tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21152069956439000052024-03-13T14:46:38.781-07:00Trevor's TakeTrevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-61560841952536914432019-07-24T08:19:00.001-07:002019-07-24T09:02:55.619-07:00Franny Haney<h1 class="article__heading" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; margin: 0.67em 0px;">
Riding through the pain</h1>
<span class="article__subhead" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">Haney powers forward with PMC despite loss, physical discomfort</span><br />
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<span class="byline__time" style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 24, 2019</span></div>
<span class="article__byline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">By Trevor Hass,</span><br />
<span class="article__byline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">Sports Editor/Reporter</span><br />
<span class="article__byline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">sports@duxburyclipper.com Twitter: @DuxburySports</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Despite all the injuries and loss she’s endured, Franny Haney remains optimistic and motivated to cure cancer. Photo courtesy Franny Haney" class="wp-image-38843 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 261px) 100vw, 261px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-261x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-261x300.jpg 261w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-768x883.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-891x1024.jpg 891w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-400x460.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1-87x100.jpg 87w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p1.jpg 951w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="261" /></a><br />
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Despite all the injuries and loss she’s endured, Franny Haney remains optimistic and motivated to cure cancer. Photos courtesy Franny Haney</div>
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Every time she experiences heartbreak, and every time she experiences bliss, Franny Haney finds another reason to keep riding.</div>
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Her left leg is shattered, her body is drained, but she knows she can’t stop. She doesn’t want to stop.</div>
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She saw cancer take her cousin, Mark, this past April, at age 59. She almost saw it take her then-1-year-old cousin, Olivia, in 2016. Now, she beams with pride as she shares that Olivia has conquered brain cancer and is a happy and healthy 4 year old “spitfire,” as she endearingly calls her.</div>
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Haney knows how unrelenting and unforgiving cancer can be, but she also knows significant progress has been made. She hopes that by continuing to ride the Pan-Mass Challenge every year, she can help foster more success stories like Olivia’s.</div>
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The 24-year Duxbury resident started riding the PMC in 1998, and after a hiatus, she’s been back on the bike since 2016. Haney, 57, has raised over $25,000, including an all-time high of $7,695 this year as of this past Monday.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Olivia Tassinari can now recognize photos of herself from when she was younger and her health was significantly worse." class="wp-image-38844 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 140px) 100vw, 140px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2-140x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2-140x300.jpg 140w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2-479x1024.jpg 479w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2-400x855.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2-47x100.jpg 47w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p2.jpg 566w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="140" /></a><br />
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Olivia Tassinari can now recognize photos of herself from when she was younger and her health was significantly worse.</div>
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Raising the money doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s a passion, and she’s eagerly awaiting the ride in early August alongside her partner Sue Kiley.</div>
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“We laugh along the way,” Haney said. “It’s not a mournful day. It’s a positive experience of love.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">‘Miracle from inception’</span></div>
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When Andrea Tassinari announced she was pregnant, her baby shower wasn’t an ordinary celebration.</div>
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Andrea had been trying for years, and finally, Olivia Tassinari entered the world Aug. 21, 2014.</div>
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“She was a miracle from inception,” Haney said. “Everybody knew that this baby was something special.”</div>
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When Olivia was 1 year old, she started having severe stomach pains, so the family went to the pediatrician to try and pinpoint the root of the problem.</div>
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The pediatrician was stumped and sent her to South Shore Hospital, and they couldn’t figure it out either. Olivia had started to walk, but suddenly, she was losing her balance and toppling over like a domino.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Andrea Tassinari is grateful that Franny Haney is always there to support her daughter, Olivia." class="wp-image-38845 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 265px) 100vw, 265px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-265x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-265x300.jpg 265w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-768x868.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-906x1024.jpg 906w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-400x452.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3-88x100.jpg 88w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p3.jpg 951w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="265" /></a><br />
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Andrea Tassinari is grateful that Franny Haney is always there to support her daughter, Olivia.</div>
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Eventually, at Children’s Hospital, a doctor decided to inspect the area near the neck. They sent Olivia in for an MRI and discovered an egg-sized tumor in her brain. It was worse than her family could have possibly imagined.</div>
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Brain cancer. At 18 months.</div>
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The next day, they did a craniotomy to remove the tumor, but Olivia’s journey had just begun. She endured seven months of chemotherapy and three stem cell transplants.</div>
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That was in 2016. Now, at age 4, Olivia has overcome more the past few years than many people do in a lifetime. She’s currently cancer-free, and she can’t wait to turn 5 soon and start kindergarten a few weeks later.</div>
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“She has this wonderful personality,” Andrea Tassinari said. “The laugh that can light up a room. You can’t put it into words how far she’s come.”</div>
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Haney has been there every step of the way. She was there in the ICU back in 2016, and she’s there now to giggle while they jump on the trampoline after she picks her up from school.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Olivia Tassinari was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 1, but now she’s made a full recovery and is cancer-free." class="wp-image-38846 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 141px) 100vw, 141px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4-141x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4-141x300.jpg 141w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4-481x1024.jpg 481w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4-400x852.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4-47x100.jpg 47w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p4.jpg 562w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="141" /></a><br />
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Olivia Tassinari was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 1, but now she’s made a full recovery and is cancer-free.</div>
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There’s a picture on the wall at the Tassinari home where Olivia and Andrea are nose to nose. It was taken seconds before she was about to walk into her craniotomy. Olivia glanced at the picture recently and asked if it was a photo of her and her Mama. Andrea stopped putting Olivia’s shin guards on momentarily and looked up at the photo. “It is, honey,” she said. “Is that when I was sick, and the doctors made me feel better?” Olivia asked.</div>
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“I about lost it,” Andrea says now, inspired by her daughter’s progress. Olivia can recognize herself at a younger age, and the whole extended family lives by the motto “Olivia Strong.”</div>
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Haney knows that after Olivia fought as valiantly as she did, the least she can do now is raise money and ride the PMC every year. Andrea is amazed and forever grateful for how much Haney has done for Olivia, but for Haney, it’s a gift and an opportunity.</div>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_38847" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-sizing: border-box; clear: right; float: left; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 96%; padding: 5px 3px 10px; text-align: center; width: 310px;">
<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Duxbury’s Franny Haney trains hard for the PMC every year. Photos courtesy Franny Haney" class="wp-image-38847 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-300x222.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-300x222.jpg 300w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-768x569.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-400x297.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5-135x100.jpg 135w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p5.jpg 1589w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
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Duxbury’s Franny Haney trains hard for the PMC every year. </div>
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“I see that girl, and I feel joy,” Haney said. “There’s no way around it. I just feel joy.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">A</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">dded motivation</span></div>
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As Franny Haney crept through the hallway of the sixth floor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital – the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute floor – she couldn’t help but feel as though there was something different about the feel of the area. The intensity and compassion of the doctors was unlike anything she had experienced before.</div>
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As she made her way to her cousin, Mark Gerry’s room, she peered at each door, with a patient’s name on the outside.</div>
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“One day, their name wasn’t on the outside of that door and you wondered, did they benefit from all the research and all the care, or was it maybe too late for them?” Haney said.</div>
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Doctors told Gerry that if they could get him another year or two, they might have a cure for the colon cancer infiltrating his body. He died this past April 29 at age 59, and Haney is dedicating this year’s ride to him with the hope that someone else in his situation will get that extra time.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;"><img alt="Olivia Tassinari and Franny Haney bring out the best in each other." class="wp-image-38848 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 235px) 100vw, 235px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6-235x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6-235x300.jpg 235w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6-400x511.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6-78x100.jpg 78w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-07-24/48p6.jpg 571w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="235" /></a><br />
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Olivia Tassinari and Franny Haney bring out the best in each other.</div>
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Of course, she’ll always ride for Olivia, but now she has extra motivation. Mark’s wife, Edna, and 17-year-old daughter, Alana, will be there to greet Haney at the finish line. Haney wishes she was riding in honor of Mark, like she is for Olivia, but instead, she’s prepared to ride in memory of him.</div>
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They talked in March about Haney riding the PMC in his memory this year if he didn’t make it. Though they were cousins, it felt to Haney more like they were siblings.</div>
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“I miss him all the time,” Haney said. “I get emotional now, thinking, about it, so I can’t imagine what it will feel like that day.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;">Through the pain</span></div>
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This past November, Haney was heading to Europe to visit her son, who was studying abroad. She was at Santander Bank, and suddenly she turned around and broke her hip.</div>
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What would be an unpleasant injury for anyone was far worse for her because of a ghastly snowboarding accident she suffered in 2014. Haney shattered her entire left leg that day, and she currently has 17 pieces of hardware in that leg alone.</div>
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Riding is significantly more difficult now than when she first started, but that doesn’t stop her from trying.</div>
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“I go out for a ride and I pay for it for a couple days afterward,” Haney said. “Every single time that I’m in pain because of my leg, I have to remember that my pain is nothing compared to what they went through. This is the least that I could do. Does it hurt? Yes, it hurts. But it’s just the gift that I want to give.”</div>
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Haney also knows that nothing in life is a guarantee. She hopes she has decades in front of her, but she knows cancer runs in her family. People tend to think they’re invincible, but she’s learned through a sobering account of family history that that’s far from the case.</div>
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She’s seen those she loves die from testicular cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer, and she’s also seen how raising money can help save lives.</div>
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The PMC helps her celebrate life.</div>
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“People understand why you’re doing it,” Haney said. “I can’t wait to have that experience again.”</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">You can donate to Dana-Farber, on behalf of Franny Haney, at <a class="autohyperlink" href="http://profile.pmc.org/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #006001;">profile.pmc.org/</a>FH0026.</span></div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-40585192881227741352019-02-20T07:46:00.003-08:002019-02-20T07:50:30.447-08:00Raised to the rafters<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; margin: 0.67em 0px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Boston College retires Duxbury legend Curley’s jersey</span></h3>
<div class="byline oht-article-meta" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #757575; font-family: Arial; font-size: 0.8em; font-style: italic; margin-top: 4px !important;">
<span class="byline__time" style="box-sizing: border-box;">February 20, 2019</span></div>
<span class="article__byline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">By Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter</span><br />
<span class="article__byline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;">sports@duxburyclipper.com Twitter: @DuxburySports</span><br />
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<div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_31188" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(240, 240, 240); box-sizing: border-box; clear: right; float: left; margin: 5px 20px 20px 0px; max-width: 96%; padding: 5px 3px 10px; text-align: center; width: 310px;">
<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Duxbury’s Billy Curley salutes the crowd during halftime Sunday night. Boston College retired his jersey as part of a long-awaited ceremony, and Curley thanked the fans for all their support over the years. Photo by Trevor Hass" class="wp-image-31188 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-300x275.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-300x275.jpg 300w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-768x703.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-1024x938.jpg 1024w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-400x366.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1-109x100.jpg 109w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p1.jpg 1196w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
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Duxbury’s Billy Curley salutes the crowd during halftime Sunday night. Boston College retired his jersey as part of a long-awaited ceremony, and Curley thanked the fans for all their support over the years. Photos by Trevor Hass</div>
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Duxbury High School and Boston College basketball fans are accustomed to seeing Bill Curley raise his left hand high in the air.</div>
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The most iconic and lasting image is the March 28, 1994, Sports Illustrated cover, where he’s famously pictured celebrating the ninth-seeded Eagles’ stunning NCAA Tournament victory over No. 1 overall seed North Carolina.</div>
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Another recollection – a more all-encompassing one that fueled that Elite Eight run – is Curley’s trademark lefty hook shot. It signified the frustrating moment every basketball player has experienced, where the defender has a hunch what’s coming but has absolutely no clue how to stop it.</div>
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Curley’s left hand helped him launch an NBA career, but all elite players turn to their opposite hand every once in a while, and it was Curley’s right hand that spoke volumes Sunday night at Conte Forum.</div>
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The 6’9 skyscraper spent many nights occupying center stage at Boston College’s arena, but this was unchartered territory. Curley became the seventh player in Boston College men’s basketball history to have his jersey retired and raised to the rafters. As he finished addressing an appreciative crowd, Curley raised that right hand in the air, pumped his fist and delivered one final remark.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Duxbury’s Billy Curley was thrilled to have so many people he cares about there with him at Conte Forum as the Eagles retired his jersey. Photos by Trevor Hass" class="wp-image-31189 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-300x164.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-400x218.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p2-183x100.jpg 183w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
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Duxbury’s Billy Curley was thrilled to have so many people he cares about there with him at Conte Forum as the Eagles retired his jersey.</div>
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“We couldn’t have done this without all of you,” Curley reminded the fans. “Your enthusiasm and support made Conte Forum a great place to play, and we will be forever grateful for you. Thank you, God bless BC.” Then came the fist pump. “Go Eagles!”</div>
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Curley, who grew up in Duxbury, still lives in town and is without question the best basketball player in school history, got his start at DHS. The lasting memory is that 1989 state title his junior year, but Curley notes there was a lot more to his career than one championship.</div>
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He garnered plenty of attention from top-level colleges, but he pointed out that the outside noise never distracted him from the experience of competing alongside his best friends. Curley said many of the players on that team were elite athletes who also played other sports, and the Dragons relied on an up-tempo brand of basketball.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Bill Curley used Sunday’s ceremony as a chance to catch up with his old teammates." class="wp-image-31190 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3-291x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3-291x300.jpg 291w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3-400x412.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3-97x100.jpg 97w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p3.jpg 562w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="291" /></a><br />
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Bill Curley used Sunday’s ceremony as a chance to catch up with his old teammates.</div>
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“Billy put DHS basketball on the map,” then junior varsity and current varsity coach Gordon Cushing said. “If you ever got to see him play, you better come two hours before game time, because they turned people away at the door one hour before tip due to a sellout.”</div>
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Curley, who was a McDonald’s All-American in 1990, could have played just about anywhere he wanted. He mulled over his options, but he decided to stay close to home. Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan called him the most important recruit in BC’s history.</div>
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The legendary upset over the Tar Heels was the pinnacle of success for the Eagles, but it didn’t happen by accident. Boston College sputtered to an 11-19 season his freshman year, yet Curley earned Big East Rookie of the Year honors in the process.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Billy Curley and his teammates find it hard to believe it’s been 25 years since they shocked the world in 1994." class="wp-image-31191 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-300x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-768x765.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-1024x1020.jpg 1024w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4-400x398.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p4.jpg 1273w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
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Billy Curley and his teammates find it hard to believe it’s been 25 years since they shocked the world in 1994.</div>
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BC made back-to-back trips to the National Invitation Tournament in 1992 and 1993, continuing to generate momentum for one final surge. The Eagles – guided by Curley, Howard Eisley and freshman phenom Danya Abrams – finished 23-11 and 11-7 in the venerated Big East, as Curley put up a monster stat line of 20 points, nine rebounds and 1.6 assists during the season.</div>
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“Everyone looks at Curls saying that he’s (6’9) and a lefty with a hook shot, but no one would outwork him, even the guards,” Abrams told the Clipper. “You can ask anyone. He was the hardest-working guy on that team.”</div>
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The Eagles struggled in the Big East Tournament, but they found a way to regroup and ultimately shock the Tar Heels en route to the Elite Eight.</div>
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“I remember growing up getting Sports Illustrateds and looking at them all, checking out the cover and reading what’s inside,” Curley told the Clipper. “I think I had like a million copies, almost like baseball cards you collect them. For us to be able to get on it was an incredible feat. We were in the right place at the right time.”</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Moments after addressing the crowd, Bill Curley stands behind his jersey with his wife, Kim." class="wp-image-31192 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 242px) 100vw, 242px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-242x300.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-242x300.jpg 242w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-768x951.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-827x1024.jpg 827w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-400x495.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5-81x100.jpg 81w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p5.jpg 933w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="242" /></a><br />
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Moments after addressing the crowd, Bill Curley stands behind his jersey with his wife, Kim.</div>
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Curley said he didn’t realize they made so many copies, and he dutifully signed dozens that came his way. After dominating at Duxbury, where winning was the expectation, Curley enjoyed the grind of making BC feel the same way.</div>
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He said it was a gratifying process to start from scratch and collectively work their way up to a trip to the Elite Eight.</div>
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“To be able to grow up and get your butt whooped pretty good, especially coming from Duxbury where you’re used to winning all the time, then you come here and it’s like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ It was an uphill battle, but we stuck together,” Curley said. “We were able to put together a competitive team and move this program in the right direction.”</div>
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The Eagles honored that 1994 team late in the first half of BC’s win 64-57 win over Miami on Sunday, just before Curley’s individual ceremony at halftime. Curley, who is currently the head coach at Emerson College, said he and his former teammates still keep in touch, particularly when coach Jim O’Brien is back in town looking to play a round of golf.</div>
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<a href="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><img alt="Boston College honored its 1993-94 men’s hoops team Sunday shortly before halftime of the Eagles’ game against Miami." class="wp-image-31193 size-medium" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" src="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-300x144.jpg" srcset="https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-300x144.jpg 300w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-768x369.jpg 768w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-1024x492.jpg 1024w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-400x192.jpg 400w, https://www.duxburyclipper.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2019-02-20/49p6-208x100.jpg 208w" style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 98.5%; padding: 0px; width: auto;" width="300" /></a><br />
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Boston College honored its 1993-94 men’s hoops team Sunday shortly before halftime of the Eagles’ game against Miami.</div>
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Curley, 46, enjoys reminiscing and joking around with his old pals, though he insists his golf game isn’t quite as crisp as some of theirs.</div>
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“I’m a hack,” Curley said. “I get killed. I just like to hit the ball. I’m a better shooter.”<br />
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BC fans would likely agree, and they showered him with applause as he spoke during the halftime ceremony. When his jersey was finally raised to the rafters, the consensus among those close to him was that it was long overdue.</div>
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He’ll forever be one of the most iconic athletes – not just basketball players – in Duxbury and Boston College history, and his family and friends were beaming with pride as they witnessed his latest accomplishment.</div>
