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

Agreed they have yet to HAVE to play their best (when they do and Carson drops 25-12 it will be scary). Like you said, not sure they will even be tested in the MVC this year (except Andover in Feb-hard to beat any Andover hoop team 3 times although Rick seems to have figured it out). Nice to know they have room to grow.

Hector, We will wait until March about this team ( CCHS ). I know you have Dracut at 3 but, until they beat someone other than Lawrence I won't be a believer. I don't even have Andover at 2. Don't go by last nights game. I have North Andover at 2 and Andover at 3. Dracut plays Andover tough I'll put them at 4, if they don't, I put Pinkerton at 4. Let see what happens this time next week and I think I will be right on with this Fan. 4.

Hec, Good coverage of the game last night. My only disagreement would be with your characterization of both student sections as “classy”. To wit: “Central Sucks!!…Central Sucks!!” might pass for classy on the mean streets of Andover, but come on… I generally agree with your synopsis of the officiating. My only beef, and I get a sense it's going to be a season-long issue, is the overly physical play against Carson. Yes, he's 6'11″. But that doesn't justify mugging the kid on virtually every trip. Andover executed whatever they could get away with so kudos to their game plan. But how can Carson end up going to the line only 4 times in a 32-minute rugby match.

Classy Andover fans??? Really??

Chanting “1.7″ when the kid was on the line because…well, why was Andover chanting that? Because, in truth, the kid has a 3.1–Tell me–was it because of a stereotype… tell me why you chanted “1.7″ classy AHS fans.

The refs were brutal–they weren't MVC refs–who were they and where did they come from?–Why, in the biggest MVC game so far do we end up w these clowns–

Come on Hector–get the answers for these 2 questions–(1)who demanded non-MVC refs for this huge game?? (2) And tell me what the “1.7″ chants mean–we're not in Biloxi Mississippi are we?? Or are we?

The girls game was tremendous to-nite—Unfortunately, 3 ticky-tack calls on CC's Miller in the last 90 seconds and 1 on Andover in the last few seconds decided a great, great game–great skilled players –Boudreau hurt her ankle/knee and Miller and KZ both under the weather didn't detract from an incredible performanceby both teams–love CC's McLaughlin and AHS' kid—I think it would be ok if Tildsley dialed it down a tad after strongly {almost physically} confronting both refs at the end–we don't need that stuff—I don't think we do.

Honestly, I thought they were chanting 1 for 7, as in 1 for 7 from the line, but perhaps you are right.
Still, the kids are spirited …. AND THEY'RE KIDS!!!! … isn't it up to the adults on both sides to monitor when kids – on both sides – cross the line.
To me, your racial accusations are way out of line.
As for the officials in the boys game, I thought they were forced to officiate the game as they did by the tactics of both teams.
I have no problem with the officials this time.

WOW, I really think I went to a differnt game that everyone here. I think I would have to agree with Danny Ventura of the Boston Herald. This is what he said in the boston Herald high school sports page. ( In closing, just wanted to pay homage to the crowd last night. With all due respect to all the other venues in the state, there can’t be many better places to witness a high school hoop game then Andover High. How many JV games are played in front of a packed house? ). To me, everything was great that night. I could only hope I could go to a Methuen game and have a packed house like that. I would love for the other teams fan yell Methuen sucks. Wouldn't bother me at all.

The coach embarrassed himself. Would it have killed him to give credit to the other team after a tough game? instead he blamed the refs and an injury.
Back to back wins over Andover….good to be a raider4life today!

Hec, I'm with you on adult supervision. But an “Andover Sucks” chant would have been nipped in mid-syllable by Central's administrators, justifiably, who view student conduct as an extension of the school day and completely classless. Perhaps a minor point in an otherwise spirited student section, but it reflected anything but 'class'. David, if you'd “love” hearing that your school “sucks”, I guess I'm scratching my head.

Hector, you may want to add one more game to take in. CC plays Worcester North @ CC and North is ranked #1 in Central MA over SJS.

