Well, the Cats again gave it a go at a California team (American River out of Sacramento) and though we battled to the end, we couldn't put together 4 quarters of intensity. In the end, not doing the little things led to three straight losses to end the tournament. Getting up big to pass, finishing each throwing motion, converting on scoring chances, keeping our hips up on defense, leaving early for defense/offense, winning 50-50 balls...little things that if executed properly, end up in a victory.
There isn't much to say about the game itself without repeating some of the things I said in the Santa Barbara, United and Shores games. We did have a lot more kickouts in this game because we wouldn't finish our counter defense, but the play of Sean Sullivan in the cage (11 saves), in addition to good field blocking neuatralized most of the Am River advantages. Sean was named player of the game.
But this post shouldn't be all negative as we had a great week. We had a lot of fun and bothe the boys and coaches learned a lot about the next level of water polo. We didn't come out to win (although it would have been nice), we came out here to learn and get better. For the most part, I'm thrilled with our performance and as Coach P said, we had a lot of close games, which is encouraging. Hopefully sometime soon, we can come out here to win.
I'll calculate the stats and post them later, but I think it's safe to say that the goalies were the tournament MVP's for us. The defense was designed to funnel outside shots to the goalie and Jake and Sean did a great job giving our guys a chance to win every game.
The rumor is that there will be a "wrap party" in the coming weeks. I'm crossing my fingers that the rumor is true. Stay tuned.
Until then, big thanks go to the parents for making this all happen. The parents who made the trip did a phenomenal job keeping the coolers filled and the cheers loud. Props to Mrs. Maloney, Mo and Grandma Smith, the Bowers', the Buelter's, the Savio's, the Tanner's, Mr. and Timmy Adcock and of course the Lewis girls. Wouldn't have been the same without you! Have a great rest of the summer y'all.
Showing posts with label 16-under team. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 16-under team. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Santa Barbara B 4 - JCWP 3
The Cats had their best defensive effort of the tournament, allowing a tournament low 4 goals. Jake Chisholm was player of the game yet again making some really good stops.
Usually, allowing only 4 goals would get us a win, but the Cats had very little fire on the offensive end, seemingly waiting for someone else to step up. I attribute this partyl to fatigue and partly due to the loss to United when we couldn't do anything. And when the offense isn't clicking, the boys tend to press which leads to poor passing, poor shot selection and lots of turnovers.
The lesson learned is that the officials aren't going to reward our efforts unless we are high in the water, making moves to the goal. Anything less and we find ourselves over-pressed and getting beaten down.
One more game for 11th in the Gold bracket. American River at West Valley at 12:10pm. Afterwards we hop on a 4pm flight and will be back in St. Louis sometime before midnight.
Usually, allowing only 4 goals would get us a win, but the Cats had very little fire on the offensive end, seemingly waiting for someone else to step up. I attribute this partyl to fatigue and partly due to the loss to United when we couldn't do anything. And when the offense isn't clicking, the boys tend to press which leads to poor passing, poor shot selection and lots of turnovers.
The lesson learned is that the officials aren't going to reward our efforts unless we are high in the water, making moves to the goal. Anything less and we find ourselves over-pressed and getting beaten down.
One more game for 11th in the Gold bracket. American River at West Valley at 12:10pm. Afterwards we hop on a 4pm flight and will be back in St. Louis sometime before midnight.
Monday, July 27, 2009
United 6 - JCWP 0
United was far and away the most physical team we have played in this tournament and we more or less backed down when they got in our face. The officials commented after the game that our boys would have been rewarded for swimming through the holds and being high in the water. The way the game is called out here is all about rewarding position and effort. We had good position most of the time, but were so low in the water that the officials allowed United to be physical.
The biggest bright spot in the game again came from the goalie position as Jake Chisholm bailed out his teammates on numerous occasions. The final score would have been a lot worse had it not b en for Jake (obviously the POTG).
Despite our worst effort of the tournament, the boys are upbeat and ready to take it to Santa Barbara at 4pm. All agree that 4-3-1 has a nice ring to it.
We are now positioned to take between 9th and 12th in the Gold bracket (33rd - 36th place).
