Disqus - Latest Comments for redstorm

Re: Raiders take it to Everett, ram it down throat of cocky writer/blogger

redstorm — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:28:50 -0000

I agree Jim - Lynn English is a good team- quality guard play with quickness and great defense. They are long in the back court. I think a healthy CCHS team wins also but English has been playing well.

I also agree about Lexington - look at the non-league schedule that Central, Andover, Lowell, English, Dracut, and Methuen play. Lexington should do their kids and program a favor and play some of those non-league games to really test their themselves. If Watertown is your toughest opponent every year and you only play them twice - you are not improving your program. That takes nothing away from Steve Harrington and his squad at watertown - he is a class act and they have a great, well-prepared team every year.

Re: Raiders take it to Everett, ram it down throat of cocky writer/blogger

redstorm — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:23:38 -0000

Hector - I value your opinions but I have to tell you I am not angry at all. I am merely responding to someone who said that Everett got "jobbed'. They did not get jobbed - they just didnt play the last minute of that game like a championship club should. And that is because of coaching and experience of the players. I never said anything about Coach D not having a timeout to ice Marsden - you don't ice Billy and you and I both know that. A timeout though does help when you are now down 1 with 6 seconds left and you have to go the length of the court to try and win the game - right??

I was just asking folks why those questions weren't being asked about coaching in crunch time. I am not angry though because I know the ref in question and I know a little about officiating myself.

As far as Fib's assessment of the ref in question - I will just say this about him: He has the balls and fortitude the size of a bull, he has officiated at the D1, 2, & 3 Men's college level. He has done NCAA Tournament games in D2 and in D3 and will be officiating at the National D3 Men's College Final Four in Virginia in a couple of weeks. This is no slouch regardless of your opinion of how he officiates a high school game.

Re: Raiders take it to Everett, ram it down throat of cocky writer/blogger

redstorm — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:52:50 -0000

First and foremost I must say that I wasn't there but I will tell you that you are wrong. I don't have to be there to know that the official that made the call is one of the best in this area. You have seen him at many, many big games and you will continue to. He doesn't create fouls and you know it.

Why are we not asking the question - why did the opposing coach have his kids on the line knowing this kid didn't make the front-end of the one-on-one earlier? And why do you have a freshman in the game at that point trying to steal the ball or play aggressive defense on one of the best, smartest players in the area this year - and one that has ice in his veins where a free throw for him is like a layup to you and me? And why didn't Everstt have any timeouts left? Its called coaching...

Don't blame the men in stripes for doing their job. You can't have it both ways. If there is contact on that play - why would you call it any differently than earlier in the game? It's not the officials guys - it was a hard fought game based on all accounts - but strange things do happen. Two things are for sure - he is a great referee - one of the best - and Billy is a heckuva player - smart, cool, and tough.

Re: Please say it ain’t so … Did I just see what I think I just saw??? .. All right, I’m rest and calm. As an old editor of mine once penned, “Let’s Discuss.’

redstorm — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:25:03 -0000

Bokeen88 - I am an official - so i went there, yes to watch the game, but alos to watch the officials. We do that sorta thing, what can I say?

You weren't disappointed because you got into the theater of it all. It was a travesty - plain and simple.

Plenty of people who know him (not just officials) and what he is about, know some of the interesting facts of that night.

As far as his stint in the NBA - from what i have heard through reliable sources - he was a replacement official during a strike.

It is nothing personal - excpet when you know one of your close friends is offciating the game alongside this guy and he is steaming because in the end, the kids got robbed!

Re: Central’s Marsden commits to Southern New Hampshire University

redstorm — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:18:10 -0000

I could not agree with you more. And you are right - Billy has the stare and focus. He will be able to easily focus on what the coach is saying with out getting flustered. I meant no disrespect to stan as a screamer - just trying to make a point that when Stan goes off - baby he can go with the best of them!

Re: Please say it ain’t so … Did I just see what I think I just saw??? .. All right, I’m rest and calm. As an old editor of mine once penned, “Let’s Discuss.’

redstorm — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:28:05 -0000

And guess who was invited to the end of the year Charlestown basketball banquet? Yup - you guessed it, the official in question in that Charlestown Game. And yes, I believe he attended as well.