John Stark, Why lower your self to single out one maybe 2 things that you think was bad that night. All I'm saying is, I would love to go to a Methuen basketball game and have the crowd there was at Andover high school. To have a major news paper comment on how it was the best crowd that he ever saw. To have people turned away at the door because the gym was full. It was a great night. Don't lower your self in finding fault in the student section. Don't forget there kids.

John S is correct CCHS administrators are always present home or away and are there with the student section to stop the kids from embarrassing themselves and the school or to hand out detentions when warranted for bad conduct at a school function–not so much from the Andover admins.
Not really a big deal–but rest assured Andover would be the first to complain if they felt any Central student did something inappropriate. In the end kids will be kids but the responsibility is with the AD/admins.

raider4life, Where was CCHS administrators when the CCHS student body were showing the dolls with AHS in the dolls shirt. Come on. This is what High school basketball is all about. I think you and John Stark shouldn't attend anymore games. You 2 are looking for the perfect crowd. Stop lowering your selfs. Everyone that I know thought it was great and couldn't have been better than it was.

They were right there with the student section and if something was crude or unacceptable it would have been delt with. They are allowed to be creative just not crude or crass. Like I said in my post kids will be kids no big deal.
You like to turn everything anyone says on here into something its not-your act is tired and old-not to mention your hoop knowledge is also suspect.

raider4life, Come on. You never once said what was happening on the CCHS side. Bringing dolls with AHS on it's shirts was not classless. CCHS administrators allowed this classless act to happen. If they did, call them on it. Let not just blog what the AHS kids were doing, call it both ways.

I didn't mention the CCHS side because I was responding to John's point about the chant of Central Sucks. If the shirts said Andover sucks on them then yes that would be classless–but they didn't. Do us all a favor and only comment when Methuen high wins a hoop game–that way we can keep your incoherent ramblings to a minimum.

Come on Hec–4MVC is 100% correst about both things.

The AHS crowd did chant “1.7″ not “1 for 7″, as you thought, and followed it up with “He can't read.” They didn't chant that when Carson or Jimmy or Oulette were on the line–no, just when this player was on the line. Why? The player in question has a 3.1 and is a very good student. You tell me why they chanted that!!

Also–tell me why non-MVC refs were used in this important game—who requested the switch at the last minute? You can find that out on a phone call .

There's a really terrible letter to the editor in the ET today. Very, very selective criticism. Fazio thing and his father–not funny? Jimmy Z and his sister–same thing? JZ funny or not funny?

Waving dollar bills at LHS students? Where–when? I've seen my share of LHS–CCHS games–never saw that.

Lots of times losing teams chant “That's all right, that's 0k, etc, etc. The problem w this woman's story is that Central doesn't get a chance to use this mildly offensive cheer very often because they've only lost –what?–8 times in the last 4 years?

Now –what about signs that say “Central Sucks”? What about the same chant—over and over and over?

Look, CC does a super job policing its kids. Andover seems to be trying a little harder this year. This letter to the editor was a lousy thing to do–you've got to use judgment and you've got to go both ways and tell the whole story.

raider4life, After reading the letter to the Eagletribune are you sure CCHS administrators are always present home or away and are there with the student section to stop the kids from embarrassing themselves and the school. John Stark , Are you sure that a “Andover Sucks” chant would have been nipped in mid-syllable by Central's administrators. John Stark and raider4life, I don't think your right about the CCHS administrators.

David, Nothing would have to be nipped in mid-syllable because the kids know that “Andover Sucks” would never be tolerated. Such a cheer never would have gotten started. As for Eilleen Doherty's rather odd piece today, Yes, Central students did taunt an opposing player and it appeared, based on on-court demeanor, that they got under his skin. The letter suggests that Central students made “Crying noises” (horrors). None of this is classless, crass, or out of bounds and, contraty to Ms. Doherty's suggestion, the chants contained no obscenities. In a previous post I guessed that Central Derangement Syndrome would kick in by Feb. 1. Based upon today's letter, I was wrong, though I can't help but wonder if Ms. Doherty sat in with her 10 year old daughter during “Central Sucks!!…Central Sucks!!”

