Apparently, Nick Dettman either forgot or doesn't realize that Adam Parkhouse is a part of the WIMS broadcasting team for MC Boys Basketball...all season long, both home and away games. (Read the 3rd line of the article for an explanation.) Should we send a letter or 3 to the News-Dispatch, just as a reminder?
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=19353QUOTE
12/2/2008 11:00:00 AM
HOME TESTING
City opens DAC slate at Wolves Den against Portage
Nick Dettmann
The News-Dispatch
Michigan City coach Bob Buscher and the Wolves want to start the conference season on the right paw.
Especially at home.
The Wolves will host Portage at 6 p.m. in the Duneland Conference opener for both teams. The game will be broadcast by 95.9 WEFM.
"To do well in this conference," Buscher said, "you've got to win your home games."
So far, the Wolves did well in at least protecting the home floor against nonconference foes last week against Marquette.
In the first meeting between the two intracity rivals since 2002, the Wolves dominated en route to a 74-38 victory.
Senior Darrell Hopkins had a big night for the Wolves, scoring 15 points and grabbing 20 rebounds.
It was the first time since that Marquette game of 2002 in which City won its season opener.
But that game is history. In front of them are the Portage Indians.
Portage, under the direction of second-year coach Rick Snodgrass, went 7-14 a year ago, and enter this week with a 1-1 record. The Indians beat Highland to begin the season, then lost to Gary West on Saturday.
Buscher was in attendance for Saturday's game.
"I think they're more athletic this year," Buscher said. "... They're going to be an improved team."
He added the Indians' size may give the Wolves troubles. The Indians have nearly a half-dozen players at least 6-foot-2.
Rebounding is a concern for the Wolves. But their overall quickness might offset that.
"We must block out on the boards," Buscher said. "We have to stay active on the glass."
One thing Buscher wants to emphasize with his players is being a tough defensive team. They answered the call against Marquette, forcing 32 turnovers, and Marquette shot just 25 percent from the field.
Recent series history is heavily in City's favor.
The Wolves have won 21 of the past 27 meetings, including seven straight, last losing Feb. 10, 2005 at Portage. City has won three straight at home against Portage as well.
La Porte (0-2): at Crown Point 6 p.m. Friday
After a pair of road games in South Bend to start the year, the Slicers will have one more road game before playing their first home game.
On Friday, they'll play at DAC foe Crown Point. It is the first of five straight DAC games for the Slicers.
Crown Point enters 1-0 after blowing out Hanover Central, 62-35, on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs have won 13 of the past 20 meetings, between these two teams, including three straight. The Bulldogs won both meetings last year by at least 20 points.
Chesterton (0-1): vs. Hammond Gavit, 6 p.m. Wednesday; at Merrillville, 6 p.m. Saturday
For the first time since the 1975-76 season, Chesterton will play Hammond Gavit. Chesterton won 56-55.
Hammond Gavit's season gets underway with this game, but Chesterton will look to rebound after losing to Mishawaka on Saturday, 58-52. Mitch McGary provided a bright spot for the Trojans, scoring 20 points in the losing effort.
Then on Saturday, the Trojans travel to Merrillville for the DAC opener. Last time at Merrillville, the Pirates thwarted the Trojans' quest for a perfect season. Chesterton entered that game last February, 16-0, before the Pirates won, 60-54.
It will be the first of seven straight DAC games for the Trojans.
New Prairie (1-1): at Mishawaka Marian, 5 p.m. Friday
The Cougars lost a close game last week to South Bend St. Joseph's, 53-46.
They hope to rebound this week with Mishawaka Marian, who enters 0-1. The Knights lost its season opener to 66-48 to Goshen last Tuesday.
Mishawaka has dominated recent gatherings between these two teams, winning 11 of the past 14 contests, including a narrow, 47-46, victory last season.
Marquette (0-1): vs. Whiting, 6 p.m. Saturday
The Blazers are hoping they can rebound from a 26-point loss to Michigan City last week with two games this week.
They will play Whiting at 6 p.m. Saturday after playing at Westville on Thursday.
The Blazers were thoroughly dominated in that game against their rivals. Hopefully seeing Whiting will put that loss behind them.
Whiting enters 1-1 after beating Washington Township to begin the year, and lost to Hammond Clark on Friday. The victory over Washington Township was the Oilers' first in 24 games, dating back to Feb. 17, 2007. The Oilers are 3-40 since the beginning of the 2006-07 season.
Marquette has dominated this series of late, winning 13 of the past 16 games, including a 15-point victory last season.
South Central: at Morgan Twp., 5:30 tonight
The Satellites wil finally get their season underway tonight when they travel to Morgan Township.
The Cherokees enter 0-1 after losing to Knox, 57-43, on Saturday. But already this game has some major implications, it's a Porter County Conference game. In fact, the Satellites, who went 13-10 last year, will play three of their first four games against PCC teams.
Morgan Township holds a tight edge in recent series history, going 9-8 in the past 17 meetings, including winning last season's matchup, 41-32.
Westville (1-1): vs. Marquette, 5:30 p.m. Thursday; at North White, 5 p.m. Saturday
The Blackhawks will play two games in three nights, beginning Thursday when they host Marquette.
Westville picked up its first victory of the season Friday night against LaVille.
Recently, Marquette has had the upper hand against Westville, winning 15 of the past 22 meetings, including a 21-point victory Nov. 29, 2007.
Then on Saturday, Westville travels to play the Vikings, who are 0-1 after a 56-35 loss to Attica last Tuesday.
North White went 4-18 last season will have a game against Winamac on Friday before playing the Blackhawks.
Westville fell victim to North White last season, losing 55-49, accounting for the Vikings' second victory of the season. That also ended Westville's four-game win streak against the Vikings.
La Crosse (2-0): at Culver, 5:30 p.m. Friday
The Tigers are off to a good start, just like their 7-2 start of a year ago. But can they maintain it?
They will take on Culver on Friday, where the Tigers hold a distinctive advantage, winning 11 of the past 15 games.
The Tigers have also won each of their past five November games. Unfortunately, this is December where they are 5-7 over the past two seasons.
La Lumiere (0-3): at Covenant Christian, 7 tonight; vs. Trinity, 6 p.m. Friday
The Lakers will try to get into the win column with a pair of games against Covenant Christian and Trinity this week. Friday's game against Trinity will be the home opener for the Lakers.
River Valley: at Michigan Lutheran, 5 p.m. Thursday
The Mustangs will have a scrimmage against Michigan Lutheran. Their season begins Monday at Decatur.