Top games of the week ending 2/12/12

St Joe’s is the most over-rated HS team in WNY history! SJ rules is crazy. So r the 10 voters who still insist on putting them #1. Canisius will still win it when it counts.
I can’t believe that Super Bowl I am so pissed I wanted Brady 2 win his 4th. The Buffalo hotels team stay at like the Adam’s Mark and Hyatt downtown do suck. Bottom line Welker dropped his pass and Manningham caught his.
PS – I serioulsy think the Canisius HS team could hang with if not beat Canisius college. Will b interesting 2 c if the new coach next year still wants 6-4 Power Forward’s 🙂
I suggest Jack Herlan 2 take over 4 Parotta and then when Joe’s falls apart u will all c who the real brains behind Joe’s has been all these years. Who do u think was flying back and forth from Ghana during Reggie’s recruiting? Risking his life over there with kidnapping rampant just 2 get Joe’s some much needed size. And the planes that fly into Ghana r those small prop planes. Jack has a family and he was willing 2 risk his life 2 recruit this guy. Amazing.

McShea is God

I also wanna thank Patrick Moran 4 the breaking news he provides this blog. While others come on here with smoke and mirrors, Pat contiues 2 cough up good information. Well done Pat.

Timon has made a small change to their starting lineup. In is sophomore Donte Williams, who’ll make his first start Tuesday when they play St. Francis. Out is Fulton Bryant, who will now come off the bench.

JohnnyBoy

McShea is God is delusional

TML1000

This week is a big one in terms of possibly defining a number of league champions. Timon can put itself back into the league race with a win Thursday, while Joe’s can basically asure itself no worse than a share of the MMA crown with a win. McKinley can lock up the large Yale Cup with a three game sweep against Park, Bennett and East this week, while OTC can do the same with the small Yale Cup, starting tonight with Honors, Emerson and daVinci.
Wil East can take a big step towards the ECIC II title against Iroquois tomorrow, while Cheektowaga must defeat EA tomorrow, to force a first place showdown with Amherst on Thursday. Tonawanda can of course nearly wrap up ECIC IV with a win over one loss Cleve Hill.

Ricky

Can McShea is God be banned or something? I mean he is an obvious troll.

Use Ya Left

Patrick, is Bryant Fulton hurt or is he just demoted? Kind of surprised he hasn’t been more of a factor in his time at Timon. First saw him in AAU play when he was in middle school and it just seems he never took the next step — at least offensively.
Will be interesting to see if D. Williams can thrive in expanded role. Also, his Dad looms large in the Timon theater…

Ban Ricky

Ricky M.I.G. is the only reason I read this blog. Funny stuff. I’d rather have you banned. I was rolling over with the Moran ‘Smoke’ and ‘cough’ up comments. You obviously don’t get it.
Anyway I vote we ban Ricky not MIG. And you only know what the word ‘troll’ means because you spend too much time on pornographic sites. Go to Church Ricky and stop watching that stuff.

Bill

Lefty, If its true that D.Williams is starting ahead of Bryant, then its a smart move. He has given them more quality minutes even though he sees less action. Either way, Jordan Williams role wouldn’t expand. Right now he needs to worry about contributing period. Looked completely lost against Canisius and Kobis looked loke Kobis. Everyone talks about Kobis and Williams but in every Timon game I’ve seen Gibbs has been their best player.

