As the Chicago Cubs wrapped up a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night at Wrigley Field, talks intensified between Isiah Thomas and the organization who hasn’t won a championship in 102 seasons. Thomas, who flew to Chicago on Tuesday, met with GM Jim Hendry about the job opening. Sources say the two had a 30 minute meeting concluding with Thomas talking to the media about the allegations. Thomas was questioned by many members of the media about his intentions for the club if he is hired. “World Series baby! That’s what we do here in Chicago. Jim and I had a nice discussion and talks have really caught fire lately.” What is more puzzling to the situation is that Thomas has no background with the Cubs, let alone baseball itself. In the early 2000s, Thomas was in charge of the Indiana Pacers, leading them to the playoffs multiple times but was eventually relieved of his duties. Then, the former Piston great was hired by James Dolan and the New York Knicks in an attempt to bring the New York franchise back to the level that it was at when Patrick Ewing sported the blue and orange. After acquiring Zach Randolph,  Fred Jones and Dan Dickau on a draft day trade with the Trailblazers, Thomas proceeded to sign Jared Jeffries and Jermaine Jones to full mid-level exception deals which recked the New York salary cap. Relieved of his duties on April 2, 2008, Thomas fell into relative obscurity until being introduced as the head basketball coach of Florida Internation in 2009. After securing a 7-25 record in his first season on campus, speculation raged whether or not the 12 All-Star would return. When family problems put an end to Lou Piniella’s career, somehow the Cubs came calling. The Cubs? Really?

When BtBS questioned Hendry about the situation at a press conference today, the GM offered a different story. “There’s no way in hell we would hire Isiah Thomas. He sucked at coaching basketball, what makes you think he could do baseball?” Hendry became more distraught when a reported questioned the job he was doing, as the reporter stated, “Well Jim, what have you done lately? Offer up your best pitcher for a scrub second baseman? Have you seen the standings lately? You’re 21.5 games out of first place and 20 games under .500, maybe you should worry about your job.” Hendry had a sharp response to the young reporter saying, “You should worry about whether or not you’ll be able to pay your car payment in the next month. I’ve seen your stuff, first reporter in history to write in ebonics, oh and tell your mother I’m sorry for the back pain.” The fued escalated as Aramis Ramirez barged into the media room to complain at Hendry. “How the hell you gonna hire Isiah Thomas? You already brought Alfonso Soriano’s bum ass in here and traded away Derrick Lee.” Hendry had no response to his best player, and opted to leave the room. Before walking out the door, a reporter in the back yelled at the emotionally torn general manager, yelling, “Hell, hire Steve Bartman!”

As for now it remains to be seen what’s going to go down in the Cubs organization. For a club who hasn’t won a championship since Teddy Roosevelt’s administration, you would think they would try a little harder to win, but with baseball you never know. If Isiah Thomas couldn’t build a winner with the most money and the biggest market in the NBA, maybe things would be different if he were to be hired by the Cubs. As long as the Wilson Chandler Project isn’t moved to Chicago, the Cubs can’t get any worse. It’s not like Thomas will unload their entire roster for a group of free agents three years from now. This is the latest from Chicago, a city where on game days, there’s more drive by’s than line drives.

In his three years as the general manager of the dreadful Pittsburgh Pirates, Neal Huntington hasn’t shied away from shocking moves. First was in his inaugural season, shipping off Jason Bay. Then in his second year, sending Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Nate McClouth and Adam LaRoche packing for new cities, new teams and new dreams. Well Huntington has pulled the trigger once again, with what he calls his “Legend Package.”

During a one hour press conference on Fox Sports Pittsburgh, Huntington announced his new plan of action for the organization. Many had no idea what he was referring to and when the plan was revealed, it left the numerous members of the media in Pittsburgh stunned. In what Huntington called, “a deadline deal,” the last place Pirates acquired LW Wayne Gretzy, not sure where he is going to play but they have had similar problems with Lastings Milledge, P Roger Clemens, who will likely be sent to jail for a very long time in the next year and SG Michael Jordan, who in the mid 90s explored a baseball career in the Chicago White Sox organization.

“We feel Gretzky will give us needed depth and a bat to go to in the later innings. I heard he scored alot, runs I believe. He’s about as old as Andy LaRoche, and hey, they both suck so I figured might as well sign him.”

