FireBoard Site Syndication http://meangreenhoops.com Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:06:55 -0600 FireBoard 1.0.5RC2 http://meangreenhoops.com/components/com_fireboard/template/default/images/english/emoticons/rss.gif http://meangreenhoops.com FireBoard Site Syndication http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2638/#2643 Rivals.com for months has indicated that UNT was 1 of 3 schools interested in Shaw. It has been speculated that the Mean Green was a leader. Shaw, elected to not sign early in hopes of improving his stock. Shaw's signing had been debated as another possible Ben Knox type of project. I have posted here a few times that this kid was much better with greater potential. Last week I pointed out that he had moved as the top center in Tx in the class of 2009. The TX Hoops article confirms his current status. I don't feel that he is Big 12 ready and would be making a poor choice at OSU or bigger programs. Yes, he would get playing time there but he would start here. Shaw is a tad better than Trey Parker of UTA who comes of their bench. (Terrell HS) Shaw's signing at OSU would look better for their alums since it appears that OSU is continuing to tap into the Dallas Metroplex. Shaw is every bit 6-11 not 6-9. He is not a power forward and does not have power forward skills. He would fill a much needed role at UNT than a bigger program. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:01:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2637/#2642 It should be interesting when old rivals Ponder and Krum meet this year. The Krum basketball coach was reassigned for non-basketball reasons earlier this season and former Ponder and NT player Lance Boxell has taken his place. Lance's father, Doug Boxell, is the coach at Ponder. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:01:57 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2636/#2641 JJ's system just doesn't produce big assist stats. I think it will take an exceptional PG who can pass and see the court to put up nice assist totals. Hines and Bell did good jobs of running the offense for the most part, even though they didn't have big stats. This year we don't even have anyone to do that. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:20:18 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2632/#2635 Hopefully they will not sign Juavarez Willis of Pinkston. I like his shooting ability but he is another 5-9 shooting guard. 6-11 center Jared Shaw of Dallas Carter scored a career high 41 last night against a weak North Dallas ballclub. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:50:09 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2629/#2631 Our count (almost certainly inaccurate) was 31 points and 11 blocks. After the game we could not remember Holmen turning the ball over or committing a personal foul. Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:56:31 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2622/#2628 Mangrum was a very good shoot first point guard in high school and he looked pretty good to me handling the ball against the Muts. There are not too many true center types in college basketball. It would be rare to get a good one at NT. I can remember Sean Riley, Jon Horracks, Willie Davis and Shawnson for a semester, but not any others. Ronnie Morgan was a good center but at only 6'5, hardly typical. I know everyone is down on Knox based on his high school numbers, but give the guy a chance. JJ signed him early hoping he would develop and his senior year was disappointing, but he looks like he is a legitimate 6'10 and he does move well for that size. Lets wait till we actually see him play in a few games before we over criticize the signing. JJ, I think thought he had shored up the post position with the addition of Odufuwa and Tremiel. I don't know if Odufuwa has been hurt, but he has just not played well the last several games. Hogans and Stewart are energy guys and adequate defenders but just don't have offensive games. MTSU had a very short starting lineup and killed NT in the paint as did UTA. NT has two point guards that are undersized but very quick. Nether are good ball handlers but they usually are very good offensive threats. With all the firepower that NT has at shooting guard, I would limit them both playing at the same time. Thompson is definitely the future at the wing and maybe Mangrum can join that lineup. Mangrum had more than just a good shooting night, he was all over the court making plays. He is a better defender than Thompson and McCoy. White is clearly not having as good a year as he did last year but hopefully that will soon change. White doesn't take many bad shots but this year he is just not hitting close to the percentage of last year. I think JJ is having a problem managing this team because he is still trying to develop an effective rotation. He is playing mostly a half court game just like he did with his much bigger guards in the past. I wonder why he doesn't play more of a running game and press more with the speed and depth of this team. This team has great potential and it is too early to write off the regular season. But this team looks like another close to .500 club that will have to depend on catching on fire in the tournament to advance. Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:43:39 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2627/#2627 NLR is North Little Rock ...and Alltell Arena. That's where we play them. Because of the losing skid there, they really want a win on Saturday. Oh great.....not only are they markedly better....they're now fired up too. Anyway here's a story on the Hogs recent woes at Alltell. Be sure to read down at the bottom...the game notes. You can see how Coach Pelphrey occupied his players' time on New Year's Eve: http://www.scout.com/a.z?s=143&p=2&c=826518 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:20:06 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2621/#2621 This was a tough one to swallow, simply for the way we kinda collapsed on offense through the 2nd half till the last 4 minutes. Collin Dennis was basically the only one scoring. At one point he had like 13 of the 17 points we scored or something. I'm really concerned we might enter a tailspin looking at the upcoming schedule. Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:15:44 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2620/#2620 Dallas ISD's Coca Cola HS Tournament http://www.dallasisd.org/athletics/bracket_boys_%2008.pdf Ft Worth ISD's Whataburger HS Tournament http://www.whataburger-bbt.org/ Duncanville's Sandra Meadows Girls HS Tournament http://www.sandrameadowsclassic.com/ Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:48:19 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2619/#2619 http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mcneal_shawnbrey00.html Have no idea where this kid will land but he would be a major coup for TD. Great utility player with world class speed. Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:35:08 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2615/#2618 The last time NT played at Lamar, Boutte was the halftime guest. He was wearing Mean Green gear, and mentioned he wanted his children to go here. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:47:52 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2614/#2614 We didn't play particularly well, but we still had a shot to steal this game. The privateers have really given us alot of trouble in recent years, so this seems par for the course. I'm still pleased with a split. Just need to buckle down for ANOTHER school that always gives us trouble now. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:19:21 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2606/limit,6/limitstart,6/#2613 This athletic department has proven time and again that they are clueless. There is very little if any promoting or advertising of basketball games and this is a team that wins almost all their home games and is pretty fun to watch. Yet nothing of any significance is done to try to get people to games and give a good atmosphere to those who actually go to games. You would think after consecutive 20 win seasons and a recent NCAA tourny berth the AD would really be promoting this team and attempt to build a good fan base. Rant over. Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:05:27 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2609/#2609 edited Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:44:31 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2603/#2605 I would have no problem with that for a small amount of time. I don't know what his makeup is though for how he would handle such a move. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:47:17 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2602/#2602 Huge win. Poor FT shooting, but great effort by the squad. Especially noteworthy were Tristan, Dom, and Tramiel. We have a lousy history there, so this was wonderful. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:35:11 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2601/#2601 http://www.wcathletics.com/index.php/coyote-basketball/mbasketball-news/254-former-coyote-named-wac-player-of-the-week Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:36:14 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2592/limit,6/limitstart,6/#2600 I looked up the media guide to see what our all time assists record was for a game (it's 19, btw---Pat Hicks). Anyway, it lists the top assists games of all time...and goes all the way down to 10 in a game. So as far as I can tell...under JJ we've never had a player have a double digit assist game. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:40:02 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2599/#2599 In the 2006-07 season North Texas had Bell, Sturns, Davis, Watson, Young and Mangrum at the guard position. Bell, at 6'3 was the shortest of the group. Strange, but I don't recall ever seeing a post detailing all the advantages having such tall guards gave to North Texas. I do however, remember numerous posts critical of those guards. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:40:01 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,3/id,2587/#2591 I think we have a couple of current players who are really pretty good, but for the most part I agree that it seems Coach Stephens is bringing in better talent than what we have now. I do think James will start next year though - Stephens seems really high on her. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:31:26 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2586/#2590 Ben Bell gave Howerton that nickname in October of 2006. It was in response to how well Howerton was playing and was not meant to be sarcastic. Bell and Kendrick Davis were both big Howerton supporters at that time. When Howerton is able to hold on to the ball he is an effective player. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:16:50 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2582/#2585 In my pre-season picks I had us going 12-6 in league play(20-9 overall)....but I had both the next two down as L's. Honestly, I'll be VERY happy with a split. We NEVER play well at the Cajun Dome(against ULL anyways, our recent high water mark came there I realize), and UNO had our number before we escaped with the win last seaaon. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 23:23:11 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2560/#2581 It was an awesome, awesome experience to be a part of a state title in Texas high school football. I am glad I had the chance to be a part of that atmosphere. One cool thing, Celina is in our district and only about 10 miles away from Prosper. They are playing for the DII state title in the last high school football game at Texas Stadium on Friday. If Celina wins, we can say we were the best team in any division of 3A as we beat Celina in district play 33-7. I hope they pull it off because it would be a neat story to have that high of a level of football dominating an entire classification from just miles apart. La Vega had way more team speed than we did, and it showed up when we attempted to pass or an outside run. We got down 10-0 quick, and hit a field goal just before half time to make it 10-3. After halftime, we just pounded them between the tackles again and again and started moving the ball. Our defense was amazing the entire game, giving up one long touchdown that the QB barely got off and their WR was just faster than our CB. Our defense kept us in it and our offense did what it had to do in the second half. La Vega's RB had over 600 yards in his previous three games and we held him under 40. We just hit him every play and held on for dear life. That forced them to spread it out which is not what they are used to, and we had them where we wanted them. It was the best defensive game I have been a part of as a coach. A couple of things about this team: - Our kids are tough, gritty, and disciplined. We were not near the most talented team in the state, but we were the best. - I haven't coached very long, but I have had a little success and had the chance to work with some great coaches. Our DC, Shane Mobley, is the best football coach I have worked with. He knows his stuff as well as any coach in the state and more importantly, those kids would run through a brick wall for him. He always had a great game plan, and he always had the kids executing it at a high level. Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:51:58 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2579/#2579 It is no longer true that Texas private schools play on a much lower level than the best public schools. It is a recent development, but now many privates can compete with the good publics. Arlington Grace Prep Opponent /Results: vs Kimball L 64 - 73 at Keller W 74 - 70 at South Oak Cliff at Forester L 65 - 67 vs Kimball at Arlington Classic W 75 - 57 vs Woodrow Wilson at Arlington Classic W 74 - 64 vs Arlington Bowie at Arlington Classic L 51 - 60 vs Fort Worth Dunbar at Arlington Classic W 73 - 60 vs Red Oak W 80 - 73 vs Azle at Bagg Insurance Invitational W 64 - 47 vs Pearland at Bagg Insurance Invitational W 59 - 41 vs Acadiana Prep, La. at Bagg Insurance W 77 - 75 at Keller Fossil Ridge at Bagg Insurance W 68 - 60 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 08:10:45 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2573/#2577 Well, add Larry Bird to the list of those I didn't think would pan out at the next level. I DO NOT have a problem with this signing Grand! SUMG's heading was "great" signing, which in all due respect, is a little higher than I would go at this time. You are correct, it is only an opinion from the 1 game I saw the kid. SUMG and I have commented on several topics before and I feel that he values my opinion. I certainly don't feel an opinion needs to be debated. I just try to call it as I see it without the home team affiliation that we all have. I agree that we will not attract HS All-Americans but I feel that we can improve this roster. Those blue chippers do transfer. We can't offer them if we dedicate scholarships early to the Ben Knox's and Shannon Shorters of the world. When the day comes when I don't think this team can improve, I will forever cease being a Mean Green fan. How does W Kentucky do it in basketball or Troy in football? When the coaching staff's stop getting extensions for above average seasons. Grand, we can't tell our coaches that it is alright to not attract top talent because we never have. We've seen legit 20 wins teams at NT! We can't settle for phony 20 win record like we see now. JJ has been here 8 years now and dammit I do expect more. Can many fans remember the coach before Tina Slinker? We can't wait tthat long again. Lastly, did I ever comment on Jalie Mitchell? LOL! Go Mean Green! Sat, 13 Dec 2008 17:42:41 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2572/#2572 Read this report from Jacob's