Fever Lose as Stewie, Liberty Ruin Home Opener; The Good, Bad, & Ugly of Game 2

Fever Lose as "Stewie", Liberty Ruin Home Opener; 

The Great, Good, Bad, & Ugly of Game 2

 By Deon Cash Caitlyn Clark

The Indiana Fever have Caitlyn Clark and while she is becoming the new face of the franchise and league, there will be some bumps on the road. 

One of those major bumps was the reigning WNBA Eastern Conference Champions in the New York Liberty.

While the Fever battled the entire evening, the Liberty went on a devastating run in the 4th quarter to seal the deal and send the Fever to 0-2 on the early season.

Led by MVP Breanna Stewart, Star G Sabrina Ionescu and former all-star F-C Jonquel Jones, the Liberty jumped out to a 48-31 lead at half.

In the 3rd quarter the Fever fought back, led by Aliyah Boston, who had 15 points & 7 rebounds on the night to lead Indiana. 

The Fever would cut it to a 11-point lead heading into the final quarter. However the Liberty would dominate the final quarter and leave no doubt, sending the sold out Gainbridge Fever faithful waiting for Clark's first win as a Fever guard.

Clark would score 9 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists on the night.  

Here are the great, good, bad, and ugly about the game vs New York  

THE GREAT 

A sold out Arena (over 17,000) for the Indiana Fever means bigger revenue, bigger games and more energy each and every night...Katie Lou Samuelson was nearly perfect from the field (4-5 FG, 2-2 3-pt FG)...Grace Berger dropped 7pts in 7 min and made a impact...The energy was electric for the home opener and a few stars were in the building. 

THE GOOD

Despite missing some shots, Aliyah Boston was much more aggressive in this game, which bodes well for the Fever moving forward...The bench oustcored Liberty bench 26-22...Despite falling down at half, the Fever battled and made it a game heading into 4th quarter against the Eastern Conference Champions (67-56)...G-F Lexy Hull made her debut. 

THE BAD 

The slow start happened for a 2nd straight game...The inability to get Clark or Boston in a rhythm for a 2nd straight game...The Fever overall shooting was subpar this game, shooting 37% for the game. 1st and 4th quarters hurt Fever for 2nd straight game. 

THE UGLY

The Fever were outrebounded 40-20, with Jones and Stewart each grabbing 10 rebounds each...The hustle stats were alarming, with New York dominating 2nd chance points (29-5), fast break points (16-2) & points in the paint (48-28)...The 4th quarter the Fever were outscored 35-10....Rookie G-F Celeste Taylor did not play and was the only Fever player to not recieve any time. 

NEXT OPP: @NEW YORK 

The Fever will need to lick their wounds and get back to it, as they will head to New York to take on the Liberty in a home and home series.  The game is today and Indiana needs to mentally shake off the last quarter as they face the talented squad on their home court. 

Fever Fall In Season Opener; Clark Drops 20 in First Game

 Fever Fall In Season Opener; Clark Drops 20 in First Game; 

The GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY of 1st Game vs Connecticut 

By Deon Cash

Caitlin Clark, the lady who single-handedly has risen the WNBA in the marketing and showcase department, played in her first game in the WNBA last night, as the Indiana Fever played on the road against the Connecticut Sun.

The Sun, who were a playoff team last season, used a variety of defenses and schemes on Clark and Aliyah Boston, the Rookie of the Year from last season. Mix in arguably two of the top defenders in the W in Alyssa Thomas & DeWanna Bonner and the Fever had no chance in the season opener, falling 91-72.

The game was actually a 8-point game going into the final quarter, in which the Sun dominated in the 4th to seal the deal.

Bonner led the Sun in scoring with 20 points and Thomas did her usual, recording a triple-double with 13pts 10 reb,13 assists & 3 steals, as Connecticut had 5 players in double figures in a balanced effort. 

Clark, despite not scoring until halfway into the 2nd quarter, led the Fever with 20 points. NaLyssa Smith had a good game with 13 points and 9 rebounds.  Boston had only 6 points and 4 boards in the loss.

While Clark found the groove offensively in the 2nd half after getting 2 early fouls in the 1st quarter, her ball control was off, amassing 10 turnovers in her debut.