When asked about the Clemens acquisition, Huntington replied, “He can’t be much worse than Ross Olendorf, and he is a fighter, that’s what we need. Come on, the guy has denied steroid use for the past three years, he can handle adversity.” When BtBS attempted to contact Jordan on the situation, Michael had no valuable comment. “The Pirates. Me? No, can’t be possible. I gave up that sport awhile back.”

After a bombardment of criticism from the Pittsburgh media, Huntington stayed strong with his bold move.

“Look, playoff baseball hasn’t been played here since Pamela Anderson was a virgin.”

Huntington would add later, “It’s August 31st!!!!!! Trade Deadline, duh.”

When you’re 33 games out of first place and 44 games under .500 anything is possible. But for Pittsburgh, this is truly shocking. Usually they trade players, not sign them. With a month left in the season, it’ll be very interesting to see how the Bucos do down the stretch with the AARP squad out on the field at PNC Park. “When we win 35 straight games and steal the World Series, I’ll be the one laughing. Neal Huntington. Out” Can’t blame a guy for wanting to win, but Huntington’s plan for success is about as dismal as the Stimulus Package.

• In other National League news, the Cincinnati Reds extended their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals to seven games after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in a game where the Cuban Missile Aroldis Chapman came in relief.

• The Chicago Cubs have found their heir apparent to Lou Piniella. Sources tell BtBS that Isiah Thomas has been in contact with the organization about the managerial position. Thomas, who is under contract with the Florida International basketball program, told Behind the Box Score that, “If I can get this job, I will finally be able to complete my masterplan. Operation Knick Destruction.” Not sure how he will be able to accomplish that but this is coming from a man who believed Eddy Curry was the savior for New York basketball.

• Omaha Nighthawks RB Maurice Clarett practiced with his new team today in front of a crowd of seven. Clarett, who served three and a half years in prison in Toledo is excited for his new start. “It’s a blessing. Instead of facing Big Bubba on every down, I’ll face guys with less intention.” Clarett is slated as the no. 2 back behind Ahman Green who is returning from hip replacement surgery.

After LeBron James held the summer of 2010 in his hands, as far as the sports world is concerned, another star was waiting for his moment. Buried in the shadow of LeBron once again, Carmelo Anthony wasn’t the only conceited star looking for an easy route to a ring. As tension began rising in the Denver front office, it became well known that the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft wanted out, and out soon. Similar to the LeBron issue, Denver has the ability to offer Anthony more money than any other team in the league. But is it money that these stars want? Clearly no. After taking into account the amount these guys have already made in their seven years in the NBA, what’s the difference between $20 million/year and $16 million. Once you throw in two All-Star teammates and a larger market, the money is meaningless.

After Melo and LeBron were selected as two of the top three picks in the 2003 draft, one being compared to that of the ’83 class, the NBA’s next generation was born. At the time, it was expected that one of the big names that were taken in the first round would lead their team to a championship. Seven years later, it’s clear to see that the NBA landscape has changed drastically. In the days of Jordan, Magic, Bird and even Kobe Bryant, the biggest stars of the game have historically strived to defeat their greatest competition. For the Eastern Conference, the alignment of stars in Miami, Boston and potentially New York and Orlando, have produced powerful alliances that are similar to those of World War I.

Now we sit today, with another star waiting to leave his most loyal fanbase and the place that he has called home for his entire career. To many, the arrogance and egotistical display of greed has changed what people think about the NBA. Never before in any sport have players had such control over entire franchises than what’s going on in the association. After LeBron blatantly gave the entire state of Ohio the middle finger, it’s clear Carmelo has similar intentions. A great deal of speculation has been going around about a possible alliance in Madison Square Garden with Melo, Amare Stoudemire, who signed with the Knicks days before LeBron’s decision, and Chris Paul, who clearly wants out of New Orleans. Is this what’s right for the NBA? As small market teams struggle to retain high profile players, what’s happening in the NBA is similar to Major League Baseball. When the rich get richer, it only creates a disparity in the league, thus decreasing competition.