The biggest bright spot in the game again came from the goalie position as Jake Chisholm bailed out his teammates on numerous occasions. The final score would have been a lot worse had it not b en for Jake (obviously the POTG).
Despite our worst effort of the tournament, the boys are upbeat and ready to take it to Santa Barbara at 4pm. All agree that 4-3-1 has a nice ring to it.
We are now positioned to take between 9th and 12th in the Gold bracket (33rd - 36th place).
JCWP 6 - South Valley 5
Finding themselves down again going into the 4th, the Cats found their offensive stride and netted three unanswered goals to win the game in regulation. Lewis scored left-handed when he drove to the right post and buried an Adcock pass off a foul. Smith scored off of "K-Wood" the play we designed to get him open up top. Zach drew the foul and nailed the shot right-side high. Erlinger had the game winner from 2M off a sweep shot created by a great Kabance set pass.
The win kept us alive for the top spot in the gold bracket, which would be 25th overall. Currently we can finish no worse than 36th overall, which is the best finish JCWP has ever had at JO's.
The bad news is that we got down early again and had to fight back against a weaker team (again). As Coach Dale commented, the crash defense works if all 6 defenders are committed to it. Too often we get lazy and allow the 2M to get the ball or allow a shooter to shoot without.being pressured.
But, we switched to a press in the 4th to get our counter attack going, and the change disrupted South Valley's rhythm leadin to a 4th quarter shutout.
3rd star was Sam Erlinger who knotched two goals, including the game winner.
2nd star was John Lewis for two goals and an assist, one of which was a off-hand shot to the upper corner.
1st star was Sean "Snakes" Sullivan for his 7 saves, at least three of which were game savers in the 4th quarter.
Next up is United from Washington at 11:10am at Stanford. We scrimmaged this team earlier in the week and the boys are very confident that we can beat them.
The win kept us alive for the top spot in the gold bracket, which would be 25th overall. Currently we can finish no worse than 36th overall, which is the best finish JCWP has ever had at JO's.
The bad news is that we got down early again and had to fight back against a weaker team (again). As Coach Dale commented, the crash defense works if all 6 defenders are committed to it. Too often we get lazy and allow the 2M to get the ball or allow a shooter to shoot without.being pressured.
But, we switched to a press in the 4th to get our counter attack going, and the change disrupted South Valley's rhythm leadin to a 4th quarter shutout.
3rd star was Sam Erlinger who knotched two goals, including the game winner.
2nd star was John Lewis for two goals and an assist, one of which was a off-hand shot to the upper corner.
1st star was Sean "Snakes" Sullivan for his 7 saves, at least three of which were game savers in the 4th quarter.
Next up is United from Washington at 11:10am at Stanford. We scrimmaged this team earlier in the week and the boys are very confident that we can beat them.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
jungle cats win in shootout
Facing another californi a b team, the cats knew they had to bring intensity for four quarters. Despite two early first quarter goals by opponent sacramento b, the cats locked down defensively, allowed one goal per remaining quarter. Running their usual crash defense, the cats were very active up top, generating many steal and forcing bad outside shots.
The offense got off to a slow start as passes were errant and shots either hit the goalie and barred out, but things started to turn in the third quarter as top defenders as top defenders started going "miles"(which means leaving early for offense), leading to break away oppurtunities and odd man rushes. Down two goals in the fourth, thomas morgan and john lewis came up big out of set with strong, aggressive moves and burrying their shots for goals, tying the game.
After regulation we went into a shootout where thomas morgan, zach smithn and sam erlinger converted on their five meter shots while sacramento was stone walled by jake chisholm in three straight shots.
The third star of the game was joe kabance for his great defensive effort, including bridging the opposing two meter down the whole pool exhausting him for the possession. The second star went to aaron adcock for once again being the offensive spark and getting the "miles" ball rolling in the third quarter. First star went to jake chisholm who made eight saves, including one big save in the shootout in addition to great counter attack passing.
Next game at 7:50 at stanford.
