Still Alive

Hey guys (especially Mr. Lenzi)I wanted to make sure you all know that I'm still working on this blog. I've been busy with the play lately and I missed the Connelsville game. I've been trying to make it to a few girls games but I really haven't had a chance lately. But anyway I'll provide a little analysis here. GS still appears to be one of the top teams in the WPIAL. The main issue for them right now though is going for the section title. While Laurel Highlands is a formidable opponent,I feel that GS matches up very well with them. I honestly do not believe that any team in the section other than Laurel Highlands can defeat GS and the match up between the two teams at GS in February will most likely determine the section winner. The WPIAL playoffs are a whole different story. Chartiers Valley appears to be stacked, despite not having star sophomore Wayne Capers Jr. on the court. T.J McConnell continues to show why Duquesne offered him a scholarship his junior year despite his size. Hampton also appears to be every bit as good as they were last year when the won the WPIAL title and then lost in the state semifinals to this one team, someone please remind me who that was.... If GS wins the section, they have a very good chance at winning a WPIAL championship. This team has experience along with balanced scoring. The rest of the season should be exciting.

Down to the Wire

When Casey Hope is on, the GS boys' basketball team does not lose. Not only does Hope have this prestigious distinction, he also has found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (just kidding.)

Behind Hope's 24 points, GS overcame a slow start to win 59-52 over Indiana last night at the GSHS Gymnasium. Kevin Stapleton led Indiana with 21 points and was key in a third quarter comeback for Indiana. After both teams combined for 9 points in the first quarter, GS found their shooting touch behind the sweet shot of Jake Matthews. A turnover plagued third quarter led to an Indiana run in the third where they would eventually take the lead. Despite the slow third quarter for the Lions, Trey Parsley hit a clutch three pointer at the end of the quarter to put GS up 40-38. The first half of the fourth quarter was an up and down affair, but Hope once again through with two steals that lead to fast break points. GS eventually pulled ahead and took the lead for good.

The Fall of the Trojans

If only the Derry Area Trojans were as successful as the actual Trojans in their attack against the opponent's defense...

In a Section 3-AAA match up tonight at the GSHS Auditorium, GS completely dominated Derry winning 77-25. During finals week for the GS players and student fans, this was a laugher. Jake Matthews lead the Lions with 12 points in limited action due to the lead that GS posted on hapless Derry. Derry was plagued by turnovers the entire game and did not score a point until there was a minute left in the first quarter. GS dominated with sheer athleticism and talent and Derry's players were pressured all night. The fourth quarter served as a fifth quarter to the JV game, and few varsity players participated in the action. While this game was an obvious outclassing by GS, it provided solid experience for the talented JV squad as well as providing the varsity players a break during the long season.

Notes n' 'At

-GS boy's basketball went into the game against Southmoreland last night looking to unload some frustration after a disappointing loss to Laurel Highlands on Friday night. Poor, poor little Scotties. Behind a 20 point effort from Jake Matthews, GS rolled to a 73-50 victory over the outmatched Southmoreland squad.

-Jake Matthews put his name in the GS record books last night as he surpassed the 1,000 point mark. Matthews is a three year starter for the team and has proven to be the star on this years team. He was also a key contributor during last year's run to the state final. Congratulations Jake and good luck at Cornell!

-GS will take on Derry on Tuesday night at 7:30 at the GSHS Gymnasium. My prediction is that GS will have no trouble with this Derry team and produce a big win.

Mid Season Awards

Whats up ya'll? So after sulking over hearing the result of the game against LH last night (GS lost 67-62 in OT) I decided to pick my mid season award winners to comfort the players and the members of the Salem Psychos. Enjoy!

Team MVP: Jake Matthews
Matthews has been nothing short of outstanding this year and is certainly living up to the hype that he had coming into the season. He will soon pass the 1000 point mark and has lead the Golden Lions to a solid start with his sweet shooting and his leadership. Cornell picked up a good one when Matthews signed with them and GS is lucky to have a player of his caliber.

Most Improved Player: Casey Hope
Hope epitomizes the GS mindset of being and underdog. Despite his stature, Hope has made it a smooth transition from the days of Chris Klimchock. There were many other candidates for this award since the entire lineup other than Matthews are new but the fact that Hope had to replace Klimchock put him over the edge.