When asked about what was some of the issues that she had in the game, Clark responded. 

"The physicality, and some uncharacteristic stuff. I pick up the ball and travel, I dribble off my foot, so just a few things I need to clean up. Have to be crispier with my play." 

Here's our GOOD, BAD, & UGLY from the season opener. 

THE GOOD 

Clark responded after a tough 1st half to drop 20 in a subpar overall game....Nalyssa Smith continued to show why she will be a force in a breakout season....Despite the inefficiency with the ball, the Fever battled and showed heart until the 4th, when the Sun took over the game....Kelsey Mitchell made her debut with 8 points after missing the entire pre-season with a back injury....Erica Wheeler was 100% from the field, the line, and the 3....The Fever shot 48% from the field and the bench shot 66%. 

THE BAD 

The 1st quarter and the 4th quarter....The inability to get Boston the ball in offensive situations...Lexie Hull & Celeste Taylor getting a DNP. 

THE UGLY

The Fever had 25 Turnovers....Clark had 10 of them...The 4th quarter they were outscored 27-14...

WHATS NEXT?

The Fever will host the Eastern Conference Champions in the  New York Liberty on Thursday Night in the home season opener at 7pm ET. 

Dayton 24-7 Partnering Station to Cover Indiana Fever, WNBA Games

 Dayton 24-7 Partnering Station to Cover Indiana Fever, WNBA Games 

The "Caitlyn Clark Effect" Continues

By Deon Cash

In some huge news around the Dayton & WNBA globe, Fox Dayton will get a chance to cover some WNBA games in the 2024 season.

Dayton 24-7's partnering station (MyTV Dayton) will be showing a bevy of Indiana Fever games over the course of the season, per info from Dayton 24-7. 

The contract comes as the arrival of Caitlyn Clark to Indiana, which has caused a major uptick in hype, a boost in women's hoops, and has brought major coverage from all over the country.

 Clark's Final Four games were the most watched tournament games in ESPN history. 

Clark seems to have a "Larry Bird Effect", in meaning that we are seeing a college player literally change the way a whole league functions.

Bird and Magic did it in the 80s with the NBA, and were seeing it happen with the WNBA with Clark and the "Bayou Barbie" turned Chicago Sky Face of the franchise in Angel Reese.

After the first game, Dallas was sold out and the ratings were through the roof.

And it's not just Caitlyn Clark who has the league buzzing.

Angel Reese also provided some serious star power as the Chicago Sky team will be on TV after their first preseason game was watched online by millions of viewers.

With that being said, the time is now to jump on the bandwagon, and Fox has agreed to jump in on the deal. 

Stay tuned and check out MyTV Dayton for the upcoming schedule for the Indiana Fever games.

The Fever first and only official pre-season home game is Thursday vs the Atlanta Dream (7pmET).

Check out S.E.Live365, Dayton 24-7 Now & MYTV Dayton for more information. 

Jerry Easter II Dominates EYBL Scholar League as a Junior; All-League Omission Fuels AAU Season

 Jerry Easter II Dominates EYBL Scholar League as a Junior; 

All-League Omission Fuels AAU Season  

By Deon Cash

Jerry Easter II, arguably the top junior in the Midwest, has seen a lot of hate on his way to a Top 20 ranking in the Class of 2025.

Despite these accolades....

🏀All State Selection as a Freshman 

🏀1st Team All-State Selection, District Player of the Year and a legit candidate for Mr Basketball as a Sophomore in Ohio 

🏀Top 5 Scorer and Top 10 Steal Leader in the top tier EYBL Scholar League last season as a junior. (This league has Cooper Flagg, Tray Johnson, VJ Edgecombe and nearly all of the elite hoopers you see on the National Stage)

🏀Leading La Lumiere to a Top 6 National Ranking and as high as number 4 last season.

🏀Top Scorer on La Lumiere last season (22ppg)

🏀A leading candidate for a spot on the USA National team.

🏀A sure fire McDonald's All American selection.

🏀Has a 4.0 accumulative GPA throughout his High School career.

🏀Over 40 offers, including the likes of top tier teams such as Baylor, UCLA, Ohio State, Michigan, and others.

