The Southside Tavern Thursday Thoughts for 2/25/2016
2016-02-26
Ronnie Silva and Nashua North are looking for an easier path back to Durham
By Dave Haley
You can just feel that the tournament is around the corner. Coaches are out scouting any night they are off, the kids are talking about getting to the one & done stage and Pete & I are having conversations like ‘ I think I’ll be in Woodsville next Saturday ..will you be in Sunapee?’ Those aren’t exactly conversations we have every day..
We also announced that you will need to register and pay a one-time cost of $50 to have full uninterrupted access to the website through next (2017) season. The feedback has been great and the process seems to take people about 45 seconds for two years of content, video and audio.
Register for full access
Again the cost will triple after March 10th so players & parents can register now and be set for the next two seasons.
The New Hampshire High School Hoop Show is on ESPN NH radio (900AM in the Nashua area & 1250AM around Manchester) every Saturday morning from 9 to 11am. Pete Tarrier & I give you the scores of every game in the state from Friday night and host the first of our two Bracketology specials where we give you a really educated guess at what we think the tourney match-ups are BEFORE the NHIAA releases them.
Lisbon head coach Sam Natti will break down the Division IV tournament bracket followed by Hopkinton head coach Dave Chase, who will reveal the 20 team bracket in Division III. Justin McIsaac of NHsportspage and McIsaac on Sports will join us as always at 10:30.
If you are outside the ESPN NH "listening area" you can hear the show by simply clicking on one of the NH HS Basketball Show links on our website OR on the Tune In or ESPN Radio apps, both of which can be downloaded for free.
We begin our tournament previews Monday morning with Division IV followed by Division III after the play in round.
Division I
Pinkerton Academy (14-2) at Exeter (11-4)
The Blue Hawks want a pair of home games in what is undoubtedly going to be a crazy Division I tournament. With a game against Pinkerton in Exeter Friday night and having to finish the season at Bedford on senior night they need a split at worst to make it happen.
Jeff Holmes' team has the shooters to spread Pinkerton out and where you attack the Astros is out on the perimeter where you try and breakdown Brennan Morris (18.3) and Tommy Romick (14.1) off the dribble. Exeter wants to attack Peter Rosinski’s three quarter court pressure and get shots in rhythm on the wing for Bryant Holmes (17.9) and Cody Morissette (18.4). The ability of Tim Larkin (11.5 and improving by the week) to attack the middle of the Astros defense, where 6’8 Ben Olson resides, will be a key. You have to attack the foul line against that kind of zone and Exeter has the personnel to do it.
The Astros sit in first place but closing games against Exeter and then at Merrimack for senior night (think there will be a crowd for that one???) will have them battle tested for when the games become win or go home in a week.
These are the two teams I picked to meet on the final Saturday in my midseason column but you could talk me into any one of 12 teams at this point. I love Exeter’s backcourt and their ability to knock down foul shots (where a lot of tournament games are won & lost) and I love the chemistry of this Pinkerton team on the floor with Matt Rizzo as their floor general. Winner here solidifies a Top 4 seed.
Londonderry (8-7) at Nashua North (13-3)
Two teams that come in red hot. Has it escaped your attention that Nashua North has won seven straight games and is unbeaten since the return of head coach Steve Lane?
The Big 2 of Nathan Hale (19.4) and Ronnie Silva (13.9 and points alone don’t begin to tell you his contributions) has morphed into the Big 3. That would be sophomore Alonzo Linton (15.3) joining the band. With those three on the perimeter while Sam McCarthy is causing havoc in the paint and Sky Boykin is out on the perimeter this is a tight 7 or 8 man rotation. Exactly what you are looking for going into March.
The champs are clicking right now as Jake Coleman (17.1) and Matt Corey (14.6) are leading a group that is coming together at the right time. Head coach Nate Stanton has gotten this team to understand his concept of what they need to do, defensively as much as offensively, to close out games. The four game winning streak includes victories over Manchester Central (they match up very well with the Little Green) and Manchester Memorial, who looks like a team that can’t beat you 54-48 and will take their chances beating you 78-74.
