Whenever Michael Jordan is involved, you always want to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Call it a respect thing, but one of the best players who ever played in the NBA knows a thing or too about basketball.
Right?
Well, maybe.
No one will argue that Michael Jordan the player was sensational.
But in a management position? He kind of stinks.
Jordan hired Doug Collins in Washington and drafted Kwame Brown with the No. 1 overall pick.
Terrible. In fact, Washington's resurgence the past couple of years came only after Jordan got canned.
Now he's hired Sam Vincent as coach of the Bobcats. It's tough to really criticize Vincent, the unknown 44-year-old who played on the same Bulls team as MJ early in his career.
But was he really more qualified to coach this team, as opposed to Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy or Mike Fratello? What made his one-year of NBA coaching experience - an assistant at Dallas - so valuable?
It's a risky hire, no doubt. The Bobcats are talented enough to make a serious playoff push next season, and this year's two first-round draft picks are obviously pretty important.
His Airness will have to face some serious questions - especially about hiring people close to him personally - if Vincent doesn't work out.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Gabriel gone
Bradley Gabriel has left, and South Iredell is in serious trouble.
Gabriel's hiring as boys basketball coach at Robert L. Patton High School was approved Monday night.
Gabriel, who coached South's girls last season, previously accepted the South Iredell coaching position in late April.
His departure - some would say defection - is a huge blow to the Vikings hoops program. With Gary Sherrill at the helm for 34 total years, turnover and turmoil in the South program has never been a problem.
Now? A big problem.
It's almost June, and South is coachless in the school's second biggest sport.
Principal David Dixon told me he'll post the job and start making some sort of plan today.
Dixon and his staff seemed to have hired a great football coach in Ed Masterton when J.K. Adkins left.
They'll need an equally big hire to offset this shocking occurrence.
Gabriel's hiring as boys basketball coach at Robert L. Patton High School was approved Monday night.
Gabriel, who coached South's girls last season, previously accepted the South Iredell coaching position in late April.
His departure - some would say defection - is a huge blow to the Vikings hoops program. With Gary Sherrill at the helm for 34 total years, turnover and turmoil in the South program has never been a problem.
Now? A big problem.
It's almost June, and South is coachless in the school's second biggest sport.
Principal David Dixon told me he'll post the job and start making some sort of plan today.
Dixon and his staff seemed to have hired a great football coach in Ed Masterton when J.K. Adkins left.
They'll need an equally big hire to offset this shocking occurrence.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Letter of the law
I wish Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw weren't suspended for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio.
All knotted up 2-2 after a Game 4 win, we had a situation where two great basketball teams could conceivably play in one of those Game 7 epics.
Not to be, I guess.
Not after Steve Nash was checked into the first row by Robert Horry. You know the story. Nash gets checked, Diaw and Stoudemire advance onto the court ... series over.
You can blame a handful of people. Blame Stoudemire and Diaw if you want. Technically, if those two just didn't approach the floor, or Horry, they wouldn't have been suspended for one game.
I don't blame them. It was a cheap, hard foul that looked worse than it actually was when Nash flopped into the scorer's table like he'd just been hit by Ray Lewis. Yes, it was a hard foul. But that was a great sell by the Canadian.
Phoenix's assistant coaches deserve some of the blame. Their main job, other then to get head coach Mike D'antonio coffee in the morning, is to make sure that in a potential brawl-like situation, that nobody (OK, the star players) leave the bench. They waited until Stoudemire reacted to react themselves.
But you can't blame David Stern for this one. The rule is incredibly clear - if you leave the bench area, you'll be suspended.
It's a weirdly worded rule, but it's not a secret. Everyone knows about it.
Stern followed the letter of the law, like he should have.
Like he had to.
All knotted up 2-2 after a Game 4 win, we had a situation where two great basketball teams could conceivably play in one of those Game 7 epics.
Not to be, I guess.
Not after Steve Nash was checked into the first row by Robert Horry. You know the story. Nash gets checked, Diaw and Stoudemire advance onto the court ... series over.