John Stark, This happen during the GLCT not during the AHS game in Andover. I just wanted it to be called both ways. CCHS students are just like every other schools student body. raider4life trys to make CCHS students and there CCHS administrators above everyone else and there not. I was glad to read that letter and have it come out. Than again this is high school sports and kids will be kids even at CCHS. As far as CCHS administrators, I know raider4life is not going want to hear this but, they are just like all school administrators.

I know that this seems like the all Central/Andover blog, but there are other teams out there. Can someone please tell me what's going on in Methuen? I have watched most of their games and it seems to me that it's not just 1 ball player playing with a bunch of football players but a whole team that lacks serious basketball basics! There is no offense, unless you consider chucking up 3's an offense, or the 3 man weave that never seems to go anywhere, they are the “mad pickers” but never do any of them roll to the basket, they never go inside, they have a few good sized kids and there is never even a look inside. Running the court is like taboo, and Gorman looks like he's on the globetrotters and at best a 7th grade globetrotter, head down never looking up the court and to exhausted to shoot because all he does is dribble, there is never a square to the basket or simple box out. Basketball basics. People of Methuen are happy with Barden because he won the small school last year, big deal. These kids aren't learning any basketball and they aren't getting any better, the point is to be a better team/player than when they started. Don't see it happening here. But people of Methuen will settle for a mediocre record as long as it gets you that small school trophy!

Just a sidenote, I had the pleasure of sitting next to the majority of MHS students at last nights game. I'm all for cheering, and supporting your school, what I'm not a fan of is the constant f-bombs that came out of their mouths, their comments of calling certain CCHS players “faggots” which I shouldn't have to explaint to my six year old trying to watch a game. I know they are kids being kids but somewhere there has to be a line. I will give props, when chanting to Zenavitch, “we want Katie” funny, and not for anything MHS could use her.

Nope – they weren't MVC refs… More like hired guns if you ask me. And not necessary.

ultimateranger, Michael Gorman, Staples, Minaya, Doyle are true basketball players. Even if Staples, Minaya, Doyle play other sports. The rest of the team, your right, there football player first. Cal Carroll is just great at every sport he plays. There starting 5 are young and will win there share of games. Methuen high school can't help if all there basketball talant goes elsewere. As far as the Methuen High school student body goes and this goes for everyone that goes to games with there kids, just don't sit with them. I mean don't sit next to any student body from any school when you bring a kid. If you do you will hear more than the F word, just read the blogs that are posted on this page.

With all this back and forth stuff about Central/ Andover, and more specifically the behavior of fans, I don't think there will ever be a more anticipated Andover /Central game than the one coming in the beginning of February. All the stuff written here, and in the Tribune, somehow means a bit more, knowing there is still another game to be played. I can't wait to see what new and creative things the students will think of.
I remember back in the day of Leo, Bobby, Tim Hart, Fazio, the Central student section would all hold full news papers in front of their faces during the intro of the visiting team, as if to be completely uninterested, thus reading a news paper. And then crumple them, and fire them everywhere during the Central intro.
Mild, but good fun.
Anyway…Would not be surprised to see 1500/1800 + that night on Hampshire Street.

D97 your ignorance is intolerable (as well as your hack job of the english language). And where on this blog are there F bombs? As far as I know everyone here is respectful–you are usually wrong but at least respectful.
No, I don't think they (CCHS students/admins) are above everyone else-there you go putting words in people mouths AGAIN but I do think the students are held to a higher code of conduct than most other schools.

Those were great times…the spot light was simply awesome back then. I was only 10 years old but those are some of my fondest memories watching Central hoops. Bring back the spotlight at CCHS home games!!

This is a sports blog but seldom is that the topic of the day. MVC hoops has surely eroded, all so boring. A sense of entitlement in Andover, lack of talent in Methuen, and little focus in Lawrence; crazier yet on Hampshire St. Has anyone seen such a carousel like they have over there. Playing well, oh, sorry it's just time for you to sit. Any help here! Have to get everyone minutes…why? Common wisdom would be that they are trying to develop players…in and out, in and out, sometimes a minute at a time, not suppose to be done that way. It's counterproductive/counterintuitive. Pretty sure bet they loose players (emotionally) that may help the team come tourney time. Maybe a players steps up, but looks like it's not allowed. Here's an idea, borrow a player or two each game(someone not scheduled to play alot in that game), and maybe we see some competition. Boy it's boring watching games that are over in the 1st quarter. Another idea, award Central the MVC title and have them only practice until the State tourney, afetr all, the best competition they see is in practice. Pick any 5, they would easily beat Methuen.
Again, MVC hoops, Yuk!