Regarding Donte Williams, from what I gather it’s not a demotion for Bryant Fulton. Timon has been struggling to find scoring of late other than DeMilo Gibbs. The thinking is that Bryant off the bench fresh will cause more matchup problems for the oppostion at more opportune times for Timon. He’ll still get a lot of minutes. I think Palano is just looking for some kind of sparks.
Regarding Jordan Williams, the kid is lost in part (LARGE part actually) because of the sudden change in their offense. The good news for them is that Gibbs has stepped up ina big way and causes a huge matchup problem for anyone (he even got the better of Agbeko several times). The bad news is they have an offense built around running plays and getting off at the perimeter.
I don’t want to be overly critical of Palano’s new philosophy because I cover high school games and it’s not fair to cover kids the same way with the same intensity pros get covered.
I’ll say this though– I do NOT think Timon is a very good team when Gibbs is scoring 20+ points per game. He gets his, but the rest of the guys try so hard to feed the ball down low that they get away from what they’re actually best at doing, and that’s running and gunning and playing a lot of half court press/trap defense.
Gibbs has been very impressive and remember, this is the first year he’s been a signifcant factor. But the negative that comes with that is not being used to all these mintues and touches like he’s getting now, he’s wearing down later in games against good teams, is not a good foul shooter at all and teams are picking up on that (Canisius’ Kyle Husband admitted to sending guys in and out to intentionally foul him in second half last week) and because he’s not that experienced with this kind of playing time and responsibility, is not a good passer down low out of double and triple teams. Again, Canisius had the strategy of letting him put the ball down and then doubling up on him every single time, either fouling him or forcing up low percentage shots.
Timon, much like Canisius is at their best when they have their best 3-4 guys getting 13-17 points. When they upset Kearney it looked like a total different offense. Williams was lights-out,scored 27 points and nailed six three-pointers. Kobis, Bryant and Ryan Dougherty were also big factors.
Bryant and Dougherty are both averaging less than 7 points per game this year after promising sophomore campaigns.
As for Williams, I think to put things mildly he’s not in the situation. Timon now seems committed, maybe overly committed to getting the ball down low as much as they can, not to mention Kobis does an awful lot of ball handling when he’s obviously to anyone with a set of functioning eyes a natural shooting guard, NOT a point guard. Fulton has played the point from time to time but is as much better slasher than outside shooter and for whatever reason, him driving to the bucket and either scoring or dishing back out seems outlawed in Palano’s offense.
I’d put my money on Williams in a 3-point shootout against anybody in Western New York and feel confident about it.
AFter the Canisius game, a game where Williams had 2 points, by far his worst game ever, Crusaders guard Aaron White was shocked by the offense he saw and told me, and I quote “In my opinion Williams is the best shooter in WNY”
In my opinion, the ST. Joe’s offense to feed the ball time and time again to Reggie works. With Timon and Gibbs being the new focal point, it does not.
Gibbs is an insanely improved player and a huge part of any success they may have, but if Timon wants to get past St. Joe’s and Canisius, it will not happen unless Williams and Kobis are leading the way.

Bullet-Point time on Timon. I wrote out a long post but I think I screwed it up and it didn’t send.
1- Bryant coming off the bench is not a demotion really, they’re trying to get a spark. Donte Williams is a better outside shooter (when he takes smart shots)and Bryant off the bench gives them better matchup options and a differnt look. He’ll still get a lot of minutes.
2- Gibbs has stepped up, but that’s good and bad. Good because you always want to have an effective big man.. Bad because their offense suddenly has become so low-post dependent that everyone else is suffering in a major way.
3- Against Canisius, me and Keith did interviews with Kyle Husband and some players for our respective blogs, his much bigger than mine.. But the quotes were very telling.. Husband and ADam Weir admitted they sent 4 guys in the second half alone to foul Gibbs and send him to the line. THey also put heavy pressure on him knowing he cant pass out of double teams, so they would either foul him or force him into a bad shot.
4- I’ll take my two dollars and wager it that Jordan WIlliams is the best shooter in WNY, period. He’s a horrible fit in this newly Timon offense centered around the low post. If anyone saw the Kearney upset win, Willams had 27, hit 6 threes and if that was the first time you watched a TImon game, he’d have your vote for WNY Player of the Year.
He was awful against Canisius, in large part because the team now has no identity.. Aaron WHite from Canisius post-game told me point blank,and I quote “Jordan WIlliams is the best shooter in WNY in my opinion, we were surprised they were moving the ball around the key more than they did.”
It’s spread beyond just Williams. Ryan Dougherty and Bryant both look lost lately too. Both are averaging less than 7 points per game after promising sophomore campaigns.
5- The biggest problem they have is that Kyle Kobis does way too much ball handling. Kobis is a scorer and needs a point guard to put him in better situations where he can play to his strengths, IE- outside set shooting, cutting to the lane, etc. Trying to dribble around triple teams and create your offense or throw wild passes when you’re in the air isn’t the way to get it done. Kobis is a solid player and a VERY GOOD SCORER, but is not a responsible point guard facilitator.
Palano better figure things out and come up with something to get his team more confidence, thought the Kearney win would do the trick but they’ve really struggled since. Unlike many, I don’t think the St. Mary’s loss was a fluke. In fact right now, if they played tomorrow I’d pick Mary’s to win again.

