Championship Game Preview: Suns Overview

By Britton Barthold

Regular Season:

Points Scored/Game: 46.4 points

Points Allowed/Game: 39 points

Most Points Scored in a Game: 60 points

Most Points Allowed in a Game: 54 points

Least Points Scored in a Game: 34 points

Least Points Allowed in a Game: 19 points

Biggest Point Differential: +22 (W), -7 (L)

Biggest Win of the Season: 41-19 W vs. Nuggets

Most Disappointing Loss: 34-41 L vs. Lakers

Roster Overview:

1. Conor Davey (senior)

Davey has been the anchor of the Suns offense all year long, and will undoubtedly play a huge role in the championship game on Wednesday.

2. Danny O’Boyle (junior)

O’Boyle has been Davey’s partner in crime, as his outside shooting has been outstanding all year, and will be hard to defend during Wednesday’s contest.

3. Ryan Murray (senior)

Murray isn’t a number machine, but can dominate the boards against an only tall, yet not big Lakers team.

4. Brendan Seiler (junior)

The reigning 9/10 Sportsmanship Award winner brings outside shooting behind O’Boyle, and will be vital to the Suns offensive attack.

5. Peter Grant (senior)

MVP candidate Peter Grant has been downright one of the most dominant players in House basketball this year, and is no question the X-factor heading into this game.

6. John Foley (junior)

One of the two private schoolers on the Suns, Foley is a physical presence who makes up for size with strength in the paint.

7. Charlie Burke (junior)

Burke tops out the Suns prolific scoring attack, as his ability to drive to the basket and make a jump shot has been huge for the Suns all year.

8. Spencer Stovall (junior)

Stovall talks the talk, but many question his ability to walk the walk. I see Stovall dominating this game from the mental standpoint, as he should get into the heads of every single Lakers player out there.

Championship Game Preview: Lakers Overview

By Britton Bartholdi

As the 11/12 House Basketball Championship game comes closer and closer, I would like to take a look at both teams and break down the teams statistically before making a final prediction before Wednesday’s contest. So, here we go with the Lakers.

Regular Season:

Points Scored/Game: 37.2 points

Points Allowed/Game: 33.3 points

Most Points Scored in a Game: 45 points

Most Points Allowed in a Game: 51 points

Least Points Scored in a Game: 24 points

Least Points Allowed in a Game: 20 points

Biggest Point Differential: +13 (W), -9 (L)

Biggest Win of the Season: 41-34 W vs. Suns

Most Disappointing Loss: 42-51 L vs. Celtics

Roster Overview

1. John Mackie (senior)

Mackie has been dominant all year long, proving fatal in the front and the backcourt, along with being a beast on the defensive side of the ball.

2. Timmy Graham (junior)

The reigning 9/10 House MVP started slow in his first game, but has caught fire (get it?) late in the season with his three-point game.

3. Daniel Traver (senior)

Yes, Traver doesn’t put up big numbers, but his presence on the court is felt defensively while also being a generous passer. 

4. Tyler Grant (junior)

Like Traver, Grant doesn’t do a lot on the offensive side, but is one of the best defensive guards in the league.

5. Colin Cochran (senior)

Cochran isn’t a big name around House, but he provides speed and strength for the Lakers and has a solid presence in the shooting game.

6. Kevin Pidgeon (junior)

Pidgeon is another name that doesn’t come around a lot when talking House, but is relentless effort and speed helps the Lakers on the defensive side.

7. Robby Arrix (senior)

Arrix is massive, which is pretty helpful when the other two tall players on the team tend to shoot more than rebound.

8. James Crafford (junior)

Crafford made is highly anticipated return to House this year, and while he doesn’t put up big numbers, he might have the best hair in House.

House Basketball Elite Eight Preview

By Britton Barthold

After two upsets on Sunday, the 11/12 House basketball league has been narrowed down to the final eight teams. On Wednesday night, those eight will go down to four, and with all four games being intriguing matchups, it should be a solid slate of action all night.

Suns [9-1] vs. Celtics [4-7] @ 6 pm (Regular Season Game: Celtics forfeit)

This might be the least appealing of all the games Wednesday, as it pits the top seed against an upset minded lower seeded team. However, the Celtics are coming off a two point win against the Knicks, and have been hot since dropping five straight to start the season. The Suns only blemish all year was a season finale loss to the Lakers, but the dominating duo of Conor Davey and Danny O’Boyle will be on the attack after the first round bye. Aidan Coyle of the Celtics should have a big game as well, as the anticipated battle between him and the Suns Spencer Stovall will be intense.

