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

great time for the bigman to have a HUGE game–and what can you say about Louis? just Louis being Louis! kid is dripping with athleticism. Big congrats to the team & coaches–its been a hell of run so far. Such an impressive group for so many reasons-and we all thought their guard play could hurt them this year-thanks for proving us wrong boys-no go get that last one on Sat night!

raider4life, Not so fast. I for 1 knew by this time everything was going to be OK with this team. So when you say ( all thought their guard play could hurt them this year ) speak for your self. At the end, we and yes I do mean we, all will be saying this is the greatest CCHS team ever.

Quick points I'd like to make…no long drawn out blog for me today.
And really, I'd like to hear if people who were at the game agree…especially Hector, if you have the time to respond.
Anyway…
If I had to pick two, and only two plays that stood out last night, they are both form the same player. Puello!!! His first quarter steal, and lay-in instantly made me feel like our defense was going to be able to stand up to the “water bug quickness” of Madison Park.
And, much later, with CD out, and CC unable to find any points (thankfully when CD was out, MP chose to go ice cold as well) after MP cut the lead to 2, Puello hit a three with about 4 minutes or so to go, that was just so very huge. Never in that game did they need a hit, like they did at that very moment. CLUTCH!
I though JZ had his hands full with Cambell, and really worked his tail off the whole first half. He seemed to be sucking wind, and looked just plain gassed as the first half wound down. No bench time at all for him in the first half (and I think for the whole game, until the last 50 seconds). I went absolutely ape shit on that second foul call on him. What a cheapy…terrible call…and with just 39 seconds to play in the half. Both he and CD worked very hard to avoid early fouls…and both of their seconds were jokes. CD while kneeling on the floor, and a ticky tack for JZ.
Now…the guard play…great defensively…hit some big shots, but had some trouble with the ball hadling.. After running the lead back to 10 to start the second half, after CD picked up number 3, I thought the entire team got very very tight. I hesitate to use the word scared..but they played very tentative…and all of a sudden had mental lapses. The presseure of MP started to become a huge problem and there were several mistakes…some were unforced. A pass out of bounds…the whole team suddenly forgetting it was all hands on deck to bring the ball up the floor, and leaving a single player to do it. The lead got chopped down very quickly, and CC continued to look very uptight. A lot had to do with Carson being on the bench, but things certainly got hairy for a bit.
He came back, order was restored…but, really, I think it could have been different. Thankfully, MP went a bit cold in the second half…they really did.
Anyway…JZ was the rock of this team last night. Did everything he could defensively to keep order, when CD went to the bench. But, playing with 3 himself, could do little more then stand straight up on any MP drives to the hole…certainly could not risk swatting at any shots.
CD ended the night with his normal monster numbers, and is clearly one of the best in the state, but I don't think this team would be where they are without JZ..just so darn steady every night.
4 guard rotation has worked out very well…actaully last night the 8th man… I forget the name, got some quality minutes, and played very well (number 22 or 23?) .
Great game, great fun…but it didn't feel likea 9 point win. Quite the meat grinder.

MP is a team that averaged over 73 ppg. in it's last ten games, and 78 ppg. in the tourney. They needed the last second layin to climb to the 50 mark last night. Lost in the missed free throws down the stretch and the frustration confronting the press was Central's relentless team defense. And it was clear after the first five minutes that MP was not really prepared for the 'Carson effect'. How dominant was he? When Ricky sat him down for a breather in the third quarter the MP fans stood and cheered as if to say, “Thank God.” Luis and Co. held Braithwaite to 11. He had 17 in the first half vs. Mansfield. Luis' strip and layup early on sent a message: This will be different. Classy words by MP's coach but you have to laugh at Campbell's comments. 'We were the better team.' Sorry son but…No.

Agree with Fan about Central's ability to attack the press. They got very tentative, almost like nobody wanted the ball. Next up, in all likelihood, is the big Labove kid and St. John's. This one should be a doozy. Let's hope they let the kids play.

Hec, Bill and Trib – great coverage today! Love it.

Good luck to AHS Girls!

How wonderful is this for MVC basketball?

Rick Nault: Tremendous job. Just tremendous.

David1997 – Each time you write this year's team is the “best CCHS team in history,” I think of some of those 1950's CCHS teams that won New England championships (or came close) and have been saying to myself “not so fast” – but as this thing rolls on and the spirit and character of these kids keeps rising to the top – well, you just might be right…..