You can blame a handful of people. Blame Stoudemire and Diaw if you want. Technically, if those two just didn't approach the floor, or Horry, they wouldn't have been suspended for one game.
I don't blame them. It was a cheap, hard foul that looked worse than it actually was when Nash flopped into the scorer's table like he'd just been hit by Ray Lewis. Yes, it was a hard foul. But that was a great sell by the Canadian.
Phoenix's assistant coaches deserve some of the blame. Their main job, other then to get head coach Mike D'antonio coffee in the morning, is to make sure that in a potential brawl-like situation, that nobody (OK, the star players) leave the bench. They waited until Stoudemire reacted to react themselves.
But you can't blame David Stern for this one. The rule is incredibly clear - if you leave the bench area, you'll be suspended.
It's a weirdly worded rule, but it's not a secret. Everyone knows about it.
Stern followed the letter of the law, like he should have.
Like he had to.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Early power rankings
So ESPN has already created its NFL Power Rankings for the 2007 NFL season.
Way too early? Absolutely.
Pointless? At this time, yes.
So intriguing that I decided to make my own? You betcha.
Below is my way-too-early, will-almost-certainly-be-changed "power rankings" of all 32 NFL teams with a bit of analysis at the end.
1. New England
2. Indianapolis
3. Denver
4. Chicago
5. San Diego
6. Baltimore
7. New Orleans
8. Cincinnati
9. Seattle
10. Dallas
11. Carolina
12. Philadelphia
13. Pittsburgh
14. New York Jets
15. San Francisco
16. New York Giants
17. Jacksonville
18. Arizona
19. St. Louis
20. Kansas City
21. Tennessee
22. Atlanta
23. Buffalo
24. Minnesota
25. Green Bay
26. Washington
27. Houston
28. Miami
29. Detroit
30. Cleveland
31. Tampa Bay
32. Oakland
Team that might be too high: Denver (3)
I'll admit the only reason I have Denver this high is because of the Travis Henry signing. The Broncos still need a bit of help on the defensive line, but adding Henry to that rushing scheme will produce 1,500 yards and take a huge load of Jay Cutler.
Team that might be too low: Atlanta (22)
Atlanta has enough weapons to win the NFC South. Ultimately, though, I think the controversies surrounding Michael Vick, questions in the secondary and a brand new coach and scheme will spell trouble in Hot-lanta.
Team that could make the biggest jump: Miami (28)
If the Dolphins work out a deal for Trent Green, or some other solid, veteran quarterback, Miami immediately vaults into the playoff race. Adding Joey Porter to an aging defense was an OK move, not a great one. But when you have Cleo Lemon - yes, Cleo Lemon - behind center, it doesn't matter how good your skill guys are.
Team that could take the biggest fall: New Orleans (7)
New Orleans had everything go right last season. Reggie Bush slipping to the No. 2 spot. The Dolphins picking Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees. A soft schedule. An inspiring story.
It's going to be tough to do that again. Sean Payton should find new and better ways to use Reggie Bush, but the defense is just OK and if brittle Brees goes down, the season will nosedive.
Team I really, really, really wanted to put higher: Tennessee (21)
I love Vince Young. Great leader, great skills. The problem, though, is that Tennessee didn't address its wide receiver need. If the Titans sign Keyshawn Johnson - which will probably happen if Oakland doesn't make an offer - that sort of helps, but where's the guy who can stretch the field? The loss of Adam Jones also leaves a big dent in their corners, so I couldn't justify putting them any higher, at least not yet.
Teams I'm not yet sold on: New York Jets (14), Jacksonville (17), Arizona (18), St. Louis (19)
It's hard to believe New York made the playoffs last season. Jacksonville's QB situation is a big mess, and the Cardinals always seem like that perennial sleeper team that never pans out. But one of these teams will probably make the playoffs.
The ultimate sleeper: Houston (27)
I'm not sure Houston would have offered Matt Schaub that huge deal if it knew Brady Quinn would be available. However ... the defense should be a bit better, although the safeties are pretty bad. The Texans will need good play from their veteran (read:old) linebackers. If this offensive line somehow finally comes together, with Schaub tossing it to Andre Johnson, with Ahman Green, Ron Dayne and Wali Lundy splitting carriers, with Mario Williams much more comfortable in his second season, this team could cause some problems.
