Don't forget Mom!
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, May 11 6:30 a.m.
She means so much to us, just remember mom today!
If you are lucky enough to still have your mom, just cherish every moment, you just never know how long they will be there. I am very fortunate to still have mine.
Before heading over to visit today, I will be at the Court 4 Sports facility in Mason to work at the Butler County Super Regional tournament. I am working the table from 9:30-5, so if you are there, stop by and say hello.
Congrats to the Dayton Lady Hoopstars for winning the 9U and 12U state titles recently. Also, the 12U White team captured the D2 state title.
Short and sweet today. Been here working at the newspaper since 4:30 this morning, ready to head out to the tournament. Hope to see you there.
Until later ....................
A cold wet night
By JIM DABBELT / Friday, May 9 8:00 p.m.
I must be bad luck to the tracksters in the area. For the second straight Friday night, I attended Tipp City to see a track meet to support a good friend of mine who vaults for Tecumseh, and the rain just keeps following me.
Yes, she jumped 10-feet, 6-inches, continuing to work toward her trip back to the state, and preparing for the CBC league meet next week. But for one week, please let there be sunshine!
Hopefully better weather next week.
Hope to see some of you in Cincinnati this weekend for the Super Regional at Court 4 Sports in Mason. I will be working one of the scorers table keeping the book, so make sure you come up and say hello. I will be there all day Sunday, starting at 9:30 a.m.
As for the rest of the night, it's time to turn my support to Mellon Arena, as my Penguins open the conference finals against the Philadelphia Flyers. It's game one tonight as we speak.
Tomorrow, we are celebrating my sons 10th birthday, so I am taking the day off from basketball.
Also heard today from Ohio U. that they have hired Semeka Randall as their new head coach.
Until later ..................
June 29 Shootout update
By JIM DABBELT / Friday, May 9 12:50 p.m.
With three weeks left until the signup deadline, there are still open spots left in my second annual Aqua Falls Shootout. I have lined up some nice events to take place that day, and if you were there last year, it will be very familiar.
Samaritan North will be a sponsor again this year, as they will be doing free ACL screenings for the kids, along with vertial leap testing. The kids really seemed to enjoy that last year.
Players will be playing in three games, and each team will have an evaluator. This way, when the event is over, each player will have been evaluated.
One of the main reasons I do this is to evaluate the kids in the Dayton area for this site. In the fall, I will be assembling my Top 100 list of players in the Dayton area. Many of the players listed will be done after seeing them at the Shootout. The booklet goes out to hundreds of college coaches at the Classic in the Country, thanks to my good friend Tom Jenkins, the main man for Ohio girls hoops.
Another strong aspect is that several Division 2, 3, NAIA and JUCO college coaches have been invited to this event. Last year, we had around 20 coaches there, and I have heard from some of the 2008 seniors that their first interaction with certain colleges came as a result of the shootout. So, for the kids who are in the shootout from outside the Dayton area, they will get a chance to be seen by the colleges.
Another positive thing is that this is the final weekend before the July Division One college evaluations begin. I know a lot of you are looking forward to getting looked at by the D1s, and this would be a great chance to fine-tune your game before July 1.
But in reality, there are somewhere around 800 teams that play high school varsity basketball in Ohio, and only a select few of the players on the average go to a Division One school each year. So it is never a good idea to close the door on any college, because you never know when you may need to knock on it again. I know a lot of players and parents have that dream of going to a bigtime school, only to see the dream squashed, then its too late to look at other options.
Six weeks ago, I sent out my first waves of invites to the shootout. Tomorrow, I will be sending out invites to kids outside of the Dayton area, to help fill up the open spots. So if there are any kids who have been invited from the Miami Valley who are still interested in getting into the event, it would be a good thing to send everything in.
I am only taking 80 kids for the shootout, then a waiting list will be created. Once the next wave of invites go out, the field could start to get filled up. I have already recieved word that a girl from Wooster (near Akron) is coming down.
I hope to see a lot of you at the Shootout, even parents and fans who want to watch some of the best players in the region and across the state.
Tonight, it's off to the Tipp City Quad to see some track action. Again, the girls races between Tipp and Tecumseh could be intense. Both teams have runners and field event participants. Come on out and join me at 5:00.
Until later ...............
Gotta follow the rules
By JIM DABBELT / Wednesday, May 7 7:00 a.m.
They are hoping to clean up the rough play with this new rule. I am not sure how well it will work, but we will soon find out.
In a day and age where the basketball players are getting stronger and more physical, the National Federation of State High School Associations (in an effort to save my fingers, I will call it by it's more common name, NFHS) rules committee has decided to vacate the two marked lane spaces closest to the basket on free throws starting next season.
All players must move up one lane space away from the basket, and they will apply a new line to the free throw lane to use.
According to experts in the field, the number of fouls during rebounding of a free throw has lowered while this was in place in other states last season, during an experimental phase.
Now this rule is acceptable, if they indeed want to clean up the play. But a rule that was not implimented by the NFHS was the instant replay rule. After the fiasco at the state tournament last year, one would think that us here in Ohio would crave for instant replay. Regardless of who was playing in the state tournament or who you were rooting for, it would keep it fair if an official missed a crucial call. This was not approved at the NFHS meeting.
How would they be able to use instant replay at this level? You obviously wouldn't be able to use it in every high school game. Then, the problem becomes, how could you use it in just the tournament and not regular season? There are a lot of questions to think about, but to be honest, it would be nice to have.
Another new rule is that if a player is wearing an illegal jersey, or illegal number, the technical foul would be called and applied to the head coach.
Girls basketball is the most popular sport at the school level for female athletes, with nearly 457,000 girls playing the sport. And it just continues to grow.
Until later ..............
A little iron will do you good
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, May 4 10:40 p.m.
I had two choices. Either listen to my son every day bug me to go see Ironman, or break down and take him to see it. So, that was our plan for tonight. We went and saw the big movie that everyone is raving about, and let me be the first to tell you.
Go spend the money and see it, it's worth it.
We both enjoyed the movie, it was outstanding. If you do go, stay until after the credits for a late teaser.
Down in Tennessee, the Lady Diamonds lost in the finals of the 16U division, losing 71-57 to a team from Kentucky. Allie Turner put on a show in the first half with 19 points, and Samarie Walker added 24 for the game. They also beat the 76ers earlier in the day 63-46 as Samarie and Amber McCann each scored 15, and Allie with 7.
