Not off the Press: London leaving the SCOL, overtime wins and a look ahead for the upcoming 'Rivalry Week'
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
In case anyone hasn't heard the word on the street, the London Red Raiders have decided to take their ball and play on another field and court as they will be leaving the South Central Ohio League following next year. Madison-Plains hasn't decided what they will do, but from the looks of things, they will be making the same decision as their Madison County counterpart.
I've been asked what I think about their move, starting for the fall 2013-14 season, and I guess my answer is … if it is best for them, I don't blame them. I also won't blame Madison-Plains if they decide to leave the SCOL, either.
It seems like a decision that is best for their school district, it can save them money, and during these times (when some schools are pay-to-play), it could end up being the best decision for them.
I'll miss covering football games at London High School every other year, but hey … life goes on, and best of luck to the respective schools on their already-made or impending decisions.
Now the elephant in the room is what is next for the SCOL?
Will it stay around as a six-team league following next season, or will, you know, that one school (one of the founding schools of the league) be welcomed back into the league they left once and decided not to rejoin almost 10 or so years ago?
I get mixed responses when I ask others of their opinions about if they would want Wilmington back in the SCOL. I've gotten responses ranging from "never again" to "I used to be in the 'never again' group, but now it is best for the SCOL."
A couple summers ago, the Hurricane got one of seven votes to brought back into the league, the same year and vote that allowed East Clinton to become the eighth member of the league.
Now the league is in a bit of a pickle … they are guaranteed to lose London to the Mid-State League and could lose Madison-Plains this coming week … and who is to say other leagues haven't been in contact with other schools from the SCOL?
Also, who is to say the SCOL isn't thinking about staying at six, wanting to add another team (to get back at seven teams) or possibly trying to get back to the eight-team model (which is what the league will be next year) and offer two schools membership if in fact the Golden Eagles decide to fly to the Mid-State League?
One day it all will come to fruition, but I hope the league isn't a six-team league. I'd rather it at least be a seven-team league than a six-team league. That can't be a positive to the SCOL, especially when it comes to tournament seedings and such, but hey … what do I know?
I'd prefer to have an eight-team league … what about everyone else?
I don't really care what happened 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, but I know 20 years ago my biggest problems were if Hulk Hogan was going to be a wrestling champion (I was seven years old) or if I could beat level five of Super Mario World. My point is … things change and people change, and if Wilmington wants back into the SCOL (we know there is at least one open spot), they should be voted in by the ones who do the voting. It would be the best decision for the livelihood of the league from many aspects.
In a nutshell, all I can really say is best of luck to LHS and MP on whatever happens with their respective, and it would be smart for the SCOL to get into talks with Wilmington and do what is best for business and for the league itself. Everyone involved needs to keep personal or hurt feelings out of the impending decisions the SCOL will be making because it is about what is best for the league, which means what is best for the student-athletes.
[[In-content Ad]]• Looking at the "Rivalry Week" ahead
There were no games involving Highland County teams on Monday as it was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but the schedule will pick up more than normal on Tuesday with two more games added to the slate due to the postponements from last Friday, due to weather.
On Tuesday, there is one girls basketball game with the Lady Mustangs traveling for a non-league game at Blanchester. Lately the Lady Mustangs have been winning games on the road (five straight) at Hillsboro, Fairfield, Paint Valley, Manchester and most recently an overtime win against Ripley. The game at Blanchester will be their sixth straight road game before they return home for four straight games. So far this season, the Lady Mustangs stand at 8-4 overall. After 12 games, LC is averaging 53.1 points per game with 637 points scored this season.
Also on Tuesday, there are now four boys basketball games due to the recent postponements. New to the schedule will be Fairfield hosting Peebles and Whiteoak hosting Ripley, both very important SHL games, as both were postponed on Friday. FHS this season is averaging 54.5 ppg (599 points), while the Wildcats have 51.5 ppg (566 points).