You know…VERY GOOD CALL on Nault. I was thinking of that this morning afetr I wrote my post. He might have been the most valuable person in the building last night. Kids played great. But he really has found the right rotations and uses them at the right times. He really needs to get a lot of the credit for what is happening. Even going to his eight man last night (name still escapes me) a lot earlier than normal. Right subs at the right time.
Smart man.

nandoverfan, Thank you. I'm sure some of those 1950's CCHS teams that won New England championships (or came close) were great teams. But, as MP found out, This defense is just to good. This is why I think they are the best CCHS team of all time. This defense would stop any of the best teams CCHS ever had. That is the differents between those great teams and this one.

With all due respect (and I also believe the 2010 team may be the best)….HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW WHAT TYPE OF DEFENSE THEY PLAYED IN THE 50's??!!
You say that this team could stop any of the old teams, but how could know a thing about the 50's teams?
I believe they may be the best, and at some point will detail why I think they are (4 very good guards, two legit big men who can play, great coach, great defense, …a few other things) but I know don't know about the 50's teams. I don't know if this team could stop those teams.
Seems like a strange thing to say.
Question…did you go to the game Friday and last night?

sp0rtsfan, I go to all the games. From the begining of the year I was saying this is the greatest team that I ever saw come out of CCHS. From the begining, I said the differents between all the great teams that came out of CCHS and there have been many. It's this defense that makes them the greatest team ever. Offense, we all know they have that and we all know the other CCHS teams have had great offenses. I know everyone felt that JZ deserved the MVP in the GLCT but, I felt Louis Puello deserved it. Offence will always win and JZ for his offense won the MVP. sp0rtsfan, See when I go to a game like last nights game, I just sit there and enjoy the game, not like you and cry when a 16yr old kid acts like a 16yr old kid, Thats the differents between you and me.

After losing to Worcester North (remember them?) earlier in the season, St. John's beat them by 19 a month ago, and held North to just 33 points (!!) in the tourney win last weekend. Like Central, they have gotten better and better and better. So watch out. St. John's is a very good team and plays great D. I know, SJ needs to win tonight. But if East Longmeadow beats SJ we've got bigger things to worry about. Still, you have to like Central's chances, for no other reason, than the matchup nightmare they present. I see this being a close game and, in close games, free throws frequently make a big difference.

John Stark, I say bring them on ( East Longmeadow or SJ ). I look at it this way. They have the problem. The problems name is CCHS basketball team.

Actually, d1997, there are many more differents (sic) between us. Many, many more. But, whatever…

Its funny even when we agree you have to try and stick it to me–and this after I gave you a compliment last week.
The more things change…the more they stay the same.

…just a real treat..isn't he??!!

The 1956-1957 team was fantastic and came within 5 seconds of being an undefeated team and New England Champions. It took a phenomenal performance by John Egan (a future NBA star) in overtime to beat Central. This was a team that not only beat the opposition but destroyed most. Catholic Conference Champion, New England Catholic Tournament Champion and Tech Tournament Champion, these are heady credentials.

However, the game that was played in the fifties in no way resembles the way that basketball is played today. The size of the players is one obvious difference and the idea of attacking defense wasn't practiced until the Celtics showed the basketball world the value of rock solid defense. Anyone who can remember 'the weave' knows what I'm talking about.

The players today have a 12 month basketball season. Between the high school season, summer leagues and AAU ball today's player has many times more experience that his counterpart had in the fifties. How many four sport athletes are there today? Today's player usually plays one sport. Biff Moynahan and Don Trembly (stars on the 1956-1957) starred in football, basketball, baseball and track, all Catholic Conference Champions for the Class of 57.

As much as the 56-57 teams will remain in my heart I have to say that the teams of the last few years were head and heels better. However as good as the coaching has been under Licare and Nault I just wonder what Brother Tim Gerard would have done with today's talent. He too was an advocate of an aggressive defense.

Oh by the way, we followed our team with a passion but it pales to the support the team got this year. Congrats to the CCHS student body, the State Championship will belong to you as well as the team. WELL DONE!

sp0rtsfan, Thank god there is. raider4life, come on. I wasn't giving it to you. I know you and others had concerns and I was saying from day 1 to relax and they would have it figured out by the time playoffs started and they did. If you called that giving it to you than what can I say.

CC57, I love the Central history lesson as well as your balanced perspective on “old school vs new school” bball.
You should share more with us.
I think I still have one of my dad's tech tournament orange pins (for your jacket) from the 60s.
comments on the student body were right on-this is a special group of kids.
Its great to see the special connection they have with one-another and the school that brought them together.

Best ever?