This morning, the Diamonds started their day with a 39-14 win over a team from Tennessee, in a game shortened due to the fact that the Tennessee coach took his team off the floor with two minutes left in the first half.
The DLH 16 team lost to the Kentucky Blast 66-55 to be eliminated today, along with the 15U Black team who lost to the Tennessee Flight 64-37, with Cassie Sant scoring 10 points for DLH.
And how about my Penguins!! An exciting 3-2 overtime win over the Rangers today puts the Pens into the conference finals. It's going to be a real fun week.
Are you awake yet?
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, May 4 11:30 a.m.
Very likely, they are just starting to wake up.
The Lady Diamonds, who got back to their hotels long after 1 a.m. due to the lateness of their last game, look to hit the court at 1 p.m. in the 16U quarterfinals this afternoon. All this after one of the most amazing games I have ever heard about.
They battled the Alabama Cardinals, in a game that the Diamonds won 70-58. Samarie Walker scored 19, Amber McCann 12, Kate Gerrety 10 and Allie Turner 8. But that wasn't the story of the game.
The referees, who must have been delirious that late at night, called 6, count em, 6 techincals against the Diamonds. I have never in my long time in this game, ever heard of that happening. The scorekeeper was thrown out, they called one against the coach for what I am told, had no business being called. Who knows, they might have called one on the guy in the concession stand for a cold hot dog!
Anyway, I sure hope they got a good night sleep, especially if they are going to do more games today.
The DLH 15 Black team is 15 minutes from playing a quarterfinal game, while the Diamonds and DLH 16 Black teams will each play a 16 Quarterfinal game at 1 p.m.
If everything falls into place, the DLH 15 team would win their quarterfinal, and play a semi final game at 2:15 and the finals at 4:45. The 16U bracket has their semis at 3:30 and finals at 6:00.
Until later ...................
Some late night hoops
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, May 4 12:55 a.m.
As you read this, it is likely Sunday morning, after a good nights sleep. For a couple of teams, they are still out wrapping up their games from Saturday as I write this.
The DLH 15 Black team started their third game of the day at 9:48 p.m., wrapping things up after 11 p.m. with a 64-39 win against the Atlanta Celtics, to finish their pool play at 3-0. Cassie Sant scored 11 points and Courtney Weeden added 10. Dayton led 26-13 at the half.
That's not the worst of it. The Lady Diamonds tipped off their game at 11:20 last night, with the final buzzer going on long after midnight. In fact, it was 30-28 Diamonds at the half, with the clock reading 12:19 a.m. I will update you in the morning.
The DLH 16 Black team also had the late night game, staring around 11. Again, hopefully in the morning, I will have the details.
Earlier in the day, the DLH 16 Black team won a pair of games, defeating the Low County Ballers 76-29, and Georgia Dream Team 59-39. Against the Ballers, Emily Zimmerman of Beavercreek scored 14 to lead Dayton, with Shannon Campbell of Miamisburg adding 13, Shelby Pettit of Brookville 11 and Emilee Harmon of Pickerington 10. In their win against Georgia, it was Harmon dropping in 19, with Amanda Smith of Dayton Christian scoring 9, Ruef and Jessica Plummer of Tipp City had 8 each.
The DLH 13 Black beat N.E. Lady Hornets 14U team 59-44, but then lost to the Memphis Elite 14U Team 73-62.
Until later .......................
Diamonds are a girls best friend
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, May 3 6:30 p.m.
The beat rolls on for the Ohio Lady Diamonds down at the Tennessee Miracle Classic, as they defeated a competitive Kentucky Blast team 61-52, as Samarie Walker dominated for 24 points. She was joined on the offensive end by Allie Turner, with 17 points. They now come back at 10:45 tonight for a late night prime time showdown for a chance to win their pool.
DLH had a couple of nice wins today, as the 13U Black team had a nice 59-44 win against the Carolina 76ers, while the 15U Black team went to 2-0 in the tournament, jumping to a 45-9 halftime lead, and cruising to a 69-16 win against Alabama Excel. Chelsea LaPorte of Miamisburg scored 17 points for DLH, while Tipp City's Leah Schiller added 14 and Jenna Cobb of Miami Trace added 11. They also play later tonight, hitting the court again at 9:45.
Again, no word from the DLH 16 Black team, or the 15 White team.
I am very excited to write the feature story on Brooke Frazier, one of the best pole vaulters in the area. She attends Tecumseh, and looks to make it back to the state track meet again this season. After nearly 4 hours at the Park Layne Sports Grille this afternoon, it makes me realize how classy some of these elite athletes are. I love to deal with the athletes what want to give back and help out the younger kids on their teams, not the ones who walk around thinking they are so good. She will be showcased next Friday at the Tipp City Quad, as she competes with another state qualifier Lauren Crawford from Tipp. I will be in attendance, and it starts at 5. Be there!
Did you hear about the new rule change starting next basketball season? I will have more on that later.
Until later ...............
Good ol' Rocky Top
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, May 3 11:45 a.m.
This is the weekend I always look forward to, heading down south to Jefferson City, Tennessee for the annual Tennessee Miracle Classic. It's my favorite tournament of the AAU basketball season.
But thanks to the now 10-week long American Axel strike that has shut down production at my employer, I get to stay home and bring all of you updates via the blog. Thanks to everyone who is sending me results from the local teams that are there.
Last night, the Lady Diamonds opened tournament play with an interesting game. Their opponents, Carolina Heat, had not shown up in time for tip-off for their 8:30 game, so the game was going to be called a forfeit. Then, 15 minutes later, they come walking in. After much deliberation with the tournament officials, they agreed to let the two teams play a pair of 15-minute running-clock halves. On top of that, Diamonds standout Samarie Walker didn't make it until late in the second half. Fortunately for the Diamonds, they came out victorious 34-20, as Greenon's Allie Turner scored 9 points for the Diamonds.
Then this morning, the Dayton Lady Hoopstars (who from now on will just be knows as DLH) 15 Black team survived for a tough 72-61 win over Tennessee Flight. Miamisburg's Chelsea LaPorte led Dayton with 15, while Fairmont sophomore Cassie Sant added 11 and Butler point guard Kacie Cassell scored 10 with 4 assists. Nice opening win for Jerry Rex's squad.
