Clay Panthers 09-10

[my2cents]

This game showed us a big improvement over last years match up with HHS. The boys lost 46 to 43 but had the game won until the last few minutes, as opposed to last years blow out. Here is a recap of the scoring and my opinions for what they are worth.

Clay 11 - 12 - 16 - 4 final 43
HHS 13 - 12 - 2 - 19 final 46

Game was very evenly matched. Clay fell behind in the second qtr by 7 points but pulled it back to to a tie before HHS hit a shot at the buzzer to take a 25- 23 lead. Clay domintated the third quarter with a 16 - 2 scoring deficit, but then gave up a 19 - 4 scoring margin in the fourth to end up losing by 3 points.

Scoring for Clay was as follows, unofficially Graham -12, Delotell-8, Valentine-7, Porter-4, Bussler-4, Lawson-3, King-2, Burchett-2. Caseman-1.

Clay should have easily won this game. They missed way to many shots right under tha basket. Graham was the only factor underneath, with the other big men missing point blank shots. He lead all scorers evnn though he only played half the time. Clay blocked shot after shot but couldn't seem to pull down the rebounds. They have to work on getting stronger hands. The big men are too soft with the ball.

Clay had a 7 point lead with 2 minutes left but fell apart on HHS full court press and the coach didn't seem to be able to get them to slow down and kill some clock to run out the time for the win. Way too many turnovers in the last 2 minutes. The worst thing I saw all night was around the 1 minute mark, Clay was up 43 - 41 and had an inbound after an HHS basket. They couldn't get the ball in and took a 5 seconds call. I have watched Clay do this under Coach T for three years. Someone has to call a T.O. before you take that call. I think that cost Clay the game. They gave the ball back to HHS under their own basket, and they scored on an inbounds lay-up.

What can be learned from this? The boys need to realize if they have a lead near the end of the game, slow down and make the other team foul you. If you have an inbounds play that isn't working and can't get the ball in, call time out before taking the 5 seconds call and giving your opponents the ball underneath their own basket. Clay has done this over and over in the past few years. If the coach won't call time out, you have to do it for him.

[buddy]

if clay has so much trouble getting the ball inbounds from what all the threads say why not just bring down one of the big men to thrown the ball to inbounds. Place him in front of the player taking the ball out at least they would get the ball inbounds and then go from there?

[Waterdog]

Buddy, I think that is an excellent idea.
Clay was very impressive last night overall and almost came out on top. You can see who has improved since last year and the 2 new boys are a great addition to the team.
If we can keep Grahams ankle in good condition and the other boys stay healthy and keep motivated then we should have a shot at the SOC.

[Livin LRG]

One of clay's coachs made a remark i found quite funny, he said if graham and lawson were race horses they would have been shot a long time ago bcuz of their ankles

but overall the boys did great, they just have to learn how to win a game, cut the turnovers in half and they would have had the game by a good margin

[my2cents]

Graham looked winded to me several times in the game but when he was in, he was much more effective. He made a lot higher percentage of his shots and the scoring shows that. I think they will rotate the big guys in and out to keep them fresh, but playing time is going to be determined by rebounding and shooting. You can't miss 8 or 9 shots right under the basket. Turnovers were costly but missed scoring probably hurt them even more.

[Livin LRG]

from what i've heard Graham has went through a lot the past the couple of months, he had a knee injury this summer which didnt help him getting in shape, he also had swine flu which turned into bronchitas about 3 weeks ago, and now he has tweaked both of his ankles in the past week. so if he wants to keep his PT up he needs to get in shape quick!!!!!!!!!!!

[my2cents]

It helps in the fact that they have Porter and Lawson to rotate in and out and give each other a break while still maintaining size on the floor, but from what I have seen and heard so far, Graham has been playing the best of the three so far.

[Eaglesnest]

It does appear that Clay will be very tough in the SOC1 being they should have beaten Huntington....although scrimmage games aren't always the best indication because coaches tend to use those games to evaluate their players.

[claypantherfan]

once Lawson and Porter start playing like the are capable of that should really help out their scoring alot and help take some of the load off the guards

[Waterdog]

I think Porter and Lawson are both going to have a good year. Scrimmages are for getting the kinks out early. Clay looks like a whole different team this year.

[claypantherfan]

I think Porter and Lawson are both going to have a good year. Scrimmages are for getting the kinks out early. Clay looks like a whole different team this year.

I agree but it is not unusual to see players not do so good and scrimmages but they will get on track and do good and this team does look like a new team all around

[my2cents]

Lets hope so, averaging three points a game won't cut it. Your guards have to have confidence in the big men or they will quit giving the ball up. Clay had very balanced scoring against HHS, but where it was lacking was underneath. When they bring that portion of the game up, they will be very hard to stop.

[claypantherfan]

I know this saturday they have a 5 way scrimmage at Jackson but I am not real sure who all is in it i know North Adams and Jackson but that is it

[my2cents]

That's after the Unioto Scrimmage Friday morning and the previews Friday night. Tough weekend for the Panthers. Good luck against Waverly at the previews. I think Clay will hold their own against them. I don't forsee any blowouts this year, Clay should be in every game.

[claypantherfan]

I agree with that I do see Clay blowing people out though once they learn how to finish out a team

[Waterdog]

Clay Panthers looked very relaxed at the Previews last night. I think Caseman was really impressive and Valentine and Burchett showed real confidence. The team as a whole is coming together nicely. Porter is strong under the basket and when Delotel settles down a little he is going to be a big key factor this season. All players did well overall. Let's hope Graham gets to play this season. This could be his year to start getting some looks for College If he can stay in the game. Congrats to the Panthers. Looking forward to the opening game with Northwest.

[claypantherfan]

Only a few more days too see if Clay is the real or is it going to be another long year...But I got a good feeling this year is going to be a good year for Clay and will be in every game