Still on Tuesday, the SCOL will have a couple important league games on Tuesday, with Highland County teams playing as the McClain Tigers host the upstart Miami Trace Panthers and the Hillsboro Indians travel to face Clinton-Massie. Hillsboro (8-3) will enter the week in first place in the SCOL, holding a one-game lead over a majority of the league. HHS has scored 668 points this season (60.7 ppg). For the Tigers, they have scored 586 points this season (48.8 ppg) as they are coming off a win against Unioto on Saturday night at MHS.
As we move to Wednesday for Highland County, the only basketball matchup is McClain girls at Hillsboro. Keep reading to get my take on the Lady Tigers' win against Miami Trace, but this matchup on Wednesday will be a rematch from early in the season where MHS defeated Hillsboro, 53-21 at MHS. Though MHS has the more experienced team, the Lady Indians are playing the best basketball I've seen the program play in at least the past four years. The ladies of HHS should be proud of the work they've put into the season, and though it hasn't resulted in many wins this season, they must know what they are doing this season will impact the program for years to come in a positive manner. HHS (girls basketball) this year is averaging 34.4 ppg this season (12 games), and MHS kept themselves in a run for the SCOL title with their recent win at MT. MHS this season is averaging 44.6 ppg as they stand at 8-4 overall thus far.
This Thursday the Whiteoak Lady 'Cats travel to Ripley, Fairfield goes to Peebles, and what should be one of the most interesting games of the week when Lynchburg-Clay finally returns home (have had six straight road games) to host the North Adams Lady Green Devils. NA has two league losses and LC has three league losses. This game can be called a must-see if you are a fan of either girls basketball or a fan of the SHL.
Friday can be called "Rivalry Night" as the McClain Tigers will host the Hillsboro Indians and the Fairfield Lions will host the Whiteoak Wildcats. What I don't like about this is I can't be in two places at once, and I'd like to be able to watch both of these basketball contests. Oh well, life goes on.
As for the HHS-MHS game, both teams will be coming off games from earlier in the week, and each also played games this past Saturday. Earlier in the season, the Tigers fell to the Indians 53-33, and it is the Indians who have won the past nine meetings against the Tigers (including twice in the postseason). As always, the crowd should be great, and each brings a solid student-section, so the entire atmosphere should be a fun one to be a part of.
Now for the Lions and Wildcats on the same evening … the MHS-HHS rivalry usually produces great matchup and memorable moments. In their first meeting this season, the Lions defeated WHS 60-49 at WHS, where Fairfield junior Quentin Williams broke away for 21 points, and the Wildcats were led by junior Doc Seip with 16 points. Again, like they have been in recent meetings, (including the postseason), this should be a fun atmosphere and an intense atmosphere to be a part of. (Fun fact: In their first meeting this season, Fairfield never trailed.) Also, as I wrote in the game story from Dec. 20, in their last 13 meetings, the Lions have won seven times against the Wildcats. In their past six meetings against each other, the teams are now 3-3.
• The week in rewind
The game I want to talk about from this past week is the McClain Lady Tigers against the Miami Trace Lady Panthers at MTHS on Thursday, Jan. 12.
I've had the opportunity to cover a few great games this season, and this game ranks right up there in that category, especially with the game having a few comebacks and a couple clutch shots from McClain senior Sammy Rooks. Rooks is usually the scoring leader for MHS, but the two baskets she sank that night were perfect and enough to tie the game in the fourth, sending it to overtime, and a jumper from the corner on a broken play for the win in OT. She finished the game with 14 points.
Just to see how close this game was in the second half (including OT), the MHS scoring was 7-12-(9) for 28, and MT's was 6-10-(7) for 23. MHS trailed at halftime at 24-21.
Games like this make driving all the miles, walking in the cold and spending the many hours in the job all worth it. This is also one of those games I'll look back on once the season is over and remember.
Also this past week, it was nice to see two members inducted in the second class of the Lynchburg-Clay Athletic Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Terry McGinnis (supporter) and the late Andy Richmond (former athlete) and his family for this honor.
