Saturday, January 10, 2009

What I've learned

One half of the section season remains and some things are becoming clear when it comes to local WPIAL basketball.

Here's what I've learned to date:

Boys
1. Peters Township is more than the best local team. The Indians might be the best team in the WPIAL, at least through the first six weeks of the season. With Player of the Year candidate Nick Wilcox leading the way, Peters Township is 11-1 overall and 4-0 in Section 4-AAAA. That's the best record in the classification and it's come against a difficult schedule.

2. Wash High and South Fayette are good. Plus the other top teams in Class AA don't look unbeatable. For some reason, however, the Prexies can't win at Monessen and the Lions can't win at North Catholic. Then again, Monessen and North Catholic are two of the better Class AA teams.

3. Trinity has a legitimate opportunity to win the Section 5-AAA championship. The Hillers' rally from a 17-point second-half deficit against Belle Vernon was an inspired effort – the type that can define a season.

4. OK, so Serra Catholic is the top team in Class A. Who's second? Sewickley Academy? Clairton? Lincoln Park? OLSH? Carmichaels? How about Bentworth?

The Bearcats scored a big victory Friday night when they rallied to beat Carmichaels. It's time to recognize a strong coaching job by Bob Kennedy. Bentworth lost four starters and about 90-95 percent of its offense from last year's PIAA quarterfinalist. At 4-1 in Section 2-A, the Bearcats are tied with the Mikes for first place.

Girls
1. In the bold statement department, Washington's Jocelyn Floyd is the best girls defensive player I've seen at the high school level.

2. The two teams primed for postseason runs are both in Class A. Fort Cherry and Monessen both sit high in the Observer-Reporter rankings. The trouble is, getting to the WPIAL championship means that teams like Vincentian Academy and North Catholic will have to lose.

3. Peters Township needs a No. 3 option. Emily Correal is facing more junk defenses than any other local player. Samantha Higgins has turned into a strong second option but a third will be needed if the Indians are to get back into the WPIAL playoff picture.

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

Maybe the meddling parents of the Peters Twp. Girls team are starting to realize they got to the WPIAL Championships last year because they had a head coach that made them the players that they were. They returned basically their entire lineup from last year and as it looks now they may not even make the playoffs.

Parents forced the hardest working coach in the WPIAL out, happy now?

Anonymous said...

How long has it been since Trinity made the playoffs for basketball? Do you really see them knocking off TJ at TJ? Do you think its the weak conference or what do you think the key for Trinity's team doing so well ? Who do you think has a better chance at a WPIAL title Wash High or Peters? I really like to see those two teams play again....

Anonymous said...

Mike,

Wouldnt you like to see a match up with Peters vs Char Valley? I have watched both of these teams play a few times and it seems like it would be a great game. Both teams play really well as a team and can shoot the basketball. I think Peters would give them some trouble with their size underneath.

However, I think Char Valley is the best shooting team in the WPIAL this year. They can really shoot the lights out. I know Peters doesnt have a lot of size but Char Valley really has no size at all. It looks like they start 5 guard who can all hit the 3 ball.

What are your thoughts on this match up?

mike_kovak said...

To answer these questions:

1.I'll have to check but it hasn't been that long since Trinity made the playoffs.

2. I do not think TJ is so dominant that Trinity is a lock to lose to the Jaguars on the road.

3. As for Trinity's surge, maybe Section 5 isn't overwhelming but the Hillers played a difficult non-section sked which always helps in close section games.

4. Peters Twp. has a better chance than Wash High simply because I believe the Class AAAA bracket is weaker than the Class AA.

5. I would like to see PT and CV play. In fact, I was talking about that Saturday night.

6. As for an edge, I'm not sure. I haven't seen CV this year.

Anonymous said...

I dont know if anyone stop TJ underneath. Deccico (sorry if I miss spelled it) is a force.

Rod Taylor said...

I have seen both Peters and Char Valley play. Peters looks more physical than CV. I think Peters would beat CV because Peters guards are much bigger and stronger than CV guards. CV just did not impress me when I saw them. Peters on the other hand did.

Anonymous said...

CV has a kid going D-1 who shoots the lights out. I know Peters Township has some solid players, but you must be blind if you say CV doesnt impress you at all. They havent lost a game all season. You and Clairton Alum must not watch the same game I see.

And to Clairton Alum Char Valley is a dynasty in the WPIAL. They will add another WPIAL title this year which will be 5. I know you want to hate on the team because they play a bunch of white kids but they are good.

Anonymous said...

ha ha ha. so despite being ill-informed you are also a racist? ok.

FYI, I am white.

Here's the deal. Southern Columbia Football winning 5 or 6 consecutive state football titles was a dynasty. TJ football doing what they are doing in recent years is bordering on dynastic. CV basketball winning 4 WPIAL titles over an 11 year span is not a dynasty. Win a title this year, one next year, win a state title...we'll start talking. I dont see what the big rush is to crown a program a dynasty? i just dont.

Anonymous said...

god...was i this bad when i was talking about Clairton football this season???

Rod Taylor said...