Way too early? Absolutely.
Pointless? At this time, yes.
So intriguing that I decided to make my own? You betcha.
Below is my way-too-early, will-almost-certainly-be-changed "power rankings" of all 32 NFL teams with a bit of analysis at the end.
1. New England
2. Indianapolis
3. Denver
4. Chicago
5. San Diego
6. Baltimore
7. New Orleans
8. Cincinnati
9. Seattle
10. Dallas
11. Carolina
12. Philadelphia
13. Pittsburgh
14. New York Jets
15. San Francisco
16. New York Giants
17. Jacksonville
18. Arizona
19. St. Louis
20. Kansas City
21. Tennessee
22. Atlanta
23. Buffalo
24. Minnesota
25. Green Bay
26. Washington
27. Houston
28. Miami
29. Detroit
30. Cleveland
31. Tampa Bay
32. Oakland
Team that might be too high: Denver (3)
I'll admit the only reason I have Denver this high is because of the Travis Henry signing. The Broncos still need a bit of help on the defensive line, but adding Henry to that rushing scheme will produce 1,500 yards and take a huge load of Jay Cutler.
Team that might be too low: Atlanta (22)
Atlanta has enough weapons to win the NFC South. Ultimately, though, I think the controversies surrounding Michael Vick, questions in the secondary and a brand new coach and scheme will spell trouble in Hot-lanta.
Team that could make the biggest jump: Miami (28)
If the Dolphins work out a deal for Trent Green, or some other solid, veteran quarterback, Miami immediately vaults into the playoff race. Adding Joey Porter to an aging defense was an OK move, not a great one. But when you have Cleo Lemon - yes, Cleo Lemon - behind center, it doesn't matter how good your skill guys are.
Team that could take the biggest fall: New Orleans (7)
New Orleans had everything go right last season. Reggie Bush slipping to the No. 2 spot. The Dolphins picking Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees. A soft schedule. An inspiring story.
It's going to be tough to do that again. Sean Payton should find new and better ways to use Reggie Bush, but the defense is just OK and if brittle Brees goes down, the season will nosedive.
Team I really, really, really wanted to put higher: Tennessee (21)
I love Vince Young. Great leader, great skills. The problem, though, is that Tennessee didn't address its wide receiver need. If the Titans sign Keyshawn Johnson - which will probably happen if Oakland doesn't make an offer - that sort of helps, but where's the guy who can stretch the field? The loss of Adam Jones also leaves a big dent in their corners, so I couldn't justify putting them any higher, at least not yet.
Teams I'm not yet sold on: New York Jets (14), Jacksonville (17), Arizona (18), St. Louis (19)
It's hard to believe New York made the playoffs last season. Jacksonville's QB situation is a big mess, and the Cardinals always seem like that perennial sleeper team that never pans out. But one of these teams will probably make the playoffs.
The ultimate sleeper: Houston (27)
I'm not sure Houston would have offered Matt Schaub that huge deal if it knew Brady Quinn would be available. However ... the defense should be a bit better, although the safeties are pretty bad. The Texans will need good play from their veteran (read:old) linebackers. If this offensive line somehow finally comes together, with Schaub tossing it to Andre Johnson, with Ahman Green, Ron Dayne and Wali Lundy splitting carriers, with Mario Williams much more comfortable in his second season, this team could cause some problems.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Lake Norman soccer pushes forward
I hadn't seen Lake Norman soccer all season before last night, but heard from other county players and coaches that the Wildcats were on a different level from everyone else
I saw the scores roll in - 12-0 win over North Iredell, 10-0 win over West Iredell - but wondered how many of those goals came not necessarily on sheer talent, but other players in awe of the Lake Norman "mystique."
Consider me sold.
Lake Norman defeated Southwest Guilford 2-0 last night in a game that wasn't even close. The Wildcats played incredible soccer for 80 full minutes.
They chased down loose balls, won matchups and dominated the Cowboys (seriously, it’s Cowboys) physically.
