Written Saturday February 27th, at 12:48 AM
Hey all, sorry about last week, but it's been pretty hectic with the basketball seasons winding down, ah playoff basketball, fever is in the air and nothing could come what has happened in the last two weeks of the season.
Lets start with the Dragon Ladies. The Ladies came into their final three games of the season after suffering not one but two heartbreaking losses to the two top teams in the OAA Red, Southfield Lathrup 50-48 on Wednesday on a tough fade away jumper, and to North Farmington 49-48 last Thursday Night on a fast break contested lay up.
Everything was perfect for the Dragons to win the game against North Farmington, they held Oakland University recruit Jenna Bachrouche to zero, you heard it right zero points the entire game. Plus add another Courtney Zott moment from last season, when Orion shooting guard Maddi Gagen gave the Dragons a 48-47 lead with 9.6 seconds remaining in the game. However there was one main difference from last year's game, that gave Orion the 55-54 win over North Farmington and this years game. It was the fact that the Raiders scored to win the game as time expired with 2.5 seconds left in the game, and this time the Raiders broke the Dragons hearts yet again as the Raiders stormed the court and celebrated their miraculous win, while the Dragons watched.
Still stinging from the loss to North Farmington, the Dragons suffered yet another tough and painful loss. This painful loss came on Wednesday night at the hands of Southfield Lathrup, only this time it wasn't a contested lay up that would beat the Dragons, it would be a tough fade away jumper that would beat the Dragons, once it hit the net was nothing Orion could have done to defend it, as time ran out. It sealed the win for the Chargers as they stormed the court in celebration and beat the Dragons 50-48, it also broke the Dragons hearts yet again.
Two home losses in a span of six days, wait a minute let me say that again, it was two heartbreaking losses for the Dragons that went down to the final buzzer, and also add the Pontiac loss at Sy Green Gym, which also went to overtime, in which the Dragons had a chance to win that game, that game counts as three heartbreaking losses for this team.
However before the Lathrup heartbreak on Wednesday, the Dragons had a game on Tuesday night at home. They used a balanced scoring attack of Jackie Hood, Alexis Haan, Maddi Gagen, Marissa Secontine, Alyssa Wesley, and Dana Schrauben against the last place in the OAA Red Lakers of West Bloomfield. The six players that were mentioned scored 52 of the team's 56 points, in rout to a 56-31 win over the Lakers. The Dragons defense also limited freshman star point guard Sydney Davis to just nine points in the contest and never let the Lakers play their style of game, at the Green House, unlike the last time these two teams met at West Bloomfield, the Dragons however won that game 59-49, and survived Sydney Davis 28 points.
On Friday in the last regular season game of the season the Dragons traveled to Clarkston for a highly anticipated rivalry game with the Wolves of Clarkston. Clarkston entered the game 6-12 overall and 4-9 in the OAA Red. The rivalry is not only in Girls Basketball, but also in Football, Baseball, Track, Boys Basketball, Softball, etc. Also add the fact that the Dragons beat the Wolves 38-32 at the Green House prior to this match up. Rivalry said Clarkston's long time respective and beloved announcer Dale Ryan, "Just another day in the Lake Orion/Clarkston rivalry" and he was right, it was just another chapter of the Lake Orion/Clarkston rivalry that had to be played out.
It was pretty much an ugly game throughout. Both teams turned the ball over numerous times, the Dragons 26 turnovers to the Wolves 21 turnovers. The first half turnovers was also nightmarish (Lake Orion 14 first half turnovers to Clarkston's eight). The foul situation for the Dragons was also a tough go, the Dragons had three players (Hood, Haan, and Secontine) with two fouls each. However the Wolves had some trouble of their own with their star player Kaliegh Kenny, Kenny also had two fouls in the first half. The Dragons were only up a dismal 12-10 score at the half. The free throw shooting was just a nightmare to watch on both sides, especially in the first half with Orion going one for six, while Clarkston went two for six at the free throw line. For the whole game Orion went two for 11 on the free throw line, while Clarkston went five for 12 from the line, which won't win you a lot of games.
Orion went on a major run late in the third quarter, it turned out to be the difference maker in the game, thanks to a three pointer by Jamie Tasco that began a 16-5 run in the third quarter, and continued throughout into the fourth quarter to eventually close out the game. The Dragons went on and won by an ugly 28-17 victory over Clarkston, sending it's record to 12-8 overall and a tie for fourth place in the OAA Red with a 6-8 division record. Orion Center Marissa Secontine scored eight points to lead the Dragon attack in the victory over the Wolves.
The Dragons (12-8, 6-8 OAA Red) now enter districts with some momentum, as they prepare to host their district, when the Rochester Adams Highlanders (12-8, 9-5 OAA White) come a calling to the Green House on Monday night at 7 PM. Earlier in the season the Dragons defeated the Highlanders 46-33 at Adams. The winner of the Orion/Adams showdown will meet the returning Megan Heiden (who walked out during the Troy game) and her Rochester Falcons (11-9, 9-5 OAA Red) on Wednesday Night at the Green House. The other half of the district features the Oxford Wildcats (11-9, 11-7 Flint Metro League) taking on the Romeo Bulldogs (13-7, 6-4 Macomb Area Conference White) on Monday at the Dog Pound at Romeo High School. Also the Clarkston Wolves (6-14, 4-10 OAA Red) will take on the Stoney Creek Cougars (13-7,11-3 OAA White) at 5:30 PM on Monday Night at the Green House. Earlier in the season Clarkston beat Stoney Creek without their star player Kaleigh Kenny 46-45 at Clarkston, so two rematches on Monday should be interesting.
The JV ladies finished the 2009-2010 season 8-12, while the freshman ladies finished the season 4-13, good season ladies.
The Lake Orion Boys basketball team had a tough two game home stretch to hope to contend for an OAA White Championship, however that dream was broken by both Birmingham Seaholm and Stoney Creek. Then on Friday the team traveled to Troy to face off against the always dangerous Troy Athens Red Hawks.