*transcribed by sean sullivan
The offense got off to a slow start as passes were errant and shots either hit the goalie and barred out, but things started to turn in the third quarter as top defenders as top defenders started going "miles"(which means leaving early for offense), leading to break away oppurtunities and odd man rushes. Down two goals in the fourth, thomas morgan and john lewis came up big out of set with strong, aggressive moves and burrying their shots for goals, tying the game.
After regulation we went into a shootout where thomas morgan, zach smithn and sam erlinger converted on their five meter shots while sacramento was stone walled by jake chisholm in three straight shots.
The third star of the game was joe kabance for his great defensive effort, including bridging the opposing two meter down the whole pool exhausting him for the possession. The second star went to aaron adcock for once again being the offensive spark and getting the "miles" ball rolling in the third quarter. First star went to jake chisholm who made eight saves, including one big save in the shootout in addition to great counter attack passing.
Next game at 7:50 at stanford.
*transcribed by sean sullivan
San Diego Shores B 11 - JCWP 7
One quarter of strong play was all Shores B needed to put the game out of reach for the Cats. That quarter was the second as a 3-2 first quarter Cats lead was erased by 5 unanswered goals on straight possessions from Shores B. Up 7-3 at halftime, all Shores had to do was match goals for the rest of the game to advance past the Cats.
The Cats showed great intensity in the first quarter and cruised to a lead behind great efforts from Joe Kabance and Sam Erlinger. But, we got too comfortable in the driver's seat and Shores came roaring back as the Cats defenders played with their hips down, allowing Shores to move the ball and get great shots off. With the short quarters (5 minutes) the four goal lead was hard to come back from.
Player of the game was Aaron Adcock who had a hat trick, displaying his explosiveness in the set. Next up is Dallas at 3:20pm.
The Cats showed great intensity in the first quarter and cruised to a lead behind great efforts from Joe Kabance and Sam Erlinger. But, we got too comfortable in the driver's seat and Shores came roaring back as the Cats defenders played with their hips down, allowing Shores to move the ball and get great shots off. With the short quarters (5 minutes) the four goal lead was hard to come back from.
Player of the game was Aaron Adcock who had a hat trick, displaying his explosiveness in the set. Next up is Dallas at 3:20pm.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Lamorinda 14 - JCWP 5
After a 6-0 start in favor of Lamorinda, the Cats raised their intensity level and played with the legendary local club the rest of the game. True to their reputation, Lamorinda was very fast, very aware and capitalized on most of the Jungle Cat turnovers. From the beginning, the experience and ability level of the Lamorinda boys was obvious and we appeared outmatched.
It was encouraging, however, to hear the boys comments in the postgame. Rather than saying "they were so good" or "we should have lost anyway", the boys were saying things like "we're a better team than that", "our effort should have been better" and "we need to set the tone at the beginning of the game, like they did to us." I think they recognize that even though we likely would lose to them the majority of the time, it's not winning or losing that matters, but how we play. I think they see that they need to raise their intensity level from the get-go and carry that intensity throughout the game.
Player of the game went to Thomas Morgan for his goal, assist and steal. Goalie Jake Chisholm had some nice saves along with accurate passing. John Lewis also turned in a solid performance at both ends.
It was a good first day, even though we ended up in the gold bracket. The goal going forward is to get some wins under our belt and finish in the top eight in the bottom bracket. That journey starts with a good game tomorrow morning.
San Diego Shores B tomorrow at 8:40AM at Stanford.
It was encouraging, however, to hear the boys comments in the postgame. Rather than saying "they were so good" or "we should have lost anyway", the boys were saying things like "we're a better team than that", "our effort should have been better" and "we need to set the tone at the beginning of the game, like they did to us." I think they recognize that even though we likely would lose to them the majority of the time, it's not winning or losing that matters, but how we play. I think they see that they need to raise their intensity level from the get-go and carry that intensity throughout the game.
Player of the game went to Thomas Morgan for his goal, assist and steal. Goalie Jake Chisholm had some nice saves along with accurate passing. John Lewis also turned in a solid performance at both ends.
