Monroe Central 25-26

[carbon_dated]

Wonder why Waterford didn't send any info to the newspaper? Used to look forward to seeing box scores, etc. Or at least a writeup but at least SEOsportschamp23 added a little insight.

[selonmc]

Next up for the Noles is @ Shenandoah . Looking at MaxPreps this should be a win. No disrespect to the Zep fans

[Steely Dan]

Wonder why Waterford didn't send any info to the newspaper? Used to look forward to seeing box scores, etc. Or at least a writeup but at least SEOsportschamp23 added a little insight.

In all honesty, I don't believe that the Marietta Times or the Parkersburg News and Sentinel have a sports department anymore. One of their general writers will pick up games in Marietta, Parkersburg, and on a rare occasion, Belpre, but the coverage is very sporadic. I hate that legacy media is dying a slow death, but they are, in all honesty. I've commented about this before, digital media is the dearth to newspaper, the articles, the photos, and box scores.

[SEOsportchamp23]

I had a chance to see MC at Warren and again tonight and would have to agree that tonight MC was a little off. I don't think they have shot the 3 well all year so that is something they definitely need to work on but they hit them when they needed them. They share the ball well and the steadiness of Farnsworth was a big key tonight. Something else that surprised me was the lack of pressure from MC. Waterford has trouble with pressure and I expected Coach Lang to apply more tonight. Also, i feel like they played more players out at Warren. I know that was a blowout but I thought they had a deeper bench. On the bright side, most teams would like to be undefeated and in their shoes right now.

As for Waterford, after watching them a couple of times as well, I just can't figure out what their identity is. They do have the three bigs, but even with a former post player as a coach, they don't use them in the post much. Heiner is actually better when he works in and around the paint but for some reason wants to be a guard. If they played more inside, the perimeter would be open for the guards to get easier shots. I also saw a small guard in the JV game that looked like he could help. He is small but could be a real facilitator for them. But, the coaching staff is there on a daily basis and probably sees things we don't so I expect things to stay the same.

You’re not wrong on any of this — If people think MC is playing pretty good basketball but their "OK" basketball is pretty darn good. There were so many times where their fundamentals kept them in the game. MC's coach was not happy about how they were playing but their play was better than most. He's obviously got an expectation of high-level performance - as he should- defending State Champions and a good core group of players who know how to win and get to the top. He reminded me of some other coaches who have State Championships - demanding the best out of his players every play/ every game. Hopefully they continue to build on their season, and I look for another deep run with this group from MC.
and you’re actually zeroing in on the core issue with Waterford right now.
Heiner + Fairchild inside should be the identity.
Both kids are built to live in the paint. Strong bases, athletic, not afraid of contact. When you’ve got two guys like that, you should be forcing the defense to collapse every possession. High-percentage touches, kick-outs if they come, but the first read should be paint touches. Right now it feels backwards — they’re spacing like a shooting team without shooters.
Heiner and Fairchild were excellent WR/TE in football. You can tell they are athletic, strong and not afraid of contact.
this should be their total identity/ Heiner's athleticism and ability to go up the way he does- that’s body control, timing, and confidence. I remember seeing a catch he made in FB that was probably one of the best catches I've seen by a WR in SE Ohio. it was over a defender and brought down with no issues. Those traits translate directly to rebounding and finishing through contact. He’s not just tall; he’s physical and competitive. That’s a 3/4 who should be screening, sealing, ducking in, and cleaning the glass, not standing on the perimeter watching possessions die. Fairchild is excellent at posting up and their PGs do not give him enough looks inside to be effective. There were numerous times against MC where he had his guy pinned and could've taken him. Those shots are more high percentage shots and should be utilized more. Instead - Waterford kicks it out and shots are being taken that are not good shots from the perimeter.
The former big as a coach point is spot-on.
If anyone on that staff should be preaching post positioning, angles, sealing, and patience, it’s him. You don’t need fancy sets — just entry passes, weak-side action, and trust. If Waterford isn’t going to shoot the 3 well (and they don’t), then the math says pound the ball inside until teams prove they can stop it. The small guard from the JV should be in their rotation as a PG. He is excellent at taking players off the dribble and creating plays. That kid- for as small as he is- plays excellent PG style basketball. On the JV squad- I noticed he isn't afraid to take it to the hole- but sometimes doesn't make the best decisions in situations but I am guessing he is a freshman. I think putting him the rotation as a 1 would be beneficial for Waterford and allow Pennock to be more of a 2 and use his grit to help put points on the board.
The bigger problem: the bench chaos
Four coaches screaming four different things- that kills kids’ confidence. High school players already play fast and emotional — conflicting voices just creates hesitation. Hesitation turns into bad shots, rushed passes, and soft post entries.
You can literally see it when kids come off the floor:
One coach barking
Another contradicting
One saying nothing useful
One actually teaching
That’s not leadership — that’s noise.
When instructions directly contradict Cunningham during live action, that’s a massive red flag. Kids don’t know who to listen to, and it undermines the head coach whether intentional or not.
What Waterford should be:
Offensive identity: inside-out, physical, grind you down
Heiner: primary 3/4, post touches early, crash every shot
Fairchild: rim runner, offensive glass, power finishes
Coaching: one voice during play, teaching between whistles