The Dragon Boys fell in a showdown of titans last Tuesday night, 80-78 in overtime to Seaholm. Derek Schrauben led the charge with 24 points in the loss for the Dragons. Newly Michigan Football recruit Shawn Conway scored 31 points, with six three pointers to lead all scorers, Christian Pino scored 13 points, and Florida International recruit Richaud Pack scored 21 points for Seaholm. The game was tied 69-69 after four quarters requiring the overtime session. Seaholm took the lead for good after a huge three pointer by Pino to give them a 72-69 lead in the overtime session, however the Dragons kept battling back, and even getting back down to one, 79-78 with five seconds remaining in the overtime session but it wasn't enough and Seaholm took home a huge victory over the Dragons, as it moves one step closer to the OAA White championship.
After the tough loss to Seaholm, Orion took on Stoney Creek last Friday Night, a team that has given the Dragons fits everytime they play the Cougars. Earlier in the season the Cougars embarrassed the Dragons 68-49 at Stoney Creek, so everyone thought the Dragons would play a lot better this time around, well not exactly. Things got worse off the get go for the Dragons in the first half, especially in the second quarter. The first quarter the Dragons only trailed 16-12 to the Cougars, but the second quarter it was all Cougars. Stoney Creek went on a 24-6 run, led by their main catalyst in Jake Fortner. Fortner scored 12 of his 21 points in the second quarter, to give the Cougars a shocking and stunning 40-18 lead at the half. In the second half Orion worked it's way back from a 22 point deficit to cut it to five points with 14 seconds left in the game but it wasn't meant to be. The Dragons fell for the second time this season to the Cougars 61-55, what makes this loss worse is that Stoney Creek is the Dragons first round playoff opponent in two weeks at Clarkston.
After a week off, the Dragons had to rebound with a date against Troy Athens. However things did not go well again with the Dragons, they trailed 14-8 early in the second quarter. After a timeout Orion Coach Mike Shafkalis decided to see if they could run a fast pace type of game and bring all sorts of pressure on the Red Hawks, and cut into this deficit. It worked to perfection if your a Dragon fan, and they looked like a new team. The Dragons then went on a 13-3 run to close out the second quarter and take a 21-17 lead at half. The third quarter saw the Dragons go on a 14-2 run to start the third quarter, and take a 35-19 lead. However the Red Hawks had an answer of their own, they went on a 12-2 run of their own, cutting the Dragons lead to 37-31 early in the fourth quarter but it wasn't mean to be for the Red Hawks. The Dragons snapped their two game losing streak, winning 50-43 on the road at Troy Athens, in a game they needed desperately to gain some confidence heading into a big showdown with Rochester Adams on the road on Tuesday night. The Dragons were led by Alex Mayo's 15 points, Derek Schrauben's 13 points, and Ian Monk's eight points.
Orion now stands at 11-7 overall, and 8-4 in the OAA White, now plays second place Rochester Adams on Tuesday night. The Highlanders (14-4, 10-2 OAA White) blew out Berkley 78-48 on Friday night, after getting crushed by Clarkston 60-35 last Tuesday night. The Dragons do own a win over Adams 45-38, at Lake Orion, so this game is going to be interesting in that department. On Thursday they host the Troy Colts (7-11, 3-9 OAA White) for their last Boys Basketball game of the regular season before districts start at Clarkston next week against Stoney Creek. Thursday is also Seniors night as well.
The JV boys record is a mystery after suffering their fourth loss of the season to Troy Athens Friday night. They fell 52-42 to the Red Hawks, now their record is now 14-4 overall and 9-3 in the OAA White. The Freshman boys improved their record to 16-1, and 12-0 in the OAA White with a comfortable 65-40 win over Troy Athens on Thursday Afternoon. Both teams will travel to Adams and play the Highlanders at 4 PM and 5:30 respectably on Tuesday night and then the freshman travel to Troy for their last basketball game of the regular season against the Colts while the JV host Troy on Thursday.
This week should be an interesting one, of course districts start in the girls while the boys wait another week, well see you next week and GO GREEN.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Boys and Girls get into double figures in wins
Written Monday February 15th at 8:04 PM
This week the Lake Orion Varsity Boys and Girls teams played one game each this week,the girls game with Southfield Lathrup was postponed to Wednesday February 24th because of Tuesday and Wednesday's snowstorm. The Boys traveled to Rochester to take on the Falcons on Thursday Night, and the Girls traveled to Troy to take on the improving Colts on Friday Night.
The Lake Orion Girls basketball team went into Troy, losers of two straight coming into the contest let out their own set of anger Friday Night, as they outscored the Colts 17-2 in the first quarter in rout to a 35-28 victory over the Colts. Dragon Center Alexis Haan had 12 points, while small forward Jackie Hood scored six points, and had ten rebounds. Shooting guard Maddi Gagen added six points, on two three pointers before leaving with an injury in the second quarter, and Jamie Tasco added six points and two blocks leading the Dragon attack. Liz Siepker had seven points and Karin Moss added six points off two three pointers for the Colts.
The Dragon ladies are now 10-6 overall, and 4-6 in OAA Red play. They play North Farmington on Thursday night at Lake Orion. The Raiders lead the Red, coming in at 12-3, and 9-1 in the OAA Red, with their only league loss to Rochester. They are led by Oakland University bound Center Jenna Bachroughe, along with Senior small forward Lyndsey Booker and Sophomore point guard Jasmine Harris. In the first meeting the Raiders beat the Dragons 57-45, after a technical foul against Alexis Haan cost the Dragons that one, after they were down 44-40 with six minutes left in that one.
The JV ladies suffered a heartbreaking loss to Troy 33-32, they are now 8-8 overall, and 4-6 in the OAA Red. The Freshman ladies also fell to Troy 35-23, after having chances in that game, now they are 4-10 overall, and 2-8 in the OAA Red. Both teams play North Farmington on Thursday with the Freshman traveling to North Farmington to play the Raiders while the JV host the Raiders for the early game.
The Dragons Boys basketball team traveled for their last game of a three game road trip against last place Rochester on Thursday night, but the Falcons did not play the role of a last place team and almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the OAA White standings. However it wasn't meant to be as the Dragons went into Rochester and beat the Falcons 52-47 in a hard fought game, in what could be a possible second place showdown in districts, if both teams get there. The Dragons did trail by four points on two occasions, 38-34, and 40-36 before coming from behind and winning the game.
