Post by Spencer Jardine - SVSU on Feb 17, 2013 15:39:14 GMT -6
Some random notes from this weekend.
*Things got started a little late but what tournament ever starts on time? The courts and facilities of James Madison are second to none. And I'v been to a lot of University's people. I loved it enough to even suggest James Madison put a bid in to host Nationals next year. Not only that but the crowd at JMU was the second largest I have seen in my years of dodgeball besides GVSU's old crowds and Death Valley today. The atmosphere for a home JMU Nationals match would be amazing.
*WKU rocking some nice unis came out with a performance comparable to their showings vs SVSU at Nationals 2011. Add that to an understrength SVSU roster and an incredible Felix Perrone series of catchs and kills WKU pulled off the upset in Overtime. Their team play was key in taking down players.
*After a bitter OT loss vs Kent St at Ohio in October SV was looking forward to their rematch with Kent St. After the wake up call from WKU, SV came out on fire making multiple catches every point taking down #1 Kent St 3-0.
*In front of a ravenous JMU crowd the 2nd year JMU team came out and frankly shocked SV with their arms in the first half. JMU in my opinion is the best power arm team in the NCDA. JMU almost went up 2-0 had it not been for a legendary 6 minute solo clock kill by SVSU's Zach Phelps where he had to make over 80 throws to keep his team close by 1. In the second half SV found their hands again catching several JMU heaters. The point flip flopped coming down to 3 vs 4, 2 vs 3 situations until a team throw by the 2 remaining SV players clipped JMU's remaining player.
*Heading into OT play went back an forth before a pair of clutch catches and team throws by SVSU silenced the JMU crowd.
*Tempers from JMU where a little heated when close calls did not go their way. It definitely affected their play.
*JMU's crowd was actively heckling teams throughout the game in Saginaw Death valley fashion. While my team laughed it off and joked back they did get under the skin of other teams.
*Playing Miami was a blast and it was a relief to have a relaxing cool down game filled with many shenanigans. Had a blast fellas.
* Despite their early loss SVSU left Virginia with the top record of the tournament and taking over the #1 Michigan seed as of now. With MSU, BGSU, and CMU in town next month they have a chance to lock up a very good seed. An impressive showing from a undermanned SV roster.
*If JMU manages to change their tactics to their strengths they are a very good pick to make the Final four this year in just their 2nd year.
*WKU may lack many star players but their "clutch"ness if you will is gonna be an X factor in April. Watching their team pull in incredible catch after catch with only 1 or 2 players in to mount comebacks was amazing.
*I'm not blaming anyone, but if we are gonna expand as a league we NEED to start filming games. How can anyone NOT be a fan after watching a few of these games this weekend?
Notable players
-SVSU - Max Siler, Zach Phelps with his amazing 6 minute solo clock kill. Stephanie Falotico recorded multiple catches in every game including JMU. Scott La Valley, Trevor Mielock, and
Mike Soulliere also had amazing games.
WKU - #11, Felix obviously, Big Bird, some other guys but I forgot the numbers.
JMU - A roster of pure talent without a doubt but doesn't play to their strengths. Comparable to the 2008 SV team. #35, #71 pulled in every thing thrown his way, their captain and assistant captains where also star players.
Miami - #7 Was really impressive, overall a great group of guys to play with.
Thanks again to JMU for hosting the tournament, it was definitely the trip of the lifetime.
*Things got started a little late but what tournament ever starts on time? The courts and facilities of James Madison are second to none. And I'v been to a lot of University's people. I loved it enough to even suggest James Madison put a bid in to host Nationals next year. Not only that but the crowd at JMU was the second largest I have seen in my years of dodgeball besides GVSU's old crowds and Death Valley today. The atmosphere for a home JMU Nationals match would be amazing.
*WKU rocking some nice unis came out with a performance comparable to their showings vs SVSU at Nationals 2011. Add that to an understrength SVSU roster and an incredible Felix Perrone series of catchs and kills WKU pulled off the upset in Overtime. Their team play was key in taking down players.
*After a bitter OT loss vs Kent St at Ohio in October SV was looking forward to their rematch with Kent St. After the wake up call from WKU, SV came out on fire making multiple catches every point taking down #1 Kent St 3-0.
*In front of a ravenous JMU crowd the 2nd year JMU team came out and frankly shocked SV with their arms in the first half. JMU in my opinion is the best power arm team in the NCDA. JMU almost went up 2-0 had it not been for a legendary 6 minute solo clock kill by SVSU's Zach Phelps where he had to make over 80 throws to keep his team close by 1. In the second half SV found their hands again catching several JMU heaters. The point flip flopped coming down to 3 vs 4, 2 vs 3 situations until a team throw by the 2 remaining SV players clipped JMU's remaining player.
*Heading into OT play went back an forth before a pair of clutch catches and team throws by SVSU silenced the JMU crowd.
*Tempers from JMU where a little heated when close calls did not go their way. It definitely affected their play.
*JMU's crowd was actively heckling teams throughout the game in Saginaw Death valley fashion. While my team laughed it off and joked back they did get under the skin of other teams.
*Playing Miami was a blast and it was a relief to have a relaxing cool down game filled with many shenanigans. Had a blast fellas.
* Despite their early loss SVSU left Virginia with the top record of the tournament and taking over the #1 Michigan seed as of now. With MSU, BGSU, and CMU in town next month they have a chance to lock up a very good seed. An impressive showing from a undermanned SV roster.
*If JMU manages to change their tactics to their strengths they are a very good pick to make the Final four this year in just their 2nd year.
*WKU may lack many star players but their "clutch"ness if you will is gonna be an X factor in April. Watching their team pull in incredible catch after catch with only 1 or 2 players in to mount comebacks was amazing.
*I'm not blaming anyone, but if we are gonna expand as a league we NEED to start filming games. How can anyone NOT be a fan after watching a few of these games this weekend?
Notable players
-SVSU - Max Siler, Zach Phelps with his amazing 6 minute solo clock kill. Stephanie Falotico recorded multiple catches in every game including JMU. Scott La Valley, Trevor Mielock, and
Mike Soulliere also had amazing games.
WKU - #11, Felix obviously, Big Bird, some other guys but I forgot the numbers.
JMU - A roster of pure talent without a doubt but doesn't play to their strengths. Comparable to the 2008 SV team. #35, #71 pulled in every thing thrown his way, their captain and assistant captains where also star players.
Miami - #7 Was really impressive, overall a great group of guys to play with.
Thanks again to JMU for hosting the tournament, it was definitely the trip of the lifetime.