No updates yet from the DLH 14 Black, 15 White, 13 Black. John Coffee's 16 Black team battles today, with their last game tonight at 10:45.
Just now drying out from the Clark County Track Championships last night at Greenon. Like the other 20 people that braved the terrible wet conditions (ok, maybe there were 30 there), I got to see some great athletes. Even though they scratched the long jump and pole vault, it was a great night for Tecumseh's girls team. They won their first ever county girls title. Their relay teams are incredible. And Alison Steinbrunner running the distance events....untouchable.
Got an interesting email this morning from a longtime friend Katie Smith, who some of you oldtimers will remember played her prep ball here in Ohio. She is about to head into her third Olympics, along with another WNBA season. With this in place, she will be unable to attend my Shootout June 29 to speak to the kids. Without question, the greatest player to ever lace em up in Ohio. I also have a call into Brittany Smart, who is checking her schedule.
I have an interview with Tecumseh returning pole vault state qualifier Brooke Frazier today at 1:00 for lunch, so I will be back on here later to update with more scores from Tennessee.
Until later ...............
09 verbals, coaching changes
By JIM DABBELT / Monday, April 28 9:05 p.m.
Things are starting to take shape with the 2009 class, as they are starting to make their college choices. Thanks to Tom Jenkins of the Ohio Girls Basketball Report for the latest updates.
Kari Daughtery of River View is following her big sister Kristin to the University of Dayton. Also, Tessa Elkins of Lakota West has made a verbal to Ohio University, while Katelyn Kees of Cincinnati Mother of Mercy will be heading to Evansville.
Last week, Brianna Sanders of Cincinnati Princeton made her choice to attend the Ohio State University, and just recently, it was Gabby Smith of Mount Notre Dame choosing Vanderbilt.
That's about it for the 09 class as of now, but things could change daily. Even the 2010 class is drawing attention, as offers have come in for kids already.
As for college coaches, there have been some changes in Division One programs that could affect some of the girls I mentioned. Evansville coach Tricia Cullup has taken the job at Toledo, and just today, it was made public that Sylvia Crawley goes from Ohio University to Boston College.
Until later ...............
Tennessee Miracle Classic is coming
By JIM DABBELT / Monday, April 28 8:30 p.m.
It is one of the most anticipated tournaments all season on the AAU circuit, even though, Division One college coaches cannot come.
It doesn't even matter for the 100+ teams that choose to play in the Tennessee Miracle Classic held at Carson Newman College, very close to Pigeon Forge.
You see, that's the major perk. Not only do the players get to play in a very competitive tournament, they also get to hit the tourist trap known as Gatlinberg and Pigeon Forge. It makes it for a great family weekend, not only for hoops but fun.
I have taken teams to that tournament twice in my coaching tenure with the Dayton Lady Hoopstars, and in total, I have been there six times in total. I have enjoyed golfing at the incredible course in Dandrige, and of course, dropped a few dollars at the go-carts and games for my son.
So, as the teams head out throughout the day Friday, here is how the schedule looks for those going to the event: Dayton Lady Hoopstars 10Black- Friday 8:30p vs TN Pride @ Carson Newman 1, Saturday 4:45p vs KY Blast @ Nelson Merry Rec Center. DLH10 White- Saturday 8:00a vs AL Cardinals @ CN2, 1:00p vs WVA Thunder @ Nelson Merry Rec Center. DLH13 Duff- Friday 7:15p vs TN Team Pride @ Carson Newman Main, Saturday 9:15a vs Atlanta Celtics @ CN2. DLH13 Schuster- Saturday 8:00a vs Memphis @ Carson Newman Main, 11:45a vs Peak Performance Elite @ CN3. DLH14 Williams- Friday 7:15p vs TN Xplosion @ Jefferson County Comm. Center, Saturday 4:45p vs AL Hoopstars @ Jefferson Middle School, 9:45p vs Atlanta Celtics @ Carson Newman Main.
DLH15 Rex- Saturday 9:15a vs TN Flight Trotters @ CN3, 4:45p vs AL Excel @ Carson Newman Main, 9:45p vs Atlanta Lady Celtics @ Morristown East HS. DLH15 Thompson- Friday 8:30p vs TN Team Pride @ Jefferson Middle School, Saturday 10:30a vs Low County Ballers @ CN3, 2:15p vs Atlanta Celtics @ Jefferson MS. DLH16 Coffee- Friday 8:30p vs TN Xplosion @ CN3, Saturday 9:15a vs Mt. Sterling Comets @ CN2, 2:15p vs Palmetto 76ers @ Rush Strong, 8:30p vs AL Elite @ CNM. Lady Diamonds- Friday 9:45p vs Carolina Heat @ Morristown East HS, Saturday 1:00p vs KY Blast @ Morristown East HS, 8:30p vs AL Cardinals @ CN2.
Until later ...............
A day of rest?
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, April 27 10:00 p.m.
When the Good Lord says Sunday is a day of rest, his one and only Son must have never played basketball.
It's just amazing just how fast the weekends go, when your kids play in these AAU tournaments. Parents work hard all week, travel all around the region, and spend their weekends in warm gymnasiums, all with the same thing in common. They get home Sunday evening, just in time to get their kids to bed, and get ready for work the next day.
A good friend of mine told me once that he gets all kinds of crazy looks at work when asked "what are you doing this weekend", and his typical response is jump in the car and head to North Carolina, or Tennessee for a basketball tournament. The common answer is mow the lawn, or do some shopping. But then again, we are far from common.
But in the long term, all of you parents are in this for your kids sake. We all want the kids to get better, and playing in these tournaments that require some travel is doing just that.
So the day of rest? it's non existant when it comes to AAU basketball. That one weekend a month parents get to stay home usually goes to making sure the house is in order, so they can get ready to take the next three weekends and go to all points on the globe.
As for me, there was NO WAY I was going to push the button and try to get out again today, after spending the majority of the day at the Kingdom yesterday. My son would not have it!
After all, he did turn 10 today!! He has reached that age where he knows everything about everything. And it was just going to be a day where he and a couple of friends from school enjoyed themselves. After about 5 hours, I can see why we are all so glad birthdays come once a year!
And any of you who listened to the Reds game, yes, my son was the one that Marty Brennaman wished a happy birthday to today, during the broadcast. It made his day!
