Patch

Michael Knights team wins Conference Championship....

2005-06 AND 2004-05 SUNCOAST CONFERENCE CHAMPS!!

TITANS GO BACK TO BACK IN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

2005-06 record: 24-6 (overall), 10-2 (in conference)

I don't know what happened but Jamar was due to have a not so good game and Brent has really been an enigma recently - somedays he's unbelievable and some days he's nonexistent. Yesterday seemingly wasn't a good one.

Also the schedule has been pretty rugged 5 games 4 on the road in 15days. We,ve been to Connecticut back to UA to Maine back to UA down to Virginia back to UA and back upto NH and now we head down to Maryland.

It's time for the team to take a deep and get focused on UMBC, remember we have only 3 AE losses and 2 were in OT.

GO DANES

I caught the replay and was very impressed with th crowd, the signs and the chants - I more Home Game ....... Four more years (which I really didn't hear for some reason at the game - maybe I should stop BSing with my friendss so much)

It was also the first time I heard Dr. McElroy "truly" praise Coach Brown publicly (post game interview). He usually just makes some "tongue in cheek" politically correct statement.

Interesting comments about Yocum and his importance to a great team.

Posted on Wed, Feb. 22, 2006

Ted Silary |

Episcopal is Inter-Ac's best team ever

NOW THAT THE games are over, let's bring everyone to the fierce-debate table.

Even before the season ended, Dan Dougherty expressed the opinion his 2005-06 Episcopal Academy basketball team was the best he'd coached in 27

seasons there (1977-97, 2001-06).

Ah, but where does it rank in Inter-Ac League

history? Is it the best of all time? Is it even the crown jewel of this

decade?

"I'm predicting we'd win by 10."

Those words came tumbling out of the mouth of Jim Fenerty, the longtime coach at Germantown Academy.

As much as he respects the

accomplishments rung up this season by Episcopal (10-0 league, 27-4 overall), Fenerty feels his '01 squad was better.

A case certainly could be made.

First, let's dissect the '06 Churchmen...

The co-franchise players, wing guard Wayne Ellington (North Carolina) and small forward

Gerald Henderson (Duke), were ranked among the very best high school players in the country. They formed an amazing tandem not only because of how well they played, but also because of how well they blended, both with each other and their teammates. Had the NBA not changed its draft rules, it's

conceivable both would have been forced hard to think about bypassing college.

The next starter, 6-9 Mike

Yocum, is bound for Division I

Albany. His rebounding and

shotblocking perfectly complemented the famous duo, allowing them to perform their miracles mostly stress-free.

Tim Ivory, the football quarterback, was a competent point guard, and not to be left alone from beyond the arc, while

Charlie Barks performed the

menial tasks with resolve and never once pondered overstepping his bounds.

The bench was admittedly shallow. But junior Pat Kelly, a guard, was a persistent threebie threat and only some illness problems prevented him from

being a seasonlong starter.

GA '01... GA '01? Is it coming back to you?

Those Patriots also swept through the Inter-Ac, and went 27-3 overall.

Generally, the most talked-about players were the juniors, wing guard Matt Walsh, forward Lee Melchionni and center Ted Skuchas. They would wind up at Florida, Duke and Vanderbilt, respectively, and Walsh has made an NBA pit stop after declaring for the draft as a junior.

The other starters were point guard Mike Slattery and hustler Troy Holiday. One of the key subs was Rob Kurz, who would later transfer to Penn Charter and be a major component of that school's memory-making squad in '03.

But back to Slattery for a

moment. He was hardly an

afterthought. In fact, he was a first- team Daily News All-City honoree as a senior and then

enjoyed an outstanding career at Delaware.

Fenerty eased through the

possible matchups one by one and figured his squad was

hangin'. He then halted at point guard.

"This is where we win it," he said. "I used to bang heads with Mike all the time; he had that edge to him. But what a player. I didn't realize how good he was until he was gone. We're still trying to replace him."