The Pick: Suns

Sorry, no upset here. I think it will be a close game, but the Suns are too good to drop this game. Will they make it all the way? Their side of the bracket favors them, but they need to start here. Coming off a bye week will be tough, but the Suns will finish the job. Suns 56 Celtics 48

Nuggets [7-3] vs. Jazz [6-5] @ 7 pm (Regular Season Game: Nuggets 68 Jazz 52)

The Nuggets are coming off a bye while the Jazz are coming off a first round win against the league’s worst team. The Jazz were only able to beat the Nets by four points, which is scary considering their talent. For the Nuggets, the team has been electric since the return of James Fox. The offense plays well, and during this regular season matchup, managed to drop 68 on the Jazz. The defense for the Jazz will be key during this game, as they have allowed 67 points a game for the past four games. Against a high scoring offense like the Nuggets, the Jazz will need to play the boards well and score on the other end.

The Pick: Nuggets

The Nuggets have been too good, and I don’t think the Jazz will play good enough defense. Will the Nuggets score 68 again? Probably not, but I do see this becoming a high scoring affair. Nuggets 59 Jazz 55

Lakers [7-3] vs. Heat [6-5] @ 8 pm (Regular Season Game: Lakers 40 Heat 33)

The Heat are coming off a five point win against the Cavaliers on Sunday, while the Lakers will be playing their first playoff game after having a first round bye. The two teams met during the regular season, in a game which the Lakers won. However, it has been a while since that game, and the Heat have been improving. The Lakers will have to defend Sam Bowtell of the Heat, which is a challenge for most teams. The Lakers have the height to do so, but don’t necessarily have the strength to stop a guy like Bowtell. The Heat lack options at big man when Bowtell is out, which gives the Lakers the slight advantage due to their size depth.

The Pick: Lakers

I think it will come down to how the Heat play without Bowtell on the court. With Maccarone, Adiletta and Nixon on the perimeter, the team will  have to rely heavily on them with Bowtell out. Unfortunately, the Lakers will have a huge advantage when the Heat have no one guarding the paint, which gives John Mackie the chance to dominate. Lakers 47 Heat 39

Bulls [7-3] vs. Mavericks [4-7] @ 9 pm (Regular Season Game: Bulls 44 Mavericks 33)

The Mavericks pulled off a one point upset against the Wizards on Sunday, setting up a rematch with the Bulls. These two teams literally last Wednesday, so the Bulls will play the Mavericks for the second straight week. I guess that makes it easier? I don’t know, but I do know one thing for certain. Jack Garfield dominated against the Bulls, and with the return of Charlie Travers, the team should make this game a whole lot closer than it was last Wednesday. The Bulls will need scoring from Jamie Schofield along with the Drake twins, and will need Jack Feeley to dominate the boards. Overall, this game should be a good one, and will be much closer than their previous meeting.

The Pick: Bulls

Oh come on I’m not picking against my own team. Yea, I am confident, probably a bit too confident but whatever. Well, back to unbiased Britton. The Bulls outside shooting attack and perimeter defense held off the Mavericks, and improved play against Jack Garfield should give the Bulls a close win. Bulls 45 Mavericks 41

11/12th House Basketball Playoff Preview

By Britton Barthold
Playoffs baby. After an interesting regular season, we have reached the most dramatic, eye-opening, life changing sports tournament in the world. The House basketball playoffs. Need I say more? Nope, so let’s get to it.

FIRST ROUND BYES
#1 Suns [9-1]
#2 Nuggets [7-3]
#3 Bulls [7-3]
#4 Lakers [7-3]

Sunday night marks the beginning of the 2015 playoffs, which is a single elimination tournament with the top four teams receiving first round byes. For the other eight teams, they need to fight it out to advance, so let’s break down each matchup coming on Sunday.

Knicks [4-6] vs. Celtics [3-7] @ 1pm (Regular Season Game: N/A)
These two teams have both struggled throughout the season, but both have been able to finish the year strong. The Knicks defeated the Nuggets on Wednesday following a mid-game forfeit by their opponents, putting them at 4-6 on the year. The Celtics rode a three game win streak after starting 0-5, but failed to finish off the Wizards and Jazz in their final two games, setting them up with a 3-7 record. The storyline for this game is the battle in the paint between private schoolers Aidan Coyle (Celtics) and Dolan Gregorich (Knicks), as the two giants will look to give their team a huge edge.

