DISQUS

the antiraider · 10 months ago

Hector, a two-parter:
Do you see any team around the state that could challenge Central?
Do you think the Raiders have a weakness, if so what is it?

Hector longo · 10 months ago

AR,

Way to get us rolling here.
On the first part, sure there are good teams out there, who could stick Central Catholic on any given day.
Maybe even an Andover or Lowell, although I'm not sold on the new-look Red Raiders yet.
If Central has a weakness, we haven't really seen it yet.
I think what Haverhill did last Friday night, spreading the floor against Central and pulling Carson and the other bigs away from the hoop was a quality start.
I might have done things a little differently, doubled on Carson a bit off everybody but Marsden, Zenevitch and Alvarez to see if the others could beat them.
Also, the Hillies ignored Charlie Roche in the second half. He hurt Central badly in the first half. If you haven't seen Roche, he might be the best-kept secret in the region.
He's a D1 college soccer player, but he's not far behind when it comes to hoops as far as a high school talent goes.
But if there is a weakness, it's what happens when you put the ball in the other guys' hands. Can they answer the call when it matters?

DevilDog10 · 10 months ago

Hector,

I've got my Blue Devils making it three straght here in new hampshire. Josh Jones is on his game, and mike Kimballe is the man.
Who can beat us?

Hector Longo · 10 months ago

'sup Dog,
Salem wouldn't be considered a favorite by any stretch, although the Class L race is still in diapers. i'm not buying 5-0 Exeter, which is yet to beat a team ovr .500.
In fact, if I was going to rank the teams in Class L, I'd go:
1. Trinity
2. memorial
3. Pinkerton
4. ??????? Perhaps Salem.


HL

AndoverFan · 10 months ago

Hector,

My Golden Warriors gave Brockton a good run on Monday. With Arnold and Polanco and the guys playing well and now Brian Miller taking on a bigger role, Can the Golden Warriors make a good run?

Hector Longo · 10 months ago

And Fan,

There my have been no bigger fan of that team, your team, than Hlongo ... until last night.
If Andover wants to be taken seriously, they can't be spotting a team like Dracut at 22-point lead.The Middies were what, 3-5 coming in.
There's too much talent in Andover, not to walk on the floor and take a victory.
Like to see the emergence of Miller. He and Bramanti mean the program will be in good shape in the future.
I think the Warrior key is Kevin Polanco. when he's on his game, slashing and attacking, active on defense, Andover ratchets things up a notch. When he's not a factor, this team drops a tad.
HL

Randy from Methuen · 10 months ago

YO HECTOR, MY MAN!
My Central boys -- are they the best in the state? It's a simple question.

MVCguy · 10 months ago

Hey Hector,

I enjoyed the All-Time team this week. Who's your all-floorburn team in the area this year, the guys who just leave it all out there and play every game like it's their last?

Hector Longo · 10 months ago

Randy,
Your Raiders are ridonculous. I just wanted to use that word. i'd have to say that yes, Central is the heavy choice to win a state title.
MVCGuy!!!!
Great call on the All-FLoorburn team. Give me a couple days to come up with it.
Great idea!!!
HL

MVCguy · 10 months ago

Sounds good, HL- Looking forward to it!

James · 10 months ago

Hector,
I agree with you about how to beat Central, the problem is how many teams have 4-5 guys to spread the floor on offense while still being able to defend well at the other end. Did you see the Andover- Brockton game? How do you think a CC- Brockton game would go? As for Andover, I think they will be fine, all they need are a couple of W's to get some confidence back and they will be a tough team come the end of the year.

Ken · 10 months ago

Hey Hector,
The Rangers of Methuen are now 7-5 and knocking on the door of the state tourney and undefeated in the MVC Small. Your thoughts on Barden's bunch? I don't think I'd want them as a first round matchup.
Ken

Fib1106 · 10 months ago

Methuen Coach Barden and Dracut Coach Paquette are UNDERRATED.

Aside to Hector re Dracut Middie bashing:

Last year Dracut was 15-6.
This year they are 6-5, with losses to undefeated Westford, Lowell, and Acton Boxboro. Don't diss the Middies. They are tough in every sport right now.

Floorburn Team · 10 months ago

All Floorburn Team Suggestions:
Mike White
Frank Morris
Dave Fazio
Jim Arnold

Jabba · 10 months ago

Sign me up-The late Frank Morris-one of the all-time greats!

Granitom · 10 months ago

Just back from the CC-Methuen game. The Rangers are a scrappy bunch and came at Billy Marsden with a very tight box-and-one. Not sure why other teams haven't at least tried this. CC was up 6 or 7 after a low-scoring first half and Methuen was pumped. Then the second half started and it was lights out. Methuen could never get much going offensively and the Raiders got into a flow. Michael Alvarez came off the bench to score 18, Billy finally got off a few shots and suddenly Central's up 25. The final margin was 30+. It's become clear that you need to play four very complete, nose-to-the-grindstone quarters to even stay in the game vs. Central. A two minute lapse and you're done. Also, credit Coach Nault with mixing in some 2-3 zone today to extend the defense a bit and stay out of foul trouble. Central has a tough stretch coming up with Dracut, at Lowell, and at Andover. If they get through unscathed, look for the 2/9 game vs. Hendricken to be a doozy.

Hector Longo · 10 months ago

Tom,
"if they get through unscathed?"
Who have we seen out there yet that has stopped, or even scathed, Central?
That said, you're right. Things are just starting to percolate at the right time.

HL