Defensive MVP: Raevann Mottley:
Ok, I know that defensive MVP is a football award but Mottley truly deserves this title. Despite being only 6'2, Mottley has provided a presence in the post that has prevented teams with more size from taking advantage of the small GS lineup. Mottley almost reminds me of Dejuan Blair (though obviously much smaller) because of his long arms and his vertical leap. He also provides a physicality to the team that his reflective of his play on the football field.

Best Game: GS vs. Hempfield
This game was everything that it was hyped up to be and more. After falling behind the Spartans in the first half, GS stormed back in the second and pulled out a huge victory in the heated rivalry due to hot shooting from all around. Did it give me any closure after being on the field for the 40-7 massacre in football? Oh not even close. The Psychos were able to hold their chins up high and talk a little trash...just a little.

King of the Hill

On Friday night, GS will take on Laurel Highlands in a battle between the top teams in the section. This will be a tough game for both teams due to the lethal scorers. Unfortunately, I will not be able to cover this game because of the travel involved. I will however give you a preview of the contest. The key to the success of GS will be their defense. Ethan Mildren of Laurel Highland is a threat from the inside and out and I feel that GS may have trouble guarding him in a man-to-man defense because no one on the team has comparable size to him. Limiting the amount of looks that LH get from behind the 3 point line will be key for GS. If they are able to slow down LH, I feel that they have the ability to pull away with their balanced offensive attack. LH, like most other WPIAL teams, will have trouble defending the dual-threat Jake Matthews who can bring a team down on the drive or from behind the three point line. My prediction is a 63-58 victory for GS.

My Take

This victory showed once again how lethal GS is all around. The shooting on the team is impressive and I would be willing to say that this years team may be more balanced that last years state runner up team. Despite the slow start tonight, GS was able to cruise ahead to an easy victory due to hot shooting all around. As I have said before, Raevonn Mottley's presence on the floor is key to the teams success. His rebounding as well as his slashing style allows for dangerous shooters all over the floor to get open. T.J Olesky continues to provide a presence from behind the 3 point line and Casey Hope continues to prove the doubters wrong who said that he could not replace start point guard Chris Klimchock. Paul Sapotichne has done a great job in developing this team and they have a lot of potential.

The Mount isn't looking too Pleasant

The first half of the Greensburg Salem boy's basketball game against Mt. Pleasant (5-6) looked more like one of the numerous football games that the two schools have played against each other in the past. Unfortunately for Mt. Pleasant, Greensburg Salem took it to the hardwood in the second half.

After both teams played a rather ugly first half plagued by turnovers and missed shots, the Lions were able to pull ahead during a furious run in the third quarter where they outscored Mt. Pleasant 25-11. Jake Matthews lead all scorers with 20 points and Casey Hope added 18 to the explosive offense. Mt. Pleasant struggled to score in the second half and once Matthews starting hitting shots in the third and fourth quarter, they were unable to stop the bleeding. The Lions continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter and won the game by a score of 70-48.

My Take Pt 2.

The contest last night showed the true potential and heart of Greensburg Salem. Beating Uniontown to loose balls and out-rebounding them significantly, the Lions showed that they are ready for section play. The team also answered the question of whether they could succeed without having a big game from Jake Matthews. Matthews unselfishly setup his teammates throughout the game, allowing for the offense to dominate the sluggish Uniontown defense. The question that obviously remains is will this play continue? I felt that the victory over Hempfield showed that this team has the potential to have another special season. With the leadership of Matthews, a key contributor to last year's state runner up team, I feel that anything is possible.

Starting Out With a Bang

The Greensburg Salem boys' basketball team showed section 3-AAA last night that they mean business in a 74-46 victory over Uniontown last night.

The Lions offense rolled from the outset and the Red Raiders were unable to slow down their hot shooting. Casey Hope lead all scorers with 15 points and Trey Parsley contributed 13. Semori Wilson lead the Red Raiders with 15 points, though the rest of the team struggled mightily. Greensburg Salem beat Uniontown to most of the loose balls throughout the contest as well as holding a significant edge in rebounding. Though Uniontown succeeded in their plan to defend Jake Matthews, he was able to contribute by setting his teammates up, as the Lions opened up a large lead in the first quarter and carried it throughout the game.