hshoopcritic, Slow down. Pick any 5 and they would beat Methuen. I really don't think so. CCHS starting 5 is why they are # 1 in the state. Methuen starting 5 would beat CCHS 6 to 10. If CCHS lost there starting 5 that would make all games in the MVC great. raider4life, Relax. Read what ultimateranger posted on his blog. I was responding to what he posted.

I have to question your basketball knowledge if those are “true players”. There are some athletes out there not “true players” you still have to teach the basics. There seems to be a lot of shooting up 3's and not much else going on there. True they are young and might win some games but against who the Billerica's and Dracuts(probably not this year) of the world. They barely squeaked by GLTS!

As far as the fans I was in my seat first, and noone regardless of where you sit should have to listen to foul mouths and deragatory remarks. What those kids lack is just respect. All else is fun and games when it comes to the game.

“raider4life trys to make CCHS students and there CCHS administrators above everyone else and there not.”

D97-Above is a direct quote from your comment below–I will not let you put words in my mouth-especially in a public forum.

I think we should coin a new phrase for you…”the schizophrenic commentor” I don't think you even know what you are writing sometimes.

ultimateranger, You question my basketball knowledge if those are “true players”. OK . Gorman, Staples, Minaya, Doyle play AAU in the spring. Carroll, Gorman, Staples, Minaya, Doyle play Hoop for hope in the summer. Gorman, Staples, Minaya, Doyle and Carroll play fall ball. That is Methuen rangers starting 5. So I think that would make them true basketball players. They play all year round. Now as far as the bench players. You tell me. As far as Methuen only putting up 3's against CCHS, that is all Methuen and a lot of team can only do. CCHS shuts down every teams inside game. Don't forget Methuen did only beat GL in the GLCT but, they were hurting and they did play CCHS and N. Andover ( together CCHS and N. Andover are 15 and 1 ). I don't think many teams in that GLCT would have beat CCHS and N. Andover. Methuen will win the Small school Div. this year, just like they did last year. It seem to me all school administrators inclueing CCHS will have to address the problem that is happening at these games. It time when a family can't go and enjoy a game.

raider4life, Relax. You said ( CCHS administrators are always present home or away and are there with the student section to stop the kids from embarrassing themselves and the school or to hand out detentions when warranted for bad conduct at a school function–not so much from the Andover admins. ). Well this is not true. You must have read Ms. Doherty's letter to the eagletribune. I said “raider4life trys to make CCHS students and there CCHS administrators above everyone else and there not.” And this is true.

d97, I don't know those kids apparently as well as you do. As far as the offense this is what they seem to run against everyone not just the Central, they have a few big kids, Minaya can bang down low and they have a big kid coming off the bench why not let them get under there and get tough? You say they were hurting during the tourney, they had 1 kid out who has probably scored a total of 10 points in all the games played. Again back to basics! Not for anything, it's not only about winning, it's about making a better team, you want a team to have learned something and be better when they started! And again, if people are satisfied with a mediocre record to get a small school trophy then shame on them. It' s not about winning the small school, that's a piece of the pie it's about wanting and winning the whole pie.

ultimateranger, It's not that I know them But, I do know what the team and the coaches are about. That one player that was out was there 2nd best ball player. I know you say it's not about winning But, you are wrong about that. It's all about winning at this level. As far as winning the small school trophy, Methuen can't help that, there in the Small school Div.. Methuen loss to CCHS ( twice ), andover, N.Andover and Lowell. I really don't think many teams could beat these teams out there. As the season goes on they will show you that this young team ( starting 5 are Jr's ) that they are good and well coached. As far as winning the hole pie, CCHS will not share that pie with anyone.

