Not off the Press: 1st basketball edition of the season 
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
Sometimes there are moments where sports take a backseat for a little bit. One of those moments was Saturday night at Grandle Gymnasium, the home of the Fairfield Lions, when before their Foundation Game took place against Zane Trace there was much more than basketball on people's minds.
There isn't much I can say except the way Highland County honors ones they love makes this area such a great place to be a part of, and the Leesburg community did that when they celebrated the life of Stephen Barcus, better known as Peanut. Here is a link to the story from the event: http://highlandcountypress.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=81&Art…
What I witnessed on Saturday night was something I will not soon forget because I know the students, staff, coaches and teammates of Peanut will keep his memory alive.
For those who didn't know Peanut, this was written in the game program: "Stephen was an avid basketball player and a joy to be around as a person … His smile, lively personality and dedication made him one of the most beloved students to ever walk the halls of Fairfield … He was a fan favorite while playing, and oftentimes you could hear chants of 'Peanut' from spectators and students in the crowd."
As for the the actual basketball season, the girls regular season began on Saturday for one Highland County team with Whiteoak falling to Ironton St. Joe, 44-40 in overtime at the Paint Valley Girls Basketball Classic.
I've stated before, I'm excited for the season to start because well, I miss going to games all the time. I'm not built for a job where I am in the same location for the entire day.
• SCOL Boys Basketball Preview
If you didn't get a chance to attend the 2011-12 Boys Basketball Preview and are a fan of Hillsboro basketball … they put on a show, to say the least. Their offense scored 50 points in two quarters.
I know this was a preview, but I'm saying, even if anyone else isn't, the Indians sent a message to the league, even if they didn't intend to. They were the most well-rounded team at the preview, and if you know me, I don't just say that. Sure, they allowed 30 points in those same two quarters, but also remember, and this goes for their offense as well … both teams weren't playing with a full game plan, inserting starters with reserves, and with all league teams (except for Clinton-Massie), the Indians still were impressive.
I say that because they were scoring points without one of their better players in Devanté Ames, who is currently injured.
Again, no other team even came close to scoring that many points in any of the other games, but again, this was a preview event, and these events are what they are.
All I'm saying is this Hillsboro team could be one of those teams where they will be fun to watch every week.
Another thing … I love the coaching style of Brett Prince. He's aggressive, intense and just from what I saw on Friday at the preview, he and his staff seem to know what they are doing. Best of luck to Hillsboro this season as their regular season starts on Friday at home against Western Brown in a non-league game.
I didn't forget about the McClain Tigers.
They only allowed 28 points (in two quarters) to the Madison-Plains Golden Eagles (who have Marquette-style uniforms this season). What I liked about the Tigers are, though they are still feeling things out before the start of the season, they will most likely depend on their defense this season.
So, just like in recent years, expect the Tigers to keep the score low and close throughout the basketball season. They also open the season at home this Friday when they host Jackson.
The SCOL as a whole should be close, and this is just from my "eye test" because let's face it, I'm no basketball genius … the leader of the pack right now is Hillsboro. After that, I liked the defense of the Tigers and the athletes on Washington. MP should contend as well as the Panthers of Miami Trace and the London Red Raiders are rebuilding this year. Clinton-Massie wasn't there as they had members of their team still playing football, so they possibly might have a slow start to their first game of the season.
What is good for the Falcons is they have a game on Dec. 3, which is just six days away, but after that, their schedule doesn't have a game listed until Dec. 16 at McClain, which is in 19 days.
Again, this is just one sports editor's opinion.
• Games this week
If I counted correctly, Highland County will have 17 boys and girls basketball games from Monday through Saturday, with no basketball games on Wednesday.
Here are some things to look for in some of the upcoming games:
- On Monday, the Fairfield Lady Lions will open the season with four sophomores on the roster, and the remainder of the team will be freshmen. Will be interesting to see how this team gels as the game (and season) progresses.
