The Team in the Red Dress

Sure, it was from the desktop computer in my dining room as opposed to on a nice TV. But hey, a selection show is still a selection show. And they got it done in 10 minutes or so.

After knocking off Wheaton on Saturday the Cardinals received the CCIW's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Interestingly enough, the CCIW sends 3 teams into the fray, reminding us once again that the CCIW is a gauntlet, and one of the best athletic conferences top to bottom in the nation. Wheaton got in, which is no surprise, but I'm a little shocked Wesleyan got in.

To the right is the section of the bracket NCC is in. They will be heading off to St. Louis this weekend, as Washington University in St. Louis won the right to host the first two rounds of NCC's group at their field house. Looking solely at records, the Cardinals are tied with the hosts for best record (Washington gets the tiebreaker due to fewer games), but obviously records can be deceiving. So I'm going to look at some numbers on each of these teams.

Game Notes: Wheaton College @ North Central College (2/25/12)

Final Score
NCC 75, Wheaton 58

Summary
In what was one of the most fun basketball games I have ever been to, the Cardinals (20-7) played at a good pace in front of a raucous home crowd. They battled back and forth with the Thunder (21-6), with neither team really jumping to a huge lead until the Cardinals went up 27-20 late in the first half. Wheaton then went on a run before the Cardinals came back to tie right before halftime. The game was close immediately after the break before the Cardinals slowly built a lead into double digits. Once it reached 50-40, the Cardinals unleashed holy hell to pull away, leading by no less than 13 the rest of the way.

Key Stats

• Kevin Gillespie (NCC): 8-14 FG (6-9 3PT), 22 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl. Gillespie was easily the MVP last night, not only because he was the leading scorer, but also because his buckets came at the biggest times. He hit a three with seconds left before halftime to tie the game, then was the catalyst to get NCC ahead. He hit a huge three to put NCC up 4, then one to answer a Wheaton deep ball, and hit the first of 4 straight threes by the Cardinals to open the floodgates. The icing on the cake: Wheaton played up on him after that last three, allowing him to drive, and he picked up assists on the next 3 triples. That's what you love to see from your senior captain.
• Charlie Rosenberg (NCC): 3-6 FG, 4-5 FT, 10 pts, 8 reb, 1 ast. I remember being concerned going into this season because of the loss of Jack Burchett down low for defense and rebounding. But Landon Gamble continues to be one of the best post players in the CCIW, and he has a great backup in Rosenberg (5.5 points, 3.2 boards in 13 minutes per game). Charlie was able to get in the paint and open up the perimeter for the Cardinals, while hitting big free throws and rebounding very well.
• Tim McCrary (WC): 4-14 FG, 3-4 FT, 11 pts, 3 reb, 4 stl. One of the CCIW's best and a member of the all-conference 1st team was held in check last night. Aaron Tiknis was on him much of the night, but he was constantly doubled down low, and really didn't get off many good shots, even down low. What amazes me is that he was held to only 3 boards. He averaged almost 10 rebounds during the season, so you have to credit the Cardinals for forcing the rest of the Thunder to pick up the slack.

Final Thoughts
You have to give Wheaton credit; they never gave up even when the Cardinals were taking their game to another level. Wheaton has a strong shot at making the tournament as an at-large team. As for North Central, many players (including Gillespie) said they largely fed off the crowd noise. This was probably the most packed I've ever seen Merner, and the student section brought their A-game. It was loud. It was great to see this old building come to life last night. Home court can really make a difference to your team.

Monday morning at 11:00, the NCAA will announce the pairings for the national tournament, as well as host sites. Who knows, maybe Merner will have a little more excitement this season. Either way, congratulations to the Cardinals, winning the CCIW Tournament for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 2006!

A Rivalry, A Dance, and the Fate of the Universe

Picture from northcentralcardinals.com.

I wrote back in October about how big rivalries are in sports. We, as sports fans, grow up with them. And if you play sports for your schools or follow them, you find yourself personally into a rivalry. Me? I've been conditioned to hate sports teams from Wheaton schools since 2003. Aurora Christian's biggest rival was (and might still be, I'm not sure anymore) Wheaton Academy (actually in West Chicago... liars). I was taught from my first months in Eagle red that Wheaton was the enemy. So my transition to North Central was easy; have a bird as the mascot, wear red, and have an archrival school from Wheaton.

So it comes as no surprise that when I look ahead to tomorrow's CCIW Men's Basketball Championship Game, I can't help but already have the pregame jitters. I remember telling someone before I did the NCC-Augie game 3 weeks ago that that was the biggest game I'd ever done public address for. It's just been usurped.