They’re now one of eight total teams remaining in the 3A soccer playoffs, and one of the final four in the Western Regional.
They’re three games away from winning a state championship the same year the boys’ team won a title in the fall.
And after talking to the players and coaches after the game last night, I think they have a good shot to get it.
I saw the scores roll in - 12-0 win over North Iredell, 10-0 win over West Iredell - but wondered how many of those goals came not necessarily on sheer talent, but other players in awe of the Lake Norman "mystique."
Consider me sold.
Lake Norman defeated Southwest Guilford 2-0 last night in a game that wasn't even close. The Wildcats played incredible soccer for 80 full minutes.
They chased down loose balls, won matchups and dominated the Cowboys (seriously, it’s Cowboys) physically.
They’re now one of eight total teams remaining in the 3A soccer playoffs, and one of the final four in the Western Regional.
They’re three games away from winning a state championship the same year the boys’ team won a title in the fall.
And after talking to the players and coaches after the game last night, I think they have a good shot to get it.
State playoffs are out of control
There's really no other way to say this: there are plenty of teams in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association playoffs that have no business being anywhere near a playoff game.
The NCHSAA expanded the playoffs this year, so there are now 64 teams in most sports. Those are divided into two 32-team brackets, one for the western part of the state, one for the eastern.
There is now a "half plus one" rule that dictates how many berths a conference gets. Take the North Piedmont Conference, one that contains five of the six Iredell County schools. Take the number of teams in that conference (8) and half it (4). Then you add one to get five playoff slots.
One additional playoff game means one more gate, and one more gate gives the NCHSAA another chance to line its pockets with its share of the proceeds.
No, the NCHSAA won't strike it rich solely because North Iredell soccer played a playoff game. But those extra games begin to add up when you consider it's for most sports, in two different brackets at four different competitive levels (1A-4A).
Take a look at the 1A West softball bracket. There are 32 teams, and the majority have losing records. Robbinsville made the wild card at 2-17. Avery County is 1-15-1. Thomasville is 1-22!
And they earned a wild card how, exactly?
Not only are the playoffs diluted, but I honestly think it's unfair to the students on those 1-22 teams.
Going 1-22 is hard to do - you have to be really bad. After a miserable season, the last thing those kids probably want to do is take a long bus ride to Polk County, knowing they are probably going to lose 16-0 in five innings.
The NCHSAA expanded the playoffs this year, so there are now 64 teams in most sports. Those are divided into two 32-team brackets, one for the western part of the state, one for the eastern.
There is now a "half plus one" rule that dictates how many berths a conference gets. Take the North Piedmont Conference, one that contains five of the six Iredell County schools. Take the number of teams in that conference (8) and half it (4). Then you add one to get five playoff slots.
One additional playoff game means one more gate, and one more gate gives the NCHSAA another chance to line its pockets with its share of the proceeds.
No, the NCHSAA won't strike it rich solely because North Iredell soccer played a playoff game. But those extra games begin to add up when you consider it's for most sports, in two different brackets at four different competitive levels (1A-4A).
Take a look at the 1A West softball bracket. There are 32 teams, and the majority have losing records. Robbinsville made the wild card at 2-17. Avery County is 1-15-1. Thomasville is 1-22!
And they earned a wild card how, exactly?
Not only are the playoffs diluted, but I honestly think it's unfair to the students on those 1-22 teams.
Going 1-22 is hard to do - you have to be really bad. After a miserable season, the last thing those kids probably want to do is take a long bus ride to Polk County, knowing they are probably going to lose 16-0 in five innings.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
NBA playoff thoughts
I don't get to watch as much of the NBA playoffs as I'd like - working the second shift will do that to you - but here are a few of my thoughts thus far.
- Phoenix is a great team, and one that is really fun to watch. But the Suns can't beat San Antonio. They just can't. The Spurs are too good, too savvy and too physical. Most in the media, and NBA fans in general, were winding up the seasons with talks of Phoenix or Dallas winning the title. That's not too surprising, because the Spurs are the least-appreciated great team in the league.
