Disqus - Latest Comments for raider4life

Re: Down 18, Knights stun Central

raider4life — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:23:18 -0000

Great 4th quarter by NA...Congrats on a well deserved victory. Hope this brings the boys back to earth a bit. If there is such a a thing a good loss this was it. Should be a wake up call for CC. No nights off everyone wants to beat you. Must bring it every night for the entire game.

Re: Too big: Central dominates Andover

raider4life — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:42:06 -0000

Andover hoops, sour grapes? AHS just finds housing in Andover so some of their players "now" live in Andover. Just take your loss like a man. Congrats on your swimming titles though!

Re: Thoughts on Andover-Central

raider4life — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:38:13 -0000

MVC, I hear you. DL was a legend for sure. You can see his coaching tree extend through the region--some real good coaches grew from his roots.

Re: Thoughts on Andover-Central

raider4life — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:55:20 -0000

Rock the Cradle of Love, you can have your opinion and we can agree to disagree but comparing how hard the CCHS boys play defense to the AHS girls team is quite humerous at best. I know they are a good team with a good coach but to compare their intensity with that of the the CC boys varsity is in your words "foolish". You are right Leo does a great job at Pentucket he would have been my choice after RN for the open position at CC (did Leo even apply?) when DL retired. Speaking of which my memory is not short at all-I played for DL and watched him coach since about 1980... I know he was a good coach but he also had lots of talent over the years and never got the banner raising victories. Like you said he did a "pretty good job" over his 20+ years but RN has done much more than a "pretty good job".

Re: Thoughts on Andover-Central

raider4life — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:36:10 -0000

Hey David Bowie, take a look at the numbers- the guys record speaks for itself. You can talk all you want about talent and surely CC has it almost every year but that doesn't equate to wins for everyone. RN has his kids playing harder, more composed and within themselves like no other coach around these parts. He challenges his players and they respond-can't say that for most other coaches. Although my boy Sips at Whittier is doing a great job too (another CCHS guy-go figuer). Thanks for chiming in though.

Re: Thoughts on Andover-Central

raider4life — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 08:56:09 -0000

$8 a head is pretty steep for HS basketball. Was this a special price for the CC game or has that been the AHS ticket price all year? Heard more than one Andover parent complain about the price as well. Next thing you know they will charge to park too. Great win for the boys (esp w/out LP)-I thought Andover had a chance but even I was underestimating this CC team. Shame on me. Lucas has really come on as of late...I like him...solid and steady and the bball IQ to make the right plays. Dougie G just making it rain in the Dunn last night. Also some solid halftime adjustments made by the Yoda of the hardwood(RN). Glad to see JB be a more aggressive-I think this kid could impose his will on the MVC-keep it up JB no one in this league can stop you-just keep attacking. Supposed to be a rebuilding year for CC? HA! We dont rebuild- we reload!

Re: No Puello for Central-Andover tonight…

raider4life — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:58:28 -0000

No LP, that is disappointing. Thought he would have to be restrained to not play in this one. Gives Andover a chance.
Go Raiders!

Re: Central downs Andover for third time

raider4life — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 08:46:21 -0000

Great job girls! Congrats to Coach Paris too. Its always nice to beat Andover. Bring home another State title!

Re: Some early thoughts on Lawrence and the Prep …

raider4life — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:21:37 -0000

Sp0rtsfan, don't get sucked in. Remeber imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Re: I gave you guys the chance, and you mostly let me down …

raider4life — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:30:46 -0000

Player, "when you say people thought they would be a good team but not go as far as they did" that would be uninformed people who thought that-those with actual hoop knowledge knew they would be real good and fully expected them to be right were they were. RN makes very few adjustments huh? one dimensional? have you watched any games-do you understand basketball at all? becuase you are starting to sound like one of those uninformed people. Sorry playa but RN owns your team and 99% of the teams in MA. FACT not OPINION.

Re: I gave you guys the chance, and you mostly let me down …

raider4life — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:17:34 -0000

Lawrence wins!!!!!
Congrats to the Lancers... wish we were joining you for that gahhhden pahhty. Do it on Friday for all the city schools and your boys at CC- we are behind you 100%.

Re: Raider rein ends

raider4life — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:07:07 -0000

POY would have to hit that shot from the couch since that team never made it out of the first round.

Re: Another late night, tough exit for Central

raider4life — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:14:40 -0000

Gotta love the snakes who don't post here all year then come outof their holes after CCHS loses to talk their trash-anonymous internet blog trolls is the proper terminology I believe.

Congrats to SJP! Hard fought win-did just enough to hold on-got their payback for last year.
RN quote in Hector's story says it all as to why they lost. What a great finish though-glad to see them come back and make SJP earn it in the last few minutes. What a great year it was-were not many people in November thinking they would be as good as they were. Like I said before JZ is special player here in the MVC & MA. For the trolls out there, educate yourself because there is ALMOST noone who has had a better career in their 4 years in the MVC. JZ = State Champ X 2.... all you haters can suck on that for a while and let me know how your teams have done vs JZ during his tenure. As for JM...the kid eats nails.
Want to thank RN and the Raiders for all their hard work, they truly represented CCHS like champions all year- on and off the court. This Raider4life is very proud even in defeat.

