Eastern Pike 08-09

[jumpman]

Stollings is the all-time scoring leader in Ohio, boys and girls, with 3,514. Over 300 more than Jon Diebler's boys record. She went to Ohio State on scholarship for a year or two, then transfered and finished her career at Ohio University. She played a year or two in Europe before getting into coaching. She was an assistant at New Mexico State and St. Louis University, and is currently an assistant coach at Ole Miss.

Cochenour had several offers to play but didn't. I would throw a few other names out there with him. Neil Leist and Darren King could be strong arguments for the best to come out of Eastern. Possibly Matt Hines or Zac Alexander.

[bystander]

Has anyone heard how the team camp went at Marietta last week??? Talk around town is that coaches are putting early emphasis on younger players. Who's the younger that could make an impact?

[Eaglesnest]

Bystander,

I heard the team camp was played without Helton, Mcvey, Lawhorn, and Edler. As a result, outside shooting was very poor. Also, the new guard from Waverly injured himself at the camp (don't know whow early) and was unable to play much. A player told me that the eagles were in many games with bigger schools, but just couldn't get over the hump. However, they did win some kind f 5:00 minute overtime tounament against the same schools?

As to the younger players, heard that Hawks, Thornsberry (before hurt), and Selbee all looked good and made a respectable showing. I was also told that Fitch has opened the gym up to eigth graders because the varsity squad still is not coming to open gyms??? I just don't understand that unless they are ok with losing?????

Thats all I could dig up. Anyone know anything else?

[bystander]

thanks for the info

I doubt most of them are okay with losing. I know that because shortly after season ended last year several of them were in the gym alot trying to work out and play together to improve their game and powers that be put a stop to it. Stated they weren't properly supervised. But it seemed there were other reasons.

I know there was a parent to volunteer to go to the gym and sit while they played to supervise, but by that time the boys gave up interest. Maybe the winning attitude needs to start in areas beyond the boys. I'm also curious if the coaches are aware of the above. Some of the boys had a fire attitude to work hard and improve, but that fire was distinguished quite quickly---maybe that has something to do with them attending open gyms now or maybe not---who knows.

I hear Lawhorn still has a back injury, Edler has a summer job, and Osborne plays Legion baseball. Haven't heard about the others.

I had heard all but a couple attended team camp. Also heard Brett Williams did well at camp.

[CoachFitch]

Fitch will do a great job at Eastern if he gets time and support.

Remember, the night that you threw in 31 at the old Webster gym as a soph.

Now, you know who I am!

Bozo,

You must be an old Falcon...perhaps a former JV coach from the 80's? If so, I'd love to hear from you sometime! Pm me and we can get together for a burger! I hadn't had anyone mention that game in years and years.

As to a summer/camp update,we took away many positives from camp. Selbee, Hawks, and Thornsberry played well together and played some outstanding D. B.Williams began playing around the basket and did some solid work in the paint. Wheeler had some solid games. Montgomery played well at times, especially against Waterford's 6-9 center. Osborne struggled to knock som rust off (as he is concentrating on his baseball), but showed what he caqn do at times. Deweese was solid in spots and Wagner was by far our most consistant outside shooter.

The players also learned that to compete this season, we have to bring it from the tip.

As to Bystanders question about the school putting the fire out for those players wanting to work and play together under the supervision of a parent.......all I know is that due to liability issues parents may not supervise school activities wthout the proper CPR/superivion certificates. AS a staff, we were available 4 days a week for weight lifting/open gym every since we were allowed to hold such activities. WE held this activity after school and did so not for us, but so that the maximum number of players could attend. Osborne, Edler, and DeWeese could not naturally due to baseball. However, if we held it late so that they "might" attend, then other kids would have had to have gotten a ride. Plus, while they are playing baseball, they should focus on that....

As to the open gym "attendance" questions, I recommend that you ask the players. Many have "excuses" and some are probably valid while others are likely not valid. All I can tell you is that many of our varsity players have not put the time in to get better, so Coach Hines and I are "investing time " to develop the younger players. They are the ones that are putttng the time in! We will start every season with a search for the 5-8 players that will give us the best chance to win, while representing the District in a quality manner. Many of our juniors and seniors will be shocked at the progress some players have made simply by out working them this off season.

The "real season" is a long way off. Maybe some juniors and seniors will be more committed this fall. If not, and they get passed up, then it either wasn't important to them or perhaps they can at least learn one of the most important life lessons that can be learned.........and that is hard work ALWAYS pays off! You reap what you sow....In life ,you can not do nothing and expect everything.

Feel free to pm any specific questions.

[bystander]

Coach,
1. I'm curious why you point out Osborne, DeWeese, and Edler for baseball when in fact there were other basketball players on the baseball team and others who ran track you did not mention. They represented Eastern well and some even received SOC and District honors.

from a reliable source the parent was CPR certified, but I understand that reasoning, what I don't understand is janitors who complain about sweeping the floors or other coaches who "threaten" them simjply for being there----we should be glad kids are wanting to be in the gyms and not out on the streets doing not so worth while things---so when the negative is so prominent as it has been then "fires" are put out---do you agree?????

2. So with the little participation in open gym, have you had the same lack of support in summer league, team camp, et scrimmages? (from the "older guys")

[jumpman]

Coach Fitch pointed out that the parent would need CPR/supervision certificates. The supervision certificate being the key. While the parent may have been CPR certified, they must also have a State of Ohio supervision certificate, and must be approved by the board of education.

[CoachFitch]

Coach,
1. I'm curious why you point out Osborne, DeWeese, and Edler for baseball when in fact there were other basketball players on the baseball team and others who ran track you did not mention. They represented Eastern well and some even received SOC and District honors.

from a reliable source the parent was CPR certified, but I understand that reasoning, what I don't understand is janitors who complain about sweeping the floors or other coaches who "threaten" them simjply for being there----we should be glad kids are wanting to be in the gyms and not out on the streets doing not so worth while things---so when the negative is so prominent as it has been then "fires" are put out---do you agree?????

