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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Starting off strong Midlothian hockey enjoying best start to season in team history By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer
EULESS — By his reaction, the question had never been presented to Midlothian hockey coach Ryan Pfieffer. But after a moment of thinking, the answer was simple — the first half of the 2009-10 season is the best in the program’s history. With an 11-1-1 record at halfway point in the year, the team is in the lead in the West divisional standings, a point ahead of Keller. In comparing the 13 games to that of the Dallas Cowboys, Pfieffer thinks his team won the games it was supposed to, lost the one it was supposed to and had a 50-50 shot at the tie. What does all that equal? One word — control. “All in all, to control your own destiny is the goal. This win today puts us one-point above Keller in the divisional race so we are in a position after 13 games where we control our own destiny and that’s all you can ask for,” Pfieffer said. “At the end of the day if you play 13 games and control your own destiny and five other teams below you can’t say that, then you can’t ask for anything more.” Midlothian does just that. With a five-game win streak to end the first half of the season, Midlothian is one of only two teams in the Varsity Silver division standings to finish without a loss in its last five games. That momentum has been showcased in its improved defense. Through the first nine games, the team only had three games with one goal or less given up. In the last four games, the team has given up exactly one goal per game. The improved defense has translated into improved offense as Midlothian has controlled the tempo of the game and kept the opposing teams backed up near their own net. On average, Midlothian is doubling up the shots on goal in each of the last four games, making it tough for opposing teams to get any offensive attack going. On any given night, an offensive threat can emerge out of the pack for the team. Matt Bassett was the hottest shooter at the beginning of the season, followed
Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Midlothian’s Matt Bassett has been one of the offensive forces for the team in an 11-1-1 start this year. by the return of Tyler Hervey from injury. Joseph Dancy and Brent Jones have come on as of late while players like Tyler Colburn and Matt Bramhall have made offensive contributions in the last few games. Team captain Micah Koutros credits the renewed vigor to a team camraderie, a factor that might not have been as deep in years past. “It’s probably that we’re starting to gel a little bit more. We’re just getting to know each other,” Koutros said. “We’re more confident talking about how we know we can beat these teams, we’ve played them over the years and know their weaknesses and stuff like that.” For now, Midlothian is just planning to enjoy its wins so far. With a 15-day layover between league games, the squad will have time to rest and get ready for the second half of season. The team resumes play against Marcus on Jan. 3. And no one on the squad has any plans of the second half being any different than the first. “It feels pretty good. We’re feeling pretty good going into playoffs and making sure all the other teams know we’re a confident force this year,” Dancy said. Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Team captain Micah Koutros credits experience and a team unity as the reasons for Midlothian’s success in the first half. The team leads the West division standings by a point.
Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Houston offensive lineman Jordan Shoemaker (right) goes over a list of items with his teammates at a gift suite for the Armed Forces Bowl. Shoemaker, a former Midlothian standout, will face Air Force in Fort Worth on Thursday.
Second straight homecoming Former Panther standout gets another chance to close out football season near home family, friends By ALEX RILEY Mirror sports writer
FORT WORTH — The moment wasn’t lost on Jordan Shoemaker the first time around. Odds are, it won’t be lost again either. For the second straight season, the former Midlothian offensive lineman will join his Houston teammates just minutes away from his home as one of the teams taking part in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth. Ironically, it’s the same bowl the Cougars played in last season. Against the same opponent. But for Shoemaker, the deja vu doesn’t make it any less special. “It’s awesome. It’s always good to come back close where everybody can watch,” Shoemaker said. “To get the opportunity to go to a bowl game, it doesn’t matter where it is, is just a special deal.” Last season, the 34-28 win over Air Force served as the exclamation point to a coming out season for Shoemaker. His hard work in practice had paid off through the season as the then-sophomore played in all 13 games while earning a starting spot for the final six games of the season, including the Armed Forces Bowl. A broken foot and subsequent surgery during the offseason left his status for the 2009 season a bit up in the air but the junior rebounded to secure his spot on the offensive front before the first snap of the season. He held that spot until an ankle injury against Mississippi State put him out for a few weeks. After some much needed rest for four games, Shoemaker returned to the field and the starting lineup as Houston (10-3) advanced to the Conference-USA championship game where it fell just short against East Carolina. On the season he has nine starts at the left guard spot. While getting back to the field was his main goal, Shoemaker recognizes the positives of his absence and what that means for the team. With an offense that averages 43.9 points per game (second
Armed Forces Bowl Who: Houston vs. Air Force Where: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth (TCU) When: Thursday, Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN nationally) the assumption would be a team loaded with senior players. Instead, the Cougars are laden with younger talent, including 12 true freshmen, while Shoemaker and classmate Case Keenum make up a portion of the most dynamic passing offense in the country. Keenum’s 5,449 passing yards this season are nearly 2,000 more than the next quarterback in America as Houston averages 450 yards passing per game. Shoemaker, as part of that steadfast front, blocks for Keenum’s blind side. However, when he was out a
few weeks ago, the junior was glad to see teammates step in and fill his void while also continuing to win. That is something he hopes will translate over into next season. “We’re losing a few key players but we’re getting a lot of people back,” Shoemaker said. “It was kind of good that I did get injured because people stepped up and we kept winning. That’s all I can ask for.” On the opposite side of the field See BOWL, Page 4C
Photo courtesy University of Houston media relations
Jordan Shoemaker (73) has blocked the blind side for AllAmerican quarterback Case Keenum (7) this season. Houston leads the country in passing offense.