Nate Gaw and Cole Britting probably do not get enough credit for what they do for their team on a game to game basis. They both have been terrific defensively and each allows Coleman to play out on the wing where he does most of his damage. Cam Reddy gives them rebounding at the forward spot and his improved ability to finish around the rim is becoming an asset.
Londonderry closes with Alvirne on the road (never easy) and the Spaulding Fighting McIsaacs at home, so 10-8 is in play with 11-7 the strongest possible finish. Remember this team had to play Merrimack and Pinkerton twice, skipping Concord (2-13) and Pembroke (0-15 so they're better than what their record is telling you.
Division II
Hollis-Brookline (10-5) at Souhegan (8-7)
Pete Tarrier & The Great Jon Kesty will be in Amherst Friday night to bring you full coverage of this one.
What if I told you Hollis-Brookline has won 7 of 8 games with their lone loss coming up at Lebanon in a game they led nearly all the way until losing 47-44. As the agent Bob Ryan would say ‘Would that be something you’d be interested in?’
Yes I’m quoting Entourage to high school kids,, feels like it works..
That is where Mike Soucy’s (our Division II bracketologist) team has come from, but how far can they climb up the standings before the end of the regular season?
It will begin with a tough game Friday night against Pete Pierce’s team and then continues with home games against Windham ( a team they beat 41-36 at Windham) and John Stark on senior night (more on them in a moment).
Hollis-Brookline and Bishop Brady (11-5) look like teams going in opposite directions and the hope for a team led by Nick Fothergill ,Stephen Giaconia & the emerging Matt Simco is that they can lock up the 5th seed and set up a terrific (possible) match-up with Milford in the quarterfinals.
Souhegan won a game they really needed to have Tuesday night when they beat Windham 67-64 on the road. That broke a four game losing streak in which the Sabers felt like they gave away a pair of games against good teams .If the Sabers come out of their last three games (Hollis-Brookline and the Coach Smith vortex of Papa Dave (Coe-Brown) and son Mike (John Stark) at 2-1 they likely hold on to a Top 8 seed and a home game in the tournament.
The finale against Coe-Brown may be for the 7 seed.
Hanover (7-8) at John Stark (6-9)
John Stark is a team that is trending in the right direction. This is a team with a core of underclassman and one of the best forwards in the division. Drew McQuarrie (10.5) provides toughness on the low block while Cooper Gorski (12.8) and an emerging Egan Nickerson (13.2) give the program that made Matt Corsetti a legend three double digit scorers who will be returning next season.
The Generals want to avoid a first round trip to Portsmouth or Lebanon (as does everyone...) and would match up better with Manchester West or Milford. Mike Smith’s team has won two in a row and could be that lower seeded team you’d rather see headed in another direction when the tournament tips off in two weeks.
Division III
Winnisquam (15-2) at Gilford (12-5)
Jennifer Chick & I will be in the house Friday night back at the alma mater for a game with major seeding implications as both teams close out the season.
It is through gritted teeth that I write this as the Golden Eagles might have just sent themselves on the road to New Ipswich in the first round, and gotten Mascenic off the hook for losing to Stevens, by losing at home to a Prospect Mountain team that had lost 3 of 4 games coming in. That was a game Gilford had to win and the loss makes this rematch with Winnisquam critical.
Carter Mercer is one of the better on the ball defenders in the division and tomorrow night his task is to try and keep Christian Serrano (23.9) in relative check. Serrano opens up so many open looks for Mike Lowery & Mike Buxton on the wings and the last thing Gilford wants is those two able to get open looks in rhythm early on. Gilford wants to use their big frontline of Ethan Carrier, Oliver Roy and Tyler Swarthout to make Tim Harmon (12.4) as uncomfortable as possible along the baseline where he does his best work.
Gilford has enough scoring with Mason McGonagle (15.8) and Zach Djabelarbi (14.5)) to stay with the second highest scoring team in Division III but if this turns into a track meet the advantage swings to the Bears. Serrano is just too good in transition.