- It will be the start of another new era at Lynchburg-Clay with Whitney Lewis taking over as the head coach of LC. The Lady Mustangs open the season at home against Huntington. I have a feeling this will be the start of another great era in the history of LC girls basketball.
- All five Highland County boys teams open their season on Friday night with all five games being home games. I'm just going to say right now, I will be unable to attend all five games as they all taking place at the same time. Highland County will be full of basketball come Friday night. The games include: LC vs. Miami Trace, Whiteoak vs. North Adams, Fairfield vs. East Clinton, Hillsboro vs. Western Brown and McClain vs. Jackson. What I'm interested in seeing is how all the teams open their season, not in terms of wins and losses, but in terms of how they play as a team early on.
- On Saturday, there is a rivalry game in Greenfield with the Lady Tigers hosting the Lady Indians of Hillsboro. It will be each team's SCOL opener and each team's second game of the season. I'm looking forward to seeing players in different roles this season on both teams.
Also on Saturday, the Fairfield Athletic Department will be enshrining their 2nd class of Hall of Famers. Being inducted this year are: J. Errol Vaughn, Olen Grandle, James R. “Pickle” Priest, Debi Hattan Back and the 1982 Fairfield High School Softball team.
• More thoughts on basketball
- If you can't tell by now … yes, I'm excited for basketball. I interviewed 10 coaches and 31 student-athletes for the recently-released 2011 Highland County Press High School Basketball Tipoff. Though it took some time, and yes, I may have procrastinated just a tad bit in writing the preview, I did have a good time interviewing all 41 people for the publication. Did I mention it was free with 20 stories? You can pick up a copy at some area locations (not sure on all of them), at the high schools and at the office of the HCP. (Now that is self promotion).
- Like I've said before … the Southern Hills League, especially Division II of the league, will be one the most competitive leagues in the area.
I have no doubt about it.
More next week, after some actual games have been played.
• Non-high school sports thoughts
- If and when Urban Meyer becomes the head football coach of The Ohio State University (ESPN says he already has accepted the job), the Big Ten will be top-heavy like the old days with OSU and Michigan leading the pack, as UM has something good going with Brady Hoke as their head coach. I'm not saying they will compete with the SECs of the world, but the Big Ten will be ruled by those two teams for years to come. Wisconsin and Nebraska will stick around as well.
- How great was the OSU-UM game? Being a fan of neither team, I had a great time watching "The Game."
- Kansas firing Turner Gill after two seasons is a complete insult. Answer this … How can a coach build an actual football program in a tough conference (Big XII) in just two seasons? Two years ago, Gill was the MAC Coach of the Year. Doesn't make sense to me at all.
- What's going on at Syracuse is another sad story.
- I don't understand what's going on with Ndamukong Suh. If the NFL still had the rules of the 1950s, well, he'd be within the rules of stomping an opponent. What happened on Thursday when he stomped on the Packers' player arm was just wrong. He's too good of a player to play like that.
- The way the Denver Broncos keep winning games, with Tim Tebow, makes me keep shaking my head. Winning with a college offense at the professional level … another thing I don't get and a reason why the NFL is so great.
- The college basketball game of the week will be on Saturday afternoon … North Carolina and Kentucky … could be a preview of a Final Four matchup in March.
- Yes, Christmas was saved with the NBA possibly returning with a triple-header to start the season. I'll be watching. I've missed the NBA to an extent, mostly because I want to see how the rookies play in the league this season. The Cavs may not win a lot of games this season, but they have two good rookies, and I'm going to say they will regret not drafting Derrick Williams … mark it down … he'll be the NBA Rookie of the Year.
- Wisconsin will win the first Big Ten Championship game this weekend. I'm guessing the score will be 35-14 in favor of the Badgers. Also, if I am wrong and Michigan State wins … well, they will have more wins at Lucas Oil Stadium than the team that calls the stadium home … the Indianapolis Colts.