The Tennessee Miracle Classic is this coming weekend near Pigeon Forge, and there are several Dayton area teams heading down south for this incredible event. Most of the Hoopstars teams are there, along with the Lady Diamonds. With work still stopped due to the strike (going on 9 weeks), this will be the first time I have missed the event in six years. But, I have updates coming from the games, and you should be able to check right here for the latest and greatest. I will post the schedules tomorrow.
Until later .................
Good talent again in the area
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, April 26 10:15 p.m.
It was well worth the trip today, as I made the journey to the Kingdom Sports Center for their Super Regional. There was plenty of action to enjoy, plus my son always enjoys spending the time in the kids area (although he could really care less about the basketball games).
While the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 13U Black team was rolling through their competition in the 14U division, it was nice to see some of the fast rising talent coming up through the Dayton area. The 13U age group is loaded with solid players, not only with the Hoopstars, but the Dayton area in general. You never know how they will develop once they get into high school, but at this stage in their playing career, they are looking very talented.
It was a rough day for some of the area teams, but it was great to see some of what the future holds. The Metro 14U team battled in their game, but some missed free throws hurt their chances. Also, best wishes to Elise Sharpe, who suffered an ankle injury in the morning game, but returned to sit on the bench to support her teammates. She has some talent, and according to her coach Mark Lindenour, is relentless on defense.
Then, it was over to see Sadie Oyer and Ohio Elite. Following that game, I checked out the Dayton Vipers, or should I say, a depleted Vipers team. This time of year, AAU coaches often battle something called the "prom", and often lose that battle. Without question, the kids should go to prom. So they miss one game, or one tournament. Big deal, enjoy the prom, and trust me, the team will survive.
So the Vipers battled the Michigan Shock, and I have not seen that kind of display in a while. The Shock ran , ran, and ran, like a fine tuned machine. They were fun to watch, even though my support was with the Vipers.
Shifting over the the NFL Draft, the Bengals did what everyone expected, by addressing their need at linebacker. He is suppoisvely a player who is good in the locker room, which the Bengals need for sure. He doesn't have the blazing speed for a linebacker, but he was ranked as the most complete outside linebacker in the draft. Let's hope it works out.
It's been a strange off season, as they released Chris Henry after he got into trouble, AGAIN. And Chad Johnson is whining daily about why he doesn't want to be here anymore.
Wait a second, maybe it hasn't been so strange.
Until next time ........
Kingdom Super Regional this weekend
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, April 26 11:55 a.m.
In about two hours, I will heading down I-75 south to the Kingdom Sports Center, to check out some of today's action in their Super Regional. They have teams in nearly every age group, as nearly everyone is there to attempt to qualify for the AAU Nationals.
I will be taking my first look this season at the Dayton Metro 14U team, coached by Mark Lindenour. They have some quality players, and many of them are among the up-and-coming future standouts to watch for down the road. A lot of them are freshman right now, sprinkled in with an eighth-grader or two. That game starts at 2:15.
Since I am missing the NFL draft today (more on that later), I will be watching the Ohio Elite team play at 3:30, as they have one of the premiere post players in the Dayton area, sophomore Sadie Oyer from Indian Lake. She is 6-foot-2, has nice range, and is recovered from an injury that sidelined her half of the high school season. She is on some coaches radars already.
In the final game I will be at, it will be the Dayton Vipers 16U team battling at 4:45. The Vipers have some solid kids, many of them are on my radar for the 08-09 season. Todd Brisko does a nice job with this group.
Who should the Bengals take with their first round pick? It's no secret that they need defensive help. They did reinstate O'Dell Thurman, but two years out of the game could have unknown effects on him. Offensively, who would have ever thought we would need help with that unit. But, with the release of Chris Henry, and the ongoing soap-opera saga of Mr. Whiner Chad Johnson, that side of the ball could be a problem as well.
As much as I say get rid of the cancer, it would have lasting effects on this and every other team. If a superstar doesn't like it where he is at, is it fair that they should just cry out to trade him? It would be a trickle down effect with no end.
I got some nice feedback on the point guard blog. More on that later as well.
Until later ............
What exactly does it take?
By JIM DABBELT / Friday, April 25, 2008 2:00 p.m.
Recently, I spoke with Tom Jenkins, Ohio's guru of girls basketball, and someone who I work closely with when it comes to promoting girls basketball in Ohio. One of the topics that came up is what exactly it takes to be noticed by the major colleges.
Now, first of all, Tom deals with over 175 college coaches around the country, and through Tom's events, I also deal with them when it comes to top players in the Dayton area.
One of the subjects that came up was the point guard, and what it takes to advance to the elite next level. What do the top-notch college coaches look for when they go out recruiting.
Not everyone can play the point guard position, despite what most parents seem to think. Especially at the younger age, when it seems like everyone wants their kid to play that position.
But what about the big-time schools? What exactly do they look for?
First and foremost, does her team win? They are measured in wins and championships.
According to Tom, there are three essentials that an elite point guard must do. 1. They must be able to blow by pressure off the dribble, or by advancing with the pass. 2. Apply relentless pressure and be able to turn the ball handler, and 3. They must distribute the ball evenly keeping everyone happy.
How many points do you average? Who cares! The stat that major college coaches look at when recruiting a point guard is their assist to turnover ratio. It needs to be at a minimum 3 to 1. Points are a bonus.
With this being said, a point guard must be able to at least shoot the ball well enough from the perimeter to keep the defense honest.
Tom sums it up with this statement: there are two types of point guards: those who your teammates love to play with, and those who your teammates hate to play with.
Which one are you?
Until later ...............
THIS is modern technology?
By JIM DABBELT / Wednesday, April 23, 2008 8:45 a.m.
I have been having trouble, and more trouble with my cell phone (of which I won't embarrass them by saying which phone), but it seems like I have sent it back 3-4 times. Each time, the phone was replaced with a new phone, since it all happened within the one year warranty plan.
So this time, they say they will take care of me with something I was sure to love. They described to me this phone, that could do anything. It can browse the internet, it can send text massages, it can send and retrive email. All that is nice, but I had one question.
Can it place a phone call?
The phone is the newest version of the Blackjack 2, a phone for AT&T customers. And its true, you can do anything on it. There has to even be a way to be able to update my website from when I am on the road, or at an out-of-town tournament. Now, that would be convenient, so I don't have to lug around this laptop everywhere.
