By now you've no doubt heard about the resolutions of Park's indoor seasons. The latter days of winter saw Bruins wrestle respectability from forecasts of doom while others found devastation where they'd expected glory.
Boys' basketball fell in the former of those classifications, slowing their semifinal game with heavily favored Chapelgate to a strategic crawl. Though the Yellowjackets had confidently handled the Bruins twice earlier in the season, for 3 quarters at least the contest remained a toss up. With little pressure to succeed, or even remain in the gym, our Parkies matched the undefeated front-runner blow for blow before finally succumbing in the final stanza. All in all, the boys built quite a season with no abundance of raw material, and may have begun to address some of their needs for next year with their experience at the end. Well done.
The squash team had a similar finish, impressively passing all but 1 of their number through to the second round of their individual tournament. Matched against some of the premier players in the country, the second day didn't go quite so well, but it was a proud showing by the ever-improving team. My own inaugural experience on day 1 (maybe I'm the good luck charm...?) was fantastic. Make a point to head to Meadow Mill next year and check these kids out!
The aforementioned athletes faced little doubt in their games. Most expected them to lose. The girls basketballers, however, found that doubt, like any number of analogous bacteria or viruses that given the space to multiply and gain strength, can quickly become lethal. Doubt is a killer. Slacken your defenses for just a moment and it crashes in, humbling the mightiest of individuals and spreading through teams like a malignancy. Doubt may have been present in the minds of some, though certainly not many, among the Park throng prior to their championship bid last Sunday. It's not uncommon for teenagers and adults alike to carry doubt throughout their entire lives with little or no symptoms or consequences. If it was present, it was apparently sealed away early as the Bruins managed the somewhat sloppy contest on their terms for a half. The locker room speech rang of confidence and motivation. But, if you watched closely, somewhere there in the third period you may have noticed it; just a shadow at first, but unmistakable nonetheless. Doubt. While still largely innocuous (the Bruins held a 9 point lead shortly into the fourth), tentacles of apprehension, gloom and despondency began their silent creep from player to player. Park fell behind, struggled to tie and faced an overtime. All the while the doubt gained, until the Bruins' no longer grasped the game they'd seemed destined to play in all year. Shots and free throws ceased to fall and eyes rarely left the floor during time outs. The girls were finished.
Another malady entirely affected the indoor soccer squad. The girls had apparently simply forgotten to set their alarm clocks, and at the conclusion of the first half, the Bruins awoke to find themselves down 4-1. Thankfully, their talent hadn't remained in their pajamas, and Park roared back early in the second, tying the game with 10 minutes to play. That effort continued for the remainder of the contest, but Garrison managed to squeeze 1 more goal through and it was enough to earn the win.
The winter of 09-10 will go down in the annals of history as a success, and rightfully so. Yet, no banners have been ordered, and the haunting questions remain. What does it take to get over that final hump... and where can we find some?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Got Snow?
Among other things, a profound sense of guilt has driven me back to my keyboard in hopes of reviving What's Bruin. The feeling surfaced due in no small part to the castigation I've received via emails, phone calls and personal conversation with squash players and their fans regarding an erroneous, though outdated, post accusing them of remaining winless. The squash team HAS INDEED defeated Loyola and Friends. Forgive my ignorance squashers and, in the future, help to forestall it by granting me the occasional update!
Back to the grind, as it were, though I suppose many of us might consider our recent extended "vacation" to have been more laborious than any comparable period spent at work. Anyway, it appears the majority of us have adequately dug our way out of our igloos, motivated by Park's determination to return to some sense of normalcy before April and no shortage of cabin fever. Consequently, upon enduring the voyage characterized by craning necks around gargantuan mounds of graying snow substituting for stop signs at nearly every intersection and tiptoeing through the ice fields that mar the walk from car to office, we find ourselves back on campus. To our dismay, those few of us hunkered down in the PAC today have found ourselves thrust into a sports upheaval the likes of which none can recall occurring prior. The "storm(s) of the century" has, among other unpleasantries, shifted most postseasons springward by at least a week. The final week of the boys basketball season has been canceled, flash-freezing the standings but allowing all to enter the playoffs. Other teams find themselves returning to almost unrecognizable gymnasiums, ghostly venues holding vague memories of contests played oh so long ago. And it's game time! There's no warm up period in place so snow-weary squads can relearn their games. Oh no. Girls' basketball Quarterfinals are TODAY! Indoor soccer Semifinals are TODAY! Squash Team Semifinals are TODAY and Individual Playoffs begin TOMORROW (right gang?)! Boys' basketball Quarters are Thursday and Semis are Friday. Welcome back Bruins!
This week the girls' basketball team hopes to put a definitive end to the saga that has, due to no fault of the current roster, dragged on for 2 years after unexpected losses in 2 successive championships. You've heard the story before, as have the girls, and the added expectations and subsequent pressure to which they've been exposed as a result are unfair. Still they hang as a cliched dark cloud shadowing their romp through the regular season. Perhaps I'm making it all up, but it sure makes for good drama, no? First up is a quarterfinal showdown against Glenelg who has succumbed to the Bruins twice already, by 26 and 30 points, earlier in the year. Provided the win, the next opponent would be the Lutheran/BT/Oldfields winner. Their combined record versus Park is 0-4 with an average point differential of over 30, but I digress lest I jinx the outcome any further.
Indoor soccer is poised for a run at a championship as well, seated number 1 in the B-Conference. However, they face the task of regaining their cohesion and shaking the ice from their (soccer) boots after the long layoff. Their semifinal foe, Glenelg, conveniently played a quarterfinal game yesterday providing them a useful return to action before today's showdown at Du Burns arena. Are the Bruins rested or rusty following nature's interruption of their momentum? Will the defense return impenetrable or immobile after so many days of home-bound seclusion and Olympic television their only means of athletic outlet? We'll see. Further complicating the situation is St. Tim's decision to forfeit their semifinal against Garrison allowing the 2 seed a free pass to Thursday's final.