2. So with the little participation in open gym, have you had the same lack of support in summer league, team camp, et scrimmages? (from the "older guys")

1. I pointed out those baseball players because those are the ones that were interested when we were playing. I do not prevent players from playing if they are involved in another sport if it ok with their existing coach. I did not mention track players because Selbee and those boys came straight to open gym and played immediately after track practice. The track guys were always there.

As to the incident that you were referring, it was handled by administration and I have no comment. However, if that put out anyones fire, then I'd say there wasn't much of a spark to begin with.

2. LAck of support is probably too harsh a phrase, but lack of consistant commitment would probably be a better description. The bottom line, we have some players that started and contributed greatly that we have not seen since season end. They have been contacted. They have the schedule. They choose not to work on their game and that is their choice. Should they play over those that have been working? If "cuts" were deemed necessary, would a coach cut a kid that has been there working all summer and keep one that chose to lay on the couch? Kids that work and play summer baseball know that I worked around everything possible to maximize their participation. Coach Caldwell struggled with getting guys to work in the offseason while here.

Summer league was patchy with sometimes playing 2 full games with 7 guys. Team camp was solid with 9, but due to some good reasons some could not attend. I beleive in having senior leadership, and some of our guys have missed the opportunity to set a good example for the younger players. In fact, the younger guys have set the bar. Time will tell if they have raised it too high.

Overall, many positives from the summer schedule and we will be fine come season.

[Eaglesnest]

I don't mean this as a slam to any existing player, but if you look at our roster, I do not see a Darren King, Matt Hines, Mark Kochenour, Dustin Alley, Neil Leist, or Z. Alexander, or even a AJ or John Slone from recent. Again, not putting them down, just anyone that knows anything about b-ball can see this.

The boys have to be realistic and understand that success next year depends upon the Eagles out-working the opposing team. It does not appear that we have a team with the offensive weapons that we have had in the past.

That being said, we still have enough firepower to compete if our players put the time in. I hope the players can look in the mirror when season is over next year and be ble to say they did their best to improve and played as hard as they could. From what I've read here, Fitch and Hines have been accessible to help the kids, but they can't do it for them. The ball appears to be in the players court....

[bystander]

If not meant as as slam---then why say it?

I'm sure the majority of them know they don't meet the caliber of some of those players mentioned, but there is potential in everyone. Time will prove that.

Time will also show who has worked hard, even if they have missed a few open gyms. Those who have missed and truly care, I'm sure have good reasons. So I encourage everyone to be a little more supportive. I'm sure Coach has contacted the boys and knows why they aren't there. He is really the only one who should be judgemental in this situation anyway. I'm also sure once summer activities settle down there will be more committment as there usually is.

[Eaglesnest]

Bystander,

I made the point about the difference in our current teams from the ones of the past and even recent past because I'm not sure the boys are hearing what they need to hear. Again, not in a negative manner, but in a realistic manner as to how much hard work/team work is needed if this team is to contend. It will not happen just by rolling the ball out in the court and turning a couple "1000" point club guys loose.

But, I can still see this team making a big turn around and suprizing many if they are willing to work hard. THe community can want it, the parents can wish for it, the coaches can desire it, but to be honest it is going to come down to these players work ethic....DO THEY WANT IT ENOUGH TO WORK FOR IT?

If not, I fear it could be another long season...I for one would love to see this group come together and prove the many out of the beaver area that don't expect them to do much. Wouldn't it be great if we could take another SOC title when most already have handed it to Western or Green!

[Eaglesnest]

As far as Green goes i don't think they are looking for anyone to hand them an SOC title.I know Coach Kitchen is working to change some things there.Such as a weight program,and alot of summer play and preaching defense to them.Just depends if they work to improve and really most are.As others are having the same problem also with baseball guys not being there.They will definitely be left behind in improvement of their game

Jumper, I can assure Eastern doesn't plan on handing Green, Western, or anyone else the SOC title. It should be a dog fight. I only stated those 2 schools as from whaty I hear they have the most talented lineups. Time will tell.

Should be a great conference battle this season. I can't wait to see how it all plays out...

[claypantherfan]

I think your right Eaglesnest that this year soc should be a heck of a battle with some young talent at alot of these schools but I think Western probally has the most goinng for them right now with the experence of their "big3" as people always says.

[bystander]

its too early to predict anything, but I say don't under estimate Eastern this year or over estimate anyone else

remember 2006-07 team---most didn't think those guys had a chance to win a back to back title, but they did--lets put some confidence in the guys et hope Coaches Fitch and Hines can get them to do whats needed to win the SOC this year

GO EAGLES !!!!!!

[Eaglesnest]

Just wandering. Has anyone heard if the move-in from waverly (Thornsberry kid) has enrolled in school yet?

Has anyone heard about the Christian school on 32 closing? I heard a Cisco kid from there was playing soccer for us and planning on playing b-ball. What grade is he in? What position does he play? Will he help the Eagles varsity?

Thanks.

[the_claw]

Just wandering. Has anyone heard if the move-in from waverly (Thornsberry kid) has enrolled in school yet?

Has anyone heard about the Christian school on 32 closing? I heard a Cisco kid from there was playing soccer for us and planning on playing b-ball. What grade is he in? What position does he play? Will he help the Eagles varsity?

Thanks.

I know that the Cisco kid is wanting to play basketball. He is a sophomore. Ill try to find out about his basketball skills and ill let you know.

[claypantherfan]

What christian school on 32?

[jumpman]

Miracle City Academy