The Dragons were led by Senior Center Ian Monk, who had 12 points, shooting guard Alex Mayo had a poor night offensively, but he was six for six at the free throw line and added nine points. Small forward Derek Schrauben added eight points. Point guard Steve Dolinski added seven points, and reserve forward Evan Dream hit two timely three pointers for the Dragons with six points. Nick Bradley, and Allante Thompson scored ten points each, while Billy Klotz added nine points and Nick O Neal's eight points led the Falcons attack.
The Dragon boys are now 10-5 overall and 7-2 in OAA White play. They now have two games this week, both games will be at Orion. They set up a big first place showdown in the OAA White Tuesday night with the 14-1 overall and 8-1 in the OAA White Birmingham Seaholm. The last time Seaholm played on a Tuesday they lost to Adams in a tough one 47-42 at Adams last Tuesday night. The Maples are led by Florida International recruit and Isiah Thomas idol in Senior shooting guard Richaud Pack, who averages about 25 points per game, his partner in crime in Junior Shawn Conway, who is one of the best centers and shot blockers in the OAA, also Bloomfield Hills Andover transfer point guard Christian Pino and Buddy Ellis are big helpers for the Maples attack. Earlier in the season the Dragons fell 62-54 at Seaholm, thanks to Pack's 26 points most of them were at the free throw line and Conway's 20 points in that game.
The next game after Seaholm could be a district preview with Stoney Creek on Friday night. Both Orion and Stoney Creek do play each other in the first round of the district playoffs at Clarkston in March. The Creek is coming in 11-3 overall in 6-3 in the OAA White. The Cougars are led by Senior hard working shooting guard Jake Fortner, who has carried them in a few games this season. The Cougars are also big in size and height, so this game could be interesting Friday night when it comes to rebounding. The last time they met it was a 19 point beat down by the Cougars 68-49, when the Dragons did not play well in that game, and only trailed 25-23 at halftime down at their place. Friday should fun at the Lake Orion Field House
The JV boys suffered a shocker to the Falcons, losing 61-53, being out rebounded and outplayed by the Falcons. The JV boys dropped to 13-2 overall, and 8-1 in OAA White play, while the Freshman boys defeated Rochester 67-45 at home, increasing their mark to 13-1 overall and 9-0 in OAA White play. Both teams will play Birmingham Seaholm on Tuesday, the freshman traveling to Seaholm, while the JV host the Maples. Then on Friday the freshman and JV boys teams will both be home when they play Stoney Creek.
This should be an interesting week, so GO GREEN.
This week the Lake Orion Varsity Boys and Girls teams played one game each this week,the girls game with Southfield Lathrup was postponed to Wednesday February 24th because of Tuesday and Wednesday's snowstorm. The Boys traveled to Rochester to take on the Falcons on Thursday Night, and the Girls traveled to Troy to take on the improving Colts on Friday Night.
The Lake Orion Girls basketball team went into Troy, losers of two straight coming into the contest let out their own set of anger Friday Night, as they outscored the Colts 17-2 in the first quarter in rout to a 35-28 victory over the Colts. Dragon Center Alexis Haan had 12 points, while small forward Jackie Hood scored six points, and had ten rebounds. Shooting guard Maddi Gagen added six points, on two three pointers before leaving with an injury in the second quarter, and Jamie Tasco added six points and two blocks leading the Dragon attack. Liz Siepker had seven points and Karin Moss added six points off two three pointers for the Colts.
The Dragon ladies are now 10-6 overall, and 4-6 in OAA Red play. They play North Farmington on Thursday night at Lake Orion. The Raiders lead the Red, coming in at 12-3, and 9-1 in the OAA Red, with their only league loss to Rochester. They are led by Oakland University bound Center Jenna Bachroughe, along with Senior small forward Lyndsey Booker and Sophomore point guard Jasmine Harris. In the first meeting the Raiders beat the Dragons 57-45, after a technical foul against Alexis Haan cost the Dragons that one, after they were down 44-40 with six minutes left in that one.
The JV ladies suffered a heartbreaking loss to Troy 33-32, they are now 8-8 overall, and 4-6 in the OAA Red. The Freshman ladies also fell to Troy 35-23, after having chances in that game, now they are 4-10 overall, and 2-8 in the OAA Red. Both teams play North Farmington on Thursday with the Freshman traveling to North Farmington to play the Raiders while the JV host the Raiders for the early game.
The Dragons Boys basketball team traveled for their last game of a three game road trip against last place Rochester on Thursday night, but the Falcons did not play the role of a last place team and almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the OAA White standings. However it wasn't meant to be as the Dragons went into Rochester and beat the Falcons 52-47 in a hard fought game, in what could be a possible second place showdown in districts, if both teams get there. The Dragons did trail by four points on two occasions, 38-34, and 40-36 before coming from behind and winning the game.
The Dragons were led by Senior Center Ian Monk, who had 12 points, shooting guard Alex Mayo had a poor night offensively, but he was six for six at the free throw line and added nine points. Small forward Derek Schrauben added eight points. Point guard Steve Dolinski added seven points, and reserve forward Evan Dream hit two timely three pointers for the Dragons with six points. Nick Bradley, and Allante Thompson scored ten points each, while Billy Klotz added nine points and Nick O Neal's eight points led the Falcons attack.
The Dragon boys are now 10-5 overall and 7-2 in OAA White play. They now have two games this week, both games will be at Orion. They set up a big first place showdown in the OAA White Tuesday night with the 14-1 overall and 8-1 in the OAA White Birmingham Seaholm. The last time Seaholm played on a Tuesday they lost to Adams in a tough one 47-42 at Adams last Tuesday night. The Maples are led by Florida International recruit and Isiah Thomas idol in Senior shooting guard Richaud Pack, who averages about 25 points per game, his partner in crime in Junior Shawn Conway, who is one of the best centers and shot blockers in the OAA, also Bloomfield Hills Andover transfer point guard Christian Pino and Buddy Ellis are big helpers for the Maples attack. Earlier in the season the Dragons fell 62-54 at Seaholm, thanks to Pack's 26 points most of them were at the free throw line and Conway's 20 points in that game.