Holy Jesus!!!!! You're right! I had forgot about the spot light. That was great.
I can even recall a Central/ Andover game in 1983 (maybe '84) at Central, when the Andover cheerleaders took the floor during a time out, but it was Central's cheerleaders turn. One of the Central cheerleaders walked out onto the floor and shook a pom-pom in the face of an Andover cheeleader. A shoving match took place, which the police quickly put a stop to.
I haven't thought about that in 20 some odd years.

CCHS is the best school in the MVC both academically and on the sports fields. (its ok, D97 you don't have to agree with me)
You and Eileen can cry, make up lies, and slander the school all you want–it is nothing new. Its clear from your writing that you did not attend Central-so I could not possibly expect you to understand the greatness which is Central Catholic.
Central students/athletes (myself included) have been subject to some of the most horrible insults(sexual preference/racial slurs etc etc) whenever they enter an opposing gym–this goes back at least 20 years. If this Eileen character had real issue at the GLCT both the CCHS AD and Principal were there & would have gladly listened to her concern and dealt with it–but that is not what she wanted–she wanted to rip the school in the newspaper-shame on the tribune for publishing such gossip & false accusations. Doesn't change the fact CCHS is the best HS in the MVC. Your continued need to bash CCHS & the admins on discipline issues shows your ignorance.

raider4life, I never cried, maked up lies or slander CCHS. The only thing I was saying is call it both ways. You didn't like what Ms. Doherty put in the Eagletribune. I agree she saw it one way. That was against CCHS. You also see it one way and that is against all of the MVC schools but CCHS. Ms. Doherty put it the eagletribune and you put it here, there is no differents. Just read what you posted in your last blog. You are seeing it one way.

Oh so you are just out for equal reporting huh? I may be one way–as I am a raider4life–but my one way is in SUPPORT of a school–not one way ripping a school/students/admin/parents in the published print newspaper. My opinion that CCHS is the best MVC school. I know there are other good schools/teachers/coaches in the MVC-and I certainly don't come onto the trib website and rip other schools.
Read your posts–thats not all you said–here you go with schitzo postings. Thats the thing about spreading lies-its hard to keep your stories straight.

David, THere is a CC administrator at every big hoops game. At Christmas tourney three administrators were at each game, and four were at the Andover game, as will be the case when Andover comes to Central. The kids are loud. THey are not crass or vulgar. You're wrong about Methuen winning the MVC Small as that trophy will go to Dracut, though why a school the size of Methuen continues to hide in a “small” division is another question. I do have to agree with you on the Rangers firing up 3's. Central plays maniacal defense on the perimeter and doesn't typically allow many shots from inside 12 feet or so. And when many of those shots to go up, they tend to come back rather quickly.

John Stark, As far as Ms. Doherty letter to the eagletribune. I've gone to a lot of CCHS games and without a doubt are the most control students of any in the MVC. CCHS administrator does see that things like were said by Ms. Doherty's letter to the eagletribune don't happen. I do question Ms. Doherty about the things that did go on in the GLCT. I also question the Eagletribune to allow a letter to go in it paper without facts. I mean this is the first I hear of it and I did go to most of the games at the GLCT. Ms. Doherty's letter to the eagletribune was all about CCHS and no other school. raider4life is right when he said if Ms. Doherty had real issue at the GLCT both the CCHS AD and Principal were there & would have gladly listened to her concern and dealt with it. Like I said before I have to question Ms. Doherty for writing what was in that letter and question the eagletribune for printing it.

John Stark, You pick Dracut to win the small school division. That will never happen. I saw them against Andover. Them beating a team like Lawrence means nothing. Something is wrong with Lawrence. All offence and no defense. I question the coach over there. I thought Lawrence was going to be real good this year and I was way off. As far as why Methuen is in the small school division. First of all they are not hiding there. I can not answer that but, I think Hector could.

