Massachusetts March Madness: We look at the role of high school sports tournaments in our lives as student-athletes.
Hockey Clan Scholarship Contest: Earn 1,000: Write an essay on hockey to be eligible to earn a $1,000 scholarship. Students should let Mr. Molloy know you applied. Click here for contest details. Deadline is March 1st. (Winner receives Final Exemption)
Will McDonough Writing Contest: All students will submit an essay for the Will McDonough Writing Contest. Maybe 1-2 students will join the past Hanover winners! (Winner receives Final Exemption)
March Writing Prompts
First Round State Tournament: This week was the start of the quest to survive and advance in the state tournament. The goal to take it one game at a time and be the last team standing, a State Champion. This week, there were FOUR first round games (an incredible accomplishment, with FOUR home games). Comment on your experiences as a player, manager, hype man, fan, and student. Be as detailed as you can: Where did you sit? Who played well? What were your emotions? How did you find out? You can talk about the 1st round collectively or you can focus on one specific game. (If you have work or other commitments, follow the teams and Mr. Hutch on twitter. Also read articles on the game.) Also think about non-high school March Madness The President’s League.
Quarterfinal Round State Tournament: ALL FOUR TEAMS advanced to the next round. (Girls hockey in a bracket of 29 advanced to the 1st round).
Tough Loss: Tournament games can often come down to a lucky bounce, 50 / 50 call, or last second heroics. Hanover hockey has advanced and been eliminated on an overtime loss or shoot out.
Describe your experience watching / participating in either the boys or girls hockey game. (Also president’s cup)
The games could have went either way. To play an entire game and / or two overtime periods means the teams are evenly matched. Share a time when you were involved in an evenly matched game that was decided in the final seconds. Describe your role, emotions, and thoughts on the game looking back.
Deciding a winner: A shoot out is one of the worst ways to decide a winner. A team game comes down to a 1 on 1 contest. It is extremely pressurized and has even resulted in a suicide.
There is no more exciting time in winter sports than March Madness and the high school playoffs. It is a time when the school and community come to support our teams.
Young athletes look up to high school players as heroes. A young athlete thinks “Someday I want to wear that uniform (and maybe his / her favorite player’s number). I want to play at the Garden. I want to be the player who is the one in position to make the game winning play.” High School athletes are role models for the young athletes on the team. These youngster dream one day of being just like you!!! (Scary!)
Super 8 Hockey Would you rather be a #8 seed in a tournament you probably would not win or be a #1 seed in a tournament that you have a much better chance of winning?
First Round (16 teams): 3/5 Walpole defeats Cohasset / Hanover 1 – 0 in double OT at the Bog. Mariner Article
Prompts do not have to focus on a winter sport. It can be any season.
Writing Prompt:March Madness & Me: As we return from vacation, and look back on the winter season, we look forward with excitement and anticipation. Some of you have a more active role in the madness. Many of you will be living vicariously through our teams. All of you will have varying degrees of investment in the teams.
ALL Youth March Madness: Describe your involvement following the high school winter teams as an elementary and middle school student. What sports did your follow? Did you attend any tournament games or state championships? Describe your experiences. What do you remember about the games? Who were the players? What was the atmosphere? What were your emotions (when they won, lost)? What were your dreams THEN? Have you realized any of those dreams. Did any of your siblings play? Describe your experience following these teams.
Choose ONE! (2 paragraphs)
High school team member prompt: Describe your role on your team and evaluate the season so far. Describe the reaction to the bracket, your seed, and your expectations for the tournament. Analyze your role on the team and what the most important thing you as a member on the team can do in your role to help the team achieve the most success.
Over the years your role in the program has changed. In a paragraph describe your state tournaments experiences as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. Also include your fan experiences following other teams.
High school non-team member prompt: Describe your interest in the upcoming state tournaments. There are 4 teams competing (basketball & hockey). Explain your interest in these teams. Have your followed them this season? Do you attend games regularly? What are your thoughts on seeing them play so far.
What are your plans for the rest of the season? Will you be a loyal fan following the teams as they advance? Will you be active in cheering? Will you be selective about the teams you follow? What will be the factors in whether you attend the games. Which team do you wish the most success and why?
Josh Drean is a great speaker for high school and middle school students! We hope to connect with him in the future to learn more about the role sports has played in his life and career.
