Friday, March 20, 2015

Xavier, Ohio St, Cincy all win, move on; Georgia St shocks Baylor; Which local kids are shining in March Madness?

With the round of 64 starting up yesterday, it was excitement personified in March Madness. Here's the SELive Hot 5 topics for first day of round of 64.

(1) All the Ohio teams won - making them 4-0 in the tourney so far.
Ohio really is the hot state for hoops, so how fitting that Ohio St, Xavier, Cincy, and UD all won their first round games? The Buckeyes was led by freshman sensation D'Angelo Russell who dropped 28, and survived OT with win over VCU; Xavier cruised, while Dayton survived and Cincy won a thrilling game in OT vs Purdue.

(2) Multiple 13 seeds upset 4 seeds, send them packing.
Georgia St pulls off improbable W with hobbled coach as Miami (Ohio) grad Ron Hunter coached his boys - with a torn Achilles no less -to a magical win over Baylor. Wayne grad and Forward Marcus Crider had a very solid game, with double figures in scoring, and being a "Point Forward", and battling the bigs for Baylor, despite being undersized. R.J. Hunter scored 12 of last 13 pts for Georgia St. After struggling all game, he hit a 26-footer to win the game.
  UAB also pulled off a major win as well, defeating Iowa St in a close one.

(3) Local kids having major impact in March Madness
Every year it seems like a kid from Dayton area is balling out in the tourney. This year is no different at you look at the list of players who are in the tounament - and having a major impact. Here's the list:

Juwan Staten - PG - West Virgnia
Marcus Crider - F - Georgia St
Vince Edwards - F - Purdue
Jordan Sibert - G - Dayton
Travis Trice - G - Michigan St

Thats a nice group of players, wouldn't u say?
All starters, key players

(4) March Madness Hooper of the day
D'Angelo Russell - PG - Ohio St
The smooth lefty dropped 28 & was key in the OT win over VCU, as they move on to play Arizona. Can u say NBA Top 10 pick?


(5) Key games today for Locals

#5 West Virginia vs #12 Buffalo
#11 Dayton vs #6 Providence
#7 Mich St vs #10 Georgia


Note:
Upset Special - Dayton over Providence

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

NCAA Committe screws and hooks up Dayton Flyers at the same damn time

When the Dayton Flyers name popped up in the bracket to play in first four, there were two types of facial expressions from the Flyer players and coaching staff, who had just lost in the A-10 Championship Game to VCU.
The players? Pissed.
The coaches? Excited.

And that's how to explain how the Flyers faithful feel as well. Lets first examine the Flyers resume;
On one hand, the Flyers (25-8) was:

(1) One win away from a Atlantic-10 Conference and tournament championship;
(2) Played well in the early season tourneys, and even lost to strong opponents.
(3) Had a strong RPI - Top 50
(4)Finished in Elite 8 last season with most players coming back
(5) Record never wavered despite losing 2 biggest post players to disciplinary action

Looking at this resume, u think a 6 seed maybe, or a 8 or 9 at worst right?
A 11 seed.
That damn committee.
But why? How were they not convinced after this season?
But here's the catch Dayton fans.

You play at home. The first time in NCAA history. In front of 13,000 fans, mostly in blue and red for the joyous occasion.
And they're quite knowledgeable, so I'm sure UD Arena will be a rowdy spectacle.
Not even the #1 seeds have played on their home court for a game in the men's tourney.

And if you win that vs a very respectable Boise St team, you head 50 miles up the road - to Columbus- to play a team (Providence) who hasn't won any games in the tourney for a while.
Now while most fans for UD are salty, feeling like they got screwed, it will serve as more ammo for a team who has been counted out from the jump, called a Cinderella team last year.
 Former Flyer Big Man Nate Green feels like the home game could be a "Blessing in disguise."

How about the arrival of the newest big time "Mid Major" in the country? And another Elite 8 Appearance?

Only March Madness knows.
That damn Committee.



Sunday, March 15, 2015

Win or lose today, Flyers deserve a high seed in NCAA Tourney

If last season the Dayton Flyers Hoops team felt like they were on a roller coaster, what could this season possibly feel like?