Boys basketball, it could be said, had the most conventional return to play, were it not for the outright wiping of the slate that was the remainder of the regular season. With no apparent alternative, the MIAA struck the final week of the schedule so as to maintain some semblance of their proposed playoff picture intact. The move cinched the 4 spot for the Bruins, which means a quarterfinal matchup with Indian Creek, whom Park beat 52-43 in their gym a month ago. What follows would be an imposing semifinal against 9-0 Chapelgate. The unfortunate truth is, had mother nature left well enough alone, the Bruins stood to face the dregs of the conference in their final games. Key (the 3 seed), on the other hand, was slated to play against 2 of the best. Third place would have been up for grabs with luck leaning slightly the Bruins' way. Alas, it was not to be but, regardless, the road to the title appears to wind its way through Chapelgate and Beth Tfiloh. No matter the side of the enlarged bracket, Park must take on all comers.
Welcome back everyone! Show your colors this week and support our contenders!
GO BRUINS!
Back to the grind, as it were, though I suppose many of us might consider our recent extended "vacation" to have been more laborious than any comparable period spent at work. Anyway, it appears the majority of us have adequately dug our way out of our igloos, motivated by Park's determination to return to some sense of normalcy before April and no shortage of cabin fever. Consequently, upon enduring the voyage characterized by craning necks around gargantuan mounds of graying snow substituting for stop signs at nearly every intersection and tiptoeing through the ice fields that mar the walk from car to office, we find ourselves back on campus. To our dismay, those few of us hunkered down in the PAC today have found ourselves thrust into a sports upheaval the likes of which none can recall occurring prior. The "storm(s) of the century" has, among other unpleasantries, shifted most postseasons springward by at least a week. The final week of the boys basketball season has been canceled, flash-freezing the standings but allowing all to enter the playoffs. Other teams find themselves returning to almost unrecognizable gymnasiums, ghostly venues holding vague memories of contests played oh so long ago. And it's game time! There's no warm up period in place so snow-weary squads can relearn their games. Oh no. Girls' basketball Quarterfinals are TODAY! Indoor soccer Semifinals are TODAY! Squash Team Semifinals are TODAY and Individual Playoffs begin TOMORROW (right gang?)! Boys' basketball Quarters are Thursday and Semis are Friday. Welcome back Bruins!
This week the girls' basketball team hopes to put a definitive end to the saga that has, due to no fault of the current roster, dragged on for 2 years after unexpected losses in 2 successive championships. You've heard the story before, as have the girls, and the added expectations and subsequent pressure to which they've been exposed as a result are unfair. Still they hang as a cliched dark cloud shadowing their romp through the regular season. Perhaps I'm making it all up, but it sure makes for good drama, no? First up is a quarterfinal showdown against Glenelg who has succumbed to the Bruins twice already, by 26 and 30 points, earlier in the year. Provided the win, the next opponent would be the Lutheran/BT/Oldfields winner. Their combined record versus Park is 0-4 with an average point differential of over 30, but I digress lest I jinx the outcome any further.
Indoor soccer is poised for a run at a championship as well, seated number 1 in the B-Conference. However, they face the task of regaining their cohesion and shaking the ice from their (soccer) boots after the long layoff. Their semifinal foe, Glenelg, conveniently played a quarterfinal game yesterday providing them a useful return to action before today's showdown at Du Burns arena. Are the Bruins rested or rusty following nature's interruption of their momentum? Will the defense return impenetrable or immobile after so many days of home-bound seclusion and Olympic television their only means of athletic outlet? We'll see. Further complicating the situation is St. Tim's decision to forfeit their semifinal against Garrison allowing the 2 seed a free pass to Thursday's final.
Boys basketball, it could be said, had the most conventional return to play, were it not for the outright wiping of the slate that was the remainder of the regular season. With no apparent alternative, the MIAA struck the final week of the schedule so as to maintain some semblance of their proposed playoff picture intact. The move cinched the 4 spot for the Bruins, which means a quarterfinal matchup with Indian Creek, whom Park beat 52-43 in their gym a month ago. What follows would be an imposing semifinal against 9-0 Chapelgate. The unfortunate truth is, had mother nature left well enough alone, the Bruins stood to face the dregs of the conference in their final games. Key (the 3 seed), on the other hand, was slated to play against 2 of the best. Third place would have been up for grabs with luck leaning slightly the Bruins' way. Alas, it was not to be but, regardless, the road to the title appears to wind its way through Chapelgate and Beth Tfiloh. No matter the side of the enlarged bracket, Park must take on all comers.
Welcome back everyone! Show your colors this week and support our contenders!
GO BRUINS!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Week of January 11... Back to work.
Welcome back everyone. Here's hoping that students enjoyed their break and those real world adults out there at least enjoyed the thought of one. If it's any consolation to the unfortunate working class, Park athletes were forced to report for duty during the winter hiatus as well. The Hoops for Habitat Tournament interrupted the 2-week vacation, leaving both the boys' and girls' teams with unpleasant tastes in their mouths.
For the boys' basketball squad, the entire 2-day competition proved a struggle. A not-what-they-used-to-be athletic and savvy Grace Bible team pushed the Bruins to the limit, who toughed out a fourth quarter, 3 point victory. The tourney final did not go nearly as well. The Metro top 10 Edmondson-Westside Red Storm hammered the hapless Parkies. All the heart in the world may not have been enough to slow the waves of linebacker-sized aerialists that seemed to materialize from the opposition's bench. All the morbid details can be found elsewhere on the website. January seems to have lifted the boys' spirits, however (perhaps it's the return to classes). In their return, the Bruins got their first C-Conference win against the then undefeated Key School Obezags, and followed with their second B-Conference upset, knocking off Boys' Latin. Oddly enough, that brings the boys' record to 1-2 in the C and 2-0 in the B! There's been heart and guts and, at times, streaks of precision shooting intermingled with breathtaking slashes to the basket. There's also been fumbles and lapses in discipline and concentration intermingled with the tried and true habit of playing down to lesser adversaries. Plagued by this sort of inconsistency, Park faces a difficult road to the playoffs.