Watch over several weeks. Too long to watch all at once. Focus on discussion questions for each segment. Select several writing prompts to be expanded on.
Hoop Dreams is a GREAT documentary. It could not have been written any better. It is a long documentary. It is best to watch it over a few weeks. Each segment will have plenty of discussion topics and writing prompts.
#1 William and Arthur Age 14: Writing Prompt: “I think about playing in the NBA.” “He just doing what he loves.” What were you athletic dreams when you were 14 / 8th grade? Reflecting on your athletic career so far (Glory Days), evaluate your career. How close have you come to reaching your potential? “Joe, that’s me.” I just know he will make.” Practicing NBA moves.
Did you every have “crazy” dreams of playing in the pros?
#2 Earl Smith Talent Scout: “Beating the bushes who love helping the youngsters. “1st step. I will bet you a steak dinner, you will be hearing from him in 4 years.
Is it a little crazy to recruit players in 8th grade to play in high school
#3 Isaiah Thomas’s High School: St. Joe’s Camp: Earl takes Arthur to St. Joseph’s for a recruiting visit.Unofficial talent scout. Freshman coaches. a “recruiting visit.” It will give St. Joe’s coaches a chance to see Arthur perform. Playing advice. “I gotta get my books straight and hopefully come out and impress the coaches. Yes it is [scary]. I have never been to a school, different kids, different places (MetCo). My 1st time seeing him up close. Playing one-on-one with Isaiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) “different kids and different races.” Isaiah had personality, the total confidence. I think I see it on one kid. He flows with smothness and confidence that you don’t see in every player. He could become a great player.” EXPECTATIONS
“I am making a commitment to you if you make a commitment to the program.” There are a few others that Coach Pingatore is recruiting.
Isaiah Thomas “the fundamentals of team basketball (Bad Boys 30 for 30) Procamps IT 2 pay $1,200 to play 1 vs. 1 for about 3 minutes.
#4 Family Dreams: Curtis: “All my dreams is in him now. I want him to make it so bad I don’t know what to do.” Curtis “A high school diploma was very important to me.” Mom “My mother she was like mother and father to me. She didn’t want me hanging around with all the gangs.If I go to St. Joe’s at least I get a chance to go to a good college.” Bo Agee “That is my 1st son. That is Daddy’s man, we call him man. I most likely I would make it the pros. I think the talent is gonna be passed on” So scared of growing up.
#5 Freshman Year (5:30 AM / 3 hour round trip) Handing out uniforms. Selecting numbers. “Things I don’t see at an ordinary school.” Arthur wins starting point guard on freshman team. Hits game winning shot. “I noticed a change immediately. Well maybe this is good for him.” Arthur’s Mom “William begins his season on varsity, the top team in state. He has already received recruiting letters from Marquette, Illinois state.” “I am gonna be on you everyday!” “The kids that are willing to do it, the ones who are not willing to do it, we not be successful here. “You have to be one good ball player to get into a school with these grades.” GRAMMAR SCHOOL “It was playing ball for the team. The standouts in school showing up. If you showed up in class that was good enough for them. Trip out with your friends, go out and play some more basketball. ” “”Close all schools. Do you think any kids bet billboards that say “Reopen Schools.” At the end of the year, Arthur he was still in the lower group. Freshman team finished 2nd in the conference. (down 10 – 2) (Sub-varsity uniforms can be shaky.) Both entered reading at a 4th grade level. “At the end of the year, he had gone 4 grades above.” “He who labors, Conquers.”
Personal Growth: Do sports help build confidence in players?
“Hard Left” Work on weaknesses.
Elementary Pictures & Team Photos (Youth / High School)
#6 Playing for the Chargers – 23:40: St. Joe’s has gone “down state” the last 5 of the last 6 years. “The one thing we have not done is win a state championship. Did not start Isaiah as a freshman. By not doing it, it costs us.” The choice to develop. William scores 16 points to “The Sports Writers on TV” Smoking Cigars “William Gates next star” Super Sectionals 6’9 Eric Anderson St. Joe’s plays St. Francis De Sales 3rd quarter William takes over. 13 points in 2nd half. Less than 2 minutes to play a must score. St. Joe’s jump shot falls short. DUNK – seals victory. “Despite the loss, William’s gutsy performance bodes well for next year.” The “Good-bye chants.