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“My brothers and I have heard all the stories about his time at BC and how hard he worked,” DHS senior and Curley’s daughter, Caroline, said, “but to be there and see his old teammates and know how humbled he was to receive such an honor was really special. I know our whole family is so proud of him.”</div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-27512370156693461372018-10-16T10:12:00.002-07:002018-10-17T07:49:36.592-07:00The NBA is back, baby! Here are some storylines, predictions and bad jokes to get you ready <div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The NBA is back, baby! Don’t get me wrong, life is wonderful the whole year, but I’m honestly markedly happier during basketball season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It’s so nice to come home after a long day, turn on the TV and watch the drama unfold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">If you’re keeping tabs on this league with the sole purpose of finding out which team wins the championship, you’re doing it all wrong. Spoiler: It will probably be the Golden State Warriors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">No, I’m not thrilled about the dynasty from a conceptual standpoint, either, but it’s where we are right now, so here are some other storylines to follow:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>1) LeBron’s on the Lakers. </b>No seriously, LeBron’s on the Lakers! It’s kind of wild, right? He took his talents to LA to play with Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Lonzo Ball, three of the most proven superstars this league has ever seen. Well, no, not quite, but don’t sleep on this team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">LeBron could probably take a Division III team to the NBA finals, so don’t rule the Lakers out this year. Do I think LA actually will make it to the Finals? No, I don’t, because the West is too loaded, but I do think the Lakers will make some noise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This team is like a smoothie made by a toddler. You wouldn’t think cookie dough ice cream, Nutella, frozen blueberries, pineapple juice and graham crackers would go together, and you’re laughing as your nephew or niece blends it all together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Then you begrudgingly drink it, and suddenly you realize that all the parts give you a little something, and maybe this smoothie isn’t as bad as you thought. It’s so crazy, it just might work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>2) Can the Rockets get over the hump?</b> To say that the Rockets would have won an NBA title last year if Chris Paul had been healthy is unfair to the Warriors. To say that they could have is a statement of fact. Heck, they almost pulled it off without CP3, but alas, we were left wondering what could have been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This year, they’re back and will try to get over the hump. But wait a minute? Where’s Trevor Ariza? You know, that guy who does literally everything well and has an awesome first name? Oh, he’s on the Suns? Well that’s too bad, but who’d they ge – CARMELOOOOO ANTHONYYYYY!!! Whoa! Hold up. Melo? *Googles highlights to feel better* *Remembers that highlights are exactly that and weeps*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But maybe it’ll work? It might. Who knows? But in my opinion, the Rockets got worse, while the Warriors got better. Not ideal for a team that’s really, really good, but likely not good enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>3) That leads us to our next topic. Can anyone beat the Warriors in a seven-game series? </b>Kyrie Irving thinks so. But is he right? We’ll have to see the Celtics play for a few months before we can really answer that question, but on paper, it appears they have the best shot. Kyrie looks as lethal as ever, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are one year better and Al Horford and the supporting cast are back doing what they do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But a lot of how far the Celtics go this year will depend on how Gordon Hayward progresses long term. It’s unfair to ask a guy coming off such a miserable injury to immediately look like the all-star he once was. If I stopped writing for a year, I’d probably come back and forget how to spell. Well, OK, maybe that’s a bit extreme, but you get the idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I was tempted to say the Celtics would beat the Warriors, but there are just too many unknowns at this point. I do, however, think that Irving is right. They CAN beat the Warriors. Will they? Who knows, but probably not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>4) Wait a second. Didn’t you say there’s a lot more to the NBA than who wins the championship?</b> Yes, I did! Nice active reading! Here are some other storylines:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">- What the heck is going on with Jimmy Butler and the Wolves? This is like when Becca and Arie got together on The Bachelor, but then Arie decided he loved Lauren. Where the hell did that reference come from? I have no idea, but I watched one season and now it finally paid off, I guess?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But yeah, Becca’s the Wolves and Arie’s Jimmy Butler. It all makes sense. Just go with it. Butler decided he’s better off without the Wolves, so adios Becca and Arie. He gone! My best guess is the Heat become the Lauren in this scenario, but I could also see the Knicks or the Nets trading for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">- There have been talks of having the top 16 teams, regardless of conference make the playoffs. It sounds ludicrous at first, but if you really think about it, it’s not that farfetched. Can you imagine Giannis and Anthony Davis facing off in the 8 vs. 9 matchup? Or the 16-seed Wizards trying to shock the 1-seed Rockets like UMBC did to Virginia last year. It’s like March Madness, but with longer collective wingspans and a less catchy theme song.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It’s something to keep in mind. It would give teams like the Blazers, Pelicans, Wolves, Spurs, Nuggets and Mavericks, who are all in the West and deserve to be in the playoffs, a better chance to dance.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">- I mentioned Giannis a little while ago. Giannis, Giannis, Giannis. They don’t call him the Greek Freak for nothing. He’s already become one of the best players in the league, and he’s honestly not even close to as good as he can be.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There have been rumors floating around that his jumper is better than before. If that’s true, and he can hit shots with regularity, then all of a sudden he’s like Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis put together (80 percent of KD and 80 percent of AD = 160 percent of OMG; it’s simple math, people). There’s no denying he’s already a Top 10 player, but if he keeps getting better, he could blossom into the best player in the league in the next 3 to 5 years. Watching him grow (figuratively, not literally; he’s done enough of that, my goodness, slow down, dude) will be fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">- All right, so we all know the West is loaded, but take a look at it for a second. The Warriors and Rockets are locks for the playoffs, but after that, there are no guarantees. You’d have to think the Lakers, Thunder and Jazz would make it, but we can’t say that with certainty. The Blazers, Pelicans, Spurs, Wolves, Nuggets and Mavericks, and maybe some other teams like the Suns and Clippers, are all in the mix.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">- Last year, it came down to the final night, and it wouldn’t surprise me if this year unfolds similarly. Eight teams finished with between 46 and 49 wins a season ago. The Blazers got the 3-seed, but they were just three games from missing the playoffs altogether. The Nuggets were outstanding, but they came up just short. Every game matters!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>5) Which brings us to our predictions:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>East:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1) 76ers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2) Celtics</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3) Bucks</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4) Pacers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5) Raptors</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">6) Heat</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7) Wizards</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">8) Hornets</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">9) Pistons</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">10) Cavaliers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">11) Nets</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">12) Knicks</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">13) Magic</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">14) Hawks</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">15) Bulls</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>West:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1) Warriors</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2) Rockets</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3) Jazz</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4) Lakers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5) Thunder</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">6) Blazers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7) Pelicans</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">8) Spurs</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">9) Nuggets</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">10) Wolves</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">11) Mavericks</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">12) Suns</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">13) Clippers</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">14) Kings</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">15) Grizzlies</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Playoffs:</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">76ers over Hornets in 5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Celtics over Wizards in 5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Bucks over Heat in 6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Raptors over Pacers in 7</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Celtics over Bucks in 6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">76ers over Raptors in 7</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Celtics over 76ers in 6</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Warriors over Spurs in 5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rockets over Pelicans in 7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Blazers over Jazz in 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Lakers over Thunder in 7</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Warriors over Lakers in 6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rockets over Blazers in 6</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Warriors over Rockets in 6</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Warriors over Celtics in 6</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Awards:</b></span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, LeBron James</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rookie of the Year: Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Luka Doncic</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Sixth Man Award: JJ Redick, Jamal Crawford, Terry Rozier</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Defensive Player of the Year: Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Most Improved Player: Josh Richardson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Aaron Gordon</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Coach of the Year: Brett Brown, Mike Budenholzer, Luke Walton</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">All-NBA First Team: Steph Curry, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, JaVale McGee (just seeing if you’re awake; it’s seriously Anthony Davis)</span></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Thanks for reading! Enjoy the season. Please print this out and keep it by you as you watch every game. Just kidding. Don’t actually do that. Stop printing!! Cancel!!! Well, it’s too late. You printed it. Might as well read it religiously every night before you go to bed now. </span></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-23657383130206197982017-11-02T09:58:00.002-07:002017-11-02T09:58:33.397-07:00Sagstetter continues miraculous recovery after going into cardiac arrest<div class="MsoNormal">
(From Nov. 2015)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sports Reporter<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rick Peterson gazed forward and saw someone in the distance
waving and calling for help. Right away, he knew something was wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peterson, Spectrum High School’s cross country coach and
athletic director, sprinted across the field at Kliever Park toward Nate
Hackbarth, the student who beckoned him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next to Hackbarth, sophomore Nevin Sagstetter lay on the
ground in an unresponsive state. Peterson thought Sagstetter was having a
seizure, and Sagstetter’s breathing was sporadic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Assistant coach Amy Cornelius swooped in from the other
direction as Peterson tended to Sagstetter. He could tell Sagstetter’s
breathing was getting even worse, as the gaps between breaths grew longer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peterson, who spent 17 years as a paramedic, gave Sagstetter
mouth to mouth resuscitation and compressions, but Sagstetter’s breathing
stopped altogether minutes later. He was in cardiac arrest. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cornelius called 911, Hackbarth returned with a First Aid
Kit and the medics arrived. Peterson had worked with that same emergency crew
years ago, and Cornelius said everything fell into place. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was amazing to watch, because they just kind of all fell
into this natural routine of what they used to do,” Peterson said. “It was like
I was witnessing miracle upon miracle with what was going on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sagstetter was whizzed in an ambulance to Mercy Hospital in
Coon Rapids and later helicoptered to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of
Minnesota in Minneapolis. He’s currently rehabbing in Gillette Children’s
Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, and is scheduled to return to his Zimmerman
home for good two days before Thanksgiving, more than a month ahead of schedule.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Sagstetter to be walking, talking and learning again is remarkable
to those close to him. The incident happened Tuesday, Sept. 22, and less than
seven weeks later Sagstetter is doing unfathomably well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m so thankful that he was where he was at when it
happened and that help was there,” Nevin’s mother, April Sagstetter, said. “He
could have just been out running on his own and been laying there, and who
knows what would have happened then.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
April Sagstetter was heading home when she got the phone
call no parent wants to receive. Amy Cornelius was on the other line, and
Cornelius tried to speak as calmly as she could to convey the facts to
Sagstetter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cornelius drew from the bravery and poise her mother showed
when she was a child and ambulances appeared at her house multiple times to
whisk her sister – who dealt with juvenile diabetes – to the hospital.
Cornelius, now a mother herself, knew she couldn’t panic, just like her mother
didn’t. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Telling Sagstetter her giggly, sarcastic, intelligent son
was in critical condition wasn’t easy, but Cornelius’ motherly instincts kicked
in immediately. From one mother to another, Cornelius delivered the news, and
Sagstetter – who was surprisingly just as calm – rushed to the fields right
away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“She was in perfect mom mode,” Cornelius said of Sagstetter.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
April Sagstetter called Nevin’s father, Tom, at 5:05 p.m.
telling him the news. When April and Tom Sagstetter arrived at Mercy Hospital,
unable to see their son, April remembers the nurse coming their way and informing
them that the chopper had arrived. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, they’re not talking about
Nevin.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they were. At that point, Tom and April thought their
son might have suffered a seizure. They had no idea he had stopped breathing.
No heartbeat. No pulse. Nothing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We didn’t have a clue how bad it was until we got to Mercy
and they were loading him on the helicopter,” Tom Sagstetter said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The horrific whirlwind of an evening continued, as the
chopper took off and rushed Sagstetter to the intensive care unit at Children’s
Hospital.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevin Sagstetter was sedated and cooled for 72 hours
straight. He was on a respirator and was out cold. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day by day, progress was made. Small victories, such as
removing the Electroencephalogram measuring his brain activity, became huge
victories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He was literally covered with tubes and wires,” Tom
Sagstetter said, “but day by day things started disappearing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doctors had Nevin scratch his head, scratch his leg,
squeeze his father’s hand, to distinguish between purposeful and non-purposeful
movements. They wanted to decipher whether his movements were reflexes, or if
he was consciously aware he was doing something. It was a brutal exercise, but
one that had to be done to determine exactly where he was at physically and
mentally. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevin Sagstetter is Spectrum’s second fastest runner. He
loves nothing more than to move around. In those first few days at Children’s,
he was deprived of that passion. Sitting in bed resting was a challenge, but
without a diagnoses and without an implant in his chest, moving wasn’t an
option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once he got a defibrillator in place to monitor his heart
rate and a pacemaker to ensure his heart beats in rhythm, Sagstetter gradually
began to do some of the things he’s accustomed to. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, he made such steady progress that he was sent to
another location – Gillette in St. Paul – on Oct. 12. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Nanette Aldahondo, pediatric rehabilitation medicine
specialist at Gillette, first met Sagstetter, the cross country runner was
cooped up in a wheelchair and largely unaware of his surroundings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since then, in less than three weeks, she’s seen him regain
the ability to walk to and from his therapy sessions. Though cognitive
redevelopment isn’t occurring quite as rapidly as physical improvement,
Aldahondo has seen Sagstetter make tremendous strides since she’s started
working with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s out of the danger zone medically,” Aldahondo said. “We
still keep track of all those things and we monitor his heart, but we’ve really
shifted the focus to physical, occupational, speech therapy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sagstetter’s day is long and tiring. He starts school in the
hospital between 8 and 9 a.m., takes classes until 3 to 4:30 p.m. and has a
lunch break in the middle. He does therapy in addition to school, so every-day
life can be exhausting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“He’s pretty tired by the time 8 o’clock rolls around,” Tom
Sagstetter says, turning to Nevin and smiling. “Usually you’d make it to 10 or
11.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Not anymore,” Nevin replies, smiling back at him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Sagstetter looked at a computer
screen with 100 dots on it. He moved the mouse and clicked on three different
colors of dots – 100 in total. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You actually were clicking on them so fast that the little
computer couldn’t keep up,” Tom Sagstetter said to his son.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevin’s physical progress has been astounding, but his
mental ability is lagging behind. First he started to walk, and now he can do
so close to normally, however he believes he has started to run when in reality
he hadn’t done so as of late October. He’s briskly power walked, but he hasn’t
jogged quite yet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
When his father tells him he hasn’t run yet, Nevin grins and concedes. “OK,
fine,” he says. He’s played Zoom Ball – a game involving a buoy and knocking
things out of his parents’ hands – and now he’s starting to bike and swim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s clear Sagstetter desperately wants to run, but
considering there was the possibility he wouldn’t ever walk again less than two
months prior, he’s ecstatic just to be alive and regaining his health.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I didn’t know (if he would live),” Peterson said. “He had
been in cardiac arrest for a long time at the scene. I don’t think there were
any of us that knew at that time how this was going to turn out, not only if he
would live but how much function he would regain.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was an unimaginably nightmarish scene for Peterson.
Having to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on one of his athletes and not
knowing whether someone whom he considers family would live. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But he did live, and since that day Peterson and Co. have
done everything they can do ensure the Sagstetters know Nevin is on their
minds. They made green wristbands with white writing that reads,” Running with
Nevin,” as well as white T-shirts that say, “#forNevin” in blue block lettering,
with black and white shading, on the front and feature the Spectrum mascot with
a cross country logo on the back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amy Cornelius recalls eating pancakes and donuts with Nevin
and his teammates after Saturday morning meets. She remembers going to Camp
Shamineau in Motley, Minnesota, and watching Nevin running, paintballing,
horseback riding and shooting rifles with his friends. The camp also had
something called the blob, that Nevin loved, where kids would sit on the far
end, and parents and coaches would jump off and launch them into the water. The
memories are limitless, which is why those close to Sagstetter have constantly
checked up on him to make sure he’s doing OK. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Sagstetters have appreciated the overwhelming number of
requests they’ve received to visit Nevin. They’ve had to decline some so he can
stick to his tight schedule, but they’ve welcomed many others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom Sagstetter set up a CaringBridge account to give family
and friends updates about his son’s progress. He said the last time he checked
the site, more than 3,200 people had viewed it. The Spectrum volleyball team
brought Sagstetter a gift basket, and coaches and runners from other teams have
reached out as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“They’ve been really supportive,” Nevin Sagstetter said.
“People visiting me from school, and all the people from the cross country
team, a lot of them have visited, which makes it really nice because it’s nice
to talk to them and see them. It makes my stay here a lot better to know that
they’re supporting me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While having visitors at the hospital is fun for Sagstetter,
returning home is even better. And on Sunday, Oct. 25, he had that opportunity
for the first time in more than a month. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They arrived home around 10 a.m. watched the Vikings beat
the Lions, 28-19, played with his yellow lab, Kenya, and his cats. The family
barbecued, Nevin saw his 13-year-old sister, Nicole, and he chatted with his
grandmother and grandfather about the new lake they moved to – a prime spot for
both hunting and fishing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I can’t wait,” Nevin Sagstetter said. “I’m more than ready
to go to the lake.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*** <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nevin Sagstetter reclines peacefully in a wooden and
cushioned chair in front of a flat-screen TV in a meeting room on the fourth
floor at Gillette at 11:06 a.m. on Oct. 28. He’s sporting his green Spectrum
cross country jacket, black sweatpants and an infectious smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His father, wearing a gray hooded Spectrum Sting sweatshirt,
sits to his right, and his mother, donning the #forNevin shirt, rests diagonally
from him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They don’t know what the future holds, but they hope they
can put this terrifying chapter of their lives behind them. The climb toward
becoming the fully functioning person he was two months ago is a daunting one,
but Tom and April are confident their son will continue to shatter
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m more of a spontaneous person, but it’s really hard to
plan for what’s going to happen six months from now because we don’t know what
you’re going to do that’s going to surprise us,” Tom Sagstetter says, looking
at Nevin. Then he pauses and laughs. “Don’t worry about that, just keep going.
Keep surprising us. It’s all good, man.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s still no exact diagnosis. Doctors have run plenty of
tests, but they haven’t deduced the cause of the incident. The Sagstetters hope
they won’t have to change too much to the setup of their house once Nevin
returns Nov. 24. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom and April Sagstetter now know that awful things happen
to amazing kids, but they’re just relieved their son is still with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s truly a miracle that he’s alive,” Tom Sagstetter said,
tears swelling in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he turned to his 15-year-old son, who nearly died
before he did, and placed his left hand on Nevin’s left shoulder. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You are our miracle boy,” he said. “You are amazing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</style>Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-22555021419136506812017-10-25T10:51:00.001-07:002017-10-25T10:51:50.553-07:00From grids to the gridiron <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Maimaron thrives as teacher,
coach, by using similar approach in both</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Trevor Hass, Sports
Editor/Reporter</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sports@duxburyclipper.com<br />
<span style="background: white;">Twitter: @DuxburySports<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s just after 9 o’clock on a
typical Wednesday at Duxbury High School. A middle-aged, sharply dressed math
teacher paces the room, making sure his students are fully engaged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When he spots one surfing the
web, on the 13-inch MacBook Air given to everyone from seventh grade up, he
politely asks him to focus on the material. A few minutes later, the same
student pops in some headphones, and the teacher reminds him why they’re there,
this time a little more sternly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s like the equivalent of being on a diet and having
someone put a hot plate of brownies in front of you,” he says, referring to the
benefits and the drawbacks of the sleek computer. </span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s clear he runs a tight ship
when necessary, but for the most part he doesn’t have to. His students are
largely engaged, and it quickly becomes evident they respect both him and his
co-teacher. When he explains a concept, they’re listening, answering the
questions he poses and jotting down notes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man, sporting a spiffy blue
and white button-down, tan slacks, gray Under Armour shoes and a red, white and
blue belt with the American flag on it, eventually meanders back to the front
of the classroom and scans the attentive audience of 23. He takes off his
glasses momentarily, pauses for a sip of Aquafina and then rests those glasses
back on his nose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“See how you have a grid here?”
he inquires. “X intercept at 3 is right there. The X intercept is a point. Once
you have two points, you can count the slope.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He has a knack for explaining
the issues at hand, and his students swiftly latch on and grasp what he’s
saying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During the school day, this is
what the teacher does, and he loves it. After school, the teaching doesn’t
stop. In fact, it continues in an extremely similar manner, only now the
subject matter is something different. Football. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From intercepts to interceptions,
grids to gridirons and MacBooks to playbooks, Dave Maimaron is always teaching.