The next game after Seaholm could be a district preview with Stoney Creek on Friday night. Both Orion and Stoney Creek do play each other in the first round of the district playoffs at Clarkston in March. The Creek is coming in 11-3 overall in 6-3 in the OAA White. The Cougars are led by Senior hard working shooting guard Jake Fortner, who has carried them in a few games this season. The Cougars are also big in size and height, so this game could be interesting Friday night when it comes to rebounding. The last time they met it was a 19 point beat down by the Cougars 68-49, when the Dragons did not play well in that game, and only trailed 25-23 at halftime down at their place. Friday should fun at the Lake Orion Field House
The JV boys suffered a shocker to the Falcons, losing 61-53, being out rebounded and outplayed by the Falcons. The JV boys dropped to 13-2 overall, and 8-1 in OAA White play, while the Freshman boys defeated Rochester 67-45 at home, increasing their mark to 13-1 overall and 9-0 in OAA White play. Both teams will play Birmingham Seaholm on Tuesday, the freshman traveling to Seaholm, while the JV host the Maples. Then on Friday the freshman and JV boys teams will both be home when they play Stoney Creek.
This should be an interesting week, so GO GREEN.
Walking Out on Teammates, not a good thing in Basketball
Written Monday February 15th at 7:07 PM
This latest blog entry doesn't involve the Orion basketball team though but this may have implications once playoff time approaches in March.
Last Tuesday night the Orion girls basketball team was snowed out against Southfield Lathrup and that game has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 24th at Lake Orion High School
Anyway there were some games played on Tuesday night, and one of them was a total shame to the game of basketball. It was a girls basketball game between Rochester High School and Troy High School, at Rochester High School that has the attention of the Dragons Den.
In the third quarter, there was an offensive foul called against Falcons Senior power forward Megan Heiden. Heiden was so upset at the call that she got into an argument with not only the referees, but also with her head coach Adam Sheldon as she walked to the bench. Instead of just sitting there on the bench. Heiden upset, frustrated, and furious at both the refs and her own coaching staff grabbed her bag, and left the gymnasium. Rochester ended up losing the game to Troy 41-33, but the bigger story was Heiden walking out on her own teammates.
Her teammates had to be shocked and stunned at what they saw, even the coaching staff as well. They had to be just betrayed at what happened, and this is probably a new low for not only her but also her own teammates and the Rochester community as well. Just last season the Falcons went through so much, with the problems they had and also the ups and downs to their season. They haven't been the same team when Jeff Haney went down from coaching Varsity to Freshman. Unfortunately it has been a sad situation at Rochester because what had happened this past week.
Basketball is an emotional game, but walking out on your team is unacceptable and a disgrace to the game, sort of like what the Bay Boys did after the lost the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals to the Chicago Bulls.
Apparently according to sources Heiden got a two game suspension from Sheldon and his staff. However there are some people that want Sheldon to kick Heiden off the team for good for what she did Tuesday night. Sure you have people upset and frustrated with the way they are playing and the way the game is called like Heiden did, but walking out on your teammates is the ultimate betrayal because they work equally as hard as they do and it also showed a sign of selfishness in her part. Her teammates will still love her like a sister and a teammate, but can the coaching staff trust her right now? that's the question we do not know.
If she is out for a long period of time this severely damages Rochester's playoff hopes, in a loaded district with Lake Orion, Adams, Romeo, and Stoney Creek. This could not have came at a worse time for the Falcons. Nobody knows what will happen with Megan Heiden yet, but a punishment is coming soon for her, will she be out two games or the entire season, now is going to be the test for Adam Sheldon in his first year coaching to do what is not only right for his team but also the future of Falcon Basketball in Rochester.
This latest blog entry doesn't involve the Orion basketball team though but this may have implications once playoff time approaches in March.
Last Tuesday night the Orion girls basketball team was snowed out against Southfield Lathrup and that game has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 24th at Lake Orion High School
Anyway there were some games played on Tuesday night, and one of them was a total shame to the game of basketball. It was a girls basketball game between Rochester High School and Troy High School, at Rochester High School that has the attention of the Dragons Den.
In the third quarter, there was an offensive foul called against Falcons Senior power forward Megan Heiden. Heiden was so upset at the call that she got into an argument with not only the referees, but also with her head coach Adam Sheldon as she walked to the bench. Instead of just sitting there on the bench. Heiden upset, frustrated, and furious at both the refs and her own coaching staff grabbed her bag, and left the gymnasium. Rochester ended up losing the game to Troy 41-33, but the bigger story was Heiden walking out on her own teammates.
Her teammates had to be shocked and stunned at what they saw, even the coaching staff as well. They had to be just betrayed at what happened, and this is probably a new low for not only her but also her own teammates and the Rochester community as well. Just last season the Falcons went through so much, with the problems they had and also the ups and downs to their season. They haven't been the same team when Jeff Haney went down from coaching Varsity to Freshman. Unfortunately it has been a sad situation at Rochester because what had happened this past week.
Basketball is an emotional game, but walking out on your team is unacceptable and a disgrace to the game, sort of like what the Bay Boys did after the lost the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals to the Chicago Bulls.
Apparently according to sources Heiden got a two game suspension from Sheldon and his staff. However there are some people that want Sheldon to kick Heiden off the team for good for what she did Tuesday night. Sure you have people upset and frustrated with the way they are playing and the way the game is called like Heiden did, but walking out on your teammates is the ultimate betrayal because they work equally as hard as they do and it also showed a sign of selfishness in her part. Her teammates will still love her like a sister and a teammate, but can the coaching staff trust her right now? that's the question we do not know.
If she is out for a long period of time this severely damages Rochester's playoff hopes, in a loaded district with Lake Orion, Adams, Romeo, and Stoney Creek. This could not have came at a worse time for the Falcons. Nobody knows what will happen with Megan Heiden yet, but a punishment is coming soon for her, will she be out two games or the entire season, now is going to be the test for Adam Sheldon in his first year coaching to do what is not only right for his team but also the future of Falcon Basketball in Rochester.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dragon Boys win two, Dragon Ladies devestated after tough loss
Written Tuesday February 9th at 8:55 PM
Sorry Den fans about the blog last week, been busy though.
Anyway the week that was in Dragon Basketball had it's ups and downs, with the Varsity Boys winning two games, while the Varsity Ladies suffered a tough loss on Thursday.
