Feb. 4 — (UWIRE) AMES, Iowa — The Cyclone hockey team is picking up the pieces after two eerily similar losses.ISU hockey loses twice to Fighting Illini
The No. 11 Cyclones (24-10) gave No. 1 Illinois (27-0) all it could handle over the weekend, but came away with two identical 3-2 overtime losses.
Not only were the scores the same, but the ways the teams scored were similar. The first period ended without a single goal, then the Cyclones took off in the second, taking a 2-0 lead into the final period. In the third, the Illini were able to tie the game and win in overtime.
Overtime periods are played four-on-four, instead of the five-on-five play seen in regulation — so when the Cyclones got a penalty early in the overtime period of the first game, they were skating three-on-four when Illinois scored the winning goal. On Saturday, Illinois sophomore defender Brad Hoelzer made a nice move and a difficult shot into the upper right corner of the net for the win.
"We’ve got a lot of overtime experience, and four-on-four opens the ice up a little bit — typically that is to our advantage," said Illinois coach Chad Cassel.
He was quick to give Iowa State credit, however.
"Iowa State played great all weekend — they outplayed us and outplayed us badly at times, but we just continued to battle and, fortunately, both nights we found a way to win the game," Cassel said.
...
Monday, February 04, 2008
ISU hockey loses twice to Fighting Illini
27-0!!! GO ILLINI!!!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Y-Basketball: Celtics 14, Bulls 12
The one-year-plus winning streak is over.
It was great fun while it lasted, but the Bulls couldn't get the job done against the upstart Celtics this morning and took their first loss of the league season, 14-12.
Luke scored the first basket of the game for the Bulls and we took a quick 2-0 lead. But that was our only lead of the game as the Celtics scored six straight to grab a 6-2 advantage. The Bulls were forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the contest and the Celtics' biggest lead was 12-6. The Bulls made a nice run in the end, outscoring the Celtics 6-2, but it wasn't enough to gain the victory. Ironically, George made a 10-foot jumper just after the third quarter buzzer sounded that would have tied this game at 14.
We coaches decided to try teaching and running a stack offense for this game: But the Bulls players struggled mightily with this offense and ultimately, that confusion likely cost us the game. Everyone was just too mechanical out on the floor trying to run the stack, and it was clear that there was too much thinking going on and not enough intuitive playing or having fun. In fact, the Bulls got to the point of frustration, running more one-on-one than any other team offense. There were far too many long jumpers going up and clanging off the rim. The good news is that the YMCA refs are letting us play run-and-gun: This is our bread and butter as our tough defense creates easy scoring opportunities for us.
Michael and Joe paced the Bulls with four points apiece. Michael played very hard again, grabbing rebounds and loose balls and hustling on defense. Henry and Luke each added a basket to round out the scoring for the good guys.
The Bulls continue on with a 2-1 record. Next up: a game against the Heat at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA.
It was great fun while it lasted, but the Bulls couldn't get the job done against the upstart Celtics this morning and took their first loss of the league season, 14-12.
Luke scored the first basket of the game for the Bulls and we took a quick 2-0 lead. But that was our only lead of the game as the Celtics scored six straight to grab a 6-2 advantage. The Bulls were forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the contest and the Celtics' biggest lead was 12-6. The Bulls made a nice run in the end, outscoring the Celtics 6-2, but it wasn't enough to gain the victory. Ironically, George made a 10-foot jumper just after the third quarter buzzer sounded that would have tied this game at 14.
We coaches decided to try teaching and running a stack offense for this game: But the Bulls players struggled mightily with this offense and ultimately, that confusion likely cost us the game. Everyone was just too mechanical out on the floor trying to run the stack, and it was clear that there was too much thinking going on and not enough intuitive playing or having fun. In fact, the Bulls got to the point of frustration, running more one-on-one than any other team offense. There were far too many long jumpers going up and clanging off the rim. The good news is that the YMCA refs are letting us play run-and-gun: This is our bread and butter as our tough defense creates easy scoring opportunities for us.
Michael and Joe paced the Bulls with four points apiece. Michael played very hard again, grabbing rebounds and loose balls and hustling on defense. Henry and Luke each added a basket to round out the scoring for the good guys.