When asked to pick a winner, Dougherty laughed and said,

"I'd give it a tie. It'd be a great game."

He added, "That GA team did have every component you could ask for. I liked Slattery. He got a Division I scholarship and proved his mettle there."

As an aside, Dougherty said he's still receiving grief from his son, Brian, now his assistant and a starter for the '91 Churchmen (27-2), whom he formerly considered his best team.

"There's no comparison," he cooed.

For the record, Dougherty also loved his '05 squad (10-0, 25-3) and its senior starters, steady point guard Dylan Brown (Ohio Wesleyan, lacrosse) and forward/enforcer Joe Rosati (Villanova, baseball).

Yet this year's must get the nod, he said, because of its much more difficult national-

level schedule (23 games were played away or at neutral sites) and the fact The Big Three were seniors and still making tangible improvements. (Ellington, for

instance, became a lockdown

defender.)

What's a moderator to do? Consult someone else.

Penn Charter coach Jim

"Flipper" Phillips was in his first season in '01.

"For me," he said, "it comes down to those third-wheel guys. The guy who really gave us fits was Yocum. We never had

that much of a problem with

Skuchas."And Episcopal's so-called

lesser guys could really shoot it. You couldn't leave Ivory open and Kelly could hit treys, too. Know what? I'm not sure we even saw the 'full Episcopal.' Because Kelly had those sickness problems and it took a while for Ivory to get going because he was hurt coming out of football."

Dougherty also spoke highly of Yocum.

"We were pretty good in '04 [22-6 overall] when Gerald and Wayne were sophs, but teams with height really gave us problems," he said. "We just couldn't match up. When Mike came with us, it made a big difference. All the pieces fit."

Just so it doesn't get lost in the shuffle, PC's '03 squad went 10-0 and 26-4. Its headliners were also juniors - point guard Sean Singletary (starring at Virginia; our Player of the Year in '04) and Kurz (Notre Dame).

Zack Zeglinski (playing football at Penn State as a preferred walk-on) was a sophomore and already a sniping guard while the frontcourt included Matt

Ryan (now playing QB at Boston College) and bruiser Mike Boles

(Albright). The main subs were guys destined to focus on other sports in college:

Tony McDevitt (Duke, lacrosse) and Ryan Nanni (Rhode Island, baseball).

"That PC team was very good," Dougherty said. "But I think we're a little bit better."

So there you have it. Most of it... Except the view from here.

I'm going with Episcopal '06. Assuming the referees let everyone play.

When in doubt, and as long as no underlying chemistry problems are sensed, I tend to go with teams that have seniors as their core. This squad was not only senior-laden, it featured two of the very best players in the country, as well as this city's

history.

That makes the difference.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Send e-mail to silaryt@phillynews.com

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What surprised me was the confidence he played with (albeit in just a few minutes) he showed no hesitation.

From everything said after the game that I saw on TV and read in the papers it really seems the players and Coach Brown are focused on winning out and trying to get to 20 wins, getting another home game and of course advancing to the Big Dance.

I was actually surprised how subdued the team was in recieving the AE Championship plate. Without a doubt they jumped around a little but I didn't think they over reacted. It appeared they were happy but had more to do this season.

On a side bar - it was great to see the smiles on the faces of Levi, Jerrad and Jamar who have been here with Coach Brown from the start and the smile on "Sweet Lu's" face as he came here to be with a program that was going to be a winner! Zo of course was quite stoic but did crack little smiles every so often.

Gorvy - Thank You

Does this seem to be a negative thread.

The Danes have won 15 of their last 18.

The coach seems like he has a good feel on what different guys can do in different situations. Here are just a few examples.......

1. Brian Connolly 4 big points vs Maine in limited but important minutes and then last night 6 big points in limited minutes.

2. Siggers playing a big time role in winning a few games and then a lesser role in others.

3. Levi and Lu being stalwarts some games yet getting alot less minutes then they would like in some other games.

This is a team made up of many different parts, Jon Iati is and should be a very important option - just think back to the home win against Binghamton.