It's amazing what they will come up with next. I am all for technology, but in a world where your phone can do anything, it is hard telling the next gadget they will come up with.
This coming weekend, there are three local tournaments sure to provide excitement for the area fans. Dayton will be host to the Metro Tournament, while the Kingdom Super Regional will also be held starting Friday night. As for the GBA, they will have a tournament in Cincinnati this weekend. More on those tournaments as we get closer to the weekend.
I would love to tell you about it, if I can figure out how to make a call on this thing!
Until later .............
Signed, sealed and delivered
By JIM DABBELT / Monday, April 21, 2008 7:30 p.m.
We are only two months away from the second-annual Dabbelt Report Aqua Falls Shootout, and things are starting to fall into place.
After a very successful first event last summer at Tipp City, the event moves to the Kingdom Sports Center south of Dayton on Sunday, June 29 from 12-6 p.m. The college coaches in attendance will benefit the most, as they will be able to see everyone in one facility.
Today was a huge day, as for the second straight year, Aqua Falls comes aboard as the major sponsor. Everything was finalized today, and it is great to have them aboard. I am an Aqua Falls customer, and Bob Kennedy is to be strongly thanked for his support.
As of today, 30 girls from around the area are signed up and ready to go. This happening in 2 weeks since the first wave of entries went out. Only 80 girls are going to be accepted, so I encourage those interested to get everything in soon.
Short and sweet day today. Just a bunch of running around. I am planning to head to the huge West Milton Invitational track meet on Saturday. Will be some great athletes there.
Until later ...............
Raterman, Berry both shine
By JIM DABBELT / Sunday, April 20, 2008 9:00 p.m.
I have said all along, Brogan Berry of Carroll and Justine Raterman of Versailles were the two best seniors in the Dayton area this season. They shared my Player of the Year award for this website, and today at Captial University, they shared the stage among some of the best seniors Ohio has to offer.
Raterman dominated the Division 3-4 game, as the South held on to beat the North 88-84 in the Ohio state all-star game. The University of Dayton signee scored 19 points, tied with Lydia Bridenbaugh for team honors, and added 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. Justine really looked strong, playing 19 minutes in the game.
Also on her team was Fairlawn senior Amanda Francis, who added 11 points and three steals. I was also impressed with the play of Bridenbaugh. From the North team, nobody shot extremely well, with the exception of Chelsea Fazekas from Doylestown Chippewa, who scored 13 points with a good percentage.
Another player who I enjoyed watching was Cayla Keegan from Margaretta, who added 13 points for the North.
While I handled the duties as the public address for the two girls games, I also had a vote for the MVP both each game. It was a no brainer for me, as Raterman clearly deserved it. She did win the award.
In the second game, it was a very strong North squad that shot 49% from the field, and cruised to the 98-80 victory in the Division 1-2 game. Two players come to mind when the word "dominating" is used for the North team. Brittany Orban of North Canton Hoover (attending Northwestern) and Courtney Schiffauer of Boardman (Michigan State).
Brittany is such an incredible athlete, as she scored 22 points (9-16 shooting), and grabbed 7 rebounds. Schiffauer is the real deal as well, and to be quite honest, while I have seen them play in bits and pieces of games, it was the first time I had watched either of them play a complete game. I was thouroughly impressed with both of them.
Schiffauer scored 18 points for the North, missing only 2 shots.
Brogan put on a nice show in the first half of the game for the South, as she drilled a midrange jumper, hit a pair of acrobatic layups, and went 5-5 from the line. The Carroll senior was one of three Dayton area players on the team.
Macie Blinn of Greenville scored 8 points, shooting 3-14 in the game. Also, Kenton Ridge's Sakara House scored 6 points.
Orban was my choice for MVP, and she did pick up the award.
In all, it was a solid pair of games, and all of the seniors had one last chance to shine in front of a good crowd.
On the last day of exposure weekend, it was the DLH 15 Black team winning their last game 56-46 over the Magic. Kacie Cassell had 14, Jenna Cobb 10. The Diamonds also won their last game in Chicago, beating Cincy Finest 58-47. Samarie Walker had 18 and Allie Turner 11.
The Dayton Lady Mystics won the Open Division of the Ohio Showcase Cup in Columbus, going 5-0 over the weekend. They defeated the Washington Impact 43-26, as Latia Hopkins scored 10 and Grace Cy Newland had 8. In their next game, they beat the Ohio Rising Stars by 2, as Cierra Cain and Tyesha Jones each scored 10, and Newland had 9.
Game three was a win over the Washington Impact Orange by 11 points. Jones scored 10, Kanoka Givens 8 and Cain 7. In the semis, the Mystics beat the Columbus Lady Rage Orange 55-36, as Kirium Givens scored 10 and Jones 9. Then came the finals, where they beat the Ohio Lady Hoopstars by 7. Kanoka Givens led with 12, Jones 10, Newland 8 and Kirium Givens added 7.
Until later ..................
State all-star game tomorrow
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, April 19, 2008 11:00 p.m.
Come on out and join me for the fun tomorrow!
Capital University in Columbus will be the host for the Ohio North-South all-star game, with the Division 3/4 game starting at noon, and the Division 1/2 game at 1:45 p.m. The Dayton area will be well represented as Amanda Francis (Fairlawn) and Justine Raterman (Versailles) play in the first game, and Macie Blinn (Greenville), Brogan Berry (Carroll) and Sakara House (Kenton Ridge) play in game two.
Since the first hundred choices on the list were all busy tomorow, yours truly for the second straight year will be doing the PA announcing. It is a great chance to see some of Ohio's top seniors one last time before they head off to their collegiate careers. It would be great to see some familiar faces in the seats at Capital U.
Now, onto some basketball from today. I received some scores from later today, starting with a 2 p.m. game in Chicago, as the Lady Diamonds were victorious over the Illinois Full Package 69-52. Allie Turner led with 15, while Samarie Walker and Saira House each scored 14 in the balanced attack. As I type this in, I hear that they lost their 9:30 game to the Missouri Valley Eclipse 43-39.
The Dayton Lady Hoopstars 15U Black team won again today, defeating the Pittsburgh Power 50-42, hanging on down the stretch for the win. Cassie Sant led with 10, Jenna Cobb from Miami Trace had 9, and Kacie Cassell added 8, including 4-4 at the line in the final minute to preserve the win.