Go LHS! We are all behind you now! Maybe not everyone-there are certain teams/schools that do not want to play you guys anymore who hope you lose. Pay no attention them-they either lost in Rd1 or never made the tourney anyway. Go Lancers!

Re: Dave Willis and the Creature stopped over at Cinderella’s castle on Monday

raider4life — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:15:05 -0000

CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL...come on boys biggest game of your young lives. Need to be at your best tonight. Defense, rebounds, free throws, limit turnovers--hvae to get it in to JZ early and get him going-look for RN to throw in a wrinkle tonight-just my guess-have to hit SJP with something new tonight. What a huge game-two best teams in the state-win or lose you have played like champions all year.
Good for Lawrence-Paul works real hard with his team on and off the court. Hey, LE lost to CC by 30 as did LHS--so they are about even by my calibration. It all depends which LHS team shows up on Wed. Would love nothing more than CC vs LHS at the Gahhhden. First things first-Go get em Raiders! In Rick we trust!

Re: You know, this is what high school sports are all about …

raider4life — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:31:15 -0000

Agree with you bs3. If they (MVC teams) are not playing CC, I want them to win. Starting 1st with LHS.

Re: You know, this is what high school sports are all about …

raider4life — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:14:32 -0000

Hector, please explain-you said CC cannot and will not beat Ctown. Now did you underestimate RN? or did you just forget how good a TEAM Central is (even if the MVC was down this year).
Saw Carson and WF-sweet steal and dunk for the big fella. Seems some players on WF are playing with their own agendas-CD was open in the post a few times and the entry pass never came. Think he grew 2 inches as well.
Can't wait to here how CC over came all odds-more championship poise I am sure.

Re: You know, this is what high school sports are all about …

raider4life — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:03:39 -0000

Hey Steve O, any more predictions pal? Sure do have a handle on the hs hoop scene huh?

Re: You know, this is what high school sports are all about …

raider4life — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:16:35 -0000

SF, thank you again for your offer. My brother is going to the game so I can get texts from him-I am going to try to bolt from BC to CT.
Good luck to the boys-play your game, hit your free throws and limit the turnovers-do that and they should win. Oh and rebound, rebound rebound. Go Raiders!!

Re: What a difference a couple hours makes!

raider4life — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:43:57 -0000

3pm on a Sunday? What a terrible time for a D1 tournament game. I am bitter since myself and some fellow CC alums made plans for the BC/Wake game and have paid for our tickets already. I know CCHS has a bus with students and faculty going to the heights to cheer Carson on as well. Sp0rtsfan- I think I will be at BC come Sunday-might need to take you up on your previous offer to send text updates. How can I give you my cell# without the world (we know everyone reads the Creature) seeing it?
I would probably just eat my $25 and miss the Wake game but I am not going to Ctown an hour and half early just to get in-I am bitter.

Re: What a difference a couple hours makes!

raider4life — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:41:40 -0000

What time is the CCHS vs Townie game on Sunday? Will I have a problem watching Carson at 12noon down @ BC and still getting to the CCHS game? should be a night game for CCHS correct? My wife won't happy when she hears what is happening to family day this sunday.
So Hector, I know nothing about C-town but you are telling me with all your glorious knowledge of HS hoops that CCHS cannot beat Ctown? sure sounds like it will be real tuff-in their gym no less. You don't see a situation where CC can win? Do you think it will be close? Just wondering cause you saw them play I have not. Is C-town that much better than the Prep?

Re: The tourney is under way … and we have our first casualties …

raider4life — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:03:34 -0000

Butch you wouldn't list RN as a better coach than some others in the MVC huh? Have you seen his record as head coach? Please if you could list these other GREAT coaches in the MVC.
Maybe our definitions of great are different-has to be

Re: The tourney is under way … and we have our first casualties …

raider4life — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:57:36 -0000

Butchie my friend, you are correct I have only seen one game-not much of a sample size. But I want you to know I also have no idea what "situation" has happened at Lexhs with its coach-no idea he was a first year guy-no idea of his credentials-I simply made an observation-I have no horse in the race. Just never saw any counter move to RN's adjustments. To be honest Butch from my one game look- seems this coach has himself some players on that team. Thought they could play a different type of style given the athletic abilities of some of his players. Don't get me wrong the best team won and had they played their game for more than 5 total minutes it would have been a 30 point loss but credit to Lexhs they played Central better than almost anyone this year.
This is a blog... we make observations here and talk about them. I never disrespected their coach-know nothing about him-his team played well-he could have done more to help his team pull out that victory though-its just one man's opinion. Oh and RN wins that game if he was on Lexhs side lines and your boy on CC- given all the same circumstances up to the 3 min mark in the 4th no doubt RN pulls the upset. I don't think the talent level between the two teams are as far apart as you may think. Again just one man's opinion my friend.

