From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

[marktg30]

Elon Hires Three-Time State Champion

Fresh out of coaching Ashville Central High School to three State Championships, Coach T.J. Blackledge has been hired by Elon University. The Elon Phoenix hope to rise from the ashes of a disappointing 7-23 season last year and the new young coach is their attempt to step in a new direction.

Overall - C

Offense – C

Defense – C

Teaching – C-

Charisma – B-

Discipline – C-

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Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Top Performers

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Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon 2007-2008 Schedule Released

@ Va Tech
Georgia St
@ Georgia
@ VCU
W. Carolina
Furman
Wofford
@ Chattanooga
@ Penn
@ Virginia
@ The Citadel
@ Coll. of Charleston
Davidson
@ Furman
Georgia Southern
UNC Greensboro
@ W. Carolina
@ Appalachian St.
@ UNC Greensboro
@ Davidson
@ Wofford
The Citadel
Appalachian State
@ Georgia Southern
College of Charleston
Chattanooga

RED = Conference Game

[marktg30]

Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Staring Lineup Announced

64 PG - Brian Waters (6'2" 185, SR)
70 SG - Montell Watson (6'1 170, SR)
63 SF - Brett James (6'5" 185, JR)
59 PF - Ola Atoyebi (6'8" 220, JR)
57 C - Daniel Watts (7' 220, FR)

Bench
65 SF - Monty Sanders (6'6" 225, JR)
61 SG - Jon Ogolo (6'2 195, SO)
60 SG - Terrance Birdette (6'2" 180, FR)
58 SF - TJ Douglas (6'6" 215, SO)
58 PG - Devan Carter (6' 175, SO)
58 PG - Chris Long (6'2 180, FR)
56 PF - Scott Grable (6'9" 235, SO)

[marktg30]

Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon Coaches Scout ABL Prospects

After an eventful hiring period, T.J. Blackledge and his coaching staff are already scouting for the future. Here is a list of stand-out players with potential.


*Vytas Bree - 7'2" 276lb - C - Milwaukee, WI
**Boomer Mayer - 7'1" 253lb - C - Euclid, OH

*Jeffery Cuffle - 6'8" 235lb - PF - Greenville, NC
**Jon Valsin - 6'10" 234lb - PF - Brooklyn, NY
**Hans Hope - 6'5" 204lb - SG - Arlington Heights, IL
**J.C. Robins - 6'4" 198lb - SG - Savannah, GA
**Stewart Sylia - 6'7" 204lb - SF - Toronto, Canada
**Damond Anderson - 6'10" 234lb - C - Durham, NC

[marktg30]

Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon Shocks Hokies

71----67

Led by Freshman Center Daniel Watts' 20 points and 6 rebounds the Elon Phoenix were able to pull out a victory at Virginia Tech. The Hokies came into the game running a full court press. Most experts thought that Elon would have a hard time against an ACC school in their first game with coach Blackledge but they were wrong.

The Phoenix were able to force 11 turnovers and out rebound the Hokies (23-22). The true deciding factor in the game was (as always) Free Throws. Elon was 11/14 while Virginia Tech was 6/12.

1st---2nd---Final

Elon 40 31 71
V.T. 39 28 67

Next Game
Georgia State

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Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon Handles Georgia State


48-----66

Another big game for Elon's big man, Daniel Watts continued his inside dominance against Georgia State as he piled up 22 points and 9 boards with 1 block. The seven footer has been the focus of Elon's game plan since day one. Coach Blackledge has not made it a secret that he prefers to have a solid offense built around points in the paint rather than outside jumpshots...at least in the early stages of his career.

"I have found that this team is a more inside balanced offense, so I will coach what I have inherited from the last staff. I know we have some young talent to build around with Daniel but eventually teams will figure out how to guard him and try to make us shoot from outside - that's what recruiting is for."

Next Game
#19 Georgia (2-0)

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Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon Shocks #19 Georgia In 2 OTs

105---------98

It was a back and forth game from start to finish. Elon was able to keep the game within reach as they trailed 41-32 at halftime. After switching their defensive scheme at the half Coach Blackledge forced his team to play with more heart.

"I strongly believe in man to man defense over a zone defense. Georgia was busting our zone the entire first half and there was little choice but to switch it up."

Georgia was able to force OT when Rashaad Singleton drained a 15 foot jumper with 4 seconds left. The Phoenix weren't able to hit the game winner at the end of the first OT as it was blocked by Singleton (he was EVERYWHERE). So, in the 2nd OT, Elon simply outlasted Georgia as Singleton and Bliss (both Centers) fouled out of the game.

Next 5 Games
@ VCU
W. Carolina
Furman
Wofford
@ Chattanooga

[marktg30]

Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Elon Pulls Away From VCU

79--------66
After defeating Duke in the first round last year VCU had a lot to live up to this year. Elon proved the giant slayers of last year's NCAA Tourney to be mortal as they beat the Rams Behind Daniel Watt's 36 points.

Phoenix Crush W. Carolina

106-------62
This was a snoozer... Up by 19 at halftime and winning by 44 the Phoenix were firing on all cylinders as they defeated W. Carolina in their first conference match-up of the season.

Furman Slows But, Doesn't Stop Elon

73-------72
Coming into this game Elon was on top of the world. Already onto the best start in school history, no one thought the 0-5 Furman Paladins would give the Phoenix much of a fight. Boy, were they wrong. Elon trailed 37-36 at halftime and needed to hold off a last second shot by Furman as time ran out and the fans started to breath again.

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Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

Blackledge Lands First Recruit

**Boomer Mayer - 7'1" 253 lbs - C - Euclid, OH

Mayer brings a strong defensive presence to the court. He isn't well known for his shooting ability but he has the size that is lacking in current Phoenix Center, Daniel Watts.

Potential = C

[MillardMavs]

Re: From The Ashes Of Elon - CH2K8 (360)

You've got a nice dynasty going here. Nice way to start the season also. I am totally looking forward to more updates