Who is the tallest / best player you have competed against?
Player development: Where is it best to place a player for his / her growth.
State Tournament Experiences
#7 SOPHOMORE YEAR: Scholarships and Promises: Sophomore Year “I was very intimidated. As the year went on I felt – hey I was as good as them.” Both Arthur and William are on partial scholarship. William selected as a scholarship recipient. (Was William selected based on basketball or academics?) William is assured his entire education is free. Arthur is paying for half his tuition. “You see your food getting low and your bills due here and the bills due there.” Bo “I was staying out 2-3 weeks.” “By the end of freshman year, the balance was not paid, do there was the new tuition plus the outstanding balance.” “I thought Pingatore would help me out.” The balance ” Coach “The story is totally different. None of that occurred.” Agee’s owe over $1,500. St. Joe’s asked Arthur to leave. “I guess he thought I wasn’t gonna grow.” Arthur “If I had known his pain he and I was going to go through, to put him out in the middle of a school year.” Mom would no Arthur out for 2 months and lost a semester of credit “It doesn’t seam fair, but that is the system.” “Not making it like they thought he was making it on the basketball court so he is not there.” Coach Luther Bedford Arthur wears #11 Isiah Thomas’ ‘There is no comparison to. Once they walk in those doors, they have a goal to get a college degree. In our school if they graduate, it is an accomplishment.”
#8 “Keep your kids close to you” and watch them at all times” Mom losses a minimum wage job because of a bad back. It’s nothing constructive in the neighborhood for the kids to do.” In June, after 20 years of marriage, Arthur’s dad leaves the family.
#9 William’s Brother Curtis: Jordan might shoot 15/40. “If you do that you are gonna know about it.” “Curtis say the boy is good, he say is really good. Curtis says if he listens to him he would be better.” “You should do this or your should do that. It seems like everybody I know is a coach.” William “I feel like I am a pro at that in my own mind.” Player of the Decade at Colby College, but had a reputation of being un-coachable. “Curtis idea of being good..” Signed at Central Florida but he did not get along with the coach and rarely played. “He couldn’t handle it.” “I used to everyone in the neighborhood knowing me. People looked up to Curtis Gates when it came to basketball, now I am just a regular guy on the street now.” Security Guard William has 17 points in the 1st half. Gordon Tech hangs on to a slender lead at the end. (TV broadcast) William shoots a deep 3 – no good. Lose by 3 points.
#10 Man’s Mom & Dad: (Playing in the projects.) Arthur’s season ends well. He has high hopes to play for the varsity next year. Arthur’s Dad shows up, he rarely sees him. Dunking “You got old legs Dad!” Increasing this court has become a place to buy and sell drugs. Dad buys drugs in front of Arthur. Mother’s Day 1989 letter “You are the only one in the world who can provide and take care of me. I will miss so much when I go away to college. No one can replace you ever.” Love Man
#11 Getting to the pros: Patricia Weir gets William a job. We had a job that did not require a lot of training.”I messed up everything the 1st day. I just push myself to come out here. because I know in the long run it is good for me and my family. I give $50 out of my check. Unless I make pros then I know I can pay her back.” The bedroom decorated with sports poster. TUSS “Ain’t nobody take my dream away from me.That’s what I cant to be and that’s what I want to do.” Nerf hoop / Skilz Hoop
#12 Junior Year: Georgetown “There is gold at the end of the rainbow and $500 in there for you too.” (NCAA recruiting scandal, “You going to be the next William Gates.) “He took the charge!” (Huddl vs. Game Tape Wesleyan film exchange) “You are a better shooter than Isiah. You have a lot of responsibility. Can you handle it. You have 2 years to get us down there. It gonna be all on your head!” Old School Coach: “We will stay here all day until you get a 10 seconder. You people just refuse to work. You don’t know what it means to be intense. Give me a good reason for me to keep you!” (making cuts) (11:00 Weekend Practice Punitive Conditioning) “Go on in.”The next day in practice William re-injured his knee. (This DOES happen to high school athletes) Arthur makes varsity for the Marshall Commandos.
#13 Making Ends Meet: The family’s troubles have worsened. “Now I am on welfare. It is just not enough to make end meet. I was never raised on welfare. My mother and father both worked. We was cut off (aid) for 3 months. Our lights were cut off and our gas was cut off and we were sitting in the dark. They had cut me off because I failed to met an appointment. It changed everybody attitude. You can have something today and it is gone tomorrow. Do you what the system is saying? … They don’t care.”
