DISQUS

John Stark · 1 month ago

Last year, it took until the LE tourney game for a team to fully expose Central's limits at point guard, though Hendricken did to some degree, as well. Look for opposing teams to pressure the Raider backcourt and limit open and easy passes to Carson/Zen this year. You wish the Collins kid well at NA, but if he's that good, the CAL will cease to be a challenge after, say, soph year.

Name · 1 month ago

Basketball. OK. not a Central fan. As you can see they don't play by the rules like a lawrence or methuen. They can get players from all over Ma. and N.H.. They reload every year. They will be in the state finals. Thats a given. As far as Nault saying “Whatever is best for him,” you know that is BS. Nault is all about CC. Even if it means taken N.Andovers best player. Don't like schools like CC. Public schools have to hope like in N.Andover that there best player doesn't go to CC and stays in N.Andover.

Name · 1 month ago

First of all, I would like to thank the eagletrbine and it's writers for it's coverage of the MVC. The last couple of weeks the writers that were covering the Methuen Rangers game were right on about the game. Not like the first games of the year that they played. You would have thought that the writers were making things up just to put in the paper. It was like they heard it from someone that was at the game but really didn't know everything that was happening. So the writers would just fill in the spots. So again thank you for doing the right thing and covering the games by going to the games and writeing what really happen.

John Stark · 1 month ago

Name: Yet again, you know not about what you speak. If Central Catholic has, somehow, not played "by the rules", please point out the rules that have been broken. While you wrack your cerebellum in search of said info, keep in mind that the last MIAA school to be penalized for recruiting violations was, um, Lowell High, a government-run school. As far as your critique of Rick Nault, your ignorance is now on full display as there is not a finer person in this area. If you knew anything about the man, you'd know that. There's a reason that 1350 parents in the area chose Central this year. It would appear that you're not in that loop.

btw: the same D2 team that took D1 leader Salem into OT two weeks ago was run over in D2 last night. Meanwhile, Pink looks increasingly dangerous after today. And the next three weeks in the MVC should be very interesting.

CCMafia · 1 month ago

Mr Name, For you to come on here and accuse Ricky Nault of being "all about CC" then you have no idea what you are talking about. Nault doesn't have to take N. Andover players or take kids from anywhere else, they go to him. #1 Kids go to CC because it's a tremendous school. #2 kids in the Merrimack Valley want to go to CC and play for the most successful program in area. #3 If you knew anything about Ricky you would know better then to say something stupid like that. As the Collins Kid how Nault treated him.

Still A fan · 1 month ago

Collins departure reopens the door at point guard? Hector, you cannot be blamed for this, but anyone watching Central play this fall knows that Cam Wroblewski has been starting at point and playing very well as has the team, although the competition has not been exactly great. Derek Collins will be an impact player one day, but probably not this year, and certainly not at point guard. He would be eaten up by other MVC guards at that position this year. Maybe he will learn the position in the future, but he is a 2 guard right now. It may be just a wee bit premature to be calling him the "sensational freshman". (Not even sure Carson got this flattery). How about letting him play a few games first.

hectorclarifies · 1 month ago

Words from one CC assistant coach: "It's up to Cam now."
That's the truth. This was no knock on Cam Wroblewski, just the fact that there is no returner there. That's it.
Sorry CW
HL

mvcfan21 · 4 weeks ago

Ive seen Collins play numerous amounts of times . He is ten times the player Cam is. Collins shoots it better, handles it better, passes it better ! He also has alot more upside than Cam. Not saying Cam isnt very good, but Collins is a much better player. carson was labeled as a sensational frosh by those who know the game. others who do not know the game thought he was a stiff. The kid as an 8th grader oozed with potential ! And now you see the total package. He is a man among boys ! Not saying that Collins is in the category than CD but he has alot of potential to be a very good player .

Name · 4 weeks ago

John Stark, Are you crazy. Where does it say in my blog that I posted that I said that that CC is recruiting players and should be penalized for recruiting violations. I said they ( CC ) could reload every year by getting players from N.H. and Ma.. I never said how they get them. Hey CCMafia. Ricky as you call him is all about CC. and CC does need players from all over not just N. Andover. Take a look at his roster now and from years past. Also don't ever say that I know nothing about CC. Because if there is one school I know about it's CC. John Stark, please don't start with Pinkenton ( CC of N.H. ) again.