Another congratulations goes to the Whiteoak Lady Wildcats as they gained their first win of the season. They defeated the West Union Lady Dragons 52-39 last Thursday for their victory.
Thursday was a very busy night as LC defeated Ripley at RHS in overtime. Here is what stands out from just the stats: Leading LC in scoring was senior Brooke Hertlein with 12 points. Hertlein finished with a double-double by grabbing 14 rebounds (five offensive). She added six blocks and one steal. Laney Lewis followed with 11 points (one 3-pointer) with eight rebounds, six steals, three blocks and three assists. That is impressive, especially in a league game and on the road.
• Quote of the Week
"The situation ended up being (in overtime) that we got out of the play we originally set up. Miami Trace was scrambling so hard, trying to cut our passing lanes off, that in both cases Sammy ended up being open. The one at the end of regulation … she (Sammy) was open right at the top of the key, and I don't think at first she wanted to shoot it because she kind of hitched. Then she went ahead, went through and shot it … That's her normal good shot right there (at the top of the key). Add to that, Jenna passed her the ball. Jenna's been doing that all season by finding people open, and Sammy just finished. We've been talking about that all year … having the ability to finish at the basket." — Dennis Overstake, McClain girls basketball head coach following the MHS win over Miami Trace on Thursday.
• (A second) Quote of the Week
"Unioto is a very good team. Their point guard is hurt, and he's one of the best around. Regardless, I thought our competitiveness … our 'want to' was impressive." — Brent Eaton, McClain boys basketball head coach following the Tigers' win over Unioto on Saturday night. (In this game, MHS scored 40 of their 49 points in the second half.)
• (A third) Quote of the Week
"I'm really proud of the girls. We played a triangle and two (Thursday). Our girls worked so hard on the defensive end." — Mike Cooper, Whiteoak girls basketball head coach following the Lady 'Cats' first win of the season.
• (A fourth and final) Quote of the Week
"We played about the same tonight as we did against Fayetteville. We play completely different without Wes, and I have to coach completely different without him playing. I'm not making excuses, but we have guys who have to step up and get some minutes for us right now because we really need them." — Jason McLaughlin, Lynchburg-Clay boys basketball head coach following their win against West Union on Tuesday.
• Stat of the Week
I have to go with the McClain boys basketball team. In the first half on Saturday night, they totaled nine points in the first half. In the second half, they scored 40 points, all the while gaining the win at 49-39. The MHS defense was stellar as they allowed just 15 points in the first half.
• (A second) Stat of the Week
It took until Jan. 13 until the first postponement of a basketball game due to inclement weather for either the SCOL or SHL … which is the longest time I can ever remember a season has gone before a weather postponement.
• Non-high school sports thoughts
- To say I'm surprised by the play of the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday is an understatement. I honestly thought the New Orleans Saints were the frontrunners in the NFC, but they need a lot of help on defense.
- My start of season pick of the Baltimore Ravens winning the Super Bowl is just two wins away, but my Jan. 1 prediction of the Saints winning the Super Bowl is long over. In fact, my NFC title game is a wash as the Green Bay Packers lost to the Giants.
- My NFC and AFC Championship game predictions: New York Giants over San Francisco and the Baltimore Ravens over New England.
- I'll probably be wrong on both accounts, but I try.
- I'm finding myself going through a bit of NASCAR withdrawal. Only 41 days until the Daytona 500.
- The St. Louis Rams are going to make the NFC West interesting with Jeff Fisher coming on a head coach. They are only a few players away from being back in the playoffs. It all depends on the health of quarterback Sam Bradford.
- Last Monday's BCS title game wasn't what I expected. You realize the state of Alabama has won the past three BCS National titles. I still would have rather seen a playoff because the way the NFL does things is much better than the way Division I football does business.
• One last item of business
If the upcoming week of high school athletics (on and off the field) doesn't excite fans, I don't know what will. There is the upcoming decision by Madison-Plains and their relationship with the SCOL, and there are league races in the SCOL and SHL that can get an interest sparked. I'm excited, and that's about all I can say.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.