What I’d like to memo to the Nuggets organization is if Carmelo won’t accept the money now, he never will. Don’t let Anthony hold the future of your team in his hands when it’s clear he doesn’t care about his teammates and the success of the club. This is where arrogance and ego comes into play. With zero championship rings and one series win under his belt, Carmelo Anthony has literally accomplished nothing in the NBA other than averaging 24.7 ppg in his seven years in Denver. Proving that he is unable to carry the Nuggets anywhere in the postseason, even after having an above average supporting cast, Melo is steadily etching himself into the LeBron type of player. Rather than taking the blame on his shoulders, which big name stars are expected to do, the new crop of superstars are opting for the Miami route. Is this what’s right for the NBA? Tell me what you think.

-how to play the game the right way

-how to play fair, with rules

-how to interact with others and be a helping hand towards a greater cause

-how to grow as a person

-how to deal with the situation your forced with

-how to make your teammates that much better

-and lastly, MOST importantly, when to be loyal to your team and your hometown, the team that watched you grow up from a young phenom to a freak of nature athletically on the court.

I’m not a Cavs fan. But I feel like he ripped the hearts out of all Cleveland sports fans.

I feel for the city because every time I talk to a Cleveland fan about sports, it’s almost painful no matter what. They don’t get hopeful anymore. And they have every right to feel that way. They are like the girl that gets her heart broken every time she “falls in love”. Well this city has fallen in love enough. LeBron was the perfect guy for the town. He’s been around here all his life, and they let his problems go. Yankees hat? “Eh, who cares, just bring us a title, King.” Cowboys gear? “No biggie, just win it when it matters in June, ‘Bron.” I’m not from Cleveland, but boy I sure feel the pain. I don’t even like Cleveland sports teams but I’m hurt. Because I watched him grow up from a strong freshman that came into the state tournament with a team that was ready. LeBron, you didn’t show weakness and try to sprint to the locker room when you got pummeled physically by Cincinnati Roger Bacon your junior year. Your teammate did though. But I don’t get you LeBron. How can you hurt your city like that? The town you grew up in, lived in. But hey, the Browns and Indians we’re never good enough for you anyways. Now, your saying the Cavs aren’t either. Go ahead and be the guy that breaks the girl’s heart for no reason. Just remember, they won’t call the day after looking to be just friends.

Last but certainly not least, here is Zach with his definition for “Sports are…”

Sports are about a city that has gone through all sorts of depression, whether it be economic or sports related, get a breath of fresh air from the home grown. Watching that potential grow to great proportions, it seemed that the city of Cleveland was on the way to reversing the “curse” that they so desperately hold. Behind the dominance of LeBron James, the Cavaliers had to many, the best team chemistry in the NBA. But in reality, this was the complete opposite. When one person on a successful team gets all the attention and credit, it seems that that ship will finally sink, and this is what happened in Cleveland. LeBron, who is revered as the ultimate team player by many, is the direct descendent of selfishness. For seven years, the “ooh” and “ahh” we’re what kept bringing fans to the Quicken Loans Arena. LeBron did some things on the court, that have never been done by any other player to wear a Cavaliers jersey. The Hollywood type antics, from the pregame dance routines, to the chalk throwing before tip-off, everything about LeBron was a show. But this is not what team players do. In sports, talent is crucial, but when it comes down to it, team chemistry is what breeds champions. To attain success in a team sport, every single member on a team must be on the same page, and each player must work together to achieve the ultimate goal. We have seen this accomplished the previous two seasons from the Los Angeles Lakers. Each game, a new teammate stepped up. Whether it was Ron Artest, Derek Fisher or Pau Gasol, the crucial moments were shared with the entire team. For Cleveland, this was not the case. When the Cavaliers would be the topic of discussion, it was always, “LeBron and the Cavaliers,” not just the team, but LeBron first. And LeBron First was the motto for seven disappointing seasons in Cleveland. When Larry Hughes wasn’t the right fit for the “King,” what was the end result? When Mike Brown couldn’t bow down to James, where did he go? When Danny Ferry couldn’t assemble a team where LeBron didn’t have to take responsibility for the early playoff exits, what happened to him? Each one of these men were run out of town due to the inability of the “Chosen One,” to win when it mattered most. For LeBron, he has always been known to make his teammates better. But where was this improved production in the playoffs? It remains to be seen, because on a team, equal distribution of success needs to be evident, and for Cleveland this wasn’t true. Every accomplishment from 2003-10 will fall on the shoulders of LeBron. Last time I checked, there are five players on the court at one time, but to LeBron, there’s one and one only. And in sports, divas don’t win championships, ask Terrell Owens how his selfishness has added to his trophy case. For Cleveland this only adds to the sad story of sports in the city. At one point in 2007, it seemed that the city was finally going to reverse the curse. The Cavs had reached the NBA Finals, the Indians were a 90 win ball club behind CC Sabathia and the Browns we’re winning again. But piece by piece, this illumination faded. From the departure of back to back Cy Young winners, and the complete disassembeling of a football team, Cleveland fans still in their minds, had LeBron and the Cavaliers. But when a phantom elbow injury was the reason for the Cavaliers departure, it was evident that LeBron didn’t want to belong in Cleveland. It was clear to see the way he walked off the court at the Boston Garden, that LeBron knew in his mind that he would not be returning, because the 60 win team he had wasn’t good enough for his egotistical mentality. And after being the most talked about figure in sports for the past two months, LeBron aggravated the nagging injury that comes with Cleveland sports, by severing the pain of the people althroughout Ohio. Needing a way to create the stage for himself, LeBron had the sports world in his hands. “The Decision,” which will live in infamy for Cleveland fans for as long as they live, is the epitome of LeBron James and what his legacy will become. Offering no remorse for his former teammates and his own hometown, LeBron made himself into the selfish man that we are becoming to annoit him as. To athletes, winning is what counts, and I respect LeBron’s decision to win, but after what he did to the place that he called home, I don’t think I can respect the man.