Name · 4 weeks ago

John Stark, I said ( As you can see they don't play by the rules like a lawrence or methuen. ). Did they ( CC ) break rules. Of course not. I will say this so even you can understand. CC and other schools like CC ( BG, Pinkenton, etc ) should have there own Conference. This day is coming. CC,BG and even Pinkenton don't play by the rules like a Lawrence or a Methuen. Lets take Lawrence. Lawrence can't get players from N.Andover like CC can. Lawrence can only get Lawrence kids. Lawrence like Methuen and other school can only hope that none of there kids go to CC.

mvcfan21 · 4 weeks ago

Everyone has to stop being so jealous of central. lets be happy they are in our area! It always gives us something to read and talk about, and also they produce some very good athletes ! If these athletes are from our towns . Lets embrace that and be happy central is giving them a chance to further their playing careers .

Name · 4 weeks ago

WHAT. mvcfan21 jealous, come on. I just think by taken all of the areas best players from all areas and leaving teams hard press to find players makes it unfair. If you took all methuen and Lawrence players and put them back on there teams how powerful would these teams be. In all sports. I understand what CC is all about. CC should be in another Conference, maybe in a Catholic Conference. This day is coming. Jealous. No way.You go to a methuen game or a Lawrence game vs CC. and your getting beat by players that come from your city or town. In basketball CC is just to good for anyone to play against. Making the MVC go to a Smaal school and Large school Conference just to try to make it fair to compete with CC. Are they ( CC ) doing anything wrong. No, of course not. But, they should not be in the MVC. They play with different rules than all MVC teams. Please don't make me explain by what I mean by saying different rules.

mvcfan21 · 4 weeks ago

please explain!!!!! because I can also explain the Rules Methuen, Andover , lawrence, Haverhill play by! When you are good you do not have to recruit. These students chose to go there not only for good sports teams but also for a better well balanced school . Methuen,lawrence,Haverhill, Lowell come on who in there right mind would send a prospective athlete with good grades there. The school systems in those places are horrible ! Yes I do agree though central should be in another conference maybe it would be fair, but lets face it you people would still complain that they were taking your players. I think the MVC needs central because central brings the added rivalries . If central was not in the MVC they would be missed greatly. Why should we mess with tradition. Think of all the great games we've seen in the MVC . Think of all the great players we have watched . I believe having them in the MVC brings more exposure to our area schools and kids.JMO

Name · 4 weeks ago

mvcfan21, WOW. First things first. H.L., JS (a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way), are you 5yrs old. Back to you mvcfan21, why does everyone say I'm saying they ( CC ) is recruiting. I never said that. Now does CC offer there players in any sport that come to there school that they don't have to pay. Well we both know that is happening. mvcfan21 your right when you say that all area kids want to go to CC. Its there right to go were ever they want to. But to say the pulic school systems in those places are horrible. To say something like that means you are a small mined person. Alot of good people have come from the pulic school system. To think the only good school system is CC is way off base. Letting CC. leave the MVC would be a good thing. In football they can still play Andover and schedule some games with different teams from the MVC. They can do this in any sport that they want.

raider4life · 4 weeks ago

I love it...its not even November yet and the "its not fair" crowd has already starting chirping about Central.

Name, your argument is tired and old-give it up.
It is not really Central's fault if a student/athlete is wise enough to choose Central over the public alternatives in the MVC.

mvcfan21 · 4 weeks ago

I defanatley agree. If I had a kid that was living in lawrence and had a chance to make something of himself/herself and had the option of going to central or LHS im choosing Central. You call it small minded , I call it smart :) . I never said Central was the only good school system out there. But I will go on a limb and say it sends more kids to college than the previous schools mentioned ! Again if thats small minded so be it ! Bottom line if central was playing in another conference you would still be complaining that they took your kids. Now on the point of recruiting!!!!!!!!!!! First on my list is Andover: Do you remember the barret kids? Who were reading residents and ended up at Andover? Or how about Kevin polanco who was a lawrence kid who left central for andover. Didnt hear anybody complaining about fazio!!! Or how about Haverhill this year with their new forsh over there. I know from a very good source Scott Hazelton had everything to do with him going there. One day he's enrolled in georgetown high the next day Hazelton is taking him to Haverhill H.S . Bottom line this stuff goes on everywhere. So why dont we complain about that ?

