The holidays are over and I'm refreshed. Let's talk about some stuff, shall we?
Boys Basketball
Coach Slaughter has the Riders off to a 4-1 start with a big game tomorrow night against Akron East. The hallmark of this team so far has been the team's lockdown style of man-to-man defense. They're not torching the nets so far, but when you're holding the opponent in the 30's, you don't need to. Jake Bolyard leads the team in scoring through 5 games.
I like what I've seen so far. The team certainly has no shortage of athletes, and if they can define roles for everyone, they'll be a deep and talented team come tournament time.
It was nice to see Sam Miller and Chase Hoobler return to action against Smithville and the trio of Miller, Dillon Corbett and Andre Ingram provides a real energetic spark off the bench.
Coach Sly seems to have a plan for this team and from reading his comments, thinks this team has yet to come close to peaking. Plenty of challenges, both in and out of the OCC, await the Riders.
Girls Basketball
In maybe the biggest surprise in the OCC and the Wayne County area, the Lady Riders are off to an impressive 8-0 start, including 5-0 in the OCC. Led by freshman Hannah Plybon (17.2 ppg), the Riders have won their share of close games, and always have an answer late in games.
They will get a test each of the next 2 Thursday's, as they travel to Wooster on the 7th, and to Lexington on the 14th.
Top Moments of 2009
I'll limit my choices to the top 3...you may agree, you may not. Either way is fine.
Moment #3 - "The Fleet" opens it's doors. The design, construction and dedication of Fleet Brenneman Field gave Rider fans a reason to get excited about the OHS baseball team for the first time in long time.
Moment #2 - Dennis Raber finishes runner-up at 171 lbs. at the 2009 State Wrestling Tourney. Here's hoping Dennis can win one more match in a few months.
Moment #1 - Orrville 36 - Genoa 35. Never gets old. Easily the top moment of the year.
Others in the running....The hiring of Sly Slaughter, Chase Hoobler & Sam Miller commit to D1 colleges, Grondbreaking of the multi-purpose facility, Michael Craig qualifies for state track meet in multiple events.
4 comments:
First day I've seen this blog, very interesting and very well done.
FYI - Lady Riders improve to 11-0 after a beatdown of a very overmatched Ashland team today. Big game coming next Thursday at Orrville against the 2nd place West Holmes Knights. Riders will need the win to stay atop the OCC as WH has only lost to Orrville within the league.
Attached is a link to a story and link to a TV clip from Thursday when the ladies beat Lexington at Lexington.
http://www.wmfd.com/newsboard/singlesports.asp?Story=39396
buckeye,
thanks for the comment and for sharing the video link. The girls to have quite a big game this week. Don't want to say it's for the OCC title, but a win by Orrville gives them a big cushion.
I think the right thing to do would be to acknowledge the two other seniors that are receiving full ride D1 scholarships in Hannah Brenner and Erin Short. I agree it is great to have two football players in one class, but isn't it even more rare to have two girls? Or how about FOUR total in a senior class? I can't speak enough of these two girls, and I would never diminish Sam and Chase's accolades, but I need to advocate for these two talented young ladies. Congrats to a great class of senior athletes!
Anon,
Please know the slight was not intentional, it occurred to me last week that I left out Brenner and Short from further recognition, and I never got around to adding them in.
I did however mention their nomination to the under armour all-america list as well as mentioning where each had committed to play in college back in August....
http://www.redridersportsblog.com/2009/08/volleyball-brenner-short-named-to-all.html
Also mentioned was each's nomination of OCC and All-Ohio honors....
http://www.redridersportsblog.com/2009/08/volleyball-brenner-short-named-to-all.html
And their successes in JO volleyball....
http://www.redridersportsblog.com/2009/07/volleyball-short-ohio-elite-finish-2nd.html
I'd say that's a fair share of "advocating" wouldn't you?
I agree though...congrats to these 2 young ladies. I hope to continue to report on their successes at the college level.
Post a Comment