Perhaps the most recognizable high school sports figure on the South Shore, and
one of the most successful, Maimaron is rightfully known for his acumen on the
football field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But what about his day job?
What’s he like as a teacher? As he’ll tell you, the two are inextricably
intertwined. His approach as a teacher funnels into his mindset as a coach, and
he uses the same methods in both disciplines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As someone who was a lost and
often confused high school student himself, Maimaron knows how to relate to his
students and players, and he prides himself on bringing out the best in them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“They’re the
same in my eyes,” Maimaron said. “You’re teaching in the classroom or you’re
teaching on the field. You’re still teaching.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Football kind of saved me”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Plenty of the
kids Maimaron grew up with in Quincy went down the wrong path. He knows that
could have easily been him. Truthfully, he admits, it almost was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When he was 14,
his older sister, Nancy, died. Two years later, his older brother, Bobby, died.
It shook the Maimaron family to its core, and he started asking more
philosophical questions about life than any teenager should have to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’ll always
cherish the memory of Nancy, who was six years older, teaching him how to ride
a horse. She appreciated nature and the arts, and he still enjoys those parts
of life to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bobby was his
best friend. He was four years older, but they were inseparable. Dave’s son is
Bobby, whose grandfathers are Bob as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Time has passed,
and the wounds have mostly healed, but there will always be two massive parts
of Dave missing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s a pretty
traumatic thing for any family to go through, losing a sibling,” Maimaron said.
“Losing two was difficult on everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Around that same
time, as those doubts swirled, Maimaron met a man who would go on to become one
of his biggest mentors. Football coach Kevin Macdonald took him under his wing
at Archbishop Williams, in Braintree, and molded him into a confident, polished
person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maimaron earned
a spot on the UMass Boston football team and turned a metaphorical corner. He
was back in better spirits, and he knew Macdonald was a major reason why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I had some challenging
times in high school, and football kind of saved me,” Maimaron said. “He kind
of saved me. The amount of anger you have, dealing with the grief, football
really channeled that for me in a positive direction. If it wasn’t for that,
and Kevin Macdonald, it would have gone negatively. My life would probably be a
mess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He graduated
with a sociology degree and spent his time bartending at Clarke’s at Faneuil
Hall. The tips were nice, but he still didn’t feel satisfied. Something was
missing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He knew he
didn’t go to school to bartend. There was more he wanted to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day, he got
a chance to substitute teach in the Boston Public School System, and he pounced
on the opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I loved it
right from my very first day,” Maimaron said. “I’ve been teaching ever since.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trial by fire <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Back when he was
breaking into the field, the way Maimaron saw it, education was getting
hammered and heaps of people were being laid off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He knew he had
to stand out somehow, so he chose to zero in on special education. Maimaron got
his masters in special education at Eastern Nazarene College, and his
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies through Fitchburg State,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and he found a job as a teacher in a
self-contained, behavioral management classroom that he held for 13 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was trial by
fire,” Maimaron said. “You’re figuring it out on your own.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s still close
with a couple students from that program. That’s the way he is. When he builds
a relationship, he always tries to keep it, because that’s what means the most
to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The job, as
exhausting and grueling as it was, was satisfying in many ways. He loves a good
challenge, and this was no different, but he decided it was time for a change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Once I started
my own family, I realized I was completely emotionally drained by the time I
got home, so it wasn’t going to be fair to my own family,” Maimaron said. “I
knew I had to get into a more stable situation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dave, Colleen,
Tiernan and Bobby Maimaron moved to Duxbury. Dave found a job in town in the
early 2000s, and now his whole life is here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It was my
goal,” Maimaron said. “Once I realized I wanted to teach and be a high school
coach, not a college coach, it was my dream to teach and coach in a town on the
South Shore. I don’t think I could have ended up in a better place.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parallel lines<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a typical
day, Maimaron – who also taught sophomore English and MCAS prep in the past – teaches
two co-taught geometry classes and one co-taught algebra course, and he
oversees two learning centers with six and 13 kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He and his good
friend, Tony Fisher, co-teach the math courses – a concept Maimaron was
instrumental in bringing to Duxbury years back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Principal Jim
Donovan credited Maimaron for improving the special education model at Duxbury
High. He said his versatility makes him stand out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He has a way of
developing relationships with students that are multi-dimensional,” Donovan
said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s a
joke-cracker, a hearty laugher and a gregarious guy, but he also demands a lot.
He holds everyone he encounters to a high standard, and he strives to get the
best out of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When a student
doesn’t understand an issue, his goal is to help them master the concept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Breaking down a
complex math assignment is really similar to breaking down a complex play on
the field into simple, manageable steps that kids can understand,” Fisher said.
“Whether it’s a test or an important game, keeping that same approach and that
consistency is important.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maimaron echoes
what Fisher says, noting that experience goes a long way. When senior Liam
Kraemer first moved from Colombia to Duxbury, for example, Maimaron helped him
learn English the same way he helped him learn football – through repetition, a
variety of strategies and attention to detail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“At this point,
because I’ve been doing it for so long, a lot of times by the look on a kid’s
face, or the question they ask, I can understand what they don’t understand,”
Maimaron said. “I usually have a tool or a trick to show them a different way
to understand that problem. If a play we run doesn’t work, I usually know right
away why it didn’t work. I also know we can do this the next time and it will
work. It’s no different in the classroom. A lot of that comes from experience.
I’ve been doing it almost 30 years now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the classroom,
he rarely yells, unless he needs to. On the football field? The approach is
essentially the same, but the demeanor can sometimes reach a whole new level –
like a tiger let out of its cage. This is what he loves, so it’s only natural.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As senior Jake
Quilty discusses Maimaron’s shrewdness in both settings, Maimaron peeps his
head in from the hallway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I won’t play
you again if you bash me,” he jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quilty chuckles
and shakes his head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He’s pretty
scary when he gets angry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biggest classroom in the school<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With his
teaching background as a driving force, and plenty of help, Maimaron has built
Duxbury football up into the Godzilla of the Patriot League ever since the turn
of the millennium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Duxbury, fresh
off a 14-13 victory over Hingham on Saturday, has won the league title 10
straight years, and 14 of the last 17, along with five Super Bowl championships
during that span. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To say he’s
solely responsible would be inaccurate. He has an experienced coaching staff, a
rabid fan base and, of course, supremely talented players year after year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But to call him
the engineer and the visionary behind that success isn’t farfetched at all. He
deflects the credit, but frankly he’s the puppeteer behind the entire operation.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s a teacher,
both in the classroom and on the field, and oftentimes the lines are blurred.
Those lines can be viewed as both parallel and perpendicular – always going in
the same direction but also forever intersecting. It’s a dizzying nightmare for
most math teachers, but a beautiful equation for Maimaron. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Friday night is
like a community event, when the whole town shows up,” Maimaron said. “It
doesn’t happen overnight, what we’ve created. It takes a lot of work. The
football field is the biggest classroom in the school.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-56980854242886390912017-10-17T08:53:00.002-07:002017-10-17T09:06:06.441-07:00NBA Preview: 2017-18<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I don’t know
about you, but I’m particularly excited for the NBA season this year. Granted,
I get giddy just looking at a basketball, but I really do think we’re in for a
treat this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">While the
Warriors are the clear favorite, and will likely repeat, I’d say there are five
other teams (Cavaliers, Thunder, Rockets, Celtics, Spurs, in that order) that
have a legit shot at dethroning the champs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Nothing will
beat the Mavs’ run to the title in 2011, but every year I come into it hoping we’ll
see something like that. Dirk and LeBron faced off in a series and Dirk won!
How dope is that? Nothing even against LeBron…Dirk’s just the man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Anyway, I
digress. Back to 2017, where if you’re not on a team with three superstars
you’re doing something wrong. It was crazy how the dominoes ended up falling
this offseason. Kyrie Irving, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Carmelo Anthony,
Chris Paul, Paul Millsap, Jimmy Butler and Isaiah Thomas are all on new teams.
That’s wild. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It seems like
nearly every team is different, except maybe the Spurs, who will likely still
have the same nucleus in 2030 – perhaps with Tim Duncan’s kid thrown into the
mix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I say this every
year, but I think the overall identity of the NBA is often misconstrued. Some
people don’t like watching because they already know what’s going to happen.
Will the Warriors win it all? Probably. Will people talk about Lonzo and LaVar
Ball way too much? Probably. Will the Sixers tank? Probably not, so that’s
cool! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But that’s not
where the fun is. The fun is in the unpredictability and the chaos, the
triple-doubles and the comeback wins. Think of it like going to see a movie,
even though you likely know what’s going to happen. I mean, Harry was always
going to kill Voldemort, but that didn’t make it any less exhilarating when it
happened. I think this season will be the best one in a few years, so without
further ado, here’s a preview:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">East<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1) Cleveland
Cavaliers (54-28) – I could see this going either way. I think the Celtics and
Cavs will finish with about the same record, but I think the Cavs will
ultimately get the 1 seed. Losing Kyrie will hurt in the Finals, but getting D
Wade and Isaiah ain’t too shabby. Their starting lineup is obviously great, but
have you seen their bench? Derrick Rose, Jose Calderon, J.R. Smith, Kyle
Korver, Iman Shumpert, Jeff Green, Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye is
honestly one of the deeper benches ever. It might be the best. I mean that
group of eight is pretty much a fringe playoff team in the East this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">LeBron’s made
the Finals seven straight years, so I see no logical reason to bet against him.
Though the gap is dwindling, he’s still clearly the best player in the NBA. I
think what’s really interesting here is how the Cavs will match up with the
Warriors in the likely tetralogy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I think Isaiah
Thomas will have trouble guarding either Steph or Klay for extended stretches.
With Kyrie gone, a lot of the scoring onus will fall on Kevin Love, and I think
he’s going to have a big year. The Cavs can match the Warriors shooting 3s at
nearly every position, and I think they’re deeper and more experienced at
several spots, so it will be fun to see how it unfolds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2) Boston
Celtics (52-30) – It’s truly astonishing how much Danny Ainge and Co. chose to
overhaul a 53-win team that made the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s kind of
like going to one college and liking it, knowing it doesn’t benefit you long
term and transferring to a new one and a potentially better life before it’s
too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I wrote a full
Celtics preview, that you can check out <a href="http://trevorstake.blogspot.com/2017/10/celtics-preview-breakdown-of-why-i.html">here</a>, but to sum up: I think they’ll be
very good, really fun to watch and a step better than last year. It’s still
LeBron’s East, though, at least for the time being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3) Washington
Wizards (51-31) – People seem to forget that the Wizards have just about
everyone back from a team that was a normal Kelly Olynyk shooting night away
from the Eastern Conference Finals. John Wall’s entering his prime, Bradley
Beal’s one of the better two-way 2s and Otto Porter can do no wrong. The
Wizards should be solid again this year, especially with the East in
semi-disarray. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4) Milwaukee
Bucks (44-38) – Everything in Milwaukee starts with Giannis Antetokounmpo
(spelled it right on the first try. Midseason form, baby!). The Bucks have a
really solid core around him, and I expect them to make a jump this year. They
might even win a series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5) Toronto
Raptors (43-39) – The East, while far inferior to the West, isn’t that
terrible. I mean if the Raptors, who are a very good team, could finish out of
the top three, that tells you something. They’re kind of stuck in no man’s
land, like the Grizzlies – very good and fun to watch, but unable to get over
the hump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">6) Miami Heat
(41-41) –The Heat are somewhat brash, and I think they think they’re better
than they are, but sometimes that can help. As long as Dion Waiters is there,
this is a team to watch. Championship or bust, am I right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7) Detroit
Pistons (39-43) – Avery Bradley was one of the most underrated acquisitions of
the offseason. He’ll be a nice complement to Reggie Jackson and will help him
get more uncontested looks. Bradley’s a lockdown defender, and when you put him
with Tobias Harris, Stanley Johnson and Andre Drummond, good things are going
to happen on that end of the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">8) Charlotte
Hornets (38-44) – The loss of Nicolas Batum to start the season hurts, but this
should still be a playoff team. Fun fact about Dwight Howard you might not
suspect: He’s made the playoffs every year but one since 2007. He’s still
dominant on occasion, and I think he, Kemba and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist can lead
them to the postseason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">9) Indiana
Pacers (37-45) – This team has 9-seed written all over it. Myles Turner is one
of the bright young stars in the league, and Victor Oladipo will help, but the
Pacers are still in that in-between territory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">10) Philadelphia
76ers (36-46) – Sorry, I just don’t see it. Not yet, anyway. I think the Sixers
will definitely make the playoffs next year, but I don’t think they’re quite
there. Ben Simmons, though incredible in transition, is a turnover machine.
Joel Embiid, even with his new paycheck, is incredibly injury-prone. J.J.
Redick helps. They actually have a lot of shooting now, between Robert Covington,
Dario Saric, Redick and Jerryd Bayless, but I think they’re going to struggle
defensively and with turnovers. Next year. They’re certainly on the rise,
though, and they’re way too good to tank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">11) Brooklyn
Nets (36-46) – Recently, the Sixers and Nets have been battling for the No. 1
pick, and soon they’ll be battling in the playoffs, but right now they’re
battling for mediocrity. D’Angelo Russell’s cool and all, but what makes people
think he’s going to lead them to the playoffs when he’s still so unproven? Give
it time, people. I will say that the Nets are tough. Sean Kilpatrick, Allen
Crabbe, Trevor Booker and DeMarre Carroll are all fierce competitors, but I
don’t see it meshing perfectly quite yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">12) Orlando
Magic (33-46) – The Magic have some nice pieces, especially Nikola Vucevic, but
they don’t have enough firepower to make the playoffs. I think Jonathan Isaac
will play a lot and could be in the running for Rookie of the Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">13) New York
Knicks (31-51) – Melo’s (finally) gone, which opens the door for Kristaps
Porzingis to be the face of the franchise. There’s just one problem. I don’t
think he’s destined to be the best player on a contender. He’s a great player,
but I think he’s better suited as a No. 2 or 3 option. For now, though, it’s
his team. Tim Hardaway Jr., Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee are all solid players.
I don’t think the Knicks will be a train wreck, but I don’t think they’ll sniff
the playoffs, either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">14) Atlanta
Hawks (27-55) – The Atlanta Hawks might be a train wreck. They’re counting on
Dennis Schroder to be a star, which he’s naturally not, and they’re also
expecting an awful lot out of Kent Bazemore and Taurean Prince. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">15) Chicago
Bulls (24-58) – Yep, I think it’s true. I think the Bulls really are the worst
team in the East, and thus the league. Rose, Butler, Gasol, Deng, Noah and
Michael Jordan are all gone. This team ain’t what it used to be. Bobby Portis and
Zach LaVine should have big years stat-wise, but I don’t see this team winning
too many games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">West <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1) Warriors
(67-15) – Ho-hum. Excited to see Swaggy P and JaVale celebrate in June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2) Rockets
(59-23) – Yep, I think they’re that good. The main question is whether Chris
Paul and James Harden can mesh well together, and I think the answer is a
clear-cut yes. They’re both going to have the ball a ton, and having two truly
elite playmakers, who can both shoot, pass and dribble, will help immensely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Chris Paul
really needed a change, and now he has one. I also think the Rockets’
supporting case is criminally underrated. Nene, Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza,
Eric Gordon, Clint Capela and P. J. Tucker are all very solid role players, and
Mike D’Antoni has them playing the right way. I think this is a team that can
win 60-plus games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3) San Antonio
Spurs (56-26) – Ho-hum, part two. But seriously, do you really think Pop would
let the Spurs dip below the three seed? I don’t. And that’s without them even
caring about the regular season. They’re just too good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4) Oklahoma City
Thunder (53-29) – The Thunder are one of the teams I’m most intrigued to watch.