As for the DLH 15 White team, is was Ashlee Furnier of Miamisburg scoring 14 and 12 in their two games today, both losses. She is a very good shooter, after coming back into the Dayton area after some time away. I first saw her at Franklin a couple of years ago, and liked her game.
The 16U team defeated City Rocks 60-40 tonight, with no details known at this time.
So tomorrow morning in their final games in Deep South, here are the matchups: DLH 14U will battle Greensboro Lady Gaters for 11th place at 9:10 a.m. at U. of North Carolina; DLH 15 White plays for 23rd place, battling Team Excel Blue at 8 a.m. at North Carolina State; DLH 15 Black will play for 9th place as they square off with Bay State Elite at 9:10 at Duke, and John Coffee's DLH 16U will play at 11:30 a.m. at North Carolina State against NE Bison for 17th place.
Until later ..........
Hoopstars win a pair of wins
By JIM DABBELT / Saturday, April 19, 1:00 p.m.
After venturing out to watch a couple of hours of the Vandalia Butler Invitational track meet this morning, I return home to some good news. Daytons basketball teams are playing well this morning in North Carolina, and the Lady Diamonds also won their opener in Chicago.
The Diamonds are playing in the US Junior Nationals event in Chicago, and they won 59-46 over the Illinois Dribblers. Sounds like too much dribbling was going on, and not enough shooting. Saira House from Kenton Ridge scored 14 for the Diamonds, while Greenon scoring machine Allie Turner added 10. CJ sensation Samarie Walker and Trotwood's Amber McCann each added eight points.
The DLH 15 Black team won their game against the Connecticut Breeze 53-38, as Cassie Sant scored 13 and Courtney Weeden added 12. Their next game is set for 3:00 today, against the Pittsburgh Power.
As for the DLH 16 Black team, they held a 19-9 halftime lead against the Michigan Monarchs only to watch the Monarchs explode for a 7-0 run to start the second half. Dayton eventually won 44-26, as Mikaela Ruef scored 13, Emily Zimmerman added 9, Cathryn Hardy 5, and a trio of players each scored 4, including Abby Dowd, Mercedes Miller and Emilee Harmon. Dayton will play a yet-to-be-determined opponent tonight at 7:40.
Also this morning, the DLH 15 White team lost to the DEBO Evolution team 45-40, and will now play at 4:10 this afternoon against the Vogues AAU team.
Duane Williams' DLH 14U Black team had no trouble with the Ft. Bend Stars 62-32 this morning, and will come back with the Connecticut Heat 15U team at 3:00 today.
It was a wonderful day for a track meet......ok, well at least it wasn't raining! I got to see the showdown in the 1600 race between Alison Steinbrunner of Tecumseh and Hannah Charbel of Butler. It was nip and tuck the entire way, but Steinbrunner came around the final turn and exploded for the win. Also the battle in the pole vault, it was a major showdown between the area's best: my good friend Brooke Frazier of Tecumseh, Mackenzie Willis of Troy Christian and Lauren Crawford of Tipp. Expect these girls to shine all the way to Columbus.
Until later ...........
More results from Deep South
By JIM DABBELT / Friday, April 18, 2008 11:50 p.m.
I received some more scores from the first day of the Deep South tournament in North Carolina. In the 16U Select Division, the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 15U Black team lost their second round game, falling to New York XPlosion 49-41. Maria Schafer of Troy Christian led the DLH with 14 points, while Cassie Sant of Fairmont added 11. They will play again Saturday morning at 9:10, and again at 3 p.m.
The DLH 15 White team won an exciting 55-53 overtime thriller in their second game of the day. Ashlee Furnier led Dayton with her second straight 16 point outing, while Julia Wood of Troy Christian added 14. They will come back at 9:10 a.m. against DEBO Evolution. This team is short handed, as a few of the team members did not make the trip, so this group of 7, including a 12-year-old Hoopstar playing up, are battling tough.
In the same division, the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 14U Black team won their opener this morning, only to lose in their second round game 46-39 to the Pennsylvania Blue Thunder.
I expect to hear from some of those in Chicago tomorrow, as the Dayton Metro teams, and Ohio Lady Diamonds start action in the morning.
Until later .............
Let the fun begin!
By JIM DABBELT / Friday, April 18, 2008 1:15 p.m.
The ball was tossed up, and the action has begun at different venues around the country, as "exposure weekend" is upon us. The Deep South in North Carolina, Boo Williams in Virginia, and USJN Windy City Classic in Chicago are all the places to be this weekend, as Division One college coaches hit the recruiting trail for this one weekend in the spring.
Early results I have received come in from the Dayton Lady Hoopstars, all playing in the Deep South tournament. The 15U White team lost today to The Heat 59-45, after losing a lead in the first half.
The 15U Black team, coached by Jerry Rex, had no trouble with the Memphis Elite 53-32 in their opening game. Leah Schiller of Tipp City led Dayton with 15 points, while Brookville's Courtney Weeden added 11. Adding four assists and no turnovers was point guard Kacie Cassell of Butler. The Division One coaches say that a point guard needs to have a 3-1 assist/turnover ratio to be considered a major recruit.
John Coffee's 16 DLH team lost their opener 51-39 to the California Sparks. Emilee Harmon of Pickerington Central led Dayton with 11, Mikaela Ruef (Beavercreek) added 8, Abby Dowd (Tipp City) 6, Mercedes Miller (Wayne) 6, Cathryn Hardy (Oakwood) and Emily Zimmerman (Beavercreek) each had 3 and Mary Bruner (Alter) 2.
More updates as I get them.
Until later ................
OK guys, enough is enough
By JIM DABBELT / Thur. April 17, 2008 11:30 a.m.
Will someone please call down to the Great American Ballpark, and tell the Cincinnati Reds ballplayers that the season is underway?
As much as I enjoy promoting girls hoops, my true first love is, and has always been, baseball. I doubt a bigger Reds fan can be found in the Miami Valley then yours truly. In fact, anyone with tickets, throw them my way!
After an average opening week, the Reds have now lost 5 games in a row, and 7 of their last 8. All this from a team expected to compete for a division title.
Yes, I know it is waaaaay early, but if you follow the team as closely as I do, it's easy to see the same things that hurt this club last year, is hurting them this year. A lack of a 4-5 starter, timely hitting, and errors.
