Dreaming of the Dance: A College Hoops 2K8 Legacy

[saintrules]

Game Update

December 29th, 2007

Big Green struggle from the field in loss at Army

Leavenworth, KS - If the prior two games were a shootout, this one was a shoot yourself in the foot, type of deal. Both, Dartmouth & Army, struggled to maintain shot consistency & found themselves running the full length of the court on multiple possessions yielding zero points.

Typically level headed & cool as a cat, Dartmouth Head Coach, Laird Machado, let out a couple of "what the %@& are you doing" expletives from the sideline. Cody Sowers & Major Fraser had multiple missed opportunities on simple layups that would have given the Big Green the lead. "It wasn't causing turnovers, we had plenty of those", said Machado, "it was not making Army pay for turning the ball over & that cost us this game. I don't really care about how well we shot on our possessions, that's hit and miss, but if we can't take what's given to us after a turnover, that's a problem." The Army Knights surrendered the ball 12 times in the win compared to Dartmouth's 4.

The game stayed close all the way until the buzzer as the Knights took the three point win at home. Major Fraser, who dropped 30 on the evening, struggled to get an open look for the three to tie the game at the buzzer. "They had me locked down and I failed to move the ball around. Even though our game plan was for me to take the last shot, it would have been wise to get the ball to Weav (Theron Weaver) and then back to me for that look.", said Fraser.

The Big Green sit at 6 wins and 4 losses through the first 10 games of the season. Dartmouth is 4-2 in their last five & will take on a talented Siena in Loudonville, NY, as the last game of 2007.

Dartmouth Big Green at Army Black Knights
Dec 29, 2007	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Dartmouth (6-3)	30	36	66
Army (6-3)	37	32	69

Dartmouth Big Green
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Weaver	22	1-4	0-1	1-2	2	13	5	1	1	3
M. Fraser	20	11-25	6-14	2-2	2	2	0	0	1	30
R. Parsons	20	3-4	0-0	0-0	6	1	2	1	0	6
C. Sowers	19	3-9	0-0	0-0	3	2	0	0	0	6
A. Pandov	16	3-9	0-0	2-2	5	1	1	1	1	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
F. Dearman	14	0-4	0-1	0-0	1	3	1	0	0	0
N. Goodman	14	3-3	0-0	1-3	5	0	0	1	1	7
A. O'Hara	7	3-3	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	1	0	6
J. Mihailovic	8	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	2	0	0	0
J. Souchu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
K. Neverett	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Baynes	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		27-63	6-18	6-9	25	22	11	5	4	66

Army Black Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Bean	19	3-6	0-0	5-8	2	10	1	1	5	11
S. Bodden	20	4-12	4-8	2-2	1	0	0	0	1	14
J. Bachmann	19	3-6	0-0	0-0	7	1	0	1	0	6
C. Gatling	20	2-5	0-0	0-0	7	1	0	0	2	4
V. Shimonovic	21	2-3	0-0	0-0	7	2	0	1	1	4
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
M. Kole	12	4-8	0-1	0-0	3	1	0	0	1	8
M. Markham	6	4-4	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	0	1	8
C. Nabors	6	1-3	0-2	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	2
I. Larranaga	6	4-4	3-3	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	11
B. Sherrod	8	0-4	0-1	1-2	2	3	0	0	1	1
T. Cantrell	-- DID NOT PLAY --
S. Deane	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		27-55	7-16	8-12	35	19	1	3	12	69

[saintrules]

Game Update

December 31st, 2007

Big Green get big win in hostile environment

Loudonville, NY - The Dartmouth Big Green traveled to Siena College to take on the Saints for the last game of the calendar year. Despite the 3-7 record, the Saints came in as the favorite with a much more individually skilled & sound roster than Dartmouth. This would prove to be a big test for the Big Green to show they could take down upper echelon competition.