The Dragon Boys entered league play with two critical road games, to start off a three game road trip. The first game of this three game road trip was against the Troy Colts. The freshman and JV won their respective games over Troy by more than 21 points, the Varsity however had their hands full with a depleted but always dangerous and desperate Colts team.
The Colts were led by their Senior, power forward and quarterback Bobby Wunderlich, and also their freshman sensation James Young, who probably if their was a trophy in the OAA White, would be my pick for Newcomer of the Year. However the Dragons also had a duo led by newly Western Michigan recruit for soccer Derek Schrauben and also Alex Mayo, and both these two combination's got their game on Tuesday Night at Troy.
Troy started the game early with two three pointers by their point guard Evan Malone for a quick 6-0 Colts lead, however the Dragons matched Troy possession after possession scoring basket after basket however everytime they went to the line their free throws weren't going down, after one quarter it was 18-16 Colts. Troy then controlled most of the play in the second quarter lead by their duo of Wunderlich and Young. Young had nine of his 15 points in the second quarter. Wunderlich went inside and did most of his damage in that quarter as well. However Mayo and Schrauben kept it close for the Dragon attack, as the quarter and the half ended with the Colts leading 34-28 at the half. Usually down six or less at halftime is always a good thing well stay tuned.
The second half saw it become a back and fourth game. The Dragons scored their first basket, and then seen Young drain a demoralizing three pointer to make it 37-30 Troy, but the Dragons started to get their opportunities and free throws started going down, the catalysts were led by Mayo and Schrauben for the Dragons. Mayo and Schrauben carried the team offensively, and also got a timely three pointers from Evan Dream and Todd Wolverton in the third quarter. The Dragons outscored Troy 17-14, but were still down by three points 48-45 after three quarters.
The Dragons then controlled the fourth, outscoring Troy 15-11 in the quarter, however as the Dragons increased their lead to 60-56. Young hit his final three pointer of the game with five seconds in the game making it 60-59, with three seconds left. The Dragons then turned it over giving Troy one last chance at a victory, and a demoralizing defeat for the Dragons. Troy got the ball to Young but was blocked by 6.8 center Ian Monk, and the ball was captured by point guard Paul Courteas as he ran out the clock on the Colts. The final score read HOME 59: VISITOR 60, or should I say Lake Orion 60, Troy 59. Mayo lead the Dragons with 25 points, while his partner and crime Schrauben had 16 points. For the Colts, Wunderlich and Young had 15 points each in the loss.
As I talked to Troy head coach Gary Fralick, we've been friends for years, going back to my days of my brother going up against him in years past. I said to him that his team can beat Seaholm, even if they were depleted because I felt, and still feel that Seaholm was not a very good road team, they just lost to Adams on that last Thursday. He was very happy with the comment, I just wished they beat Seaholm though but they lost at home 57-51 to the Maples on that Friday.
On that Friday the Dragons had their second game of this huge three game trip, a showdown with the always high scoring, and entertaining Berkley Bears at the Dark Gym, I call it, I think it has the best lighting in the county, besides Southfield Lathrup. The Freshman destroyed the Bears 62-18, while the JV survived a scare 61-53. The Varsity entertained the Bears, who just lost a high scoring affair against Troy Athens on Tuesday Night 73-70, Berkley came back twice, after trailing 24-9 in the first quarter and 67-55 with over three minutes remaining in the game to tie the score 68-68 until falling in the final minutes.
In the first quarter Berkley started out hot, outscoring the Dragons at one point 17-8 in the process until a late 4-0 run by the Dragons closed the gap down to 17-12 after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Dragons exploded off the gate, quickly taking the lead and not letting go off it the rest of the quarter. Orion then took an impressive 37-27 lead to the locker room at half, it was a 15 point turnaround, seeing the Dragons after the first quarter down five to up ten with a half yet to play over the up tempo Bears.
The second half saw the Bears cut the Dragons lead down to six at 37-31 early, however the Dragons answered back in the third quarter, increasing the lead up to 14 points at one point (47-33) before settling at a 52-42 score after three quarters. Orion then kept pressing and pressuring the ball, also they were scoring baskets at will against the Bears defense, outscoring the Bears 14-11 in rout to a 66-53 win over the Bears. Mayo added 22 points, while Schrauben added 16 points to carry Orion, who didn't even hit a three pointer in the game. Ignacio Hood, and Ryan Bush added 14 points each for the Bears.
The Boys next basketball game is Thursday against Rochester, at Rochester. The Falcons have not played in a week, since the 61-31 beat down against arch rival Stoney Creek, so Rochester should be well rested heading into Thursday's game against the Dragons. Orion's varsity is now 9-5 overall, and 6-2 in the OAA White, while the JV and Freshman are a combined 23-2 (Freshman 11-1, JV 12-1) with games against Rochester on Thursday, freshman at home, JV on the road.
The Varsity girls basketball team suffered a heartbreaker this week at Sy Green Gym against the Phoenix of Pontiac. The girls came into Pontiac with hope of adding some revenge in mind after losing at home 52-37 back in December. The freshman and JV teams both lost at Sy Green Gym this week, so it was up to the Varsity to make up both those losses. The game went back and fourth early, as both the Dragons and the Phoenix fought to control tempo in the contest. Pontiac only came into the game with only eight players, due to grades. However the Dragons could not buy a free throw or a shot in the first half, the Dragons were a dismal three for ten shooting from the line in the first half, and trailed 24-20 at the half.
The second half from the third quarter to the early stages of the fourth quarter belonged to Pontiac. The Phoenix led by Brittany Alston led the Phoenix charge to a 44-33 lead with 6:45 left in the game, that when the Dragons got going, especially from downtown. The Dragons then went on a 7-0 run to cut the Phoenix lead to 44-40 on a huge three pointer by Dana Schrauben before Pontiac scored twice to make it an eight point lead 48-40, and then Maddi Gagen got it going, by going on a personal 8-0 run, with two three's and a layup to tie the game 48-48 with two minutes left in the game. Pontiac then answered with a three pointer by power forward Tameree Austin to make it 51-48 Phoenix, with under a minute left. Then the Dragons scored a three point play to tie the game at 51-51 and force overtime.