#14 “I just want this one to make it.” William MRI (Your ligament looks fine. We can actually sew the cartilage back. a minimum of 12 possibly 16 weeks. Possibly able to play by tournament time) Knee surgery “What’d you think this will do to his career. I really thought Curtis was gonna make it. I just wanted to have this one make it.” “When basketball is over, William might not have a friend in the world.” Curtis lost his job as a security guard and has been unemployed for over 4 months. “I ain’t amounted to nothing. I can’t get a job making $7 an hour. I be telling myself You ain’t gonna get no better.”
#15 Arthur at home and on the court “Each day is a struggle. Trying to deal with the kids attitude and my own. Trying to be strong for them and myself. Now 2 new members Arthur’s sister has a baby girl Jazz Shannon, Arthur’s best friend Shannon moves in to escape his own troubled home.” Bo stealing and buying drugs, and beat on his mother.” “My father is was the same way. That gets to a child’s head. I saw you see – all the time.” Bo gets arrested and put in jail. 37 days – 2 years probation. “When I play basketball I knew what I wanted to do. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.” “He is way behind where I think he should be. Something is missing with Arthur. I can’t have two guys like this. I tried the lesser of evils 6 -14 worst record in 20 years.” Fouls out on a charging call. Bad calls all day! Amen
#16 Changes in William’s Life: Alicia (William is a Dad.) I am scared to tell people. I did finally tell my coach. When did this happen 3-4 months ago. “He earned his title.” Junior in High school 2-3 weeks before coming back. “I felt this was the year for me. I knew we could make it down state. My name is not on the board. Where do I fit on the team.” “When I stopped playing ball. All my grades sunk.” William takes a make-up exam after skipping the final. Makes it up and barely passes ACT results not what we wanted 15 needs an 18 for an athletic scholarship. Take a class. The cost of the 6-week course is waved.”
#17 Back in the Game: Easiest thing to do is wait until next year. “My next year is now.” Coming back from an injury. Star-Spangled Banner (a very special time for an athlete). “Curtis should not be living his dream through me.” 1st start, final home game of the season. Being interviewed. Always a good shooter, he sinks 4 straight to help seal the victory. St. Joe’s faces Gordon Tech the team that knocked them out. Gordon surges ahead while Arthur is out. Trailing by one TIMEOUT. :06 William on the line with a chance to win it. FANS, PRESSURE (Hero vs. the Goat) “As soon as you don’t tighten one screw….”Missed Free Throw: TEARS “He shouldn’t have been playing.” Brother-in-law “If he was hurt he shouldn’t have got out there.” Curtis The mascot takes the loss hard. Chicago Bulls Team Doctor. “A lot of people say I should not have played. If you leave it up to me I am going to go back on the court. In terms of his basketball career he should be fine.” Knee surgery. Only thing on my mind is making it down state. When I set on eht floor I am going to be all business.
#18 Father’s and Sons: Bo returns to family. 7 months in jail, overcomes crack addiction. Bo at church. “Show me a different way. Ask the Lord. I hope this be a lesson to my children.” “He let me know. Your father a drug addict. Your father on drugs. He still on drugs while he trying to go to church.” Arthur “The closeness was not there. Was I gonna break bad again?” William’s Dad He has not lived with the family since William was a baby. “I did not see him for three years. I think now he sees something at the end for himself. You may be my dad biologically, but as far as being there, your not (my dad)… I knew I was going to be a better dad! If Alicia has a problem, then I have a problem.” William Both rehabilitations paid by school. Baxter Clinic used by many pros. Big restrictions!
#19 Balance Due: Summer School: For the 2nd straight year, Arthur and Shannon have to attend Summer School. ARthur may not graduate with his class because St. Joe’s will not release credits. $1,813.10 due $130 per month. End of September we will release the grades. “Things happen.” Awkward hug. “Had I not been on drugs. He wouldn’t have to leave. I used to cop all the time. Through a lot of money away on these corners. Almost through my life along with it. He can use my example of what not to do.” Bo City Sports Drug pushers give money to the basketball players. “Go shop and go get you some. The can keep our career going.