Things got off well for both teams as they traded baskets halfway through the first. Theron Weaver worked his magic on the inside with Alton Pandov & Nate Goodman came off the pine for some solid buckets in transition. Marcus Ma, Siena's starting Small Forward, was a thief on a few Dartmouth possessions, deep in the first, resulting in a scoring run for the Saints & a 6 point lead. Major Fraser, who had struggled up to this point for range, hit a three at the buzzer to keep Dartmouth within three, down 31-34 at half.

The second half began much like the first, both traded points & made impact defensive plays. Rashod Parsons & Alton Pandov began to make plays on the glass that would make all the difference, however, leading to second chance points & zero point possessions for Siena. As the second winded down, Theron Weaver, the assist man himself, was assisted for a few points in the paint & gave the Big Green a three point lead with a minute to go. Following a failed three, Weaver got the ball & was fouled by Siena, resulting in a trip to the line. A perfect 2 for 2 added to the lead & another failed possession by Seina meant the win was signed, sealed, and delivered.

"I thought we came out here tonight & played extremely sound, team basketball.", said Coach Machado, following the road win. "Major didn't have the typical scoring night we've become accustomed to, but we can't expect that production from him every single game. His teammates rallied & this is all bigger than one person, or two, or three. Our bench had great impact as well, I believe they had 17 points and added 10 boards."

The Big Green improve to 7-4 on the season & get a solid RPI win in Loudonville. Conference play begins in the New Year as Dartmouth will see a home-away double header with Harvard beginning on January 5th!

Dartmouth Big Green at Siena Saints
December 31st, 2007	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Dartmouth (6-4)	31	37	68
Siena (3-7)	34	29	63

Dartmouth Big Green
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Weaver	20	3-4	0-0	4-4	2	9	1	0	3	10
M. Fraser	18	4-14	3-10	0-0	2	3	1	0	0	11
R. Parsons	20	3-4	0-0	0-0	7	1	0	1	2	6
C. Sowers	21	5-7	0-1	0-0	4	2	2	0	1	10
A. Pandov	16	7-11	0-0	0-0	10	2	1	1	0	14
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
F. Dearman	8	1-2	0-0	0-0	0	2	1	0	1	2
N. Goodman	8	4-6	0-0	1-1	2	2	0	0	2	9
A. O'Hara	7	2-2	0-0	0-0	5	1	0	0	1	4
J. Mihailovic	11	0-3	0-1	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	0
J. Souchu	4	0-2	0-0	2-2	1	1	0	0	1	2
K. Neverett	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
B. Baynes	6	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		29-56	3-12	7-7	35	24	6	2	11	68

Siena Saints
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
L. Diaz	22	2-9	1-5	0-0	0	9	0	0	3	5
J. Courselle	20	7-10	1-3	0-0	0	1	1	0	1	15
M. Ma	20	4-11	2-6	0-0	2	5	4	1	0	10
N. Lemons	20	4-11	1-5	0-0	8	0	0	0	0	9
J. Kately	20	2-3	0-0	0-0	10	1	0	0	1	4
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
V. Cammon	12	2-11	2-9	0-0	0	1	1	0	1	6
A. House	6	3-4	2-3	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	8
J. Gunn	8	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	2	1	0	2
D. Wade	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
A. Francis	8	2-3	0-0	0-1	4	0	0	0	0	4
B. Toppert	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
W. Holcomb	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		27-63	9-31	0-1	25	18	8	2	6	63

[saintrules]

Conference Game

January 5th, 2008

Dartmouth gets first Ivy League victory thanks to big men

Cambridge, MA - Harvard, it doesn't much bigger of a rivalry than the Crimson for any Ivy League affiliate. No matter how well one's season is going, a loss on the road in Cambridge is one you'll be thinking about for months to come. The Big Green rolled in hot off a road victory over Siena & have the considerable confidence boost of their 7-4 record compared to Harvard's 4-11 showing.