I've been asked what I think about their move, starting for the fall 2013-14 season, and I guess my answer is … if it is best for them, I don't blame them. I also won't blame Madison-Plains if they decide to leave the SCOL, either.
It seems like a decision that is best for their school district, it can save them money, and during these times (when some schools are pay-to-play), it could end up being the best decision for them.
I'll miss covering football games at London High School every other year, but hey … life goes on, and best of luck to the respective schools on their already-made or impending decisions.
Now the elephant in the room is what is next for the SCOL?
Will it stay around as a six-team league following next season, or will, you know, that one school (one of the founding schools of the league) be welcomed back into the league they left once and decided not to rejoin almost 10 or so years ago?
I get mixed responses when I ask others of their opinions about if they would want Wilmington back in the SCOL. I've gotten responses ranging from "never again" to "I used to be in the 'never again' group, but now it is best for the SCOL."
A couple summers ago, the Hurricane got one of seven votes to brought back into the league, the same year and vote that allowed East Clinton to become the eighth member of the league.
Now the league is in a bit of a pickle … they are guaranteed to lose London to the Mid-State League and could lose Madison-Plains this coming week … and who is to say other leagues haven't been in contact with other schools from the SCOL?
Also, who is to say the SCOL isn't thinking about staying at six, wanting to add another team (to get back at seven teams) or possibly trying to get back to the eight-team model (which is what the league will be next year) and offer two schools membership if in fact the Golden Eagles decide to fly to the Mid-State League?
One day it all will come to fruition, but I hope the league isn't a six-team league. I'd rather it at least be a seven-team league than a six-team league. That can't be a positive to the SCOL, especially when it comes to tournament seedings and such, but hey … what do I know?
I'd prefer to have an eight-team league … what about everyone else?
I don't really care what happened 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, but I know 20 years ago my biggest problems were if Hulk Hogan was going to be a wrestling champion (I was seven years old) or if I could beat level five of Super Mario World. My point is … things change and people change, and if Wilmington wants back into the SCOL (we know there is at least one open spot), they should be voted in by the ones who do the voting. It would be the best decision for the livelihood of the league from many aspects.
In a nutshell, all I can really say is best of luck to LHS and MP on whatever happens with their respective, and it would be smart for the SCOL to get into talks with Wilmington and do what is best for business and for the league itself. Everyone involved needs to keep personal or hurt feelings out of the impending decisions the SCOL will be making because it is about what is best for the league, which means what is best for the student-athletes.
[[In-content Ad]]• Looking at the "Rivalry Week" ahead
There were no games involving Highland County teams on Monday as it was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but the schedule will pick up more than normal on Tuesday with two more games added to the slate due to the postponements from last Friday, due to weather.
On Tuesday, there is one girls basketball game with the Lady Mustangs traveling for a non-league game at Blanchester. Lately the Lady Mustangs have been winning games on the road (five straight) at Hillsboro, Fairfield, Paint Valley, Manchester and most recently an overtime win against Ripley. The game at Blanchester will be their sixth straight road game before they return home for four straight games. So far this season, the Lady Mustangs stand at 8-4 overall. After 12 games, LC is averaging 53.1 points per game with 637 points scored this season.
Also on Tuesday, there are now four boys basketball games due to the recent postponements. New to the schedule will be Fairfield hosting Peebles and Whiteoak hosting Ripley, both very important SHL games, as both were postponed on Friday. FHS this season is averaging 54.5 ppg (599 points), while the Wildcats have 51.5 ppg (566 points).
Still on Tuesday, the SCOL will have a couple important league games on Tuesday, with Highland County teams playing as the McClain Tigers host the upstart Miami Trace Panthers and the Hillsboro Indians travel to face Clinton-Massie. Hillsboro (8-3) will enter the week in first place in the SCOL, holding a one-game lead over a majority of the league. HHS has scored 668 points this season (60.7 ppg). For the Tigers, they have scored 586 points this season (48.8 ppg) as they are coming off a win against Unioto on Saturday night at MHS.