For Kevin Dame’s team it is about protecting their Top 4 seed (as Inter-Lakes comes streaking up behind them) and holding on to a pair of home games. This is a team that will adjust quickly to the big floor at SNHU. Starting Friday night three wins punches their ticket.
We also announced that you will need to register and pay a one-time cost of $50 to have full uninterrupted access to the website through next (2017) season. The feedback has been great and the process seems to take people about 45 seconds for two years of content, video and audio.
Register for full access
Again the cost will triple after March 10th so players & parents can register now and be set for the next two seasons.
The New Hampshire High School Hoop Show is on ESPN NH radio (900AM in the Nashua area & 1250AM around Manchester) every Saturday morning from 9 to 11am. Pete Tarrier & I give you the scores of every game in the state from Friday night and host the first of our two Bracketology specials where we give you a really educated guess at what we think the tourney match-ups are BEFORE the NHIAA releases them.
Lisbon head coach Sam Natti will break down the Division IV tournament bracket followed by Hopkinton head coach Dave Chase, who will reveal the 20 team bracket in Division III. Justin McIsaac of NHsportspage and McIsaac on Sports will join us as always at 10:30.
If you are outside the ESPN NH "listening area" you can hear the show by simply clicking on one of the NH HS Basketball Show links on our website OR on the Tune In or ESPN Radio apps, both of which can be downloaded for free.
We begin our tournament previews Monday morning with Division IV followed by Division III after the play in round.
Division I
Pinkerton Academy (14-2) at Exeter (11-4)
The Blue Hawks want a pair of home games in what is undoubtedly going to be a crazy Division I tournament. With a game against Pinkerton in Exeter Friday night and having to finish the season at Bedford on senior night they need a split at worst to make it happen.
Jeff Holmes' team has the shooters to spread Pinkerton out and where you attack the Astros is out on the perimeter where you try and breakdown Brennan Morris (18.3) and Tommy Romick (14.1) off the dribble. Exeter wants to attack Peter Rosinski’s three quarter court pressure and get shots in rhythm on the wing for Bryant Holmes (17.9) and Cody Morissette (18.4). The ability of Tim Larkin (11.5 and improving by the week) to attack the middle of the Astros defense, where 6’8 Ben Olson resides, will be a key. You have to attack the foul line against that kind of zone and Exeter has the personnel to do it.
The Astros sit in first place but closing games against Exeter and then at Merrimack for senior night (think there will be a crowd for that one???) will have them battle tested for when the games become win or go home in a week.
These are the two teams I picked to meet on the final Saturday in my midseason column but you could talk me into any one of 12 teams at this point. I love Exeter’s backcourt and their ability to knock down foul shots (where a lot of tournament games are won & lost) and I love the chemistry of this Pinkerton team on the floor with Matt Rizzo as their floor general. Winner here solidifies a Top 4 seed.
Londonderry (8-7) at Nashua North (13-3)
Two teams that come in red hot. Has it escaped your attention that Nashua North has won seven straight games and is unbeaten since the return of head coach Steve Lane?
The Big 2 of Nathan Hale (19.4) and Ronnie Silva (13.9 and points alone don’t begin to tell you his contributions) has morphed into the Big 3. That would be sophomore Alonzo Linton (15.3) joining the band. With those three on the perimeter while Sam McCarthy is causing havoc in the paint and Sky Boykin is out on the perimeter this is a tight 7 or 8 man rotation. Exactly what you are looking for going into March.
The champs are clicking right now as Jake Coleman (17.1) and Matt Corey (14.6) are leading a group that is coming together at the right time. Head coach Nate Stanton has gotten this team to understand his concept of what they need to do, defensively as much as offensively, to close out games. The four game winning streak includes victories over Manchester Central (they match up very well with the Little Green) and Manchester Memorial, who looks like a team that can’t beat you 54-48 and will take their chances beating you 78-74.
Nate Gaw and Cole Britting probably do not get enough credit for what they do for their team on a game to game basis. They both have been terrific defensively and each allows Coleman to play out on the wing where he does most of his damage. Cam Reddy gives them rebounding at the forward spot and his improved ability to finish around the rim is becoming an asset.