Most of all Jon is a "GREAT GUY" let's hope he can hang in there and be a contributor in the remaining games.

I think everyone feels for Jon.

Jon is in a severe slump.

When a team like UVM plays 4 players at 6'7" or bigger at the same time there isn't much time available for Jon.

We have seen Jon struggle offensively and defensively, we have seen Lucious struggle offensively but become a defensive stopper, we have seen Levi lose a starting spot but continue to be the warrior we need and we have seen the emergence of Jason Siggers both offensively and defensively.

There are only so many minutes to be had. Let's hope Jon shakes it off and when his opportunity comes he knocks down some shots and regains his status.

The object of the game is to win and in order to do that the most productive players must get the minutes. At this time it seems Jon isn't the most productive.

Congratulations on creating this board as a great way for all of us to know what's happening in all of UA Athletics and it's great to see that your ongoing efforts now have drawn 205 registered users.

Thank You for persevering UA's early DI years and thanks to your continued efforts Dane Fans throughout the country can discuss their favorite teams and sports in a civil dignified manner.

Please keep up your good work and hopefully someday soon you'll have 300+ members. I say "you" because you are the one who have brought us together.

You personally have been one of the biggest marketers of Dane Athletics, from hoops to track to crew and everything else UA has to offer.

Thank You, Thank You and a special Thank You to Lady DP who allows you to keep us in tune and united.

Does anyone care to describe the get togethers and the environment.

Evidently we had a packed "Across the Street Pub". How was the atmosphere there? How many fans showed up (30-40)?

Was there a gathering on Long Island, in NYC or in Boston or anywhere else?

I heard the friends of our Iowa connection had to go to a "Hooter's" because it was the only place with Direct TV in there area.

I listened on the radio and it seemed like a great atmosphere.

Two things about the game really bugged me.....

1. Isn't it bad enough that the AE officials are terrible in general, do they have to go in front of a national audience and screw their own conference.

2. The one that got away - Times-Union

I am really tired of the TU bull***t

How can a reporter heap the blame on Jamar when he carried us for most of the game and a good part of the season.

When they write about the other DI program from the suburbs, it always seems the "glass is half full"

When the write about the Danes the "Glass is half empty".

I'm considering cancelling my subscription.

How would you like to be Jamar play your butt off for 40 minutes and then the next day read how you hurt your team.

There were plenty of other solid story lines that could have been featured in the article.

Brett Gifford's team Rockbridge....

SOUTHWEST

(Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)

1. Westfield (Spring, TX) 31-0 (1)

2. DeSoto (DeSoto, TX) 31-1 (2)

3. Vashon (St. Louis, MO) 18-2 (3)

4. Seagoville (Dallas, TX) 28-2 (5)

5. Kingwood (Kingwood, TX) 28-5 (4)

6. Santa Fe (Edmond, OK) 16-4 (6)

7. Bishop Kelley (Tulsa, OK) 19-1 (7)

8. Dunbar (Fort Worth, TX) 26-4 (8)

9. Putnam City (Oklahoma City, OK) 17-3 (9)

10. Rock Bridge (Columbia, MO) 21-1 (nr)

11. South Oak Cliff (Dallas, TX) 22-6 (10)

12. Bellaire (Bellaire, TX) 23-5 (12)

13. Bellevue West (Bellevue, NE) 20-1 (14)

14. Jenks (Jenks, OK) 16-3 (nr)

15. Berkner (Richardson, TX) 26-6 (15)

16. Jonesboro (Jonesboro, AR) 18-5 (16)

17. Great Bend (Great Bend, KS) 15-1 (17)

18. Fayetteville (Fayetteville, AR) 18-5 (13)

19. Duncanville (Duncanville, TX) 25-6 (nr)

20. Forrest City (Forrest City, AR) 18-5 (20)

Heck with the extension stuff.

It's time for a new contract.

With his players the coach has proven he can compete in the AE.

9-9 last season - 4th in the AE, when the league was its strongest in years. Teams 1-3 went to the post season.

