Fairview 62 Northwestern 46

I found myself sitting at home today looking at all the scheduled games and trying to decide what bleacher to sit in tonight. Even though there were a couple big games tonight, I found myself led to Fairview. I took note last week that Coach Nies got his 100th win against Saegertown and I thought I would stop by and congratulate him in person. Well I am glad I did because the Fairview coach was honored this evening and presented a commemorative basketball for his accomplishment. I was very impressed that he did it in only his sixth season. Great job Coach!

The pictures in this blog are compliments of David Stolz and they are much appreciated. Thanks David! Can you find "Big" in the photo above?

The game in my mind would only be secondary as I figured Northwestern would be no match for the Fairview crew but.... I've got to tell you that the final score of 62-46 is not really an indication of how this game went. With a little over 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter the Nothwestern boys had shot their way back into this game and were only down by three points after being down by 15 or so. I don't have the actual stats but they were shooting a phenomenal percentage from the floor. They had the mid range jumper down pat and I would guess they shot around 65%, they just didn't get as many shots as Fairview due to many turnovers.

I felt that the difference in the last 4 minutes was the play of Fairviews point guard #2 Limkoski. He was playing great defense by causing several turnovers and just took the game over on the offensive end. I therefore give him the honor of being The BigSkinny Player of the Game!

I just got off the phone with Skinny and it sounds like his Spa boys of Cambridge Springs gave Region 3 leaders Girard a scare 37-39. Big sigh of relief in Girard tonight while Fairview and Mercyhurst Prep are saying, "DARN".

I can be reached at big@bigskinnyonline.com

Farrell 71 Sharon 57

I made the trek to Sharon this evening to see the Sharon Tigers host their cross town rival Farrell Steelers. It was a long drive home for such an old man so details and a few pics will follow tomorrow if you know what I mean. I am such a wimp and I hear my bed is calling me!

After a night of lights out sleep I am back at the computer with the game still fresh in my memory. Steelers Donald Jackson got Farrell on the board first with a couple quick hoops from in the paint followed by Sharon's Ryan Sypolt's long three ball to make the score 4-3 Farrell. That would be the closest Sharon would be to the Steelers for this evening filled with excitement and painted Tiger faces as Farrell went on a 9-0 run to make the score 13-3. After trading a couple hoops Farrell went on another run 8-0 to build a 23-7 lead. Just as I was thinking blowout, to the Tigers credit, they put on an 8-0 run of their own with Troy Phillips and Preston Jefferson each scoring 4 points to finish out the first quarter 23-15 Farrell. Marsell Holden and Donald Jackson had 9 and 8 points respectively in the frame for Farrell.

Farrell out scored the Tigers again in the second quarter 15-7 with Donald Jackson and Traphael Stubbs each scoring five. DeAndre Johnson had 6 of the Tigers 7 points in the quarter. Score Farrell 38 Sharon 22 at the half.

To open the third Farrell fouled Tiger Sam Schweiss so hard it brought a little blood to his lip. Since you cannot play while bleeding the coach called on JV star Robert Hubbard to shoot Schweiss's foul shots for him. Robert made 1 of 2. I mention Robert because I was very impressed with him in the JV game. I only saw the last few minutes but it was a nail biter and Robert took control of the game to secure a Tiger JV win. Back to varsity, the third quarter saw Farrell build its lead to 59-35. With one second left the Tigers fouled Traphael Stubbs while he was shooting a three so he went to the line and promptly knocked down 3 foul shots.

The fourth quarter saw Sharon's DeAndre Johnson put up 14 of his game high 25 points but the Tigers came up short on this night by a final of 71-57.

Observations: Farrell had four players in double figures. Marsell Holden and Myles Ransom with 19 each. Donald Jackson scored 17 and Traphael Stubbs had 10. Holden is a nice all around player with good instincts and a nice shooting touch from beyond the arc. I remember a couple nice assists that he had and one was a nice no looker. Ransom, who had the only dunk of the game, plays tough under the hoop and in transition while Jackson basically dominates the paint. He had at least 5 blocked shots. to go with many rebounds.

This was the first time I have seen Sharon this year and while they were overpowered by Farrell I did see some bright spots. They are very quick and also young. Point guard Preston Jefferson had 14 points to go with the 25 scored by DeAndre Johnson.

The obvious question I get from fans is, "How would Farrell do against North East?" Well, size and athleticism would go to Farrell but discipline and fundamentals would go to North East. Heart is something tough to measure but I know this, North East never quits and are not intimidated by anyone. If Farrell and North East get a chance to play in the playoffs, let's just say, you won't want to miss it. I also think Girard and Fairview would be a great match-up with Farrell. Oh boy, these AA playoffs will be great!

Also congrats to Skinny and his squad for picking up a win against Villa.

Fairview hitting their stride.

I have been having trouble getting out and about District 10 this year for various reasons but thankfully Cambridge Springs High School is just across the street so I still get to see a few teams. Fairview was in town tonight and oh boy were they hot! I saw them play Girard earlier this year but this wasn't the same team I saw then. Everyone shoots threes and rebounds while playing with a great deal of energy. They basically squashed an undermanned and inexperienced Spa squad by 30 something.

Fairview's press repeatedly created turnovers which turned into easy points. They had guys rotating in and out faster than I could keep up with and that screams of depth. I definitely see them as a player in the AA playoffs along with Girard and Mercyhurst from Region 3. Other AA schools that will be dangerous are North East, Farrell, and maybe Sharon.

The Fairview coaches noticed the BigSkinny Hot Dog Shop on their way into town but still not open. Never fear, we are getting very close. The BigSkinny is going to be an awesome place to dine and while you will get the best hot dogs around that isn't all it will serve. Many other great sandwiches will be served as well. I can almost smell the Buffalo Fries now!