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Sports
Mid-season evaluation: Midlothian boys basketball Tough competition, scary third periods and a pair of tournament trophies highlight the first half of the season for the Midlothian boys basketball team. As the Panthers take a few days off for the holiday break, Mirror sports writer Alex Riley takes a look at the ups and downs of the first half and analyzes what is to come for the team in the upcoming district schedule.
By the numbers: the first half
Record through 13:
Points scored:
Points allowed:
6-7 overall, 1-0 district
49.8 points per game
51.9 points per game
First half story lines Tournament success Despite a 6-7 overall record, the boys team has found plenty of positives in the two tournaments it has played in. In the Scots Classic at Highland Park, Midlothian rallied from a first game loss against Lake Highlands to beat Trinity Christian Addison and Ennis en route to winning the consolation bracket. A few weeks later, the team opened the Joshua tournament with wins over Saginaw and Dallas Molina before falling in a tightly contest game to Abilene Wylie. What does all this mean? It’s a good sign for the program as the Panthers have a 4-2 record in the two tournaments they’ve taken part in. This shows the team can respond to adverse situations away from home, meaning playing on the road in district and in the playoffs will be situations they are ready for. The tournaments have also been good opportunities for individuals to have standout efforts. At the Highland Park event, Cameron Lowman earned alltournament team honors while at Joshua it was Eddie Johnson who claimed the distinction. With different players stepping up in do or die situations, it’s a good sign of maturity and balance from the team. Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Tournament play has been kind to the Midlothian boys basketball team as it has a 4-2 record in two tournaments this season. In the Scot Classic at Highland Park (above) the Panthers rallied from an opening round loss to win the consolation bracket. Two weeks later, the team advanced to the championship game of the Joshua Tournament before falling in the finale.
Pressing the issue Coach Glenn Hartson has not been afraid to play press defense with his team and the Panthers have responded accordingly. By forcing other teams into halfcourt traps, Midlothian has forced turnovers and held seven of its opponents to 50 points or less. While the team isn’t very lengthy, the guard play is quick as guys like Trent Morgan, Zach Hofstad and Lowman bring quick hands to floor that will force the issue. When Derrick Agbaroji is in, the press defense only gets better because of his length and speed to watch the pass and force the opposition into a turnover. That defense will be crucial in district play as the 16-4A group has speed to burn. Slowing down the opponent might give Midlothian a better chance of winning than trying to battle in a shootout.
First half MVP(s) The easy answer is Johnson (above) because of the physical presence he brings down low. At 6-foot-4, the big man isn’t afraid to battle double teams for a rebound, which is a task he has been asked to do a lot as of late. Johnson gets a share of this honor but the consistent play of guard Trent Morgan (below) has been something the Panthers have desperately needed and he has been happy to provide. While he doesn’t pour on the points, Morgan sets the tone for the team’s offense and defense with his hard nosed attitude. If these two players can continue to play at this level in district play, the Panthers should be in good shape.
Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
The defensive abilities of guys like Zach Hofstad have been key to Midlothian’s success so far this season. With his quick hands and long reach, Hofstad is often asked to defend one of the primary scoring threats for the other team as well as contribute on the offensive end.