Re: Please say it ain’t so … Did I just see what I think I just saw??? .. All right, I’m rest and calm. As an old editor of mine once penned, “Let’s Discuss.’

redstorm — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:23:14 -0000

I have to comment on this latest post on the topic of the infamous Charletown game. I was there also as a spectator but alos to watch the officials believe it or not. I know all three very well. I was sitting with other officials during the game. This game was a travesty and officiating did effect the game. Could Andover have won the game if the referee in question was not working or did not make some of the crazy, one-sided calls he made? I'm not sure - maybe is the best answer. But I can tell you with certainty - he was out to make a point and hit andover hard. The other two officials knew it and could do nothing about it. And the other two are no slouches and are as above board as they come.

Just to put it in perspective - the official that caused this craziness had his son with him at the game - he was the Charlestown BALLBOY!!!

Re: Central’s Marsden commits to Southern New Hampshire University

redstorm — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:22:49 -0000

It is great to see Billy going to a Northeast 10 school. I think he will be successful there in Stanley Spirou's system. Stanley loves tough, gritty players who can put their team on their back in crunch time. Not afraid to take the big shot either. NE-10 will be a whole new world though - physically and athletically. And mentally - you guys think Paul, Faz and Nault are screamers - say hello to Stan the man baby - they are mellow compared to him.

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:32:31 -0000

You're a knucklehead! If you think we do it for the money - you are nuts. There are easier ways to make an extra buck.

Coaching biddy basketball in the Lawrence CYO league is not the same thing. And if you are getting T's there - then shame on you - maybe the problem is you and not MOST of the terrible refs....

At least the others have a cogent thought and opinion.

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:14:52 -0000

Jim:
As an official - I agree with you for the most part. The bottom line is that this is about the kids! Rick and Faz are great coaches and better people as far as I am concerned. They work their butts off for the kids and their respective schools. That is what it is all about.

I just hope that people realize the officials take it seriously - and for the record, nothing better than hoops for hope in the summer. Love it!

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:43:44 -0000

Anonymous or not - when you know the facts of the siutation it is not calling anyone out.

I do take personally when you chastise officials out here on this blog by saying they are incompetent - that is not right Hector. And who is to say there are not enough good refs?

Bill Loughane is a good coach - the best I'm not sure?

As far as what works best, I just know that the game of basketball is going in that direction of using three refs. I understand the cost issue - and it is a big one. But why not work towards training more refs, working on the cost factor, and having a better game that is ultimately safer and more enjoyable for all considered? It worked in the college ranks and can work for high school.

How many officials are there for a football game? at least 4 right? why not 3 to save some money? And if they were to do that, it would cause a problem with the game.

I do consider Boots an expert. He is regarded as probably the best high school interpreter and teacher in the country. I don't think i"m an expert, but I have been blowing the whistle for over 25 years myself and feel comfortbale on commenting on what I think is right for the game - cost issues aside of course.

I would just like to see more respect for those in stripes - it is not an easy job and we do take it serioulsy -- not just for the money.

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:31:19 -0000

I was just thinking - Billerica plays dracut tonight - Hector you might be right on one thing 10 refs for 10 players might not be a bad idea for that one.

Next you will tell me that the College game should only have two officials also...yeah right....

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:57:42 -0000

Hector - so you were okay with the 3 refs splitting 200 bucks but now that you know there is already a rate you say knock it down to $48.

Hector are you a certified ref - meaning, did you take the class and pass at one point? If so, lay down your pen and laptop next season and take a schedule in the MVC. I respect you as a sportswriter and enjoy reading your material but I think you almost try to sound like an expert on this topic rather than presenting it as opinion. Just because you attend hoop games, write about them, and even took the class at one point, it doesn't mean you are an expert on the topic of officiating and what works best. For god sakes Faz, Ricky, Dicky, etc., etc have tried to "officiate" from the sidelines for years and they don't even know the rules and how to officiate a game.

Re: How about 10 refs, one for each player???

redstorm — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:39:37 -0000

Hector - you are wrong on this one. As I have said in the past - IF you get three officals on a game that know the 3-man system and mechanics - the game will be a better game. Period. Unfortunately when you have refs who are not familiar with the mechanics of a 3-man crew and they try to fake it - that's not so good.

As far as the fees - referees are paid $72 for a varsity contest and i find it very hard to believe that Volleyball refs get $120 per match - unless of course they are doing a doubleheader.