LeBron, you may be tired and down in this picture. But multiply that by about 500,000 , and you will find that many people that feel just the same now. Your a heck of an athlete, but don’t let the door hit you on the way out bud.

]]> http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/07/09/sports-are/feed/ 0 http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/03/25/division-i-central-district-all-tournament-team/ http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/2010/03/25/division-i-central-district-all-tournament-team/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:30:41 +0000 Jason Morrow http://www.behindtheboxscore.com/?p=1616 As the Central District sent their one representative to the state final in upset fashion (Gahanna-Lincoln), the 2010 tournament has wrapped up for the 42 teams that competed for the one spot. Many players and teams gave it their all this year, and Behind The Box Score is proud to announce their 1st annual all-tournament teams:

First Team:

G-Stevie Taylor (Gahanna-Lincoln)

G-Anthony Jackson (Gahanna-Lincoln)

F-Rob Brandenburg  (Gahanna-Lincoln)

F-Michael Green (Dublin Coffman)

C-Jared Sullinger (Northland)

Second Team:

G-Conner Viers (Dublin Coffman)

G-Brian Sullivan (Upper Arlington)

F-J.D. Weatherspoon (Northland)

C-Elijah Macon (Marion-Franklin)

C-Ralph Hill (Westerville North)

Third Team:

G-Trey Burke (Northland)

G-Kevin Gray (Reynoldsburg)

G-Sam Bott (Gahanna-Lincoln)

F-Brandon Tyler (Independence)

C-Max VanMeter (Westerville Central)

Special Mention:

Traevon Jackson (Westerville South), Oliver McGlade (Upper Arlington), Bradley Nettles (Westerville North), Mike Petrie (Beechcroft), Taylor Rieger (Olentangy Orange),  Brandon Rushton (Reynoldsburg)

Player of the Tournament: Stevie Taylor (Gahanna-Lincoln)

Coach of the Tournament: Tony Staib (Gahanna-Lincoln)

Picture/Moment of the Tournament:

With 5:30 remaining in the 4th quarter, Gahanna called timeout after some Northland pressure. Even with a 57-32 lead, some diehard fans believed that the Vikings could still make a run in the game. However, this back-door play called by Coach Staib sealed the deal, with a beautiful pass and an and one for Rob Brandenburg, the final piece of the regional championship puzzle was in place with this dunk.