Surprise of the first half A lot of people knew the Panthers would have good guard play, but the spotlight has been on one guard in particular. Junior Blaine Blackburn’s role has risen rapidly thanks to the absence of Derrick Agbaroji, making his role as a scorer all the more important. While he isn’t pouring in the 16 points per game average that Agbaroji was, Blackburn has quietly made shots when the Panthers needed it. His scoring presence, along with solid defense, have helped the team hold its own in Agbaroji’s absence and should make him a viable aspect off the bench now that the line-up has returned to normal. Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Blaine Blackburn’s scoring has been a huge boost to Midlothian while Derrick Agbaroji is out. His ability to hit from long-range has been clutch so far this season.
Developing the depth Along with Blackburn, the Panthers have gotten good play out of guys like Brandon Mundie, Cody Meyers and Trevor Pinson who have all played well but will be asked to continue stepping up. Mundie has been able to score in bunches when he’s on while Meyers is a solid shooter from the field and free throw line. Pinson could be the most important of them all as the all-district offensive lineman could see his role in the post start to get bigger in an effort to help Eddie Johnson out. Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
Getting guys like Trevor Pinson (left) and Brandon Mundie (right) ready to play will be key to the Panthers’ success in the second half as the starters will need reliable bench players to fill in during their rest.
Second half outlook Coach’s take on the second half With some teams (including Midlothian) already a game into district play before the holiday break, coach Glenn Hartson sees the 16-4A race as more of a marathon than sprint as many teams could contend for the title. His hope is to catch a few breaks along the way so the Panthers are one of those teams. “District’s going to be tough, we knew that going in, before the season started. We knew this district was going to be tough,” Hartson said. “It will be interesting. I think everybody’s got a shot.”
What the team needs to work on While getting Agbaroji back for the second half will be a huge boost, Midlothian will need to find points without him if that doesn’t happen. Johnson’s post-play has been outstanding thus far, but the team does need to give him some help in the paint as the double teams will only get tougher as teams begin to key in on him. Those two aspects are connected, according to Hartson, who believes stressing the importance of an inside-outside game to his team. “We’ve got to be able to score. When we’re not hitting our shots from outside, that’s when we’ve got to penetrate and dish to Eddie or penterate and hit the mid-range jumpers,” Hartson said. Along with that, Hartson is emphasizing the need to push the tempo and make sure things are set as the team runs the offense. “We can’t be a lot of people off the dribble and we’re going to have to learn to do a better job of that if we’re going to compete in this district,” Hartson said. “It’s an athletic district, so if you can’t beat people off the bounce you’re going to struggle.”
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Mid-season evaluation: Midlothian girls basketball From a sluggish start to thrilling buzzer-beating finishes, the Midlothian girls’ basketball season has been a roller coaster of emotions and it’s only halfway over. As the Lady Panthers take a few days off from the holidays, Mirror sports writer Alex Riley takes a look at the first half of the season and what the team needs to continue to do as things roll into district play.
By the numbers: the first half
Record through 18:
Points scored:
Points allowed:
7-11 overall, 1-2 district
41.6 points per game
45.8 points per game
First half story lines Slow start becomes frantic finish Saying Midlothian has rebounded from a dubious start might be an understatement as the Lady Panthers opened the 2009-10 campaign with a 2-8 record. Since then, the team has gone 5-3 with the five wins coming by a combined margin of 21 points. Whatever clicked with the team has worked out extremely well as the Lady Panthers have been unphased by tightly contested games and have been able to hit big shots down the stretch. Against Granbury, it was a total team defense led by players like Lauren Daniell that allowed just 26 points in the win. In games against Mansfield Legacy and Ennis, the team got a clutch shot from Natalie Ruud for the go-ahead points and then sealed the game with stellar defense as time ran down. If that is the formula Midlothian has developed, it has worked so far and with any luck will continue to work.
Photo by Alex Riley/The MIrror
Senior Lauren Daniell has been asked to provide the Lady Panthers with a steady hand on offense and defense. Her play often mirrors how the team does on any given night.