The Pick: Knicks
The Knicks will need Calvin Crosby to show up if they want to win, but I think they will fair fine without him due to the dominant defensive pairing of Bobby and Christian Trifone, along with all around beast Mark Schmidt. I think Coyle and Gregorich will be going at it all night, which should allow for the Knicks to get the edge from the outside.

Jazz [5-5] vs. Nets [2-8] @ 2pm (Regular Season Game: Jazz 63 Nets 43)
The Jazz come into this game as the top seed without a bye week following a up and down season. The team started strong but has struggled down the stretch due to poor attendance. On the other side, we have the Nets, who have lost five straight. The teams met in the regular season, and the Jazz had no problem against the Nets. With DiMeglio’s three point shooting along with Noujaim in the paint, the Jazz should be solid against the Nets. On the other hand, the Nets will need Andrew Washer to go absolutely off in order to win this one, and will also need Stephen Barston to bring his A game. Jack Griffiths will need to contain Noujaim in order for the Nets to have a shot.

The Pick: Jazz
The Jazz are too well rounded for the Nets to pull off the upset. The Jazz should be thankful that they got the worst team in the league, but should still take the Nets seriously. If the Nets get hot from the perimeter, the Jazz will be in trouble. However, I think the Jazz will come out of the gates hot, giving them a win and allowing them to advance to the next round.

Heat [5-5] vs. Cavaliers [3-7] @ 3pm (Regular Season Game: Cavaliers 42 Heat 41)
The two teams met during early regular season action, and the Cavs pulled off a one point win. This was when the Heat were struggling, and since that game, the Heat have been 4-2. Since that win, the Cavs have been 0-7, with their past three games being forfeits because they haven’t shown up. So, who has the edge here? Well Sam Bowtell has been terrific for the Heat, along with TJ Adiletta and Michael Maccarone. Along with perimeter shooting from Davis Nixon, the Heat have been deadly since losing to the Cavs. For the Cavs, well, I don’t even remember who is on the team since I haven’t written about them in a while. But seriously, if the Cavs get their full team, they should be able to hang with the Heat. Phil Rech can be deadly, and PK Brannigan is a defensive star.

The Pick: Heat
The Cavs inconsistency since the win against the Heat is why they will fall here. Bowtell will dominate in this game, setting the stage for a solid playoff run for the Heat.

Wizards [5-5] vs. Mavericks [3-7] @ 4pm (Regular Season Game: Wizards 49 Mavericks 46)
The two teams battled earlier in the season, and the Wizards were able to come out on top by three points. The Mavericks have since somewhat improved, even though only one of their three wins is legit, since two of them were by forfeit. The Mavericks have the ability to jump out in front early, but have been unable to finish. Jack Garfield can be dominate in this game, since I don’t think there is anyone on the Wizards who can match up with him. However, the speed of Colin Minicus is hard to deal with, along with the all around skill of Andrew Mathew and the Constantino twins. What I think is that this game will be around the same score as the regular season meeting.

The Pick: Mavericks
I gotta have at least one upset, or else I look like an idiot. Well, I am one, but whatever. The Mavericks inability to finish has killed them all year, but they will undoubtedly finish this one. Jack Garfield will have a career game, and the Mavericks will grab their second legit win of the year.

Birthday Boy Pardue Leads Wave Puck to Win

By Colin Flynn
Last Wednesday Wave Puck took on Fairfield Prep at The Wonderland in Bridgeport, winning 4-1.   Darien conceded a goal within the first 50 seconds of the first period, but on his birthday, Jack Pardue tied the game at 12:30 at the end of the first period.  Jake Kirby got the assist on the goal.
 
The second period Darien really upped the intensity, practically dominating the possession for most of the period.  Once again, Pardue dazzled us with his superb skill as he stole the puck on a counter attack, and with quick and calm precision, he made the Prep goalie Jack Taubl look silly sniping the puck in the upper left corner.

Jake Kirby added to the score at 4:11 in the third period, slotting it past Taubl and extending the lead to 3-1, with Craig Miller dishing the assist. And putting the icing on the cake was Riley Mullin, as Nick Rohn provided the assist, finishing the game 4-1.  Will Massie was the brick wall he has been all season, as he had 21 saves on the day.

