Whitestation vs. Melrose... Tuesday Feb 2nd, who ya got?

[FirestoneTigers]

Ok guys being a Melrose Alum and fan for life, im totally shocked. It is simple Whitestation Did not beat Melrose they beat them self. With 2:10 left in the game Melrose was up 12. They missed 12 FTs within 2 minutes. Rucker prob should have been in for defense only but u cant blame him when Parks and Chris Jones missed 4 in a row and they suppose to be the good shooters. Never should have had Nate in there late. Why WS big men was giving them no problem at all. The only thing I have a Prob with JJ is for some reason he always take the foot off the Gas. White Station had no answer for Melrose. In the First half when they was going to nate Neither big man could stop him. Can someone tell me why these 21st century coaches play outside in instead of inside out? They go to him twice in the second half. He call too many darn plays. I will run one play all night if its working. Nino was still in the game in the first half with 3 fouls how do u not go right at him. Congrats to White Station for winning but Melrose Choked and gave it to them. If u cant count on Jones and Parks to make FTs, who can u trust? Choked Choked Choked. Trader u right Melrose is 20 points better than WS I see how Ridgeway beat them as bad as they do. But Henning is an experienced coach he not going to go in cruise control. U have to play 32 minutes not 30.

EVERY SINGLE WORD in that comment is the Grade-A truth. I have nothing else to possibly add. That comment should close the topic.

[TraderB]

 

TraderB The Rucker Situation is very unfortunate because there is no one there to develop him. Im told its all JJ that has Nate constantly dogging to the rim. Got to remember he is the 5th option on the floor So u only going to get 5 to 6 shots a night. He has had some big games this year. Out of town he has been outstanding because ref call more college level games. Ricardo Patton said he dont not want any of that agressive play to go away, because on the next level he going to need it. Big man coach will develop and get him in the mentality to change that. He will be a better college player than high school. I think the same of Black also. I thought he was the factor in the first half. Player cant develop until u go to him. Take him off the floor and see how melrose play. Not so good. They got to have him in games and on the floor to win this year. Central game showed that.

 

I understand.

 

Rucker's aggression is OK; he just needs to learn to control it.

 

I agree that Rucker will be a better College player. For one thing, they will have the coaching necessary to develop his game, make him more well-rounded and versatile. That's when he'll likely make the critical "jump" to playing with more controlled aggression! I see Rucker blossoming by his Junior year, provided he commits 100% to improving his offensive game.

 

Rucker is unquestionably a critical part of Melrose's performance, especially defensively. As you pointed out, that Central game underscored Rucker's importance. While Rucker's offensive production is not the focal point of Melrose's ofense, Rucker's physical presence and relentless play (regardless of points scored) often causes problems for opposing team's big men. It certainly caused problems for White Station, getting them into foul trouble.

 

As for Tarik Black, I think that he is going to be an outstanding player @ the next level! I won't be shocked to see him ultimately average a double-double (points/rebounds), by his Sophomore year at the University Of Memphis. Heck, depending on how much work he puts in next Summer, I honestly believe that Tarik could ultimately crack the starting lineup during his Freshman year!

 

Nothing against Rucker, but Tarik is clearly a better/ more skillful big-man at this point, from what I've observed. Tarik plays with that "controlled" aggression, possesses both a power and outstanding finesse game, and he is an outstanding post-defender! Ridgeway plays exponentially better, with Tarik in the lineup.

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At the end of the day, whille Nate Rucker and Tarik Black's skill-set may vary widely, they do share one hugely important common denominator: Their physical presence on the court makes a dramatic difference in how well their teams perform, overall.

[knoxbball]

 

TraderB The Rucker Situation is very unfortunate because there is no one there to develop him. Im told its all JJ that has Nate constantly dogging to the rim. Got to remember he is the 5th option on the floor So u only going to get 5 to 6 shots a night. He has had some big games this year. Out of town he has been outstanding because ref call more college level games. Ricardo Patton said he dont not want any of that agressive play to go away, because on the next level he going to need it. Big man coach will develop and get him in the mentality to change that. He will be a better college player than high school. I think the same of Black also. I thought he was the factor in the first half. Player cant develop until u go to him. Take him off the floor and see how melrose play. Not so good. They got to have him in games and on the floor to win this year. Central game showed that.

 

I understand.

 

Rucker's aggression is OK; he just needs to learn to control it.

 

I agree that Rucker will be a better College player. For one thing, they will have the coaching necessary to develop his game, make him more well-rounded and versatile. That's when he'll likely make the critical "jump" to playing with more controlled aggression! I see Rucker blossoming by his Junior year, provided he commits 100% to improving his offensive game.

 

Rucker is unquestionably a critical part of Melrose's performance, especially defensively. As you pointed out, that Central game underscored Rucker's importance. While Rucker's offensive production is not the focal point of Melrose's ofense, Rucker's physical presence and relentless play (regardless of points scored) often causes problems for opposing team's big men. It certainly caused problems for White Station, getting them into foul trouble.

 

As for Tarik Black, I think that he is going to be an outstanding player @ the next level! I won't be shocked to see him ultimately average a double-double (points/rebounds), by his Sophomore year at the University Of Memphis. Heck, depending on how much work he puts in next Summer, I honestly believe that Tarik could ultimately crack the starting lineup during his Freshman year!

 

Nothing against Rucker, but Tarik is clearly a better/ more skillful big-man at this point, from what I've observed. Tarik plays with that "controlled" aggression, possesses both a power and outstanding finesse game, and he is an outstanding post-defender! Ridgeway plays exponentially better, with Tarik in the lineup.