They’re almost built like an all-star team. I think having Russ and Paul George
around him is going to open things up a lot for Melo. He’s been dominant in the
Olympics when he hasn’t had to take every shot, and I think playing with other
stars will really benefit him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It isn’t just
the big three, either. Steven Adams is as tough as they come. I’ve never been a
huge Andre Roberson guy, but he shouldn’t have to take very many shots now,
which will bring out the best in him. The Patrick Patterson pickup is also
stealthily huge. He’s terrific. There was certainly a lot of change, and there
are a lot of ball-dominant players on one roster. But hey, maybe it’ll all work
out. Either way, they’ll be a fun team to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5) Minnesota
Timberwolves (48-34) – You better believe it. The Wolves are playoff-bound this
year. Karl-Anthony Towns could be a sneaky MVP candidate, Jimmy Butler is
entering his prime and Jeff Teague, Andrew Wiggins, my man Gorgui Dieng and Taj
Gibson is a heck of a supporting cast. Oh, and where’s the offense off the bench
coming from, you might ask? Why, from Jamal Crawford, one of the most prolific
sixth men in NBA history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Wolves are
legit. The rebuild is over, and now it’s time to win. If it ends up being
Thunder-Wolves, getcha popcorn ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">6) Denver Nuggets
(44-38) – Don’t look now, but the Nuggets are the kind of team that could
potentially stage an upset in the first round. They’re a little inexperienced
at guard, but they’re absolutely stacked at forward/center. Nikola Jokic, Paul
Millsap, Kenneth Faried and Mason Plumlee is a heck of a foursome. Millsap was
probably the other most underrated signing, along with Bradley, and I think
he’s poised for a fringe 20 and 10 year if he stays healthy. He and Jokic
should pair well together, as they’re both unselfish and play at a similar
pace. The Nuggets should turn some heads this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">7) Utah Jazz
(42-40) – The Jazz lost Gordon Hayward, but they’re still stacked. Ricky Rubio
will be a nice fit there and open things up for their shooters. Rodney Hood’s a
rising star and Rudy Gobert is one of the most reliable players around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">8) Portland
Trailblazers (41-41) – Which Blazers team will we see this year – the one that
started last year slowly or finished last year strong? I think it’ll be
somewhere in the middle. They’d be a clear playoff team in the East, but in the
West it’ll be tough. Jusuf Nurkic will help Dame and C.J., and I think they’ll
sneak into the playoffs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">9) Memphis
Grizzlies (41-41) – As long as Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are there, this is a
solid team. Hopefully Chandler Parsons bounces back this year. Tyreke Evans’
health could be a big factor, and Ben McLemore will give them a nice scoring
boost off the bench. I don’t see them making the playoffs, mostly because the
West is so loaded. In the East, they’d be a 5 or 6 seed. They’re in no man’s
land, and this could be the year they break it up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">10) New Orleans
Pelicans (40-42) – Wait, the Pelicans have Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and
Jrue Holiday…shouldn’t they make it? They should, but they won’t. their
supporting cast might be one of the worst around. Once Rondo comes back, that
should help, but until then it might be tough treading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">11) Los Angeles
Clippers (38-44) – The Clippers are a curious bunch. They lost Chris Paul and
J.J. Redick, but if Milos Teodosic is all he’s cracked up to be they still
could be good. If Blake stays healthy they’ll be fine, but in the West nothing
is given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">12) Los Angeles
Lakers (34-48) – The Lakers have a rookie who’s going to change the face of the
NBA. He played in the Pac-12 and was a first-round pick. His name…is Kyle
Kuzma…No, but seriously, Kuzma’s really good. Lonzo? I guess we’ll have to wait
and find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">13) Dallas
Mavericks (29-53) – I want better for Dirk, but this might be his destiny. Part
of me wants him to go to a contender, but most of me doesn’t because that goes
against everything I believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">14) Sacramento
Kings (26-56) – The Kings are going to struggle offensively. Zach Randolph, as
bullish as he is, is their main threat, and that’s not ideal. De’Aaron Fox will
be a star in a few years, but it could be a rocky start on a team without much
punch. But Vince Carter is there, so who knows?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">15) Phoenix Suns
(25-57) – Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker and Josh Jackson is a really nice core,
and I think they should think twice before breaking it up. They’re just so
young, though, and the West is so loaded. We shall see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Playoffs: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Cavs over 8
Hornets in 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2 Celtics over 7
Pistons in 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3 Wizards over 6
Heat in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5 Raptors over 4
Bucks in 7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Warriors over
8 Blazers in 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2 Rockets over 7
Jazz in 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3 Spurs over 6
Nuggets in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4 Thunder over 5
Wolves in 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Cavs over 5
Raptors in 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2 Celtics over 3
Wizards in 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Warriors over
4 Thunder in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2 Rockets over 3
Spurs in 7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Cavs over 2
Celtics in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Warriors over
2 Rockets in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1 Warriors over
1 Cavs in 6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">NBA Finals MVP:
Kevin Durant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Regular season
awards:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">MVP: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">1) Kawhi Leonard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">2) LeBron James<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">3) Kevin Durant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">4) Karl-Anthony
Towns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">5) Russell
Westbrook<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rookie of the
Year: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jonathan
Isaac<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dennis
Smith Jr. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Josh
Jackson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Ben
Simmons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Kyle
Kuzma<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Coach of the
Year:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Mike
Malone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jason
Kidd<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Tom
Thibodeau <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Mike
D’Antoni<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Brad
Stevens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Scoring Leaders:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Kawhi
Leonard (29.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Kevin
Durant (27.6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">James
Harden (26.8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Karl-Anthony
Towns (25.9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Giannis
Antetokounmpo (25.7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Russell
Westbrook (25.6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">DeMar
DeRozan (24.8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Steph
Curry (24.6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Devin
Booker (23.9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeMarcus Cousins (23.6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rebound Leaders:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rudy
Gobert (13.7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">DeMarcus
Cousins (13.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dwight
Howard (13.2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Hassan
Whiteside (12.8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Andre
Drummond (12.6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Karl-Anthony
Towns (12.2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Anthony
Davis (11.8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Giannis
Antetokounmpo (10.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Nikola
Jokic (10.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DeAndre Jordan (10.2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Assist Leaders:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Chris
Paul (11.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">John
Wall (10.9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Russell
Westbrook (10.4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jeff
Teague (9.9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Ricky
Rubio (9.5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">LeBron
James (9.1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jrue
Holiday (8.7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Steph
Cury (8.3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">James
Harden (8.1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Draymond Green (7.8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Buy or Sell:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Lonzo Ball a future
superstar <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– Sell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Lonzo Ball a
solid starter – Buy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Sixers make the playoffs
this year – Sell <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Sixers make the
playoffs next year – Buy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Chris Paul and
James Harden gel – Buy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Devin Booker
all-star – Buy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Grizzlies make a
trade – Buy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dirk Nowitzki
retires – Sell <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Random
predictions: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jimmy
Butler will have a huge year <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Jeff
Hornacek will be fired mid-season<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Klay
Thompson will flirt with 50/40/90 but won’t get it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Paul
George will average less than 21 PPG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The
Raptors will look very different after this season<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Isaiah
Thomas won’t play until February<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Giannis
will be considered one of the best of the best players in the league when the season
ends <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Brook
Lopez will have a sneakily good year for the Lakers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dwyane
Wade will play fewer than 50 regular-season games<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Paul
Millsap will be exactly what Denver needs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Blake
Griffin will either get injured or have a huge year – not in the middle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Bradley
Beal will average over 23 PPG<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Kevin
Durant will shoot 90 percent from the line<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">J.J.
Redick will lead the league in 3-point percentage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">I’m sure all of these
predictions will be wrong, but that’s not what matters here. What matters is
that the wait is over! The NBA is back!</span></div>
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</style>Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-37144912911218434092017-10-06T12:59:00.001-07:002017-10-07T06:19:02.757-07:00Celtics preview: A breakdown of why I believe this team will ultimately be successful <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">*** Flaming hot
take: Kyrie Irving will have a miserable year, Brad Stevens will get visibly
flustered every game and the Celtics will miss the playoffs. ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">All right, now
that I have your attention, here are my thoughts on the Celtics this upcoming
season. Obviously, none of those things are going to happen. Kyrie may view the
world as flat, but his game is anything but. I’m pretty sure Brad could watch
The Exorcist and just calmly stare at the TV. The Celtics will easily make the
playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In fact, I think
they’re going to be quite good. Some people are predicting a clear path to the
Finals. I don’t envision that happening. See: LeBron James. However, others
expect some turbulence in the early stages and long-term underachieving, and I
don’t think that’s going to happen, either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The thing I like
about this team on paper is that it really is a well-constructed roster, top to
bottom. I think when you look at star-studded teams in the past, the ones that
often flourish have three stars with specific, different roles and a deep,
balanced supporting cast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">For example, I
think the reason the Heat were so good with LeBron, Wade and Bosh is because
they all had unique games that blended well together. Talent is obviously
imperative in the NBA, but the teams that are masterfully put together are
generally the ones that thrive when it matters most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I think Kyrie,
Hayward and Horford are a perfect trio. Kyrie’s a wizard with the ball and can
get into the lane just about every time. Then he has Hayward and Horford,
either cutting or on the wings for uncontested 3s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">With LeBron,
Irving was a beast, but he was often the second-best player on the floor and
was overshadowed. This is the chance he’s wanted, and I think it’s going to
bring out the best in him. Hayward can score at all three levels, and Horford
does just about everything well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Next comes the
supporting cast, and you have to start with Marcus Smart. In the first
preseason game, it was almost like he was playing Pop-A-Shot, or he had to shoot
to save mankind. I have no problem at all with Smart taking in-rhythm 3s, but
he needs to remember that he doesn’t have to hoist. Overall, though, he’s
trimmed down and looks as feisty as ever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One important
thing about this team is that it genuinely has more offensive firepower than
last year’s group. I think once everything gets going, shots are going to come
really easily to role players. Last year’s team often had to work hard to
manufacture shots. This year’s group will have to grind out some games, sure,
but it will win many others on talent alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Take Aron
Baynes, for example. Wait, what? Aron Baynes and talent in the same sentence?
No, no, it’s true! He’s actually really good. In the preseason win over the
Hornets, Baynes finished 5 for 8 with 10 points and five rebounds in 18
minutes. I wasn’t totally sold on him as a starter at first, but now I think
I’m warming up to the idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">He doesn’t
really make mistakes, and he and Horford are very solid passers and defenders
at the 4 and 5 who could grow to complement each other well. Baynes showed a
much smoother touch than I had remembered. He consistently hits 8-to-12 footers
and is enough of an offensive threat where you can’t forget about him. I think
he’s going to surprise some people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Next up is
Jaylen Brown, who should have a breakout second season. A lot of people were
down on the pick early last year, but he quickly proved the doubters wrong.
Brown’s at his best when he’s attacking and finishing at the rim. The shot will
come, because the stroke is there. I like having him in the starting lineup
over Smart, personally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Marcus Morris,
who officially joined the team this week, could start on most teams. He may
even end up starting for the Celtics, but that remains to be seen. He’s a
polished mid-range shooter and will provide some intensity along with Smart and
Terry Rozier. Morris is tough, versatile and can guard multiple positions, so
he should be a major asset. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">OK, so Jayson
Tatum’s preseason debut won’t be shown in his Hall of Fame highlights. Big
whoop. I’ve been high on Tatum since well before the Celtics drafted him, and
I’m still high on him. It was easy to see he was overly energized Monday night.
I don’t think he was nervous, necessarily, but he seemed so excited to finally
be playing that a lot of his shots went long. He was thinking about what to do
instead of just doing it, which is often the cardinal sin in basketball. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The thing that
impressed me most, though, was his defense and rebounding. His offense is going
to improve as he gets more comfortable, but his long arms and instincts will
help him earn minutes right away. Fans need to be patient, because he’s oozing
with potential. There’s going to be one game early this year where he drops 20
and his teammates go crazy on the bench. He’s 19 years old. 19! Give it some
time, people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This is a key
year for Rozier, whether it’s to earn his long-term spot with the Celtics or to
audition for another team. He’s explosive, a pest and his plus-minus is usually
remarkably high. He’s a perfect eighth or ninth man on a playoff team, and a
nice complement to Smart off the bench. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Next up is
Daniel Theis, aka the greatest basketball player that ever lived. No, but
seriously, like Baynes, he’s really good. He kind of reminds me of Mason Plumlee
– an athletic big who rolls well, finishes at the rim and knows how to pass out
of the double. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get some minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">On the other
guys: Shane Larkin’s electric with the ball in his hands. Guerschon Yabusele
reminds me of Leon Powe. He has some work to do, but the potential’s there.
Semi Ojeleye’s a little small to be a 4 and a little big to be a 3, but in
Brad’s quasi-position-less system I suppose that’s a matter of semantics. Abdel
Nader, who toasted everyone in the G League, is a quality scorer. Jabari Bird
has a tough name to live up to, but he’s a solid wing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One particular
stat to keep an eye on this year is rebounding. The Celtics were 27<sup>th</sup>
in rebounding last year (not ideal). On Monday (yes, it’s one preseason game),
they outrebounded the Hornets 52-45, including 13-7 on the offensive glass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I do think this
team is better equipped to rebound. Last year, Isaiah, as spectacular as he
was, really was a liability on the boards. This year’s lineup (Kyrie at 6’3,
Jaylen at 6’7, Hayward at 6’8, Horford at 6’10 and Baynes at 6’10/260) has size
all around. If you ask me, that’s pretty far from a coincidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One thing that
stands out to me about the potential of this team is that it should have the
ability to win against teams that play a fast, up-tempo style or ones that slow
it down. Brad wants them to run, which makes sense, but I don’t think they’ll
have any problem winning ugly games, too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I think
Cleveland’s the favorite right now. You just really can’t bet against LeBron
considering his track record, and the Cavs are just silly loaded. However, I do
think this Celtics team is better-equipped to give them a run than last year’s
team was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">That’s really
all that matters, right? Anything can happen, but I’d be surprised if the
Eastern Conference Finals isn’t a rematch of last year’s one-sided affair. And
holy smokes, what a series it could be. So many storylines and fascinating matchups.
Isaiah on Kyrie, LeBron on Hayward and Kevin Love on Horford? What else could
you want?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But we’ll have
to wait a while before that happens. For now, let’s enjoy the preseason and
regular season. There’s a whole lot to be intrigued about with this team, and
now it’s time to see how it all comes together.</span></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-7209022125720328382017-07-12T08:04:00.004-07:002017-07-12T08:05:23.724-07:00Keeping his memory alive <h2 class="story-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></h2>
<div class="clearfix content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="field-item odd" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Family plans to honor Duxbury's Perry with basketball tournament<br />
<br />
By Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter</div>
<div class="field-item even" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="mailto:sports@duxburyclipper.com" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sports@duxburyclipper.com</a></div>
<div class="field-item odd" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Twitter: @DuxburySports</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Perched in a tucked-away study room on the top floor of the Duxbury Free Library on a muggy Monday in early July, Tamika Perry suddenly stops talking and peers out the window, a single tear flowing down her right cheek.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
She shakes her head, breathes in heavily and finds the strength to keep speaking about her son Khai, who died last year.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“I remember him always saying to me, ‘Mom, I’m going to make it big, and when I do, you’re going to get a butler.’”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p2.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
Those close to Khai Perry agree he always lit up a room whenever he entered. Even from a young age, his infectious personality benefited the lives of others.
Photos courtesy Tamika Perry ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
Those close to Khai Perry agree he always lit up a room whenever he entered. Even from a young age, his infectious personality benefited the lives of others.
Photos courtesy Tamika Perry " class="image image-preview " src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p2.preview.jpg" height="250" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
Those close to Khai Perry agree he always lit up a room whenever he entered. Even from a young age, his infectious personality benefited the lives of others.
Photos courtesy Tamika Perry " width="197" /></a></span></span><span class="zoom" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"><br /></span></span>That day never came, but it’s easy to see she’s still swelling with pride. The past year – her first year without Khai – has been unfathomably difficult for Tamika and the rest of her family, but she’s trying desperately to make something positive out of her dreary situation.</div>
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Khai never complained, so she strives to live the same way. He would do almost anything to play basketball or football. The flu, an injury or incessant heckling would never stop him from doing what he loved, and now Tamika is hoping to honor that unmistakable passion and exuberance for life the best she can.</div>
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Duxbury’s Khai Perry died May 4, 2016, at 20 years old, and an indescribable emptiness has stuck with Tamika ever since. But she wants to remember the blessings he brought the family and community while he was here, so she’s starting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in his honor. The first Khai Perry All-Star Memorial Basketball Tournament Fundraiser will take place Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. at the South Shore Fieldhouse in Pembroke.</div>
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“It’s a big void that we’re living with,” Tamika said. “A constant, constant void. His passing was very unexpected. It’s very tragic. He left big shoes to fill, so we’re just going to continue on and try and continue his legacy and keep his memory alive. That’s all we have left, is his memory. For a lot of people, they may move on and it may fade, but for us it will never fade. If we can keep his memory alive and do good at the same time, that’s what we want to do.”</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Their Michael Jordan</span></div>
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As soon as he learned how to walk, Khai Perry learned how to dribble. It was more surprising to see him frolicking around the house without a basketball than with one, and he gravitated to the sport immediately.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/FullSizeRender%20(1).jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][Even at a young age, Khai Perry was always playing basketball. He gravitated to the sport early, and he made sure those around him grew to love it as well.]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="Even at a young age, Khai Perry was always playing basketball. He gravitated to the sport early, and he made sure those around him grew to love it as well." class="image image-preview " src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/FullSizeRender%20(1).preview.jpg" height="250" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Even at a young age, Khai Perry was always playing basketball. He gravitated to the sport early, and he made sure those around him grew to love it as well." width="153" /></a></span></span><span class="zoom" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"><br /></span></span>He wasn’t tall, but he never let that stop him from blossoming into a standout at the varsity level. He started as a freshman and was one of the Dragons’ best players as an upperclassman.</div>
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Tamika recalls a playoff game against Easton where Khai was sick with the flu and feeling miserable as he trudged out onto the court. Many in that spot wouldn’t have played, and many more would have played poorly, but it ended up being one of his best games ever.</div>
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They know about the Michael Jordan flu game, but to his family Khai’s masterpiece is a much more precious memory. One they’ll cherish forever, even with him gone.</div>
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As he developed a personal love for the game, he also helped those around him harness their own zest for the sport. His younger sister, Shaylice, went to almost every one of his games, but one particular moment stands out.</div>
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Duxbury was playing Marshfield, and the always-heated rivalry was intensified because the game was tight. In the final minutes, the Marshfield fans heckled him when he took his free throws, but he calmly sank both.</div>
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“He and I had a rough relationship,” Shaylice said, tearing up, “but basketball made us close. I miss going to his games. I fell in love with it because of him.”</div>
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Khai’s 12-year-old cousin, Devanti, is now a budding star on the Amateur Athletic Union circuit, and he’s gotten where he is largely because of Khai. Part of his success stems from Khai’s technical basketball help, but the more meaningful component is the way Khai played the game.</div>
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He was relentless, and he wouldn’t let you stop him. If you took a jab at him, he’d jab back even harder. Devanti plays the same way, with that unmistakable fire.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p3.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
(From left) Tylana (aunt), Khaileah (first cousin once removed), Shaylice (sister), Tamika (mother) and the rest of the family are honoring Khai with a basketball tournament.
Photo by Trevor Hass ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
(From left) Tylana (aunt), Khaileah (first cousin once removed), Shaylice (sister), Tamika (mother) and the rest of the family are honoring Khai with a basketball tournament.
Photo by Trevor Hass " class="image image-preview" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p3.preview.jpg" height="151" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
(From left) Tylana (aunt), Khaileah (first cousin once removed), Shaylice (sister), Tamika (mother) and the rest of the family are honoring Khai with a basketball tournament.