And please don'e tell us not to call out anyone, which is not what I did by the way - the reality is, you aren't the only one that talks to these guys - tape or no tape.

I agree with Hoopref95 - that the officials need to take more control - but I can guarantee you - you and other apologists will find fault in that also. You like the show these guys put on when they are ranting and raving. Elvis is right - if we had two guys from Board 27 that Faz and Ricky did not know the environment would be much, much different.

Hector - do you respect BIlly Boots as an authority on the game and accomplished offcial. Ask him his thoughts on the value of the 3-man crews. Trust me, it is not about getting an "incompetent individual another check" - that was low blow and not deserved or accurate. You ask others not to get personal and that is exactly what you just did.

Re: Boys Hoops chat

redstorm — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:16:01 -0000

Agreed on three officials. HoopRef95 and I have said it more than a few times on this blog the last two years. If you get three guys that know the 3-man system - it will be a better, more controlled game.

As far as Neal goes and dropping the F-bomb - - I have to ask if it was directed to his team or was it directed to the officials. I ask that, because then it would be handled much differently, but should be handled no matter what.

I can guarantee you though if officials start to crack the whip a bit on the coaches, there will be the apologists out there saying that the refs overreacted or just wanted to be the show. That is unfortunate but the truth. And i can telkl you with certainty, the guys that ejected Coach Nault on Tuesday are not the type looking to be the show.

Re: Boys Hoops chat

redstorm — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:48:46 -0000

Nault was issued two technichals for giving the officials too much crap and being asked repeatedly to STOP. The game was in hand and he just kept right on going instead of COACHING. He knows it - trust me on that. When you get a technical foul for cussing at a ref and you admit you expected and wanted it afterward, you still have to abide by the rules and sit. When he was asked to sit and he said no I have to talk to my player and then was asked again - he said something to the effect of...you know what - this is why you guys don't get the big games.

Officials don't like to be insulted or showed up - especially when it is not in the heat of the battle but making a travesty of the game in the waning moments of a 20 pint blowout.

Other refs may have used a different tactic to deal with it, but to each his own I guess. Rick knows he was wrong and just wants to have fun and win this thing again. The pressure is mounting...But all in all, he is a good man and is working hard on behalf of his kids.

Hector said it himself the other day - the officials need to start taking control and issuing the T's and the coaches will eventually get it. We'll see....

Re: Boys Hoops chat

redstorm — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:29:08 -0000

Hector I think Pleham only won it once when they had the Roman kid playing for them. Lowell has taken it the past few years though. Westford was definitely team to beat this year - finals against AB was a great take.

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:01:51 -0000

i agree

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:01:33 -0000

Everett wins both vs. Salem
English beats Calssical - again
Andover beats both Lawrence and either of the other two
Agreed on Fitchburg - good - solid team/ they split with Everett

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:46:49 -0000

....but then they might have NA in the quarters who they can beat also. Dracut could make the Tsongas!!

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:37:56 -0000

I would not want to play Dracut in D2. I say they win their first two easily - Beverly and Chelsea could be likely foes. Good coach with tough, hard-nosed kids beats those two teams and puts them in the final four for D2.

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:33:33 -0000

hector - you missed the most important note from last night - where did you stop for dinner when you had so many fabulous suggestions to choose from?

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:13:32 -0000

Yo - where's Methuen?

check-out this web site for up to date state seeding info - http://kpboysbasketball.com...

This guy has A LOT of time on his hands. Next we'll see one with public officials rankings...

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:21:11 -0000

I like Everett too, but don't discount the coaching on that bench. Coach D does not lose his cool like some of our MVC friends. Everett just won a tough one in OT vs. Lynn English this past Monday. A nice test for both teams heading into the tourney. English has the horses to do some damage too.

The Reggies play Fenwick next week on the last day of the regular season. That will be a nice test for them.

Re: Saluting a pair of Tuesday night champs!!!

redstorm — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:46:09 -0000

I agree with all above and do think NA would give Salem and Pinkerton a good game right now. Coach McVeigh has them playing well and with confidence. Look for NA vs. Westford on March 8, although Woburn is a formidable opponent.

Hec and company - I haven't seen anything about the ejection at CCHS yet? Not a good thing heading into the tourney let alone the rematch with BC High in the Comacast Tourney on Saturday.