- The All NBA teams came out last week. First team was Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant? My ballot? About the same, just replace Stoudemire with Carmelo Anthony. Anthony had a great year in Denver, but his role in a brawl against the Knicks and the acquisition of Allen Iverson may have caused some to forget his importance.
- Where have you gone, Chicago Bulls? Biggest disapointment of the second round by far.
- I know it's the Leastern Conference, but don't sleep on Detroit. Since the addition of Chris Webber, the Pistons have been on fire. They've completely decimated the aforementioned Bulls, who everyone fell in love with after beating Miami in four games. Detroit will win in five games - maybe six - and matches up well with San Antonio.
- Finally, it's still scary to think how good LeBron James can be. Everyone pretty much agreed that he was going through the motions for most of the year. Yet, an absolutely below average team without James, won 50 games and is 6-1 in the playoffs. If Cleveland can ever find the Scottie Pippen to LeBron's MJ - and it ain't Larry Hughes - James might actually stay in Cleveland for the long haul.
- Phoenix is a great team, and one that is really fun to watch. But the Suns can't beat San Antonio. They just can't. The Spurs are too good, too savvy and too physical. Most in the media, and NBA fans in general, were winding up the seasons with talks of Phoenix or Dallas winning the title. That's not too surprising, because the Spurs are the least-appreciated great team in the league.
- The All NBA teams came out last week. First team was Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant? My ballot? About the same, just replace Stoudemire with Carmelo Anthony. Anthony had a great year in Denver, but his role in a brawl against the Knicks and the acquisition of Allen Iverson may have caused some to forget his importance.
- Where have you gone, Chicago Bulls? Biggest disapointment of the second round by far.
- I know it's the Leastern Conference, but don't sleep on Detroit. Since the addition of Chris Webber, the Pistons have been on fire. They've completely decimated the aforementioned Bulls, who everyone fell in love with after beating Miami in four games. Detroit will win in five games - maybe six - and matches up well with San Antonio.
- Finally, it's still scary to think how good LeBron James can be. Everyone pretty much agreed that he was going through the motions for most of the year. Yet, an absolutely below average team without James, won 50 games and is 6-1 in the playoffs. If Cleveland can ever find the Scottie Pippen to LeBron's MJ - and it ain't Larry Hughes - James might actually stay in Cleveland for the long haul.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
South softball built for future
South Iredell's softball team may still reach the state playoffs this year. The Vikings play Lincolnton today at East Lincoln High School in a one-game play-in situation.
Whoever wins will likely get bounced in the opening round against the Rocky River Conference's No. 1 seed.
But regardless of whether or not South wins and makes the playoffs this year, this team has the feel of a future contender.
The Vikings honored only three seniors during Wednesday's Senior Day. That's it.
All three seniors are in the outfield, so that could present some personnel problems, but everyone else is back.
Amber Graney, who drove in the winning run against East Lincoln, and her sister Laci return. Kayla Kerley, who hit the home run that started the Viking comeback, is a sophomore.
And pitcher Kelsey Spangler, who tossed a no-hitter earlier this year, is a freshman.
It's really hard to tell what will happen in high school athletics, but that's an awful lot coming back for a program that appears to be on the brink of pushing into the upper-tier of the Southern Piedmont 1A-2A.
Whoever wins will likely get bounced in the opening round against the Rocky River Conference's No. 1 seed.
But regardless of whether or not South wins and makes the playoffs this year, this team has the feel of a future contender.
The Vikings honored only three seniors during Wednesday's Senior Day. That's it.
All three seniors are in the outfield, so that could present some personnel problems, but everyone else is back.
Amber Graney, who drove in the winning run against East Lincoln, and her sister Laci return. Kayla Kerley, who hit the home run that started the Viking comeback, is a sophomore.
And pitcher Kelsey Spangler, who tossed a no-hitter earlier this year, is a freshman.
It's really hard to tell what will happen in high school athletics, but that's an awful lot coming back for a program that appears to be on the brink of pushing into the upper-tier of the Southern Piedmont 1A-2A.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Hogan's heroes
I usually try not to dabble into the news realm of the R&L, but the suspension of popular teacher and track coach James Hogan has really blurred that line.