Photo by Trevor Hass " width="250" /></a></span></span><span class="zoom" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"><br /></span></span>“He’s following in Khai’s footsteps,” Khai’s aunt, Tylana, said. “If it wasn’t for Khai, he wouldn’t be where he is now. He was like his big brother more than his cousin. You’re looking at a miniature Khai. Devanti’s going to keep Khai’s memory going. He’s going to do everything he does because of Khai. I miss Khai dearly. I wish he was here.”</div>
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The Perrys named Tylana’s granddaughter, who is five months old, Khaileah as another way to keep his memory alive. The way they look at it, just because he’s not physically here it doesn’t mean he can’t remain in their lives.</div>
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“He was only here 20 years, but he made his mark,” Tamika said. “My goal is to continue that.”</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More than just another kid, a true friend</span></div>
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When Max Duggan was a sophomore and Khai was a senior, Khai always went out of his way to say hello.</div>
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“All my friends would be like, ‘How do you know KP?’” Perry recalled in a letter to the family.</div>
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One day after school, a senior on the football team slurred at Duggan as he left the gym. Khai heard him, approached him and pinned him to the wall. “If you disrespect Duggy you disrespecting me,” Duggan recalls him saying. “And you don’t wanna do that.”</div>
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<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p4.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
In his Duxbury High days, Khai Perry was a standout basketball player. Even though he wasn&rsquo;t the tallest person on the court, he had a knack for making the most of his natural ability. ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
In his Duxbury High days, Khai Perry was a standout basketball player. Even though he wasn&rsquo;t the tallest person on the court, he had a knack for making the most of his natural ability. " class="image image-preview " src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p4.preview.jpg" height="250" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
In his Duxbury High days, Khai Perry was a standout basketball player. Even though he wasn&rsquo;t the tallest person on the court, he had a knack for making the most of his natural ability. " width="161" /></a></span></span><span class="zoom" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"><br /></span></span>The teammate apologized to Duggan and never insulted him again.</div>
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On another night, Duggan threw a party and was flattered when Khai made an appearance. Duggan let everyone know at 11 that his parents would be home so they all had to leave, but Khai stayed and said, “Your mess is my mess, Duggy. Let’s clean.”</div>
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“People respected Khai like he was more than just another kid, because he was,” Duggan wrote in the letter. “Khai is the strongest, most loyal person I have ever known.”</div>
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<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Like a celebrity</span></div>
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On that fateful day, when Khai passed away, his great aunt Angela Perry plummeted to the bathroom floor and sobbed when she heard the news.</div>
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“To say my heart sunk to my feet doesn’t come close to describing what I felt at that moment,” Angela said. “It was as if I had lost my own son.”</div>
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Those who knew him describe him as a momma’s boy with an infectious smile and a gregarious personality. When Khai Perry entered a room, you knew he was there.</div>
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He’d be the most rambunctious guy at a sporting event one day then go home to watch Discovery Channel and CNN at night. He was confident but caring, an unusual mix of swagger and sweetness.</div>
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<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: initial; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p5.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
Khai Perry was somewhat of a &ldquo;momma&rsquo;s boy,&rdquo; and his mother, Tamika, was extremely proud when he graduated high school. ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
Khai Perry was somewhat of a &ldquo;momma&rsquo;s boy,&rdquo; and his mother, Tamika, was extremely proud when he graduated high school. " class="image image-preview" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-07-12/46p5.preview.jpg" height="250" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
Khai Perry was somewhat of a &ldquo;momma&rsquo;s boy,&rdquo; and his mother, Tamika, was extremely proud when he graduated high school. " width="224" /></a></span></span><span class="zoom" style="background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"><br /></span></span>“Khai was like a celebrity in the halls of Duxbury Middle School,” his friend Nick Kates said.</div>
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Those close to him know this tournament can’t bring him back. They’ll never quite feel the same without him, but that doesn’t meant they can’t try to honor him and make his legacy live on forever.</div>
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Tamika’s goal is to make this an annual tournament, and she also hopes to provide wellness scholarships in Khai’s name to kids in the area.</div>
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“He was an unforgettable kid,” Tamika said, “so we have to make sure he’s never forgotten.”</div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-42957706590363540352017-06-20T13:47:00.001-07:002017-06-20T13:53:12.239-07:00NBA Mock Draft
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philadelphia
76ers – Markelle Fultz, Washington<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Celtics’ motives behind this trade are a little more complex and layered, but
for the Sixers it was really quite simple. The process has been trusted, and
now it’s finally time to get a little better. Or maybe a whole lot better. They
feel as though Fultz can help them immediately and also blossom into a
superstar. If he, Simmons and Embiid all pan out, they could be a contender in
five years or so. In my opinion, Fultz will be a very solid starter but never a
true superstar. He has some Jamal Crawford and some James Harden in him, which
is like a pickup superhuman, but I’m not sure he’ll be efficient enough or
consistent enough defensively to be by far the best player out of this class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los
Angeles Lakers – Lonzo Ball, UCLA <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
this point, I’m pretty sure the average basketball fan knows more about LaVar
Ball than Lonzo. I’m not entirely sure how that happened. It’s probably a bit
of LaVar’s unconventional brilliance combined with Americans’ thirst for
anything remotely over the top. For as obnoxious as LaVar is, though, Lonzo is
every bit as good. He’s the real deal. I’d be extremely surprised if he ends up
being a bust. His natural passing ability reminds me of Steve Nash’s and Jason
Kidd’s. He’ll need to bulk up, improve his defense and become a better finisher
around the rim, but I think he will. I expect that in his prime he’ll be a
16-point, 8-assist, 4-rebound kind of guy. If the Lakers take Ball, which it
looks like they will, that might mean D’Angelo Russell is out the door, which
isn’t necessarily the worst thing for Lakers fans. Ball, Paul George, Brandon
Ingram and Julius Randle in 2018 is a pretty decent core for the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boston
Celtics – Jayson Tatum, Duke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
the Sixers-Celtics trade surfaced Saturday night, I was out with some friends
and they screamed in frustration when they heard the news. They had no idea why
the Celtics would do such a thing, but I reassured them that it’s all for the
best. Here’s why: Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson are not much worse, if not as
good as or better than Markelle Fultz. Jackson is uber-athletic and could become
a really good defender. He can play the 3 or 4, and if he develops a reliable
jumper he’ll be an all-star in no time. But that’s not who I think the Celtics
will take. I’ve been saying all along that Tatum should be their guy, so this
trade made me nod my head because I speculate Danny Ainge sees it the same way.
Here’s what you need to know about Tatum. First off, and most importantly, he’s
really good. Like really, really good. He can shoot the 3, beat you off the
dribble, pass and block shots. He’ll need to work on his defense and
rebounding, but those are things you can teach. He reminds me a little bit of
Paul Pierce, in that he plays at kind of an off pace. He’s a capable high flyer
like Jackson, but that’s not really his game. He’s got the old man game, and I
think he can come off the bench and contribute right away for the Celtics like
Jaylen Brown did last year. In my opinion, Brown and Jackson are too similar. I
think Tatum gives them a wing scorer, which is something they really need
whether Jae Crowder stays or goes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Phoenix
Suns –Josh Jackson, Kansas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To
me, this pick is a no-brainer. Fultz, Ball, Tatum and Jackson are the four best
players in this year’s class, and I think the Suns have to operate under a
best-available mindset. They actually have some really good building blocks for
the future, but they’re not anywhere close to contending right now. Bring in
Jackson, get him minutes off the bench right away and help him improve. My best
comparison for him is a rich man’s Justise Winslow, but Suns fans will be
relieved to see that he’s a lot more versatile offensively. It appears as
though his jumper’s not quite there yet, but in fairness he had Frank Mason,
Svi Mykhailiuk and Devonte’ Graham around him at Kansas, so there wasn’t much
of a need to shoot. I think he can be a 17-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist,
1.5-steal guy for a long time, and I could see him being the third or fourth
best player on a championship contender later in his career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacramento
Kings – De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fox
is a fitting name for this fleet-footed point guard. He has incredible speed,
and his first step will help him get by slower point guards at the next level.
His midrange game is money, and he’s a terrific passer. The Kings need a lot of
things, but one of them is a steady point guard. Fox can be just that. When he
was at Kentucky and Malik Monk was in a rut, Fox would often take over games.
He was the one who frequently willed them to victory both against SEC teams and
in the NCAA Tournament. He’s a bit skinny, but don’t confuse that with
weakness. He’s tough, physical and has a knack for making big-time plays. Pair
him with Boogie Cousins and you’ve got yourself a dynamic duo. Oh, wait…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">6
. Orlando Magic – Dennis Smith, NC State<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
always funny how we try to find an NBA comparison for every elite college
player. I’m guilty of it, too (who am I kidding? I love it), but sometimes it
can be a bit much when they’ve never played a professional game. In this case,
though, I think neglecting to compare to Smith to Chris Paul would be a
mistake. Paul’s an all-time great, but Smith could end up being that as well.
They have very similar builds, and they both have a natural feel for the game.
This is a point-guard heavy, top-heavy draft, and Smith is one of the more
underrated of the bunch. He has a really nice mid-range game, and he’s a player
I could see averaging a double-double someday if the cards fall into place.
Smith may not be as explosive as some other guys, but he’s steady and doesn’t
have many weaknesses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Minnesota
Timberwolves – Jonathan Isaac, Florida State<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pairing
Isaac with Karl-Anthony Towns could be a recipe for success for the Wolves. They’re
getting closer and closer to making the playoffs, but they need another rim
protector to go alongside Towns and Gorgui Dieng. Isaac is a human springboard.
He reminds me a little bit of Aaron Gordon, with maybe a bit more upside as a
shot blocker. Some people disagree on this, but I feel as though the Wolves are
too good to be bad much longer. I predicted they wouldn’t make the playoffs
last year and was right, but I think that changes this year. With Ricky Rubio,
Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins, Gorgui Dieng and Towns, they’re set 1 through 5.
Isaac could be a spark off the bench right away and eventually slip into that 4
spot if Dieng is traded. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">New
York Knicks – Malik Monk, Kentucky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monk
could end up being the best or second best pure scorer in this draft, if
everything goes according to plan. He has a really pure jumper and can create
space for himself off the dribble. One concern I have is that he sometimes
disappeared for long stretches in big games at Kentucky. He’s very streaky,
which has its perks and downfalls. He reminds me of Devin Booker a little bit,
with a hint of Quentin Richardson. His wingspan is only 6’0, which is
interesting more than anything else. He could be a bit of a liability on
defense, but he’s the kind of guy who will get burned on one play then poke the
ball away for a steal and dunk on the next. The Knicks need help at most
positions, but I think if Monk’s still there at 8 they’d be wise to take him.
And if it’s wise, we know the Knicks will do it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dallas
Mavericks – Zach Collins, Gonzaga<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Collins
looks more like a frat boy than a future NBA star, but that doesn’t mean he
can’t ball. It was a classic example where he wasn’t most people’s radar as a
surefire lottery pick in February, but when March rolled around and he went off
in the NCAA Tournament everything changed. I like Collins. I think his ceiling
is Kevin Love and his floor is Andrew DeClercq, but I suspect he’ll be
somewhere in the middle. I think his best attribute is his touch around the
basket, and his footwork is a close second. He’s pretty skinny, so if he wants
to throw bows with legit 7-footers down low, he’s going to have to bulk up a
bit to keep pace. He’s the kind of guy who appears unassuming, but then you
look up and he’ll have 14, 6 and 2 in 17 minutes. Mark Few really trusted him
in the Tournament, and if Few trusts him so do I. Dirk can’t play forever, so
the Mavs might look for a big man to take his place. I’m not saying Collins
will ever be that guy. No one can replace Dirk, but he might be a good place to
start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacramento Kings – Luke Kennard, Duke <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kennard
was one of my favorite players to watch last year. He’s a rare mix of tough,
skilled and savvy, and he can score at all three levels. His ability to finish
around the rim is impressive. I’m not sure whether he’ll end up playing 1 or 2.
He’s not a true point guard, but he’s a bit undersized for an NBA shooting
guard. I suspect he’ll be a combo guard but mostly gravitate toward the 2, but
he might get swallowed up trying to defend bigger, stronger shooting guards. I
don’t see Kennard becoming a star, but I suspect he’ll be in the league a long
time as a bench scorer and glue guy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlotte Hornets – Frank Ntilikina,
France<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
won’t pretend that I watch every Strasbourg game in France. I’ve never seen Ntilikina
play, but those who have say he’s versatile, has long arms and can score in
bunches. The Hornets could use a combo guard to play behind Kemba Walker, and
Ntilikina could be a nice fit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Detroit Pistons – Lauri Markannen,
Arizona <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Markannen
is a deadly shooter. He’s really a stretch 5, in essence, which is a rarity in
the NBA. Picture a less clumsy Kelly Olynyk and you’ve got Markannen. He’s
actually a better defender than one might think, and I’m pretty confident he
won’t be a bust. He might have a little trouble creating his own shot, but I
think he’ll get better at that with time. The Pistons have a lot of good pieces
in place, and Markannen’s shooting touch could complement Andre Drummond’s lack
of shooting touch and ferociousness quite nicely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denver Nuggets – OG Anunoby, Indiana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
think the some of the best available options at this point will be big men
(John Collins, Harry Giles, Ike Anigbogu), but the Nuggets don’t need a big
man. Nikola Jokic is the real deal, and I’d be surprised if he goes anywhere
anytime soon. People forget the Nuggets weren’t too far from a playoff berth
last year. They can’t really attract a marquee free agent quite yet, so they
need to keep stockpiling assets and getting better. Anunoby is recovering from
injury, but when he comes back he’s a weapon with supreme athleticism and a
nice in-between game. He could develop into a lockdown defender, and I could
see him being a really good sixth man down the road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Miami Heat – Harry Giles, Duke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pat
Riley likes to think big, and Harry Giles is the definition of a guy oozing
with potential. We didn’t really see a whole lot of him at Duke, but it was
easy to tell why he was the top recruit coming out of high school. Not a top
recruit; the top recruit. Injuries are a major concern, but when healthy he can
definitely hoop. He has a pretty solid back-to-the-basket game and is a really
smart defender and position rebounder. His agility concerns me. He consistently
looked a little gimpy last year in limited action, but I hope he stays healthy
in the NBA. I could see him becoming a Tristan Thompson-like player if things
go according to plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Portland Trail Blazers – John Collins,
Wake Forest<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
could see John Collins emerging as one of the 5-10 best players in this year’s
draft. His story was kind of interesting. He started off as really underrated,
but then everyone talked how underrated he was, which made him overrated. In
reality, he’s not a nobody and he’s not a once-in-a-generation player. I think
he’ll be either a really solid starter on a bad team or a steady contributor to
a playoff team someday. He’s long, has excellent footwork and boasts a high
basketball IQ. He’s never really played with great players, so having Damian
Lillard and C.J. McCollum around to feed him inside is a beautiful prospect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">16.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicago Bulls – Donovan Mitchell,
Louisville<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
never been a big Donovan Mitchell guy. Nothing against him, but I just don’t
see him becoming a star. I feel like his success was more a product of Rick
Pitino’s coaching and having good players around him. That’s not to say I think
he’ll be a bust. I just don’t see him becoming a star. His offensive game is
somewhat predictable, and I think he’ll get swallowed up inside in the NBA if
he tries to do what he did in college. He’s a solid shooter and athlete, but
he’ll need to improve in both aspects in order to make the investment worth it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milwaukee Bucks – TJ Leaf, UCLA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leaf’s
an interesting one. I suspect he’ll be a solid 10 and 4 guy for a long time but
never become a star or be out of the league. He’s an extremely talented
offensive player and has every trick in the book scoring-wise, but he may be
exposed defensively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">18.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indiana Pacers – Justin Patton, Creighton
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patton
has tons of potential, and his length and athleticism could help a team out in
a major way in the future. He’s got plenty of room to grow, so he could be a
nice long-term project for the Pacers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">19.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Atlanta Hawks – Ike Anigbogu, UCLA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s
going to be a really good hustle guy and defensive-minded player. I don’t see
him ever averaging more than 10 points per game, but he could get you 8 and 8,
probably. At 6’10, he’s a bit short for a natural center, but at 250 he’s not
quite mobile enough to be a 4, so that’s the only concern I have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">20.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Portland Trail Blazers – Justin Jackson,
North Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Blazers are set at guard and center, but they could use a wing to complement or
replace Al Farouq Aminu. Jackson’s a natural scorer, but his ability to shoot
over people in college may not be as much of an advantage in the NBA. He was a
volume shooter on UNC’s national championship team, but I suspect he’ll have to
become more efficient to last in the NBA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">21.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oklahoma City Thunder – Bam Adebayo,
Kentucky<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bam’s
a fitting name for this bruiser, who found his niche for John Calipari as a post
defender and rim protector. He’s a 7-footer, which helps, but he doesn’t really
have much of an offensive game right now. If he gets a little better feel
offensively and develops into the rim protector he’s capable of becoming, I
could see him having a nice career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">22.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brooklyn Nets – Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wait,
the Nets were awful last year. Shouldn’t they at least have a high pick?
Hmm…Anyway, Pasecniks (whom I’ve never seen play) seems like a natural fit.
He’s drawn some Kristaps Porzingis comparisons, and that turned out OK, so
we’ll see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">23.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toronto Raptors – Tony Bradley, North
Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
think Bradley could be a steal for whichever team gets him in the mid-to-late
first round. He played well when he got a chance last year, and anyone who
plays on a national championship team has that going for them. Bradley’s
back-to-the-basket game is solid. He’s got a long way to go, but the Raptors
could be a good fit so he could learn from Jonas Valanciunas and fight for
minutes with Pascal Siakam. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">24.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Utah Jazz – Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s
assume Gordon Hayward stays put for at least one more year. You have George
Hill, Joe Ingles, Hayward, Boris Diaw and Rudy Gobert as your starting 5, which
is quite good. Diaw and Joe Johnson will retire semi-soon, so that leaves a
couple big holes at forward. The Jazz play extremely well together and play
great defense, so they could use a wing scorer. Hartenstein seem to make sense
here. The Jazz can bring him over now or wait a year or two until they need him
and his game is more polished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">25.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Orlando Magic – Jonah Bolden, Australia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
don’t know much about Bolden, but the Magic could use a wing scorer who can
provide a spark off the bench. Supposedly he has a solid shot is an athletic
playmaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">26.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Portland Trail Blazers – D.J. Wilson,
Michigan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
really think the Blazers’ biggest weakness is wing scoring, and it can never
hurt to draft two or three options and stick with one. Wilson burst onto the
scene in the NCAA Tournament, and his stock has risen ever since. One thing I like
about him is that he has an extremely smooth jumper for a guy his size. He’s
super athletic, too, and I think he’ll last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">27.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brooklyn Nets – Jawun Evans, Oklahoma
State<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
love Evans, and he was a main reason why I picked Oklahoma State to go to the
Elite Eight last year. Wait, what? Yeah, I know. I’m stupid. Stop reading now.