MBB: 1/13 @ Indian Creek, 1/15 @ Sts. Peter & Paul
The version presented by the girls' basketballers offered a bit more drama but the same second place dissatisfaction in the end. Grace Bible's girls apparently haven't been visiting the same recruiting neighborhoods their boys have frequented in recent years. They played the part of speedbump in the Bruins' drive to the final. Bryn Mawr put up a tougher fight, however, and unlike the Park boys, our girls sadly have no magic spell for defeating B-Conference teams. In the end, the Bruins found themselves trailing by but 3 points when time expired, a slim loss and an exciting game but a shock to the system nonetheless. The girls are currently 7-0 in the C-Conference and have enjoyed an average margin of victory of 25 points in their 10 overall wins. That statistic includes the 3 league conquests since returning to school, over Lutheran (62-22), AACS (65-36) and St. Tim's (53-20). The run has again sparked conversations on the appropriateness of the girls' C classification. The arguments for a move are credible and many (and, by the way, the transition year is upon us), but perhaps the most damning evidence against the upgrade is the conspicuous lack of that ever-elusive championship. Perhaps this is the year... let's not go there. And, take heart C-Conference haters; rumor has it that several B teams may be descending to liven up our next regular season. Stay tuned...
WBB: 1/11 v. New Town HS, 1/13 @ Key
The winter break caused a brief stir among the indoor soccer girls as well, unleashing a fleeting offensive outburst as they toppled Oldfields in bookend games (12/17 and 1/5) games by a combined tally of 27-1. Ouch. Reality snapped the team from its postseason daydreams, however, when the Bruins met second place (then 4-2) Garrison. The result was a 1-8 thumping, even despite another 23 save performance by goalie Nikki Casper. Normally a defensive powerhouse, with just over a 1 goal-per-game-against average in their 7 total wins, Park was spread thin by the Grizzlies' attack who notched scores with 6 different players. Park had beaten Garrison earlier in the year and, though a rude awakening, the Bruins remain alone in first place at 6-1. Only 1 game (3 points) now separates the 2 teams and, as the soccer gods would have it, they'll play 1 more before season's end.
ISC: 1/13 v. St. Tim's
Park squash remains winless in the hyper-competitive A-Conference, though they've shown signs of life, narrowly missing a win against Friends before the break. Unfortunately, details on the team are lacking just about everywhere and (fortunately I suppose) few among the group have visited the athletic training room so there's little to report. Though another game against undefeated Gilman looms in the near future, there are potential victories to be had in the weeks ahead, and the determined Bruins continue to improve.
SQ: 1/12 v. Gilman, 1/14 v. St. Paul's
With recent improvements in score reporting and the consistent updating of the website, What's Bruin looks to become less of a report on games past and more a look to the future and, perhaps, an outlet for thoughts on the program and/or high school competition in general. Send me your ideas, arguments and philosophies. Let's hear all that's good and bad about Park athletics, the ins and outs of Bruindom, and your ponderings on the MIAA/IAAM and all that is teen sports.
For the boys' basketball squad, the entire 2-day competition proved a struggle. A not-what-they-used-to-be athletic and savvy Grace Bible team pushed the Bruins to the limit, who toughed out a fourth quarter, 3 point victory. The tourney final did not go nearly as well. The Metro top 10 Edmondson-Westside Red Storm hammered the hapless Parkies. All the heart in the world may not have been enough to slow the waves of linebacker-sized aerialists that seemed to materialize from the opposition's bench. All the morbid details can be found elsewhere on the website. January seems to have lifted the boys' spirits, however (perhaps it's the return to classes). In their return, the Bruins got their first C-Conference win against the then undefeated Key School Obezags, and followed with their second B-Conference upset, knocking off Boys' Latin. Oddly enough, that brings the boys' record to 1-2 in the C and 2-0 in the B! There's been heart and guts and, at times, streaks of precision shooting intermingled with breathtaking slashes to the basket. There's also been fumbles and lapses in discipline and concentration intermingled with the tried and true habit of playing down to lesser adversaries. Plagued by this sort of inconsistency, Park faces a difficult road to the playoffs.
MBB: 1/13 @ Indian Creek, 1/15 @ Sts. Peter & Paul
The version presented by the girls' basketballers offered a bit more drama but the same second place dissatisfaction in the end. Grace Bible's girls apparently haven't been visiting the same recruiting neighborhoods their boys have frequented in recent years. They played the part of speedbump in the Bruins' drive to the final. Bryn Mawr put up a tougher fight, however, and unlike the Park boys, our girls sadly have no magic spell for defeating B-Conference teams. In the end, the Bruins found themselves trailing by but 3 points when time expired, a slim loss and an exciting game but a shock to the system nonetheless. The girls are currently 7-0 in the C-Conference and have enjoyed an average margin of victory of 25 points in their 10 overall wins. That statistic includes the 3 league conquests since returning to school, over Lutheran (62-22), AACS (65-36) and St. Tim's (53-20). The run has again sparked conversations on the appropriateness of the girls' C classification. The arguments for a move are credible and many (and, by the way, the transition year is upon us), but perhaps the most damning evidence against the upgrade is the conspicuous lack of that ever-elusive championship. Perhaps this is the year... let's not go there. And, take heart C-Conference haters; rumor has it that several B teams may be descending to liven up our next regular season. Stay tuned...
WBB: 1/11 v. New Town HS, 1/13 @ Key
The winter break caused a brief stir among the indoor soccer girls as well, unleashing a fleeting offensive outburst as they toppled Oldfields in bookend games (12/17 and 1/5) games by a combined tally of 27-1. Ouch. Reality snapped the team from its postseason daydreams, however, when the Bruins met second place (then 4-2) Garrison. The result was a 1-8 thumping, even despite another 23 save performance by goalie Nikki Casper. Normally a defensive powerhouse, with just over a 1 goal-per-game-against average in their 7 total wins, Park was spread thin by the Grizzlies' attack who notched scores with 6 different players. Park had beaten Garrison earlier in the year and, though a rude awakening, the Bruins remain alone in first place at 6-1. Only 1 game (3 points) now separates the 2 teams and, as the soccer gods would have it, they'll play 1 more before season's end.