In the overtime session is felt like a personal battle was going on between Dragon small forward Jackie Hood and former Pontiac Central star, now with Pontiac Destiny Adams. Adams scored ten of her 13 points in overtime, while Hood led the Dragons. However it was a three pointer by shooting guard Jamie Tasco that gave the Dragons a brief 55-54 lead with over a minute left to play. However Austin answered by hit another three pointer that gave the Phoenix a 57-55 lead with under a minute left.
However the Dragons were not done yet, as Hood penetrated to the line and got herself two more points at the free throw line to tie the score back at 57-57 a piece. Pontiac next possession saw Adams penetrate and got fouled by Tasco sending her to the line. Adams made one of two free throws to give Pontiac a 58-57 lead. As the Dragons tried to get the ball to half court, Adams then stole the ball from Alexis Haan, and forcing her to intentionally foul her with 1.4 seconds left on the clock. Adams then shot two free throws making it 60-57, and then they got the ball back again before being fouled. Adams then went back at the line and missed two free throws. Hood then quickly launched the ball from half court, and couldn't make it. The Phoenix players then celebrated the huge upset win over the Dragons 60-57 in overtime.
Hood led the Dragons with 18 points, Hann had a another double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Gagen had 12 points four three pointers, and Tasco with six points to lead the Dragons. Alston had 25 points to lead Pontiac, along with Adams 13 points, and Austin added ten points, three three-pointers for the Phoenix.
This game was a tough loss for the Dragons, but they got to feel proud that this experience should help them in a couple of weeks once playoffs start at their home court, which is huge to Orion head coach Steve Roberts who had only one starter back from the State Semifinal team a year ago. Pontiac head coach Jeff Vonn after the game in the Oakland Press said that Pontiac might be back in a few years or so, but looking at their JV and freshman teams, yes they do have talent, but they also have flaws as well. Also it all starts in the classroom, in which Pontiac did not have half of it's team there because of grades.
The Dragons fell to 9-6 overall, and 3-6 in the OAA Red, the JV is 8-7 overall and 4-5 in the OAA Red while the freshman are 4-10 and 2-7 in the OAA Red, there next contest is on Friday, after the Lathrup game was moved back due to the snowstorm to Wednesday February 17th. The Dragons will travel to Troy to take on the Colts in a OAA Red contest that puts the two centers into battle. Alexis Hann and Liz Siepker, so Friday should be interesting. The JV and Freshman also battle Troy Friday, with the freshman at home and the JV at Troy for the early game with the Colts.
See you next week.
Sorry Den fans about the blog last week, been busy though.
Anyway the week that was in Dragon Basketball had it's ups and downs, with the Varsity Boys winning two games, while the Varsity Ladies suffered a tough loss on Thursday.
The Dragon Boys entered league play with two critical road games, to start off a three game road trip. The first game of this three game road trip was against the Troy Colts. The freshman and JV won their respective games over Troy by more than 21 points, the Varsity however had their hands full with a depleted but always dangerous and desperate Colts team.
The Colts were led by their Senior, power forward and quarterback Bobby Wunderlich, and also their freshman sensation James Young, who probably if their was a trophy in the OAA White, would be my pick for Newcomer of the Year. However the Dragons also had a duo led by newly Western Michigan recruit for soccer Derek Schrauben and also Alex Mayo, and both these two combination's got their game on Tuesday Night at Troy.
Troy started the game early with two three pointers by their point guard Evan Malone for a quick 6-0 Colts lead, however the Dragons matched Troy possession after possession scoring basket after basket however everytime they went to the line their free throws weren't going down, after one quarter it was 18-16 Colts. Troy then controlled most of the play in the second quarter lead by their duo of Wunderlich and Young. Young had nine of his 15 points in the second quarter. Wunderlich went inside and did most of his damage in that quarter as well. However Mayo and Schrauben kept it close for the Dragon attack, as the quarter and the half ended with the Colts leading 34-28 at the half. Usually down six or less at halftime is always a good thing well stay tuned.
The second half saw it become a back and fourth game. The Dragons scored their first basket, and then seen Young drain a demoralizing three pointer to make it 37-30 Troy, but the Dragons started to get their opportunities and free throws started going down, the catalysts were led by Mayo and Schrauben for the Dragons. Mayo and Schrauben carried the team offensively, and also got a timely three pointers from Evan Dream and Todd Wolverton in the third quarter. The Dragons outscored Troy 17-14, but were still down by three points 48-45 after three quarters.
The Dragons then controlled the fourth, outscoring Troy 15-11 in the quarter, however as the Dragons increased their lead to 60-56. Young hit his final three pointer of the game with five seconds in the game making it 60-59, with three seconds left. The Dragons then turned it over giving Troy one last chance at a victory, and a demoralizing defeat for the Dragons. Troy got the ball to Young but was blocked by 6.8 center Ian Monk, and the ball was captured by point guard Paul Courteas as he ran out the clock on the Colts. The final score read HOME 59: VISITOR 60, or should I say Lake Orion 60, Troy 59. Mayo lead the Dragons with 25 points, while his partner and crime Schrauben had 16 points. For the Colts, Wunderlich and Young had 15 points each in the loss.
As I talked to Troy head coach Gary Fralick, we've been friends for years, going back to my days of my brother going up against him in years past. I said to him that his team can beat Seaholm, even if they were depleted because I felt, and still feel that Seaholm was not a very good road team, they just lost to Adams on that last Thursday. He was very happy with the comment, I just wished they beat Seaholm though but they lost at home 57-51 to the Maples on that Friday.
On that Friday the Dragons had their second game of this huge three game trip, a showdown with the always high scoring, and entertaining Berkley Bears at the Dark Gym, I call it, I think it has the best lighting in the county, besides Southfield Lathrup. The Freshman destroyed the Bears 62-18, while the JV survived a scare 61-53. The Varsity entertained the Bears, who just lost a high scoring affair against Troy Athens on Tuesday Night 73-70, Berkley came back twice, after trailing 24-9 in the first quarter and 67-55 with over three minutes remaining in the game to tie the score 68-68 until falling in the final minutes.
