RallyNorth.net: High School Sports – Merrimack Valley and Southern NH

Nice work, Hector. There's no doubt Central has the inside track; Tough luck for Andover and Lawrence. I think we'll see CC play Lexington in the Tsongas as that team is due to make a run at least once, right? But I just don't see anyone outside of Brockton beating this Central team. If those two teams do end up playing in the Garden, it will be a game for the ages!

I think NA got unlucky with the coin flips- Masco, who they've beaten twice, didn't end up on their side, and Woburn, who might be the most talented team in the D2N, did. They beat a much more talented Woburn team a couple years ago, but despite NA's great regular season, I'm just not convinced yet that they have enough to make any kind of run. I think they'll be challenged to win that first game vs. the Beverly-Burlington winner. I'm guessing Woburn vs. Westford in the Tsongas.

In D3N, I was so happy to see GL's win yesterday. Combine that with the win over NR, and they're flying high! Watertown's still my choice, too much firepower and experience for the Reggies, and I think they'll play Fenwick in Lowell.

In D4, my heart says Georgetown, and my head says Winthrop. G-town won the first battle, but unfortunately I think Wintrop takes it in the Tsongas.

Just one man's opinions, though. Best of luck to all our local teams, and really excited to see some great hoops.

Hey Hector- I've heard that b/c of some scheduling issues, only the Boys will be playing at Tsongas this year and that it will be on Sunday? Can you confirm that?

Yep, since the girls are at the Garden monday, they couldn't take the chance of a cancellation sunday, sooooo … Girls are elsewhere.
Umass lowell vs. Maine hockey on Friday and Saturday.

Yes, Lawrence drew short straw, period.
But at least they get a home tourney game, which is nice. And hopefully another shot at Goliath.

Methuen has done a super job and they are my dark horse for an upset.
Lowell can be had.

As for Andover, we know that their win at BC High did not get counted on their record. And you had better believe that if Andover could pick one team in the top six seeds to play, it would be Malden. In their game last week, Malden shot lights out. Rematch goes to Andover.

How about Greater Lawrence! More power to em! Hope they survive the suspension of the super soph.

Lexington is notorious for milking this format. They rarely if ever schedule games outside their league against any quality teams. My favorite thing is watching them rout a low seed at home first round each year, then fall apart against a quality opponent.
Last year's beating that Lowell inflicted on them was wonderful. Here's rooting for anyone except Lexington and that pompous coach Bob Farias.

Wow- Looks like Mike Muldoon is picking up where this blog's comment section left off a couple weeks ago as far as MVC coach behavior goes. He didn't pull many punches there! Interesting.

Maldoon's article is terrible–all three of those guys are great coaches and even better role models–if the Trib worked with half as much intensity as those coaches then maybe the paper would be worth a read–bad article-done in poor taste.

I think you're missing the point. No one denies what kind of coaches or role models they are- We're blessed to have such passionate coaches in the area, including a whole bunch not mentioned here. It's a big part of the reason that the high school hoop scene is so great in this region. But I also don't think it can be denied that slowly but surely, the standard of behavior for coaches in the MVC has declined when it comes to how they interact with officials. I totally agree with you that they're great guys, and it's all the more reason why I expect better of them on the sidelines. Competitiveness is an essential part of every great athlete and coach, but it can be taken too far. I think that's all this is- Not some bigger statement on them as people. Answer seems simple to me: If the officials can't get it done, the ADs and principals should figure out a way to do it. I really don't blame the coaches too much since they're being allowed to do it. I have faith that if they're held accountable, they'll respond. And it will make what is already the best league for boys hoop in the state even better.

As for the Tribune, no one's making you read it, right? If it's not “worth a read”, don't read it. Personally, I haven't found many papers their size who cover high school hoops the way they do, both in print and online. Don't always agree w/them, but always appreciate the effort. To each his own I guess.

Mike Muldoon's column had legitimate points.
But don't apologize for EJ Perry.

EJ Perry was suspended by Salem's AD for his behavior in the Christmas Tourney.
Mike reported EJ did not coach the 3rd game of Tourney because he was sick.
Uh Uh.
Don't play both sides of the fence.

I have grown up watching and also played in the MVC– what I have seen this year in regards to coaches behavior is no different from years ago. None of these coaches have a history of bad behavior so I see the Maldoon article as way to stir up some controversy. I can tell you for a fact the administration (AD & Principal) at CCHS holds their coaches to the highest of standards–they would know if there was a tangible problem–they don't need Maldoon to tell them how to do their jobs. Varsity high school sports are intense, the players/coaches and fans–and that's how the student athletes want it. I don't see the few dust up this year as some perverse problem.

Mike Muldoon's article is a joke. These coaches work hard and in games the continue to work hard and if they feel they are being wronged they are going to let you know…I haven't seen Bob O'real at any games…so he doesn't seem to think there's a problem…don't think the Refs are going back to Bob and saying these coaches are out of control or he would be there to witness it and make changes….Tell Muldoon to go to a game himself and see or better yet start coaching and then we'll see his article……Hector Help out your boy……