ISC: 1/13 v. St. Tim's
Park squash remains winless in the hyper-competitive A-Conference, though they've shown signs of life, narrowly missing a win against Friends before the break. Unfortunately, details on the team are lacking just about everywhere and (fortunately I suppose) few among the group have visited the athletic training room so there's little to report. Though another game against undefeated Gilman looms in the near future, there are potential victories to be had in the weeks ahead, and the determined Bruins continue to improve.
SQ: 1/12 v. Gilman, 1/14 v. St. Paul's
With recent improvements in score reporting and the consistent updating of the website, What's Bruin looks to become less of a report on games past and more a look to the future and, perhaps, an outlet for thoughts on the program and/or high school competition in general. Send me your ideas, arguments and philosophies. Let's hear all that's good and bad about Park athletics, the ins and outs of Bruindom, and your ponderings on the MIAA/IAAM and all that is teen sports.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Weeks of December 7 & 14...
Welcome to a special 2-week BONUS EDITION of What's Bruin! I hope you're excited. Those of you out there unfortunate enough to be cursed with a "glass half-empty" outlook on life might see it as my having dropped the ball last week... poor souls. Anyway... winter sports have now ventured into the thick of their seasons as conference games begin to monopolize the schedules once dotted by scrimmages and non-peer play-ins.
Indoor soccer was among the first to truly get going, and did they. After having already defeated 1 conference foe in Key School, Park challenged the defending champ on 11/30. "Garrison isn't undefeated anymore" was the greeting I received from Coach Piper upon his return from the match. Once again, the Bruins scored 4 goals (apparently their magic number) while their staunch defense stuffed the opposition, limiting the Grizzlies, who'd scored 21 goals in their previous 2 games, to just 3. The 4-3 victory lifted Park to an early 2-0 record and sole possession of first place in the B-Conference. Nikki Casper racked up 28 saves while Aiden Piper chipped in with 3 points (2 goals and an assist). The Bruins haven't slowed a beat since, knocking off St. Tim's (4-1), Beth Tfiloh (4-2), and Key School again (4-1). Not much has changed in the stat line either, as Aiden continues to assist or notch nearly every goal while Nikki plays backstop to our formidable D. The girls are now a blistering 5-0 and number 1 in the B-Conference standings. This week the girls have a light agenda, with only 1 game pitting them against winless Oldfields. An old football coach once said, "Kill a mosquito with an axe." Go get 'em girls!
ISC: 12/17 v. Oldfields
Girls' basketball has fared similarly, now sporting a 3-0 record in the C-Conference. On the heels of a 44-61 loss to non-conference foe Garrison, in which a depleted Park squad of only 5 players (including 3 missing starters) battled admirably, the Bruins have stepped on the gas. Defeating Beth Tfiloh (46-16), Glenelg (49-23), and Catholic (46-24), the girls have vaulted to the top of their standings as well. Senior Rose Coll enters the week with 2 successive double-doubles while classmate Lucie Weinberg has found her shooting stroke (24 points in the last 2 contests). But don't forget the freshmen. Akira Townes is averaging nearly double digits in scoring and point guard Zoe Mayers has chipped in solid play in the absence of injured senior Kristen Smith. As I've hinted before in this column, none of this has exactly been unexpected. The Bruins are not exactly flying below the proverbial radar. What remains to be seen, is how they'll perform under pressure; what they'll accomplish when the going gets tough. Will these girls be able to find the extra gear that's evaded similarly lauded Park girls' hoops teams in the past? The tests begin this week as the Bruins play Maryvale of the B-Conference, CHEN, and curently undefeated St. John's on Friday night in our GAME OF THE WEEK.
WBB: 12/14 v. Maryvale, 12/15 @ CHEN, 12/18 v. St. John's
Boys' basketball is lagging behind a bit, but just in terms of meeting their conference foes on the court. This group has been interesting to watch. As juvenile as it may seem, and don't take this the wrong way boys, "scrappy" might be the best descriptor I can conjure up. The Bruins have struggled to score at times but have proven themselves a gritty, tough bunch, playing tenacious defense and banging the boards even when outsized. The season got off to a bang with a tune-up at Greater Grace that unexpectedly turned into a frenzied rumble from which our boys escaped with a 39-32 win. The year's first home game saw Pikesville High down the Park boys 46-49. It was evident, though, that upon exiting the arena, a majority of spectators were nodding their approval of the Bruin effort rather than shaking their heads in dismay. These lads may just have something. Then the Quakers showed up on our doorstep. You know something special must have happened when we get this kind of press! Seniors Kyle Long and Nick Sangiamo led the way as the home team toppled Friends 59-50.
If only we had limited our B-Conference games to just that one. McDonogh hammered Coach Wolf's boys 2 days later, deflating the gym and the fans therein. And after just 2 more days, a muscle-bound, high-flying Coppin Academy team swaggered into the PAC, and whispered "uh-ohs" could be heard circulating the stands like the skittering of rats abandoning ship. The Bruins, however, rediscovered themselves and played their game... tough, full of heart and hustle, smart... and came away with an impressive 67-49 victory. On to the C-Conference schedule, kicking off with noe other than front-runner Chapelgate (8-2 overall) who earlier in the year clubbed B-Conference bottom-dweller BL 60-37. Here we go Bruins!
MBB: 12/15 v. Chapelgate, 12/17 v. BT
Bruins' squash may be the only team confronting tough times out of the blocks. Currently 0-3, they've dropped matches to BL (2-5), McDonogh (1-6), and Gilman (0-7). The good news is that the worst is over, at least temporarily. Those 3 losses happen to have been at the hands of the giants of the MIAA, who hold the top 3 rungs of the conference ladder, and Park won't have to face any of them again until January. In the meantime, it's up to the Bruins to now take what they've learned, having survived that early gauntlet, and utilize it to attack their more earthly competition. This week they'll face Bryn Mawr and 1-3 conference opponent and rival Friends School in matches they hope will place them back in the "Win" column. Look for seniors Alex Katz, Drew Kaup and Andrew Duberg to lead the way and keep an eye on newcomer Ashley Suan, playing the 4 spot in the lineup.