Name · 4 weeks ago

Talk to me after CC playes Methuen in two weeks.

Name · 4 weeks ago

mvcfan21, First of all, nobody is complaining. Just giving the facts. raider4life, nobody is crying. You two act like anyone that wants to go to CC can. This is not true, no matter what your grades are. Not everyone has your type of money. Going to CC is 10,000 cash. Also they have 5 to 6000 kids a year trying to get in. They could only pick 125 boys out of that. If your a really good player in any sport that does come into play. If they are good enoght to play on one of the teams. We all know that they don't need 10,000 cash. mvcfan21, What you are saying about recruiting, doesn't happen in Lawrence and methuen and other schools in the MVC. Now are you saying what they do at Pinkenton ( CC of N.H. ) happens at Andover. Well that another story. You say ( I will go on a limb and say it sends more kids to college than the previous schools mentioned ). But how many of its athlete finish college. Thats about even. If central was playing in another conference I would not be complaining. To me thats a good thing for all of MVC.

raider4life · 4 weeks ago

Name, you are all over the place changing your argument as you see fit...I never acted or said anyone can go to Central...I make the exact opposite argument to retort your childish "its not fair" argument.
It is not easy to get into Central, EVERY student who wishes to attend must take and pass the entrance exam. Like you said Central is a VERY competitive school and all aspects of an aspiring student are considered before those difficult decisions are made...the least of which is athletic talent (believe that or not-but Central is a very diverse high school -not just a jock factory). Then of course there is the issue of tuition which is no joke at just under 10K-but that is the greatest deal in the area for a high quality high school education.
This all supports the argument that Central doesn't just take a kid from another town-the kid need to work hard and study to make the grades to play-(not as easy as the public option) as well as be able to pay tuition.
Clearly I am biased I will admit that-but I harbor no ill feelings for the likes of Lawrence, Methuen or Haverhill...I want to see these schools have success (as that is great for the MVC) just not at Central's expense.
Let me ask you, what is you real motivation for wanting Central in a different conference? a couple more wins for the Rangers? or are you just sick of reading about Central beating your teams?

Don't short change the student athletes at Central either...State Championship appearances are not guaranteed when you done the Blue & Red. These kids work extremely hard to win on the field and off-at Central you are taught to not worry about what is "fair" and just bust your hump to get to where you want to go-no matter what hurdles you encounter along the way be it a State Championship or chance at college.
See you in two weeks-hope your boys come to play.

Name · 4 weeks ago

So far, recruiting violations, crying, complaining and if anyone that wants to go to CC can go. Anyone. raider4life, you say ( you are all over the place changing your argument as you see fit ). Wrong, read what you posted before your last one. You cut down public school system and than you praise them. Your all over the place. 10,000.00 cash is alot of money. You give CC to much credit. If you are a star athlete you don't have to pay to go to CC. Also if you did go to CC you know what I'm saying is right on. At CC there are 3 levels of education. Which we all know that the 3rd level is the lowest and we know star athletes take and they only have to pass. Just like other star athletes in public schools. Just stating facts. I would love for CC to leave the MVC. CC is and will alway be way above any MVC school in sports. That will give all MVC teams a chance. CC being in the MVC gives no one a chance. CC should be in a Catholic Conference. Hey JS (a great Granite Stater if there ever was one by the way) raider4life is saying that Andover is recruiting. Not a word out of you.

raider4life · 4 weeks ago

Name, please do not put words in my mouth/blog comments.
I never mentioned Andover once in any of my posts-let alone accuse them of recruiting.

Your quote here..."Central in the MVC gives no one a chance"

You don't sound like an educated MVC sports fan with comments like that. You really should give the other MVC teams more credit than that.
I know Methuen hasn't had much success against Central but the Andovers, Chelmsfords and Billericas have.

EllsburySteals · 2 weeks ago

Ok name. You say that all of Central's athletes star athletes just coast in the level 3 programs but you couldn't be more inaccurate. I was in level 3 and I didnt play sports there. Kevin McCaron grad of 07 was one of the top hockey players in MA was an honor student. he was a top student as well. He attends Providence. does not play hockey there. He got in on grades. Yeah sure some athletes are in the level 3 which is standard college prep. Which is the same as level 2 at any public high school. Some kids have learning disabilties and need to be in level 3 courses but if they were in a public high school they would be in an even lower level course 9 times out of 10. Everyone pays even the star athletes they might have financial aid which is available to everyone at the school.