Feeling pretty good right now, it seems.

The Flyers battle VCU today for the #Atlantic - 10 Championship in Brooklyn (1pm). The Flyers held off Rhode Island in the semifinals.

While the Flyers aren't ranked (close to it) they have been for half the year, and have shown since last season, that when faced with adversity, they can rise to the challenge.

Last season they were a game away from the Final Four, and with a lot of key players still on the team they looked primed for another run.

They are 25-7, have one the 5 hottest coaches in the game (Archie Miller), a rabid fan base that travels, and have shown that even without height (losing their two tallest players for personal reasons) they still have thrived.
So Joe Lunardi, the bracket master or whatever you wanna call him, here's a message to you.

Respect the Flyers.
Give them a 4 or 5 seed.
The numbers justify the means.

Sincerely
FromThe best basketball in the country
Dayton




Saturday, March 7, 2015

Cant miss Sporting Events in Southwest Ohio this weekend

With Spring around the corner and temperatures rising, it can only mean one thing:
#MarchMadness!
With that being said, this weekend is HUGE in Southwest Ohio. Here's the TOP Sporting events this weekend, you definitely dont want to miss!

(1) Sectional Finals - Dayton High School Hoops
With hoopers such as Duke signee #LukeKennard, #OhioSt signee #AJHarris, playing, along with powerhouse programs playing each other? (Dunbar vs Alter) (Centerville vs Xenia) (Franklin vs Ponitz)
UD Arena will be rocking today, and the creme of the crop will rise today and move on to Districts Finals.
Games start at 4.

(2) Lady Slam will make historical debut today in UBA action.
While the anticipation has risen in last couple weeks, the Lady Slam have been in the lab, working hard and preppin for this big moment.
Today they will play Brick City in the second part of a doubleheader (6pm) as Gem City Slam mens squad will play first (4pm), followed by the First EVER women's pro team in Dayton. With former overseas Hooper and Dunbar legend Rhonda Price leading the team and former UD Flyer Victoria Jones coaching the squad, this sure to be a groundbreaking game - and season.
This will be the first game for both Brick City and the Lady Slam. Game starts at 6pm at Northridge High School.


(3) 2nd Annual Rising Stars All-Star Games
Despite tough weather last couple weeks, the Rising Stars Middle School All-Star games will be going down today (10am-5pm) as the TOP 50 7th & 8th grade girls and boys will battle it out in a series of All-Star games. They will all represent their schools, and the event had a great showing last year. The organization is excited about the direction of the event, and expect a nice turnout to watch the future stars in Southwest Ohio.
Games will be played at Wayne High School.

(4) Arnold Expo - Columbus
Every year the best of the best come out and compete at the Arnold Expo, a showcase for the muscleanneous - yes I made that word up- and the fitness heads out here. Usually gathering hundreds of thousands of people for the event.
If you look around hard enough you might just see Arnold Schwarzenegger himself.
This will be going on From Friday to Sunday.







Tuesday, February 17, 2015

NBA prospect Juwan Staten shows why LeBron had so much faith in him as West Virginia defeats Kansas

  

Juwan Staten reppin' West Virginia after huge W

    Seven years ago Juwan Staten was "The Man" in the state of Ohio. A junior at Thurgood Marshall out of Dayton, Staten had led his squad to the Ohio High School State Finals and had just fallen short of winning a state title, which had sent the All-State guard in tears. LeBron James, on the sideline watching Staten put on a show to keep the Cougars in the game, had consoled the young star, letting him know his future was bright, that he had balled out and dominated in the presence of one the best players in the NBA, all the while patting him on the back and hugging the distraught Staten.

LeBron consoles Staten at HS State Finals


     Staten would then go to a prep school his senior year, leaving Thurgood, to better prepare himself for college. He would use those words for inspiration that LeBron had left him. When he decided to stay at Dayton, the whole city was in shock. The best player in Ohio - who left for prep school - will comeback to play for his hometown?

This was sure to bring a level of respect, love and appreciation to Juwan, as he would be able to lead the Flyers to the promise land right?

In the words of Borat the Entertainer, "Not so much."