SQ: 12/16 v. Bryn Mawr, 12/17 v. Friends
See you out there! GO BRUINS!
Indoor soccer was among the first to truly get going, and did they. After having already defeated 1 conference foe in Key School, Park challenged the defending champ on 11/30. "Garrison isn't undefeated anymore" was the greeting I received from Coach Piper upon his return from the match. Once again, the Bruins scored 4 goals (apparently their magic number) while their staunch defense stuffed the opposition, limiting the Grizzlies, who'd scored 21 goals in their previous 2 games, to just 3. The 4-3 victory lifted Park to an early 2-0 record and sole possession of first place in the B-Conference. Nikki Casper racked up 28 saves while Aiden Piper chipped in with 3 points (2 goals and an assist). The Bruins haven't slowed a beat since, knocking off St. Tim's (4-1), Beth Tfiloh (4-2), and Key School again (4-1). Not much has changed in the stat line either, as Aiden continues to assist or notch nearly every goal while Nikki plays backstop to our formidable D. The girls are now a blistering 5-0 and number 1 in the B-Conference standings. This week the girls have a light agenda, with only 1 game pitting them against winless Oldfields. An old football coach once said, "Kill a mosquito with an axe." Go get 'em girls!
ISC: 12/17 v. Oldfields
Girls' basketball has fared similarly, now sporting a 3-0 record in the C-Conference. On the heels of a 44-61 loss to non-conference foe Garrison, in which a depleted Park squad of only 5 players (including 3 missing starters) battled admirably, the Bruins have stepped on the gas. Defeating Beth Tfiloh (46-16), Glenelg (49-23), and Catholic (46-24), the girls have vaulted to the top of their standings as well. Senior Rose Coll enters the week with 2 successive double-doubles while classmate Lucie Weinberg has found her shooting stroke (24 points in the last 2 contests). But don't forget the freshmen. Akira Townes is averaging nearly double digits in scoring and point guard Zoe Mayers has chipped in solid play in the absence of injured senior Kristen Smith. As I've hinted before in this column, none of this has exactly been unexpected. The Bruins are not exactly flying below the proverbial radar. What remains to be seen, is how they'll perform under pressure; what they'll accomplish when the going gets tough. Will these girls be able to find the extra gear that's evaded similarly lauded Park girls' hoops teams in the past? The tests begin this week as the Bruins play Maryvale of the B-Conference, CHEN, and curently undefeated St. John's on Friday night in our GAME OF THE WEEK.
WBB: 12/14 v. Maryvale, 12/15 @ CHEN, 12/18 v. St. John's
Boys' basketball is lagging behind a bit, but just in terms of meeting their conference foes on the court. This group has been interesting to watch. As juvenile as it may seem, and don't take this the wrong way boys, "scrappy" might be the best descriptor I can conjure up. The Bruins have struggled to score at times but have proven themselves a gritty, tough bunch, playing tenacious defense and banging the boards even when outsized. The season got off to a bang with a tune-up at Greater Grace that unexpectedly turned into a frenzied rumble from which our boys escaped with a 39-32 win. The year's first home game saw Pikesville High down the Park boys 46-49. It was evident, though, that upon exiting the arena, a majority of spectators were nodding their approval of the Bruin effort rather than shaking their heads in dismay. These lads may just have something. Then the Quakers showed up on our doorstep. You know something special must have happened when we get this kind of press! Seniors Kyle Long and Nick Sangiamo led the way as the home team toppled Friends 59-50.
If only we had limited our B-Conference games to just that one. McDonogh hammered Coach Wolf's boys 2 days later, deflating the gym and the fans therein. And after just 2 more days, a muscle-bound, high-flying Coppin Academy team swaggered into the PAC, and whispered "uh-ohs" could be heard circulating the stands like the skittering of rats abandoning ship. The Bruins, however, rediscovered themselves and played their game... tough, full of heart and hustle, smart... and came away with an impressive 67-49 victory. On to the C-Conference schedule, kicking off with noe other than front-runner Chapelgate (8-2 overall) who earlier in the year clubbed B-Conference bottom-dweller BL 60-37. Here we go Bruins!
MBB: 12/15 v. Chapelgate, 12/17 v. BT
Bruins' squash may be the only team confronting tough times out of the blocks. Currently 0-3, they've dropped matches to BL (2-5), McDonogh (1-6), and Gilman (0-7). The good news is that the worst is over, at least temporarily. Those 3 losses happen to have been at the hands of the giants of the MIAA, who hold the top 3 rungs of the conference ladder, and Park won't have to face any of them again until January. In the meantime, it's up to the Bruins to now take what they've learned, having survived that early gauntlet, and utilize it to attack their more earthly competition. This week they'll face Bryn Mawr and 1-3 conference opponent and rival Friends School in matches they hope will place them back in the "Win" column. Look for seniors Alex Katz, Drew Kaup and Andrew Duberg to lead the way and keep an eye on newcomer Ashley Suan, playing the 4 spot in the lineup.
SQ: 12/16 v. Bryn Mawr, 12/17 v. Friends
See you out there! GO BRUINS!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Week of November 30...
Welcome back... Hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing holiday break, replete with a bounty sufficient to offer leftovers for weeks, an adequate amount of football mayhem, and family and friends wise enough to not overstay their welcome. Many Bruins got an early start on burning off all those Thanksgiving calories, but first a few notes of news:
2 conference moves have become official. Next fall, the girls' tennis team will elevate their game in order to compete in the A. Girls' soccer chose the alternative direction, shifting to the C-Conference. Like all such jumps, each squad is required to stay put for a 2-year period.
The MIAA B-Conference announced their soccer All-Stars, naming 3 Park seniors to their roster. Andrew Duberg, Jon Hettleman, and Nick Ryugo received the honor. In so doing, "Duey" nabbed his second soccer award and fifth overall while "Hett" added a third plaque to his mantle with his first as the Bruins' goalie.
