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

Hector, Your Fan. 4 is right on, for now. I just don't understand the hype Andover High School is getting this year. You made it your game of the week. This is a team and a school that hasn't beating CCHS in how many years. A coach and a team that has never beating Rick Nault. I see this game as a laughable game. Not in a mean way. This CCHS in my eye's is the best CCHS team ever. Andover will get all the hype as the team to beat CCHS and will go down in defeat, until the next game they play and we will start all over again. I just don't understand.

So, Fazio didn't like the idea of a time change, so Hec and others (including me) can watch the whole BCS game??!! Of course, the whole reason the game is Thursday (one day turnaround after both teams play Tuesday) is that the game was changed from Friday so coach Dave could watch his daughter Friday night. So, just as long as he's all set, right? Anyway….mail it in coach…Central by 12/15 in your building.
On another note…
The game Friday night (girls) should be very interesting. I've never, ever seen a shooting display from a girl like this kid Boudreau showed in the Christmas Final vs. Central. She hit on 4 of 4 three's in a 10 minutes span in the first half, ending with 9 three's and 39 points. Are you kidding me?! And, at one point, she actually “pimped out” a play after blocking a Central three point shot, just standing frozen after the play, as if to say “Is that all you got?” And by the way, I believe she is a soph.
In the same game, for whatever reason, Katie Zenn looked less than interested for Central, as smaller Andover players consistently pushed her around, and ripped several rebounds from her hands…three in one sequence in the 1st quarter. After getting beat to a loose ball, and shoved out of the way (again) late in the second quarter Coach Downer finally had enough as she removed her for a couple of minutes, and took her by the shoulders on the bench, apparently trying to light a fire in her. Seemed to work a bit, as Katie came out firing, but the horse had long since left the barn.
Even if you are not a girls fan, find an Andover game to stop at and watch Boudreau shoot. Number 25, I believe. Worth the price of admission.

To be fair, the Central-Andover boys and girls games have been played on different nights for a long time so that fans of the schools could see both games. It was and is a great idea since all four teams have been so successful. This goes back a lot longer than Faz's daughter playing for AHS. That's the difference between this and the Christmas Tournament situation that Hector referenced a while back.

sp0rtsfan, What was your blog all about. You really think Hector said to the Andover coach to move his time because of a collage game thats on TV. I'm sure he did in a joking matter. I'm with coach Fazio, moving a game because he wants to see his daughter play basketball is the right thing to do. No one should say a word. The years he has left with her in high school are priceless.

Really…changing the date of a game is the right thing to do?
I disagree…strongly. And think he put other coaches/ADs in a very tough spot when asked if they would agree to such changes. Who is possibly going to be the bad guy and say “no”, regarless of their true feelings. Do you think, honestly, in a private moment, that Nault would say he wants to play, AT ANDOVER, with only one day off, as opposed to the normal two (Tuesday/Friday)??? I say no.
And, no, I don't think Hector was serious, but this issue sticks in my craw…it seems strange to me.
If he wants to see his daughter, take a leave that night. This is not “Church League” basketball.

Astros down the Devils by at least 10! That's my humble opinion…. Go 'Stro's.

sp0rtsfan, Slow down. Dave Fazio and Rick Nault are friends. I'm sure Rick Nault would do him Dave Fazio a favor, and he did. I'm sure if Rick Nault needed Dave Fazio to change a game date and time he would. This change of time and date involves no one but, CCHS and Andover. As far as I'm concerned you are way out of line. Family first. CCHS team and coach and everyone in the MVC knows this. During the football season, CCHS asked Methuen high school to change it's date and time and Methuen did. This happens all the time. Nobody made a big deal about it. It's not the end of the world, it's a date and time change. Are you even going to the game.

I did not see the girls Xmas tourney final but after reading the ET story and hearing about it from Central fans who were there-this girl is REAL good-Typically I would not go anywhere near a girls hoop game let alone an Andover game but I will get out to see this girl shoot. 39 points is no joke vs CCHS no less.