Every team must be judged in its own era. But let me say this–the1957 team had great players–but the seniors on that team were all 5 year players, save one—all legal—all 3 and 4 year varsity players (and, sorry, no 4 sport guys–Donnie T would have thrown up at the thought of actually running on a track!!). And, please, don't sing me any “Br. Tim songs”–Ricky would have put the little guy in his back pocket. Don't believe me? Just ask the 57/58/59 guys who are at the these games today. And, by the way, we loved Dicky, but he never–NEVER–had his teams play defense like this–Dicky loved his 6'3″ 230 lb lumberjacks–if they had even made this team, they'd be calling the EMT's 4 minutes into the 2nd period to rescue their big, big bodies from cardiac arrest. And oh–did this team love to play coaches who thought their team was tougher–not better–tougher. Those coaches and those teams are still chest bumping each other out in the parking lot.

Best ever?

Hard to say. I'll tell you this –I think you're going to have to to re-define “best”.

Most unselfish? Yup.

Fastest? Yup.

Best conditioned? Yup.

Best attitude? Yup.

85 points a game? Nope.

One magnificent all-around star and one more guy just a half step below that status and then you have 12 or13 role players.

You want team goals? How about these?: Hold the other team to under 33.3% shooting; Lock down the other guy's best scorer(s); Make a turn-over–just don't let the other guys create points off that turn-over; Always, always, always out-rebound the other team; Box out as if you're life depended upon it; The 4th period is always Central's; Keep the other guys under 50 points; Jake–make sure you lead North America in taking charges; Assists/turnover ratio better be plus or you're going to run suicides until your guts come right out on the floor; Be a knucklehead?–Sit right down; If they spit on you, punch you in the back of the head; take you down from behind; sucker punch you in ther nuts–do anything to you–you'd better not lose your cool–ever (Ok one exception–Jake gets tackled from behind and he nails the guy in the nose–but did that guy ever have that coming!!!)—I could go on and on—just know this—there are 5 players on the bench who are better offensively than Jake and 3 who are better tha Luis (not “Louis”–come on guys!). It's not about offense–never! Remember on 11/0/09?—you (alright “we”) were all moaning:–”No point guard”; “No perimeter shooters”; “”Carson's meek”; “Jimmy's more meek!”–Well look at us now!

4th Andover game–Brumanti and Fazio 1/18 first half; Scorers who led their league? (AB) 1 FG; Scorers who almost led their league? (Townies) 1 Fg; You're averaging 26?–how about 15? (Connaughton)–how about 11 (the MP kid)?–it goes on and on.

The other guys die in the second half–we have a 6th man, Drew Ouleyye, who, keeping the ball alive, raps it so hard off the offensive back board that it has to be saved from going out of bounds all the way down on the opposite end of the court, 85.5 feet away–by whom?–yes, the same Drew Oulette, causing a guy next to me to say–”Are there 2 Drew Oulettes playing in this game? Or are there 3?”

CCHS get better every game–for crying out loud, we haven't played our best game yet!!!

Phenominal.

Best ever?

I don't know.

I've just never seen anything like it.

SJ of Shrew 70 East Longmeadow 66

Get ready, Pioneers.

ronaldo2010, WOW. That's the greatest blog anyone has ever posted. Take that sp0rtsfan. What do you have to say now. Oh ya your more concern about the 16yr old kid that is fooling around. Do you see what you are missing, History. ronaldo2010, I don't know who you are but, I have talking to those guy's that go to the games and they say everything your saying. I just love great teams and this 1 is great.

“Every team must be judged in its own era. But let me say this–the1957 team had great players–but the seniors on that team were all 5 year players, save one—all legal—all 3 and 4 year varsity players”

I'm sorry but does that take anything away from the team? Of course I'm biased but that team will always be in the center of my heart.

“And, please, don't sing me any “Br. Tim songs”–Ricky would have put the little guy in his back pocket.”

I just asked what Brother Tim would have done with this generation's players. No knock on the current coaches stated or implied. Once again you'll understand my bias and understand my fondness for Brother Tim.

“Hard to say. I'll tell you this –I think you're going to have to to re-define “best”.”

Not really, everyone has their own definition of best and that's what makes discussion interesting. However you seem to do a good job with the rest of your post in raising this team to the level of best and with that I completely agree.

Sportsfan you would say JZ did the best considering you are his father

I think this team is terrific but not sure about best ever. A more talented team was their team that won it a couple years ago by far. three D2 players and a D1. I don't think they are that deep this year. Don't forget what Carson allows these guards to do. For a guard to be able to take chances on defense knowing that if they are beat that the player won't be able to get a shot off in the paint! This allows guards to be overly aggressive. David1997, just tell me you aren't a Central Grad.