The starting pitching staff doesn't really look too bad. Well, three of them. Aaron Harang is the real deal, and out of his 35 starts a year, he will have 5-6 bad ones. He suffered one of them the other day. Johnny Cueto could be a great one, with a solid fastball, and a nasty changeup and slider. He could win 15 games this year. Edison Volquez is their third best starter, and I think will settle into a nice groove this year. Those three are legit.
As for the other starters, I am not so sure. Bronson Arroyo has plummeted after a great two months to start last year. He isn't dependable. As for the fifth starter Josh Fogg, I told a good friend of mine that I look for him to be taken out of the rotation as soon as his next start. If not then, it will happen soon. Matt Belisle or Homer Bailey will get another shot.
Fransisco Cordero is the real deal as a closer, but the Reds need to put him in a position to be able to get saves. If their offense doesn't get it together, they will find themselves 10+ games out by June 1.
They are leaving way too many runners on base. Only four regular starters (one of which I am counting Joey Votto) is batting .275 over higher for the season. In the last 5 games (where they are 0-5), they have left 47 runners on base (16 by Edwin Encarnacion), and have been outscored 34-12.
And don't even get me started on EE. He was sent down last year to get the ship righted, and it may be a good idea to do the same this year. He has commited four errors in the first 14 games. A lot of us can't wait until Alex Gonzalez gets back, so they can move Jeff "The Hit Man" Keppinger over to third base. But it was revealed that Gonzalez is still suffering from the injury to his knee, and could be out for another month.
Hopefully, they can close out their roadtrip in Chicago today on a positive note, then come home to the friendly confines of the GABP, and get things going.
Until later ..............
The media and girls sports
By JIM DABBELT / Wed. April 16, 2008 4:45 p.m.
I have been battling it for years now. When is the media (televsion, radio and newspapers) going to give the girls sports equality to boys sports? We are getting better, but do have a while to go. And this comes first hand, since I am in the media myself.
This came to mind today as I was picking my son up after school, and when I got to school, I ran into the Channel 22/45 news car (well, I didn't literally run into it). My good friend Morgan Adsit, a former standout at Eaton High School (and all-time leading scorer) works for the ABC affiliate, and she has a special every Monday night called "She's Got Game", a weekly feature on an area female athlete.
While I do appear on her feature regularly when they do a story on a girls basketball player, the station has caught onto something very special. Today, Morgan was doing a feature on area softball player Michelle Baker, a Tipp City standout who is heading to Wright State next season to play. It will air next Monday night at 10:00 on Fox 45 news, and at 11 p.m. on ABC 22.
Why did it take so long to get the word out about the top female athletes? ABC 22/Fox 45 is to be commended, along with their sponsor Aqua Falls. In a world where boys sports are always in the highlight, they have put this feature together to give some equality.
My hats off to them. I always try to be very fair in sports coverage, giving the top billing in the sports pages to every sport. Already this year, I have used girls track, baseball, and softball as the lead sports story.
But girls sports in general are growing all the time, and as the athletes continue to have more opportunities to get better, the media coverage will hopefully grow with them.
Also, I'm attending part of the the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 15U practice tonight, as they prepare for their biggest weekend of the AAU season before July. They are attending the Deep South, and coach Jerry Rexs squad has a chance to shine in front of a ton of college coaches. All of their hard work and practice will hopefully pay off this weekend.
Until later .............
A great cause for a great girl
By JIM DABBELT / Tues. April 15, 2008 5:45 p.m.
When I got the email this morning from my good friend Todd Varvel, I quickly remembered back to the days when I coached AAU during my first stint. Seven years of running and coaching the Tipp City AAU basketball program, and I sure had some good memories. There were some big wins, some tough losses, and friendships were made.
But what's coming up on Saturday night, May 3 is something that is for a wonderful cause, because it involves a wonderful girl.
Carrie (Roeth) Chivington is a 1999 Miami East graduate, who is currently a third grade teacher in the Vandalia-Butler school system. But I can remember her long before she became a teacher, she was part of my AAU program. I can remember her as a up-and-coming post player who worked hard on the court.
She is working even harder now.
Three years ago, Carrie was diagnosed with cancer, and in February, a new drug was released at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philpadephia that was specially modified for her form of cancer. Once a week, Carrie and a family member fly to Philadelphia for this treatment.
On May 3, Miami East High School will be holding a benefit event including a buffet dinner, silent auction, raffles, live music, supervised childrens activities, and much more. Anyone who is available that evening, it would be a great if you could make it to Miami East. Advanced tickets are $15 per person, $25 per couple, $5 students K-12, and 5-under are free. Tickets are available at the door for an additional $2. They can be purchased in advance at Miami East High School, Junior High, and Elementary schools, the Vandalia Butler Athletic Department, and Fletcher United Methodist Church. For more information, you can contact Barb at (937) 335-7070 ext. 103.
So many times, wins and losses are counted on by who scores the most points. However, the true winners will be those who can make it out May 3 to help Carrie and her family.
Until later ................
It's a hockey night!
By JIM DABBELT / Mon. April 14, 2008 7:00 p.m.
For many years, I could not stand the sport.
Now, I can't get enough of it.
Everyone has always told me that once I go to my first hockey game, I would fall in love with it. So, I decided to give it a shot. We were off to check out the Lefty McFadden college tournament at the Nutter Center last year after managing to get some tickets. My son and I went, and I am not sure who really had more fun, me or him.
But now, I am hooked. I got caught in the trap at work, when a buddy of mine sold me on the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was strange, since I can't stand the Steelers or Pirates. But now, I am definately a diehard Pens fan. In fact, it helps to have XM Radio, as they air not only every baseball game, but also every single Penguins game, and the rest of the NHL teams. So when I am traveling all around, there is plenty of time to check out the action.
So tonight, I decided to stay home from going to see any AAU basketball practices, and check out Game Three of the first round of the NHL Playoffs as the Pens travel to Ottawa with a 2-0 series lead. Who wouldn't thunk it?
During the game tonight, I am also getting more things in place for my annual Shootout, set for June 29 at the Kingdom. We are taking 80 kids, and we have 13 signed up in the first four days. There could be a new twist this year, as I am trying to add more fun to it for the kids. Stay tuned for more on that.
Hopefully, everyone has a good week of practice, and let's get ready to play some hoops next weekend!