But back to the Bruins of winter... girls' basketball found their hands full with North Harford last Monday as early defensive pressure and commendably aggressive play appeared to temporarily set the Bruins' fab-10 onto their heels. Once the Lady Hawks' press was broken and Park's vaunted offense was permitted to settle into their game, however, the game turned slightly in our favor. Though there was no actual running score kept throughout the scrimmage, we certainly witnessed a nail-biter.
The girls' hard-nosed play continued through the weekend as they faced a bevy of public and private school teams on Saturday at McDonogh. Again, scores were somewhat arbitrary but, by all accounts, the Bruins played well defeating each of their opponents. Unfortunately, the 5 mini-games may have taken their own considerable toll. At least 2 injuries surfaced during the tournament, the severity of which remain to be calculated. Fingers crossed...
WBB: 12/1 @ Garrison, 12/3 @ Bryn Mawr
The boys' basketball team had their holiday interrupted as well, hitting the newly refinished hardwood at home for a Saturday playday against Poly and Towson High Schools. Both adversaries were populated with talented, athletic young men, many of them obviously career basketballers. The majority of our bunch, on the other hand, call another game their favorite; but the gritty Bruins held their own for the most part, often substituting hustle and heart for overt talent. Unfortunately, against such seasoned foes, that method could only carry the boys as far as their shooting percentage. Lack of accuracy kept the Bruins from making a serious run at either opponent and the boys lost each of their four 15-minute bouts. Still, in the way the boys stuck together, discussing strategy and offering constructive criticism, it was evident that there's something to this group. Whether they'll end up simply a likeable lot or a successful winner remains to be seen.
MBB: 12/1 @ Greater Grace, 12/4 v Pikesville
Little else occurred during the respite from everything school-related, but the docket is full for the week upcoming. Aside from the basketball matchups listed above, girls' indoor soccer will play first on Monday in our GAME OF THE WEEK, facing last year's conference finalist Garrison Forest. They'll then take on St. Tim's later in the week. Squash will get their season rolling with matches against stiff competition in McDonogh and Gilman. Good luck gang!
ISC: 11/30 v Garrison, 12/2 v St. Tim's
SQ: 12/2 v McDonogh, 12/3 v Gilman
GO BRUINS!
2 conference moves have become official. Next fall, the girls' tennis team will elevate their game in order to compete in the A. Girls' soccer chose the alternative direction, shifting to the C-Conference. Like all such jumps, each squad is required to stay put for a 2-year period.
The MIAA B-Conference announced their soccer All-Stars, naming 3 Park seniors to their roster. Andrew Duberg, Jon Hettleman, and Nick Ryugo received the honor. In so doing, "Duey" nabbed his second soccer award and fifth overall while "Hett" added a third plaque to his mantle with his first as the Bruins' goalie.
But back to the Bruins of winter... girls' basketball found their hands full with North Harford last Monday as early defensive pressure and commendably aggressive play appeared to temporarily set the Bruins' fab-10 onto their heels. Once the Lady Hawks' press was broken and Park's vaunted offense was permitted to settle into their game, however, the game turned slightly in our favor. Though there was no actual running score kept throughout the scrimmage, we certainly witnessed a nail-biter.
The girls' hard-nosed play continued through the weekend as they faced a bevy of public and private school teams on Saturday at McDonogh. Again, scores were somewhat arbitrary but, by all accounts, the Bruins played well defeating each of their opponents. Unfortunately, the 5 mini-games may have taken their own considerable toll. At least 2 injuries surfaced during the tournament, the severity of which remain to be calculated. Fingers crossed...
WBB: 12/1 @ Garrison, 12/3 @ Bryn Mawr
The boys' basketball team had their holiday interrupted as well, hitting the newly refinished hardwood at home for a Saturday playday against Poly and Towson High Schools. Both adversaries were populated with talented, athletic young men, many of them obviously career basketballers. The majority of our bunch, on the other hand, call another game their favorite; but the gritty Bruins held their own for the most part, often substituting hustle and heart for overt talent. Unfortunately, against such seasoned foes, that method could only carry the boys as far as their shooting percentage. Lack of accuracy kept the Bruins from making a serious run at either opponent and the boys lost each of their four 15-minute bouts. Still, in the way the boys stuck together, discussing strategy and offering constructive criticism, it was evident that there's something to this group. Whether they'll end up simply a likeable lot or a successful winner remains to be seen.
MBB: 12/1 @ Greater Grace, 12/4 v Pikesville
Little else occurred during the respite from everything school-related, but the docket is full for the week upcoming. Aside from the basketball matchups listed above, girls' indoor soccer will play first on Monday in our GAME OF THE WEEK, facing last year's conference finalist Garrison Forest. They'll then take on St. Tim's later in the week. Squash will get their season rolling with matches against stiff competition in McDonogh and Gilman. Good luck gang!
ISC: 11/30 v Garrison, 12/2 v St. Tim's
SQ: 12/2 v McDonogh, 12/3 v Gilman
GO BRUINS!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Week of November 23... THANKSGIVING!
A short, holiday week calls for... well, a short blog entry.
Unfortunately, Bruins' squash stumbled out of the gate, losing to Boys' Latin by a score of 2-5. The performance was, however, a significant improvement upon last year's, with seniors Drew Kaup and Sam Cornblath pulling out victories and freshman newcomer Ashley Suan and classmate Andrew Katz pushing their matches to 4 sets. With several schools' numbers 1 and 2 players holding Herculean advantages in experience and skill, it is this "middle of the order," as it were, that might pose the biggest challenge to Park opponents.
SQ: No games scheduled
Last week's scrimmage pitting the girls' basketball squad against Dulaney was considerably downplayed into what amounted to a 2-team practice session due predominantly to public school regulations on preseason competition. Still, the Bruins played an intense style and, after a relatively even first half, completely dominated the Lions in the third quarter (the approximate score, 17-2!). The girls played a total of 5 quarters, winning at least 3 and looking solid throughout. No doubt there's room for improvement, but as early season scrimmages go, the small crowd nestled into the corners of the PAC got their time's worth in this one. The girls will kick off the short week with another non-conference game, facing North Harford on Monday.