Like the big boys, Division III has a huge national championship tournament featuring the conference champions (42 conferences recognized), a Pool B team of non-AQ conferences (not sure what that's about), and 19 at-large bids. For those of you counting at home, that's 62 teams (up from 61 a year ago). That clears up the confusion about the count on the Tournament FAQ page, but still leaves me with a definitive "How does this work?" question.

And that's before we get into the NCAA Regional Rankings, which are even more of a load of bull. All 4 teams in the CCIW Tournament are in the Midwest Rankings, with Wheaton at #2, Wesleyan at #5, NCC at #7 and Augie at #8. NCC is the top seed in the conference... yet is 7th? They were 5th in previous installments, but fell in the final poll despite winning their final 2 regular season games. Wheaton being above them is defensible because they've won the first 2 matchups (we'll get to matchup 3 in a moment), but Wesleyan? Yes, they're a game up on NCC in the standings. But... NCC beat them. Twice. Still makes more sense than the BCS, but not by much.

My rant complete, this game is huge for both teams, though NCC has more to gain. I think making it to the title game should be enough to get the Cardinals in regardless of the result, but the automatic bid makes everything easier. Wheaton should get in either way, but NCC has revenge on their minds. How do they go about getting it? Here's the key matchups tomorrow night:

1. NCC Frontcourt vs. Wheaton Frontcourt. It's always a battle in the trenches. Tim McCrary of Wheaton (18.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg) is a beast, and while Wesleyan doubled him often tonight, he went off for a 19-12-4 (with 2 steals and 3 blocks for good measure). He has 34 points and 19 rebounds in 2 games against the Cardinals this year, but he'll still have his hands full with the stacked NCC backcourt. Odds are he'll be matched up on Aaron Tiknis tomorrow, which should be a fun matchup. Both guys can score from just about anywhere (though Aaron has a great 3 point shot, McCrary doesn't shoot from deep). Whoever can outduel the other will give his team a great chance to win. Meanwhile, Landon Gamble for the Cardinals will be getting touches in the post, and as the play by play team on WONC said, "If you give him space, he's automatic." If they can keep Gamble away from the hoop, NCC is in trouble.
2. Snipers. A stat I heard on WONC tonight that floored me was that NCC is shooting just under 40 percent from beyond the arc as a team. Of the 5 guys who have shot the most 3's on the team, the two lowest percentages are held by CJ Goldthree (36.4%) and Vince Kmiec (36.5%). I'm honestly shocked Vince's rate is so low, but then you add in Kevin Gillespie (41%), Derek Raridon (43.2%), and the aforementioned Aaron Tiknis (52.3%... that is not a typo.) Wheaton shoots almost as well (38 percent as a team), with 3 key players over 40 percent from deep. NCC went cold early tonight against Augie, but they were able to stay in the game with defense. If they keep Wheaton in check and are hitting from deep early, look out.
3. Defense. You all know the old adage. What really impressed me tonight with Wheaton was how well they moved on defense. Wesleyan really never had any open looks, and it showed in their shooting numbers (30.4% from the field tonight). NCC plays great team defense as well. Whichever team can find (and hit) the open shots, and take care of the basketball will likely win the game.
4. Free Throws. This doomed NCC in their loss at Wheaton, and nearly did the Thunder in tonight (10-20 from the line in the 2nd half). This game, like the previous ones, screams "Close finish, comes down to execution down the stretch." The teams are about even overall from the line, with Wheaton having great shooters (McCrary at 76%, Aaron Garriot at 84%). But NCC has Derek Raridon, who, really, should just have the scoreboard operator put 2 points up without him needing to shoot his freebies, because he's going to make them anyway (91%).

This has the makings of a possible bloodbath, or a fun, fast-paced, high scoring affair. Either way, it will come down to the final possession in an incredibly loud gym, as both fan bases will come out in full force. I'm looking forward to being behind the mic for this game, being my usual, unabashed homer self, and hopefully bringing home a win and a trip to the tournament.

WE ARE NC. GO CARDINALS!

A Tour of Our Pastime

This winter in Chicago hasn't been like any normal winter I've been used to in my 22 years. I've enjoyed the mostly 30 degree temperatures and relative lack of snow (you know, other than tonight, but whatever). It really hasn't felt like it, so you don't get that feeling that baseball is coming quite as much since there really hasn't been a thaw.