#20 Summer Camp: Nike All-American Camp: “1 of 100 top players in the country.” Dick Vitale “If you a player, someone up there will know it.” ‘There are 250 of us here trying to get him in our program.” For William he hopes to prove his injuries are behind him and that he is among the nation’s best. Arthur and Shannon spend summer at Pizza Hut $3.5o an hour. Beat yo courts vs. AMAZING facility. “I am trying to play team ball. Everybody feel they got do your own thing.” “We simulate what it is like to be a college athlete. The graduation is frightening.” “All you are supposed to do is deal drugs and mug women. If the team wins these schools get a lot of money!” “We have to win and fill arenas or the fire us.” I watched him since 6th grade (12 years old). “I try to do my job and serve professional me!” Bob Gibbons (DePaul, Maquette, Indiana, Michigan) “I feel like I was All- American. When I go home, I am gonna feel unstoppable.”
#21 Senior Year: School Sign “Get to School on Time!” Course selection / NCAA requirements. “Barely getting by.” “I’ll still make it.”
#22 Marquette Pays a Visit:Kevin O’Neil “I have been getting 2 a week.” “I signed at Marquette. The great basketball players care more about basketball then they do about school.” 1st home recruiting visit by Kevin O’Neil and Marquette Scholarship is renewable. “You are one of 7 guys we are recruiting. 1st one signs…. The president says to me ‘Boy Kevin I thought you were recruiting a guard.” “We did it up to room service.” Fake news paper, play-by-play by announcer in the coaches office. Signs with Marquette.
#23 Arthur’s 18th Birthday: “I want to show him how much we love him. He is a great kid. Some kids don’t live this age. To get to see 18 that is good.” (Socio-economic difference not true in Hanover) Two months after his 18th birthday he is cut off from public aid. “I was getting $368 I now get $268) Spike Lee
#24 Pingatore and Beford: “He doesn’t play with confidence like he did before the injury. They were in awe of him as a sophomore. They are not in awe of him anymore.” Being in a gym alone. “Soph year, I was care-free. If it could be done, I was gonna do it. I wish I cold get that attitude back.” “That is DS crap! The shovel pass.” Coach “There was never any point where we just played.” Marshall wins 4 of 6 “You have to play a whole ball game.” “As the game progresses, Arthur regresses.” Bedford Late in 4th crucial possession, the ball goes to Arthur “It’s business it is big bucks!” 73 – 40.
#25 “My ticket out of the ghetto.” I just can’t miss a game because an incident occurs. That time of the year. State Tournament – That was simply out of the question.” Basketball is my ticket out of the ghetto. Situations are much different. The room all sports posters. Got a good job without a college degree because William knew Mrs. Weir. Curtis: “If I don’t know Miss Weir. It ain’t much better that a person without a college degree can get. So I feel like I will be hear for quite a while.”
#26 Life cycle of the butterfly: The topic of the paper “The Life Cycle of the Butterfly” I keep going on an on and never stop. Arthur’s latest report card shows his is failing Spanish and Science. Parent-teacher conference. “He tell you one thing.” All that clowning people give him the F. Mom taking ownership.
#27 Sheila’s Dream: “Whatever I start I finish. A high grade will assure her of graduation. So proud she scored 89 – highest grade point average for the class. “Thank you. You’re so good. I didn’t think I could do it. You inspired me to go on. And people told me I wasn’t gonna be nothing.”
#28 Arthur’s on a Roll: Marshall rebounded from a dismal 9 – 16 season. 16 – 6. Arthur is 2nd leading scorer and assist man. Some junior colleges start to notice. Junior College could be Arthur’s only hope. Does not have 18. Major colleges cannot offer him a scholarship. “If they have an 18 the door is so much wider open. Commandos fight back from 11 point deficit trail by 1. Arthur shoots T to win the game. Upset win is sweet vindication for the unranked Commandos. “7 turnovers!” Carried off the court. Dad in the locker room. “That was a good game, but you could of played better.” “Like a real star.”