Re: The tourney is under way … and we have our first casualties …

raider4life — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:01:47 -0000

Sp0rtsfan, I took so long to write my comment I just read yours-my memory failed me, I thought the LP (legs cut out) moving pick was in the first half--you nailed it--that was a big play-he was hurt but didn't let it bother him in the least-thankfully there were free throws and LP had a second or twwo to gather himself. Finished strong where others may have wilted with the pain and pressure-not LP. T-o-u-g-h- as n-a-i-l-s and really you can say that about ES and JM as well.

Re: The tourney is under way … and we have our first casualties …

raider4life — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:46:19 -0000

First I have to give credit to the Lexhs players for their effort last night. I leaned to my Dad mid-way through the 3rd qtr and said this Lexington team is not going to fold and give up- CC will have to put them away with a 8-0 10-2 type of run ( and do it soon because you don't want this game to be close). That is what happened between the 3 and 2 minute mark of the 4th qtr-quite a run... in a flash it was over. Would have liked that run a bit earlier or maybe a few runs like that throughout the game but still got it done. Have to say if Lexhs had a better coach they could have won that game. They had a stud in #21 (kid was a beast-but barely used). Seems that kid could get whatever he wanted, when he wanted it and they really didn't go to him as often as they should have--Lexhs had no counter move to RN adjustments. Thought their point guard played very well in the first half-really pushed it where he wanted to no matter who was covering him and made some nifty drives to the hoop. They had lots of height but also some hard working kids who knew their roles-just not sure the coach had them playing the correct roles. Going into that 4th quarter (and recently going down memory lane with Sp0rtsfan) I started to realize-all they hype, ink and premature assumptions that this CC team will go deep in the tourney really means nothing until you prove it on the court when it counts. We know CC has done it in the past but you still have to play the games (and these are just kids)- these other teams are not going to lay down just beacuse it says Central Catholic on your uniform. I swear if that #21 for Lexhs was coached by RN or DF and played in the MVC , he could be your POY in the MVC.
On to the CC side of things...lots of different issues for the Raiders to deal with last night. First game jitters? maybe. Defintely battled foul trouble-little bit over aggressive with some reaching in and also seemed to be over matched at a few positions early on (until RN made his adjustements/substitution patterns). Also battled a very loud Lexhs crowd/student section-until the JZ dunk it did not feel like a home game for CCHS from a fan standpoint. Somewhat disappointed in the student section from CC--I know last year was the top of the mountain for that stuff but c'mon this is the state tourney and a home game-where they have not lost in how long? Even the students who do come out have to be louder-these players play their hearts out and deserve as much. Step up your game.
JZ was great as usual-love the fight in him. Glad to see him shrug off the Lexhs dunk and block sequence and finish strong. Made all his jumpers in the first half but a bunch came after the wistle blew but you tell he was on.
JB played well when he was out there-sweet stroke from the free throw line-kept them close with his makes from the charity stripe. Clearly disappointed when he fouled out-he hung his head on the end of the bench but only for a second as realized his team needed his support- he stood to cheer them on- and they did not disappoint him. My expectation have grown immensly for this young man-he is now ready to lead.
ES-what can you say about him that has not been said already-kid was a warrior made some great plays and energized the team when they needed it. He did a real good job especially in the first half to not let the game slip away. Great player for us. Love his attitude and determination-need big games from him.
TN overmatched a bit on the defensive end-(a frosh in his first tourney-its expected) but hit some HUGE 3s to spark the offense. Every game he gets better and better-as he gets stronger and more aggressive he will be very dangerous.
JM-this kid just has a knat for coming up big in the most critical spots. That three from Hampton beach was HUGE. What confidence and b@lls to shoot that shot.
LP-another great game for him (minus a couple first half turnovers). He has really taken his game to the next level from last year-he will be ready to lead this team next year as well. Just some gigantic rebounds from him- can't say enough about the work he does on the glass-he came up with key box outs and rebounds in the second half- he was battling with the big boys all night-scary to think he does all this while playing hurt. Yeah the wrist seems to be a very important body part for a bball player-also had his legs cut out from under him (first half) really banged his hip good and was in some pain--but never let either issue detract from his game--tough as nails he is.
Good little reality check for the Raiders.
They showed the poise of a champion and got the victory.

Re: Boys north tourney pairings set

raider4life — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:00:10 -0000

Sp0rtsfan, you are right--It was Dracut-I remember going to a Dracut middies basketball camp run by Fazio. Ahh the good ol' days-at Licare's camp he would razz Fazio "can you still dunk?" and at the end of the week a post college Faz would throw it down to the amazement of all the campers-did this for a few years until he could no longer dunk. Hec you have to remember that-if I recall Licare had you cooking the dogs in old CC cafeteria complete with the big pizza ovens too. That was my first introduction to Hector Longo-Dickey yelling at him to get back in there and get the dogs ready-funny stuff.