Sports fan are you kidding me. Katie Z looked less than interested. She plays her heart out for CCHS and Coach Downer. Without this kid CC does not even go to the State Finals last year. Every kid and remember they are kids has a bad or tough game now and again but don't belittle them by saying they look less than interested. I have followed both these teams for a couple of years and they have had some great battles. Katie Z help lead her team to the Division 1 state championship last year and she did it with a fire like I have never seen from a player. You are right that Coach Downer did pull her from the game as you stated and it did seem to fire her up in the second half but remember without defense you don't win games. CC never properly defended Boudreau in the game and she is way to dangerous to leave open as CC found out. Boudreau is a great shooter and is still very early in her career but by now teams should know to get in her face or she will make the shots. From an outsiders point of view it is very exciting watching these two teams play each other. So give these gifted athletes their due and don't make observations about kids you hardly know other than on the basketball floor. Go to the games like I do and have fun with your own children and cheer own these wonderful players. I cant wait to see these teams battle again.

MVC football, Nov. 6th, 7PM Methuen beat Central on a last minute fling to the end zone by Methuen. Great game.
Where was the schedule change?
Out of line? If you say so.
Maybe if Auntie Mary comes down from eatswestdownside Maine to visit on Thursday night, we can all go out for blueberry pie, and postpone the game until Saturday night.

sp0rtsfan, I'm not going to go back and forth with you. When the '09 football Schedule came out, MHS was to play CCHS on 10/02/2009. There was a confict with CCHS and could not play that night. Because of that confict they ( CCHS ) had to reschedule. MHS was not the only school that was invoved. THS and LHS. Methuen played LHS ( Lowell ) on that date and time ( 10/02/2009 ). CCHS played THS ( Tewksbury ) on Saturday 10/03/2009. This happens all the time so please stop acting like a baby.

No, I am not kidding. You were at the game, so I assume you saw what I saw. First off…there is no question that Kattie is one of the best, if not the best, player in the state. Simply fantastic. Big fan. Which it why I was disappointed as I watched the Andover girls simply shove her aside, time and time again for most of the first half. This is not belittling her, or calling into question her greatness. It is an observation from a long time high school basketball junkie.
She looked uninterested in the first half. FACT! In one sequence, with Central down 4 or 6 in the first quarter, she was stripped of a rebound she hand her hands on, three times in row…three, in one sequence. After the third, Andover put the board home for a score.
Finally, in the second quarter, on a Central possesion, she slipped behind the defender, the guard saw it, lobbed a perfect ball to the low post, and as Kattie grabbed at it, she had it ripped from her hands. Downer had enough, and took her out, next whistle. As she went for a seat on the bench, Sue grabbed her, put in the first chair, took her by the shoulders, and put it to her. I watched it happen. And then she came back hard…but it was too late.
Now please…without waxing poetic about the kids this and the kids that…from a basketball perspective, tell me which part of my comments you are taking issue with.

I just don't like the reason for the change…that's simply my point. I know in the past MVC football games have had to be changed for many legit reasons…SAT testing, field availability, lighting issues…stuff like that.
A Central/ Andover was cancelled a few years back on a Friday night, after an assitant coach had suddenly past away. Makes sense. But wanting to watch your child play, so change your game date? It seems unwarrented. That's all. Doesn't make me right or wrong…or you right or wrong. It's my opinion. Why are you attacking me?
And, as per the norm on most posting boards, you say you don't want to go back and forth, but alas, can't help yourself, so end your post by calling me a name. grow up!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was at the game. You can have your opinion about whom you think is interested or uninterested but how do you know anything by sitting in the sidelines just like me. If you said you thought she had a poor game that might be different based on your game play observations. As I said earlier not everyone plays great all the time but to question their character is not right. Neither one of us know how she felt but we can both have our difference of opinion on how she played. By the way I never said you questioned her greatness. She is a terrific basketball player who you believe had a sub par game. Let's leave it at that and try not to tell everyone what you think she is interested in on any given night. Boudreau had a terrific game was she more interested, I dont think so. Score 1 for Andover and Boudreau but I will be willing to bet that CC and their star will be back on track once again.