However, there are still detractors who feel a certain way about Easter II. 

Why do people feel this way?

 Let's dissect the topic a little further on why Easter II hasn't been lauded like the way other elite hoopers in the Midwest area have. 

(1) Maybe it's the Way he Plays The Game 

When you watch him, there is a thought that the game is "Too Easy" for him. It seems as if he is playing at his own speed. Sometimes it makes you feel like he's not "playing hard" or "giving his all." The game is not too easy for Easter. It's just he has worked on all facets of his game, and it's apparent the more you watch him. He brings a lot to the table, and his pace is unlike any other players that you see. 

(2) Maybe it's the Fact that he had Disagreements with Coaches. 

He was having a incredible career at Emmanuel Christian in Toledo before the Head Coach started catching feelings and it turned into a circus. But let's make no mistake here.

 The Coach at Emmanuel Christian didn't want all his records broken, and Easter was well on his way to doing that. After some back and forth issues, Easter II would leave Emmanuel Christian and head to La Lumiere to help lead them back to promience. 

(3) Maybe he Doesn't "Work Hard" 

At La Lumiere, there have been no reports of issues with the coaches. But last season a coach said that Easter wasn't working quite hard enough, which was relayed to some D-1 coaches. 

However, one D-1 coach and a pro scout stated. 

"Every time we see Easter play, he is giving 110% effort." 

While coaches will always give their take on issues with their players, there is no doubt that Easter works hard on his game, and on his body as well.

Jerry Easter Sr, a former hooper and boxer, and Trena Easter, a former basketball Michigan alum,  has instilled hard work and a rigorous off season regimen that keeps Easter in tip top shape in the off season. 

The results are undeniable, as Easter is a sculpted 6'5 point guard who's game is comparable to a Shay Gilgeous-Alexander, who has quietly risen to the top of the NBA ranks with a deadly mid-range game to go with his excellent knowledge and all around skillset that has elevated his game each and every year. 

(4) Maybe it's the Politics 

While Easter remains quiet, his camp knows that he has been slighted for way too long.

Last year he went to La Lumiere and absolutely lit up the Scholar League, as he was 4th in scoring and in the top 10 in steals, all the while leading his team to a Top 5 finish. 

Easter was the only scorer in the top 5 who did not make a all-league team, which is quite baffling.

When you look at his numbers, they scream all Scholar League. 

However with some high profile stars on his team such as Darius Adams and others, Easter was listed as a secondary star and slightly overlooked. 

Despite that, he was the unquestioned leader of the team by the end of the season. He's a quiet leader, and will grow into his voice this year, as some projects are coming for Easter to show his personality more.

(5) Maybe it's his Personality

Easter II is a cool kid, normal vibes, and he loves Tik Tok and Instagram, just like the regular high school kid. He is reserved, but he is a quiet assassin on the court. 

While some players celebrate every single shot or move, Easter doesn't. He will give you some juice on certain "Wow" moments, but for the most part, he's low key until he needs to turn up. And even then, he's even more silent than before.

Just this weekend he started the AAU Season with his new team as they defeated his old team All-Ohio Red. Easter blistered his old team with 28 points and a all around game that showed why Easter is a top 10 player in the class. 

Easy.

So whoever is making the rankings for ESPN or any national ranking, stop disrespecting Jerry Easter II.  

He is a top-10 hooper in the class of 25. 

And this season, you will see it clearly. No matter if you are a hater or a lover. 

Easter was just in Memphis and had a dominant weekend there, so stay tuned.

Follow S.E.Live 365 and Jerry Easter II on his journey. 

Reds Ready For First Season Without Votto; Can Young Stars Step Up And Take Next Step?

 Reds Ready For First Season Without Votto; Can Young Stars Step Up And Take Next Step?

The Cincinnati Reds will face the Washington Nationals today in the 2024 MLB Season opener at Great American Ball Park today.

The Reds are hoping for another jump in records, as the Reds were +20 this past season in the win column, almost making the playoffs in the process and rejuvenating the Reds fans for the future.  

Frankie Montas is the guy who will open up the season as the starting pitcher in today's opener. He is 37-35 in his career with a 3.90 ERA over that time.