Name · 4 weeks ago

You are right. My mistake. It was mvcfan21 that said Andover was recruiting. raider4life, any team like CC that can reload at any time will never give a MVC team a chance to win anything. Tell me when the last time Chelmsford or Billerica beat CC in basketball.

mvcfan21 · 4 weeks ago

If you think Andover and those other schools dont recruit you are very wrong !!!!! I dont here anybody crying about when central loses a player. If the roles were reversed and collins wwas leaving north andover for central you all would be up and arms about it. Fact of the matter is some of these school systems are not a good option for student athletes. lets look at methuen remember the polanco kid a few years back? He was a failing student at Methuen left for a prep school and now is going to play college basketball, Romeo Diaz very good player flunking student at Methuen goes to a prep school now has a full ride to Umass Lowell, or how about george niang ? Playing at one of the finest prep schools in new england (Tilton) Thats just an example : Right there is enough to tell me there is a problem over there in methuen. As a parent why would I send my kid there? Lawrence really dont need to speak on that one just have to read the news papers .

Central basketball:
Leo parent-umass lowell
bobby Licare-umass lowell
Mike Dunn-Merrimack
Mike trovato-Bentley
Scott Hazelton-URI
Johnathan Cruz-URI
Marquis victor-Assumption
Tom Sipsey-Merrimack
Tom Oshea- Amherst
Jennifer Chuks-Hartford
Lani hall-Lemoyne
Bridgett heargarty-St.Mikes
Kaite Z- BC
Wifredo Pagan-Merrimack
Adrian g- Bentley
Billy marsden- SNHU
Carson D-Wake forrest
Jimmy Z -TBA but defanately will play in college
Tim Wheeler- URI

And thats just B-ball aand im sure im missing more. Imagine if I put in Football,track, baseball,hockey,soccer,golf .

The trend that Im seeing is that Central does right by there student athletes . I'll take my chances with them !!!!

Name · 4 weeks ago

mvcfan21 you have a problem. I sorry for you. I really do think you need help. In your small mine you really believe a kid from any city or town that does not do well in a public school, is the schools fault. No way. Are you telling me that all kids leaving any public school is not going to college. Your telling me that all kids going to public school fail. You have a list. Don't you think in that small mine of yours that I could put a list as big as your. Just to let you know. Not everyone can go to CC..Being in a public school is not a bad thing. It's easy to pound on Lawrence High. There are kids that go to school every day and learn and are good kids and will go to college. I'm sorry for your problem. If your what CC is all about, than no one should go there.

lawtown56765 · 4 weeks ago

didnt methuen beat central last year?

hoopdad · 4 weeks ago

You may want to check those players you mentioned from CC. and see how much they contributed to Bentley and other colleges?? I believe 1 only lasted 1 year in the program. There is nothing wrong with public schools. You stay on your kids and keep there grades up and good things will happen. You want to blame somebody then look in the mirror!!

Name · 3 weeks ago

hoopdad, thanks for backing me up. Not everyone can go to a CC. lawtown56765, Yes, they did win last year and they will win this year. That is not the point. CC will reload and Methuen and others from the MVC will not beat CC for a good 10yrs. When was the last time Methuen beat CC. It would be good for the MVC if CC goes into another Conference . They are trying to make it fair now, but its not going to work. Right now the way they have it set up with the small and large school Conference. Methuen playing CC is just a game with really no meaning. 1pt for the winner. CC in D-1, Methuen in D-2. Won't meet again, even if both teams make playoffs. But to all large school teams it does matter. CC in all sports are just to good. That is a fact. Going into another Conference will give all large schools a chance.

hoopdad · 3 weeks ago

I agree that CC should be in a different conference because they are at a advantage. I'm not sure about no one beating them for the next 10 years