It was a good first day, even though we ended up in the gold bracket. The goal going forward is to get some wins under our belt and finish in the top eight in the bottom bracket. That journey starts with a good game tomorrow morning.
San Diego Shores B tomorrow at 8:40AM at Stanford.
JCWP 5 - De Anza 5
The goal for the Cats was to come out hard early and put De Anza on their heels. We were ready and focused and came out blazing with three shots on our first possession. Unfortunatly, the De Anza goalie was up to the task all game and stumped the Cats early and often.
The Cats controlled the game for the most part, but we had trouble converting on our chances. We would get the ball in deep to 2M's Lewis, Morgan, Adcock and Erlinger, who would make a strong move toward the goal but would fire it into the goalie's arm.
De Anza scored 4 of their 5 goals in the first half, mostly from strong outside shots. There was some comlplacency from the Cats in the first half, but we locked it down in the second half, closing on outside shooters when they got into attacking position. Player of the game Joe Kabance led the defense with two steals from 2MD in addition to scoring the first goal.
Overall, we played a very good first game. We weren't intimidated by a California club and we really asserted ourselves at both ends of the pool. We were in the drivers seat most of the game and had two possessions at the end of the game that were very close to putting us over the top. Just a few more upper corner/halo shots and. That game was ours. Credit should go to De Anza's goalie for playing a tremendous games.
Lamorinda in 30 minutes. If we play like we did against De Anza, we will get second in our pool. Stay tuned...
The Cats controlled the game for the most part, but we had trouble converting on our chances. We would get the ball in deep to 2M's Lewis, Morgan, Adcock and Erlinger, who would make a strong move toward the goal but would fire it into the goalie's arm.
De Anza scored 4 of their 5 goals in the first half, mostly from strong outside shots. There was some comlplacency from the Cats in the first half, but we locked it down in the second half, closing on outside shooters when they got into attacking position. Player of the game Joe Kabance led the defense with two steals from 2MD in addition to scoring the first goal.
Overall, we played a very good first game. We weren't intimidated by a California club and we really asserted ourselves at both ends of the pool. We were in the drivers seat most of the game and had two possessions at the end of the game that were very close to putting us over the top. Just a few more upper corner/halo shots and. That game was ours. Credit should go to De Anza's goalie for playing a tremendous games.
Lamorinda in 30 minutes. If we play like we did against De Anza, we will get second in our pool. Stay tuned...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
16’s go 2-0 on the evening
First Game: 16’s 14 – SLAP 10
Player of the game Jake Chisholm made a ton of saves when his team needed him, plus his passing was the best it’s been all summer. In general, the offense is looking very good. We are aggressive and we are getting really good at moving the ball down to the wing and generating ball-side drives. SLAP had some strong players (read: older) and the youthful Cats went in fearless and did a good job not letting their best players beat us.
Second Game: 16’s 10 – Mad Dog 9 (OT)
The second game of the evening was a little sloppier as we generally outplayed Mad Dog the entire game, but too often gave up bad goals by making what Coach Baud calls the “wrong mistake”. Mistakes are okay, but we need to a better job in making the less costly mistake (such as overplaying the 2M in a crash rather than the perimeter players, or staying on the guy closest to the goal rather than press the ball, or driving the wrong way instead of not driving at all, or missing low on 6-on-5 passes rather than missing high). Making mistakes is part of polo (and life) we just need to figure out how to minimize the impact of making a mistake by being in the right position.
Also, hips starting dropping and there was a lot of bouncing on the ground in this game. A lot of fatigue is mental and we need to force ourselves to reinforce good habits when we are tired (As Joe Kabance pointed out, rest on your stomach, not your back, because at least you are resting in good position).
Three important plays of note in the 4th quarter: down two, our 7th goal was scored by Thomas Morgan off of a hole pass created by a great wing out and shrug move by Aaron Adcock, our 8th goal was scored near-side low by Zach Smith off an aggressive drive, and our 9th goal (and go-ahead goal at the time) was scored by Sam Erlinger on an aggressive move in the hole. Those three plays wouldn’t have happened a month ago, we’re really improving.