- My Peyton Manning for Most Valuable Player argument keeps sounding better and better each week as the Colts are now 0-11.
- Pretty soon, the Houston Texans will be calling Warren Moon (the former Houston Oilers QB) if many more of their QBs get injured for the year. In their last two games, they've lost Matt Schaub and Matt Leinhart.
- I think the Cincinnati Bengals will be just short of making the playoffs this season. I do like the combo of Andy Dalton to A.J. Green. Wait until this duo has a few seasons under their belt … will be very dangerous. (I hope I'm wrong about them not making the playoffs for the sake and health of my friends).
- Did anyone know the NHL season is currently taking place? Don't worry, Columbus is tied for the fewest amount of wins with six after 23 games. Guess someone forgot to tell them the season started, too.
- This is dated by a week, but the race to the Sprint Cup title between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards was the best I've seen since I started watching NASCAR in 1996. Simply amazing the 10-week run Stewart had, winning five times; including the final race of the season he had to win to clinch the championship no matter what Edwards did. Again, simply amazing.
• Quote of the Week
"It was good to see the unity of this community (Leesburg) tonight. It is just a great place to live. I've grown up here my whole life. I wouldn't want to live or work anywhere else, and I can honestly say this community should be proud of themselves and of the class individuals that are going to represent them every night on the basketball court." - Matt Carson, Fairfield varsity boys basketball coach following the Foundation game Saturday night.
• Stat of the Week
Between seven teams in the SCOL boys basketball preview, there were 210 points scored in the event in seven total quarters. Broken down, there went: Hillsboro 50, East Clinton 35, London 31, Madison-Plains 28, Washington 25, Miami Trace 21 and McClain 20.
• One Last Item Of Business
With there being 10 teams in Highland County this season, I will do my best to report on each game this season in some way, shape or form. I may not have everything or be able to attend every game, but I will do my best to provide the best coverage in the surrounding area (trust me, I get a lot of help from a lot of great people) when it comes to the winter sports season. Thanks for reading the Highland County Press.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.[[In-content Ad]]
There isn't much I can say except the way Highland County honors ones they love makes this area such a great place to be a part of, and the Leesburg community did that when they celebrated the life of Stephen Barcus, better known as Peanut. Here is a link to the story from the event: http://highlandcountypress.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=81&Art…
What I witnessed on Saturday night was something I will not soon forget because I know the students, staff, coaches and teammates of Peanut will keep his memory alive.
For those who didn't know Peanut, this was written in the game program: "Stephen was an avid basketball player and a joy to be around as a person … His smile, lively personality and dedication made him one of the most beloved students to ever walk the halls of Fairfield … He was a fan favorite while playing, and oftentimes you could hear chants of 'Peanut' from spectators and students in the crowd."
As for the the actual basketball season, the girls regular season began on Saturday for one Highland County team with Whiteoak falling to Ironton St. Joe, 44-40 in overtime at the Paint Valley Girls Basketball Classic.
I've stated before, I'm excited for the season to start because well, I miss going to games all the time. I'm not built for a job where I am in the same location for the entire day.
• SCOL Boys Basketball Preview
If you didn't get a chance to attend the 2011-12 Boys Basketball Preview and are a fan of Hillsboro basketball … they put on a show, to say the least. Their offense scored 50 points in two quarters.
I know this was a preview, but I'm saying, even if anyone else isn't, the Indians sent a message to the league, even if they didn't intend to. They were the most well-rounded team at the preview, and if you know me, I don't just say that. Sure, they allowed 30 points in those same two quarters, but also remember, and this goes for their offense as well … both teams weren't playing with a full game plan, inserting starters with reserves, and with all league teams (except for Clinton-Massie), the Indians still were impressive.
I say that because they were scoring points without one of their better players in Devanté Ames, who is currently injured.