While you will see the huge crowds at the parade, the energy going crazy all across the Riverfront area in the Nati, there is one familiar face you will not see.

Joey Votto, one of Cincinnati great all-time players, has taken his talents to Toronto after 15+ seasons gracing the Reds fans with his talents and leadership.

That role has been given to the newest possible superstar of the MLB: 

Elly DeLa Cruz

DeLa Cruz is one of the most electrifying players in all of baseball.  He has said himself that he is the "fastest player in the game." 

Add his lighting rod of a arm, his range, his suprising power, his signature smile & youthful exuberance, & his free style play (which reminds you of a Ken Griffey Jr.) and you have the next superstar of Cincinnati. 

And while he's not quite a superstar, as he struggled a bit during the 2nd half of the season, he's putting in the work only elite players do. That also goes for his articulation and speaking of the English language, which DeLaCruz has already shown in his most recent press conference in Cincy recently. 

            Photo COURTESY OF:  WCPO - Channel 9 

However DeLa Cruz has some riders with him as Will Benson, Johnathan India, Christian Encarnacion Strand, and Ryan Steer are all back and ready to do some work. 

The Reds added some new additions, with Montas on that list.

If the pitching can hold up, this Reds team should be right in the thick of the playoff race. And another key issue is the 1st month of the season.

The Reds have had terrible starts the last two seasons, which have basically wiped any chance of getting to a playoff spot.

If the Reds can start better and stay in contention after the 1st two months, watch out. 

We do like the Reds today 4-2 in the Season opener.

Follow us as we follow the Cincinnati Reds and Dayton Dragons all season long.

10 Coaches To Watch For as Trotwood, Northridge, Clark State Jobs Open Up

10+ Coaches To Watch For as Trotwood, Northridge, Clark State Women, Other Jobs Open Up 

 With March Madness at a frenzy, the coaching carousel has once again hit full swing with a variety of coaching opportunities around the Miami Valley.

With the likes of Trotwood men and womens varsity hoops jobs currently open, Northridge mens job in full swing, and Clark State women's job recently vacated, here are some of the possible candidates and their S.E.Live365 Odds to grab one of the available coaching jobs offered this spring. 

NOTE:  We don't have any inside information. These are candidates who WE FEEL ARE THE HOTTEST COACHES IN THE AREA based on what they have done over the course of their careers. 

Here are the list. 

Al Powell - Trotwood Assistant 

Powell was running the show for a solid portion of the season as legendary coach Peter Pullen was out with health issues. Powell is Pullen right hand man, but now that Pullen will not return.                            Is it time for Powell to lead his own charge?  S.E.Live Odds: 5-1

Dre Yates - Trotwood Assistant Coach 

Yates is a local hoop legend who is getting serious about leading a program. 

He was a champion at the High School and college levels, and even in his stints overseas. 

His training and development has helped him navigate towards the top of the "Up Next" young group of guys who are headed to be coaches. He also got some valuable experience when Pullen went down with health problems.                   S.E.Live Odds: 5-1 

Ron Brooks - Dunbar Assistant

Brooks has been a assistant coach for years now as he currently sits on Tony Dixons' staff at Dunbar.  They have won the City 4 years straight. Brooks was on multiple staffs over the course of his career.  

He has a great repoire with the next generation and has elevated his coaching skills and now sits in a position to possibly take over a program. His development skillset and offensive awareness sets him apart.                                                             S.E.Live Odds: 5-1 

Carl Blanton - Trotwood Assistant

Blanton has been a long time assistant in the Trotwood community, and has the most equity in the program aside from the legends and alumni.

Blanton may not be the first pick, but he's definitely a popular pick in Trotwood and has shown his work ethic, consistency and availability, year in, year out.                                                                 S.E.Live Odds: 7-1 

Allen Spears - Northmont Assistant 

Spears, who was a head coach at Ponitz before leaving, has had a nice year at Northmont.  

Spears, a former Patterson hoop legend, led Ponitz to their best record ever and also had guys get opportunities to play at the next level, such as Dayjuan Anderson and others. 