Two POTGs…the first being Thomas Morgan for being the offensive catalyst in the 4th quarter when we were down 3 goals, and for scoring the game winner in overtime…the second being Sean Sullivan for repeating Jake’s performance in the first game, making the saves he needed to make (plus some ones that maybe he shouldn’t have) on top of really good passing.
Being down 8-5 going into the fourth, we scored 4 unanswered and almost shut out Mad Dog for the win but for one defensive lapse at the end of the 4th quarter. This team has shown the ability to completely shut teams down, but has yet shown the focus and the intensity to do so for 4 quarters. We need to do that in California if we want to be successful.
Player of the game Jake Chisholm made a ton of saves when his team needed him, plus his passing was the best it’s been all summer. In general, the offense is looking very good. We are aggressive and we are getting really good at moving the ball down to the wing and generating ball-side drives. SLAP had some strong players (read: older) and the youthful Cats went in fearless and did a good job not letting their best players beat us.
Second Game: 16’s 10 – Mad Dog 9 (OT)
The second game of the evening was a little sloppier as we generally outplayed Mad Dog the entire game, but too often gave up bad goals by making what Coach Baud calls the “wrong mistake”. Mistakes are okay, but we need to a better job in making the less costly mistake (such as overplaying the 2M in a crash rather than the perimeter players, or staying on the guy closest to the goal rather than press the ball, or driving the wrong way instead of not driving at all, or missing low on 6-on-5 passes rather than missing high). Making mistakes is part of polo (and life) we just need to figure out how to minimize the impact of making a mistake by being in the right position.
Also, hips starting dropping and there was a lot of bouncing on the ground in this game. A lot of fatigue is mental and we need to force ourselves to reinforce good habits when we are tired (As Joe Kabance pointed out, rest on your stomach, not your back, because at least you are resting in good position).
Three important plays of note in the 4th quarter: down two, our 7th goal was scored by Thomas Morgan off of a hole pass created by a great wing out and shrug move by Aaron Adcock, our 8th goal was scored near-side low by Zach Smith off an aggressive drive, and our 9th goal (and go-ahead goal at the time) was scored by Sam Erlinger on an aggressive move in the hole. Those three plays wouldn’t have happened a month ago, we’re really improving.
Two POTGs…the first being Thomas Morgan for being the offensive catalyst in the 4th quarter when we were down 3 goals, and for scoring the game winner in overtime…the second being Sean Sullivan for repeating Jake’s performance in the first game, making the saves he needed to make (plus some ones that maybe he shouldn’t have) on top of really good passing.
Being down 8-5 going into the fourth, we scored 4 unanswered and almost shut out Mad Dog for the win but for one defensive lapse at the end of the 4th quarter. This team has shown the ability to completely shut teams down, but has yet shown the focus and the intensity to do so for 4 quarters. We need to do that in California if we want to be successful.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
JCWP 16's 11 - Daisy 8
The 16's got off to a rough start allowing two goals early in the first quarter, but one strong characteristic of this team is that they never quit. We started to clamp down defensively, forcing outside shots and creating steals off hole passes. Shot-clock awareness was good as we were not getting beat on counter-attack and we ourselves created some counter-attack opportunities by leaving early. Both goalies were solid, especially Sean Sullivan in the passing department, and only two more goals were allowed in the second and third quarters, giving the 16's a 8-4 lead going into the 4th.
The 4th quarter was not our best effort as we are prone to letting teams back into games. Daisy came out firing with three goals early to bring the score to 8-7. Two of the goals came on counter-attacks as the 16's lost the shot-clock awareness they displayed in the first three quarters. Two more goals were traded and the 16's were looking at a 9-8 lead when Sam Erlinger decided that enough was enough. I believe Sam scored the last three goals by being aggressive, winging out to get the ball, turning his defender and attacking the goal. Sam was named POTG and we expect him to bring his 4th quarter aggressiveness to every game from now on.
The offense looked it's best last night because we had many more members of the "wing-out club". Daniel Maloney and Zach Smith were joined by Michael Savio, Sam Erlinger, Michael Bowers and Thomas Morgan. I believe we will be performing at our highest level when all 12 field players have joined the club. When we get the ball out of the goalie's hands early and move it down to the wing, good things happen.