Hogan - no relation to Hulk- was suspended with pay following an e-mail that questioned South Iredell's teaching mentality, among other things. For the complete run-down, click here to read Chyna Broadnax's story.
I obviously have not sat in on one of Hogan's AP English classes. One year of reading the Scarlet Letter and Moby Dick was quite enough for me.
But, I do cover South Iredell athletics, and I've seen Hogan at meets and practices.
He's a fine coach, one who was approachable and helpful in a trying year as South was forced to hold makeshift track practices during major construction renovations.
Good coaches typically make pretty good teachers. That's just the way it works. And that seems to be the case here as Hogan was voted Teacher of the Year.
So when the ever-popular Hogan was suspended, escorted from his classroom one day like some sort of transgressor, his pupils responded.
His students, both former and current, along with others in the South Iredell community attended and protested Monday night's Iredell-Statesville Board of Education meeting.
South soccer player Kendal Blackwelder told me students made Facebook.com groups, and also created and wore T-shirts to school. Some read "Where's Hogan?", while others said "Teach Kids," which was essentially the theme of Hogan's e-mail.
I read Hogan's e-mail. The whole thing. I found it insightful and inspiring.
A bunch of the students also got their hands on the e-mail. They, too, found it inspiring.
The result? A bunch of high school students - kids, really, in Hogan's own words - doing everything in their power to let it be known they did not agree with the decisions made by people in authority.
Sixteen, 17 and 18-year-old kids, doing what they could to stop what they thought was an injustice, standing up for what they felt was right.
what teaching - and learning - is all about.
Hogan - no relation to Hulk- was suspended with pay following an e-mail that questioned South Iredell's teaching mentality, among other things. For the complete run-down, click here to read Chyna Broadnax's story.
I obviously have not sat in on one of Hogan's AP English classes. One year of reading the Scarlet Letter and Moby Dick was quite enough for me.
But, I do cover South Iredell athletics, and I've seen Hogan at meets and practices.
He's a fine coach, one who was approachable and helpful in a trying year as South was forced to hold makeshift track practices during major construction renovations.
Good coaches typically make pretty good teachers. That's just the way it works. And that seems to be the case here as Hogan was voted Teacher of the Year.
So when the ever-popular Hogan was suspended, escorted from his classroom one day like some sort of transgressor, his pupils responded.
His students, both former and current, along with others in the South Iredell community attended and protested Monday night's Iredell-Statesville Board of Education meeting.
South soccer player Kendal Blackwelder told me students made Facebook.com groups, and also created and wore T-shirts to school. Some read "Where's Hogan?", while others said "Teach Kids," which was essentially the theme of Hogan's e-mail.
I read Hogan's e-mail. The whole thing. I found it insightful and inspiring.
A bunch of the students also got their hands on the e-mail. They, too, found it inspiring.
The result? A bunch of high school students - kids, really, in Hogan's own words - doing everything in their power to let it be known they did not agree with the decisions made by people in authority.
Sixteen, 17 and 18-year-old kids, doing what they could to stop what they thought was an injustice, standing up for what they felt was right.
what teaching - and learning - is all about.
Monday, May 7, 2007
South baseball bounced
There will be no postseason for the South Iredell baseball squad.
North Lincoln made sure of that with a three-run first inning that put the Vikings behind the eight ball for the rest of Monday's game.
Although a tough loss, very few expected South to even force such a contest, a play-in game for the Southern Piedmont's fourth and final playoff spot.
South started the season 0-9 and lost to every county team it played.
But the Vikings really got a boost from a 25-0, five-inning win over Highland Tech. South won four of its last five conference games to force the play-in.
Credit coach Bobby Deal for righting the ship.
The Vikings have a chance - a pretty good one, I think - to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995 next season.
The biggest reason is pitcher Lane Marlowe. Marlowe came on strong at the end of the year, and he's that true ace every high school team needs.
If the Vikings can find a steady No. 2 starter, they'll win enough to make the postseason.
North Lincoln made sure of that with a three-run first inning that put the Vikings behind the eight ball for the rest of Monday's game.