But anywho, I think Evans is legit. He’s supremely quick and could be a weapon
in the pick and roll. The Nets need a lot of help all around, and he’s a guy
who could come in right away and help as a playmaker and distributor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los Angeles Lakers – Ivan Rabb,
California <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
was really high on Rabb last year, too. I think he would have had a lot better
year if he had better players around him. Rabb excels from 10-14 feet, and I
could see him developing into a Myles Turner-esque player. He can block shots,
move his feet and rebound, and I bet Magic likes him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">29.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">San Antonio Spurs – Frank Jackson, Duke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jackson’s
a winner, and the Spurs win. He’s a classic sleeper. Playing behind Grayson Allen
and Luke Kennard will do that to you. I’m not sure if he’ll be a star, but I’d
be surprised if he didn’t last. He reminds me of Deron Williams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">30.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Utah Jazz – Jarrett Allen, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
very possible Allen will be gone before here, but if he’s not I think the Jazz
would have to take him. He’s a good post defender and solid finisher in the
pick and roll. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-49210276156954706702017-06-13T12:05:00.002-07:002017-06-13T12:06:18.946-07:00This is a dynasty, and we've got to get used to it <div class="MsoNormal">
By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two years ago, when I lived in Oakland, I was all in on the
Warriors. They had been one of my favorite teams ever since Steph entered the
league, and I was thrilled to see them succeed like they were.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It almost seemed serendipitous and too good to be true that
the summer I moved there was the summer they captured their first championship
in decades. I splurged on tickets for game six of the Western Conference
Finals, rendezvoused at a bar with the local diehards when they clinched the
title and weaved through a sea of people at the parade. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loved the Warriors. They embodied everything I enjoy about
basketball – free-flowing poetry in motion, lethal shooting all over and
unending unselfishness. They drafted most of their top guns and assembled their
star-studded roster the right way. There wasn’t much not to like, and I was in
basketball heaven for a couple months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast-forward two years, when the Kevin Durant-led Warriors
won the 2017 championship Monday night. I was back in the Boston area, watching
on the couch as they cemented their place in history. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be totally honest, this whole series was weird to me. It
was like watching your best friend from middle school turned bully fighting an
equally nasty and burly acquaintance. You’re just standing there, wide-eyed and
in disbelief, hoping they beat each other up like crazy but not knowing what
outcome you want. Five games later, even now that it’s over, I’m not entirely
sure who I was rooting for. That sounds funny to me even as I type it out, but
it’s true. I was so conflicted the entire way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All I wanted was for the series to be competitive, intense
and go seven, so once the Cavs went down 2-0 I had no choice but to root for
them. What happened to 2015 me? Where was that guy craning his neck at the
parade to catch a glimpse of the Warriors as they floated on by? On what planet
would I be rooting for the Cavs to beat the Warriors? If 2008 me found out 2017
me was pulling for LeBron, he’d be very disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve followed the NBA religiously since I was a kid, and I’m
not sure I’ve ever had such mixed opinions on a saga as I do about this one.
For the record, I love Steph’s game more than just about anything. I’d never
bore watching Klay drain jumpers all day, I respect Iggy and Livingston like
crazy and (though his temper leaves a lot to be desired) there’s no denying
Draymond’s a wizard when it comes to intangibles. I even love Kevin Durant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s right. I said it. People who have criticized him all
year need to give it a rest. It’s his choice. How would you like it if someone
said you couldn’t take your dream job at a better company in a better city? Chastising
someone for doing what’s best for them is just straight up mean. I think
there’s a very fine line between hating Durant and hating his decision. I can’t
say I hate either, but I can wholeheartedly say I don’t hate Durant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do I love the decision? No, I really don’t, and I think the
bulk of my apprehension with the whole thing stems from my deep-rooted
infatuation with and gravitation toward the underdog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During March Madness, nothing gets me quite as revved up as
when a mid-major slays Goliath. We all love the unexpected, and the Warriors
winning last night was anything but that. We saw it coming months away, and it
felt like the playoffs were mostly just a formality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once Durant joined the Warriors, the only thing stopping him
from getting his first ring was time. Once June hit, whether we wanted him to
or not, he was finally going to claim that elusive championship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the Warriors won, I didn’t jump for joy and I didn’t
scream in frustration. I just kind of sat there and watched it unfold, like a
fly on the wall. It was like seeing the end of a really well done movie that
someone already spoiled the ending for.<br />
<br />
Whether we like it or not (and I’m still not entirely sure
where I stand), this is the NBA now. This is a dynasty, and we’ve got to get
used to it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-78181630294493925942017-06-06T11:50:00.000-07:002017-06-06T11:50:33.042-07:00Why he plays: Wood has family friend and her daughter in mind on field<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Trevor Hass,
Sports Editor/Reporter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">sports@duxburyclipper.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter:
@TrevorHass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even in
elementary school, it was easy to tell Jack Wood was a player. As his lacrosse
teammates were still learning the sport, he was honing his craft and distancing
himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But as it turns
out, Wood wasn’t just a player on the field. He was a player with the ladies in
fourth grade as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This isn’t a
story about the sophomore Wood’s commitment to play lacrosse at Brown. It’s not
about his goal-scoring prowess for Duxbury, or even about his growth in
lacrosse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a look
at another side to Wood – a story you may not know. One about an elementary
school girlfriend turned middle school best friend, and helping that friend
through a tragic loss in high school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s easy to
notice Wood’s fire and competitiveness on the field, but his compassion and
loyalty off it aren’t as immediately visible to a fan. When Wood’s best friend,
Jamie Souza’s mother, Karen, was diagnosed with cancer, Wood was always around
to listen. When Jamie visited her at the hospital for the first time, Wood was
by her side. When Karen, 48, died Jan. 7 of this year, Wood was there to
console her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On his helmet,
he has “R.I.P. Karen: Karen Marie Souza, 1.7.17.” written on his strap in black
Sharpie. It serves as a reminder, that as far as his lacrosse journey takes him
it’s all secondary to what transpires off it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I think about
Karen before and after every game, knowing that I have a why on the field, why
I’m playing,” Wood said. Every goal I score is for her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her first Valentine <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Jamie and
Jack met in fourth grade in Barnstable, they were immediately drawn to each
other. Jack asked Jamie to be his girlfriend, showing remarkable confidence and
clout for someone his age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie, who was
smitten from the start, said yes, and they “dated” the entire year. On
Valentine’s Day, they gave each other presents and Jack wrote Jamie her first Valentine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We’ve been best
friends ever since,” Jamie said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their initial
relationship – as cute as it was at the time – was more important in what it
meant long term. As Jack and Jamie grew closer, so did their mothers. Their
families became inseparable, and they spent as much time together as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jack spent his
summers working at Karen’s restaurant, Moonakis Café, in East Falmouth. He
bussed tables, but mainly it was a way for Jack and Jamie to spend time
together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Karen always
made them breakfast as a reward for their hard work. Jack can still taste and
smell her specialty – cinnamon French toast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jack and Jamie
were competitive in everything academically – even spelling bees. Their moms
always showed up to cheer them on and show their support. Sometimes they spent
more time applauding the other kid than their own. They had that kind of bond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whenever the
Souzas went skiing at Waterville Valley, Karen made sure Jamie invited Jack.
She didn’t want to go on the trip without him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He held a very
special place in my mom’s heart,” Jamie said. “She loved him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I would always have him”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Karen was
diagnosed with terminal cancer, Jamie immediately turned to a voice she knew
would provide her comfort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As Karen battled
her condition and Jamie fought with her, Jack was right by her side. Jamie
stayed with the Woods family when Karen had her first surgery, and they went to
the hospital together to see how she was doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He was very
supportive, always checking in on me and always texting my mom, telling her
that he would always be looking out for me, no matter what happened,” Jamie
said. “I would always have him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whenever Jamie
felt down, she turned to Jack – knowing he was always there to talk. Even if he
had a long day or a bad game, he’d make time for her. He knew losing a mother
was infinitely worse than losing a game, so he did his part to make sure she
was OK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though Jack
moved from Barnstable to Duxbury in middle school, his friendship with Jamie
didn’t flee with him. They see each other less often these days, but whenever
they hang out it’s just like old times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie turned 16
last Sunday, and she spent the day with Jack – eating lobster rolls at The Raw
Bar in New Seabury. They laughed, reminisced, and celebrated together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just like old
times. Like they were in fourth grade and it was Valentine’s Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-59108201837893880422017-06-06T11:48:00.002-07:002017-06-06T11:49:02.184-07:00'He's my hero': Son plays tennis with father in mind, as elder Gardner battles cancer<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">By Trevor Hass,
Sports Editor/Reporter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">sports@duxburyclipper.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Twitter:
@TrevorHass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In this precious
moment, a father and son are just that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">No one’s
frantically driving to the hospital, lying in bed for hours on end or sobbing
incessantly. The pain and suffering that the Gardner family has experienced has
momentarily disappeared, like a rainbow after a torrential downpour or a feast
after a fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The feeding tube
protruding from the father’s stomach isn’t causing problems, and that’s enough
for him and his son to rejoice. Dave Gardner and Dave Gardner – they’re not
senior and junior, but they might as well be – are just happy, and for now
that’s all that matters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As the elder
Gardner battles esophageal cancer and the younger Gardner wraps up his senior
tennis season with the Dragons, sometimes they pause to remind themselves to
cherish these moments. On this Thursday in early June, all is right in the
world, and they feed off each other’s energy as they share what they mean to one
another. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Even in their
darkest moments, the Gardners are optimists. They know their situation is
bleak, but they prefer to focus on the silver linings – reveling in the small
victories and soaking in the precious moments. That’s the kind of people they
are, and it’s the only way they know how to live. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As long as they
have each other, they can battle the sickness together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“He means the
world to me,” the father said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“He’s my hero,”
the son squeaked out. “He’s the greatest person I’ve ever met.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Family man<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">To this day,
Dave Gardner is forever indebted to his in-laws. If his wife Liz’s parents
hadn’t retired and moved from Minneapolis to their summer home on the Cape full
time, he and his soul mate likely never would have crossed paths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dave, who grew
up in St. Louis, moved to the Boston area and signed up for a tennis class in
Cambridge. One day, Liz – who almost never worked on Saturdays – thought about
going into work. She decided to play tennis instead, and it’s a good thing she
did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“I looked over
and I said, ‘She’s pretty nice looking,’” Dave said. “I went over and said,
‘Would you like to play some tennis?’ We played, and then we went out to
dinner. Next thing you know, we had three kids.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dave and his
younger siblings, twins Annie and Peter, are Liz and elder Dave’s life. That
life, albeit a complex one right now, has always revolved around sports. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When younger
Dave – who is a captain and steady doubles player for Duxbury – was a kid, he
tried just about everything. He dipped his toes in hockey, football and
baseball, but he was always drawn to tennis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As Dave
continued to improve his skills, he ultimately earned a varsity spot, and his
overjoyed father marveled at his growth every step of the way. Dave never
forced his son to play tennis, but he was thrilled when that was the path he
chose by himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">That meant a
lifetime of hitting together and a never-ending source of satisfaction as Dave
continued to succeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“He just
breathes through the success, enjoyment and hard work of his kids,” Duxbury
boys tennis coach John Bunar said. “His greatest accomplishment is his family,
and his family does him proud.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">His escape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">If you approach
the tennis courts at Duxbury High during any given home match, there’s often a
car parked in a precarious spot right next to the fence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">If you peer
inside the car, you’ll see Dave, beaming with pride as his son dazzles 50 yards
away. Dave, who was diagnosed in December, gets chemo about once a week. When
he comes home from the hospital, he’s exhausted and typically trudges right to
bed. Sometimes he stays there for three, four days, but he plans in advance so
he can get out of bed and mosey down to those courts with Liz whenever
possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“It’s a big
deal,” the father said. “Absolutely. I get away for two hours while I’m watching
him play tennis. I don’t have to think about this dumb thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Sometimes Dave
will peak over toward the curb to smile at his father or give a thumbs up. Even
when he doesn’t, just knowing he’s there can make all the difference. Or even
if his father can’t make it that day, having his support can sometimes get Dave
through a difficult match.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“It’s tough,”
the son said. “It’s heartbreaking, but there’s two really positive things that
have come from it. One, he’s fighting really hard, and that’s inspiring. If
he’s doing this, which is life or death, I should do well in the small things
like tennis and grades. I have no excuse. The other positive is that he’s going
to come out the other end of this stronger than ever before. I’m sure of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“I’ve got to get through this, and I
will”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Watching your
oldest graduate and shipping them off to college can be a daunting experience
as is, but Liz and Dave have to deal with that while also driving to and from
the hospital at least once a week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Just this past Friday,
Liz had to whisk Dave to the emergency room at Brigham and Women’s. He had an
infection, so he needed his feeding tube removed immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Even at his
weakest, though, Dave is always there for his kids. Seeing them reach new
milestones helps him keep going. When his energy is gone, his desire to help
them never wavers. As the tennis team continues to move forward, so too does
Dave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">He may not be
their loudest supporter, but he’s one of their most passionate. In tennis,
sometimes keeping the point going for one more shot can be the difference
between a win or a loss, and the Gardners extend that metaphor to life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Dave and Dave
are in the fight together, and their bond is stronger than ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">“It’s a battle,”
the father said. “I know, because I’m going through it, it’s a long battle. I’ve
got to get through this, and I will.”</span></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-60270431116191924582017-05-09T12:07:00.001-07:002017-05-09T12:09:05.755-07:00Patriots dazzle in Duxbury, make dreams come true through all-star basketball game<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sports@duxburyclipper.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter:
@TrevorHass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jacoby Brissett soared through the air, the top of his head
reaching rim-level and his tongue wagging like a golden retriever’s as he
swooped in for the landing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When he threw down a thunderous dunk, fans inside the packed
gym at Duxbury High rose to their feet and cheered. Their shouting quickly
turned to laughter, as they realized Brissett – the supremely athletic
Patriots’ third-string quarterback – had legitimately twisted the backboard
off-kilter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suddenly, a ladder emerged, and several of the game’s
tallest and bravest players collaborated to wiggle the backboard back into
place. Brissett looked on in disbelief, hands on his head, almost as though he
didn’t know his own strength. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The backboard brouhaha was one entertaining speck in an
action-packed night filled with joy, unprecedented opportunity and actualized
dreams. The New England Patriots All-Stars faced the Duxbury All-Stars in a
basketball game Monday night and won 72-69. It was a night the fans present
will always cherish, as Brissett, LeGarrette Blount, James White, Duron Harmon,
Trey Flowers and Shaq Mason represented the Patriots, while dozens of locals
suited up for Duxbury. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was the first game of its kind in Duxbury, though the
Patriots have done similar events in the area before. The proceeds will benefit
the Duxbury High Boosters Club, and the Boosters hope to parlay this into an
annual event. The turnout was tremendous, and the gym and hallways overflowed
with fans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I feel like the whole town was here,” said Duxbury High
sophomore Quinn Murphy, who had a chance to play on the Patriots’ team. “It was
definitely something I won’t forget.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night began with some apprehension from the crowd, as 7
p.m. grew nearer but the Patriots were nowhere to be found. Around 6:50, they
started trickling in, and before long Brissett, Flowers and Mason were getting
loose and warming up with some jump shots.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
White, Harmon and Blount followed, and suddenly there were
six players on the floor. The game was labeled as an all-star game, and it definitely
had an all-star game feel. There wasn’t much defense, but that was fine with
everyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t about playing a competitive basketball game. It
was about uniting players and their fans, and basketball happened to be the
medium. With that said, there were still some snippets of intensity and
occasionally heated battles on the court.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Duxbury girls soccer head coach Joe Ferguson can tell his
grandkids that he banked in a 3 moments after a professional athlete missed one.
Director of Athletics Thom Holdgate can say he made multiple layups against a
squad of Super Bowl champions. Duxbury junior basketball player Molly Norton
picked ferocious pass rusher Trey Flowers’ pocket. Once Brissett kicked the
ball, boys soccer coach Brian Johnson followed suit and attempted to dangle
Brissett. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No ankles were broken, but no hearts were either. The
Patriots occasionally toyed with young kids on the Duxbury side, but it was all
in good fun and was tastefully executed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was a little intimidating at first because they’re super
big, but they’re really funny and nice so they made it easy to jump right in,”
Norton said. “LeGarrette Blount kept chirping me for getting an air-ball. It
happens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brissett, who hoisted a steady stream of Steph Curry-range
3s, finished with a game-high 34 points. Duxbury got a balanced scoring effort,
trimming the deficit to single-digits late after trailing 44-25 at halftime. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Considering they were up against professional athletes, the
Duxbury All-Stars certainly held their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While a major portion of the night was dedicated to basketball,
that was far from all that transpired throughout the evening. There was an
autograph session at halftime, during which unprepared yet adventurous fans
turned to unique methods to get their favorite players’ signatures. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One young fan asked Blount to sign his forehead. The
gregarious Blount obliged, then cracked up as the first fan’s friend
immediately joined the movement. Another fan had Flowers and Brissett sign his
phone, and some had the players ink their arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In between the third and fourth quarters, fans got to catch
passes from Patriots. The younger receivers jogged out a few feet, while some
bolder football junkies ran deep routes and showed off their skills. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One woman reeled in a toss from Blount and immediately
spiked the autographed ball in Rob Gronkowski fashion, but she had to tiptoe
after it once it squirted away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a night to remember for everyone present, and the
Boosters club hopes it’s just the first of many. They want to bring this back
to Duxbury next year and for many years to come.<br />
<br />
If Monday’s turnout and positive reception were any
indication, it’s undoubtedly worth the effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-67414731103095116642017-03-15T13:42:00.001-07:002017-03-15T19:16:22.316-07:00How to stop Gwendolyn from accounting from winning your office March Madness pool <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Gwendolyn from accounting has
never watched a college basketball game in her life. She prefers doing
crosswords, cuddling with her cat and knitting by the fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">She doesn’t know who Jimmer
Fredette is. She doesn’t know about Kemba Walker, Christian Laettner or George
Mason. She had never heard of March Madness until her crush from sales, Marvin,
asked her to join a pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Yeah, sure, I’ll go
swimming, Marvin!” Gwendolyn replied, but before she knew what had happened she
was on Yahoo, filling out a bracket while sipping on some oolong tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Gwendolyn doesn’t know about
RPI, BPI or SOS. She knows about FLW (four-letter words), ICK (incredible
cat-food kiosks) and CRY (cheap, reliable yarn). She also knows about operation
OMG (obsessed with Marvin Greeley), and that’s the only reason she didn’t back
out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">As Gwendolyn fills out her
bracket, she’s naturally drawn to the cats. Kentucky, Arizona, Villanova, 1, 2,
3. Bam. She’s also been known to marvel at the two Cardinals – named Chinanu
and Montrezl because her ex-boyfriend was a Pitino fan (she doesn’t get it) –
from her back porch on a serene summer suburban night. So there’s her four.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Now wait just a minute.
That’s a damn good Final Four. Come to think of it, that’s legitimately what
the Final Four’s going to be. Two 1 seeds, two 2s, four talented teams who have
been there before. How the heck did she do that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Gwendolyn doesn’t know when
the games are. She doesn’t watch any of them. She has no idea she’s won the
pool until Marvin texts her. (They recently exchanged numbers. Big
development). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“I can’t believe it,” the
text reads, at 12:03 a.m. on Tuesday, April 4. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Gwendolyn’s mind starts
racing. “He can’t believe what?” she ponders…why it took him so long to see
what was right in front of him? That he hadn’t asked her out sooner? That she
was so perfect? Ahhhhhh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Then the second text comes
in, at 12:09. (She was playing it cool by not responding right away, plus her
cat needed to be fed). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“So I guess drinks are on you
next time, huh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">What drinks? Next time? Was
there a first time? What are these mixed signals? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Haha, I guess so! Pretty
crazy!” she responds at 12:17, still unsure what the heck he’s talking
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Wait, do you not know what
happened? You won the pool!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“I WON A POOL?!” (all caps). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“No, the pool. The March
Madness pool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Oh. Cool.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Are you not excited? You get
$1,000! More cat food for Mittens!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">“Oh yeah, that’s true. So how
bout those drinks?” She hesitated on this one, but figured YOLO and went for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Marvin said yes, but when
they went out they had nothing to talk about. He wouldn’t shut up about that
crazy 15 over 2 upset, and she wouldn’t shut up about her cat. They both
realized they were better off as friends, and Gwendolyn was actually pretty stoked
once she realized she was $1,000 richer. She even splurged on the Sunday <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New York Times</i> and stayed up to the wee
hours of the morning making sure the crossword puzzle was complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Once she finished, she cried
herself to sleep, and her tear marks smudged the crossword. She still wasn’t
happy, but she was a winner, goddamnit. A March Madness genius. And she was
the talk of her entire office, but she just smiled and nodded. The tears had
disappeared, but the anguish still remained. Gwendolyn wasn’t happy. Money doesn’t
always lead to happiness. Only March Madness does that, for true basketball
fans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Gwendolyn will win your
office pool. Her name may be Patty, Sue or Mary, but trust me…she’ll win.