The 4th quarter was not our best effort as we are prone to letting teams back into games. Daisy came out firing with three goals early to bring the score to 8-7. Two of the goals came on counter-attacks as the 16's lost the shot-clock awareness they displayed in the first three quarters. Two more goals were traded and the 16's were looking at a 9-8 lead when Sam Erlinger decided that enough was enough. I believe Sam scored the last three goals by being aggressive, winging out to get the ball, turning his defender and attacking the goal. Sam was named POTG and we expect him to bring his 4th quarter aggressiveness to every game from now on.
The offense looked it's best last night because we had many more members of the "wing-out club". Daniel Maloney and Zach Smith were joined by Michael Savio, Sam Erlinger, Michael Bowers and Thomas Morgan. I believe we will be performing at our highest level when all 12 field players have joined the club. When we get the ball out of the goalie's hands early and move it down to the wing, good things happen.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
New Trier 11 - JCWP 9
In the final game of the tournament, the Cats came out flat against host New Trier, going to halftime down 9-4, the most goals the Cats allowed in any two quarters all tournament. Afterwards, the boys all felt like they were not focused before the game, having just played eventual champion Loyola very close. New Trier came out blazing and it took until halftime for the Cats to finally bring their intensity around to match New Trier's.
The second half was won by the Cats 5-2, but it was too little, too late as New Trier held off a late surge to claim the victory and second place in the tournament. Your Jungle Cats took third with a 2-2-1 record.
Thomas Morgan was named offensive player of the game for his strong offensive effort and best defensive effort so far this summer.
The boys learned a lot this weekend. We improved each game (except for the 1st quarter of the last game) and we came together as a team. The boys got to know each other and their coaches a lot better and the "deer in headlights" look in their eyes were gone by haltime of the first game (as observed by Mr. Savio). The crash defense has come a long way in just a few short weeks and we are starting to figure out when to stay and when to go. Offensively, we have also made leaps and bounds by moving the ball down to the wing and generating ball-side drives. 6-on-5 needs a lot of work as we had over 20 chances and only one or two conversions. But, you don't draw 20+ ejections without doing a lot of things right.
Tidbits:
- One field block makes you part of the "Swat Team". Five field blocks is a "Block Party", although Michael Slaughter may just call out "Yahtzee"
- The "wing-out club" is still stuck at two members
- Michael Bowers was apparently born with a beard
- Peter Buelter looks good in sunglasses, even indoors or in the middle of the night
- Savio, Sullivan and Slaughter are the worst morning people and cannot be in the same rooms in California
- Most people walk away from a group when they get a phone call, Aaron Adcock stand in the middle of the group and just talks louder
- We hit a major thunderstorm on the drive back. In our car, we popped on the radio because we weren't sure if we were about to run into a tornado. The emergency broadcast system warned us of 60 MPH winds and to seek shelter immediately. The storm was described the storm as full of "dangerous winds, damaging hail and deadly lightning". We experienced these things for about 90 seconds of terror driving 30 MPH through the chaos, but then the storm dissipated and we just kept driving. Quite exhilarating.
- In my car, we listened to a rap CD put out by Macho Man Randy Savage. It's hilarious. The title track "Be a Man" might have to be the theme song for the team.
The second half was won by the Cats 5-2, but it was too little, too late as New Trier held off a late surge to claim the victory and second place in the tournament. Your Jungle Cats took third with a 2-2-1 record.
Thomas Morgan was named offensive player of the game for his strong offensive effort and best defensive effort so far this summer.
The boys learned a lot this weekend. We improved each game (except for the 1st quarter of the last game) and we came together as a team. The boys got to know each other and their coaches a lot better and the "deer in headlights" look in their eyes were gone by haltime of the first game (as observed by Mr. Savio). The crash defense has come a long way in just a few short weeks and we are starting to figure out when to stay and when to go. Offensively, we have also made leaps and bounds by moving the ball down to the wing and generating ball-side drives. 6-on-5 needs a lot of work as we had over 20 chances and only one or two conversions. But, you don't draw 20+ ejections without doing a lot of things right.