Although a tough loss, very few expected South to even force such a contest, a play-in game for the Southern Piedmont's fourth and final playoff spot.
South started the season 0-9 and lost to every county team it played.
But the Vikings really got a boost from a 25-0, five-inning win over Highland Tech. South won four of its last five conference games to force the play-in.
Credit coach Bobby Deal for righting the ship.
The Vikings have a chance - a pretty good one, I think - to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995 next season.
The biggest reason is pitcher Lane Marlowe. Marlowe came on strong at the end of the year, and he's that true ace every high school team needs.
If the Vikings can find a steady No. 2 starter, they'll win enough to make the postseason.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Playoff picture
With the regular season completed in the North Piedmont 3A, and the Southern Piedmont 1A-2A season about to wrap-up, here's a look at the playoff teams representing Iredell County.
SOCCER
Lake Norman: The Wildcats are the No. 1 seed from the NPC, and they're almost certainly the county's best chance at winning a state championship in any sport. Lake Norman has only lost once this year - 3-2 to 4A power Myers Park - and will open the playoffs at home on Wednesday against T.W. Andrews.
Mooresville: The Blue Devils nabbed the No. 2 seed from the conference, and they'll also play at home on May 9.
North Iredell: The Raiders struggled at the end of the season, which bumped them down to No. 5 in the NPC. They'll have to play at Southwest Guilford, who was in the state title game last year.
South Iredell: The Vikings finished at 8-7-2 and were 6-3-1 in the conference. But with only four 2A conference schools in the SPC, the Vikings will have to wait until the wild cards are announced this weekend to see if they're in.
BASEBALL
Mooresville: The Blue Devils capped off a sensational season with a win over Northwest Cabarrus on Thursday. Mooresville is the regular-season conference champion in the NPC and will play at home the first three rounds of the playoffs, so long as the team advances that far.
Lake Norman: Lake Norman finished tied for third in the conference with Carson, but the Cougars swept the season series, knocking the Wildcats down to fourth place.
South Iredell: Left for dead after an 0-9 start, the Vikings are playing their best baseball of the season. If they win tonight and if North Lincoln loses to conference-leader West Lincoln, South will sneak into the playoffs.
SOFTBALL
West Iredell: The Warriors finished No. 3 in the NPC and will play on the road.
North Iredell: The Raiders lost two consecutive games to close the year. They're fourth in the NPC, and will have a tough opening-round game.
South Iredell: The Vikings, tied for fourth in the conference, have two games remaining next week that will determine if they get into the playoffs as a No. 4 seed.
TRACK AND FIELD
Mooresville has a legitimate chance to win the 3A regionals as a team, an enormous feat. Jamel Allison is also the defending state triple jump champion. Statesville's Jordan Daywalt will probably be the 3A champion in the pole vault. South Iredell's 4x100 team has a chance to make states as well. North Iredell, Lake Norman and West Iredell should also send a few athletes to states.
TENNIS
Statesville is one of the top 3A teams in the state, and have a real shot at a state title. Lake Norman also has three qualifiers.
SOCCER
Lake Norman: The Wildcats are the No. 1 seed from the NPC, and they're almost certainly the county's best chance at winning a state championship in any sport. Lake Norman has only lost once this year - 3-2 to 4A power Myers Park - and will open the playoffs at home on Wednesday against T.W. Andrews.
Mooresville: The Blue Devils nabbed the No. 2 seed from the conference, and they'll also play at home on May 9.
North Iredell: The Raiders struggled at the end of the season, which bumped them down to No. 5 in the NPC. They'll have to play at Southwest Guilford, who was in the state title game last year.
South Iredell: The Vikings finished at 8-7-2 and were 6-3-1 in the conference. But with only four 2A conference schools in the SPC, the Vikings will have to wait until the wild cards are announced this weekend to see if they're in.
BASEBALL
Mooresville: The Blue Devils capped off a sensational season with a win over Northwest Cabarrus on Thursday. Mooresville is the regular-season conference champion in the NPC and will play at home the first three rounds of the playoffs, so long as the team advances that far.