In the first quarter Berkley started out hot, outscoring the Dragons at one point 17-8 in the process until a late 4-0 run by the Dragons closed the gap down to 17-12 after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Dragons exploded off the gate, quickly taking the lead and not letting go off it the rest of the quarter. Orion then took an impressive 37-27 lead to the locker room at half, it was a 15 point turnaround, seeing the Dragons after the first quarter down five to up ten with a half yet to play over the up tempo Bears.
The second half saw the Bears cut the Dragons lead down to six at 37-31 early, however the Dragons answered back in the third quarter, increasing the lead up to 14 points at one point (47-33) before settling at a 52-42 score after three quarters. Orion then kept pressing and pressuring the ball, also they were scoring baskets at will against the Bears defense, outscoring the Bears 14-11 in rout to a 66-53 win over the Bears. Mayo added 22 points, while Schrauben added 16 points to carry Orion, who didn't even hit a three pointer in the game. Ignacio Hood, and Ryan Bush added 14 points each for the Bears.
The Boys next basketball game is Thursday against Rochester, at Rochester. The Falcons have not played in a week, since the 61-31 beat down against arch rival Stoney Creek, so Rochester should be well rested heading into Thursday's game against the Dragons. Orion's varsity is now 9-5 overall, and 6-2 in the OAA White, while the JV and Freshman are a combined 23-2 (Freshman 11-1, JV 12-1) with games against Rochester on Thursday, freshman at home, JV on the road.
The Varsity girls basketball team suffered a heartbreaker this week at Sy Green Gym against the Phoenix of Pontiac. The girls came into Pontiac with hope of adding some revenge in mind after losing at home 52-37 back in December. The freshman and JV teams both lost at Sy Green Gym this week, so it was up to the Varsity to make up both those losses. The game went back and fourth early, as both the Dragons and the Phoenix fought to control tempo in the contest. Pontiac only came into the game with only eight players, due to grades. However the Dragons could not buy a free throw or a shot in the first half, the Dragons were a dismal three for ten shooting from the line in the first half, and trailed 24-20 at the half.
The second half from the third quarter to the early stages of the fourth quarter belonged to Pontiac. The Phoenix led by Brittany Alston led the Phoenix charge to a 44-33 lead with 6:45 left in the game, that when the Dragons got going, especially from downtown. The Dragons then went on a 7-0 run to cut the Phoenix lead to 44-40 on a huge three pointer by Dana Schrauben before Pontiac scored twice to make it an eight point lead 48-40, and then Maddi Gagen got it going, by going on a personal 8-0 run, with two three's and a layup to tie the game 48-48 with two minutes left in the game. Pontiac then answered with a three pointer by power forward Tameree Austin to make it 51-48 Phoenix, with under a minute left. Then the Dragons scored a three point play to tie the game at 51-51 and force overtime.
In the overtime session is felt like a personal battle was going on between Dragon small forward Jackie Hood and former Pontiac Central star, now with Pontiac Destiny Adams. Adams scored ten of her 13 points in overtime, while Hood led the Dragons. However it was a three pointer by shooting guard Jamie Tasco that gave the Dragons a brief 55-54 lead with over a minute left to play. However Austin answered by hit another three pointer that gave the Phoenix a 57-55 lead with under a minute left.
However the Dragons were not done yet, as Hood penetrated to the line and got herself two more points at the free throw line to tie the score back at 57-57 a piece. Pontiac next possession saw Adams penetrate and got fouled by Tasco sending her to the line. Adams made one of two free throws to give Pontiac a 58-57 lead. As the Dragons tried to get the ball to half court, Adams then stole the ball from Alexis Haan, and forcing her to intentionally foul her with 1.4 seconds left on the clock. Adams then shot two free throws making it 60-57, and then they got the ball back again before being fouled. Adams then went back at the line and missed two free throws. Hood then quickly launched the ball from half court, and couldn't make it. The Phoenix players then celebrated the huge upset win over the Dragons 60-57 in overtime.
Hood led the Dragons with 18 points, Hann had a another double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Gagen had 12 points four three pointers, and Tasco with six points to lead the Dragons. Alston had 25 points to lead Pontiac, along with Adams 13 points, and Austin added ten points, three three-pointers for the Phoenix.
This game was a tough loss for the Dragons, but they got to feel proud that this experience should help them in a couple of weeks once playoffs start at their home court, which is huge to Orion head coach Steve Roberts who had only one starter back from the State Semifinal team a year ago. Pontiac head coach Jeff Vonn after the game in the Oakland Press said that Pontiac might be back in a few years or so, but looking at their JV and freshman teams, yes they do have talent, but they also have flaws as well. Also it all starts in the classroom, in which Pontiac did not have half of it's team there because of grades.
The Dragons fell to 9-6 overall, and 3-6 in the OAA Red, the JV is 8-7 overall and 4-5 in the OAA Red while the freshman are 4-10 and 2-7 in the OAA Red, there next contest is on Friday, after the Lathrup game was moved back due to the snowstorm to Wednesday February 17th. The Dragons will travel to Troy to take on the Colts in a OAA Red contest that puts the two centers into battle. Alexis Hann and Liz Siepker, so Friday should be interesting. The JV and Freshman also battle Troy Friday, with the freshman at home and the JV at Troy for the early game with the Colts.
See you next week.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Dragons Reborn
Written Tuesday February 2nd, at 11:08 PM
It has been 23 months since Lake Orion head coach Jim Manzo retired and Dragon Star Drew Maynard reunited with fellow Lake Orion comrade manager Anthony Taormina at Oakland University
It has been 12 months since Lake Orion played one of the worst basketball games of the season, only scoring 22 points against Rochester Adams. That year the Dragons finished 3-17 overall, not including playoffs when they finished 4-18 in their only season under Lance Davis.
However the past is the past and those 12 months that described the Lake Orion boys basketball team are gone, but not forgotten. The culture of Lake Orion basketball is changing, and changing for the good. There are a lot of people that have to be given credit for this turnaround.
Enter Mike Shafkalis, the new Dragons varsity coach. In the past 12 months he was the Junior varsity coach for the team, after previously coming to Lake Orion as an assistant at Birmingham Seaholm. Shafkalis had a good JV team until then coach Lance Davis moved up most of his players up to the varsity, leaving Shafakalis with only seven players on his JV team. In his first year on the varsity level he has gotten the varsity players believing in his system, and it has worked so far. The atmosphere is so much better than it is now.