Again, no other team even came close to scoring that many points in any of the other games, but again, this was a preview event, and these events are what they are.
All I'm saying is this Hillsboro team could be one of those teams where they will be fun to watch every week.
Another thing … I love the coaching style of Brett Prince. He's aggressive, intense and just from what I saw on Friday at the preview, he and his staff seem to know what they are doing. Best of luck to Hillsboro this season as their regular season starts on Friday at home against Western Brown in a non-league game.
I didn't forget about the McClain Tigers.
They only allowed 28 points (in two quarters) to the Madison-Plains Golden Eagles (who have Marquette-style uniforms this season). What I liked about the Tigers are, though they are still feeling things out before the start of the season, they will most likely depend on their defense this season.
So, just like in recent years, expect the Tigers to keep the score low and close throughout the basketball season. They also open the season at home this Friday when they host Jackson.
The SCOL as a whole should be close, and this is just from my "eye test" because let's face it, I'm no basketball genius … the leader of the pack right now is Hillsboro. After that, I liked the defense of the Tigers and the athletes on Washington. MP should contend as well as the Panthers of Miami Trace and the London Red Raiders are rebuilding this year. Clinton-Massie wasn't there as they had members of their team still playing football, so they possibly might have a slow start to their first game of the season.
What is good for the Falcons is they have a game on Dec. 3, which is just six days away, but after that, their schedule doesn't have a game listed until Dec. 16 at McClain, which is in 19 days.
Again, this is just one sports editor's opinion.
• Games this week
If I counted correctly, Highland County will have 17 boys and girls basketball games from Monday through Saturday, with no basketball games on Wednesday.
Here are some things to look for in some of the upcoming games:
- On Monday, the Fairfield Lady Lions will open the season with four sophomores on the roster, and the remainder of the team will be freshmen. Will be interesting to see how this team gels as the game (and season) progresses.
- It will be the start of another new era at Lynchburg-Clay with Whitney Lewis taking over as the head coach of LC. The Lady Mustangs open the season at home against Huntington. I have a feeling this will be the start of another great era in the history of LC girls basketball.
- All five Highland County boys teams open their season on Friday night with all five games being home games. I'm just going to say right now, I will be unable to attend all five games as they all taking place at the same time. Highland County will be full of basketball come Friday night. The games include: LC vs. Miami Trace, Whiteoak vs. North Adams, Fairfield vs. East Clinton, Hillsboro vs. Western Brown and McClain vs. Jackson. What I'm interested in seeing is how all the teams open their season, not in terms of wins and losses, but in terms of how they play as a team early on.
- On Saturday, there is a rivalry game in Greenfield with the Lady Tigers hosting the Lady Indians of Hillsboro. It will be each team's SCOL opener and each team's second game of the season. I'm looking forward to seeing players in different roles this season on both teams.
Also on Saturday, the Fairfield Athletic Department will be enshrining their 2nd class of Hall of Famers. Being inducted this year are: J. Errol Vaughn, Olen Grandle, James R. “Pickle” Priest, Debi Hattan Back and the 1982 Fairfield High School Softball team.
• More thoughts on basketball
- If you can't tell by now … yes, I'm excited for basketball. I interviewed 10 coaches and 31 student-athletes for the recently-released 2011 Highland County Press High School Basketball Tipoff. Though it took some time, and yes, I may have procrastinated just a tad bit in writing the preview, I did have a good time interviewing all 41 people for the publication. Did I mention it was free with 20 stories? You can pick up a copy at some area locations (not sure on all of them), at the high schools and at the office of the HCP. (Now that is self promotion).
- Like I've said before … the Southern Hills League, especially Division II of the league, will be one the most competitive leagues in the area.
I have no doubt about it.
More next week, after some actual games have been played.