Until later...........
Big weekend coming up
By JIM DABBELT / Sun. April 13, 2008 11:15 a.m.
Next weekend could very well be a make or break weekend for several top juniors around the state. It's the spring evaluation weekend for Division 1 college coaches. That means, anybody and everybody in the college coaching scene is expected to be at various locations across the map. Some of the biggest events expected to draw the most college coaches include the Deep South in Raleigh, NC, the USJN Windy City Classic in Chicago, Boo Williams in Virginia, along with events in Columbus and Cincy.
After doing some searching, I have come up with some interesting information regarding some Ohio teams, including when and where they will be playing this weekend.
In the Reebok Deep South tournament, the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 14U Black team opens play in the 15U Signature Division on Friday at 9:10 a.m. at the North Carolina State Reynolds Coliseum, while also in that division include the Capital City Comets 15U, and the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 15U White team, who plays also at 9:10 on Friday morning at NC State Carmichael Gym.
The 16U Select Division, it will be the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 15U Black team starting their tournament play at 9:10 on Friday morning, playing Team Memphis Elite at Carmichael Gym. Playing in the 17U Signature Division, it will be the Dayton Lady Hoopstars 16U Black team battling in a 11:30 a.m. opening game at the Dean Smith Center at UNC. Quite a thrill for them.
While that is going on, Chicago will be the site for the USJN Windy CIty Challenge, and several Ohio teams are there. Here are some of the teams and their game times: Cincinnati Royals 14U- Saturday 10:30 a.m. @ Woodlawn #2, 1 p.m. @ Woodlawn #1, and 8:30 p.m. @ Wauk Field House #2; Dayton Metro 14U- Saturday 8 a.m. @ Woodlawn #2, 1 p.m. @ Wauk Fieldhouse #4, and 6 p.m. @ Woodlawn #2; Dayton Metro 16U- Friday 9:30 p.m. @ Wauk Fieldhouse #4, Saturday 4:45 p.m. @ Libertysville #2, 9:45 p.m. @ Liberty #8; All-Ohio Red 17U- Saturday 11:45 a.m. @ Liberty #5, 6 p.m. @ Liberty #4, 9:45 p.m. @ Liberty #6; Cincinnati Finest Red 17U- Saturday 10:30 a.m. @ Liberty #4, 3:30 p.m. @ Liberty #5, 8:30 p.m. @ Liberty #1; Ohio Lady Diamonds 17U- Saturday 8 a.m. @ Liberty #2, 1 p.m. @ Liberty #5, 8:30 p.m. @ Liberty #4; Cincinnati Finest 17U- Saturday 1 p.m. @ Liberty #2, 7:15 p.m. @ Liberty #3, 9:45 p.m. @ Liberty #3; Sports City U- Saturday 9:15 a.m. @ Liberty #3, 2:15 p.m. @ Liberty #4, and 8:30 p.m. @ Liberty #3.
I will try to keep everyone up to date on what is going on as much as I can. Since our plant is still down due to the American Axel strike up in Michigan, I will be unable to attend any of the events, but I will do my best to bring all of you updates if possible.
Later today, I am hoping to have updates from various events happening today.
Until later...............
In a word.... WOW
By JIM DABBELT / Sat. April 12, 2008 9:05 p.m.
I will be the first to admit, I didn't think the game would be close. One team has a lot to prove, while the other one, wanted to show they are the best team in the area in their division.
It turned out to be a great game, thanks to the combination of a strong second half by the Beavercreek Stars, and an implosion by the Dayton Lady Hoopstars.
Two free throws late in the game by Ciara Poppa with seven seconds left allowed the Hoopstars to escape with a 48-45 win over the Stars in the Lady Hoopstars Super Regional.
The game turned out to be closer than it looked like it would at halftime, when the Hoopstars led 36-21. While Dayton controlled the first half, Beavercreek turned the tables in half number two.
It was back and forth the first four minutes of the game, with the tied at 6 early in the game. But a three by Kelly Austria started the Hoopstars toward a solid last 10 minutes of the first half.
Austria, who ended with 13 points, got help from Kristen Wood and Chelsea Welch both with big "threes", to put Dayton up by 15 at the half.
Mikaela Waterman scored four points early in the second half to help the Stars start their comeback. They had an 11-5 run to open the half, and when they hit a long three pointer with 5:40 left in the game, the DLH lead was 44-41.
Austria was joined by Welch who had 11 points for the Lady Hoopstars. Katheryn Westheld scored 15 for the Stars, while Waterman added 13.
Everything went well in this game that had more twists and plots than any soap opera. Round one of this epic battle goes to the Hoopstars. Don't get too comfortable just yet, round two may be right around the corner.
The championship bracket begins tomorrow, and there is sure to be plenty of drama, as teams attempt to qualify for the Nationals.
Until later.........
Welcome back to the Blog!
By JIM DABBELT / Sat. April 12, 2008 10:30 a.m.
OK, let's try this again. After one failed attempt to do a daily (and sometimes more than daily) blog, I am going to try to do this again. There are several things coming up that I can let you know about, including AAU basketball, college signings, and so forth. This blog will likely be more than just basketball. It could involve anything and everything I run into.
Tonight is a big night for area AAU basketball fans, because it's a put-up-or-shut-up type of game. I know the rivalry is a heated one, and if you come to the Kettering Rec Center tonight at 6:30, you will see the game everyone is talking about.
It's not uncommon for parents to get frustrated when it comes to their daughters playing time during AAU. After all, most of the girls are the best player (or one of the best players) on their school team. Often when a parent feels slighted, they leave and join another team, or create their own.
Tonight at the Dayton Lady Hoopstars Super Regional, the DLH 12U team will play the Beavercreek Stars, from what I am told includes some former Hoopstars players. Whenever this happens, it always makes for good talk, and I am sure, some emotional results.
You can check back here late tonight, or early in the morning for the good stuff, and I can break it down after attending this game.
Next weekend is the big weekend for the older girls, as they head out to places all across the map. It is exposure weekend for the Division 1 colleges, and the Miami Valley will be inundated with basketball players going to places like Raleigh (NC), Chicago, Columbus or Cincinnati. As I hear of things happening, you can read about it here first.
Give my Penguins some love! They are up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup first round of the playoffs, and has been a fun winter so far for yours truly, a first-year hockey fan.
Until later.......
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