, the Tigers have scored at least 50 points per game and allowed just 68 in their five wins since Week 7.
My pick: Lawrenceburg
CLASS 1A
Lafayette Central Catholic (11-1) at Winamac (9-3) [Roudebush Field]
The Knights and Warriors have never met on the football field. Lafayette Central Catholic is gunning for their fourth straight 1A State Championship. Winamac will be a tough road game for LCC.
My pick: Lafayette Central Catholic
Sheridan (8-4) at North Miami (9-3) [North Miami Field]
This game is almost a toss-up. Sheridan has had an odd season in that they've had two four-game winning streaks, but have legit losses to Western Boone, Hamilton Heights, Tipton and Culver Academy. You never know what a Bud Wright team will do in the playoffs though. North Miami has separate streaks of four and three wins to get them to Regionals.
My pick: Sheridan
Indianapolis Scecina (9-3) at North Vermillion (12-0) [Gibson Field]
Scecina might be the defending 1A State Runners-up, but they're ironically the same, record-wise, as they were a year ago on their way to Lucas Oil Stadium. North Vermillion is in a lot better position than they were for last year's Regional. They were 6-6 heading into last year's Regional vs. Scecina, losing that game 35-8. Now undefeated, the Falcons look to avenge that loss in 2011.
My pick: North Vermillion
Linton-Stockton (12-0) at West Washington (9-3) [Art Sanders Field]
These two haven't squared off in the playoffs since 2008 in Sectional play (a 20-8 Linton-Stockton win), but this time its at West Washington. The host Senators are riding high off a big road win last week for a sectional title at Milan, their first since 1994, but West Washington hasn't won a Regional since 1993. Linton-Stockton might turn this game into a runaway, right away. The Miners have outscored their 12 opponents 639 (53.3 avg.) to 63 (5.3 avg.) and have only allowed two opponents to score in double digits.
My pick: Linton-Stockton
It's going to be a fun night of high school football Regional action! I will be at Lawrence North High School for the Greensburg (10-2) vs. Indianapolis Chatard (10-2) matchup in 3A with Matt Scheidler on seilocalsports.com calling the game.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
2012-13 Notre Dame men's basketball preview
Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey has his squad in a great position to compete for the Big East championship, just as they did last season. I don't think there's another school in the country that can say what Brey can. His starting five from the previous season is all coming back this season. Brey is 260-132 in 12 seasons of success under the Golden Dome and 359-184 in 17 seasons overall as a head coach, the five previously at Delaware.
Just four games into the 2011-12 campaign, the Irish lost senior forward Tim Abromaitis with an ACL injury, which hurt Notre Dame's game outside the arc. Following the season, junior-to-be Alex Dragicevich decided to transfer because his playing time diminished as the season progressed.
The Irish are pre-season ranked #22 by the Associated Press/#23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and expectations are once again high, as they should be. This group has become more and more comfortable with each other and with some key additions and incoming freshmen, they could make a push for the Sweet 16 or further in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
Fifth-year senior Scott Martin was granted a 6th year of eligibility by the NCAA. Brey was hoping that Abromaitis would have also been granted a sixth year, but he was denied that possibly because of his suspension to start the season. Senior forward/center Garrick Sherman transferred to Notre Dame after the 2010-11 season from Michigan State and sat out last season as required by the NCAA. Starting 29 games during his freshman and sophomore years for head coach Tom Izzo at MSU, Sherman should be primed and ready for action.
The Irish backcourt is going to be a lot of fun to watch this season. Junior point guard Eric Atkins (12.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) will look to take turns dishing out assists with junior Jerian Grant (12.3 ppg, 5 apg). Sophomore swingman Pat Connaughton (7.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg) will be a key contributor from outside-the-arc.
The starting frontcourt of seniors Scott Martin (9.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and second-team All-Big East selection Jack Cooley (12.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) should pull down a ton of rebounds between the two, not to mention all the help they'll have off the bench from veterans Garrick Sherman (senior), Tom Knight (senior), Mike Broghammer (senior), along with freshmen Cameron Biedscheid, Austin Burgett, Zach Auguste and Eric Katenda.
I have a bias with the Irish, because I'm a die-hard Notre Dame fan. I'll admit it. I honestly see this team making an appearance in the Sweet 16, possibly advancing to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament in March. There is a lot of time and plenty of basketball to be played and I'm pretty excited to see what's in store for this 13th version of Mike Brey's Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Projected starting lineup:
F 14 Scott Martin 5TH (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS/Purdue)
F 45 Jack Cooley SR (Glenview, IL/Glenview South)
G 0 Eric Atkins JR (Columbia, MD/Mount St. Joseph)
G 22 Jerian Grant JR (Bowie, MD/DeMatha)
G 24 Pat Connaughton SO (Arlington, MA/St. John's Prep)
Off the Irish bench...