Last but not least, huge shoutout to the Superfans who drove all the way down to Bridgeport to show their support, as well as silence the little boys from Fairfield Prep.

The man of the hour Jack Pardue in action.

11/12 House Basketball Power Rankings 8.0

by Britton Barthold

Wednesday night marks the end of an interesting regular season, with one team looking to end with a perfect 10-0. So, let’s get to it.

1. (1) Suns [9-0] CLINCHED 1ST ROUND BYE

The Suns soundly defeated the Heat during Sunday’s action to improve to 9-0 on the season. The team has been perfect all year, with their only flaw being a forfeit win against the Celtics. Who knows, the Celtics could’ve pulled that one off. The Suns head into Wednesday night with a matchup against a top-tier team in the Lakers. This game is a great test for the team heading into the playoffs, even though they are now an official lock as the #1 seed heading into the postseason.

2. (2) Nuggets [7-2] CLINCHED 1ST ROUND BYE

The Nuggets beat the Mavericks on Sunday by 10 points, putting them in as a lock for a top four seed heading into the postseason. The team's two losses this year have come at the hands of the Lakers and Suns, two very talented teams. The problem is both were in blowout fashion, which can raise some concerns about the Nuggets playing top teams. I don’t think they should be worried, since the return of senior James Fox has rejuvenated the team's presence in the paint. The team finishes the season off against the Knicks in a game they should have no problem winning.

3. (3) Bulls [6-3] CLINCHED 1ST ROUND BYE

The Bulls dropped 90 on the Jazz on Sunday. No I’m not kidding, the team actually scored 90 points. They did it against a short-handed Jazz team, and by the final ten minutes, I don’t think anyone cared. The Bulls have been a sleeper during these past weeks, as they have slowly climbed the rankings. Even though the team lacks experience, the Bulls have been able to put on three-point fiestas against opponents all year. The team finishes the year off against a big Mavericks team, but the teams outside shooting should prove fatal against the Mavs.

4. (4) Lakers [6-3] CLINCHED 1ST ROUND BYE

The Lakers rebounded from their recent struggles by beating the Cavaliers… via forfeit. Well, a win is a win, and the team probably would’ve beaten the Cavs anyway. The Lakers started the season hot, but have played questionable basketball for the past few weeks. The team’s two recent losses have come from the Bulls and Celtics, but the team grabbed a big win against the Nuggets a couple weeks back. Overall, the team needs to finish the season strong against the Suns, which would be a monumental upset heading into the playoffs.

5. (8) Wizards [4-5]

With the lower part of the league struggling against the top teams, it makes it hard to consistently rank teams, which makes this three-spot jump for the Wizards a bit odd. The Wizards were able to stop the streaking Celtics on Sunday, but were only able to do so by two points. The Wizards have been up and down all year, with their longest win streak being two games and their longest losing streak being two games. The team is going to be mediocre at best heading into the playoffs, but it is always that mediocre team that makes a miracle run to the championship. The team finishes the season off against a struggling Cavaliers team.

6. (5) Heat [4-5]

The Heat return to their #6 spot after falling to the Suns on Sunday. It wasn’t a bad loss for the team, as they only lost by nine points. This loss shows the team’s ability to compete against top-tier teams, which will help heading into the playoffs. With scoring options TJ Adiletta and Davis Nixon (both seniors) on the perimeter and senior Sam Bowtell in the paint, the team can make a serious run heading into the playoffs. That being said, they will need to be able to control the board against bigger opponents when Bowtell is resting. The team finishes against one of the league's worst teams in the Nets, so look for the Heat to finish .500.

7. (6) Jazz [4-5]

The Jazz let up a league-high 90 points during Sunday’s game against the Bulls, which has to be some sort of record. The team was shorthanded and pretty relaxed during the game, as I don’t think a single player on that team cared about what was going on. At one point, senior Patrick Winter was on the court playing while on his phone, which will probably be a nomination for moment of the year. The team has a solid amount of talent, but the lack of attendance is the reason the team is 2-5 since starting the season 2-0. The Jazz finish the season off against the Celtics who have been hot in recent weeks.