Ricky

You must be 5 years old MIG. I swear it’s like talking to a 5 year old, whatever you can continue to be a miserable soul who trolls high school basketball baords. Congrats! I bet your parents are very, very proud!

Ricky

Now on a real note. Refer to Patrick Moran’s comment, you’re very right. They should try to get some inside-outside movement to Williams. It seems like Gibbs doesn’t even consider kicking it out once he gets it in the post.
I think Hart and McDonald from CHS along with Williams are the best 3PT shooters I’ve seen so far.

WT716

Don’t forget about Jesse Lalka from Tonawanda. He does not have the prettiest form but hes not afraid to put it up from anywhere outside the arc. I still remember the Tonawanda East Aurora game in the West Seneca tourney over Christmas Break when he outplayed Wier and took over in the 4th quarter.

WT716, you’re right about Jess Lalka- he’s a very underrated shooter.
Lamont Little from Riverside is a very good shooter as well– and of course Canisius has sharpshooters in Hart and MacDonald (Weir is good too, though he’s a bit more of a slasher). MacDonald looks so natural shooting,which I’m sure his dad a lot to do.
Ricky– about Timon– THe thing about Gibbs is you really can’t put any fault on him. He’s never been a starter and certainly not a focal point of the offense like this.. He doesn’t have experience at getting the ball in and out of double teams like a lot of big men around. His problem, at times and again because of a lack of experience, is that his size advantage plays against him because he tries to do TOO much in the post.
But he’s essentially doing what the coaches are instructing him to do. I blame their in-game strategy more for their woes than Gibbs, who by the way isn’t just the most improved player in WNY but one hell of a kid off the court as well.

Ricky

Was he on Timon last year? I don’t remember him last year from JV or varsity

Gibbs? Yes he was. He just rarely played. They had their four starters from last year who are back (Kobis, Williams, Fulton, Dougherty) and Dave Scarcello was the point guard. Zack Hayes was the main forward off the bench, he’s a senior now but quite obviously Gibbs passed him in the rotation, as did Demone Harris.
By the way, I heard Gibbs pulled a muscle in his rib and is very likely out tomorrow night (Tuesday) when Timon hosts St. Francis.
If you haven’t figured it out, I’m just a MMA hoops guy. I cover Section VI games when it’s a matchup I can’t refuse or for a story that needs to be written, but otherwise I’ll go watch O’Hara play Niagara Catholic before a better VI matchup elsewhere. I just figured some years back it would be easier to know almost everything and cover 9 teams in one league than 85 all over WNY like crazy-ass CC does.

Ricky

I’m all MMA as well. I mean I’ll go to Jamestown v. Falls, but other than that I’m all for MMA(specifically Joes)

McShea is God

Ricky u r a loser. I can’t believe I am being distracted from watching ‘2 and a half men’ 2 respond 2 u. I put up a nice post about Pat and a few nice things about Canisius and u want me banned? WTH is wrong w u? This isn’t Russia? I can’t suggest Jack Herlan should take over at Canisius without u losing control? Then out of the blue u attack me again? With a 2nd post? 4 what?
People like Ricky r what ruins this country. He would stifle any voice that disagreed w him. This is AMERICA u communist pinko loser. I can support Jack or say I like Pat’s posts if I want 2. I keep looking back at what I wrote and dont’ get what got u so upset. Having a bad day? A bad life? Then the 2nd post came out of nowhere 4 hrs later. Like u kept thinking about me and decided 2 rip me again. Get a life man.
Next game I am at I will bring my 8 year old son who I’m sure will b able 2 smack u around. Anti American’s like u r what ruins this blog. I’m sure u don’t support our troops either. U make me sick really.
Ok that is enough. Looking 4ward 2 Joe’s Timon Thursday should b a fun game. CC if u know who Ricky is point him out 2 me so I can stick a US flag in his face and let him know any1 can comment on this blog. USA! USA! USA!