WBB: 11/23 v. North Harford
So much for the 08-09 semifinal loss to Key School. Girls' indoor soccer took a small measure of revenge in knocking off the Obezags 2-1 in the season opener. Both of Park's goals came from junior Aiden Piper with an assist from fellow-captain Mariama Eversley. Meanwhile, the stingy Bruin defense stood fast, anchored by sophomore goalie Nikki Casper (15 saves). Playing out more or less just as envisioned, the girls appeared formidable. No games over the holidays, though, means we'll have to wait a bit for our next opportunity to truly ascertain whether or not this group will dominate this winter.
ISC: No games scheduled
As hinted upon last week, team cohesion can often go a long way towards securing success, however one might choose to quantify that expression. The boys' basketball squad appears ready to test that theory. Anything they might lack in terms of true talent on the court, they appear to make up for in maturity, heart and a certain unifying bond that may simply be the product of a senior-laden group (10 seniors among 12 players, not 11 of 13 as written last week) with so many years of mutual varied experiences in their collective pockets. A big, tight, gutsy gang are they. Should be fun. The boys will play bookends to the girls with GAMES OF THE WEEK on Saturday (11/28), a playday featuring teams from Poly and Towson High School. Sneak away from the leftovers and bring the family!
MBB: 11/28 Playday v. Poly and Towson
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and, of course... GO BRUINS!
Unfortunately, Bruins' squash stumbled out of the gate, losing to Boys' Latin by a score of 2-5. The performance was, however, a significant improvement upon last year's, with seniors Drew Kaup and Sam Cornblath pulling out victories and freshman newcomer Ashley Suan and classmate Andrew Katz pushing their matches to 4 sets. With several schools' numbers 1 and 2 players holding Herculean advantages in experience and skill, it is this "middle of the order," as it were, that might pose the biggest challenge to Park opponents.
SQ: No games scheduled
Last week's scrimmage pitting the girls' basketball squad against Dulaney was considerably downplayed into what amounted to a 2-team practice session due predominantly to public school regulations on preseason competition. Still, the Bruins played an intense style and, after a relatively even first half, completely dominated the Lions in the third quarter (the approximate score, 17-2!). The girls played a total of 5 quarters, winning at least 3 and looking solid throughout. No doubt there's room for improvement, but as early season scrimmages go, the small crowd nestled into the corners of the PAC got their time's worth in this one. The girls will kick off the short week with another non-conference game, facing North Harford on Monday.
WBB: 11/23 v. North Harford
So much for the 08-09 semifinal loss to Key School. Girls' indoor soccer took a small measure of revenge in knocking off the Obezags 2-1 in the season opener. Both of Park's goals came from junior Aiden Piper with an assist from fellow-captain Mariama Eversley. Meanwhile, the stingy Bruin defense stood fast, anchored by sophomore goalie Nikki Casper (15 saves). Playing out more or less just as envisioned, the girls appeared formidable. No games over the holidays, though, means we'll have to wait a bit for our next opportunity to truly ascertain whether or not this group will dominate this winter.
ISC: No games scheduled
As hinted upon last week, team cohesion can often go a long way towards securing success, however one might choose to quantify that expression. The boys' basketball squad appears ready to test that theory. Anything they might lack in terms of true talent on the court, they appear to make up for in maturity, heart and a certain unifying bond that may simply be the product of a senior-laden group (10 seniors among 12 players, not 11 of 13 as written last week) with so many years of mutual varied experiences in their collective pockets. A big, tight, gutsy gang are they. Should be fun. The boys will play bookends to the girls with GAMES OF THE WEEK on Saturday (11/28), a playday featuring teams from Poly and Towson High School. Sneak away from the leftovers and bring the family!
MBB: 11/28 Playday v. Poly and Towson
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and, of course... GO BRUINS!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Week of November 16... Winter begins!
Fall is officially behind us, at least in high school sports terms. Cleats and running shoes have been stashed away in favor of the suddenly more appropriate (and far more comfortable) tennies and high-tops. The relative peace of wide open spaces has given way to the echoing cacophony of small, indoor arenas. While autumn may have been a bit heavier on disappointment than we would have liked (at least in regards to wins, losses and the timing of both), the winter outlook is brimming with promise and optimism. If you listen intently enough, you can already hear the squeak of sneakers on varnish like so many enormous mice.
Enormous may be a minor overstatement but it's quite obvious that this year's boys' basketball team does fall quite squarely on the large side, relatively speaking of course. With only 3 Bruins measuring south of 6 feet tall, it's one of the biggest groups in recent memory. And then there's the experience factor. Four players are in at least their second year on varsity (seniors Kyle Long and Jon Hettleman are playing in their 3rd and 4th, respectively) and the roster features 11 seniors. That's 11 seniors on a squad of 13! As it often does, much will depend upon the unit's discipline, heart and cohesion. Captains have yet to be selected so it's still unknown who besides Coach Wolf will lead the solidarity effort, but with so many mature athletes to choose from, the task of keeping this group motivated and on the same page should prove to be an easy one.
MBB: No games yet.
On paper, girls' basketball looks set to challenge (and destroy) all comers on their way to another successful playoff run. What remains to be seen is whether or not these Bruins can win the big one. A pesky dark cloud has anchored itself onto Coach Coll's team, and to the girls' program in general. In the last 2 years, the girls have sailed into the championship game as favorites only to be outdone by eager underdogs each time. And there are only slightly less recent examples that further reinforce the trend. Perhaps it's another instance of a group of Bruins missing that "thing" I'd mentioned in earlier posts. Perhaps it's simply a string of bad luck. Whatever the cause, the 09-10 girls seem confident in their ability to smash the paradigm. And for good reason. The team will carry only 10 players, among them 4 seniors. Six of the 10 are returning finalists (including All-Conference pick Rose Coll), 2 have stepped up from the JV, and the ultimate duo are much ballyhooed freshmen Akira Townes and Zoe Mayers. Still waiting to hear the captains' names here as well, but this is a group that has played, and won, together in the past. The future holds only 1 remaining obstacle. The road toward that goal starts with a scrimmage against Dulaney High's Lions this Friday (11/20) here in the PAC. Come and see the girls early and get in on the ground floor of what could be a memorable season.
