The Crosstown Motors Thursday Thoughts for 1/7/2016
2016-01-07
Kuba Kubkowski leads Littleton into Woodsville
By Dave Haley Photo by Samantha Hutchinson McMann
We are back with our first edition of the Thursday Thoughts of the season. This is a weekly column highlighting the biggest games of the weekend that I began back when I was previewing games Kaleb Tarczewski was playing for Stevens..
We received some really great emails & support from parents, coaches and programs last week and I want to start by thanking those people. If you are reading this column and enjoy the coverage we bring you as parent, player or coach we hope you will show us your appreciation as well with a donation to our team.
Thank you to the following new members of our team:
Bishop Brady basketball
Winnacunnet basketball & Coach Jay McKenna
Nate Stanton of Londonderry basketball
Campbell basketball & Coach Sudi Lett
Brian & Corey Gadwah of Groveton
Bill & Sandy Olson of Pinkerton Academy
Each will receive every game we cover in FULL via email for the entire season.
The New Hampshire High School Hoop Show is on every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 am. Pete Tarrier & I give you the scores of every game in the state Friday night and breakdown all four divisions. Our guests Saturday will be Bishop Brady head coach Cole Etten and Kearsarge head coach Nate Camp as well as our weekly call with Justin McIsaac that usually straddles the line between thought provoking & absurdity.
Listen In simply by clicking on the LISTEN LIVE link on our website Listen to ESPN NH LIVE
Or by listening on your free Tune in Radio app or radio to ESPN NH (900 & 1250 AM)
On to the games;
Division I
Manchester Memorial (2-1) at Manchester Central (2-0)
The first thought you have about this one is the health of Central’s legendary head coach David ‘Doc’ Wheeler. Anyone who has been able to spend time with Doc knows him to be one of the smartest, caring & most thoughtful people you’ll ever meet. Additionally he happens to be one of the very best basketball coaches in the state. Doc has been going through tests and recovering from a health scare in the hospital and his return to health outweighs anything that happens on the floor Friday night.
In his place steps longtime assistant Tommy Dickson, who is more than capable of guiding the Little Green in Doc’s absence. The issue (very) early on with Central is that they are getting 95% of their scoring from three players; Jaylen Leroy (24 ppg), Evan MacDonald (18.5) and Jonathan Makori (13.5). Any team would love to have three players averaging over 13 points a game but you need some balance to win games and what Central lacks is frontcourt production.
Their city rival on the other hand is their exact opposite. You don't know who is breaking out on a given night but you have seven players capable of doing it. It was Brandon Scott’s (18.5 ppg) turn Tuesday night in a win over Alvirne and his ability to score on the low block will cause Central issues. Jake Carrier (15 ppg) has played very well early on and both Nick Philibert as well as Malo & Michael Roumraj are more than capable of being ‘that guy’ on the right night.
Central can get back into games, like they did against Keene, by locking you down on defense. Does Memorial have that ability? Early on they have won by simply outscoring you (they gave up 76 points to Alvirne Tuesday night) and that’s a tough way to beat Central.
Expect a good one Friday night, as Pete Tarrier and The Great Jon Kesty will be there to bring you all the highlights & post-game interviews, more importantly we want to see Doc back in action very soon.
Nashua South (2-1) at Trinity (0-3)
In the words of the dearly departed Yogi Berra, ‘It’s getting late early’ for the Trinity Pioneers
A loss to Merrimack Tuesday night dropped Matt Lemieux’s team in 0-3 with Nashua South (2-1) coming in Friday night and Winnacunnet (2-0) a week later. That six day break may be exactly what this team, a Top 10 pick in the pre-season, needs. Trinity has the pieces but they look like two entirely different teams on each end of the floor. They’ll attack you offensively with Justin Trickett and Connor Walsh while featuring James Santos bombing three’s on the wing & freshman point guard Jordan Santos breaking guards down off the bounce (I owe Jay Bilas a quarter). The issue is they are giving up 70 points a game defensively. Only Pembroke has surrendered more through three games.
Well guess who rolls in Friday night? DJ Frechette (leading the state in scoring at 31.3 points a game) and his best friend Kevin Genao, who just dropped 28 on Bedford. If you’d like a shootout Nate Mazerolle’s team will happily oblige.
0-3 is not a hill too steep to climb but 0-5 just might be…Trinity needs a solution quickly. The good news is after this one they have a week off to find it.
Division III
Hopkinton (4-0) at Kearsarge Regional (3-1)
Your goals at the beginning of any season include earning two home playoff games, guaranteed only to the Top 4 teams in the division. Conant & Pelham are well on their way already, those reservations have been confirmed, and so these two teams join a laundry list of programs with their eyes on the two other spots.