Lake Norman: Lake Norman finished tied for third in the conference with Carson, but the Cougars swept the season series, knocking the Wildcats down to fourth place.
South Iredell: Left for dead after an 0-9 start, the Vikings are playing their best baseball of the season. If they win tonight and if North Lincoln loses to conference-leader West Lincoln, South will sneak into the playoffs.
SOFTBALL
West Iredell: The Warriors finished No. 3 in the NPC and will play on the road.
North Iredell: The Raiders lost two consecutive games to close the year. They're fourth in the NPC, and will have a tough opening-round game.
South Iredell: The Vikings, tied for fourth in the conference, have two games remaining next week that will determine if they get into the playoffs as a No. 4 seed.
TRACK AND FIELD
Mooresville has a legitimate chance to win the 3A regionals as a team, an enormous feat. Jamel Allison is also the defending state triple jump champion. Statesville's Jordan Daywalt will probably be the 3A champion in the pole vault. South Iredell's 4x100 team has a chance to make states as well. North Iredell, Lake Norman and West Iredell should also send a few athletes to states.
TENNIS
Statesville is one of the top 3A teams in the state, and have a real shot at a state title. Lake Norman also has three qualifiers.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The waiting game
There were plenty of tears at South Iredell on Wednesday after the Vikings lost 3-1 to conference leader East Lincoln.
Tears from the seniors, who lost on Senior Night, and tears from head coach Linda Rogers who said goodbye to her five seniors that she's coached for four years.
Technically, the Vikings have one more game remaining - a tilt today against Lake Norman, which players and coaches both admitted would be a loss, resulting in an 8-7-2 overall record.
East Lincoln has already clinched the conference's lone berth, but the Vikings should get a wild card.
They deserve it, too. They've played good county 3A teams and finished second place in the conference.
Senior Night was a time to say goodbye to the elder Vikings.
But they deserve to play in the postseason.
Tears from the seniors, who lost on Senior Night, and tears from head coach Linda Rogers who said goodbye to her five seniors that she's coached for four years.
Technically, the Vikings have one more game remaining - a tilt today against Lake Norman, which players and coaches both admitted would be a loss, resulting in an 8-7-2 overall record.
East Lincoln has already clinched the conference's lone berth, but the Vikings should get a wild card.
They deserve it, too. They've played good county 3A teams and finished second place in the conference.
Senior Night was a time to say goodbye to the elder Vikings.
But they deserve to play in the postseason.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
North soccer can cause problems
Forget about North Iredell's 3-0 loss to West Rowan for a minute.
Yes, the Raiders looked listless and lost against the Falcons in an incredibly important conference game.
But it was Senior Night. And for some weird reason, every game I've ever covered on Senior Night was sloppy.
The Raiders will likely get the fifth seed from the NPC, which means they'll draw the Piedmont Triad's top school in the first round of the playoffs. That's not good.
At the same time, though, this soccer team at North can cause a lot of problems.
The Raiders have speed to spare. Kayla Orner can absolutely fly, and most of her goals are in one-on-one situations where she simply beats everyone else down the field. Throw in Jana Bell on the other side and Lauren Carter in the middle, and its one of the fastest teams in the area.
Speed wins in high school sports like soccer. So if the Raiders are motivated and disciplined, they'll be a tough out for anyone in the playoffs.
Yes, the Raiders looked listless and lost against the Falcons in an incredibly important conference game.
But it was Senior Night. And for some weird reason, every game I've ever covered on Senior Night was sloppy.
The Raiders will likely get the fifth seed from the NPC, which means they'll draw the Piedmont Triad's top school in the first round of the playoffs. That's not good.
At the same time, though, this soccer team at North can cause a lot of problems.
The Raiders have speed to spare. Kayla Orner can absolutely fly, and most of her goals are in one-on-one situations where she simply beats everyone else down the field. Throw in Jana Bell on the other side and Lauren Carter in the middle, and its one of the fastest teams in the area.
Speed wins in high school sports like soccer. So if the Raiders are motivated and disciplined, they'll be a tough out for anyone in the playoffs.
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