The Bulls continue on with a 2-1 record. Next up: a game against the Heat at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Council concerned about possible Amtrak delays
CHAMPAIGN – The city council doesn't want the Canadian National Railroad's plans to purchase a suburban Chicago rail line to bypass downtown Chicago to hurt local passenger rail service.Council concerned about possible Amtrak delays
To that end, council members voted unanimously Tuesday night in support of a resolution expressing opposition to any possible changes in Amtrak service that might increase route times or cause delays.
No future for FutureGen?
MATTOON – The proposed $1.8 billion FutureGen clean coal power plant scheduled to be built in Mattoon may not be built after all, and politicians are claiming it's a victim of partisan politics.No future for FutureGen?
Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman told much of the Illinois congressional delegation Tuesday morning that his department plans to disband the FutureGen Alliance and move in a different direction.
The FutureGen Alliance was a combined effort among 13 energy companies from around the world and the Department of Energy.
"The Department of Energy has turned its back on us," U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, told The News-Gazette. "This is like changing the rules after the final score has been posted on the scoreboard. To me, Secretary Bodman's response this morning was a slap in the face.
"This is the worst form of bureaucratic arrogance and insensitivity that I have seen in my 40 years in politics."
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., echoed Johnson's anger and frustration, saying the Illinois delegation will take the fight directly to the president.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Y-Basketball: Bulls 32, Spurs 8
This one started out UGLY. Both teams got out to lackadaisical, sloppy starts. Turnovers were everywhere. No one could hit a shot. The (unofficial) score was 0-0 until the 2:45 mark of the first quarter, when Joe converted a short jumper for the Bulls.
But the Bulls found their stride, posting an easy 32-8 victory from the Spurs in Champaign County YMCA Hoops last Saturday.
Henry, a newcomer to the Bulls team this season, paced the winners with 10 points - all of which he scored in the paint; he also came up with a bunch of rebounds. George had a nice game with 8 points (he made one basket from half-court at the final buzzer!), Joe added 6 points, Nathan also played a great game and had 4 points, and Michael and Luke each added a basket for 2 points apiece.
While diving to the floor for a loose ball in the first quarter, Michael fell on his left knee and bruised it slightly. He was a little gimpy for the rest of the game, but he continued to play hard through his discomfort.
The Bulls improve to 2-0 in the league. I cannot remember when we last lost a Y-basketball game - I do know that it was sometime in the Fall 2006 league.
Next up: a game against the Celtics this Saturday at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA.
But the Bulls found their stride, posting an easy 32-8 victory from the Spurs in Champaign County YMCA Hoops last Saturday.
Henry, a newcomer to the Bulls team this season, paced the winners with 10 points - all of which he scored in the paint; he also came up with a bunch of rebounds. George had a nice game with 8 points (he made one basket from half-court at the final buzzer!), Joe added 6 points, Nathan also played a great game and had 4 points, and Michael and Luke each added a basket for 2 points apiece.
While diving to the floor for a loose ball in the first quarter, Michael fell on his left knee and bruised it slightly. He was a little gimpy for the rest of the game, but he continued to play hard through his discomfort.
The Bulls improve to 2-0 in the league. I cannot remember when we last lost a Y-basketball game - I do know that it was sometime in the Fall 2006 league.
Next up: a game against the Celtics this Saturday at 9 AM at the Champaign County YMCA.
Y-Basketball: Bulls 18, Suns 4 (3 quarters)
Michael got the 2008 Winter YMCA Youth Basketball season started with another baseline jumper - only this shot came from the right side of the basket and not his favorite left side.
His shot came just seconds into this contest: It was, undoubtedly, the first basket of the Winter Y-league season. And it was one of two baskets Michael converted in the first quarter, as the Bulls coasted to an easy 18-4 victory in a shortened, three-quarter game at the Champaign County YMCA on Saturday, January 19.
Michael not only scored, but he hustled. He rebounded, he dove on the floor for loose balls, and he played in-your-face defense for the one quarter he played in this contest. I only wish he could have played another quarter: He was scheduled to play in the fourth period, but the game was called due to time constraints.
Joe led the Bulls with 6 points, George had 4 points, and Nathan and Tobin each added a basket for 2 points for the good guys.
The Bulls start the winter league at 1-0. Next up is a game against the Spurs at 9 AM on Saturday, January 26 at the Champaign County YMCA.