#29 Earl Smith Shows Up: Earl shows to see Arthur win his 1st playoff game. He wanted to see his final high school games. “Where you been? You talk to Ping?” I was thinking of seeing St. Joe’s and Nazareth play. “People accuse me. Ask “What did I get out of the deal? A lot of racial slurs from my people. Sometimes I have 2nd thoughts when I see the net results of what happened to the youngsters.” Arthur returns to school to see old teachers and friends. (80s hear cuts)
#30 Last Chance for William: St. Joe’s vs. Nazareth William is benched for arriving late to the game. Goes head to head with Sean Pearson, his friend and roommate from the Nike camp. Arthur sees old students and teachers. Near the end of the game, St. Joe’s begins to unravel. William takes control. Pearson responds. His 3-point shot gives the Road Runners the 1st lead. For William there is no next year. 59 – 55Last minute shot…. down 4 minute left. It is all over! Home loss. “Ain’t but one thing… bad coaching. Ain’t no time to be teaching no body no lesson.” Tears reality sets in. “I ain’t never want to go out this way.” “It hurt don’t it.” “He was 20 minutes late. Maybe he has to learn from this.” Pingatore and Arthur – Is it sincere? “We missed you. Mr. Bedford has said a lot of good things about you.”
#31 Bucking the odds: Easily win 2nd round game. “Us Art’s got to stick together.” “May the best man win.: “I thought mom was a cheerleader.” “He may what? (pass the ACT) Coach Art “Would you get excited if a college coach came up and talk to you?” Arthur “If I graduate, I be the only one in my family to graduate college.” (Different background from Hanover) 4th round vs. heavily favored Taft, they meet their 1st true test. Arthur plays once of his best games of they year and scores 19 points to earn a spot in the city semi-finals. Win 70 – 61 “The Final Four” Interview with newspaper.
#32 Up Against King: Chicago Ampitheatre. Rulers of the City League. Last year’s state championship team. Ranked #1 in the country. Recruiting 12-year olds “I will not start recruiting in that manner. I will probably get out of the game before then.” King 2 7 foot starters. (Who is the biggest player in our school? Biggest opponents? Any 7-footers in Massachusetts?) in the 2nd half King makes their move. King grabs a 4-point lead. 6 point lead at the end, Arthur simply holds the ball. No shot clock King goes man, Coke sponsors. Unranked Marshall will play for city title. “26 and 2 NOW!” Bo in the locker room. Mom so proud. Parents living the dream too.
#33 Heading Downstate: They got the best shot of him. Picture in Newspaper. “Stood a still as a statue. “21 years later, I got a chance to get a championship through him.” Bo “Yesterday he told me he loved me.” Proud Mom & Dad. Rematch with Westing House Chicago Public High School Championship. Heading to Elite 8. 58 – 38. Celebration at Center court. William there to see it. “Told you on the phone what I was gonna do.” (today it would be a text.) Another newspaper picture. “Well you have to hard at this as hard as you were working at your jump shot. And it was missing a lot this year.” (tough comment) Pep Rally. (Much better bus) Assembly Hall Champaign Illinois. Printing up t-shirts Underdog to 3rd ranked Octavia. Missed uncontested layup “I can’t shoot for you!” 3rd Quarter the Commandos come back. Marshall’s 1st lead since 1st quarter 37-36. “Like a lighting bolt. William watching on TV. “We always dreamed of taking the team down state. Maybe we could of maybe we couldn’t. When did when I was at Marshall.” Pingatore in stands. Coach Bedford labels the team the “Giant Killers.” Basketball unifies the classes. (high fives) Walking at University of Illinois. “This is something that a child would really miss out on. It’s like a whole different world… it is beyond different.” TV preveiw. Arthur goes head to head with Howard Nathan, All-American. Arthur has a great 1st half. 2nd half all rams. “No fouls. Keep the clock going. Remember.” Biggest lead of the game. Great run. String of upsets stops here. Arthur Agee fouls out, 12 points. Finish 3rd in state (must have had consolation games). 1991 Best finish since 1960. You are part of history. Best wishes to all your seniors. We will be around school to help you if you want to be helped.” Coaches last speech. “Best wished to all your seniors. We are here to help you if you want to be helped.” Coach Bedford “He has a little way to go, but he’s gonna get there.” Coach Bedford “I proved myself. All I need is just a scholarship. Earns all-tournament honors.:
#34 Mineral Area Junior College: Junior College is Southern Missouri (Majors options / Career Goals: Communications, Accounting, Business, Real Estate (Compare College Recruiting Visit to Marquette). $120 apiece – Mineral Area does not have dorms but it does have Basketball house “All the players on scholarships live here.”of the 7 blacks 6 live in this house and play basketball. “I Love basketball.” 31 Sophomores in a row have earned college scholarship. Bo and Sheila are separated. (Challenges of recruiting, so many different people to involve in the process.) “He will not have a financial need.” Ready to Sign Coach
#35 “Let it Rain” Father-Son Competition: Trash-talking. “You better stick to church music Bo.” “Ain’t no con game.” “You on punishment.” It’s raining Bo.