sp0rtsfan, you didn't know D97 is the Bleacher Creature internet cowboy-he knows everything… then will tell you your opinion is wrong-if you are lucky he will put words in your mouth too. Try to ignore him-I know its tough when every other comment is from him.

sp0rtsfan, No, I mean I just don't want to keep showing you that changing dates and times happen all the time. It's no big deal. Calling you a name was also wrong. But really, stop acting like 1.

raider4life, Come on. I come with facts. Something you should try to do. No one has ever told me like you were told that you were wrong about what you said was fact. Not being mean about anything, just stating facts. Something you should try.

Hector, Pinkerton basketball program is not only on the way up, it's already there and it started with last nights game. For a team that doesn't play hard for it's coach, you wouldn't have believed it last night or during the GLCT. I hope this team is a start of something big. There is still time for all the non-believers to jump on this bandwagon that is filling up fast. Not only do they have a good team they have the right coaching staff.

Hec, I feel your pain with the Fab 4. Central is heads and shoulders, literally and figuratively, above everybody else. Next, I'd have to go with Andover simply because of the tourney win over NA. NA next. Fourth in the Fab 4? I'll throw a blanket over the field and pick Fellowship Christian.

Couple of observations from last night. First, what division is Lynn Tech in? If it's 4, which I suspect, the game of the year will be Lynn Tech vs. New Mission in the tourney. Could Dracut be emerging as a contender in MVC after last night's convincing win over Lawrence? We'll see next week vs. Andover. Sorry David, I've seen Pink three times now. Last night's game vs. a 1-4 Salem team only confirms one thing: The Stros are much more comfortable in the 03038 zip code and against the cupcakes of Class L, the lower third of which would not beat Central's jv team. Greater Lawrence is now 1-6 and had Pink on the ropes for 3 1/2 quarters. Nuff said.

And finally, Central by 15 in a game that Andover could lead at halftime. But eventually, talent overcomes emotion. If this game is a blowout there will only be three items of interest for the next two months for Raider fans: Worcester North, at Hendricken, and seedings.

John Stark, 1) CCHS ( The best team CCHS ever had ), 2) N.Andover ( losing to Andover in a Dec. game will not change my mine.), 3) Andover ( Andover will only beat up on a very weak MVC. ) 4) Pinkerton ( Losses in the GLCT in Dec. will not change my mine. I don't care what people are saying about the N.H. league, If they keep winning, it's not there fault who they have on the Schedule. ) I hear CCHS has a practice game in Andover Thursday night.

A Couple of thoughts:
1. Not sure if this is truly the best CCHS Team of all-time – that may be a stretch. The talent across the board is weaker this year -that is a fact. Hopefully they will have to face Lynn English again in the Tsongas – then we will see. They are damn good though and everything is predicated on that tough defense they have ALWAYS played. They dismantled Charlie Micol's squad last night with that fantastic defense.

2. Rick Nault is getting slammed way too much for his coaching – he has done a great job – and yes he did have a lot of talent to start with. BUT – take into account the pressure this guy is under after replacing a coach like Dick Licare. And with his duties as an administrator at the school on top of his family obligations (which are more than most of us could handle) this guy has done a great job with all of the stress and pressure.

3. Good for Dave Fazio for asking that the date change and good for Rick for going along with it. I am sure David would reciprocate if asked. Kick-off is at 8:40 PM – you aren't going to miss much of the game boys.