In a tumultuous year at UD, Staten decided to transfer after his freshman year. He was badgered by the city. He was dissed by the UD faithful. Called a quitter, a trader, and not loyal. It hurt him and his family, especially his father, Bill Staten, who had carefully watched his son throughout the whole process, and was not hesitant to step in, when he felt needed. Staten had coached at Thurgood and Colonel White, and heard all the negative words that was said about his son. Not to mention the fact that Staten wasn't starting his freshman year. Whether he was ready to start or not, is another story, but then-coach Brian Gregory decided to bring him along slowly, which was not happily taken by Staten. This caused a rift between Staten and the staff, and ultimately would lead to Staten heading to West Virginia.

 While that moment wasn't a storybook ending for Staten, this season sure has been, with his signature moment at the hands of the mighty Kansas Jayhawks.

   Staten was accepted by Huggins, and wasn't coddled by any means. Huggins wasn't sold on his sophomore prodigy. He wanted Staten to take more responsibility for his mistakes. Work harder. Show more. Become more mature.
So Staten did.

Staten GW shot vs Kansas
His junior year for the Mountaineers was phenomenal and you could see Huggins opening up to his star, all the while keeping him accountable. Staten made All-Big 12, and was selected this year as the Pre-Season Big 12 Player of the Year.

So with the Kansas Jayhawks leading by 1 with 9 seconds to go and Staten having missed his last two shots, who would get the ball?
Hmmm....Yep, you guessed it.

Staten went coast to coast with a smooth spin move and left hand layup to give the Montaineers the lead - then ran full speed down to the other end - beating everyone down the court, to rattle Perry Ellis into missing the shot and giving the Mountaineers the huge W, solidifying their March Madness hopes.
After the game, Staten quoted, "We keep fighting and believing. We didn't give up".

Im sure LeBron knew what he was watching that March day in Columbus.

Now the whole world knows as well.



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Friday, August 29, 2014

Miami Valley Football High School Predictions, Top 10 players to watch for; Top 5 Storylines in Dayton High School Football

As we enter to another rugged season of Football here in the Miami Valley, one thing is for certain; With all the moves that happened in the Miami Valley Area, this is sure to be one exciting season. With a plethora of players committed to D-1 colleges, teams trying to get back to the state, and social sports awareness at a all time high, its easy to see why we could be in for a epic season here in the Miami Valley.

Top 5 Predictions:

(1) Trotwood will win State this season 
    While I know this is not jumping out on a limb, the Rams did lose the man who rebuilt the Trotwood organization into a dynasty (Maurice Douglass) and also a couple of key players. However, the new coach (Jeff Graham) although while not as experienced as Douglass, has some experience of his own (NFL Veteran) and he has a experienced QB (Messiah DeWeaver) who will lead the way along with a Small College ready D with D-1 talent lurking at every position; Make a note as Trotwood plays Springfield in Week 1 tonight.


(2) Belmont will go .500 this season
     Now this is jumping out on a limb! Anybody who knows the history of Belmont knows that when it comes to football? Haven't hit on much in the last say......50 years or so?....But a new day is coming, as former Thurgood coach (Earl White has moved over to the Bison after leading Thurgood to consecutive playoff appearaces and building a reputation for rolling over folks with the running game. Add to that a pack of young, athletic, hungry players who give not one inkling of a thought to history and you get a possible great story here; the Bison thrashed Ansonia 36-22 to start the season 1-0. Stay tuned.


(3) Springfield will fight for state - in two years
    When the news leaked that Maurice Douglass was leaving the Mighty Rams program and moving to Springfield, it was almost like a earthquake had been sent through the GWOC and Southwest Ohio. Why leave the place that is going to State Championship Games every single year, all the while sending kids all over to D-1 programs?  But make no mistake; Douglass has a way with his players,  and he can restructure a program quickly; And although it seemed like a bad move, it was the perfect one for him to make; He knows there is a wealth of talent in Springfield, but the community was dying. Players not caring, or transferring.  Nothing that a guy who took a middling program and turned it into a powerhouse couldn't handle. While he's already changed the mindset, it will take a year or so to change the results on the scoreboard to the point where we see them in the State Semis. But don't doubt Douglass, as when he gets his QB back in midseason if they are over .500? Watch out.

