(NOT) Your Average Joe

Response to "Just a Thought"

I just wanted to respond to "Just a Thought" who wrote in commenting on my blog on the Andress vs. Chapin basketball game.  First let me thank you for writing in and I value your opinion.  I agree with what you had to say and I think you were right on the speed of the game.

That was a good way of putting it, the game was probably very fast and the ref's needed to slow it down.  I do not think they did a horrible job, they could just call a better game next time. Maybe let these kids showcase their athleticism even more by letting them run the court.

As far as the introduction, you are absolutely right. These kids probaby will never see this atmosphere again and I think it's great that they do this" to an extent.  But let me give you my point of view.

First off, if they are going to do these introductions, at least time it so that they can at least start the game just a little late.  Thirty minutes is late, especially if they want the media to really cover the game thoroughly.  I know the news stations and newspaper people have deadlines.  They work under strict time constraints.

Secondly I realize these kids are already worshiped by the student body. But I do not think it is a good idea to make these kids think this is the most important thing in the world.  I mean I know it might to them at this time, but there is life after basketball.  I do not think most of those kids have self esteem issues if you know what I mean.

I am sure you have seen and read how most high school athletes act towards faculty and we don't need to raise these kids above all others.  Why not introduce the teachers to booming music and a cheering crowd.  I think you get my drift.

Now, I think it is a good thing to make them feel special and give them memories.  But come on, spot-lights and music and holding up the game is a little much. I think that is why you strive hard in high school, so you can possibly experience all that at the next level

Anyway, we have beat that bear to a pulp and I hope you can see my view.  Thank you again for reading my  blogs and you are right, the next game will be awesome.  Bye

Joe Weissbard

Andress Got Robbed

I had the pleasure of attending one of the most exciting basketball games I have ever seen.  I mean at any level, it was a great game.  I watched the Chapin vs. Andress boys varsity game the other night in the northeast.  You could actually taste the energy in that gym.  I mean a lot of college hoopsters probably do not even get the fanfare of what these kids experienced this pat Friday night.

I must admit though, the introductions were a little much.  I can see where the school wants these kids to remember this high school experience, but come on, the game started 30 minutes late.  I thought I was at an NBA game and the only thing lacking was pyrotechnics.

Well the game was so back in fourth with both teams playing above the rim a little.  The defense was very intense also, which you could not tell by the ending score.  Those are some seriously talented bunch of kids and I would say one if not both of those teams will make some noise in the playoffs.

Now to the meat of things.  One thing that was really annoying was it seemed the ref's would not let these kids play.  I swear I heard the whistle blow after every single play.  There were a lot of phantom fouls and I think I even heard them blow the whistle when a kid scratched his head. 

One thing that was fair at least, was the fact that they were calling these pitty patty fouls on both sides, but it made for an unnecessarily long game.  Andress had control of the game at many points but but could not pull away.  Every time they would try and pull away the Huskies kept reeling them back in.

With four minutes left in the game it looked like Andress would pull away for good, but that is when the mighty striped ones stepped in.  First they called Andress's Reid for a foul on Cliff Tucker and since I was sitting right behind the Time Warner guys that were taping it, I got to see the re-play.  I saw no foul, as a matter of fact by the time the whistle was blown, Tucker was about 4 feet from him.

Then When Reid got the ball under the rim at the other end, he quickly scored and the ref's called a walk.  That is where Chapin was able to get the ball back and Tucker took over.  Game  effectively over! 

Now Andress shot themselves in the foot with their sub-par free throw shooting, but they still had control late in the game.  I am not saying the referees did a horrible job, I mean they were pretty fair throughout.  I just think that they completely swayed the momentum Chapin's way when they looked dejected and ready to pack it in.

I really felt bad for the Andress boy's and honestly think it was their game to win.  But so is the game of basketball and it is not the first time I have seen it, so surprised I am not.  I am sure Andress will recover and both teams will tear it up the rest of the season.  I am out!

Joe Weissbard