From the second the Big Green won the tip off, it was clear who came to play. The energy, physicality, and size of Dartmouth handled the smaller & lesser talented Crimson with ease. Alton Pandov continued his dominance under the rim, going for 25 points on 11 of 15 from the field & 3 of 4 from the line. Pandov also pulled 8 balls off the glass, including three offensive rebounds. Fourteen total offensive rebounds were recovered by the Big Green & the Crimson had no way of keeping up as they were outclassed on the glass.

Neither team shot well at all from distance, 14% for Dartmouth & 25% for Harvard. Major Fraser struggled once again from the field, going 3-16 & 2-13 from deep. He has not been a victim of poor shot selection, unfortunately, as he has missed multiple open looks. For a player who has reached 40+ points twice on the season, shooting above 60% from distance, this performance can take a toll on confidence. "We're going to get him back to basics..." said Dartmouth Coach, Laird Machado, at the post game presser. "I think that buzzer shot at the loss with Army really hurt his confidence. He's our stud & we will get him back to where he needs to be."

When asked about his first career Ivy League victory, Laird Machado took an approach not always seen in the coaching world. "Those guys aren't just another name on our schedule. That's Harvard, that's the creme of the crop, so they say. Well, Dartmouth just beat you, and we're inviting you to another loss at our place in a week, come and get it."

The rivalry energy is quite refreshing in this day & age & the Dartmouth student section will be raging. January 11th will pit the 4-12 Harvard Crimson at the 8-4 Dartmouth Big Green for round two.

Dartmouth Big Green at Harvard Crimson
Jan 5, 2008	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Dartmouth (7-4)	41	29	70
Harvard (4-11)	27	31	58

Dartmouth Big Green
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Weaver	20	1-2	0-0	0-1	5	10	2	0	3	2
M. Fraser	19	3-16	2-13	0-2	4	2	3	0	0	8
R. Parsons	21	2-5	0-0	2-2	4	2	2	0	2	6
C. Sowers	19	4-10	0-0	2-2	8	5	0	0	1	10
A. Pandov	18	11-15	0-0	3-4	8	1	0	0	0	25
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
F. Dearman	10	3-4	0-1	0-0	2	1	0	0	0	6
N. Goodman	12	2-4	0-0	0-0	4	0	1	3	0	4
A. O'Hara	7	2-5	0-0	3-4	3	1	1	0	0	7
J. Mihailovic	10	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	1	0
J. Souchu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
K. Neverett	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Baynes	3	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
TEAM TOTALS		29-62	2-14	10-15	38	23	9	3	7	70

Harvard Crimson
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
A. McKinney	25	6-13	0-1	1-2	0	6	1	0	4	13
D. Garrett	21	1-6	0-1	0-0	0	1	1	0	1	2
B. Sherman	21	6-10	0-0	2-3	3	4	0	1	1	14
C. Austin	19	3-6	0-0	0-0	3	1	1	1	1	6
L. Freije	22	6-11	0-2	1-2	9	2	3	0	0	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
E. Ramos	9	2-4	1-1	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	5
C. Murray	7	0-0	0-0	0-0	3	1	0	0	0	0
R. Castillo	8	0-1	0-1	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
J. Bills	5	2-4	1-2	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	5
R. Dobbins	-- DID NOT PLAY --
S. Turner	-- DID NOT PLAY --
L. Kisiellus	3	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	0
TEAM TOTALS		26-55	2-8	4-7	22	15	6	2	9	58

[ripham23232]

Your point guard is putting up crazy assist numbers. I was enjoying seeing all those assists and no points, but it seems like he is starting to contribute on his own now too.

Good stuff man, fun read.

[saintrules]

Conference Game

January 11th, 2008

Sowers records first double-double in win at home

Hanover, NH - The Big Green played host to the Crimson for round two of this Ivy League showdown. Dartmouth won with ease, just a week prior, 70-58. Before tip off, the first year Head Coach had some words for the Dartmouth faithful. "Be loud, be proud, and by all means, shake this damn room when those guys go to the line". Attendance has seen a 10% increase over the course of the last few home games as the Big Green continue to shine.