Ruud a scoring machine Most teams knew how much Midlothian would rely on Natalie Ruud at the offensive end. So far, they’ve done very little to stop her. Through the first 18 games, Ruud has cleared double figures 15 times thus far. Along with rolling up the points, Ruud has also made those clutch shots previously mentioned including a 3-pointer for the go-ahead points in that win at Legacy. She has also been the Lady Panthers’ most relied on player down low, battling with much taller opposition for rebounds and loose balls. At 5foot-9, she often times faces off with girls that have over two inches of height on her, making for a tall order. So far, Ruud hasn’t backed down from the challenge. Coupled with all that, Ruud has developed a sense of knowing where her teammates are and is becoming a key assist giving threat for the team. Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror
First half MVP Ruud (above) has been “Ms. Everything” but points and rebounds aside, it has been her senior leadership that the team has enjoyed the most. Ruud has developed into someone well-versed in reading the opposition’s defense and has helped set up the team’s offense and defense. While Lauren Daniell is the unquestioned point player for the team, Ruud has been a calming voice, particularly in late game situations where the team needed a last second shot.
Second half outlook
Natalie Ruud has hit double figures in all but one game so far this season and has hit two buzzer beating shots to help the team win. While her offensive prowess is undeniable, coach Brooke Walthall cites her star playWhat first-year coach er’s development as a passer and leader as Brooke Walthall has changed two major reasons Midlothian has found for the Midlothian program is success as of late. its outlook and attitude. There isn’t a lot of “could” or “might” floating around the locker room as the Lady Unlike their male counterparts, tournament Panthers offer more assurplay hasn’t been very kind to the Lady Panthers. ances of things to come. But it might have been the best thing for them. That renewed mindset will After a 1-3 showing in the Flower Mound tourbe crucial for the team as it nament and an overtime loss to Mineral Wells, heads into district play. Midlothian headed to the Cowtown Classic with Walthall came into the season games against some of the best talent in the with high expectations of her Metroplex. team. So far, they have been While a 2-2 record might not sound like a big happy to meet a large portion deal, it was at this point when the team’s fortunes of those. began to turn. A 62-38 loss to Lewisville on Dec. “We’ve set some goals as a 5 was the last loss the team had as it reeled off team and we’re getting there. four straight wins before falling to Waco. Those goals are all still reachThat tournament appears to have been the rally able goals at this point in the point for Midlothian, which has played well ever season and I think that that is since. great,” Walthall said. “I think the girls are really learning Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror every game. I think that we’re Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror getting better, we know what Sam Jackson’s 14 points Trisha Dupree was one of four Midlothian we have to do and we’re put- against Ennis proved to players to score eight or more points in ting ourselves in position to be a big lift for the team. reach those goals.” the team’s 59-50 win over Fort Worth Her scoring will be needThe good news for the ed to continue in district Southwest. That victory sparked a string Lady Panthers is they will competition. of success the team used to win five of have already played two dissix games late in the first half of the seatrict games by the holiday son. break. An opening win over Ennis made the team 1-0 in district play while a loss to stateranked Waxahachie gets the road game with their county-rival out of the way. Games against other state-ranked teams like Hewitt Midway won’t be easy but the team should be ready for The starting five have gotten a huge the challenge. boost from the bench, in particular players like Heather Sides, Hannah Plante and Hannah Miller. All three have come off the bench to play major offensive and defenA lot of teams talk about team work and balance. The sive roles, especially during the team’s win Midlothian players all recognize that Ruud is the best player streak. on the roster and none of them deny it. Sides, who got a handful of starts during The problem is, opposing teams know that too. absences by Nicole Hulshouser, has been a While Ruud has been able to score, the Lady Panthers are solid defensive player while Plante and still searching for another constant scoring threat to balance Miller hit big shots in the Legacy game to that offensive attack. Different players like Samantha Jackson, turn the team’s momentum. Trisha Dupree and Daniell have stepped up at different times None of the three has piled on the points but the team is still searching for one player to provide a secbut they’re not being asked to. Their roles ond scorer, rather than who has the hot hand that night. are limited but so far their impact has been Against Ennis, that responsibility came down to Jackson pretty profound. who went off for a season-high 14 points. With a great jumper from long and mid-range distance, Jackson looks like a viable Photo by Alex Riley/The Mirror candidate for the role, but only time will tell. “Sam was square on her shots and she shot some shots that Having players like Hannah Plante weren’t quite in our offense but she was putting them in and I (left) and Heather Sides (right) grow thought that she really stepped up and we’re going to have to in the early part of the season will have more people than just Natalie to step up for us to be suchelp the Lady Panthers down the cessful,” Walthall said after the Ennis game. stretch with depth.
Coach’s take on the second half
Tournament turning point
Surprise of the first half
What the team needs to work on