You’re right — Waterford doesn’t know who it is yet. And until they clean up the bench and commit to what their roster actually does well, they’re going to keep leaving wins on the table. If they ever fully commit to playing through Heiner & Fairchild-They’re a nightmare matchup for anyone in the TVC.

[SEOsportchamp23]

Wonder why Waterford didn't send any info to the newspaper? Used to look forward to seeing box scores, etc. Or at least a writeup but at least SEOsportschamp23 added a little insight.

In all honesty, I don't believe that the Marietta Times or the Parkersburg News and Sentinel have a sports department anymore. One of their general writers will pick up games in Marietta, Parkersburg, and on a rare occasion, Belpre, but the coverage is very sporadic. I hate that legacy media is dying a slow death, but they are, in all honesty. I've commented about this before, digital media is the dearth to newspaper, the articles, the photos, and box scores.

The Marietta times had it in today's paper. Looks like they did a roundup. I'm not sure if they have a sports department anymore. But if they do- it must be one guy because they definitely don't have great coverage of games. And there is a lot of basketball being played right now all over the region.

[carbon_dated]

ok, thanks, I did read the Marietta Times roundup online.
What ever happened to Ron Johnston at the Times? Retire?
Sure tough finding newspaper sports dept. with an extended staff. It's mostly stringers.

[dboy]

The Marietta paper, as I understand it, now mails their paper out so they don't report on anything past 6 PM or so. Therefore, game reports are a couple of days later in the print version but typically on line the next morning. A guy at work likened it to reading his old county newspaper that came out once a week.

MC's schedule this year is weaker than last years. I do not see them losing more than a couple if they don't split with Central. But I think Scorestream had Hiland playing Cleveland St Ignatius last week. Sucks that they are in that district together.

[SEOsportchamp23]

The Marietta paper, as I understand it, now mails their paper out so they don't report on anything past 6 PM or so. Therefore, game reports are a couple of days later in the print version but typically on line the next morning. A guy at work likened it to reading his old county newspaper that came out once a week.

MC's schedule this year is weaker than last years. I do not see them losing more than a couple if they don't split with Central. But I think Scorestream had Hiland playing Cleveland St Ignatius last week. Sucks that they are in that district together.

MC will make a deep run. This group is well coached. They will play some good teams but their experience and top notch discipline and coaching will prevail. I followed them all last year and it was truly amazing to watch the team move on each week and get better every game.
The coach uses what he has very well. Subs when he needs to. Puts players in spots that showcase their strength. Holds them accountable for their performance and he will continue to see success with this group. I’m excited to watch this season unfold for them. They will continue to have success as they move forward with what they have.

[selonmc]

The Marietta paper, as I understand it, now mails their paper out so they don't report on anything past 6 PM or so. Therefore, game reports are a couple of days later in the print version but typically on line the next morning. A guy at work likened it to reading his old county newspaper that came out once a week.