A lot will be determined in the games between Bow, Kearsarge & Hopkinton (Mascoma beating Bow Tuesday night was the headscratcher of the evening). This game kicks that off.
Nate Camp’s team has the inside/outside combination of Taylor Mattos (18 ppg) and Tom Johnson (15.8) while their best player might just be point guard Trent Noordsij. Camp’s team wants to attack the glass and turn possessions into a multiple shot exercise. Dave Chase on the other hand wants Hopkinton to set a faster tempo and force the Kearsarge bigs to get back on defense to protect the paint.
The Hawks can put up points in a hurry with that pace, the question is if they can cause enough pressure to get there. Cam Cyr comes in averaging 21 points per game while Jacob Rockwood has done a very nice job early on of running the offense. This should be a good one Friday night.
Division IV
Littleton (4-0) at Woodsville (3-0)
The game of the night and you can watch it live right on your computer on The Northeast Sports Network
These two teams split their two regular season meetings a year ago before Littleton pulled out a last second win on their home floor over the Engineers to send them to the Final Four. Add to that the fact that there is some healthy animosity between the two teams/towns and you have yourself a genuine rivalry.
There won’t be a lot of surprises in the game plans although Littleton may have a new look with center Logan Briggs out for at least a month with an injury. Over the holidays Littleton played at a faster clip with a smaller lineup and Briggs’ absence guarantees that will be the case again Friday night.
Woodsville has had as much success breaking Littleton’s three quarter court pressure as any team up north because of their point guard Derek Maccini. Last season Jamie Walker’s team was able to not only take care of the basketball but find quick scoring opportunities for their all-state shooting guard Jaret Bemis (17.3 ppg). Friday night they will try an attack the middle, as Littleton’s only shot blocker sidelined, with center Sam Pushee (15.3).
With all the attention Bemis is going to receive it makes Maccini and Garret Olsen’s ability to knock down open shots pivotal to Woodsville’s chances. Walker talked in the pre-season about Maccini’s need to be able to step up into a bigger scoring role and here is where that ability becomes a necessity.
On the other side Kuba Kubkowski has been Littleton’s best player and his ability to get his hands on passes at the top of the zone has translated into easy fast break points. Cy Kezarian (11.3 ppg) has stepped up his production and been the Crusaders best outside shooter while three year starter Danny Brammer (7.8) has gotten off to a slow start. Cooper Paradise and Michael Rodriguez will handle the point guard duties while Ethan Ellingwood will find himself spending a lot of time monitoring where Bemis is on the floor.
Trevor Howard’s team wins most games simply by converting more turnovers than any team in Division IV. Woodsville gives them fits because Maccini takes care of the ball and forces Littleton to win in the half court. There are top 4 spots up for grabs and the winner here takes a big step forward Friday night.
Newmarket (3-1) at Epping (3-0) Thursday night
The southern version of Woodsville/Littleton takes place in Epping tonight.
As a coach you want your team’s worst performance of the year to come A) early and B) preferably in a game that doesn’t count. Unless Newmarket ever looks any worse than they did in a Holiday tournament game against Sanborn head coach Jamie Hayes may have gotten his ‘teachable moment ‘ ,as coaches like to say, out of the way. There’s no chance they won’t be sky high for this one, Epping is the best team in Division IV and a two time finalist. The Blue Devils though have now won three in a row over the Mules after years of being the nail to their hammer. Jamie Hayes beat Epping 23 straight times before Sean Young took over at Epping.
The player to watch tonight is Newmarket big man Ian Bentley. Epping’s ability to defend the post with Jackson Rivers will be a key as will Newmarket’s ability to keep Dylan Derosier from getting to the rim all night.
Epping proved it could beat a team with a bigger frontcourt when they took down Wilton-Lyndeborough last month. A year ago Brett Couture was too much for Newmarket to handle but this season Young has gone to more of space/drive & kick offense that relies on Derosier and Tommy Bullock (the single most underrated player in Division IV) breaking their man down off the dribble. Teams know they can’t sag off of My Man Colby Wilson and that opens up lanes to the basket. How Alex Souvannaseng & Cam Jordan are able to defend on the perimeter will tell you a lot about how this game will play out.
The good news for Jamie Hayes is Newmarket has the depth to throw different defenders at Derosier and My Man Colby Wilson including my Man Colby Wilson’s own cousin Matt Wilson. Which feels like a form of family betrayal but whatever..