(4) Wayne will end up in Final Four this year
    The Warriors have been really close in getting to the state title game, but because of the powerhouses that roam down in Cincy, its been too tough to get through; well that could change this year, as the Warriors are primed and ready to breakthrough with QB DMitrick Trice leading the way; With a top D back and weapons galore, this will be a banner year for the Warriors. Question is, can they put it all together when it counts?


(5) West Carrolton will have the hottest freshman in the state
    Yes you read it right; The Pirates, of all people, have one of the best talents in the State, and he will be debuting as the starting RB for the Pirates. Jaylen Artis, nicknamed the "Tank", will put his talents on display this weekend. He has been punishing opponents since pee wee, and now the Pirates have put the ball in the hands of the talented frosh; Can he help rise the Pirates from the depths of the GWOC bottom?


                                   Here is SportsEffectLive Top Players to watch for this Season:


Messiah DeWeaver QB, Trotwood - DeWeaver will look to prove his commitment to Michigan as a junior is no fluke. And he's definitely ready for the challenge.

Jamahl Manley QB , Thurgood - Without the coach to run the scheme that worked so well, can Manley step up to the challenge to become a All-State QB and lead his Cougars back to playoffs?

Damian Popp  RB, Centerville - Popp popped all over the scene last year, and didn't stop until he ran for almost 2k (1,982 yds) and 20 TD's; Can he top 2,000 this season?

Chris Young RB/ LB, Miamisburg  - Young was dominant with the Vikings last season, amassing 16 TD's on the ground; however, he's even scarier on the defensive side, which is what the D-1's see.

D'Mitrick Trice QB, Wayne - Trice lit it up for 34 TD's and only 8 INT's for a 11-2 squad last year. Can he go one more notch and get them boys to the State?

Davion Lankford  RB, Belmont - Lankford was unstoppable racking up 3 TD's and 130 yards in Game 1; Can he keep that up all season when the D is keying on him? Great start nevertheless.

Nick Coleman RB, Alter  - Coleman was a monster last year, and will follow fellow Knight Malik Zaire to Notre Dame; Question is, can he lead a Alter team deep into the playoffs?

Jaylen Artis  RB, West Carrollton - Artis, nicknamed the "Tank", has been unstoppable up into this point; Now the heralded frosh will be tested early and often; Can he handle the transition?





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Kevin Love talks- finally; A Reality Show in Ohio?; New Dayton Public Sports Program

SportsEffectLive Hot Topics of Tuesday
(1) Love announcement, press conference today
Kevin Love will speak today after long awaited trade which sent him to Northeast Ohio to play with LeBron, Kyrie and the new look Cavs, who seem to have "first dibs" on the NBA Finals; Love, after being put on "silent treatment" by NBA, his reps, etc.,will finally get to talk about the trade that happened a month ago- even though he wasn't allowed to say a word. What will he say? Will he guarantee the infamous LBJ comment of "Not 1, Not 2, etc"?

(2) Reality Show in Ohio?
With the takeover of "Reality TV" every network has a plethora of Reality Shows that focus on any and every type of idea they can wiggle out of the producers minds. So, why not Ohio? Word is that the first Full Season Reality show will start airing in October; Which it will be either featuring the top Barbers or Beauticians. With Ohio being named one of the Top 10 "Sexiest places in the country" its only neccessary that Hollywood be brought to Ohio; Hell we got LeBron back, and Johnny Football has brought a new level of coverage Ohio has never seen; Stay tuned for more details on this major breakthrough for the Ohio folks.
Do you think Ohio can handle a Reality Show?

(3) Dayton Public Schools Sports Games Nationally Televised?
Dayton Public Schools will look toward making great strides as they possibly partner up with SportsEffectLive to bring a weekly show to the Miami Valley; Included will be broadcasted games of football, basketball, and possibly track or baseball. Along with it is a weekly Sports show in which coaches, players, and businesses will be the features, while the fans and supporters will have a chance to interact with their favorite players! Not to mention building a new youth broadcasting organization to continue the positive movement in education and sports in the Dayton area.
Do you think Dayton High School Sports should be nationally televised?

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