His shot came just seconds into this contest: It was, undoubtedly, the first basket of the Winter Y-league season. And it was one of two baskets Michael converted in the first quarter, as the Bulls coasted to an easy 18-4 victory in a shortened, three-quarter game at the Champaign County YMCA on Saturday, January 19.
Michael not only scored, but he hustled. He rebounded, he dove on the floor for loose balls, and he played in-your-face defense for the one quarter he played in this contest. I only wish he could have played another quarter: He was scheduled to play in the fourth period, but the game was called due to time constraints.
Joe led the Bulls with 6 points, George had 4 points, and Nathan and Tobin each added a basket for 2 points for the good guys.
The Bulls start the winter league at 1-0. Next up is a game against the Spurs at 9 AM on Saturday, January 26 at the Champaign County YMCA.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Cramuh was right five months ago...
...when he melted down on CNBC's "Street Signs" program with Erin Burnett.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Another Head set to commit to Illini basketball
As has been expected for several weeks, Rich South sophomore guard Crandall Head plans to announce he will attend Illinois.Another Head set to commit to Illini basketball
Head, the brother of former Illinois star Luther Head of the Houston Rockets, will announce his plans at Sunday's Illinois-Penn State basketball game in Champaign, Rich South coach Scott Ritter said.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Ex-Kentucky SG Legion to transfer to Illinois
Despite his mother publicly favoring Notre Dame, Alex Legion has opted to transfer to Illinois.Ex-Kentucky SG Legion to transfer to Illinois
"Coach (Bruce) Weber and his staff recruited me out of high school," the former Kentucky freshman told FOXSports.com on Friday night. "I went to both places to visit in the last week and liked both, but I felt more comfortable at Illinois."
...
"I liked both styles and both coaching staffs," he said. "They both fit my style, but at the end of the day, I always kind of wanted to go to Illinois. Coach Weber's system benefits guards. If he's got guards that can play, he lets you play your game."
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
FutureGen chooses Mattoon!!!
Mattoon, Illinois was chosen by the FutureGen Alliance this morning as the site for the world's first coal-fueled, near-zero emissions power plant. Other finalists for the site included Tuscola, Illinois; Odessa, Texas; and Heart of Brazos, TX (near Jewett, TX).
FutureGen is a public-private partnership to design, build, and operate the power plant, at an estimated net project cost of US $1.5 billion. The commercial-scale plant will prove the technical and economic feasibility of producing low-cost electricity and hydrogen from coal while nearly eliminating emissions.
Congratulations to the city of Mattoon, the people of Coles County (and across the great state of Illinois) and all those who were involved in securing this very significant decision from the FutureGen Alliance.
Official announcement
FutureGen is a public-private partnership to design, build, and operate the power plant, at an estimated net project cost of US $1.5 billion. The commercial-scale plant will prove the technical and economic feasibility of producing low-cost electricity and hydrogen from coal while nearly eliminating emissions.
Congratulations to the city of Mattoon, the people of Coles County (and across the great state of Illinois) and all those who were involved in securing this very significant decision from the FutureGen Alliance.
Official announcement
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 30, Heat 14
The Bulls capped off another undefeated (7-0) league season this morning with a nice 30-14 victory from the Heat at the Champaign County YMCA.
Defense ruled the day again for the Bulls: The Bulls have made a living off their opponents' turnovers this season and this game was no exception. Quentin, Joe, Michael and Luke especially got their share of interceptions as they have all learned to anticipate their opponents' passes and find their way into passing lanes.
Quentin was the difference-maker today with his steals and fast-break layups as he totaled 14 points for the winners. Adam (Mr. Windex) had another solid game in the paint, collecting numerous rebounds and converting four short jumpers for 8 big points. Joe had a couple of nice midrange bank shots go down for 4 points, and both Jack and Michael chipped in with a basket apiece. (Micheal's swished basket again came from the left baseline, his favorite spot on the court.)
And so another great YMCA league season concludes for everyone - all the coaches and kids had a great time and we're already looking forward to the start of the next basketball season on January 19.
Defense ruled the day again for the Bulls: The Bulls have made a living off their opponents' turnovers this season and this game was no exception. Quentin, Joe, Michael and Luke especially got their share of interceptions as they have all learned to anticipate their opponents' passes and find their way into passing lanes.