Much like the first meeting, Dartmouth overpowered Harvard in the size, speed, and talent, departments. Theron Weaver, whom leads the Ivy League in Assists Per Game, recorded 13 more, showing incredible court vision & decisiveness. His main targets have been starter Alton Pandov & backup, Nate Goodman, who have perfected the pick and roll as a unit.

Beyond the three amigos under the glass, Cody Sowers had his best showing of the season as he recorded a double-double with 12 points, 12 boards, 5 assists, and 3 steals. "Cody is such a versatile player for this team", said Machado. "He's a jack of all trades type of player, high motor, good vision, and seniority leadership that you cannot teach". Sowers is the lone Senior starter on this Junior heavy Dartmouth starting five.

The victory in Leede Arena improves Dartmouth to 9-4 & 2-0 in Ivy League play. Columbia took home two wins over the course of the last week at Brown & Yale, tying Dartmouth for the league lead. The final two Non-Conference games will be played out as we see the boys head to the University of New Hampshire in Manchester to take on the 5-9 Wildcats.

Harvard Crimson at Dartmouth Big Green
Jan 11, 2008	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Harvard (4-12)	32	32	64
Dartmouth (8-4)	34	29	73

Harvard Crimson
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
A. McKinney	15	4-11	0-1	2-2	2	1	2	0	0	10
D. Garrett	22	2-6	1-2	0-0	1	3	2	0	1	5
B. Sherman	23	1-7	0-2	3-6	1	7	0	0	2	5
C. Austin	13	1-2	0-0	1-2	5	0	0	0	0	3
L. Freije	20	7-13	0-0	1-1	4	1	2	0	0	15
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
E. Ramos	18	4-8	0-0	0-0	1	1	3	0	3	8
C. Murray	13	4-6	0-0	0-0	5	0	1	0	0	8
R. Castillo	11	0-0	0-0	0-0	3	1	1	1	1	0
J. Bills	6	4-5	2-3	0-0	0	2	0	0	1	10
R. Dobbins	-- DID NOT PLAY --
S. Turner	-- DID NOT PLAY --
L. Kisiellus	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		27-58	3-8	7-11	22	16	11	1	8	64

Dartmouth Big Green
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Weaver	23	3-5	0-0	1-2	4	13	0	0	6	7
M. Fraser	22	6-20	2-12	2-2	3	0	1	0	0	16
R. Parsons	21	3-4	0-1	2-3	2	1	0	3	1	8
C. Sowers	24	5-6	0-0	2-2	12	5	3	0	1	12
A. Pandov	18	7-11	0-0	2-2	4	5	2	0	2	16
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
F. Dearman	9	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	1	0	0	2
N. Goodman	9	4-6	0-0	0-0	3	0	0	0	2	8
A. O'Hara	5	2-2	0-0	0-0	3	0	1	0	0	4
J. Mihailovic	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	0
J. Souchu	-- DID NOT PLAY --
K. Neverett	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Baynes	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		31-55	2-13	9-11	32	27	8	3	12	73

[saintrules]

Quote: Originally Posted by ripham23232

Your point guard is putting up crazy assist numbers. I was enjoying seeing all those assists and no points, but it seems like he is starting to contribute on his own now too. Good stuff man, fun read.

Thanks for the comment buddy. Theron Weaver is a savage in the passing game & has had such good court vision. He narrowly missed that double-double at Siena, wish he could have gotten it. With a good close range shot rating & speed, you think it would be pretty ease to get him baskets while driving in, but unfortunately he's been stuffed one too many times. It's been easier to have him move the ball around and find the big guys under the glass or Fraser on the perimeter. Fast breaks are his bread and butter, so hopefully we can see him snag that ball and run the length of the court for more points!

[saintrules]

Game Update

January 14th, 2008

Fraser reignites flame with late game heroics

Manchester, NH - The Dartmouth Big Green took on in-state rival, New Hampshire, in their second to last Non-Conference game of the season. If losing games in the Ivy League is the biggest sin, losing games to your in-state rival is next on that list. Dartmouth is unfortunately not hauling in any New Hampshire recruits this season, but a win for either team can go a long way for recruit's interest down the stretch.