F/C 11 Garrick Sherman SR (Kenton, OH/Kenton)
F 25 Tom Knight SR (Dixfield, ME/Dirigo)
F 33 Mike Broghammer SR (Osono, MN/Hopkins)
G 4 Patrick Crowley JR (Los Gatos, CA/St. Francis)
F 1 Cameron Biedscheid FR (St. Louis, MO/Cardinal Ritter College Prep)
F 20 Austin Burgett FR (Avon, IN/Avon)
F 2 Zach Auguste FR (Marlborough, MA/New Hampton)
F 15 Eric Katenda FR (Paris, France/Sunrise Christian Academy, Kansas)
G 32 Joey Brooks SR (Houston, TX/Strake Jesuit College Prep)
Key games in 2012-13:
Saturday, Nov. 10 vs. Evansville 2pm (season opener)
Thursday, Nov. 29 vs. Kentucky 7pm (ESPN2)
Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Purdue 4:30 pm (ESPN2) (Banker's Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)
Monday, Jan. 7 at Cincinnati 7pm (ESPN2)
Saturday, Jan. 12 vs. UConn 2pm (Big East Network)
Tuesday, Jan. 15 at St. John's (at Madison Square Garden) 7pm (ESPN2)
Monday, Jan. 21 vs. Georgetown 7:30 (ESPN)
Monday, Feb. 4 at Syracuse 7pm (ESPN)
Saturday, Feb. 9 vs. Louisville 6 or 9pm (ESPN)
Sunday, Feb. 24 vs. Cincinnati 2pm (CBS)
Saturday, Mar. 2 at Marquette 2pm (ESPN or ESPN2)
Saturday, Mar. 9 at Louisville 4pm (CBS)
Stay tuned to my blog as I will also be previewing four other big Division I basketball schools in the state of Indiana. The Butler Bulldogs will be next, so come back for a preview of one of the newest members of the Atlantic 10 conference!
Just four games into the 2011-12 campaign, the Irish lost senior forward Tim Abromaitis with an ACL injury, which hurt Notre Dame's game outside the arc. Following the season, junior-to-be Alex Dragicevich decided to transfer because his playing time diminished as the season progressed.
The Irish are pre-season ranked #22 by the Associated Press/#23 in the USA Today Coaches Poll and expectations are once again high, as they should be. This group has become more and more comfortable with each other and with some key additions and incoming freshmen, they could make a push for the Sweet 16 or further in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
Fifth-year senior Scott Martin was granted a 6th year of eligibility by the NCAA. Brey was hoping that Abromaitis would have also been granted a sixth year, but he was denied that possibly because of his suspension to start the season. Senior forward/center Garrick Sherman transferred to Notre Dame after the 2010-11 season from Michigan State and sat out last season as required by the NCAA. Starting 29 games during his freshman and sophomore years for head coach Tom Izzo at MSU, Sherman should be primed and ready for action.
The Irish backcourt is going to be a lot of fun to watch this season. Junior point guard Eric Atkins (12.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) will look to take turns dishing out assists with junior Jerian Grant (12.3 ppg, 5 apg). Sophomore swingman Pat Connaughton (7.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg) will be a key contributor from outside-the-arc.
The starting frontcourt of seniors Scott Martin (9.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg) and second-team All-Big East selection Jack Cooley (12.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg) should pull down a ton of rebounds between the two, not to mention all the help they'll have off the bench from veterans Garrick Sherman (senior), Tom Knight (senior), Mike Broghammer (senior), along with freshmen Cameron Biedscheid, Austin Burgett, Zach Auguste and Eric Katenda.
I have a bias with the Irish, because I'm a die-hard Notre Dame fan. I'll admit it. I honestly see this team making an appearance in the Sweet 16, possibly advancing to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament in March. There is a lot of time and plenty of basketball to be played and I'm pretty excited to see what's in store for this 13th version of Mike Brey's Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Projected starting lineup:
F 14 Scott Martin 5TH (Valparaiso, IN/Valparaiso HS/Purdue)
F 45 Jack Cooley SR (Glenview, IL/Glenview South)
G 0 Eric Atkins JR (Columbia, MD/Mount St. Joseph)
G 22 Jerian Grant JR (Bowie, MD/DeMatha)
G 24 Pat Connaughton SO (Arlington, MA/St. John's Prep)
Off the Irish bench...
F/C 11 Garrick Sherman SR (Kenton, OH/Kenton)
F 25 Tom Knight SR (Dixfield, ME/Dirigo)
F 33 Mike Broghammer SR (Osono, MN/Hopkins)
G 4 Patrick Crowley JR (Los Gatos, CA/St. Francis)
F 1 Cameron Biedscheid FR (St. Louis, MO/Cardinal Ritter College Prep)
F 20 Austin Burgett FR (Avon, IN/Avon)
F 2 Zach Auguste FR (Marlborough, MA/New Hampton)
F 15 Eric Katenda FR (Paris, France/Sunrise Christian Academy, Kansas)
G 32 Joey Brooks SR (Houston, TX/Strake Jesuit College Prep)
Key games in 2012-13:
Saturday, Nov. 10 vs. Evansville 2pm (season opener)
Thursday, Nov. 29 vs. Kentucky 7pm (ESPN2)
Saturday, Dec. 15 vs. Purdue 4:30 pm (ESPN2) (Banker's Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)
Monday, Jan. 7 at Cincinnati 7pm (ESPN2)
Saturday, Jan. 12 vs. UConn 2pm (Big East Network)
Tuesday, Jan. 15 at St. John's (at Madison Square Garden) 7pm (ESPN2)
Monday, Jan. 21 vs. Georgetown 7:30 (ESPN)
Monday, Feb. 4 at Syracuse 7pm (ESPN)
Saturday, Feb. 9 vs. Louisville 6 or 9pm (ESPN)
Sunday, Feb. 24 vs. Cincinnati 2pm (CBS)
Saturday, Mar. 2 at Marquette 2pm (ESPN or ESPN2)
Saturday, Mar. 9 at Louisville 4pm (CBS)
Stay tuned to my blog as I will also be previewing four other big Division I basketball schools in the state of Indiana. The Butler Bulldogs will be next, so come back for a preview of one of the newest members of the Atlantic 10 conference!
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