-------------------------------------------

 

At the end of the day, whille Nate Rucker and Tarik Black's skill-set may vary widely, they do share one hugely important common denominator: Their physical presence on the court makes a dramatic difference in how well their teams perform, overall.

 

Excellent comments Trader as usual. Both them guys I think will do well on the next level. Tarik will have more time to learn while Nate at northern will have to do it quick. Northern is loosing all their post but center. So he will be in the line up pretty quick.

[nebuntyn]

Trader, I don't think Whitestation will lose to Central, I think mentally WS has central number... This goes back to the 20 point comeback in the regionals last year. WS might lose to Melrose... But that would only give them one lost in the district, nobody else will beat Whitestation in the district. Therefore you will probably see Ridgeway vs. Whitestation again in the city championship. Although I would love to see RW vs Melrose.

[JodyJoe]

Well you guys totally wrapped up this thread. I think Central can be White Station only if Tim Peete and Cameron Clear have big games! Clear was shockingly quiet the last time they played and anybody with a solid post game can give White Station problems. Has White Station already played Memphis East twice? If not then the Mustangs(who the Spartans only beat by 2) have a chance to sting them! At this point Melrose will need to win both rematches, but coming in third in their region may not be that bad. That would mean a first round matchup in Regionals with Southwind or Ridgeway.

 

Also Jonathon 'J3' Williams is finally back and will be playing this friday against the Roadrunners. Thoughts opinions?

[yankees8589]

Anybody can get beat in Memphis but when all is said and done I'm sticking with Melrose to go to the state and win it all. Will that happen......who knows? They have so much talent that they can overwhelm even the best teams. Every game is different but when post season starts watch out for Melrose.......I really believe that.

[knoxbball]

just found out some BS that really stinks. Nate Rucker is suspended 2 games. Tonight against Hamilton and Friday against Central. For getting the technicals against central the fist time. The timing stinks.

[TraderB]

Trader, I don't think Whitestation will lose to Central, I think mentally WS has central number... This goes back to the 20 point comeback in the regionals last year. WS might lose to Melrose... But that would only give them one lost in the district, nobody else will beat Whitestation in the district. Therefore you will probably see Ridgeway vs. Whitestation again in the city championship. Although I would love to see RW vs Melrose.

 

NeBuntyn, I'm inclined to agree with you--for three reasons:

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1) White Station's front court matched up surprisingly and exceedingly well vs Central, last time out.

 

2) The manner in which White Station defeated Central. It was in convincing fashion, despite the final score.

 

3) White Station's back-court duo of Jackson and Hollins have shown themselves to be better "clutch" performers than Central's, head-to-head.

------------------------------------------

 

Gosh, I really would hate to see a White Station/Ridgeway City-Championship matchup. I does seem more likely than not, however....unfortunately!

 

I honestly think that most (neutral) fans would want to see Melrose and Ridgeway hook up!

 

Oh well....

[nebuntyn]

Trader, I don't think Whitestation will lose to Central, I think mentally WS has central number... This goes back to the 20 point comeback in the regionals last year. WS might lose to Melrose... But that would only give them one lost in the district, nobody else will beat Whitestation in the district. Therefore you will probably see Ridgeway vs. Whitestation again in the city championship. Although I would love to see RW vs Melrose.

I would love to see Melrose Vs Ridgeway also.... I think we will still get our wish at some point this season.

 

NeBuntyn, I'm inclined to agree with you--for three reasons:

----------------------------------------------------------

 

1) White Station's front court matched up surprisingly and exceedingly well vs Central, last time out.

 

2) The manner in which White Station defeated Central. It was in convincing fashion, despite the final score.

 

3) White Station's back-court duo of Jackson and Hollins have shown themselves to be better "clutch" performers than Central's, head-to-head.

------------------------------------------

 

Gosh, I really would hate to see a White Station/Ridgeway City-Championship matchup. I does seem more likely than not, however....unfortunately!

 

I honestly think that most (neutral) fans would want to see Melrose and Ridgeway hook up!

 

Oh well....

[TraderB]

Well you guys totally wrapped up this thread. I think Central can be White Station only if Tim Peete and Cameron Clear have big games! Clear was shockingly quiet the last time they played and anybody with a solid post game can give White Station problems. Has White Station already played Memphis East twice? If not then the Mustangs(who the Spartans only beat by 2) have a chance to sting them! At this point Melrose will need to win both rematches, but coming in third in their region may not be that bad. That would mean a first round matchup in Regionals with Southwind or Ridgeway.

 

Also Jonathon 'J3' Williams is finally back and will be playing this friday against the Roadrunners. Thoughts opinions?

 

White Station has a brutal stretch of 3 games, to close out the regular season. They could easily go 0-3 or 3-0. They play AT East in their final game.....I'd hate to see RW and Melrose meet up in that early in the playoffs, where the loser goes home!

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JodyJoe, I'm glad to hear that Southwind is back @ full strength.

 

I have no doubt that J3 is a solid player. I just don't think that he has enough skill or experience (as a Freshman or Soph?) with which to neutralize Ridgeway's Tarik Black, for 4 quarters. Yet, that is precisely what J3 will need to do -- in order for Southwind to turn the tables on RW.

 

Since this game is being played at Southwind, though, I will not be shocked to see the Jags finally get over that Roadrunner hump.

 

Ridgeway by 3 to 7 points.

[JodyJoe]

J3 won't be counted on to neutralize to Black. He'll be counted on to match his production which he should be able to do even as simply a freshman. He'll also be able to take Black away from the basket since he can knock down the 3.

[terop]

White Station has already went to East and played them....2 point win