West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[boatcapt]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Saddest part about the likely demise of CHEYNEY is that in their probably rather small trophy case there is one marked NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPION 1977-78 . Under HC JOHN CHANEY (yes the TEMPLE coach) they defeated WISC-GREEN BAY 47-40 so his emphasis on defense was around long before he moved to D1. The PSAC really should allow the school to step down to DIII athletics so they at least could play with some hope of competing against other schools that give no athletic scholarships.

Cheyney is a vexing problem that goes FAR beyond basketball (or any athletics). Moving down to D3 really won't save them much if any money. There is just soooooo much mismanagement there and resistance to any change. Can't believe they haven't had a University President in years...can't believe they haven't changed their academic focus to areas more likely to attract students...can't believe they haven't seriously curtailed their athletic programs by cutting entire teams. I think Cheyneys only solution is to enter into some sort of public/private partnership with a tech company were they trade land/buildings and establish specific majors/training programs in exchange for cash and campus wide facility upgrades. Even then, it will be tough to come back unless the culture of the Cheyney board of directors and alumni change.

[CALUPA69]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Saddest part about the likely demise of CHEYNEY is that in their probably rather small trophy case there is one marked NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPION 1977-78 . Under HC JOHN CHANEY (yes the TEMPLE coach) they defeated WISC-GREEN BAY 47-40 so his emphasis on defense was around long before he moved to D1. The PSAC really should allow the school to step down to DIII athletics so they at least could play with some hope of competing against other schools that give no athletic scholarships.

[boatcapt]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Crutch earned a W in his first game at Nova, 116-92 over "Florida National" (A USCAA team). Much has been said about weather Dyer can "replace" Dennis at PG. Here's a meaningless one game comparison between the two last night:

Dennis - 10 pts (3-8 shooting), 7 assists, 6 turnovers, 1 steal in 33 minutes
Dyer - 7 pts (2-3 shooting), 7 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 steals in 19 minutes

I know it's only one game but I'd say Dyer "won."

[boatcapt]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

As has been said, it's Cheyney so not a ton we can learn about individual play. But we can learn some things about how Howlett will coach. Not surprisingly, from a style stand point he is much like Crutch but perhaps with more energy and intensity. Yes Crutch played a game that focused on 3's and pressure D but Coach H seems to ratchet that up a tick or two. Also Coach H plays a DEEP bench and expects every player, weather they are the star starter or the 12'th man off the bench, to take the shot if open...69 bench points is just insane but does demonstrate that point.

Stars for the game:

First Star - James Griffin - Leading scorer with 18 points on 6-10 shooting (3-6 from 3). Pitched in with 4 defensive rebounds and 2 steals in only 14 minutes of work. Very good, well rounded game.

Second Star - Evan French - 14 points on 5-9 shooting (4-7 from 3). French was not afraid to pull the trigger as he scored his 14 points in only 12 minutes of play! That's over a point per minute...calculate that out over a 40 minute game and he's scoring at a 47 PPG clip!!! Hahahahaha!!!

Third Star - Luke Dyer - Seven assists in his first college game were he played effectively one half (19 minutes) ain't too bad.

HM - Eric Meininger, Jordon Watson.

First game can also show some things that need to be worked on and this game did show a couple. Chief among them:

1. Free throws - With a team that shoots like WLU you'd think these would be almost automatic. As a team we shot 62% from the charity stripe last night. That ain't a good number for such a good shooting team!

2. Four players with four PF's - This becomes more worrisome when you realize that no WLU player played more than 20 minutes!

But hey, it's Cheyney so you don't really want to over analyze the good or bad from it or make any changes in how you play off of it.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

On one hand you have to feel bad for Cheyney.

Every football game it loses, 70-7. The teams in the PSAC want them out as playing them in anything hurts you more than it helps due to the SOS anchor. It's just a real mess up there. They are broke. No scholarships (like 4 in football and probably 1 total in basketball). The enrollment is under 700 and falling.

As a league ... They are a real problem right now. If I was in charge I'd skip D2 tournaments like last night and take any beat-down D1 money grabs I could find. If they have to suffer through beatings ... might as well make a few bucks.

I'm interested to see the Glenville Tournament this weekend. There are some good matchups there.

[IUP Extra Mile]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

was at the game.
as others have said, i have to temper my enthusiasm bc Cheyney is putrid. 36 Turnovers? Their coach just paced the sideline, with hardly any strategy...
that being said...what's not to like about this version of the Hilltoppers, after a game...
Press was smothering in the first 20 mins.
Shooting was lights out-24 3 pointers.
And athleticism looked pretty good.
Impressed with Marlon Moore, fresh-legged freshman, with hops, energy, and rebounding prowess.
Impressed with Dalton Bolon--really good shooter / slasher.

As Boat has said a few times, if they shoot well, they will be a tough to beat. We all know that there will be 5-6 nights when they are clunking 9-40 threes or 7-25 threes...Can they win while shooting poorly, that's the question...but I like this iteration of the hilltoppers...seem to be more in your face and pressing...that may change come Mountain East season, but let's see what happens vs. Seton Hill tonight

[Layton]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

WL tied an NCAA record with 10 players making at least 1 3 pointer

[Layton]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Very similar score compared to last year with Cheyney, going to have to see them against a more competent opponent to really gauge them

[Columbuseer]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

82 points in the first half...

Very deep team. Deadly 3 pt shooters. Moore getting lot of minutes backing up meininger. Little difference between first and second teams. Playing faster than last year.

[Layton]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

82 points in the first half...

[Layton]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

It's too bad WVU plays at the same time, I would've liked to see the new team in person

[boatcapt]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

I'd still favor Indiana Faithfull as Hilltopper Name MVP

That's a good one but I still got to go with Johnny Bonar. Bonar...snicker, snicker...I guess deep down I'm still a 5th grader!!!!!

[Columbuseer]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

They also picked up the #31 rated senior in Ohio, PG Sincere Carry, if you check his twitter feed. 5'11" PG...Certainly a position of need...Played for OBC AAU, esteemed program...

They are losing 3 seniors this year, so have room for one more...

This guy had visits from Penn State and wvu but no offers. Interest from Youngstown state, Akron, etc. Had 2 knee injuries in high school which caused d1 to back off. Another pg who is also a slasher. Alessandro is great shooter and slasher. Hit 36% of 3s as a junior. Beaver Creek plays tough teams. Im impressed by both!

[boatcapt]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Game Notes for tomorrows tilt against Cheyney lists the projected WLU starters as:

Monteroso
Bolon
Dyer
Griffin
Meinenger

I'm a little surprised Bolon earned the start. Must have had an exceptional camp!

[IUP Extra Mile]

Re: West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

Giving Indiana Faithfull a run for his money on the all time great name

I'd still favor Indiana Faithfull as Hilltopper Name MVP