4. Rich Barden is a great coach, a hard worker, and a good guy. There are other great coaches in the MVC also and they put up with a lot – Add Micol, Neal, Trovato, Paquette, and Boyle (if he comes back) to that list and Connors at Lowell is fdoing well and will be a great coach. These guys are dedicated to their kids, their programs, and teaching the game just as much as the Fazio's, Licare's, Nault's etc. And don't ever forget Mike McVeigh in the Cape Ann – there is a gem of a guy and coach!

5. Dracut is for real by the way. Mike has those guys playing on all cylinders. The play rock 'em, sock 'em ball. They rotate five in and five out every two or three minutes and it is working. Andover vs Dracut will be another WAR again this year. That will be a game to watch – and for the experienced fan – Watch off the ball sometimes. It is amazing what you will see going on.

Have to agree Redstorm…it is a stretch to say best CCHS team of all time-how do you truly quantify best ever–they should fall in the top 1-5 teams of all time if things go as expected. I also agree that the tough defense has ALWAYS been there-this is nothing new… Licare would pound it into us that we needed to be the “best” defensive backcourt in the MVC that was 16 years ago at least.

redstorm8, 1st, Great blog. 2nd, This team ( CCHS ) does have a long way to go. This defense, to me, puts them over the top. I have never seen a defense like this. No way. From any team never mine CCHS teams. I would put this offence up against past CCHS teams. But its the defense that is fantastic. 3rd, Rick Nault. This is the man that put this defense together. Enought said. 4th, Rich Barden is a great coach, a hard worker, and a good guy and should be added to the best coaches in the MVC. 5th, Andover vs Dracut, Now that will be the game of the week when they play. raider4life, Your right, a lot of coaches tell there players we have to be tough on defense but, CCHS team is doing it from tip off to the end like no other team has done before.

Here's hoping the Andover vs. CCHS game goes into double OT tonight! Just kidding football fans…I am sure you wont miss much of the action – most of the drama happens at the end of the game (if it's close that is)

My point wasn't coach merely telling us-it is the time/practice and attention spent on making the defense tough–I am not saying that this team's defense isn't extremely good-it is. My point was CCHS's tough defense isn't anything NEW this year with this team–where do you think Ricky learned his defensive style? maybe when he played for Central/Licare- Rick was a defensive force when he played. I know part of his goal coming in was to keep the defensive tradition of CCHS alive and well–he has done that and more.
I am sure it will be a great game–if Anvover has a chance its tonight in their own gym-but I think Central should handle them easier this time.

Good points – Rick learned the tenacity for defense from Dickie – no doubt about it. He is a tenacious coach who expects that on the defensive end and rebounding. Have seen firsthand plenty of times (in blowouts too) him yelling at one of his players for not boxing out or missing an assignment on defense. That is what wins games.

CCHS had some great teams with great coaching in the past. Right now they have the greatest team and coach of all time in the MVC. CCHS and area teams from the MVC has had some great offence teams. What I am saying is not a stretch. When you talk about CCHS or any MVC team from the past, it's all about there offence. What player could score and who had team high points. When the Eagle Tribune talked about the GLCT from the past, it was all about the offence. All the records that were in the paper was the offence records. Well not this year. This year this team ( CCHS ) will be remember about this defence and who they shut down in the GLCT. When this years team plays a team, it will be who ever the other teams best offences player is, and he will be shut down. The other teams best player could only hope to score 10pt's against this defence. Inside game, forget it, they will be none. If you think you can beat them by throwing up 3's, try again. This defence will shut down your outside shooting. Every team has to work and work hard to score pt's against this defence. Other teams will not get a chance to have a fast pace game. One player can't bring the ball up against this defence. Now, you want to say Rick Nault learned this from past coaches. OK, but remember, Rick Nault put this ( Red Wave ) defence together himself. This 2009'10 team is the greatest team ever, because of it's defence.