CV ALUM,
One player going D-1 doesnt make the team. It takes 5 kids working together. Not some get the ball to our D-1 prospect. Char Valley is good. And they play as a team. You constantly think that people are bashing your team like they are not good or something. I am positive that I watch more basketball, because I go to 2-3 varsity games a week. I have seen other teams in the WPIAL that I feel are better than your Colts. (Peters being one of them) So CV Alum: Just relax, your team is good. Quit getting defensive when someone comes on here and comments about your team. If you want to be a CV fan go to their games.
And have you seen Peters play?

Anonymous said...

Hot dog Rod,

I have watched more basketball in the last 20 years than you will watch in your lifetime. I have watched Peters play 4 games this year. They are very good for a WPIAL team.

No kidding one player going D-1 doesnt a whole team, but if you have a really good team with one outstanding player it really makes a difference.

Clairton Alum,

I would expcect that response from you. Everyone pulls that card out of course. What about reverse discrimination. Its so unreal how quick someone throws the racist card out there. Get real man.

I am glad though you clarifed what a dynasty is though. So unless you win a bunch of state title you cant be a dynasty.

So i am guessin we will only see dynastys in Class A ball or schools who can recruit kids to play like these private schools.

In all honestly the WPIAL is a joke in basketball anyways. There have been what 2 teams who won states in AAAA???

CV is #2 in the state and I think this could be the year they bring it home.

I guess over 400 wins in the past 16 years doesnt mean anything either right Clairton Alum??

Anonymous said...

CV Alum, your unsupported allegation directed toward Clairton Alum regarding race is out of line. Additionally, I have to wonder what CV team your watching because one of their starters, Teagan Lindsey, and one of their key reserves are African-Americans. Lindsey is one heck of a player and one of the big 3 (McConnell, Maravich and Lindsey) that lead that team. So CV is not a bunch of white kids as you say. It's a terrific team that is IMO the top team in the WPIAL and could end up in Hershey.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for updating me with the starting 5 for CV. I have only missed a few of their games I know who plays and who can play well.

Once again another blog that makes no sense. Did you notice I said a bunch of white kids not all white kisd. And I LOVE how you turn that into being a racist comment???

You guys are a joke.

Thats ok CV will have the last laugh with a State Title.

Anonymous said...

No, CV Alum, what is a joke is that you have been watching basketball or 20 years and at that age to be as completely immature as you are to be coming on this board and making such idiotic comments.

You are a joke of a human being. I was hoping you were some moronic 16 year old, that would make sense considering your comments. The fact that you state you've been watching games for 20 years, so you're 25+?

Absolutely ridiculous.

Anonymous said...

I told you once thew will choke i myself being from clairton can tell you would not walk the streets of clairton, mckeesport or duquesne you have no back bone cv grad in your 20 years of watching basketball 3 AAAA teams have won state championships you are a racist wishing your white kids win a state championship. Lets not forget the white boys from TJ will be looking for cv

Anonymous said...

CV, your ridiculous. I dont even know where to start with you. No, dynasties are not reserved for single A ball and private schools...TJ is neither. They are a public school bordering the city of prayer (clairton). I am sure you are familiar with TJ as they beat the sh*t out of your football team year in and year out. I cant wait until DeCiecco and the boys knock off your b-ball team as well.

"I know you want to hate on the team because they play a bunch of white kids but they are good."
- if thats not a racist statement tell me what is?

I've looked through a lot of these blogs and never has anyone, other than you, mentioned the color of the skin of anyone that is playing for these teams (football/basketball). Im interested to know why you feel that is important?

And whats with disrespecting Mr. Taylor (and Mr. Kovak for that matter)? What has he done to you? He's a good guy that has chosen to jump in and teach a bunch of kids basketball that no one wanted to coach. He, like myself, have offered to give back to our respective alma mader's. What have you done other than jump on a blog and bad mouth people? How old are you anyway?

Were the Altanta Braves a dynasty in the 90's? Were the Colts (Indy, not CV) a dynasty for the last 10 years? No. They won more than anyone, but they werent dynasties. Championships lead to dynasties. The Steelers in the 70's were (4 titles), the 49'ers in the 80's, the cowboys in the 90's, potentially the Pat's in the 2000's...they all have one thing in common. Championships. CV doesnt have a lot of those yet. They are good...what do you want me to say...they are very good...

You know what, forget it...You're a dynasty, the great Chartiers Valley dynasty...watch out Triple A basketball...you are currently living in the greatest basketball dynasty ever to hit SWPA.

Are you happy? Is that what you wanted? Will that make you sleep better tonight?

Happy i could help...

Rod Taylor said...

Ringgold won a state title. Ringgold in the early to mid 90's could sort off been considered a dynasty. They won a few championships.

The link below is CV's schedule and scores. They have a cupcake schedule.

http://www.post-gazette.com/highschoolsports/stats/team_record.asp?teamtypeid=3&seasonid=10&teamid={8FA9BE0F-B14E-11D5-A788-003048215596}

Anonymous said...

I guess beating USC by 14 points doesnt carry any weight. USC had their top player at that point too. The game was also played at USC home court.

Clairton Alum you are all over the board with your comments. I love how your bring random topics in out of no where. Thank you for the history lesson on the Steelers though.