Tidbits:
- One field block makes you part of the "Swat Team". Five field blocks is a "Block Party", although Michael Slaughter may just call out "Yahtzee"
- The "wing-out club" is still stuck at two members
- Michael Bowers was apparently born with a beard
- Peter Buelter looks good in sunglasses, even indoors or in the middle of the night
- Savio, Sullivan and Slaughter are the worst morning people and cannot be in the same rooms in California
- Most people walk away from a group when they get a phone call, Aaron Adcock stand in the middle of the group and just talks louder
- We hit a major thunderstorm on the drive back. In our car, we popped on the radio because we weren't sure if we were about to run into a tornado. The emergency broadcast system warned us of 60 MPH winds and to seek shelter immediately. The storm was described the storm as full of "dangerous winds, damaging hail and deadly lightning". We experienced these things for about 90 seconds of terror driving 30 MPH through the chaos, but then the storm dissipated and we just kept driving. Quite exhilarating.
- In my car, we listened to a rap CD put out by Macho Man Randy Savage. It's hilarious. The title track "Be a Man" might have to be the theme song for the team.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Loyola 8 - JCWP 4
6 first half goals by Loyola proved too much to overcome. Goalie and player of the game Sean Sullivan counted only two counter-attack goals, the rest were half-court, three of which came in the first 3 minutes of the first quarter.
Loyola had bigger and stronger players than even Mundelein, so it would have been hard to execute a press. After the first three outside bullets by the two studs on Loyola, the Cats really clamped down defensively. Goals came more from Loyola's good plays than Cat errors. Most impressive was the shutout in the third quarter with Loyola shooting deep.
The Jungle Cat offense was the best it had been all summer as our spacing was tremendous as we moved the ball down to the wing. Drivers found themselves either ball-side with a man on their back or open weak-side after picks and we had many open looks. I think the fatigue of the 4th game in 24 hours caught up to us as open shot went wide or at the goalie, mostly due to lack of kicking up.
The biggest weakness of this team right now is 6-on-5 as we had mutliple oppportunities (as well as two 6-on-4 chances) with zero conversions.
All-around a very good game and we head into the game against New Trier with a chance for second place.
Loyola had bigger and stronger players than even Mundelein, so it would have been hard to execute a press. After the first three outside bullets by the two studs on Loyola, the Cats really clamped down defensively. Goals came more from Loyola's good plays than Cat errors. Most impressive was the shutout in the third quarter with Loyola shooting deep.
The Jungle Cat offense was the best it had been all summer as our spacing was tremendous as we moved the ball down to the wing. Drivers found themselves either ball-side with a man on their back or open weak-side after picks and we had many open looks. I think the fatigue of the 4th game in 24 hours caught up to us as open shot went wide or at the goalie, mostly due to lack of kicking up.
The biggest weakness of this team right now is 6-on-5 as we had mutliple oppportunities (as well as two 6-on-4 chances) with zero conversions.
All-around a very good game and we head into the game against New Trier with a chance for second place.
JCWP 12 - Brother Rice 5
Brother Rice had some issues fielding a team and only 4 guys could make it, so New Trier pitched in 8 guys off their bench so we'd have a game.
Our crash defense really came together has we carried a shutout into the second half. The goalies split time and both were solid. We had a little trouble getting our offense rolling as not many Cats squared out early to get the ball from the goalie and we refused to get the ball in deep to the wing. However, Zach Smith joined Daniel Maloney as sole members of the "wing out club". Our lefties, Erlinger and Bowers are doing great getting to the right wing and being passer. Thomas Morgan and Michael Slaughter are creating lots of counter opportunities. Player of the game was John Lewis who was dominant in the 2M and was a vocal leader at both ends of the pool.
We have Loyola in 20 minutes essentially for the championship.