Quentin was the difference-maker today with his steals and fast-break layups as he totaled 14 points for the winners. Adam (Mr. Windex) had another solid game in the paint, collecting numerous rebounds and converting four short jumpers for 8 big points. Joe had a couple of nice midrange bank shots go down for 4 points, and both Jack and Michael chipped in with a basket apiece. (Micheal's swished basket again came from the left baseline, his favorite spot on the court.)
And so another great YMCA league season concludes for everyone - all the coaches and kids had a great time and we're already looking forward to the start of the next basketball season on January 19.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 34, Raptors 10
Quentin paced the Bulls with 10 points - most of which came via steals and fast break lay-ups - and the Bulls coasted to an easy 34-10 victory from the Raptors this morning in Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball.
The Bulls got out to another sluggish start in this game, trailing 6-4 to the Raptors after the first quarter. Slow starts have not been uncommon for this Bulls team. But after turning up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, they held the Raptors scoreless in the period and took a comfortable 14-6 lead into the short halftime break.
The Bulls owned the second half of this one, outscoring the Raptors 20-4 to close out their sixth consecutive victory without a loss this fall. Week after week, this Bulls team creates offense with its tough defense.
Joe had 8 points, Jack added 6, George and Luke each had 4, and Adam added a basket for 2 points to round out a balanced scoring attack for the Bulls.
Quentin, Joe, Luke, Michael, George, Jack and Adam all had steals in this game. Many of these steals came from anticipating passes and intercepting those passes before they reached their intended targets. Quentin showcased his fast break skills nicely in this game. The Bulls' large number of steals limited the number of shot attempts for the Raptors.
The Bulls improve to 6-0 this season with one game remaining next Saturday at 10:00 AM against the Heat.
GO BULLS!
The Bulls got out to another sluggish start in this game, trailing 6-4 to the Raptors after the first quarter. Slow starts have not been uncommon for this Bulls team. But after turning up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, they held the Raptors scoreless in the period and took a comfortable 14-6 lead into the short halftime break.
The Bulls owned the second half of this one, outscoring the Raptors 20-4 to close out their sixth consecutive victory without a loss this fall. Week after week, this Bulls team creates offense with its tough defense.
Joe had 8 points, Jack added 6, George and Luke each had 4, and Adam added a basket for 2 points to round out a balanced scoring attack for the Bulls.
Quentin, Joe, Luke, Michael, George, Jack and Adam all had steals in this game. Many of these steals came from anticipating passes and intercepting those passes before they reached their intended targets. Quentin showcased his fast break skills nicely in this game. The Bulls' large number of steals limited the number of shot attempts for the Raptors.
The Bulls improve to 6-0 this season with one game remaining next Saturday at 10:00 AM against the Heat.
GO BULLS!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 28, Mavericks 18
Just when you thought that the Bulls had played their best game of the season (as I mentioned in last week's Blog entry for the 26-16 victory against the Spurs), the Bulls found a way to top that performance last Saturday morning with a dramatic 28-18 victory from the talented Mavericks in Champaign County YMCA Basketball.
The older, more mature Mavs jumped all over the Bulls after the opening whistle and they easily built an 8-2 advantage by the end of the first period (Quentin scored our only basket in the quarter). We coaches were even questioning our decision to introduce some 2-3 Zone-attacking offense to the kids in the practice session prior to the game. Our starting five just looked shellshocked in that first quarter - standing around, not hustling, not playing fundamentally solid defense, not rebounding. We were, basically, one-and-done each time at the offensive end of the court and we weren't hitting our shots.
So we went back to a more simple approach on offense, starting with the second quarter. And the Bulls started clicking. And, as it typically happens, our increasing success on offense fueled a much stronger effort at the defensive end of the court. The Bulls started to get defensive stops, pass interceptions, and rebounds. The momentum that the Mavs enjoyed in the first quarter had all but disappeared while the Bulls were clearly back in the game and starting to do some good things on the floor. The second half pretty much belonged to the Bulls and we coasted to a nice 10-point win from a solid (previously unbeaten?) team.