Name · 3 weeks ago

MVC teams have good years. CC have great years. When they reload and put a great team out there in any sport, look out. Even when there are having a down year you still have to play them hard. CC knows how to win. Its all about winning over there ( CC ). You want to be the best, you have to go thru them. Every year is the same. Even when there having a down year. Hey, its not just in the MVC. Look at Pinkenton ( CC of N.H. ). They need to be in another Conference. So does BG. These teams reload every year. Even when they have down years you still have to play them hard. These teams know how to win. Now for some reason people from all over love it. People love the idea that CC, Pinkenton ( CC of N.H. and BG keep winning and no one else can. the way to being the best is thru them. Hey, that OK, I'm just not one of them. When there having a down year other teams can win, but you know 7 out of 10 times these teams win it all. Is it the schools fault, no. CC in basketball this year is a joke. Its going to be practice game after practice game. Don't let hoops for hoop or the fall league fool you. CC will sent a massage when they play Andover to the rest of the league. CC is back.

hoopdad · 3 weeks ago

6'10" players are not growing off of trees. That happens every 15-20 years. Let's see how easy these PRACTICE games are 2 years from now!

daviddose · 3 weeks ago

Not sure how this went from a freshman leaving central to all other MVC schools. In a recent advertisement for central in the trib there were three pictures first of a priest, next of the cchs girls celebrating at center court, third was a classroom. Religion, athletics and then academics, thats about right. They must do a fine job preparing these kids for college, ADRIAN "where are you" walking the streets of Lawrence. marquise how was Assumption? Carlos how was merrimack? Mark Russell where are you?????

Ranger J · 3 weeks ago

mvcfan21....students at Methuen go on to just as good of schools as students anywhere else. Harvard, BU, MIT, Syracuse, UCLA, UNC, you name it. Plus, if you are looking at two students with equal resumes, one from Central and one from Methuen, chances are if the college can take only one of them, they will choose the one from Methuen. Go ask anyone in a guidance department about that. The honors & AP courses at the public schools you refer to are just as rigorous and abundant as those offered at Central. Actually more so, given the multitude of choices that they have....compare course offerings at Central compared to those schools. They don't lie. I'm not knocking Central (and believe me, I am firmly in the corner of those who believe that Central should be in their own conference), but for you to say that "the school systems in those places are horrible!" is so ignorant. Step inside those schools before you open your mouth.
Plus, Romeo Diaz is a great kid who earned a diploma from MHS. Taking the year off in between high school and UMass Lowell was the best thing for him, both in regards to his academics and basketball. Don't knock Romeo, MHS or anyone involved in the decision to hold off on starting college, when you don't know all of the facts!

Name · 3 weeks ago

Don't forget Jonathan who attended two schools and now does not. Fair to say more talented players from public schools are doing better in college basketball. Tristan Shannon, Salem State (ahs), Kevin Polanco Trinity (ahs) Tunde Agboola, Boston Univeristy (Honors program) Romeo Diaz (mhs), Umass Lowell, Josh Paulino (mhs) University of New Haven, Casey Cosgrove (AHS) (Adelphi), Chris and Greg Vetrano (AHS) (St. A's) Fernando Perez (lowell) (WPI) Steve Boudreau NA (Keene), Want to go back a few years how about Rigo Nunez (lhs) Tommy mclaughlin , andover, Bruno Zanotti (andover) Eddie Colon (lawrence) Rich Barden(Methuen) Brian Bettano (Methuen), John Mcveigh (North Andover) Paul Neal (Tech) Kirk Stockwood (andover). The list is long and stronger. Ask Marquis Victor how much Central prepared him for his 8 week stay at Assumption. Good Luck to young Derek Collins real basketball people wish you the best of Luck. In regards to Central Catholic in the MVC (The only Catholic school in the state playing in a public school conference), they belong in the Catholic Conference but believe me Andover, Lawrence and Methuen will still scheule CC as a non-league opponent and the Christmas Tourney will allow all this rivalry to continue. The sad part of this is its not a great coach and person Rick Nault and outstanding young men Carson and Billy talking its a misinformed and short sighted individual who does not have his facts straight Let the Games begin

Name · 3 weeks ago

daviddose, WHAT. Ranger J and Name ( not this Name ) great blog. I really like what you posted. Stick around it could get very weird.