MC's schedule this year is weaker than last years. I do not see them losing more than a couple if they don't split with Central. But I think Scorestream had Hiland playing Cleveland St Ignatius last week. Sucks that they are in that district together.

I’d put Wheeling Central on the same level as Iggy. We’re not comparing football teams here. Not saying playing Iggy wasn’t impressive for Hiland. Just saying don’t devalue WCC because they are a smaller school and in WV. I’m not sure WCC couldn’t beat Iggy. WCC would most likely have the best basketball player on the court.

[skyvue]

The Marietta paper, as I understand it, now mails their paper out so they don't report on anything past 6 PM or so. Therefore, game reports are a couple of days later in the print version but typically on line the next morning. A guy at work likened it to reading his old county newspaper that came out once a week.

MC's schedule this year is weaker than last years. I do not see them losing more than a couple if they don't split with Central. But I think Scorestream had Hiland playing Cleveland St Ignatius last week. Sucks that they are in that district together.

I’d put Wheeling Central on the same level as Iggy. We’re not comparing football teams here. Not saying playing Iggy wasn’t impressive for Hiland. Just saying don’t devalue WCC because they are a smaller school and in WV. I’m not sure WCC couldn’t beat Iggy. WCC would most likely have the best basketball player on the court.

I went to the Hiland vs Ignatius game. Hiland did hang with them pretty much the whole game despite not making hardly any of their 3's. It didn't surprise me though, because Hiland plays excellent defense and limits their turnovers. What surprised me about Hiland is they got a new kid (sophomore) who transferred in who is about 6'7" or 6'8" and an excellent athlete. He will create problems IF MC ends up seeing them in the district.

That is a long way away though. Hard to get a read on the team thus far because we really haven't played a team capable of beating us so far. In reality there are only a handful of teams on the schedule this year (Wheeling Central, Wheeling Park, Caldwell, Martins Ferry) that will give them a good test/challenge. I would expect WCC to beat them twice, but MC could, or maybe even should, beat the rest of the teams on their schedule. I could see them splitting with Caldwell and maybe a loss to Ferry or Wheeling Park but not many other challenges.

I have faith in the coaching staff to get the most out of this years team. They are obviously not as good as last years squad, but will still be contenders to make another long playoff run. Need to start shooting better from 3 the point line to make that happen (due to lack of size), but I think they are capable of improving that percentage as the season goes on. I have been impressed with Corbin Farnsworth this year. He has taken a leap forward this year and playing with more confidence and aggression than he had last year when he was the 3rd or 4th option on offense. By the end of the year, I think he is capable of putting up some big numbers and is as good as anyone Hiland has.

[selonmc]

Skyvue.
It’s been the sentiment around town that this was a semi-rebuilding year. Definitely not as good as last year but not bad. Remember the final last season… it was these juniors (then sophomores) that were instrumental in beating ML. We could go on a run this year. Personally… I think we’re a year away from a final 4 run

[dboy]

The Marietta paper, as I understand it, now mails their paper out so they don't report on anything past 6 PM or so. Therefore, game reports are a couple of days later in the print version but typically on line the next morning. A guy at work likened it to reading his old county newspaper that came out once a week.

MC's schedule this year is weaker than last years. I do not see them losing more than a couple if they don't split with Central. But I think Scorestream had Hiland playing Cleveland St Ignatius last week. Sucks that they are in that district together.

I’d put Wheeling Central on the same level as Iggy. We’re not comparing football teams here. Not saying playing Iggy wasn’t impressive for Hiland. Just saying don’t devalue WCC because they are a smaller school and in WV. I’m not sure WCC couldn’t beat Iggy. WCC would most likely have the best basketball player on the court.

I went to the Hiland vs Ignatius game. Hiland did hang with them pretty much the whole game despite not making hardly any of their 3's. It didn't surprise me though, because Hiland plays excellent defense and limits their turnovers. What surprised me about Hiland is they got a new kid (sophomore) who transferred in who is about 6'7" or 6'8" and an excellent athlete. He will create problems IF MC ends up seeing them in the district.