Nonetheless the new season is starting soon and spring training camps are open, with most teams reporting around now. The Cubs have been off doing that bunting tournament (genius) to prepare the pitching staff at the plate. I like this idea since I'm not a huge fan of the DH (but that's another story).

I've been batting around ideas for how to get baseball season even somewhat underway without overshadowing basketball. I ultimately decided on doing a little ballpark review. With planning stages underway to continue my tour of the nation's 30 ballparks, I wanted to go over the ones I've been to so far. I don't know how many parks most of my readers have been to, though I imagine the baseball fans have all been to their favorite team's park, plus maybe one or two more. Me? I've been to 10 currently in use, which, conveniently, allows for a nice countdown. I'll go in order from my least favorite to my most favorite.

Game Notes: Millikin University @ North Central College (2/18/12)

Final Score
NCC 76, Millikin 65

Summary
In a great game on Senior Day, the Cardinals (7-18, 1-13) were competitive early, hitting some big 3's to keep it close. The Big Blue (15-10, 7-7) led 26-19 with less than 7 minutes to go in the opening half (causing me to think "Here we go again..."), only to see the Cardinals go on a run to tie it up and ultimately take a 32-30 lead into the locker room. Whatever Coach Roof said to them during the intermission, it worked; the Cardinals went on a 15-2 run in the first 6 minutes of the second half. That was as big as the lead got, with Millikin closing to within 7 a couple times. Fortunately the Cardinals kept attacking and getting to the free throw line (see below) to close out the game, avoid a winless conference season, and send its two seniors out with one last victory for the road.

Key Stats

• NCC: 30-37 FT (23-30 in the 2nd half). Though it was an excellent overall shooting day (20-41 from the field, including 6-13 from deep), it was the constant trips to the line that helped the Cardinals win today. I was worried at times as the game went on when there were a few misses here and there, but they kept getting stops at the other end. It also helps when you draw 20 fouls in the half and get to the bonus with 7 minutes left, but the Cardinals really took advantage today.
• NCC Seniors: 25 pts, 12 reb, 8 ast. Helen Muleya (11-7-7, 1 stl) got to the line early and often, converting those opportunities, while Emily Collins (14-5-1, a couple 3's) was able to hit a few key buckets, especially in that early stretch of the 2nd half when the Cardinals pulled ahead for good. I'm thrilled that these two had pretty good games and were able to go out victorious.
• Callie Rezin (NCC): 5-8 FG (3-4 3PT), 3-4 FT, 16 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast. I don't remember if I've mentioned Callie here before or not, but she was hitting big shots all game as well. She finished her freshman year on a high note, leading her team in scoring in the finale. She'll be a great part of this team going forward.

Cardinal Turnover Watch
Even though the Cardinals came away with a win, this was kind of an ugly game. The Cardinals finished their season with a 26 turnover output. 8 of them were steals by the Big Blue, with a few travels in there as well. It was not that pretty a sight, especially in the 2nd half when protecting a lead. Unfortunately, Helen Muleya led the team in this category today... with 8. That's way too many, but Millikin often couldn't take advantage. Conversely, the Big Blue turned it over 23 times, with only 3 coming on Cardinal steals. That helped level things out today.

Final Thoughts
I had mentioned yesterday that I thought a Cardinal win could spoil Millikin's bid for the tournament. Unfortunately, Elmhurst also lost, and somehow Millikin got into the tournament. I'm not sure how the selection process works in terms of a tiebreaker (Millikin and Elmhurst split their games this season, and Elmhurst had a better overall record). Either way, the Cardinals didn't get to play spoiler, but it was great to see smiles on the Cardinals' faces at the end of the game. The year may be over, but the team has good players in place next year to contend for the tournament.

A big thanks goes out to Clark Teuscher for the opportunity to be the public address announcer for Lady Cardinal basketball this season. Unfortunately they only went 3-9 at home, but I had a blast doing these games. I also want to thank Coach Michelle Roof for being a supportive coach throughout a rough season, and to these players for never giving up and staying with each other every game. I hope to be able to have a great seat for more basketball again next season!

Looking Ahead to Senior Day

Tomorrow marks the end of the regular season for CCIW basketball... well, mostly. There is a makeup game on the women's side (and I'm honestly not sure how it happened. North Central is having both of its Senior Days tomorrow. I will be at the mic for the women's, and likely in attendance for the men's (at least the first half of the game anyway).