Next enter Randy Maynard, you guessed it, Drew's Daddy. Maynard has been known as a basketball guru. His daughter Dawn played for Orion girls coach Steve Roberts and the legionary Garry Kibby, and of course we all know with Drew at Oakland. Maynard is the Orion freshman coach, and in many ways is responsible for helping basketball players adjust from Middle School to high school, along with his staff of Erik Kuster, and Tim English.
Next is Dave Tooley, the top assistant coach for the varsity. Tooley is of course the defensive coriander of the Lake Orion varsity football team. Tooley was also a former assistant under Manzo, and was on Davis staff last season. Tooley has been re-energized with Shafakalis because he can install his defense and he can also yell a lot from the bench.
Next is Ron Grubbs. Grubbs is the Junior Varsity coach at Orion. After his stint as Freshman coach, Grubbs went 15-5 with virtually the same team he had last season. Grubbs has virtually kept the same team in tact, and is doing a masterful job at the JV level right now.
Next is Alex Mayo, Mayo is the last of the Jim Manzo era at Lake Orion, Mayo has been through the goods, the bads, and the real bad's. Mayo so far is the team's leading scorer, averaging 15 points per game.
Next is the rest of the Seniors, the Seniors have went through a lot of losing throughout the years together as freshman, sophomores, and juniors. They had to go through two different coaching changes, and that's never an easy thing to do. Now their senior year they are now 8-5 overall, and 5-2 in the OAA White, just one game behind Seaholm for the OAA White.
Next is the parents, it the parents that support the kids, and the program. They went through the pain last year, and now this year even though all the wins were by nine points or less are very happy where the program is going and will continue to support them throughout their ride toward districts.
Next give credit to Lake Orion Athletic Director Bill Reiss, Reiss has given the keys of the basketball program to Shafkalis after a disastrous last season, and it looks like it has been the right choice for not only the team but also the fans, the fan base, and parents who has supported the team.
This year the Dragons were picked to finish last in the OAA White, nobody knew how this team would respond after a 1-3 start, this team could have folded, but they never gave up, they never surrendered, they embraced it. They are a scrappy team who loves to gut it out with other teams. All their wins this season have been by nine points or less. The fans has also been coming out, which is a huge victory for the team, along with the supporting parents.
Maybe the trophy case is going to fill up once again and we could talk division crown or maybe districts or beyond, could it be this year? maybe, the districts is anyone's game with five teams that could win it, Lake Orion, Adams, Clarkston, Romeo, or Stoney Creek. But we all know for sure is the future is bright in Lake Orion and for Lake Orion basketball.
It has been 23 months since Lake Orion head coach Jim Manzo retired and Dragon Star Drew Maynard reunited with fellow Lake Orion comrade manager Anthony Taormina at Oakland University
It has been 12 months since Lake Orion played one of the worst basketball games of the season, only scoring 22 points against Rochester Adams. That year the Dragons finished 3-17 overall, not including playoffs when they finished 4-18 in their only season under Lance Davis.
However the past is the past and those 12 months that described the Lake Orion boys basketball team are gone, but not forgotten. The culture of Lake Orion basketball is changing, and changing for the good. There are a lot of people that have to be given credit for this turnaround.
Enter Mike Shafkalis, the new Dragons varsity coach. In the past 12 months he was the Junior varsity coach for the team, after previously coming to Lake Orion as an assistant at Birmingham Seaholm. Shafkalis had a good JV team until then coach Lance Davis moved up most of his players up to the varsity, leaving Shafakalis with only seven players on his JV team. In his first year on the varsity level he has gotten the varsity players believing in his system, and it has worked so far. The atmosphere is so much better than it is now.
Next enter Randy Maynard, you guessed it, Drew's Daddy. Maynard has been known as a basketball guru. His daughter Dawn played for Orion girls coach Steve Roberts and the legionary Garry Kibby, and of course we all know with Drew at Oakland. Maynard is the Orion freshman coach, and in many ways is responsible for helping basketball players adjust from Middle School to high school, along with his staff of Erik Kuster, and Tim English.
Next is Dave Tooley, the top assistant coach for the varsity. Tooley is of course the defensive coriander of the Lake Orion varsity football team. Tooley was also a former assistant under Manzo, and was on Davis staff last season. Tooley has been re-energized with Shafakalis because he can install his defense and he can also yell a lot from the bench.
Next is Ron Grubbs. Grubbs is the Junior Varsity coach at Orion. After his stint as Freshman coach, Grubbs went 15-5 with virtually the same team he had last season. Grubbs has virtually kept the same team in tact, and is doing a masterful job at the JV level right now.
Next is Alex Mayo, Mayo is the last of the Jim Manzo era at Lake Orion, Mayo has been through the goods, the bads, and the real bad's. Mayo so far is the team's leading scorer, averaging 15 points per game.
Next is the rest of the Seniors, the Seniors have went through a lot of losing throughout the years together as freshman, sophomores, and juniors. They had to go through two different coaching changes, and that's never an easy thing to do. Now their senior year they are now 8-5 overall, and 5-2 in the OAA White, just one game behind Seaholm for the OAA White.
Next is the parents, it the parents that support the kids, and the program. They went through the pain last year, and now this year even though all the wins were by nine points or less are very happy where the program is going and will continue to support them throughout their ride toward districts.
Next give credit to Lake Orion Athletic Director Bill Reiss, Reiss has given the keys of the basketball program to Shafkalis after a disastrous last season, and it looks like it has been the right choice for not only the team but also the fans, the fan base, and parents who has supported the team.
This year the Dragons were picked to finish last in the OAA White, nobody knew how this team would respond after a 1-3 start, this team could have folded, but they never gave up, they never surrendered, they embraced it. They are a scrappy team who loves to gut it out with other teams. All their wins this season have been by nine points or less. The fans has also been coming out, which is a huge victory for the team, along with the supporting parents.
Maybe the trophy case is going to fill up once again and we could talk division crown or maybe districts or beyond, could it be this year? maybe, the districts is anyone's game with five teams that could win it, Lake Orion, Adams, Clarkston, Romeo, or Stoney Creek. But we all know for sure is the future is bright in Lake Orion and for Lake Orion basketball.
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