The Bulls were very balanced on offense: Joe paced the team with 8 points, and George, Jack and Quentin all added 6 points apiece. Luke made a nice mid-range jumper for the remaining 2 Bulls points. Rebounds were plentiful for the Bulls. Unfortunately, I don't usually have a chance to keep good rebounding stats so I cannot report who grabbed them. Just know that George, Jack, Johnny, Joe, Quentin, Michael and Luke all shared in the strong rebounding effort. There was another multi-offensive rebounding possession for the Bulls in this game: As I recall, we grabbed three - and possibly four - boards following missed shots, only to finish the possession with a basket. Coaches love to see offensive rebounds like this!
By the way, the 28 points were a new game-high offensive total for the Bulls. And the ten-point victory is our second straight such margin of victory. One other interesting statistic: The Bulls have increased their offensive output in each successive game this season, having scored 14, 16, 18, 26 and 28 points in their five games this season.
Michael continues to play solid defense - his hands are very active and he is good at stealing errant passes and grabbing loose balls. He does a lot of the dirty work that needs to be done when he's on the floor. He also added at least 2 (and possibly 3) rebounds for the Bulls. Even though MJ did not score a basket in this game, he scored with his hustle, defense, rebounding and toughness. He continues to make me very proud as I watch him grow on the court week after week.
Unofficially, but accurately, these Bulls are now 5-0 this season. (I know we're not supposed to focus on the scores of our Y games, but I can't help it!) And several of our current nine-man roster were involved in winning all 7 games last spring and our 2 final games in the Fall of 2006 season. So, we've been winners of 14 straight games dating back to a year ago. That's a nice accomplishment and it's been a blast to be a part of this!
Next up for the Bulls: a game with the Raptors at 9:00 AM this Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.
LET'S GO BULLS!!!
The older, more mature Mavs jumped all over the Bulls after the opening whistle and they easily built an 8-2 advantage by the end of the first period (Quentin scored our only basket in the quarter). We coaches were even questioning our decision to introduce some 2-3 Zone-attacking offense to the kids in the practice session prior to the game. Our starting five just looked shellshocked in that first quarter - standing around, not hustling, not playing fundamentally solid defense, not rebounding. We were, basically, one-and-done each time at the offensive end of the court and we weren't hitting our shots.
So we went back to a more simple approach on offense, starting with the second quarter. And the Bulls started clicking. And, as it typically happens, our increasing success on offense fueled a much stronger effort at the defensive end of the court. The Bulls started to get defensive stops, pass interceptions, and rebounds. The momentum that the Mavs enjoyed in the first quarter had all but disappeared while the Bulls were clearly back in the game and starting to do some good things on the floor. The second half pretty much belonged to the Bulls and we coasted to a nice 10-point win from a solid (previously unbeaten?) team.
The Bulls were very balanced on offense: Joe paced the team with 8 points, and George, Jack and Quentin all added 6 points apiece. Luke made a nice mid-range jumper for the remaining 2 Bulls points. Rebounds were plentiful for the Bulls. Unfortunately, I don't usually have a chance to keep good rebounding stats so I cannot report who grabbed them. Just know that George, Jack, Johnny, Joe, Quentin, Michael and Luke all shared in the strong rebounding effort. There was another multi-offensive rebounding possession for the Bulls in this game: As I recall, we grabbed three - and possibly four - boards following missed shots, only to finish the possession with a basket. Coaches love to see offensive rebounds like this!
By the way, the 28 points were a new game-high offensive total for the Bulls. And the ten-point victory is our second straight such margin of victory. One other interesting statistic: The Bulls have increased their offensive output in each successive game this season, having scored 14, 16, 18, 26 and 28 points in their five games this season.
Michael continues to play solid defense - his hands are very active and he is good at stealing errant passes and grabbing loose balls. He does a lot of the dirty work that needs to be done when he's on the floor. He also added at least 2 (and possibly 3) rebounds for the Bulls. Even though MJ did not score a basket in this game, he scored with his hustle, defense, rebounding and toughness. He continues to make me very proud as I watch him grow on the court week after week.
Unofficially, but accurately, these Bulls are now 5-0 this season. (I know we're not supposed to focus on the scores of our Y games, but I can't help it!) And several of our current nine-man roster were involved in winning all 7 games last spring and our 2 final games in the Fall of 2006 season. So, we've been winners of 14 straight games dating back to a year ago. That's a nice accomplishment and it's been a blast to be a part of this!