last game....monster numbers (especially when you figure out what he would have had had he played a lot of minutes): http://www.timesrecordnews.com ews/2008/dec/12/whitehouse-star-outshines-coyotes/ Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:54:09 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2570/#2571 Coney Island's Finest Comes to South Dallas December 9, 2008 Last year Dallas saw Brandon Jennings bring his high-octane offensive arsenal to Moody Coliseum as he left Uptown Dallas on fire as he led Oak Hill Academy with 34 points in a 78-77 OT win. With what many say is the toughest schedule in the country, the Duncanville Panthers host Coney Island's Abraham Lincoln Railsplitters. Many may know of Lincoln High School as the alma mater of Stephon Marbury, Sebastin Telfair, and fictional character Jesus Shuttlesworth of Spike Lee's "He Got Game". This year Coach Dewayne "Tiny" Morton and his squad are led by the all-time leading scorer in New York High School history, Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson. If you haven't seen this kid play, Thursday night might be the cheapest you will get to watch this kid play in person for a long time. I had the pleasure of watching the Coney Island messiah this summer at the Adidas Nations event held here in Dallas. I needed to see for myself why they call this kid "Born Ready". It didn't take long for me and the couple hundred other onlookers to realize what this kid does, and does a lot of it, HE GET BUCKETS!!!! Rivals.com has the 6'5 shooting guard as the #9 overall player in the nation. Stephenson, who hasn't chosen a college destination, is rumored to be comtemplating on foregoing college and potentially taking his game overseas to pursure "euro-riches". What does this mean for the local Panthers? Nothing! The game still has to be played and it is highly unlikely that Coach McNeely and his squad cares who's on the other side, as long as when the buzzer goes off, Duncanville gets the "W". Duncanville is coming off a weekend trip that saw them go 1-1 while losing to Oak Hill Academy, and beating Marshall County in overtime. For the Panthers to win this game, they are going to need to play as a TEAM, meaning egos must be put aside for the better of the team. Key for Lincoln to Win: James Padget: Versatile 6'7 forward committed Maryland. Key for Duncanville to Win: Julian Washburn: While the three seniors get the fanfare, the key to Duncanville winning not only this game, but the state championship, is Washburn. While there is no doubt that he has the skill level and athleticism, Thursday night I would like to see a sense of toughness and the look of a pitbull in his eyes. Once, Wash gets a "kill or be killed" attitude on the court, he's really going to be a problem for a lot opposing defenders. Glenn Smith Metroplex Hoops Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:11:33 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2565/#2569 Well for sure, we haven't needed him so far this season. But you never know what might happen....to where we would need him. Plus, any playing time he gets will allow him to shake off that rust and maybe be a bigger contributor next season---when we'll be replacing Dennis and McCoy. So, I look at it, as good news. Having a scholarship player now available to play...is a good thing. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:42:32 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2568/#2568 http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/sports/college/stories/DRC_unt_notbook_1210.4c350183.html (http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/sports/college/stories/DRC_unt_notbook_1210.4c350183.html) Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:55:15 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,1/id,2555/#2564 After opining that White could be one of the greatest ever at NT, he goes into dormant mode. Luckily this is a very deep team and the outstanding play of Thompson and the resurgence of Dennis have made up from the off games by White and Odufuwa. Tremiel and Hogans also seem to be getter better by the game. I think Magrum may be a player too but I don't how he will get any minutes behind Thompson, Dennis, and McCoy. Give kudos to Stewart too, he is apparently never going to be a good offensive player but he does a lot of the dirty work around the basket. I must add though with limited minutes, Howerton has played two good games in a roll. We need to applaud the girls team too, as they played a great second half to beat a good Valpo team. This team really gets after it. They are still far from a good defensive team but it is not because they don't hustle. They give up way to many backdoor layups and wide open threes, but they are improving. They had much better shot selection last game but still way too many turnovers. Amber Jackson is their only consistent player and they struggle in the paint. Timms has been a pleasant surprise in the front court but they really need Bailey to develop. Overall, one of best double headers I have witnessed at the Pit. Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:24 -0600 http://meangreenhoops.com/component/option,com_fireboard/Itemid,34/func,view/catid,4/id,2562/#2563 They may help, but it might take a few years IMO. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:31:02 -0600