tropicalbreeze wrote:Hitch, I don't mean this in a disrespectful way, but if Stiverson comes to Chillicothe instead of Kellough, I don't believe (Stiverson) ends up with this talented group. This year's Chillicothe team would have a few less talented faces. But would'ves and could'ves are in the past and Chillicothe has the ball rolling. Out of Curiosity, what year did Chillicothe have more talent than this group? (in your educated and respected opinion)
tbreeze, Thanks for the educated and respected opinion comment. I feel the same about you.
First, Stiverson would have had this talented group. I will tell you why. 1) Humpty is a Chillicothe Cavalier and never would have played at Zane Trace if a) We did not have levy issues and b) We did not have a screwed up basketball system among other things. 2) I am assuming you also mean Chambers. He would be here, because of extenuating circumstances that I believe would have lead him here anyways. I don't want to get into that on here, because it is opens up a can of worms. 3) Coach K. ran off the bad apples and Stiverson would have done the same (both discipline coaches 4) The balance of the kids are from the program.
Only difference may have been the style of play. It took Coach K. about 1 1/2 years to let these kids get out and play. For good reasons, but there style is not a half court, 1 shot per minute thing. I beleive Baker may have fit better in Stiverson system and may have got more minutes, but that would be the only change.
As for your next question about a more talented group. I would have to dig deep to fairly answer the question and also I am a bit biased. Most know I was and am a Cavalier at heart. However, the first team that comes to mind is one that has relation on this years squad.
The 1986-87 squad (thing year is correct) had the following and even more. Steve Bayless (D1 signee at Bradley) and CHS Hall of Famer, Lee Edwards (top 5 all time quickest guards in Ross County history - Muges Bogue type, Craig Hitchens (Father of Anthony), who obviously has given Hump the genes. Played College ball in Cleveland, but under a better coach, would have played at a higher level. I also believe they had Casey Schmidtt (who may have transferred later), but played at the University of Arizona (if not mistaken). This team was also very deep. Result barely over 500 club.
Teams of the late 1970's - Totally different style and more defensive focused, but the 1977, 1979,80-81 teams were very very good. the 80-81 team goes down as the best (record wise) of all time with 22 consecutive wins.
The 80-81 team was deeper and I believe as talented as this team. Backcourts similiar (no Humpty), but we were 4 guards deep. Frontcourt advantage to the Cavs simply because of all-Ohio Garin Veris and his double double career avg. He would physcially be to strong for this squad. At the power forward, we had a rotation of 4 guys including Dwayne Smith who was very comparable to Chambers (as a young junior).
Teams of the mid 70's - Mark Bayless and all the great talent around him, would defensively and offensively compete with any team. Mark was Big School Player of the Year (AAA) and started as a frosh for the Ohio State University.
The difference in the Cavs teams of the 70's would be one Tom Cuppett. After Coach Cuppett left, the program was not the same. Players changed, but last names have not. The Ryan Browns and Ron Rittengers of the area were dominant players and had excellent teammates, but the coaching did not mold and shape them into teams that won on and annual basis. With the exception of a few years of Joe B. Stewart, the Cavs struggled for 20 plus years.
Sorry for the length of the post...
GO CAVS!!!