Wow, OTC beat City Honors tonight by 30.. That shocks me. I didn’t necessarily think Honors would win but didn’t expect them to get handled like that.. I wasn’t at the game, but TML was, looking forward to reading what he has to say.

tipoff

All of these boys are fine shooters, good players too. As for the best shooter I would give a small edge to Hart because of his adept shooting off the dribble inside the arc. From what I have seen he is equally strong off screens in half court and on the break with stops at the elbows. His elevation when he shoots off the dribble makes him very hard to defend. Good mid range shooting off the dribble is a lost art in today’s game.

Yeah, Hart is a real good shooter. Whey they had the 3-point shootout this summer in Binghampton for the State Games (not the Empire State Games but the version they did this summer), Hart and Williams teamed up for WNY and lit the bucket up, finished second in the team competition out of all the sections of the state.
With absolutely no disrespect to Hart at all intendd, he’s a wonderful player, I still think Adam Weir is the best player on that Canisius team.
Matter of fact, this may surprise some but Weir is #2 on my early February ballot for Player of the Year. Of course that can and probably will change 10x between now and March.

Excuse my typos, I’m pounding away on the iPhone

MMA

I would have to agree with you on Hart being the best all around shooter in WNY and think his teammate Weir is close behind. Williams at Timon is probably the best at threes, but he is very up and down.

Ban Ricky

Ricky

@Moran. Who’s your number 1? Agbeko?
And McShea is God you’re right, you win. I am a communist supporter and hate the US. I actually cried out of sadness when I found out that Bin Laden was killed.

eyesofthecity

3 point contest in wny: I am taking (Hall)from Tech, (Morris) from Mckinley, (Weir) from E.A., (Feggins)from Riverside and (Williams) from Timon. These kids are PURE SHOOTERS check out their forms and release… they should pretty much make every shot they take. seriously!!!

payola Dave

Ricky, Why do you let MIG get under your skin. He only posts on here to stir things up. He’s a Retired @ 40 loser,that uses blogs to stir up traffic so he can get his vote on Mcshea’s Blog. I question his credibility sometimes, but he doesnt even vote the same way as his posts. so just ignore him and keep your comments and replies to the credible posters. St Joes and Olean are #1 til they lose.

Ricky,
As of right now yeah, if I had to make a pick as of today I’d go with Reggie Agbeko for P.O.Y.– he’s the best player on the best team (according to polls) and his numbers have been consistent.
However unlike previous years this is truly a wide-open race–at least I think so. There’s still plenty of time for someone to step up, with things so open a sensational postseaon performance could push several kids over the top.

Eyes of the City (By the way isn’t this comment back and forth stuff awesome)
Feggans is a real nice player at Riverside, but dont you think Little is the best shooter on that team?
I’ve seen Morris twice this season (McKinley) and on both occasions he really struggled shooting.. Of course, that just goes to show you how irresponsible it is to judge a player based on just 1-2 performances. I know he can flat-out play his numbers don’t lie.
Same thing with Timon. If someone saw them for the first time at Canisius last week, then Jordan Williams looked like the worst shooter in the history of high school basketball. We all know that’s certainly not the case.

Centercourt Is God

I done gots to chang my name to MIGIG! Ban Ricky! Go fastbreak yo sef back to Canada with all the rest of the Monsignor Martine stars! USA! USA!

Talk about a one man show.
Acording to TML, Jamaal Carter had 20 of City Honors’ 23 first half points tonight in their blowout loss at OTC.

Panthers

Note of interest; Here is the Oklahoma Sooners link on RA being recruited by them.
http://www.soonerfans.com/forums/showthread.php?165958-2012-13-Basketball-Verbal-Committments&s=e1e319b3c5d9b6efe1f567ab8d0fd50f
I wonder if RA is going to keep on wearing the crimson and white?