(I’d like to give special props to Studio 187 for letting me use this picture)

For some teams, making it to the round of eight in the OHSAA Basketball tournament can be an entire dream in itself in any division. The Gahanna-Lincoln Lions had achieved that dream for the first time in school history. Not only was it the first regional final they had ever made it to, but it was the first district title as well. They had another hurdle to somehow climb Saturday night at the Fairgrounds Coliseum.  Standing in their way was #1 Northland (24-1). Not just #1 in the state, but #1 in the nation according to USA Today. They pulled off what some have been calling the greatest upset in the history of Central Ohio high school basketball tonight, dominating the Vikings 71-45, granting them the road to their first state tournament appearance ever.

However, the game did not start as planned for the OCC-Ohio champion Lions (26-0). They quickly fell behind 7-0 to the Vikings. But, Gahanna closed the quarter on a 10-5 run to stop the bleeding. The lead would be taken over by the Lions early in the second quarter, and would grow to 4 with 4:20 remaining in the half. Within a minute and a half, the margin would balloon to 26-18, while 3:03 remained on the Fairgrounds clock. The 7,000+ in attendance would erupt once more when horn for halftime rang with Gahanna holding a 33-22 lead on the four-time City League champions.

An 8-0 run by Gahanna to start the second half would make the roof nearly blow off the building once more. The three point shooting by Gahanna would extend runs all night. In particular, the hot shooting by Sam Bott, leading the team in threes with four tonight, really carried Gahanna to a new level when it came to stretching the lead. The Vikings would cut the lead to 13, but that would be the closest it would get the rest of the night. The Lions would hold the ball for the final minute of the quarter, only to have a shot miss off target, but still holding a 50-31 lead.

Another 5-0 run to start the quarter for the Lions would open up their biggest margin of the night to that point. Baskets would be traded between the schools for some time. A tough scene arose when Vikings coach Satch Sullinger subbed out his son, Jared late in the game, prompting a hug from father to sun that would bring the entire crowd on both sides to give a large round of applause to the two. Jared lead all Vikings in scoring with 24, but only three of his teammates scored as well. The final horn would buzz soon after that, bringing the Lions student section to give chants of  ”overrated”.

Next Friday night at 8:30, Gahanna will face Massillon-Jackson (23-2) for the right to go to the OHSAA Division I State Final at the Schott.

Help Vote for Division I Central District Player/Coach of the Tournament below! Results along with all tournament teams will be released Thursday the 25th

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Coffman, on the other hand, had one of their best performances all year in a 78-59 victory over Marion-Franklin. Green and the Rocks (21-3) held future West Virginia Mountaineer Elijah Macon to only 5 points. The Red Devils played well against the smaller Rocks in the first quarter, but center Michael Green took the game over in the final three, having a game-high 30 points in the win.

Prediction: These teams match up very well on paper, with Coffman gaining the inside advantage with Green, but Gahanna has the guards to swing the tempo in their favor, led by junior Stevie Taylor and senior Anthony Jackson. Green’s effectiveness on the outside will be the major determining factor in this game, and his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter like he did Saturday will determine how this game goes. Expierence is nearly the same for both teams, and neither team really has the advantage in that department. I think that Viers, and Green will control how this game gets played, and they advance to a date with destiny Saturday night, as they will (most likely) will face #1 Northland. Rocks 65, Lions 60.

• In his first season, Mark Sanchez already has the most playoff wins in Jets history.
• Michael Beasley guaranteed an “easy victory” over the Charlotte Bobcats yesterday only to lose 104-65.
• Both hockey teams in the Canadian province of Alberta lost by a combined 15 goals on Monday night.
• Tim Lincecum asked for a pay raise up from $600,000 a year to $13,000,000, 15x his current salary.
• Rasheed Wallace returned to Detroit last night, claiming the Palace was still his, only to be blocked three times in a 92-86 loss.
• The Dallas Mavericks extended their streak of one-point victories, in a 94-93 win over the Washington Bullets uhm i mean Wizards.
• The Nets only lost by 11 points on Monday night, a moral victory for a team that has a record of 3-38.
• Kelvin Sampson finally hung up the phone Tuesday night.
• Johnny Damon remains unsigned along with Miguel Tejada, that’s what happens when you’re 35 and think you deserve Albert Pujols money.
• Jose Canseco didn’t call anyone else out this week, a first for the washed up steroids user.
• Tiger Woods checked into sexual rehab this week, it’s a good thing that they have all male nurses there.
• Central Crossing boys basketball has a three game winning streak.
• Northland won by 68 on Tuesday over Mifflin, 30 more than the total points scored the Punchers.
• Alex Rodriguez will play for Haiti in the next World Baseball Classic, his third team in three renditions of the tournament.
• John Wall’s name was once again mentioned on Sportscenter last night, breaking Tim Tebow’s former record of 20 consecutive shows.
• The color man for the Michigan-Wisconsin game on Wednesday said this when referring to a shot attempt by the Wolverines’ Manny Harris, “They better hope State Farm covers the damages from that brick.” And we thought Bob Griese was bad.
• Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady have sufficient votes for the All-Star Game, funny when McGrady has not played this season and Iverson quit on the Grizzlies then moved back to Philadelphia to ask for more shots.
• Evan Turner continued to dominate on Monday, abusing the Northwestern Wildcats for 20 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists.
• RIP Gaines Adams