Londonderry closes with Alvirne on the road (never easy) and the Spaulding Fighting McIsaacs at home, so 10-8 is in play with 11-7 the strongest possible finish. Remember this team had to play Merrimack and Pinkerton twice, skipping Concord (2-13) and Pembroke (0-15 so they're better than what their record is telling you.
Division II
Hollis-Brookline (10-5) at Souhegan (8-7)
Pete Tarrier & The Great Jon Kesty will be in Amherst Friday night to bring you full coverage of this one.
What if I told you Hollis-Brookline has won 7 of 8 games with their lone loss coming up at Lebanon in a game they led nearly all the way until losing 47-44. As the agent Bob Ryan would say ‘Would that be something you’d be interested in?’
Yes I’m quoting Entourage to high school kids,, feels like it works..
That is where Mike Soucy’s (our Division II bracketologist) team has come from, but how far can they climb up the standings before the end of the regular season?
It will begin with a tough game Friday night against Pete Pierce’s team and then continues with home games against Windham ( a team they beat 41-36 at Windham) and John Stark on senior night (more on them in a moment).
Hollis-Brookline and Bishop Brady (11-5) look like teams going in opposite directions and the hope for a team led by Nick Fothergill ,Stephen Giaconia & the emerging Matt Simco is that they can lock up the 5th seed and set up a terrific (possible) match-up with Milford in the quarterfinals.
Souhegan won a game they really needed to have Tuesday night when they beat Windham 67-64 on the road. That broke a four game losing streak in which the Sabers felt like they gave away a pair of games against good teams .If the Sabers come out of their last three games (Hollis-Brookline and the Coach Smith vortex of Papa Dave (Coe-Brown) and son Mike (John Stark) at 2-1 they likely hold on to a Top 8 seed and a home game in the tournament.
The finale against Coe-Brown may be for the 7 seed.
Hanover (7-8) at John Stark (6-9)
John Stark is a team that is trending in the right direction. This is a team with a core of underclassman and one of the best forwards in the division. Drew McQuarrie (10.5) provides toughness on the low block while Cooper Gorski (12.8) and an emerging Egan Nickerson (13.2) give the program that made Matt Corsetti a legend three double digit scorers who will be returning next season.
The Generals want to avoid a first round trip to Portsmouth or Lebanon (as does everyone...) and would match up better with Manchester West or Milford. Mike Smith’s team has won two in a row and could be that lower seeded team you’d rather see headed in another direction when the tournament tips off in two weeks.
Division III
Winnisquam (15-2) at Gilford (12-5)
Jennifer Chick & I will be in the house Friday night back at the alma mater for a game with major seeding implications as both teams close out the season.
It is through gritted teeth that I write this as the Golden Eagles might have just sent themselves on the road to New Ipswich in the first round, and gotten Mascenic off the hook for losing to Stevens, by losing at home to a Prospect Mountain team that had lost 3 of 4 games coming in. That was a game Gilford had to win and the loss makes this rematch with Winnisquam critical.
Carter Mercer is one of the better on the ball defenders in the division and tomorrow night his task is to try and keep Christian Serrano (23.9) in relative check. Serrano opens up so many open looks for Mike Lowery & Mike Buxton on the wings and the last thing Gilford wants is those two able to get open looks in rhythm early on. Gilford wants to use their big frontline of Ethan Carrier, Oliver Roy and Tyler Swarthout to make Tim Harmon (12.4) as uncomfortable as possible along the baseline where he does his best work.
Gilford has enough scoring with Mason McGonagle (15.8) and Zach Djabelarbi (14.5)) to stay with the second highest scoring team in Division III but if this turns into a track meet the advantage swings to the Bears. Serrano is just too good in transition.
For Kevin Dame’s team it is about protecting their Top 4 seed (as Inter-Lakes comes streaking up behind them) and holding on to a pair of home games. This is a team that will adjust quickly to the big floor at SNHU. Starting Friday night three wins punches their ticket.