11-2 so far this season ( no worse than 2nd).

Over the last 2 seasons 20-11 in conference. 16-8 overall this season is a great accomplishment considering we were 5 -23 in 03/04.

The administration gave Brown a great opportunity when Beeten was let go and they asked him to be the Interim Coach.

Finishing the last 2/3 of the season he was evaluated and the interim was taken away and he was awarded a 3 year deal.

The administration has had 3 more years to evaluate him and as he the young coach promised he has built a program the right way and put UA in a position to be competitive in the AE year in and out.

Therefore, it is my opinion, that with his players he has brought UA into the top half of the conference - reward him with a new contract that is on par with those coaches in the top half of the conference in regard to salary and length of contract. That would seem to be a fair solution.

put this UA Fan in his place - B9j2j6s

I would have used the wording Fan not UA Fan because I think this smells of something underhanded.

1. It should be hard to attack a coach whose team has won 14 of its last 16

2. Jamar Wilson is rarely pulled for a mistake. He's avg 35+ mpg.

3. Lillis is a known favorite of Will Brown - Brown always compliments him for his intensity and BBall IQ.

I believe over the past three seasons Brown has shown us he is capable of doing what he promised - develop a program and compete for an AE Title.

5-13

13-15

16-8 (and still playing)

Our friends over on the Siena board have another UA thread this time on the TU letter regarding Coach Brown.

Some are assinine, some are understanding fans with solid opinions and then there's the pompous condescending Tony.

But what counts is that you know that they know we're in town.

I find it somewhat amusing how some, not many over there are arrogant and ignorant.

MIKE YOCUM

different stat line then other reports but I guess he still had a solid outing and the big guy knocked down some clutch FTs.

From NJHOOPS

The deep and talented St. Patrick's team could not overcome the top 1-2 combination in the country, especially when they received a little help. 6 foot 5 Gerald Henderson and 6 foot 4 Wayne Ellington from Episcopal Academy are the top pair of teammates in the country. The ACC bound guards were both brilliant in the Churchmen's 60 - 55 win. Got to love that nickname, but the Churchmen were anything but benevolent to St. Patrick's. Ellington finished with 21 points and 14 boards while Henderson had 19 and 8 including the 2,000th point of his career. Episcopal got a big boost from 6 foot 9 Albany bound Sr. Mike Yocum who had 9 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocks. The big fellow hit 4-4 free throws late in the game. The bright spot for St. Pat's was 6 foot 1 Villanova bound Jr. Corey Fisher who continued to enhance his reputation as a big game player with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Reid Anderson's Team ranked 3rd in Cleveland...

CLEVELAND

1. Solon--16-1

2. Bedford--15-2

3. Lakewood St. Edwards--14-4

4. Mentor--13-4

5. Va/Joes--13-4

6. Euclid--13-5

7. Strongsville--13-3

8. Rocky River Lutheran West--17-0

9. Midpark--16-1

10. St. Ignatius--11-6

From UA arhives.....

 

UALBANY HEAD COACH TRINA PATTERSON RECEIVES TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

 

    Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced today that head women’s basketball coach Trina Patterson has received a two-year contract extension.

 

    Patterson, who has two years remaining on her original four-year contract, was named the ninth head coach in the Albany women’s basketball program’s history on May 6, 2002.

 

    "I am extremely pleased with the progress that our program has made," McElroy said. "Trina and her staff have provided strong leadership and a positive environment for our student-athletes. The program’s improvement over the last two years has paved the way for continued success."

 

    Coach Patterson led UAlbany to its first-ever America East Conference postseason tournament appearance in 2003-04. The Great Danes, who finished 13-16 overall, and tied for fourth in the conference standings with a 9-9 mark, defeated Hartford in the quarterfinal round, before losing to eventual champion Maine in the semifinals.

 

    With Patterson at the helm, the UAlbany program showed a five-win improvement from the previous year with a 9-18 record in 2002-03. The Great Danes were 4-23 and winless in conference play the season prior to her appointment.