David – I have to use one of your common requests on you now – PLEASE RELAX with this best team ever at CCHS stuff. It is way too early to make that statement. The starting cast at CCHS hasn't changed dramatically for the better this year (i.e. losing sharpshooting Billy Marsden to graduation) so what happened last year against Lynn English? And for that matter – remember they were one foul call and some free throws away in the last ten seconds from losing to Everett before even getting to the Tsongas.

I will tell you the difference in my opinion – they are a year older and the competition has been weak thus far. But that doesn't make them the “best ever” – Not sure how much heavy/tough competition they will see before the state tourney anyway. As I have said before, if Lynn English can gel as a team, that will be a true test for Central in the State Tourney. And my guess is LE won't be really tested until then either. Everyone backed out of playing them (non-league) this year – no Everett, no Lowell, no Charlestown, etc. They are playing Brockton but Brockton has nothing compared to last year and is a shadow of its former self.

I'm not even going down the road of greatest coach ever with you -because that is just too long of a discussion. All I will say is that Rick is good guy, a good coach, and he works hard and expects that from his kids, BUT – he has only been around for a few years.

redstorm8, Your right I should relax. This team ( CCHS ) is a very different team from last year. I know the personal is the same. Everyone wants to live in the past. There is no way Lynn English could score 71pt's against this team. I just don't see it. The problem we have, we have to wait for the playoff to start. I will stand by my blog that I have posted. Your right, I will just enjoy this team game to game. As far as losing Billy Marsden. He a offence player, no big loss. Again this team is about there defense.

Best team, and best coach ever??!! That's a mouthful. I think Dick Licare and Wil Hixon might take issue with that statement.
Do you know who Wil Hixon is?
Do you remember the Andover team back in 1981, led by Kip Jones that took Patrick Ewings Cambridge Rindge and Latin deep into the fourth quarter, before losing by only 6 to a team that nobody sniffed that year?
Or how about the Gary Mclain led Methuen team back then.
When you say “of all time” that really takes a lot into account.
The team??? I might even agree. If they had a flashy, cocky, true point guard (out of, say, the Bobby Licare mold) it would probably be the best MVC team of all time. But right now…no way you can say that. Hell, someone could go down with an injury, and they could become very good, instead of great, in the bilnk of an eye.
When you say Nault is already the best MVC coach of all time…well, in my opinion, you eliminate yourself from the debate at that point. You seem way to knowlegable to make such a foolish statement.

Thanks David – just enjoy the game tomight – hopefully it will be comeptitive.

Sposrtsfan – you are right on with your blog about the Licare's – Hixon – and don't forget Kelleher and McVeigh. I am old enough to remember the Andover teams you mentioned as well as Gary McLain. I was at the Cambridge game too. And let's not forget the classic Lowell Teams with Rivera, Oliver, Rufus Woods, Stapleton, etc. ,etc. etc. This CCHS team would not beat them – I'm sorry to say. And I am not sure this team beats Leo, Bobby, Faz, and company either.

sp0rtsfan, I still stand by my blog that I have posted. Great teams and coaches you posted in your blog but, this defense would shut them down. I know it's easy to say but, I do believe it. As far as the offence goes on this team it has yet to be unleshed.

As predicted in an earlier entry, Andover did, indeed, lead at halftime and did, indeed, test CC. And as predicted earlier, talent eventually overcame emotion and Central pulled it out. But it clearly wasn't a “scrimmage” for Central as Andover brought all they had in a bump-and-grind, foul-plagued game. But give Andover all the credit as it's the only style of game in which they had a shot. David, I'm beggin' you, please don't anoint this CC team as the “best ever”. If you didn't think this would be a hard fought, close game then you either don't watch a lot of high school ball or never played the game. This Central team is a hard-working, extremely likable, well coached, and talented group of kids. But best ever? Seven games into the season? Without strong guard play? LE, with D1 guards, would be a 12 pt. favorite right now. But kudos to both Central and Andover for a truly gritty game.

two years ago central had their best team when they won the state championship. why?….they had a point guard in wilfredo pagan. they have no point guard this year.