If you have anything you’d like to share from this week, comment below!

The problem thus far for East was that they could score, but could they maintain leads? In a 78-61 victory over McKinley, the Tigers answered that question. With 27 points coming from Dixon, the balance in scoring was key to the win as two more players scored in double digits (Jordan Laster, 18 pts, Lipson, 16 pts). Building a 41-35 lead by halftime, the defensive pressure would need to be increased to secure a win.

Serving as the mantra of the game, the Tigers answered the call. Limiting the visiting Panthers to nine points in the third quarter, a 35-26 run to end the game let off a sigh of relief for the home fans that witnessed an 11 point lead given up in the final minutes during Tuesday’s loss against Mifflin. Dixon was the player of the game, leading everyone in scoring with 26 points. Two of those came on a poster dunk in the second quarter where a deflected pass left Dixon with open court. Setting up for the dunk, the trailing defender came into the picture in hopes of stopping an easy two. No such feat would be accomplished for Linden as Dixon went right up and over the opposition for a dunk that should be put posters all through the Capital City.

Dixon did more than dunk on  Friday, knocking down three huge shots from behind the arc essentially giving the Tigers the balance they needed for a victory. Three decades removed from the glory years at East when Tiger fans saw the teams from 1967-69, go 70-1 with two state championships in ’68 and ’69, now this program is hoping to return to that status, or at least close to it. Improving to 1-1 on the season, the next crucial game for the Tigers comes on January 5th at Northland, arguably the best team in the nation. If Dixon can keep dominating on both sides of the ball and can get help from his teammates, the Tigers have a small chance of upending the Vikings.

Only 24 hours removed from their upset victory over then #1 Findlay Prep, the Northland Vikings made sure nobody would ruin their moment. Home against traditionally weak Centennial, the Vikings went out and did business as usual waxing the Stars up and down the floor for 95 points and letting the defense thrive, allowing 49.

Jared Sullinger backed up last night’s performance tonight, bruising Centennial for 31 points while not playing nearly as many minutes as the night before. A night ago Sullinger was dominating D1 commit Tristan Thompson, tonight, his defenders weren’t nearly as good and the results showed.

Trey Burke had another solid outing, racking up 20 points and dishing out eight assists. Burke once again outplayed the opponent this time talented guard Bucky Chenault, who has been one of the better guards in the city this year. Burke once again flashed his ability to hit from anywhere on the floor, knocking down four three point field goals. West Virginia commit Jalen Robinson also had a solid performance, nearly reaching a double double with nine points and 12 rebounds. The balance in scoring was remarkable for the Vikings on Friday, as ten players scored.

Leading 28-15 at the end of the first, Northland once again turned up the heat on defense, limiting the Stars to 12 points for the next two quarters prior to having essentially the JV squad in for the final session. In addition to the pressure put on the defensive side of the ball, the Viking offense also lit it up, outscoring Centennial by 43 in the second and third quarters. Resting his sore ankle, JD Weatherspoon wouldn’t be needed tonight in a game where the bench players could have won.  The ability to not lose focus and play as a team when national spotlight has been cast on them has been a goal of this Northland team. With a 46 point win tonight, this team has extended the path to City League destruction and nationwide success.