The fact that these two schools now combine for one football team and the relationship between Hayes & Young has softened this rivalry a bit. Make no mistake though, this is the game each team circles when the schedule comes out in the fall.
We received some really great emails & support from parents, coaches and programs last week and I want to start by thanking those people. If you are reading this column and enjoy the coverage we bring you as parent, player or coach we hope you will show us your appreciation as well with a donation to our team.
Thank you to the following new members of our team:
Bishop Brady basketball
Winnacunnet basketball & Coach Jay McKenna
Nate Stanton of Londonderry basketball
Campbell basketball & Coach Sudi Lett
Brian & Corey Gadwah of Groveton
Bill & Sandy Olson of Pinkerton Academy
Each will receive every game we cover in FULL via email for the entire season.
The New Hampshire High School Hoop Show is on every Saturday morning from 9 to 11 am. Pete Tarrier & I give you the scores of every game in the state Friday night and breakdown all four divisions. Our guests Saturday will be Bishop Brady head coach Cole Etten and Kearsarge head coach Nate Camp as well as our weekly call with Justin McIsaac that usually straddles the line between thought provoking & absurdity.
Listen In simply by clicking on the LISTEN LIVE link on our website Listen to ESPN NH LIVE
Or by listening on your free Tune in Radio app or radio to ESPN NH (900 & 1250 AM)
On to the games;
Division I
Manchester Memorial (2-1) at Manchester Central (2-0)
The first thought you have about this one is the health of Central’s legendary head coach David ‘Doc’ Wheeler. Anyone who has been able to spend time with Doc knows him to be one of the smartest, caring & most thoughtful people you’ll ever meet. Additionally he happens to be one of the very best basketball coaches in the state. Doc has been going through tests and recovering from a health scare in the hospital and his return to health outweighs anything that happens on the floor Friday night.
In his place steps longtime assistant Tommy Dickson, who is more than capable of guiding the Little Green in Doc’s absence. The issue (very) early on with Central is that they are getting 95% of their scoring from three players; Jaylen Leroy (24 ppg), Evan MacDonald (18.5) and Jonathan Makori (13.5). Any team would love to have three players averaging over 13 points a game but you need some balance to win games and what Central lacks is frontcourt production.
Their city rival on the other hand is their exact opposite. You don't know who is breaking out on a given night but you have seven players capable of doing it. It was Brandon Scott’s (18.5 ppg) turn Tuesday night in a win over Alvirne and his ability to score on the low block will cause Central issues. Jake Carrier (15 ppg) has played very well early on and both Nick Philibert as well as Malo & Michael Roumraj are more than capable of being ‘that guy’ on the right night.
Central can get back into games, like they did against Keene, by locking you down on defense. Does Memorial have that ability? Early on they have won by simply outscoring you (they gave up 76 points to Alvirne Tuesday night) and that’s a tough way to beat Central.
Expect a good one Friday night, as Pete Tarrier and The Great Jon Kesty will be there to bring you all the highlights & post-game interviews, more importantly we want to see Doc back in action very soon.
Nashua South (2-1) at Trinity (0-3)
In the words of the dearly departed Yogi Berra, ‘It’s getting late early’ for the Trinity Pioneers
A loss to Merrimack Tuesday night dropped Matt Lemieux’s team in 0-3 with Nashua South (2-1) coming in Friday night and Winnacunnet (2-0) a week later. That six day break may be exactly what this team, a Top 10 pick in the pre-season, needs. Trinity has the pieces but they look like two entirely different teams on each end of the floor. They’ll attack you offensively with Justin Trickett and Connor Walsh while featuring James Santos bombing three’s on the wing & freshman point guard Jordan Santos breaking guards down off the bounce (I owe Jay Bilas a quarter). The issue is they are giving up 70 points a game defensively. Only Pembroke has surrendered more through three games.
Well guess who rolls in Friday night? DJ Frechette (leading the state in scoring at 31.3 points a game) and his best friend Kevin Genao, who just dropped 28 on Bedford. If you’d like a shootout Nate Mazerolle’s team will happily oblige.
0-3 is not a hill too steep to climb but 0-5 just might be…Trinity needs a solution quickly. The good news is after this one they have a week off to find it.
Division III
Hopkinton (4-0) at Kearsarge Regional (3-1)
Your goals at the beginning of any season include earning two home playoff games, guaranteed only to the Top 4 teams in the division. Conant & Pelham are well on their way already, those reservations have been confirmed, and so these two teams join a laundry list of programs with their eyes on the two other spots.