1. Dracut will probably win the small school. Methuen is battle tested and had a tough schedule to begin the season, but they might not have the guns to stop Dracut who is more physical than Methuen this year. They are similar teams though – so the games between the two should be competitive.
2. Methuen is not hiding in the small school division. That would suggest that they have a choice – which they don't. My understanding is that there is some formula dictated by the MIAA. And remember folks, Methune and Lawrence lose more kids (athletes included) to CCCHS than any other MVC school and thrid is probably NA.
3. Mrs. Doherty was stating facts and she has every right to post her comments in the “OP ED” pages folks. That's what it is there for – and it certainly wasn't slanderous at all. She was there – as she stated – right near or maybe even in the student section. I can't blame her for not liking the fact that a “few” CCHS students were taunting DJ with the names they were probably calling him.
4. Having said that, I have been a part of many CCHS games (including ones with Andover) over the last 25 plus years. They are great fans – spirited and creative. Very rarely are they an issue, unruly or vulgar. And yes – Dave Defillipo, Pete Palladino and crew do a good job in control the crazies.
5. Andover – Lowell tonight – should be interesting game…

redstorm8, 1st of all, great blog you posted. A lot of information there. We will see about Dracut winning the small school division. I just don't see it. As far as Mrs. Doherty's letter to the eagletribune. Mrs. Doherty only saw it one way. She accused CCHS sudent of wrong doing and the other sudents from Lawrence and Andover were doing nothing wrong. You have to call it both ways. I do question Mrs. Doherty. Do you really believe CCHS sudents ( more than one ) really chanting obscenities at coach fazio. I don't believe it. I don't believe any school would get away with it, never mine CCHS. I don't know but, the eagletribune should have question the letter. Letting someone bad mouth a school and there sudents without facts is really not away to run a paper.

I also want to know why MHS is in the small school, when they are in the large for other sports?

1. As far as Lawrence goes – I think they are missing some key players due to discipline problems or they were asked to leave the team. Not sure though. If that's the case, that explains why Dracut probabaly handled them so easily.

2. Good point about Mrs. Doherty's letter – I am sure there were students from other schools blurting some unkind things as well. But – yes I do belive they were chanting some off-color things at DJ not Coach Fazio. Big difference but still not good.

3. Don't get me wrong – I like Methuen andf their team. I think Rich does the best he can with his kids and he has them working hard together. They did great last week agains Billerica. Cal Carroll is afraid of no one and he is the one down low banging the boards. Mike Gorman is a shooter that you do not leave alone or you will pay and Staples is coming into his own as nice player. The Dracut thing is that they are just gritty, tough, football players who play hard on every play. Mike Paquette is another good coach is doing the best he can with the players he is putting on the floor. Not sure if he tried the Five in and Five out routine with Andover the other night but if he does that to Methuen it may wear a team like that out.

redstorm8, That Five in and Five out routine, unless your 10 deep in talent, it doesn't work. Believe me Dracut is not 10 deep in talent. Everyone jumping on Dracut bandwagon to win small school Div.. Everyone will be jumping off shortly. Methuen best 2 and 6 team in the state. Dracut needs more than football players, they need basketball players. Methuen starts it's run tonight.

Hec what kind of stock can we put in the new USA today girls rankings? CCHS girls #10 in the East region-congrats to them regardless of how the poll is conducted. Interesting to see some high school programs in Cali have played double the amount of games than most at this point in the season.

Just in from the Lawr-CC game. Lawrence played their hearts out and took CC to the wire, losing by only 6 as Central was just too tough inside, again. I'm not sure that Central hit six perimeter jump shots in the game. Carson and JimmyZ will get the ink but Luis Puello was huge. Great game, as usual on D, but also some clutch rebounds (the kid jumps through the roof) and put backs. Has there been a harder working Central player in the last ten years? Credit to both teams for a very hard-fought game. Many, many turnovers by Central but credit Lawrence's defense for that. Raiders move to 9-0 with Dracut and Haverhill on the horizon before Worcester North (CMASS#1) next Sunday.

David, perhaps Hec can weigh in, but the best I can figure is that Methuen is a 'large' school at certain times of the year, and a 'small' school at other times. Kind of like Lowell, one of the largest high schools in New England, playing D3 hockey.

academically HA laughable when teachers there dont even need to be certified. My oldest daughter went there and because she was an athlete never had to do what non atheletes did in the classroom, hence so many cchs hoopsters can cut it int the college setting.

So John by your accounts if Lawrence High should be DIV 1 in soccer even thought they struggle to put together 15 kids for a varsity team, Im not sure what division they are in, but size of school isnt always so cut and dry