WBB: 11/20 v. Dulaney
This winter's squash roster boasts approximately 26 athletes, 11 of whom will play for the varsity. Senior captains Drew Kaup and Alex Katz lead a group that lost only 1 member from last year's still developing lineup. The team also welcomes back All-Conference winner Andrew DuBerg and newcomer Ashley Suan who touts strong credentials and hopes to make a significant dent in the league. Overpowered by far more experienced players last year, the 09-10 Bruins return poised, better prepared and genuinely more skilled. They begin play Tuesday (11/17) at their home in Meadow Mill against none other than the Lakers of Boys' Latin. Look for additional news as it becomes available including the outcome of our debut or, better yet, grab the directions from the website and head down to a match!
SQ: 11/17 v. BL
Many thanks to Coach Rob Piper for the preseason rundown on indoor soccer who, after finishing last year's regular season with the second best record among B-Conference schools, bowed out in the semifinals with an overtime shootout loss. That heartbreak came at the hands of the Key School Obezags (I'll never get over that "mascot" name), the very same opponent the girls find at the head of their schedule this winter. More than the adversary feels familiar, though, in this particular case of deja vu. For the Bruins, the cast of characters remains nearly the same as well, with no fewer than 9 players from that semifinal game returning to the team this year. Add to that a handful of outdoor players, some unexpectedly seasoned freshmen, and a couple of skilled athletes revisiting their favorite sport after a brief departure and you've got a squad with experience on its side. Remarkably, the 17 that made the team (the girls suffered through numbers-mandated tryouts and cuts for the first time in recent memory) count only 2 seniors among their number! Captained by 1 of those, Mariama Eversley, along with juniors Aiden Piper and Lauren Sibel, this team looks to be one to watch for years to come. The fun begins with an early GAME OF THE WEEK as the girls take on the aforementioned Obezags Wednesday (11/18) at Freestate Sports Arena. Check the website for directions.
ISC: 11/18 v. Key
GO BRUINS!
Enormous may be a minor overstatement but it's quite obvious that this year's boys' basketball team does fall quite squarely on the large side, relatively speaking of course. With only 3 Bruins measuring south of 6 feet tall, it's one of the biggest groups in recent memory. And then there's the experience factor. Four players are in at least their second year on varsity (seniors Kyle Long and Jon Hettleman are playing in their 3rd and 4th, respectively) and the roster features 11 seniors. That's 11 seniors on a squad of 13! As it often does, much will depend upon the unit's discipline, heart and cohesion. Captains have yet to be selected so it's still unknown who besides Coach Wolf will lead the solidarity effort, but with so many mature athletes to choose from, the task of keeping this group motivated and on the same page should prove to be an easy one.
MBB: No games yet.
On paper, girls' basketball looks set to challenge (and destroy) all comers on their way to another successful playoff run. What remains to be seen is whether or not these Bruins can win the big one. A pesky dark cloud has anchored itself onto Coach Coll's team, and to the girls' program in general. In the last 2 years, the girls have sailed into the championship game as favorites only to be outdone by eager underdogs each time. And there are only slightly less recent examples that further reinforce the trend. Perhaps it's another instance of a group of Bruins missing that "thing" I'd mentioned in earlier posts. Perhaps it's simply a string of bad luck. Whatever the cause, the 09-10 girls seem confident in their ability to smash the paradigm. And for good reason. The team will carry only 10 players, among them 4 seniors. Six of the 10 are returning finalists (including All-Conference pick Rose Coll), 2 have stepped up from the JV, and the ultimate duo are much ballyhooed freshmen Akira Townes and Zoe Mayers. Still waiting to hear the captains' names here as well, but this is a group that has played, and won, together in the past. The future holds only 1 remaining obstacle. The road toward that goal starts with a scrimmage against Dulaney High's Lions this Friday (11/20) here in the PAC. Come and see the girls early and get in on the ground floor of what could be a memorable season.
WBB: 11/20 v. Dulaney
This winter's squash roster boasts approximately 26 athletes, 11 of whom will play for the varsity. Senior captains Drew Kaup and Alex Katz lead a group that lost only 1 member from last year's still developing lineup. The team also welcomes back All-Conference winner Andrew DuBerg and newcomer Ashley Suan who touts strong credentials and hopes to make a significant dent in the league. Overpowered by far more experienced players last year, the 09-10 Bruins return poised, better prepared and genuinely more skilled. They begin play Tuesday (11/17) at their home in Meadow Mill against none other than the Lakers of Boys' Latin. Look for additional news as it becomes available including the outcome of our debut or, better yet, grab the directions from the website and head down to a match!
SQ: 11/17 v. BL
Many thanks to Coach Rob Piper for the preseason rundown on indoor soccer who, after finishing last year's regular season with the second best record among B-Conference schools, bowed out in the semifinals with an overtime shootout loss. That heartbreak came at the hands of the Key School Obezags (I'll never get over that "mascot" name), the very same opponent the girls find at the head of their schedule this winter. More than the adversary feels familiar, though, in this particular case of deja vu. For the Bruins, the cast of characters remains nearly the same as well, with no fewer than 9 players from that semifinal game returning to the team this year. Add to that a handful of outdoor players, some unexpectedly seasoned freshmen, and a couple of skilled athletes revisiting their favorite sport after a brief departure and you've got a squad with experience on its side. Remarkably, the 17 that made the team (the girls suffered through numbers-mandated tryouts and cuts for the first time in recent memory) count only 2 seniors among their number! Captained by 1 of those, Mariama Eversley, along with juniors Aiden Piper and Lauren Sibel, this team looks to be one to watch for years to come. The fun begins with an early GAME OF THE WEEK as the girls take on the aforementioned Obezags Wednesday (11/18) at Freestate Sports Arena. Check the website for directions.
ISC: 11/18 v. Key
GO BRUINS!
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