Next up for the Bulls: a game with the Raptors at 9:00 AM this Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.
LET'S GO BULLS!!!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 26, Spurs 16
The Bulls had just five players report to the Y this morning but arguably, the team played its best game of the season - a decisive 26-16 victory from the Spurs.
The Spurs got out to a 6-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, but from that point on it was all Bulls. Adam played his best game of the season. Luke played his best game of the season. Johnny played his best game of the season. Jack played his best game of the season. And Michael certainly played his best game of the season.
Adam - I was calling him "Mr. Windex" - was just a monster in the paint, hauling down rebounds (cleaning the glass at both ends) in a huge way. He scored big too, breaking out with 12 points and he looked dominant in doing so. Jack added 6 points and he, too, was a force on the glass. Michael chipped in with two nice baseline baskets for 4 points to go along with several nice rebounds. Luke was a holy terror on defense, picking errant passes and chasing loose balls; he also added a nice rebound basket for 2 points. And Johnny got his first basket of the season today to go along with 3 or 4 rebounds. This was a total team effort - at both ends of the court. All five kids played the entire game and I couldn't be prouder of them for their efforts today. Coaches Rodawig and Stilger would have been proud of them too.
Next up for these undefeated (4-0) Bulls: the Mavericks at 10:00 AM next Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.
GO BULLS!!!
The Spurs got out to a 6-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, but from that point on it was all Bulls. Adam played his best game of the season. Luke played his best game of the season. Johnny played his best game of the season. Jack played his best game of the season. And Michael certainly played his best game of the season.
Adam - I was calling him "Mr. Windex" - was just a monster in the paint, hauling down rebounds (cleaning the glass at both ends) in a huge way. He scored big too, breaking out with 12 points and he looked dominant in doing so. Jack added 6 points and he, too, was a force on the glass. Michael chipped in with two nice baseline baskets for 4 points to go along with several nice rebounds. Luke was a holy terror on defense, picking errant passes and chasing loose balls; he also added a nice rebound basket for 2 points. And Johnny got his first basket of the season today to go along with 3 or 4 rebounds. This was a total team effort - at both ends of the court. All five kids played the entire game and I couldn't be prouder of them for their efforts today. Coaches Rodawig and Stilger would have been proud of them too.
Next up for these undefeated (4-0) Bulls: the Mavericks at 10:00 AM next Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.
GO BULLS!!!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 18, Celtics 16
It was another close game for the Bulls last Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA: The Bulls had just enough to outlast the Celtics, 18-16 to remain undefeated in YMCA Youth Basketball.
George set the pace for the Bulls with 6 big points and Jack, Quentin and Joe each added 4 to round out the scoring.
They say that good teams find ways to win. Even though the Bulls might have played their least efficient game of the season last Saturday, they found a way to pull out a hard-fought victory. Tough defense and reounding - both of which having been characteristics of this Bulls team up to this point - were subpar in the game and yet the Bulls came out just ahead of an older team once again.
Michael played the 3 position during the game; he is trying to find his way in this new position and even though he didn't score, he was very active on the glass and in the paint. He is hustling and doing a lot of "dirty work" - stuff that doesn't show up in the box score - for the team.
The Bulls move on with an unofficial 3-0 record. Next up, tomorrow at the Champaign County YMCA: the Spurs at 10 AM. Attendance is always unpredictable on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, so we'll see who shows up to play.
GO BULLS!
George set the pace for the Bulls with 6 big points and Jack, Quentin and Joe each added 4 to round out the scoring.
They say that good teams find ways to win. Even though the Bulls might have played their least efficient game of the season last Saturday, they found a way to pull out a hard-fought victory. Tough defense and reounding - both of which having been characteristics of this Bulls team up to this point - were subpar in the game and yet the Bulls came out just ahead of an older team once again.
Michael played the 3 position during the game; he is trying to find his way in this new position and even though he didn't score, he was very active on the glass and in the paint. He is hustling and doing a lot of "dirty work" - stuff that doesn't show up in the box score - for the team.
The Bulls move on with an unofficial 3-0 record. Next up, tomorrow at the Champaign County YMCA: the Spurs at 10 AM. Attendance is always unpredictable on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, so we'll see who shows up to play.