As we move to Wednesday for Highland County, the only basketball matchup is McClain girls at Hillsboro. Keep reading to get my take on the Lady Tigers' win against Miami Trace, but this matchup on Wednesday will be a rematch from early in the season where MHS defeated Hillsboro, 53-21 at MHS. Though MHS has the more experienced team, the Lady Indians are playing the best basketball I've seen the program play in at least the past four years. The ladies of HHS should be proud of the work they've put into the season, and though it hasn't resulted in many wins this season, they must know what they are doing this season will impact the program for years to come in a positive manner. HHS (girls basketball) this year is averaging 34.4 ppg this season (12 games), and MHS kept themselves in a run for the SCOL title with their recent win at MT. MHS this season is averaging 44.6 ppg as they stand at 8-4 overall thus far.
This Thursday the Whiteoak Lady 'Cats travel to Ripley, Fairfield goes to Peebles, and what should be one of the most interesting games of the week when Lynchburg-Clay finally returns home (have had six straight road games) to host the North Adams Lady Green Devils. NA has two league losses and LC has three league losses. This game can be called a must-see if you are a fan of either girls basketball or a fan of the SHL.
Friday can be called "Rivalry Night" as the McClain Tigers will host the Hillsboro Indians and the Fairfield Lions will host the Whiteoak Wildcats. What I don't like about this is I can't be in two places at once, and I'd like to be able to watch both of these basketball contests. Oh well, life goes on.
As for the HHS-MHS game, both teams will be coming off games from earlier in the week, and each also played games this past Saturday. Earlier in the season, the Tigers fell to the Indians 53-33, and it is the Indians who have won the past nine meetings against the Tigers (including twice in the postseason). As always, the crowd should be great, and each brings a solid student-section, so the entire atmosphere should be a fun one to be a part of.
Now for the Lions and Wildcats on the same evening … the MHS-HHS rivalry usually produces great matchup and memorable moments. In their first meeting this season, the Lions defeated WHS 60-49 at WHS, where Fairfield junior Quentin Williams broke away for 21 points, and the Wildcats were led by junior Doc Seip with 16 points. Again, like they have been in recent meetings, (including the postseason), this should be a fun atmosphere and an intense atmosphere to be a part of. (Fun fact: In their first meeting this season, Fairfield never trailed.) Also, as I wrote in the game story from Dec. 20, in their last 13 meetings, the Lions have won seven times against the Wildcats. In their past six meetings against each other, the teams are now 3-3.
• The week in rewind
The game I want to talk about from this past week is the McClain Lady Tigers against the Miami Trace Lady Panthers at MTHS on Thursday, Jan. 12.
I've had the opportunity to cover a few great games this season, and this game ranks right up there in that category, especially with the game having a few comebacks and a couple clutch shots from McClain senior Sammy Rooks. Rooks is usually the scoring leader for MHS, but the two baskets she sank that night were perfect and enough to tie the game in the fourth, sending it to overtime, and a jumper from the corner on a broken play for the win in OT. She finished the game with 14 points.
Just to see how close this game was in the second half (including OT), the MHS scoring was 7-12-(9) for 28, and MT's was 6-10-(7) for 23. MHS trailed at halftime at 24-21.
Games like this make driving all the miles, walking in the cold and spending the many hours in the job all worth it. This is also one of those games I'll look back on once the season is over and remember.
Also this past week, it was nice to see two members inducted in the second class of the Lynchburg-Clay Athletic Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Terry McGinnis (supporter) and the late Andy Richmond (former athlete) and his family for this honor.
Another congratulations goes to the Whiteoak Lady Wildcats as they gained their first win of the season. They defeated the West Union Lady Dragons 52-39 last Thursday for their victory.