mvcfan21 · 3 weeks ago

There are plenty of good athletes in our area! Name you seem to be bouncing all over the place. This thing started with you throwing out aquisations that central recruits. I do not think this is the case . Now if you are a kid from lawrence and you have a chance to go play at a Central get a good education , play on a good team, and further your career with less distractions why wouldnt you go that route? Lawrence has a graduation rate of 35% the drop out rate is 36% . Now what we need to realize is that central brings alot of Pub to the MVC . Without them you would have a sub par league . Its decent at best with central. Bottom line if the coaches in the MVC would get involved with these kids at a much younger age then maybe they would be able to retain some talent. Im not a big fazio fan but he does a great job with that. He is very active in the community with the younger kids and he coaches at a school with a 90% graduation rate ! Thats why he will always compete! Boyle over in lowell did a great job with keeping his kids ! Look at Mike trovato over in haverhill hes got one of the best players in the MVC in Super Frosn Noah Vonleau. That kid will be the best player in the mvc next year once CD is gone . Lawrence is in a tough spot because the city is in shambles!!!! I think Paul does the best he can. He has the toughest job probably in the state . he loses tons of talent every year to central and also prep schools ! Whats the excuse of methuen? What good ball players have they produced since Brian Bettano? Romeo left,Polinoft, george naing left. They left because the program is a joke and the coach over there has no control. Trust me romeo's grades were horrible, along with polinoI know both of them and im glad they got their lives straight no thanks to methuen. Even if central wasnt in the MVC methuen would still be bottom of the barrel

rickgorman · 3 weeks ago

MVC Fan 21 needs a little help with spelling as well as a dose of reality. Noah Vonleh who will be a good player in the MVC will not be the best player in the MVC after CD leaves. If he stays at Haverhill four years he will have a fine career but easy on the mvp award in his sophomore year. In regards to Methuen, MVC Fan 21 does not know the program or the man running the program and definately has a personal issue with Methuen. In Rich Barden's four years as head coach he has won two MVC Small TITLES, was named Coach of the Year twice and qualified for the State Tourney three times. Josh Paulino did not graduate Methuen he reclassified and transferred to Pomfret where he then earned a scholarship to the University of New Haven. Romeo Diaz did graduate from Methuen High school and after doing a semester of post graduate work applied, was accepted and given a scholarship to Umass Lowell. Tunde Agboola from Coach Barden's first year became the first walk on to play for Coach Dennis Wolf at Boston University. Tunde will graduate with Honors and spend four years in a d1 program. All three of these individuals credit Coach Barden for not only teaching them to be good basketball players but also be fine young men. In terms of who Methuen loses and why there are many reasons. As Jimmy Zenevitch's and Georges Niang's (that is how you spell it) youth coach and AAU coach you donot have a clue. In the 4th grade I knew Jimmy was attending CC as his father is an active alumni and his sister was going there. Georges Niang is at Tilton for a chance to be in small classes and the family decision to not attend Methuen had nothing to do with Coach Barden. Methuen will always lose students to CC and the reasons will vary. As far as getting involved with younger players Coach Barden and his staff is active with MYBA, runs clinics and the next three fridays will be running a pre-season clinic fro middle school students. As far as no control you are so out of touch ask any kid in the program, ask Coaches Fazio, McVeigh, Neal, Boyle, Nault, Trovato,ask Merrimack Valley refs, ask Romeo, Josh and Tunde, ask any kid who has played in the program and they will all tell you Methuen is doing things right. Just last night at a fall league game two MVC coaches commented on how hard Methuen plays and how their players carry themselves. Oh yeah besides Josh, Tunde and Romeo there is Juan Inoa, Edwin Gonzalez and Matt Richardson all in college and playing hoop not too shabby in Rich Bardens' first four years. Please know your facts before writing and if you have a personal agenda stop hiding behind the mvc fan21 nickname and communicate. Hector thank you for your coverage of area high school basketball and we all look forward to a great season of hs hoops

Name · 3 weeks ago

mvcfan21, give it up. Your a very small mined man and it shows in your blog that you post. No more, the hole you dug is deep. Stop blogging. We all know you are a racist. You only see things one way.

daviddose · 3 weeks ago

MVC FAN 21 come out from behind the username probably a reference to Scott Hazleton was he #21 hmmmm could be a few people. VP,MT,???? Any ways as someone who watched my son play against Romeo Diaz I have to say he is one of the most resepected people in many communities and speaking with his college coach he told me he was one of the most all around well rounded people he has ever....thanks DD