John Stark, I will stand by my blog that I have posted. Until proven wrong, I will remain right. Just to let you know, I've done both. I love this team. At the end, this team will prove me right. Lets see what happens. We will talk about this in March. Until than, we all will enjoy this team. As far as Andover is concern, they gave it's all and they did score 58 pt's, something I didn't think they would do. But at the end and if you were there you knew CCHS was going to win. The hype will start for Andover again when they meet again.

KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO WIN???!!! Andover chopped a ten point Central lead, with 2:00 to go, to 3 with 35 seconds to go (61-58) as their relentless press caused TOO MANY CENTRAL TURNOVERS ( Turnovers are what eventually are going to “catch up” to this Central team). Carson's lollipop outlet passes in the games closing moments found only Andover player's hands, and Central held on for dear life.
Down three, with 30 seconds left, against great Central pressure defense, Andover's guard thankfully dribbled the ball of his foot, into the hands of Central, and the parade to the foul line began.
Many thoughts on this game, as I studied it closely…but not enough time right now.
But I'll quickly say this…For most of the game last night Central took what Andover would give. Andover controlled the tempo, and the played their game. Central never really “took it” to Andover, until Jimmy Zenn (the heartof this team) decided to take control, driving to the hoop, and creating three, “and 1″, opportunities, when they were most needed.
Thanfully, for Central, Andover ran out of fouls to give, number 30 cramped up and coukld no longer run, and DJ Fazio spend the early moments of the 4rth quarter out int eh lobby, feeling light headed, and feared passing out. (I went to use the men's room, saw him leaning against the wall in the lobby, asked what was wrong, and he told me.) THERE WAS NOTHING AUTOMATIC ABOUT THIS WIN!

sp0rtsfan, Relax. Thats not the way I saw it. CCHS answer every call. Hear comes the excuses. The Andover hype is already in the works for the next game. I will say that I can't remember the last time I hear a crowd like that one I heard last night. Everything about last night was great. Andover threw everything at them and they still couldn't win, what does that tell you. CCHS won, no excuses.

Here we go with telling each other to relax again…

Where has bighec been?? Inquiring minds want to know…

There is only one person who tells people to relax and it is the exact person who needs to take that advice most. Great win for CCHS regardless…anytime you beat Andover its a good win. Definitely NOT the best CCHS team EVER but very good and still has plenty of room to go before they reach their potential.
As the Creature said its all about racking up the wins at this point. Can't wait to see how Rick's team improves as the season progresses. They will be ready come tourney time.

I'm fairly new here, but the little I have read from D1997, for me anyway, really makes me question his actuall knowledge of the game. I have no doubt he is a big ra ra ra fan, but from a technical perspective, I don't know if you understands the game.
Re-read what I wrote, and, from a technical perspective, tell me which part of my comments you call into question.
Can you tell me Andover simply didn't ran out of fouls to give? Can you tell me number 30 didn't cramp up, and couldn't run at the end of the game? Can you tell me DJ Fazio wasn't sick, and missed the beginning of the 4rth quarter? Can you tell me that Carson's lazy lollipop outlet passes to try to break the press weren't frequently intercepted during crunch time?
And I'm a huge Central fan. But I undertand the game, and understand what I was looking at.

sp0rtsfan, Come on. The game was played and CCHS won, end of story. It doesn't matter what had happen. They ( AHS ) lost. You looked at the game one way and I saw it in another way. You should be happy they lost, aren't you the one hated the AHS coach for changing the date and time of the game. 7 games into the season tells me nothing. We all have to wait for March to come around and we will see if I'm right. Again I just don't want excuses, AHS lost and that is it.

you cant fault carson for his passes when he has three kids hanging on his arms as soon as he touches the ball. DJ Fazio probably missed the beginning of the fourth quarter trying to figure out what to cry about next. and #30, its a cramp man, dont roll around like you got shot its a cramp