#36 Final Words from Pingatore: “It became more of a job than a sport to play. Coach had these dreams in his head. He wanted me to go the same route as Isiah. Basketball was like, he was possessed by it. He wanted it like that for everyone.” MVP William Gates “When I had some real problems. Coach their family been getting on me about this. “Write ’em off” What kind of advice is that?” William “How does it feel to be finishing?” “We had our run ins, Like that time you made run 75 stairs (punitive conditioning). Someday you are gonna learn that every thing that was done was done for your benefit.” “When you start asking for donations. I will know the right way to turn you down.” “I never really felt like he bought into the system. The injury did occur and that was the big difference. Good Luck. Well, another one walks out the door, another one walks in the door. That’s what it is all about.”
#37 Graduation: He got the 18 (Championship Basketball School story / Current top 10 assistant coach) “I got the score I needed. I’m eligible. It is one of the greatest feelings in the world, that’s about it.” After 5 attempts his composite score 17.5 is rounded up to 18 and he can finally play at Marquette. (Letters – outdated form of recruiting / text and John Leonard) “You have to throw your own dreams into yourself. Mom ‘This is it! One of the proudest moments!” Curtis always wanted to go to Marquette – now it is like he got the grades (living vicariously through William).” Before Arthur can graduate, he has to go to pass summer school – Shannon is not with him. He is in jail. He found out the hard way. “We always said we were not going to do stuff like that. We were just going to graduate and go on to college. You know, he had to be the one.” One week before graduation, Arthur is robbed at gun point. “I thought he was gonna shoot me. He grabbed me and I was about to panic and stuff and I calm down.” “Someone put a pistol on her (sister). When I was out there strung out I looked for somebody who seemed like they had something.” “I am ready to leave. Everybody up here going to jail, dealing drugs or dead.” Arthur Citywide Summer Graduation. Agee family scolded for clapping. “I never thought he would get to where he is. His self-esteem was drained from St. Joseph’s.” Mom Great dance moves! Mom’s toast, Bo’s prayer Assistant Coach in the background (different situations) Good-bye tears. (How many have seen this?)
#38 “I think he’s gonna make it.” “No alcohol, no wine coolers!” “Once he gets in the door will he stay there? You think he’s gonna make it.” “I love playing basketball but there are other things.” I could stop playing basketball “What if I don;’t make the NBA
Outside the Lines is an amazing resource for sports. ESPN analyzes controversial issues and presents some great topics for discussion. Not all of the video clips will be used in class, however there are many that will be appropriate for the curriculum
Sportsmanship
100 – 0 Girls Basketball Game: This is an interesting situation where one team defeated another by the ridiculous score of 100 – 0. The coach of the winning team was ultimately fired by the school. Outside the Lines looks are the situation in depth. The coach is interviewed. Do you agree with the school’s decision that the coach should be fired?
Jimmer Fredette: The Lonely Master: Outside the Lines catches up with former NCAA star and Shanghai Sharks guard Jimmer Fredette, who still has NBA aspirations but is changing the game of basketball overseas.
This blog was written BEFORE the most magical Patriots’ Super Bowl victory. The goal was to highlight John Logan’s (Hanover High Alum & Patriots magician) Super Bowl Weekend. It turns out the Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the rest of the Patriots had a little magic up their own sleeves.
@POTUS Following More What an amazing comeback and win by the Patriots. Tom Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B are total winners. Wow! #SuperBowl -DJT
John Logan is the staff magician for the New England Patriots. It is a great story about how a former Hanover High student is following his passion. Everyone loves it, even the G.O.A.T. Tom Brady.
“I saw him in there a couple of weeks ago and he did some amazing things. I think everyone is blown away by a little magic.” Tom Brady
Bullseye Players Tailgate with Guy Fieri: @Bullseye_Event tweet “@SportsHHS We can confirm @logan32 will be at the #PlayersTailgate! Will be walking around + hopefully on stage w/ @Jaymee at some point.
Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you
We’re so bad, we know we’re good
Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would
You know we’re just struttin’ for fun
Struttin’ our stuff for everyone
We’re not here to start no trouble
We’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 1: Walter Payton]
Well, they call me Sweetness
And I like to dance
Runnin’ the ball is like makin’ romance
We’ve had the goal since training camp
To give Chicago a Super Bowl champ
And we’re not doin’ this
Because we’re greedy
The Bears are doin’ it to feed the needy
We didn’t come here to look for trouble
We just came here to do The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 2: Willie Gault]
This is Speedy Willie, and I’m world class
I like runnin’ but I love to get the pass
I practice all day and dance all night
I got to get ready for the Sunday fight
Now I’m as smooth as a chocolate swirl
I dance a little funky, so watch me girl
There’s not one here that does it like me
My Super Bowl Shuffle will set you free
[Verse 3: Mike Singletary]
I’m Samurai Mike, I stop ’em cold
Part of the defense, big and bold
I’ve been jammin’ for quite a while
Doin’ what’s right and settin’ the style
Give me a chance, I’ll rock you good
Nobody messin’ in my neighborhood
I didn’t come here lookin’ for trouble
I just came to do The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Chorus: All]
We are the Bears Shufflin’ Crew
Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you
We’re so bad, we know we’re good
Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would
You know we’re just struttin’ for fun Struttin’ our stuff for everyone
We’re not here to start no trouble
We’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 4: Jim McMahon]
I’m the punky QB, known as McMahon
When I hit the turf, I’ve got no plan
I just throw my body all over the field
I can’t dance, but I can throw the pill
I motivate the cats, I like to tease
I play so cool, I aim to please
That’s why you all got here on the double
To catch me doin’ the Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 5: Otis Wilson]
I’m mama’s boy Otis, one of a kind
The ladies all love me
For my body and my mind
I’m slick on the floor as I can be
But ain’t no sucker gonna get past me
Some guys are jealous
Of my style and class
That’s why some end up on their [whistle]
I didn’t come here lookin’ for trouble
I’m just get down to The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Saxophone Solo]
[Verse 6: Steve Fuller]
They say Jimbo is our man
If Jimmy can’t do it, I sure can
This is Steve, and it’s no wonder
I run like lightnin’, pass like thunder
So bring on Atlanta, bring on Dallas
This is for Mike and Papa Bear Halas
I’m not here to feather his ruffle
I just came here to do The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 7: Mike Richardson]
I’m L.A. Mike, and I play it cool
They don’t sneak by me cause I’m no fool
I fly on the field and get on down
Everybody knows I don’t mess around
I can break ’em, shake ’em
Any time of day I like to steal it and make ’em pay
So please don’t try to beat my hustle
Cause I’m just here to do The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Chorus: All]
We are the Bears Shufflin’ Crew
Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you
We’re so bad, we know we’re good
Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would
You know we’re just struttin’ for fun
Struttin’ our stuff for everyone
We’re not here to start no trouble
We’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 8: Richard Dent]
The sackman’s comin’, I’m your man Dent
If the quarterback’s slow He’s gonna get bent
We stop the run, we stop the pass
I like to dump guys on their [whistle]
We love to play for the world’s best fans You better start makin’ Your Super Bowl plans But don’t get ready or go to any trouble Unless you practice The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Verse 9: Gary Fencik] It’s Gary here, and I’m Mr.Clean They call me “hit man” Don’t know what they mean They throw it long and watch me run I’m on my man, one-on-one Buddy’s guys cover it down to the bone That’s why they call us the 46 zone Come on everybody let’s scream and yell We’re goin’ to do the Shuffle Then ring your bell
[Verse 10: William “Refrigerator” Perry] You’re lookin’ at the Fridge I’m the rookie I may be large, but I’m no dumb cookie You’ve seen me hit, you’ve seen me run When I get the pass, we’ll have more fun I can dance, you will see The others, they all learn from me I didn’t come here lookin’ for trouble I just came here to do The Super Bowl Shuffle
[Saxophone Solo]
[Interlude] One, two, three, uh
[Chorus: All]
We are the Bears Shufflin’ Crew
Shufflin’ on down, doin’ it for you
We’re so bad, we know we’re good
Blowin’ your mind like we knew we would
You know we’re just struttin’ for fun Struttin’ our stuff for everyone