Thursday was a very busy night as LC defeated Ripley at RHS in overtime. Here is what stands out from just the stats: Leading LC in scoring was senior Brooke Hertlein with 12 points. Hertlein finished with a double-double by grabbing 14 rebounds (five offensive). She added six blocks and one steal. Laney Lewis followed with 11 points (one 3-pointer) with eight rebounds, six steals, three blocks and three assists. That is impressive, especially in a league game and on the road.
• Quote of the Week
"The situation ended up being (in overtime) that we got out of the play we originally set up. Miami Trace was scrambling so hard, trying to cut our passing lanes off, that in both cases Sammy ended up being open. The one at the end of regulation … she (Sammy) was open right at the top of the key, and I don't think at first she wanted to shoot it because she kind of hitched. Then she went ahead, went through and shot it … That's her normal good shot right there (at the top of the key). Add to that, Jenna passed her the ball. Jenna's been doing that all season by finding people open, and Sammy just finished. We've been talking about that all year … having the ability to finish at the basket." — Dennis Overstake, McClain girls basketball head coach following the MHS win over Miami Trace on Thursday.
• (A second) Quote of the Week
"Unioto is a very good team. Their point guard is hurt, and he's one of the best around. Regardless, I thought our competitiveness … our 'want to' was impressive." — Brent Eaton, McClain boys basketball head coach following the Tigers' win over Unioto on Saturday night. (In this game, MHS scored 40 of their 49 points in the second half.)
• (A third) Quote of the Week
"I'm really proud of the girls. We played a triangle and two (Thursday). Our girls worked so hard on the defensive end." — Mike Cooper, Whiteoak girls basketball head coach following the Lady 'Cats' first win of the season.
• (A fourth and final) Quote of the Week
"We played about the same tonight as we did against Fayetteville. We play completely different without Wes, and I have to coach completely different without him playing. I'm not making excuses, but we have guys who have to step up and get some minutes for us right now because we really need them." — Jason McLaughlin, Lynchburg-Clay boys basketball head coach following their win against West Union on Tuesday.
• Stat of the Week
I have to go with the McClain boys basketball team. In the first half on Saturday night, they totaled nine points in the first half. In the second half, they scored 40 points, all the while gaining the win at 49-39. The MHS defense was stellar as they allowed just 15 points in the first half.
• (A second) Stat of the Week
It took until Jan. 13 until the first postponement of a basketball game due to inclement weather for either the SCOL or SHL … which is the longest time I can ever remember a season has gone before a weather postponement.
• Non-high school sports thoughts
- To say I'm surprised by the play of the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday is an understatement. I honestly thought the New Orleans Saints were the frontrunners in the NFC, but they need a lot of help on defense.
- My start of season pick of the Baltimore Ravens winning the Super Bowl is just two wins away, but my Jan. 1 prediction of the Saints winning the Super Bowl is long over. In fact, my NFC title game is a wash as the Green Bay Packers lost to the Giants.
- My NFC and AFC Championship game predictions: New York Giants over San Francisco and the Baltimore Ravens over New England.
- I'll probably be wrong on both accounts, but I try.
- I'm finding myself going through a bit of NASCAR withdrawal. Only 41 days until the Daytona 500.
- The St. Louis Rams are going to make the NFC West interesting with Jeff Fisher coming on a head coach. They are only a few players away from being back in the playoffs. It all depends on the health of quarterback Sam Bradford.
- Last Monday's BCS title game wasn't what I expected. You realize the state of Alabama has won the past three BCS National titles. I still would have rather seen a playoff because the way the NFL does things is much better than the way Division I football does business.
• One last item of business
If the upcoming week of high school athletics (on and off the field) doesn't excite fans, I don't know what will. There is the upcoming decision by Madison-Plains and their relationship with the SCOL, and there are league races in the SCOL and SHL that can get an interest sparked. I'm excited, and that's about all I can say.
Stephen Forsha is the sports editor of The Highland County Press. He can be reached at sforsha@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @hcpsportseditor.