A lot will be determined in the games between Bow, Kearsarge & Hopkinton (Mascoma beating Bow Tuesday night was the headscratcher of the evening). This game kicks that off.
Nate Camp’s team has the inside/outside combination of Taylor Mattos (18 ppg) and Tom Johnson (15.8) while their best player might just be point guard Trent Noordsij. Camp’s team wants to attack the glass and turn possessions into a multiple shot exercise. Dave Chase on the other hand wants Hopkinton to set a faster tempo and force the Kearsarge bigs to get back on defense to protect the paint.
The Hawks can put up points in a hurry with that pace, the question is if they can cause enough pressure to get there. Cam Cyr comes in averaging 21 points per game while Jacob Rockwood has done a very nice job early on of running the offense. This should be a good one Friday night.
Division IV
Littleton (4-0) at Woodsville (3-0)
The game of the night and you can watch it live right on your computer on The Northeast Sports Network
These two teams split their two regular season meetings a year ago before Littleton pulled out a last second win on their home floor over the Engineers to send them to the Final Four. Add to that the fact that there is some healthy animosity between the two teams/towns and you have yourself a genuine rivalry.
There won’t be a lot of surprises in the game plans although Littleton may have a new look with center Logan Briggs out for at least a month with an injury. Over the holidays Littleton played at a faster clip with a smaller lineup and Briggs’ absence guarantees that will be the case again Friday night.
Woodsville has had as much success breaking Littleton’s three quarter court pressure as any team up north because of their point guard Derek Maccini. Last season Jamie Walker’s team was able to not only take care of the basketball but find quick scoring opportunities for their all-state shooting guard Jaret Bemis (17.3 ppg). Friday night they will try an attack the middle, as Littleton’s only shot blocker sidelined, with center Sam Pushee (15.3).
With all the attention Bemis is going to receive it makes Maccini and Garret Olsen’s ability to knock down open shots pivotal to Woodsville’s chances. Walker talked in the pre-season about Maccini’s need to be able to step up into a bigger scoring role and here is where that ability becomes a necessity.
On the other side Kuba Kubkowski has been Littleton’s best player and his ability to get his hands on passes at the top of the zone has translated into easy fast break points. Cy Kezarian (11.3 ppg) has stepped up his production and been the Crusaders best outside shooter while three year starter Danny Brammer (7.8) has gotten off to a slow start. Cooper Paradise and Michael Rodriguez will handle the point guard duties while Ethan Ellingwood will find himself spending a lot of time monitoring where Bemis is on the floor.
Trevor Howard’s team wins most games simply by converting more turnovers than any team in Division IV. Woodsville gives them fits because Maccini takes care of the ball and forces Littleton to win in the half court. There are top 4 spots up for grabs and the winner here takes a big step forward Friday night.
Newmarket (3-1) at Epping (3-0) Thursday night
The southern version of Woodsville/Littleton takes place in Epping tonight.
As a coach you want your team’s worst performance of the year to come A) early and B) preferably in a game that doesn’t count. Unless Newmarket ever looks any worse than they did in a Holiday tournament game against Sanborn head coach Jamie Hayes may have gotten his ‘teachable moment ‘ ,as coaches like to say, out of the way. There’s no chance they won’t be sky high for this one, Epping is the best team in Division IV and a two time finalist. The Blue Devils though have now won three in a row over the Mules after years of being the nail to their hammer. Jamie Hayes beat Epping 23 straight times before Sean Young took over at Epping.
The player to watch tonight is Newmarket big man Ian Bentley. Epping’s ability to defend the post with Jackson Rivers will be a key as will Newmarket’s ability to keep Dylan Derosier from getting to the rim all night.
Epping proved it could beat a team with a bigger frontcourt when they took down Wilton-Lyndeborough last month. A year ago Brett Couture was too much for Newmarket to handle but this season Young has gone to more of space/drive & kick offense that relies on Derosier and Tommy Bullock (the single most underrated player in Division IV) breaking their man down off the dribble. Teams know they can’t sag off of My Man Colby Wilson and that opens up lanes to the basket. How Alex Souvannaseng & Cam Jordan are able to defend on the perimeter will tell you a lot about how this game will play out.
The good news for Jamie Hayes is Newmarket has the depth to throw different defenders at Derosier and My Man Colby Wilson including my Man Colby Wilson’s own cousin Matt Wilson. Which feels like a form of family betrayal but whatever..
The fact that these two schools now combine for one football team and the relationship between Hayes & Young has softened this rivalry a bit. Make no mistake though, this is the game each team circles when the schedule comes out in the fall.