Spears is a veteran coach and would be ready to step in if the right job arises.                                           S.E.Live Odds: 7-1

Chris Wright - Flyght Academy Coach

Wright, who is another Rams alum, is busy developing his own program, but he still is a intriguing possibility. 

He has decided to get into the coaching network and develop as a rising coach, so Trotwood would be a natural location for him to do that.

 However with the Flyght Academy on the rise, would he leave that to head to his alma mater to lead them back to Championship heights?

Highly unlikely at this point. But Wright back at Trotwood is always a intriguing option, and as long as Wright is around, the topic will be talked about.   S.E.Live Odds: 50-1 

Chuck Taylor - No coaching last season

Taylor was the head coach at Dunbar in the 2020 season, and is still a name that reasonates within the coaching network as a guy who could grab another spot within the next few years.    

Taylor was at Dunbar in 2020 as the head coach.         S.E.Live Odds: 15-1 

Troy Lewis - Centerville Assistant 

Lewis has been one of the masterminds behind the Elks great run over the last 4 years. The Purdue legend has been the defensive expert to the Elks punishing defense which has led them to 4 consecutive State semifinal berths and a Title in 2022. 

While Lewis is happy and firm at Centerville, he is one of the top assistant coaches in all of Ohio.      S.E.Live Odds: 25-1 

Quinton Alstork - Clark State Head Coach 

Alstork had a wonderful season in his first year at the college level, as he led Clark State to their best record ever, all the while nearly getting them to the Regional Tournament.  

While Alstork is happy where he is, he was under the Rocky Regime in Trotwood before he headed to Clark State.                                                             S.E.Live Odds: 25-1 

Anthony Parker - West Carrollton Dual Coach

While Parker is entrenched into a role of a lifetime (Dual coach - football & basketball) at West Carrollton, his name has popped up as a candidate merely because Parker has a business in Trotwood, coached there previously, and has completely ressurected a West Carrollton basketball program. 

He also was under the Rocky Rockhold Regime, who was the coach who got the Rams their first ever Basketball State title.

Parker is not a real option, but his meteoric rise as a coach over the years merits a real look. Is Parker the guy who could take the Rams back to promience ?                                                              S.E.Live Odds: 25-1 

Donovan Brown, Stivers Assistant Coach 

Brown, who was a hot head coach candidate in DPS the least few years, is now in the forefront for a few more opportunities coming up.

Brown was nearly a head coach last year, but Porter was given the opportunity at Stivers.  

Don't be suprised to see the former Wolverine star at a head coaching level sooner than later. Brown is a leader of men and has coached for some years now on different staffs across the city.                           S.E.Live Odds: 5-1 

 

Sam Anderson, Trotwood Assistant 

Anderson, who took a step back last season, is still one of the guys who could be ready to take a head coaching spot sooner than later. 

 While Anderson is focused on his sons football development at Cincinnati, he also has another son who is coming up the ladder and has a elite group of hoopers with them.                                                         S.E.Live Odds: 10-1 

Dwayne Hansbro - Oakwood Assistant 

Hansbro has really continued to develop into a top coach, and has been on a few different coaching staffs in his career. 

He is currently on the Oakwood staff, and had a very good season with the JV team along with being a key contributor as a coach with the varsity team, which won the SWBL once again.                     S.E.Live Odds: 7-1 

Dwayne "Wolfy" Hutchinson 

"Coach Wolf"  as he is affectionately known as, could also be a candidate as he took the Thurgood Marshall Lady Cougars to 3 consecutive Dayton Public School Titles and a Sectional Title shot to boot.  

He also changed a culture that was not nearly at the level that it is now. With 4 girls headed to college next year to hoop,  "Coach Wolf" has shown he has what it takes to develop a budding organization. 

With Trotwood girls on the rise in the coming years, will Trotwood make a leap for one of the top coaches in HS girls hoops in the Miami Valley?

While Hutchinson is firm in his spot at Thurgood, what he has done has been a revelation for DPS Athletics and will not go unnoticed by other schools around the Miami Valley.                                    S.E.Live Odds: 10-1 

While there are a few more names that could be on the list, don't be suprised if these names end up with some head varsity coaching jobs somewhere this season. 

Follow @SELive365 on the journey.