That is a long way away though. Hard to get a read on the team thus far because we really haven't played a team capable of beating us so far. In reality there are only a handful of teams on the schedule this year (Wheeling Central, Wheeling Park, Caldwell, Martins Ferry) that will give them a good test/challenge. I would expect WCC to beat them twice, but MC could, or maybe even should, beat the rest of the teams on their schedule. I could see them splitting with Caldwell and maybe a loss to Ferry or Wheeling Park but not many other challenges.

I have faith in the coaching staff to get the most out of this years team. They are obviously not as good as last years squad, but will still be contenders to make another long playoff run. Need to start shooting better from 3 the point line to make that happen (due to lack of size), but I think they are capable of improving that percentage as the season goes on. I have been impressed with Corbin Farnsworth this year. He has taken a leap forward this year and playing with more confidence and aggression than he had last year when he was the 3rd or 4th option on offense. By the end of the year, I think he is capable of putting up some big numbers and is as good as anyone Hiland has.

I think the big kid came from Canton Glen Oak and is only a sophomore. In all honesty, I thought MC and Hiland were pretty even before the kid moved in but I think it will be an uphill battle now. But, like you, I do think the staff does a great job of getting the most out of them and i think they can game plan well.

[jimmyv]

MC's starters can play with anyone. Farnsworth and Howell play like they are 6'5. Silva's quickness and toughness are tough to match. Demchek gets better every night out. Yontz is a solid role player. They do not have the depth from a year ago. They miss Allen's ability to pressure the ball and guard any spot on the floor and Howell's rebounding. A key for this group will be the development of the JV guys that are having to give varsity minutes. Which of those guys can be counted on to contribute in crunch time.

[selonmc]

MC 63
Shenandoah 19

[skyvue]

MC's starters can play with anyone. Farnsworth and Howell play like they are 6'5. Silva's quickness and toughness are tough to match. Demchek gets better every night out. Yontz is a solid role player. They do not have the depth from a year ago. They miss Allen's ability to pressure the ball and guard any spot on the floor and Howell's rebounding. A key for this group will be the development of the JV guys that are having to give varsity minutes. Which of those guys can be counted on to contribute in crunch time.

Nice assessment. Agree all on all points. Everyone knows we lost the big 2 from last year, but also lost the 6th and 7th men off the bench who provided good depth without much drop off from the starters.

[MetalheadGamer87]

That was a dominant win over Shenandoah last night.

[buckcc]

Shenandoah is down right bad,so far MC hasn't played anyone yet, everyone from Hiland thought our non-league schedule was soft last season,well Mark is going to make of that this season with the likes of John Glenn,St.Ig , thrugood Marshall from Dayton, Lutheran East State champs 4 years in a row Lexington,Dover, Triway, Detroit Cath Central, Western Reserve Academy.,I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with 5 or 6 losses, one thing about this year's Hiland team they can go 10 or 11 deep,as for the big boy his dad is a teacher at Hiland for the last 15 years or so, decided to move the family down here closer to work,by season ends he will be a good one,had his best game last Friday 20 points 2 dunks,5 blocks and around 8 rebounds

[selonmc]

Shenandoah is down right bad,so far MC hasn't played anyone yet, everyone from Hiland thought our non-league schedule was soft last season,well Mark is going to make of that this season with the likes of John Glenn,St.Ig , thrugood Marshall from Dayton, Lutheran East State champs 4 years in a row Lexington,Dover, Triway, Detroit Cath Central, Western Reserve Academy.,I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with 5 or 6 losses, one thing about this year's Hiland team they can go 10 or 11 deep,as for the big boy his dad is a teacher at Hiland for the last 15 years or so, decided to move the family down here closer to work,by season ends he will be a good one,had his best game last Friday 20 points 2 dunks,5 blocks and around 8 rebounds

I couldn’t care less about Hiland. But glad we’re living in your brain in December.

[selonmc]

Is there a a live stream or radio for the MC v Tyler game tonight?

[selonmc]

MC 77
Tyler 44

I wish these holidays tournaments would provide a livestream