• Non-high school sports thoughts
- If and when Urban Meyer becomes the head football coach of The Ohio State University (ESPN says he already has accepted the job), the Big Ten will be top-heavy like the old days with OSU and Michigan leading the pack, as UM has something good going with Brady Hoke as their head coach. I'm not saying they will compete with the SECs of the world, but the Big Ten will be ruled by those two teams for years to come. Wisconsin and Nebraska will stick around as well.
- How great was the OSU-UM game? Being a fan of neither team, I had a great time watching "The Game."
- Kansas firing Turner Gill after two seasons is a complete insult. Answer this … How can a coach build an actual football program in a tough conference (Big XII) in just two seasons? Two years ago, Gill was the MAC Coach of the Year. Doesn't make sense to me at all.
- What's going on at Syracuse is another sad story.
- I don't understand what's going on with Ndamukong Suh. If the NFL still had the rules of the 1950s, well, he'd be within the rules of stomping an opponent. What happened on Thursday when he stomped on the Packers' player arm was just wrong. He's too good of a player to play like that.
- The way the Denver Broncos keep winning games, with Tim Tebow, makes me keep shaking my head. Winning with a college offense at the professional level … another thing I don't get and a reason why the NFL is so great.
- The college basketball game of the week will be on Saturday afternoon … North Carolina and Kentucky … could be a preview of a Final Four matchup in March.
- Yes, Christmas was saved with the NBA possibly returning with a triple-header to start the season. I'll be watching. I've missed the NBA to an extent, mostly because I want to see how the rookies play in the league this season. The Cavs may not win a lot of games this season, but they have two good rookies, and I'm going to say they will regret not drafting Derrick Williams … mark it down … he'll be the NBA Rookie of the Year.
- Wisconsin will win the first Big Ten Championship game this weekend. I'm guessing the score will be 35-14 in favor of the Badgers. Also, if I am wrong and Michigan State wins … well, they will have more wins at Lucas Oil Stadium than the team that calls the stadium home … the Indianapolis Colts.
- My Peyton Manning for Most Valuable Player argument keeps sounding better and better each week as the Colts are now 0-11.
- Pretty soon, the Houston Texans will be calling Warren Moon (the former Houston Oilers QB) if many more of their QBs get injured for the year. In their last two games, they've lost Matt Schaub and Matt Leinhart.
- I think the Cincinnati Bengals will be just short of making the playoffs this season. I do like the combo of Andy Dalton to A.J. Green. Wait until this duo has a few seasons under their belt … will be very dangerous. (I hope I'm wrong about them not making the playoffs for the sake and health of my friends).
- Did anyone know the NHL season is currently taking place? Don't worry, Columbus is tied for the fewest amount of wins with six after 23 games. Guess someone forgot to tell them the season started, too.
- This is dated by a week, but the race to the Sprint Cup title between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards was the best I've seen since I started watching NASCAR in 1996. Simply amazing the 10-week run Stewart had, winning five times; including the final race of the season he had to win to clinch the championship no matter what Edwards did. Again, simply amazing.
• Quote of the Week
"It was good to see the unity of this community (Leesburg) tonight. It is just a great place to live. I've grown up here my whole life. I wouldn't want to live or work anywhere else, and I can honestly say this community should be proud of themselves and of the class individuals that are going to represent them every night on the basketball court." - Matt Carson, Fairfield varsity boys basketball coach following the Foundation game Saturday night.
• Stat of the Week
Between seven teams in the SCOL boys basketball preview, there were 210 points scored in the event in seven total quarters. Broken down, there went: Hillsboro 50, East Clinton 35, London 31, Madison-Plains 28, Washington 25, Miami Trace 21 and McClain 20.
• One Last Item Of Business
With there being 10 teams in Highland County this season, I will do my best to report on each game this season in some way, shape or form. I may not have everything or be able to attend every game, but I will do my best to provide the best coverage in the surrounding area (trust me, I get a lot of help from a lot of great people) when it comes to the winter sports season. Thanks for reading the Highland County Press.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.[[In-content Ad]]