GO BULLS!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 16, Suns 12
The Bulls had just enough manpower and toughness to take a nice 16-12 victory from the Suns in Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball this morning.
Five roster players showed up to play for the Bulls on this Veterans Day weekend: Johnny, George, Jack (welcome back, Jack!), Quentin and Michael. The Bulls trailed early, mainly due to some cold shooting, but the quintet hustled and played good defense - two characteristics of this team - to stay in the game. The Bulls failed to score in the second quarter but held the Suns scoreless in the third quarter to take subtle command of the game.
Only two Bulls players scored: Quentin had an outstanding game and easily led all players with 10 points and George added the remaining big six points for the winners. Michael swished a baseline jumper at the end of the third quarter, but it was good after the buzzer and would not have counted. Quentin also led the Bulls with 5 rebounds while Michael had 3, George grabbed 3, Jack had 3 and Johnny claimed 2. George and Jack paced the Bulls with 4 steals apiece; Michael and Quentin each had 2 thefts.
This was a good victory for these young Bulls as the Suns are not only a little older than our kids, they have some nice talent. Hayes is an outstanding shooter from long range and Michael has really improved since he was on our first Y team last year. Alex, Heyden and Nathan were tough as well.
The Bulls move on with an unofficial 2-0 record and will play the Celtics next Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Champaign County YMCA.
Five roster players showed up to play for the Bulls on this Veterans Day weekend: Johnny, George, Jack (welcome back, Jack!), Quentin and Michael. The Bulls trailed early, mainly due to some cold shooting, but the quintet hustled and played good defense - two characteristics of this team - to stay in the game. The Bulls failed to score in the second quarter but held the Suns scoreless in the third quarter to take subtle command of the game.
Only two Bulls players scored: Quentin had an outstanding game and easily led all players with 10 points and George added the remaining big six points for the winners. Michael swished a baseline jumper at the end of the third quarter, but it was good after the buzzer and would not have counted. Quentin also led the Bulls with 5 rebounds while Michael had 3, George grabbed 3, Jack had 3 and Johnny claimed 2. George and Jack paced the Bulls with 4 steals apiece; Michael and Quentin each had 2 thefts.
This was a good victory for these young Bulls as the Suns are not only a little older than our kids, they have some nice talent. Hayes is an outstanding shooter from long range and Michael has really improved since he was on our first Y team last year. Alex, Heyden and Nathan were tough as well.
The Bulls move on with an unofficial 2-0 record and will play the Celtics next Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Champaign County YMCA.
Monday, November 05, 2007
I want one of...
these.
Ricky Bright - the manager of The Music Shoppe in downtown Champaign, Illinois - showed me his and now I'm hooked.
Ricky Bright - the manager of The Music Shoppe in downtown Champaign, Illinois - showed me his and now I'm hooked.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Y-Basketball: Bulls 14, Lakers 10
The YMCA Youth Basketball season is again underway and this morning the Bulls opened the season with a nice victory from the well-coached Lakers, 14-10.
Typical of a season's first game, defense (and some sloppy, rusty offense) dictated at both ends of the floor. The Bulls' offense was very balanced in this contest: Michael, Joe, and George all led the Bulls with 4 points each. Quentin - a late addition to our team - chipped in a basket for 2 points and played very well, especially at the point. Michael, who played at the 3-spot, also claimed 2 rebounds and a steal, played good defense along the left baseline, and hustled (as he always does). Adam led the Bulls in rebounds with 5 and played nice defense at center in the paint.
And so the Bulls open the new season with a 1-0 record and will face the Suns on November 10 at the Family Fitness Center in Champaign at 9:00 next week.
GO BULLS!
Typical of a season's first game, defense (and some sloppy, rusty offense) dictated at both ends of the floor. The Bulls' offense was very balanced in this contest: Michael, Joe, and George all led the Bulls with 4 points each. Quentin - a late addition to our team - chipped in a basket for 2 points and played very well, especially at the point. Michael, who played at the 3-spot, also claimed 2 rebounds and a steal, played good defense along the left baseline, and hustled (as he always does). Adam led the Bulls in rebounds with 5 and played nice defense at center in the paint.
And so the Bulls open the new season with a 1-0 record and will face the Suns on November 10 at the Family Fitness Center in Champaign at 9:00 next week.
GO BULLS!
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