The comment about being afraid to walk in the streets in Duquesne, Mckeesport, and Clairton. Would you be proud of someone being scared to walk your streets? Are you serious?

Alright I think this blog has ran its toll. Time for a new topic.

Anonymous said...

Last thing for the record there have only been 2 teams from the WPIAL to win a AAAA state championship. That is Penn Hills and Ringgold. Schenely is in the city league.

Anonymous said...

I know, i got frustrated...Im usually more collected.

Rod Taylor said...

I never thought St. Clair was that good

Anonymous said...

USC is 10-2 and their top player is out for the year. I wouldnt use the words "not that good" to describe that team.

Is WPIAL AAAA basketball that bad or is the competition that tough with only 2 state titles?

VCTMbrian said...

If CV wants to think they have a dynasty, i say let em.... What else have they got going for them?

CV has had a lot of good teams but they dont have that dominance about them that i feel belogns to a dynasty. Whatever though.

Anonymous said...

I would love to see who has the most wins in the WPIAL in the last 20 years. I would be shocked if anyone had more wins then CV. I mean they have least 400 in the last 16 years.


What else does CV have going for them??? This dude must be crazy. I am not going to even say anything because the research and knowledge is shakey at best.

Nice senior picture though.

VCTMbrian said...

Thank you sir. So now CV has a 20 year dynasty? Wow.

CV has a terrific program. Since it is high school its very to see a dynasty because a coach can only have players for four years... This really isn't much of a debate.

I guess you could say the photo is from my wonder years... ha

Anonymous said...

Brian,

I would love to see you coach a team and average 20 wins a year over a 16 year time frame. Remember you only play 24 games in the regular season. So you almost have to make a run in the playoffs to win 20 games in one season.

"Wonder Years" I just wonder why you never got a haircut before you took the picture.

VCTMbrian said...

Anon,

you obviously don't comprehend well. God only knows how you will interpret this...

I never said i was Dean Smith or John Wooden. Why are you bringing up my coaching ability? Do you consider a team that makes the playoffs every year to be a dynasty? I don't. As mentioned by someone else, championships and dominance define dynasties. The way i see it, if it's debatable, it's not a dynasty.

Anonymous said...

Brian,

Anything and everything is subject to debate. If you could talk to Charles Manson he will debate about murder being the right thing to do.

CV - 4 WPIAL Championships

Dominating the WPIAL with over 400 wins averaging 20 a year. I would consider that a dynasty. They have consistenly won for 16 years.

Most teams now a days cant even win for more than just a few years.
No team has made the playoffs more in the last 16 years than Char Valley.

I would just like for someone to tell me over the last 16 years what team in the WPIAL has more wins than Char Valley? Please name one. Thats what I thought.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a tougher schedule than Beaver Falls boys basketball team this year???

Their section is brutal and they play even tougher non section games.

I have no idea why Todd Thomas woudl say they would go undefeated, but they still have one great team.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have a tougher schedule than Beaver Falls boys basketball team this year???

Their section is brutal and they play even tougher non section games.

I have no idea why Todd Thomas woudl say they would go undefeated, but they still have one great team.

Anonymous said...

char valley is not a flippen dynasty so stop saying it is. it is so annoying to just talk and talk about CV because one person thinks it is a dynasty. averaging 20 wins a season doesnt make you a dynasty at all it just makes them a good team that knows how to win. i have nothing against CV i just dont agree with it being a dynasty.

Anonymous said...

No one has made the playoffs more than Char Valley 16? Correction: Monessen has made it 24 or 25 years in succession. Check your facts.

Do you have any state titles to your credit?

Anonymous said...

Ok well appareantly you cant read very well. I said the last 16 years. Also, where are you getting Monessen has made it to the playoffs 24-25 years????

Anonymous said...

Actually you are correct and I read on terrellprior.org that Monessen has actually made it 26 years in a row up until Josh Arnold graduated.

Guess you were right on that.

I am a big Jo Salvino fan. I think he has created a dynasty in Monessen.

Anonymous said...

when was the last time cv won a game in the state playoffs?you call this team a dynasty.Blackhawk teams were by far so much better and had a coach who didn`t choke.When the playoffs start you play better teams.Whats there record in post season? Your favorite collage team must be DUKE and you think timmy is coach K he`s close to it they have a lot in common .K loses in the ACC tim loses in the W.P.I.A.L they both go out early in the big tourney

Anonymous said...

Guys, dont argue...there's no point...

CV is a dynasty. Yeah CV!!!!! CV is totally awesome dude...CV is like the best team ever...

happy now CV? we think your awesome...you're right...you can stop posting now, we all know CV is the best program ever created in the WPIAL. Yeah CV!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Clairton Alum,

Is angry everyone. Do not post your opinion or he will freak out.

Anonymous said...

Im not angry...YOU ARE AWESOME CV...totally awesome. I wish i could be like you. I really do. Next to VCTMBrian, you are my hero. Could you please regail me with more stories of CV basketball? Seriously...

VCTMbrian said...

Alanis Morissette would love to sing to you Clairton Alum...

Anonymous said...

Im sure she would Brian, Im sure she would...