Peter

Panthers, has Reggie been offerred a scholarship by the Sooners? I remember reading similar comments about Chris Secky being recruited by and going to Syracuse.

Division1

Reggie has had an offer from Oklahoma since August.

Division1

They are one of 4 schools he is scheduled to take officials at in march. Should be at a Joes game in next couple weeks.

WT716

Patrick I am right with you on the MMA being a CHS graduate. Weir is my favorite player to watch because he can do it all. Shooter,slasher, can bring the ball up, and is not afraid to bang with the big guys. Guess you could say I have a man crush on the kid. The Canisius Joes rivalry will always be there, but for this year and next year as well, it should be very very good, with both teams returning juniors.

Roundman

I like chs team also lately they stepped up defense and can now turn that into more offense fast breaks and more transition points this can only help them. They have many big games coming up and this new found defense will greatly help them going forward

TML1000

http://www.buffalosportsdaily.com/high-school-happenings-reggie-west-walsh/#more-29885
Here’s a link to a piece I did for BSD…some thoughts on the past week’s games and beyond.

Marzol

There is a fantastic web site devoted to Girl’s Varsity Basketball and Soccer.
Listing of Teams, Standings, Schedules, Box Scores, Power Points,Stats and more.
A lot of time and effort went into this site.
Great job !
It would be great if there was one like this
for the Boy’s Varsity.
http://www.section6girlsbasketball.com/index.cfm?page=1

TakeItToTheHole

Wow, that is a really great site. I agree in wishing there was one for Boy’s Varsity too!

TML1000

Yea, that site is an extension of the section V site…girls soccer hooked on a few years ago and bball did this year. Section V’s boys site is equally as good.

Ricky

When do high school basketball players have to commit by?

Ricky

AND I don’t think Reggie will go to Oklahoma. I’ve been thinking Bonnies or Siena all year long

Peter

Thanks Division 1. It’s nice to hear Reggie has that kind of interest. What other schools will he be visiting in March?

Patick Moran

I swear to you guys I’m a big Reggie supporter and I think he’s got a lot of talent and potential, and he’s even a better, classy kid off the court– but I really don’t think he has the experience to be a really good Division I player, at least not for a few years.
I love the route “God’s Gift” took from ECC to St. John’s now. While Reggie is certainly too good a prospect to attend St. Joe’s, I’d really like to see him play at a smaller school for 1-2 years then maybe transfer to a more big-time school.
In my opinion, he won’t get any significant playing time at a higher level Division I school until he’s a junior at the earliest, largely because he’s so far behind more polished kids his size.
And again, I am not a Reggie hater, I love this kid and he is working his ass off to get bettern and I’m a fan of the St. JOe’s programs and the way he’s coached up.. I’m also confident in a few years he’ll get to that level. But right now, if a big man is ready to play at the high D-1 level he should be absolutely decimating any competition in WNY high school on a nightly basis.
Just my 2 cents.

WT716

I compare Reggie to University at Buffalo 4 man Javon McCrea. McCrea is listed at 6’7” but has a 7 foot wingspan. Both can shoot the 15 foot jumper, have nice ball handling skills for a big man with a sick crossover, and are beasts on the boards. If you haven’t checked out McCrea play I highly recommend that you do. They play Feb 11th at 6 o’clock. McCrea is a future NBA draft pick. Mark my words.

Ricky

He’s pretty dominate, but not enough for WNY high school to go Big-12. But his potential is unreal. Just look how much he improved from last season and it’s still only his 2nd season of legitimate, organized, hardwood basketball. A 6’8 PF(in college) who can dribble and pass. If he gets his mid-range jumper consistent, maybe develop a 3-ball, he could become a big time player. With the right coaching he could become a very good collegiate player.
I think Bonnies is the perfect place for him. Nicholson and Cook are gone after this year and their other 2 forwards are juniors right now. Reggie could possibly start in his sophomore season.

TML1000