Our crash defense really came together has we carried a shutout into the second half. The goalies split time and both were solid. We had a little trouble getting our offense rolling as not many Cats squared out early to get the ball from the goalie and we refused to get the ball in deep to the wing. However, Zach Smith joined Daniel Maloney as sole members of the "wing out club". Our lefties, Erlinger and Bowers are doing great getting to the right wing and being passer. Thomas Morgan and Michael Slaughter are creating lots of counter opportunities. Player of the game was John Lewis who was dominant in the 2M and was a vocal leader at both ends of the pool.
We have Loyola in 20 minutes essentially for the championship.
JCWP 12 - Mundelein 12
Mundelein brought a very good team, and the game was back and forth the whole game. Down 6-4 at half, the Cats played a great third quarter shooting deep and took another lead into the 4th quarter, up 9-8 defending the deep.
The Cats learned from the experience of letting up late against Walrus and fought hard in the 4th despite being at a disadvantage of defending deep against a big and physical team. Mundelein had two big shooters who took advantage of our crash defense with accurate outside shots. We adjusted by playing man-up on those two while continuing our crash. We held those guys at bay and survived a last second play to hold on for the tie.
Maloney was again the king of winging out. Sam Erlinger had a solid two goal performance on top of a few assists. Sean Sullivan had a great game, with great passing, aggressive stealing and some key blocks. Zach Smith was again an obvious choice for POTG for creating his own offense nearly every time down the pool, resulting in a hat trick and numerous assists.
We ended the long day with a giant meal at Maggiano's. Peter Buelter made his case for inheriting John Heafner's title as "human garbage disposal".
The Cats learned from the experience of letting up late against Walrus and fought hard in the 4th despite being at a disadvantage of defending deep against a big and physical team. Mundelein had two big shooters who took advantage of our crash defense with accurate outside shots. We adjusted by playing man-up on those two while continuing our crash. We held those guys at bay and survived a last second play to hold on for the tie.
Maloney was again the king of winging out. Sam Erlinger had a solid two goal performance on top of a few assists. Sean Sullivan had a great game, with great passing, aggressive stealing and some key blocks. Zach Smith was again an obvious choice for POTG for creating his own offense nearly every time down the pool, resulting in a hat trick and numerous assists.
We ended the long day with a giant meal at Maggiano's. Peter Buelter made his case for inheriting John Heafner's title as "human garbage disposal".
Nothing meaner than a wet Cat.
After a 6 hour drive, we arrived on Friday just in time for our 5:30 match against Walrus. On the ride up, Coach Hayes enlightened us with a slogan he saw used by Villanova, which I am going to suggest as the JCWP slogan when we rework the shirts in 9 years: there's nothin meaner than a wet cat. Classic.
Walrus had a couple athletes on their team who were pretty physical. One player in particular made a point to grab and hold anyone who came near. The Cats rose above the physical play and played solid defense to the tune of a 5-2 halftime lead.
Goalie Jake Chisholm played very well at both ends, making some key stops and making good passes. Daniel Maloney filled a crucial role in squaring out early and often to get the counter attack started, which resulted in many counter attack goals, a couple by Aaron Adcock and one by Michael Slaughter.
The solid play, especially in the crash defense, countinued and after three quarters the Cats led 9-5. The Cats let their guard down in the 4th as hips started dropping on defense and passes started getting sloppier. Walrus raged back with 5 goals in the 4th, but the Cats held on for a 11-10 victory.
Player of the game went to Zach Smith for his goal and handful of assists, in addition to his good defensive play.
Walrus had a couple athletes on their team who were pretty physical. One player in particular made a point to grab and hold anyone who came near. The Cats rose above the physical play and played solid defense to the tune of a 5-2 halftime lead.
Goalie Jake Chisholm played very well at both ends, making some key stops and making good passes. Daniel Maloney filled a crucial role in squaring out early and often to get the counter attack started, which resulted in many counter attack goals, a couple by Aaron Adcock and one by Michael Slaughter.
The solid play, especially in the crash defense, countinued and after three quarters the Cats led 9-5. The Cats let their guard down in the 4th as hips started dropping on defense and passes started getting sloppier. Walrus raged back with 5 goals in the 4th, but the Cats held on for a 11-10 victory.
Player of the game went to Zach Smith for his goal and handful of assists, in addition to his good defensive play.
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