 

    "I am excited about the opportunity to continue to move our program in a positive direction," said Patterson, who served as an assistant coach on the 2003 USA Basketball Women’s Pan American Games Team. "This extension is a clear indication the administration is pleased with our efforts. Dr. McElroy, Gail Cummings-Danson (associate athletics director) and the entire University administration have been very supportive. I am thankful to my players and staff whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in our progress."

Evidently Patterson was signed in 2002 to a 4 year deal, that puts you through 2006 plus the 2 year extension should guarantee her to 2008.

I'm pretty sure the scholly will be used if Brown is retained.

He has stated all along that he wants to build a program that can compete every year for the AE Championship.

If you have scholarships available I guess they should be used. Recruiting is definitely an inexact science - every scholarship you give out give you a better chance of finding that special player.

A couple of options I see are.....

1. An real athletic player with Levi's type warrior attitude but a little more size is needed (I think). That type of player almost always goes higher than the AE.

2. A JC athletic PF who can score around the Hoop.

3. A Transfer - a Big like a ZO who will have to sit a year.

We still need to develop a better overall offensive presence on the interior if we want to stay near the top of the AE year in and year out.

It's great to be a fan and know everything and yet not be responsible for anything. I haven't lost a game from this keyboard ever - most of my astute observations are full of hindsight.

B9j2j6s - Thanks for the Crew update - it's good to have someone out there keeping us updated on what's happening in UA Athletics.

There are some sports that many of us know little about. I think I'll wait for them to hit the water before I venture out to see them compete.

Talking about seeing them compete where is their home venue?

GO UA CREW

From what I've heard - Reid is quite similar to Lillis except he is more offensive minded.

Gifford's team is ranked #1 in Missouri and the Bear is playing very well on a well balanced team.

Yocum has played consistently well against a very strong schedule as the third cog at Episcopal.

and Mike Knight has hit 13 of 22 from 3 pt land ovet St Petersburgs last 5 games. St Pete's is tied for first in their conference.

4 recruits all who have played in winning programs against solid competition.

Mike Yocum from HOOPSCOOP....

Episcopal defeated St Patrick's of NJ at the Primetime Shootout in Trenton, NJ

Of course Episcopal was led by Ellington and Henderson but they had this to say about Yocum

And St Patrick's also didn't seem to have an answer for the solid performance inside by 6'9 Mike Yocum, who finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven blocked shots for Merion Station (Episcopal Academy) PA.

From HOOPMASTER....

 

Merion Station, PA Episcopal Academy 60 - Elizabeth, NJ St. Patrick's 55

 

Top Performers: Episcopal Academy: Wayne Ellington 6-4 WG 22 points / 14 rebounds; Gerald Henderson 6-5 WF 19 points; Mike Yocum 6-8 C 11 points. St. Patrick's: Corey Fisher 6-0 (JR) PG 23 points / 5 assists.

The best thing that could happen is for the Danes to win the regular season conference championship.

I think it would be hard not to give the POY to Jamar if the Danes won it.

In my mind he deserves it but I'm a bias Dane Fan

Two seasons ago the Danes won 5 game the entire season. This year we're 8 games over .500

Prior to the 03/04 season, rather than go for a quick fix Coach Brown made a commitment to do what he thought was best for the program "LONGTERM".

Instead of having 2 players who would be eligible right away he had Lu and Zo sitting out their required year after transferring and when Jamar was hurt rather then try to go with him subpar and steal a few more wins the coach redshirted him for Jamar's benefit.

Now this season we have had winning streaks of 8 and 6 (and still counting) both better than the win total of the 03/04 season. We also have our first winning season at the DI level.

Hopefully it will be rembered that Jamar and Levi were the cornerstone recruits who suffered through the early years and who along with ALL their teammates deserve alot of credit for perservering and advancing the program.

The UVM game should be a game we as fans should comeout and show our appreciation for the seniors Levi, Knotts, Lu and ZO. All great guys who have represented the school well.