Halfway through the first half it was evident this one was going to be a grind fest. Both teams averaged over 60% from the field and were nearly identical on the boards. Four of New Hampshire's starting five were contributing on a consistent basis as Theron Weaver did his best to feed the ball in hopes to keep up with the four headed attack. Alton Pandov looked strong under the rim, but Major Fraser looked once again weak from distance. Dartmouth trailed heading into half, down four, 36-40.

Much of the same continued well through the second as the Wildcats kept trading buckets with their one through four. With under two minutes to go, Dartmouth trailing by four, Major Fraser relaunched his rocket ship. Fraser was a perfect 4 for 4 from the three as New Hampshire struggled to match his perfection, only adding points in the paint. With 12 seconds to play, Dartmouth's ball, trailing by two, Theron Weaver sped down the court, tossed one inside to Pandov who faked the look, and assisted Fraser for a picture perfect lead changing bucket. The Big Green got back on defense, forced a bad shot, and collected the board to win the game.

As the buzzer sounded, the Big Green bench went wild and ran out onto the court to give praise to Fraser and their teammates who battled for the win. "I've had such a roller coaster the last few games with my performance, it feels incredible to be my best when my team needed me the most", said Fraser, while receiving constant head taps and shoulder shakes, surrounded by his teammates. "These guys battled really hard today against a team who is definitely a lot better than their records shows. This is one of the first teams we have played this season that has played our style of basketball & used every guy on their roster to produce. Gotta give credit where credit is due. I'm proud of the boys for this road win & a victory over an in-state rival", added Machado.

The Big Green escape the loss behind Fraser's heroics & officially reach 10 wins on the season, extending their streak to four. Dartmouth hosts the University of Maryland Eastern-Shore at home in Leede Arena to conclude their Non-Conference schedule, next week.

Dartmouth Big Green at New Hampshire Wildcats
Jan 14, 2008	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Dartmouth (9-4)	36	37	73
New Hampshire (5-9)	40	32	72

Dartmouth Big Green
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. Weaver	22	0-1	0-0	2-2	1	15	0	0	2	2
M. Fraser	18	11-24	6-18	0-0	1	0	1	0	0	30
R. Parsons	23	3-4	0-0	1-2	3	2	1	0	0	7
C. Sowers	18	1-3	0-0	0-0	6	2	0	0	0	2
A. Pandov	18	9-10	0-0	2-2	4	3	0	0	1	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
F. Dearman	14	1-3	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	2
N. Goodman	10	1-3	0-0	2-2	4	2	0	0	0	4
A. O'Hara	6	3-3	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	6
J. Mihailovic	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
J. Souchi	5	0-2	0-0	0-0	3	0	1	0	1	0
K. Neverett	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Baynes	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		28-53	8-18	7-8	23	27	3	0	4	73

New Hampshire Wildcats
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
C. Hunter	22	6-8	0-2	0-0	1	4	1	0	0	12
M. Detrick	24	4-10	3-6	2-4	3	2	2	0	0	13
D. Kane	21	4-6	0-0	5-5	1	4	0	0	2	13
D. Yates	21	6-13	0-2	2-2	6	0	0	0	1	14
I. Williams	21	3-4	0-0	0-0	9	1	0	1	1	6
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
S. Macklin	12	3-5	1-2	0-0	1	0	0	1	0	7
W. Moss	4	1-3	1-3	0-0	3	0	0	0	0	3
A. Coullbally	10	1-1	0-0	2-2	1	1	1	0	0	4
D. Erickson	5	0-2	0-1	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		28-52	5-16	11-13	24	13	4	2	4	72

[crques]

Great Job with your Legacy! Just curious, are you using all default sliders on AA level? I used to have a set of All Conference sliders that were pretty good for me, but I no longer have them. Thinking about starting a legacy but I really don't want to get into the slider mess of adjusting and testing again and your results and stats seem pretty reasonable. Thanks.