8. (9) Knicks [3-6]

The Knicks regain their #8 spot after beating one of the league's worst teams in the Nets. The team has been nothing short of impressive during this three game span where they are 2-1, as they have easily beaten both the Cavaliers and the Nets while losing to the Suns by only two. The team is a huge dark horse heading into playoff action, and could make a deep run in the playoffs as a lower seed. The team has all the talent with Connor Mulliken and the Trifone twins (all juniors), along with the size in the paint with juniors Mark Schmidt and Dolan Gregorich. And when senior Calvin Crosby shows up, the team can be deadly. The team finishes the season against the Nuggets, and will look to upset the #2 team heading into the postseason.

9. (7) Celtics [3-6]

The Celtics three-game winning streak ended at the hands of the Wizards on Sunday, as the team lost by two points. The team’s three-game win streak is the highlight of their season, as the team's defense is ranked as the second worst in the league behind the Jazz. The Celtics are allowing 50 points a game, which makes life so much harder for the team’s offense. If the team can improve its defense, it can be a sleeper heading into the postseason, but if not, they will be out early. The Celtics finish the season off against the Jazz, and a win would give them momentum heading into the playoffs.

10. (10) Mavericks [3-6]

The Mavericks fell to the Nuggets on Sunday, losing by 10 points in the process. The team has struggled all year long, as two of their wins have been by forfeit, and are letting up 44 points a game. The team is incredibly talented and well sized, but the Mavs have been unable to utilize these strengths throughout the season. If the team is able to miraculously harness all this talent and become a solid team, they can easily make a run in the playoffs. The team finishes off against a hot Bulls team on Wednesday.

11. (12) Nets [2-7]

The team with the worst record isn’t ranked as the worst team? I will explain in the next ranking. Anywho, the Nets fell to the Knicks on Sunday, putting their current losing streak at four games. The team continues to struggle even with the emergence of junior Andrew Washer, as the lack of production from senior Jack Griffiths is hurting the team, even though Griffiths claims to be “born to shoot the perimeter”. So yeah, the league's worst team record wise everyone. Oh, they end the season against the Heat.

12. (11) Cavaliers [3-6]

The Cavs have lost six straight, but the sad thing is their last two losses have been by forfeit. So you know my usual rules, if you don’t show, you don’t get much written about you. The team ends the season against the Wizards.

FINAL WEEK PREDICTIONS

Celtics vs. Jazz

The Pick: Jazz

The Jazz have struggled recently due to the teams attendance, but they should be able to defeat the Celtics with senior Anthony DiMeglio and his outside shooting ability.

Cavaliers vs. Wizards

The Pick: Wizards

I want to pick the Cavs, but the fact that they have forfeited two straight games hurts their stock.

Heat vs. Nets

The Pick: Heat

We will see a monstrous showdown between Sam Bowtell and Jack Griffiths, but the Heat will prevail… But Griffiths will win the battle.

Bulls vs. Mavericks

The Pick: Bulls

Alright, yeah it is my own team, but I still think the Bulls will win. Junior Jamie Schofield is too much to handle, and the mid-range game of senior Jack Feeley is absurd.

Knicks vs. Nuggets

The Pick: Nuggets

The return of James Fox has been huge, and he will go off against the Knicks if Dolan Gregorich does not show up.

*Game of the Week*

Lakers vs. Suns

The Pick: Suns

The Suns overall talent is way too good, and I think they will prevail against a solid Lakers team. It will be close however, and I think the Lakers will stage a huge comeback but fall short.

Graham Leads Ski Team at Southington

by Chris Drake

This past Wednesday, January 28, the Darien Ski Team raced at Southington Mountain against other schools in Connecticut, including Greenwich, Staples, and Amity. The girls team finished in 5th place out of 10, and was led by strong performances by senior captains Katherine Graham and Taylor Hart, as well sophomore Maggie Skeats. Graham finished in 2nd place out of the 80 varsity racers with a combined two-run time of 49.22 seconds, while Hart and Skeats finished close behind in 7th and 13th place, respectively.

Senior captain Graham Skeats led the boys team with a two-run time of 53.20 seconds, while fellow captain and senior Chris von Stuelpnagel and freshman Ben Wilson finished close behind. The boys finished 9th out of the 11 teams, and Skeats said, “I thought we raced well as a team, but suffered from losing some key racers, and the conditions were unusually soft and difficult to adjust to.”

The team’s next race is on February 5th, and they will be facing off against schools such as Farmington, Pomperaug, and Wilton.

Racers speed down the four side-by-side courses at Wednesday's races.