Golden Boy. Get the facts straight. As you can tell, I am Jimmy's father not sportsfan as you say and I have never written on any of these blogs. I do enjoy reading them but please do not accuse someone when you have no idea what you are talking about. Stick with the basketball forum because that is what this is about. Go Raiders.

Alum from the 80's, The truth is, I'm not. Born, went to MHS and still living in Methuen. I don't hate CCHS teams. Just because alot of MVC basketball programs are failing, like MHS, doesn't mean I have to hate a great basketball program like CCHS. I would have love to be blogging about MHS or even a LHS team. If they had a team like this one I would be saying the same thing about them. Thank god, sp0rtsfan was not JZ father. I would have killed myself.

Love the emotion(controlled) your son plays with.
Great footwork as well-without him we are not 1 game away.

raider4life thanks for your positive words about Jimmy. Its been a great deal of fun watching this team. They have all worked very hard to get to this point.

ranaldo2010…great post…great history lesson. Good point about basketball being very different back in the 50's.
This team certainly did seem to get better and better as the seaon went along.
Goldenboy…first post I've seen from you. Where have you been?
Just posting my opinions…that's all. If you disagree I'd love to read about your thoughts. They would would certainly be no more or less valid than mine. Just our opinions. No, not JZ father's..just a fan. It's kind of hard not to be…don't you think? I look at it like this…you can have a garage full of cars: The Corvette is fast, fun, sleek, and looks great…but it can be dangerous and get you some speeding tickets. The Cadillac is comfortable, spacious, and a nice status symbol…but it sucks down gas, and needs several trip to the shop for repairs. But then you have the plain old 4 door mid sized sedan. Reliable, starts every day, gives you no trouble, gets you to work in rain, snow, sun, sleet. It's steady, runs good, safe, and you rely on it every day, for many different things. The sedan is JZ…always ready, do whatever you ask, and come thru with flying colors 99 out of 100 times. I like that.
Sorry if my posts somehow rubbed you the wrong way.
And, D1997. Why such hate? What a thing to post! Kill yourself? How could you possibly say such a thing. Tell you what…want a mulligan on that one? You got it.

Wait…you guys are talking about basketball???
I've been referring to the rapper…Jay Z all winter.
Wow, am I embarressed.

I haven't been on in a few days but I have been taking in the mutliple posts. Golden Boy – are you kidding me with that foolishness?

Jimmy Z. is a classy, hardworking kid, who is not only a pleasure to watch, but also as an official, it is great to have a kid like him in the game. He comes from good stock, is well coached, and takes charge when he has to when CD can't do it all.

David1997 – I have to agree with sportsfan – why such hate?

My analysis on Monday vs. MP – the difference beyond CD, the bench play, being calm when it got tight (again), and Coaching.

Two great coaches and teams face off on Saturday – should be a good one!

sp0rtsfan and redstorm8, Are you 2 kidding me. Hate. Never. Why don't you 2 tell us what was happening in the crowd at the fleet center. I was watching a great game and wasn't noticing what all the kids were doing. Fill us in, please.

D1997..enough. The “kill yourself” comment was not called for at all. What a hatefull thing to write.
I generally post my feelings and thoughts here, and (this is the important part) back them up with what I believe are the farts. I'm sure at times I've been wrong, or simply saw things the way I wanted to. But why you feel it is OK to always be telling folks you don't agree with to “relax”…and now post spiteful, hatefull things is beyond me.
I very much like the post by Ronaldo 2010…great points, and great history. Why you decided to write “take that, sportsfan” is beyond me.
Just seems strange. Really…just tell me you want a mulligan on the “kill yourself” thing, and we'll be good.

sp0rtsfan, Come on. You really think I would kill myself. I got to work on my jokes, nobody here gets them. As far as take that. Lets see what you blogged after I thought that this defense could stop the 50's team. ( HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW WHAT TYPE OF DEFENSE THEY PLAYED IN THE 50's??!!
You say that this team could stop any of the old teams, but how could know a thing about the 50's teams?
I don't know about the 50's teams. I don't know if this team could stop those teams.
Seems like a strange thing to say.). Than came along the greatest blog ever posted. ronaldo2010, Answered all your questions.

Hey – don't include me int hat craziness from last week about how kids act at games – I wasn't involved in that discussion.

As far as basketball IQ goes and being a fan – save it – you are admittedly a bandwagon jumper and that's about all. I'm getting frustrated with your foolishness to be honest.

I don't think you are as young as you or “handle” portrays you to be. I think you are a frustrated parent from Methuen who likes to criticize other programs and coaches (inclduing your own), degrade them, and make yourself look like a knoweldgeable fan. Please enough of the rhetoric…please!!!

redstorm8, Relax. I just tell the truth. Tell me were I not telling the truth.