Here's how the standings are shaping up going into tomorrow:

WOMEN

1. Illinois Wesleyan (19-5, 12-1)
2. Wheaton (16-7, 9-3)
3. Carthage (18-6, 9-4)
4. Elmhurst (16-8, 7-6)
5. Millikin (15-9, 7-6)
6. North Park (10-14, 4-9)
7. Augustana (11-12, 3-9)
8. North Central (6-18, 0-13)

NCC is home against Millikin tomorrow. The Cardinals are really not playing for anything more than pride and sending Helen Muleya and Emily Collins out as winners. I really hope they can pull out just one victory, if only for them. Though they can also play spoiler, as a win likely knocks Millikin out of the tournament.

The conference picture itself is pretty clear so far. Illinois Wesleyan has once again claimed the regular season crown after being picked to finish behind Carthage. As such, the Shirk Center will once again be home to the women's tournament. Wheaton and Carthage have already punched their tickets to Bloomington, and will end up playing each other in the semifinals. Augustana will likely end up determining who gets to wear the white jerseys in that game, as they have both teams on the schedule still. Meanwhile, the Titans can also play spoiler at home and try to knock Elmhurst out of the race.

MEN

1. North Central (17-7, 11-2)
2. Wheaton (18-5, 9-3)
3. Illinois Wesleyan (18-6, 9-4)
4. Augustana (18-5, 8-4)
5. Carthage (12-12, 6-7)
6. Elmhurst (12-12, 6-7)
7. North Park (6-18, 2-11)
8. Millikin (1-23, 0-13)

Weird how the tables turn for the men as Millikin is the bad team in this one. NCC has already locked up at least a share of the conference title, and a win guarantees a second straight year of the tournament at Gregory Arena. The competing teams are actually already set in stone, though that makeup Wheaton-Augie matchup may decide some seeding. Obviously if you're the Cardinals, you want Wheaton to win at least one game in hopes of avoiding them in the first round game. The Cardinals just haven't been able to best them this year, though it is hard to beat a team 3 straight times in one season. That being said, you don't really want to face any of these teams. The Titans have a solid team once again, and Augie plays great defense.

I will bring updates from NCC tomorrow night or Sunday after the regular season finale. I hope to also make at least part of the CCIW Tournament in Naperville as well. Go Cards!

Cake for a Legend

"When your favorite team lands a transcendent player in your formative years... it really is like winning the lottery." -Bill Simmons, The Book of Basketball

I wasn't around in 1984 for what is arguably the biggest draft day steal of all time, or for some of the early moments. But on this day 49 years ago, a boy was born in New York who would be that steal, and over the course of 15 years be cemented as the greatest to ever play the game.

Much like any kid born in Chicagoland in the 80's (I barely made it), if you were into sports, Michael Jordan captured your imagination. My parents had actually moved to the area just in time for MJ's arrival, and a few years later I would be around to only see one year of growing pains before the string of 6 titles. I don't remember any of the first 3-peat seasons, though apparently there is video evidence of me reciting the Bulls starting lineup at age 3 or so (probably why I love being a PA announcer... I miss Ray Clay.)

During the legendary '95-'96 season I was lucky enough that my parents got 3 tickets to a game at the United Center. We sat up in the 300 level behind one of the baskets. April 4, 1996 versus the Miami Heat. The Bulls won 100-92. I know those facts by memory. What I didn't remember until looking it up a couple years ago was that Michael went off for 40 points in that game. I will always treasure that game, even though I don't remember much of it other than the final score. I saw Michael Jordan play in person. I saw him drop 40 in a win.

My memories of that second three-peat are much better. I remember watching Game 6 of both the '96 and '98 Finals in my family room and going nuts after both. I'm not sure what happened in '97 that I missed that ending, because you'd figure I'd remember that one. But '96 was the first title I consciously remember. And what Bulls fan could ever forget The Last Shot?

The NBA hasn't been the same since MJ left. I went to a few other Bulls games in the years since, but it was never the same. There's been a renaissance in recent years with Derrick Rose, but he's nowhere near the level MJ was. No player is. It's my firm belief that no player ever will be. The closest to him among active players right now is Kobe. But even Kobe with his 5 rings has a long way to go to catch him. He's won 2 as the guy in LA, and at his age, I don't know that he could will the Lakers to 4 more. Best post-MJ player for now, though you could make an argument about guys like Shaq or Tim Duncan. We all know LeBron is talented, but is without a ring.

I'm lucky to have been around to see the Greatest of All Time. He gave me and Bulls fans everywhere great memories. As such, it is only fair to wish the legend a happy 49th birthday. If I could arrange it, I'd send him a gift of Bryon Russell so he could hit another jumper over him for old times sake.