She’ll claim she knows nothing about college basketball, and she’ll be telling
the truth. As much as you don’t want her to win, she will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Unless…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">You follow these five rules.
Follow them closely, don’t veer away from them and throw out everything you
think you know about anything. This is a war zone, and there’s a 9,223,372,036,854,777,807
out of 9,223,372,036,854,777,808 chance you won’t pick the perfect bracket. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Don’t beat yourself up. You
had no way of knowing Troy would beat Duke. It’s not your fault. It’s just the
way it is. Perfection is impossible in life in general, but especially during
March Madness. But if you follow these tips, hopefully you can beat Gwendolyn
(you still won’t).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Don’t pick a 16
seed to beat a 1. Don’t do it. Listen to me. You don’t want to do it. But
Gonzaga’s overrated! Daum on South Dakota State can tear them up! Go
Jackrabbits, bro! Yeah, I mean if that happens you’ll be a genius and a God.
It’s not gonna happen, though. It never has, and it won’t this year. If it does
then maybe we can reconsider next year, but for now you just have to resist the
temptation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Have at least one
No. 1 seed in your Final Four, but don’t have all four there. Don’t be the guy
who has all four No. 1 seeds. No one likes that guy (sorry, Dad, I love you.
You’re the exception. Go Zags!) Pick a 2 seed. Maybe even a 3, or a 7 or a 9! Go
a little crazy. Kentucky, Duke, Louisville and Arizona are actually really,
really good 2s, so this year picking one of them shouldn’t be too difficult. On
the flip side, don’t pick all non-1s, either. I’m Mr. Upset. I love upsets more
than just about anyone, but this is a bad idea. I can just about guarantee at
least one 1 seed will make it, and if that doesn’t happen then all of our
brackets will be torn to shreds anyway so this is all for naught. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Pick a 12 to beat
a 5…or maybe two…or three! Only once since 1997 have all four 5 seeds knocked
off the 12s in a clean sweep. For whatever reason, it really doesn’t happen.
UNC Wilmington, Princeton, Nevada and Middle Tennessee State are all really,
really solid teams. They have good guard play, which is imperative in the
Tourney, and some of them have already been in the Tournament. You don’t have
to pick all four. No one’s asking you to do that. But pick one and see what
happens. If you’re right, you’ll be awfully glad you did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Have at least one
double-digit seed in the Sweet 16. This comes back to the whole no upsets
thing. Anyone can click the buttons to pick all the favorites (except my dad,
who loves basketball but allegedly asked my mom if he could auto-select all the
favorites and then go back and change a couple manually. Sorry, Dad, the
material’s just too rich to pass up). Middle Tennessee State, Iona, Florida
Gulf Coast and Wichita State are all definitely teams that could get it done.
Take a risk. Live on the edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Piece of advice
No. 5 is very important. In fact, it’s the most important of all, and if you’ve
somehow read this far (bless your soul) I highly encourage you to not stop now.
Piece of advice No. 5 will change the way you see the world. It will shape your
entire month, and you’ll be extremely glad you changed your ways before it was
too late.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Piece
of advice No. 5: Don’t follow pieces of advice Nos. 1 through 4. Doing so will
cause you great suffering and may result in physical pain and emotional
distress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">I
follow college basketball religiously. I watch much more than I should and circle
March on my calendar once mid-April hits. Where does it get me? Nowhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Last
year, I finished 36<sup>th</sup> out of 100 in my pool, which was a miracle and
by far my best result ever. This year, I’m hoping for the perfect bracket but
am realistically expecting to slink back into mediocrity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">I’m
not very good at this, even though I desperately want to be. So do the opposite
of what I said to do, burn your computer and turn on your TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">The Madness
is here. Gwendolyn’s about to be rich, and you’re about to die trying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-23671104701132533512017-02-19T10:19:00.003-08:002017-02-19T10:19:33.373-08:00MAKING HISTORY: Duxbury girls capture first swim and dive title in school history
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
By
Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
sports@duxburyclipper.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twitter:
@TrevorHass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heading into the final race of the state championship – the
race that would either cement the Dragons’ legacy or crush their dreams –
Duxbury head coach Elizabeth Walsh gathered her swimmers together and told them
exactly what was at stake. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She didn’t hold back. She gave her best pep talk, knowing
that it would inspire them rather than frighten them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“This is awesome,” Walsh told her 400 relay team. “You guys
started this together, and now you end it together. It’s within your grasp.
It’s yours to take. You can win the first state championship in Duxbury
history.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The team of Mary Buckley, Anna Jamieson, Julia Ali and Grace
Ali did just that, smashing the competition en route to a 400 win and a state
title. Duxbury finished with 250 points, just ahead of Weston at 242. The two
teams were tied heading into the final event, but the Dragons took home the Division
2 title in thrilling fashion at Boston University on Saturday night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We’re all really good under pressure,” the senior Buckley
said. “We were really confident going in that this (400) team right here is
unstoppable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once it was over, and the dream was complete, they danced on
the pool deck and hugged one another tightly. Then they pranced over to the
MIAA banner and grinned as they hoisted their new state champion trophy in the
air. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the celebration wasn’t done quite yet. There was one
more integral step. The Dragons all jumped into the water and frolicked as a
team, including Walsh with her shoes on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“These girls are absolutely unbelievable,” said Walsh, still
drenched as she spoke minutes later. “They deserve it. They really do. It’s
still sinking in.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night began the same way it ended, with the fearsome
foursome of Buckley, Ali, Jamieson and Ali dominating a medley relay. This time
it was the 200, and the Dragons set a state record, winning the event and
taking an early lead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Buckley took second in the 200 individual medley and
Jamieson captured second in the 50 free, but Marblehead led through three
events. Grace Ali helped put the Dragons back in front by shattering the
competition in the 100 fly and the 100 free. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Julia Ali (3<sup>rd</sup>), Mary Tonaszuck (15<sup>th</sup>)
and Maya Zukowski (17<sup>th</sup>) impressed in the 500 free, then Julia came
in second and Jamieson sixth in the 100 back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Dragons still led, but they needed a championship
performance from one of their top swimmers to stay in front. Just like she has
her entire career, Buckley delivered, breaking the state record in the 100
breast. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Usually, when you’re racing Mary Buckley it’s a race for
second,” Walsh said. “She’s unstoppable.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s pretty indescribable,” Buckley added. “I knew I could
get that record, but to actually be able to do it was great.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the night wasn’t over quite yet. Freshman Grace Zimmer
helped the Dragons pick up some key diving points, but Weston hung around and
was tied with Duxbury heading into the final event. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moments before the 400 relay took place, the swimmers tried to
stay loose any way they could during the extra long break. Everyone started
singing Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.,” and the Dragons danced along like
they were at a party instead of about to clinch a state title. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When their turn finally came, they knew exactly what was at
stake and they delivered. Buckley gave them a significant early lead, Jamieson
kept it and Julia Ali distanced the Dragons from the pack even further. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We knew that we had it, so to control those emotions until
Grace was done swimming was so hard,” Jamieson said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they had waited years, so they could wait a few seconds
longer. When Grace reached the finish, the medley team jumped for joy and their
teammates zipped around the deck in ecstasy and sobbed tears of joy as they celebrated.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Their hard work paid off in the sweetest way possible. For
the first time in school history – girls or boys – the state swim and dive
title belongs to Duxbury. And there’s a very good chance it could remain there
next year, as Buckley, the Alis and several other strong swimmers return. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It was our goal in the beginning of the season to be state
champs,” Grace Ali said. “Now it happened, and it’s pretty amazing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They said late Saturday night it hadn’t really hit them
quite yet, but they expected it would soon. With everything on the line, they
delivered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s the best feeling ever,” Walsh said. “These girls have
written Duxbury history.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-40518403910725118602017-01-18T09:46:00.002-08:002017-01-18T09:46:38.566-08:00Emmy's Angels<h2 class="story-title" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></h2>
<div class="clearfix content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-subhead" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.3em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="field-items" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 300; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="field-item odd" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Siblings remember, honor sister by preparing for Boston Marathon</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-oht-author" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="field-items" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="field-item odd" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
By Trevor Hass , Sports Editor/Reporter</div>
<div class="field-item even" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="mailto:sports@duxburyclipper.com" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sports@duxburyclipper.com</a></div>
<div class="field-item odd" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Twitter: @TrevorHass</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
They think of her when they run. Not because she was a runner, but because she was a fighter. When they want to stop, they remember that she never did. If the hill looks too steep, they realize it’s nothing compared to what she went through.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Peter, Charlotte and Kate Cipolletti miss their sister, Emmy, dearly, but they try to not let her death hold them back. Emmy lived 24 years with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and she almost never complained. So when they want to whine, they bottle up that emotion and carry forward, just like she did.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p1.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
Emmy Cipoletti was a natural around dogs. She always loved them, and they always loved her. Here, she goofs around with her pit bull Alcide.
Photo courtesy the Cipolletti family ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
Emmy Cipoletti was a natural around dogs. She always loved them, and they always loved her. Here, she goofs around with her pit bull Alcide.
Photo courtesy the Cipolletti family " class="image image-preview " height="250" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p1.preview.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
Emmy Cipoletti was a natural around dogs. She always loved them, and they always loved her. Here, she goofs around with her pit bull Alcide.
Photo courtesy the Cipolletti family " width="197" /><span class="zoom" style="background-image: url("/sites/all/themes/custom/oht_v5/css/magnify.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"></span></a><span class="caption" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 195px;">Emmy Cipoletti was a natural around dogs. She always loved them, and they always loved her. Here, she goofs around with her pit bull Alcide. <span class="image-caption" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Photo courtesy the Cipolletti family</span></span></span>“I don’t know how the heck she did it,” Peter said. “She was extraordinarily stubborn, for one thing. She had this air about her. She had this willingness to succeed, and she didn’t want to be abnormal. She didn’t see herself as someone who needed sympathy.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Her siblings think of her when they see hawks flying overhead or a dog jogging beside them. Her passion for animals shined through every day and she had a tattoo of an elephant on the side of her body. Now her sisters have elephant tattoos that spell Faith – Emmy’s middle name – to make sure she’s always a physical part of them.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Emmy grew up as one of 10 children, but she never blended in. Standing up for what she believed in wasn’t a choice – it was the only way she knew how to live. She had four life-threatening surgeries before she was 3, but she ended up going to college, starting her own business and living a “normal” life before she died in her sleep on March 24, 2016.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Since then, Peter, Charlotte and Kate – three of her nine siblings – have decided to run the Boston Marathon together, as part of the Miles for Miracles team from Boston Children’s Hospital. Emmy’s Angels, a non-profit organization intended to give other children the same opportunity to live life as Emmy did, has raised over $40,000 on behalf of Children’s so far.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Kate has taken over Emmy’s dog-watching service and renamed it Emmy’s Barking Lot. The Cipollettis, many of whom grew up in Duxbury, are hosting a red-tie, “Hearts for Hearts” gala Feb. 11, at Duxbury Bay Maritime School, to raise awareness of HLHS and fundraise for Emmy’s Angels.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
On April 17, they’ll run together in the Boston Marathon in Emmy’s honor.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“It’s really inspiring to see how strong she was,” Charlotte said. “Running this marathon is a testament to her in the fact that she really achieved goals without asking for help or showing she had any doubts. That was the kind of character Emmy was. She didn’t want her problems to be anyone else’s problems.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A little trooper</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
When Emmy was in utero, her parents found out she was going to be born with a congenital heart defect, HLHS which, in layman’s terms, means she essentially would have half a heart.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p2.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
Emmy got great pleasure out of interacting with all kinds of animals. Elephants and dogs were her favorites, but here she has a blast playing with a dolphin. ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
Emmy got great pleasure out of interacting with all kinds of animals. Elephants and dogs were her favorites, but here she has a blast playing with a dolphin. " class="image image-preview " height="209" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p2.preview.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
Emmy got great pleasure out of interacting with all kinds of animals. Elephants and dogs were her favorites, but here she has a blast playing with a dolphin. " width="250" /><span class="zoom" style="background-image: url("/sites/all/themes/custom/oht_v5/css/magnify.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"></span></a><span class="caption" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 248px;">Emmy got great pleasure out of interacting with all kinds of animals. Elephants and dogs were her favorites, but here she has a blast playing with a dolphin.</span></span>Her parents, George and Kathy, had the choice to move forward or not, and they chose to keep going. Emmy, the eighth child, was born June 6, 1991. As soon as she was born, she was immediately removed from the birthing room and sent to an operating room.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Doctors performed the first of three operations that would eventually each save her life. The first one was to keep her alive until the three-month mark, and at that point they went back in and made sure she would get ample oxygen in her system. She made it out OK and was a healthy and happy toddler.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“She was a little trooper,” Peter said. “She was a cute little thing.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Just before her third birthday, Emmy had a third surgery. The right side of the heart pumps non-oxygenated blood through the lungs, and the oxygenated blood comes back to the left half, which pumps it throughout the rest of the body. The left side of Emmy’s heart was missing, which means her right side was stronger than most. It did the job of both chambers and kept her alive.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Emmy went into Children’s Hospital a couple times a year for checkups throughout her childhood. She had occasional episodes, with heart palpitations and minor heart attacks, and would also go in for EKGs and valve replacements, but she never fussed about it. Her life was affected by her condition, but she never let it define her.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“Most people literally had no idea until they saw the scar on her chest,” Peter said. “They’d ask her what it was from and she’d joke around, ‘I was born with half a heart.’”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
That’s how she liked to characterize her condition, but the scary part is it wasn’t an exaggeration. She literally had half a heart.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Emmy didn’t complain about her scar. She thought it was “bad-*ss,” and her siblings agreed. Emmy went to her appointments, but she never discussed them when she came home.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“The coolest thing about Emmy was that you never, ever thought about the fact that she had a heart condition,” Charlotte said. “It was something she didn’t really acknowledge. Not in a negative or unhealthy way, but she was really great at compartmentalizing those two parts of her life. She was the most courageous, independent person ever. She never let anyone else in our family know she ever thought about it.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emmy’s Barking Lot</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Emmy had nine pets – two border collies named Blue and Penny, a pit bull named Alcide, two cats, two ferrets and two bearded dragons. Nine pets and nine siblings. The Cipolletti household was a nightmare for someone with pet allergies, but it was paradise for someone like Emmy.</div>
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Emmy had a gift for keeping track of several dogs at once. She opened her own service, called Mobile Mutts, which eventually turned into The Barking Lot. It&rsquo;s now called Emmy&rsquo;s Barking Lot in her honor. Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
Emmy had a gift for keeping track of several dogs at once. She opened her own service, called Mobile Mutts, which eventually turned into The Barking Lot. It&rsquo;s now called Emmy&rsquo;s Barking Lot in her honor. Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family " class="image image-preview " height="100" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p3.preview.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
Emmy had a gift for keeping track of several dogs at once. She opened her own service, called Mobile Mutts, which eventually turned into The Barking Lot. It&rsquo;s now called Emmy&rsquo;s Barking Lot in her honor. Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family " width="250" /><span class="zoom" style="background-image: url("/sites/all/themes/custom/oht_v5/css/magnify.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"></span></a><span class="caption" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 248px;">Emmy had a gift for keeping track of several dogs at once. She opened her own service, called Mobile Mutts, which eventually turned into The Barking Lot. It’s now called Emmy’s Barking Lot in her honor. Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family</span></span>She was an entrepreneur by age 22, starting a dog-walking business called Mobile Mutts, which later evolved into a dog daycare and boarding facility in Hanover called The Barking Lot (now Emmy’s Barking Lot).</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Kate Cipolletti used to get upset when Emmy didn’t come to family events because Emmy was too busy at work. Now that Kate has Emmy’s job, she understands what kept her occupied and has a newfound appreciation for all that Emmy did.</div>
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Emmy used to drive to Braintree and Plymouth to pick up customers’ dogs, all before the workday officially started in Hanover. Clients of Kate’s tell her that no one cared for their dog like Emmy did. No one loved their dog so unconditionally.</div>
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She used to drop dogs off at 8 p.m. and go into her clients’ houses for a quick snack and chat. That’s how close she was with them.</div>
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“She would go to beyond crazy measures to make sure these animals were taken care of,” Kate said. “She had such a big impact on the world around her. I always knew she was a fierce, feisty little thing who would fight for anything she believed in, but hearing every one of those clients talk about the impact she made on their lives was overwhelming.”</div>
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Emmy’s siblings used to call her the pack leader. One time her family wanted to go out on the boat without the dogs, but Emmy protested and insisted they join. She was mesmerized by elephants, but she wouldn’t see them in zoos or the circus because of the way they were being treated.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p4.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
All 10 Cipolletti kids pose together in 2009. It was always a treat when all 10 were in the same place at the same time.
Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
All 10 Cipolletti kids pose together in 2009. It was always a treat when all 10 were in the same place at the same time.
Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family " class="image image-preview " height="149" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p4.preview.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
All 10 Cipolletti kids pose together in 2009. It was always a treat when all 10 were in the same place at the same time.
Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family " width="250" /><span class="zoom" style="background-image: url("/sites/all/themes/custom/oht_v5/css/magnify.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"></span></a><span class="caption" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 248px;">All 10 Cipolletti kids pose together in 2009. It was always a treat when all 10 were in the same place at the same time. <span class="image-caption" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Photos courtesy the Cipolletti family</span></span></span>Charlotte and Emmy grew up riding horses together, and Charlotte knew from a young age that Emmy had a different kind of connection with them. Emmy knew she wanted to work with animals her whole life, so she went out and made it happen.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“She was the most fiery person I’ve ever met,” Charlotte said. “If she was passionate about something, I’ve never seen somebody get so pumped up. When she was mad, she was always extremely mad. She was like a tornado in the house. She was the kind of person who always felt everything genuinely, and she always played her interactions out how she truly felt.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That dreadful day</span></div>
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A month before Emmy died, she got into a car accident one morning near Exit 12 on Route 3. She had 12 animals in her car – which was nothing too unusual – and a man noticed in her rearview mirror that she wasn’t awake.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
He moved his car in front of hers to keep her from going astray and ultimately likely saved her life. Doctors at Children’s don’t know exactly what happened, but they speculated that she had a breathing malfunction and passed out behind the wheel.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“That was a hell of a day,” Peter said.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Doctors and her family monitored her for the month that followed, but on March 24 she didn’t wake up. The day they had feared for years had come, and the situation was as insufferable as they’d imagined it would be.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“We just buckled down as a family and figured out how to get through it,” Peter said. “It’s just difficult. No one should ever have to go through that.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Life is a marathon</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Months have passed and their grief has dwindled a bit, but they’ll never be totally healed. The loss hit the family like an asteroid, and sometimes it feels like their world is still spinning.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
But rather than staying down, they’ve chosen to turn their sorrow into something constructive, in Emmy’s honor. Charlotte, Kate and Peter are all athletic, but none of them are distance runners. They knew running the Boston Marathon would be a challenge, and that’s why they chose to do it.</div>
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“I wanted to put something in front of myself that I thought I could never do,” Charlotte said. “It’s amazing to fundraise for the hospital, but it’s also something I wanted to do to give her a nod.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“There are some points where you just don’t want to keep running, but it’s easy to think of Emmy,” Peter said.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="inline inline-left" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 5px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="lightbox-processed" href="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p5.jpg" rel="lightbox[node_images][
(From left) Emmy, Kate and Charlotte Cipolletti were inseparable, and they spent tons of time together growing up. ]" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="
(From left) Emmy, Kate and Charlotte Cipolletti were inseparable, and they spent tons of time together growing up. " class="image image-preview " height="250" src="http://www.duxburyclipper.com/sites/www.duxburyclipper.com/files/images/2017-01-18/46p5.preview.jpg" style="border: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="
(From left) Emmy, Kate and Charlotte Cipolletti were inseparable, and they spent tons of time together growing up. " width="155" /><span class="zoom" style="background-image: url("/sites/all/themes/custom/oht_v5/css/magnify.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -20px; opacity: 0.5; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 20px; z-index: 101;"></span></a><span class="caption" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 153px;">(From left) Emmy, Kate and Charlotte Cipolletti were inseparable, and they spent tons of time together growing up.</span></span>Last year, as Emmy’s health worsened, she and her sisters were strolling down the beach. Kate turned to Emmy and recalls saying, “Hurry up, you slowpoke.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“Emmy yelled back, ‘Must be nice to have a whole heart. I’m coming,’” Kate said. “When I feel like I can’t run anymore, I’m like, ‘Shut up, Kate. At least you have a whole heart. Let’s go.’ She’d be here to kick me in the butt.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Sometimes they train together, and sometimes they train apart. They all agree that the marathon isn’t the end of their quest to cure HLHS. Peter and Charlotte have young patient partners who have the same syndrome, and they hope to one day make their lives infinitely easier.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“Emmy’s Angels has given us an opportunity to push back and give back as much as we can,” Peter said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s rewarding.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
They know it’s all worth it on Emmy’s behalf. Her siblings consider it ironic that her heart wasn’t full, because they think of her as the most wholehearted person they know.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
She never backed down from a challenge and she stood up for what she believed in without fail. They’re trying to do the same to keep her spirit alive.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
“She kept going until she literally had nothing more to give,” Kate said. “She was an all-out kind of person.”</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
More information about Emmy’s Angels can be found at emmysangels.org.</div>
</div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-81968252916173267102016-10-25T10:23:00.009-07:002016-10-25T13:25:30.626-07:00NBA Predictions: We may know the final result, but we have no idea how we'll get there <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first four days of March Madness are without question
the best days of the year. You literally sit in front of your TV all day and
watch dozens of games that matter. You become a maniac as you watch your
bracket combust. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those days are unbeatable. But this day, as a devoted
basketball fan, is probably right behind it. Today is special, because it’s the
beginning of something wonderful. The first day of the NBA season means
basketball is officially back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no more watching Colts-Titans, Colts-Jaguars or
Colts-Texans on Thursday night (thank goodness). You don’t have to anymore. You
can flip to TNT, get lost in the action and end up staying up much later than
you should watching West powerhouses battle late into the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m excited for the NBA every year, but this year I’m
particularly intrigued. The Celtics, Wolves and Warriors are the three teams I
follow most closely, and all have varying levels of expectations to shatter,
meet or fall short of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, the NBA is largely predictable when it comes to which
teams will make the Finals. We’re inevitably on a winding path to a
Cavaliers-Warriors rematch, and that’s OK. There’s no need to complain. That
would be like complaining that a really good movie is too predictable when the
protagonists end up together, even though the plot leading up to the climax was
dope. What makes the NBA entertaining is that new storylines constantly
manifest and teams take different paths to get to their final destinations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several questions left to be unanswered. Will the
Nets win more than 10 games? (Yes). Who will win the MVP? (LeBron James). Will
Russell Westbrook average a triple-double? (No, but he might come close). How
many wins will the Warriors finish with? (66). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are several predictions. Most of them will be wrong,
but probably one or two will be right. I’ll be sure to point those ones out in May
or June.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Standings:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>East: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavaliers (56-26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Raptors (54-28)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Celtics (53-29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pacers (49-33)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Hornets (47-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Bulls (45-37)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Hawks (43-39)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pistons (41-41)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Knicks (39-43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10) Magic
(39-43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11) Wizards
(36-46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Bucks
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Heat
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>76ers
(22-60)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->15)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Nets
(16-66)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>West: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Warriors (66-16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Spurs (61-21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Clippers (57-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Blazers (51-31)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Grizzlies (47-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mavericks (46-36)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jazz (44-38)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rockets (42-40)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wolves (40-42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Thunder
(40-42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Nuggets
(36-46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Pelicans
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Lakers
(27-55)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kings
(26-56)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->15)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Suns (21-61)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Playoffs:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs</b> over Pistons in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Raptors</b> over Hawks in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics </b>over Bulls in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pacers</b> over Hornets in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs </b>over Pacers in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics</b> over Raptors in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs</b> over Celtics in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Rockets in 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spurs</b> over Jazz in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Clippers</b> over Mavs in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Blazers </b>over Grizzlies in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Blazers in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Clippers</b> over Spurs in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors</b> over Clippers in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Cavs in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Finals MVP: </b>Steph Curry (25.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really tough to pick against Steph, Klay, Draymond
and…oh yeah, the best scorer on the planet. I do think the Warriors will win it
all, assuming they stay mostly healthy, which leads to the next section:
predictions for specific teams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors: </b>This is like a star-studded Backyard Sports team,
the Looney Tunes in the second half of Space Jam and last year’s version of the
Warriors plus a really good basketball player all fused into one. I think
they’ll wisely take it a little easier in the regular season and rest their
starters the final few games, which could help quite a bit against the Blazers,
Spurs and Cavs, if that’s how it unfolds. They’re obviously the team to beat,
and I say they do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics:</b> The Celtics didn’t get that marquee free agent
(see: Warriors), but they got the next best thing in Al Horford. Horford is the
quintessential second or third best player on a championship team. He’s never
been in that role before, but he’d fit it perfectly. He’s like a 2011 Lexus. He
does everything well, he’s reliable and he gets the job done. He’s not a
Maserati, but there’s nothing wrong with a Lexus. Once you get that Lexus, maybe
your next car can be a Maserati. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think Horford will help the Celtics get 5-10 more wins,
and I’d be really surprised if they don’t win a playoff series. Isaiah Thomas,
Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart are all one year better. Terry
Rozier’s improved dramatically over the offseason and is poised for a breakout
season. All of the pieces have come together really well, and Danny Ainge has
done a great job making them the second or third best team in the East. Beating
Cleveland will be nearly impossible, but the Celtics should take some serious
strides while being extremely fun to watch in the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wolves: </b>Whether you’re mingling at a Jewish mixer, shopping
at Trader Joe’s or talking to a friend by the lake, you can’t avoid the
question: Will the Wolves make the playoffs? It’s a natural question, and it’s
totally reasonable, but unfortunately I have to provide a disappointing answer.
I lived in Minnesota this past year and the optimism around the Wolves is truly
impressive. I think they’ll be close to the 8 seed this year, but I don’t think
they’ll quite get it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Karl-Anthony Towns is, without question, the best young
player in the NBA. In the NBA GM survey, 48.3 percent deemed him the player
around whom they’d most like to start a franchise. That’s pretty much all you
need to know. Towns is unstoppable, and I expect he’ll take a massive leap this
year. Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rest of the pieces are
very solid, but I think the West is just slightly too deep for them to make it
this year, though I expect it’ll be close. Next year, the Wolves are just about
a lock. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bulls:</b> The Bulls are really intriguing to me. If they stay
healthy and everything comes together, I could see them getting the 4 or 5 seed
and winning a series. If not, it could be a disaster. A Rajon Rondo, Dwyane,
Jimmy Butler, Doug McDermott and Robin Lopez lineup puts a lot of pressure on
the legend himself, Dougie Buckets, to shoot a high volume. Rondo is at his
best with shooters around him, and it will be interesting to see whether Wade
and Butler adapt their games to meet his needs or vice versa. I think the Bulls
will make the playoffs, but I’m not confident about that prediction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Knicks:</b> First of all, Kristaps Porzingis is a beast. No
doubt about it. I’m really impressed the Knicks took him when everyone else in
the world thought it was an awful pick. Props. Expectations are high in New
York, but I’m not sure they’ll be met. Carmelo Anthony’s scoring has never been
in question, but his ability to lead winning teams always has, and I’d expect
it will be scrutinized again this year. Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah are solid
role players, but for me the Knicks are an “I’ll believe it when I see it”
type-deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spurs: </b>They’ll be really good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thunder: </b>Russell Westbrook is basically thought of as a
superhero these days. Seriously, though. People expect him to average a
triple-double. He did for a stretch without Durant, but doing so for a whole
season is essentially impossible. However, I do think he’ll average close to
26, 8 assists and 7 boards, which isn’t too shabby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Durant gone, I think a lot of the scoring load will
have to go to Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. I think they’re capable, but I’m
not sure exactly how capable. The Thunder will be one of the NBA’s most
entertaining teams. I may be in the minority by putting them out of the
playoffs, but I think there are too many more reliable teams in the West that
will finish ahead of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Some of the awards:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MVP: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LeBron James <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->James Harden<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kevin Durant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<b>
Rookie of the Year:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jamal Murray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ben Simmons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kris Dunn <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Joel Embiid <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Denzel Valentine<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Most Improved Player:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kristaps Porzingis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Justise Winslow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Terry Rozier <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Julius Randle</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sixth Man: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jamal Crawford <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Marcus Smart<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Andre Iguodala <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Al Jefferson <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Brandon Knight<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All-NBA teams:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1<sup>st</sup> team: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Steph Curry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Russell Westbrook<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Kevin Durant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F LeBron James<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C Karl-Anthony Towns<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2<sup>nd</sup> team:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Chris Paul<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Kyrie Irving<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Kawhi Leonard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Draymond Green<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C DaMarcus Cousins <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3<sup>rd</sup> team: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Damian Lillard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Klay Thompson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Paul George<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F LaMarcus Alrdridge<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F/C Anthony Davis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Scoring leaders:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->James Harden (29.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LeBron James (27.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kevin Durant (27.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry (26.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook (26.0)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Damian Lillard (25.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DaMarcus Cousins (24.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns (23.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Anthony Davis (22.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kawhi
Leonard (22.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Assist leaders: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Chris Paul (10.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rajon Rondo (10.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->John Wall (9.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ricky Rubio (9.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kyle Lowry (8.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook (8.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Draymond Green (7.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry (7.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Isaiah Thomas (7.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Deron
Williams (6.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rebound leaders:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Andre Drummond (13.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DeAndre Jordan (12.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DeMarcus Cousins (12.7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dwight Howard (11.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Anthony Davis (11.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns (11.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rudy Gobert (10.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Nikola Vucevic (10.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LaMarcus Aldridge (10.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->10) Tristan
Thompson (9.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<b>
Most intriguing matchups:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Warriors<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Celtics<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Spurs <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Over/under:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of triple-doubles for Westbrook – 18 –
Under (16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of games Derrick Rose plays – 54 – under
(hope I’m wrong)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Points per game the Warriors average – 115 –
over <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of starting lineups the Nets use – 17 –
over <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Points per game Joel Embiid averages – 12 – over
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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whether this Warriors team is the best team ever – 3 – under<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Final thoughts:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you’re all as excited as I am. Chances are you’re
not, but that’s OK, too. Basketball is back, baby. Enjoy it, and remember to
laugh at me in May and June when these predictions are comically off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Trevor Hass<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first four days of March Madness are without question
the best days of the year. You literally sit in front of your TV all day and
watch dozens of games that matter. You become a maniac as you watch your
bracket combust. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those days are unbeatable. But this day, as a devoted
basketball fan, is probably right behind it. Today is special, because it’s the
beginning of something wonderful. The first day of the NBA season means
basketball is officially back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s no more watching Colts-Titans, Colts-Jaguars or
Colts-Texans on Thursday night (thank goodness). You don’t have to anymore. You
can flip to TNT, get lost in the action and end up staying up much later than
you should watching West powerhouses battle late into the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m excited for the NBA every year, but this year I’m
particularly intrigued. The Celtics, Wolves and Warriors are the three teams I
follow most closely, and all have varying levels of expectations to shatter,
meet or fall short of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, the NBA is largely predictable when it comes to which
teams will make the Finals. We’re inevitably on a winding path to a
Cavaliers-Warriors rematch, and that’s OK. There’s no need to complain. That
would be like complaining that a really good movie is too predictable when the
protagonists end up together, even though the plot leading up to the climax was
dope. What makes the NBA entertaining is that new storylines constantly
manifest and teams take different paths to get to their final destinations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several questions left to be unanswered. Will the
Nets win more than 10 games? (Yes). Who will win the MVP? (LeBron James). Will
Russell Westbrook average a triple-double? (No, but he might come close). How
many wins will the Warriors finish with? (66). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are several predictions. Most of them will be wrong,
but probably one or two will be right. I’ll be sure to point those ones out in May
or June.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Standings:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>East: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavaliers (56-26)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Raptors (54-28)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Celtics (53-29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pacers (49-33)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Hornets (47-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Bulls (45-37)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Hawks (43-39)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pistons (41-41)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Knicks (39-43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10) Magic
(39-43)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11) Wizards
(36-46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Bucks
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Heat
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>76ers
(22-60)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->15)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Nets
(16-66)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>West: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Warriors (66-16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Spurs (61-21)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Clippers (57-25)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Blazers (51-31)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Grizzlies (47-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mavericks (46-36)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jazz (44-38)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rockets (42-40)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Wolves (40-42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Thunder
(40-42)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Nuggets
(36-46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->12)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Pelicans
(35-47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->13)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Lakers
(27-55)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->14)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kings
(26-56)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->15)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Suns (21-61)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Playoffs:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs</b> over Pistons in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Raptors</b> over Hawks in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics </b>over Bulls in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pacers</b> over Hornets in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs </b>over Pacers in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics</b> over Raptors in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cavs</b> over Celtics in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Rockets in 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spurs</b> over Jazz in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Clippers</b> over Mavs in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Blazers </b>over Grizzlies in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Blazers in 5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Clippers</b> over Spurs in 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors</b> over Clippers in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors </b>over Cavs in 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Finals MVP: </b>Steph Curry (25.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s really tough to pick against Steph, Klay, Draymond
and…oh yeah, the best scorer on the planet. I do think the Warriors will win it
all, assuming they stay mostly healthy, which leads to the next section:
predictions for specific teams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Warriors: </b>This is like a star-studded Backyard Sports team,
the Looney Tunes in the second half of Space Jam and last year’s version of the
Warriors plus a really good basketball player all fused into one. I think
they’ll wisely take it a little easier in the regular season and rest their
starters the final few games, which could help quite a bit against the Blazers,
Spurs and Cavs, if that’s how it unfolds. They’re obviously the team to beat,
and I say they do it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celtics:</b> The Celtics didn’t get that marquee free agent
(see: Warriors), but they got the next best thing in Al Horford. Horford is the
quintessential second or third best player on a championship team. He’s never
been in that role before, but he’d fit it perfectly. He’s like a 2011 Lexus. He
does everything well, he’s reliable and he gets the job done. He’s not a
Maserati, but there’s nothing wrong with a Lexus. Once you get that Lexus, maybe
your next car can be a Maserati. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think Horford will help the Celtics get 5-10 more wins,
and I’d be really surprised if they don’t win a playoff series. Isaiah Thomas,
Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart are all one year better. Terry
Rozier’s improved dramatically over the offseason and is poised for a breakout
season. All of the pieces have come together really well, and Danny Ainge has
done a great job making them the second or third best team in the East. Beating
Cleveland will be nearly impossible, but the Celtics should take some serious
strides while being extremely fun to watch in the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wolves: </b>Whether you’re mingling at a Jewish mixer, shopping
at Trader Joe’s or talking to a friend by the lake, you can’t avoid the
question: Will the Wolves make the playoffs? It’s a natural question, and it’s
totally reasonable, but unfortunately I have to provide a disappointing answer.
I lived in Minnesota this past year and the optimism around the Wolves is truly
impressive. I think they’ll be close to the 8 seed this year, but I don’t think
they’ll quite get it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Karl-Anthony Towns is, without question, the best young
player in the NBA. In the NBA GM survey, 48.3 percent deemed him the player
around whom they’d most like to start a franchise. That’s pretty much all you
need to know. Towns is unstoppable, and I expect he’ll take a massive leap this
year. Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rest of the pieces are
very solid, but I think the West is just slightly too deep for them to make it
this year, though I expect it’ll be close. Next year, the Wolves are just about
a lock. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bulls:</b> The Bulls are really intriguing to me. If they stay
healthy and everything comes together, I could see them getting the 4 or 5 seed
and winning a series. If not, it could be a disaster. A Rajon Rondo, Dwyane,
Jimmy Butler, Doug McDermott and Robin Lopez lineup puts a lot of pressure on
the legend himself, Dougie Buckets, to shoot a high volume. Rondo is at his
best with shooters around him, and it will be interesting to see whether Wade
and Butler adapt their games to meet his needs or vice versa. I think the Bulls
will make the playoffs, but I’m not confident about that prediction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Knicks:</b> First of all, Kristaps Porzingis is a beast. No
doubt about it. I’m really impressed the Knicks took him when everyone else in
the world thought it was an awful pick. Props. Expectations are high in New
York, but I’m not sure they’ll be met. Carmelo Anthony’s scoring has never been
in question, but his ability to lead winning teams always has, and I’d expect
it will be scrutinized again this year. Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah are solid
role players, but for me the Knicks are an “I’ll believe it when I see it”
type-deal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Spurs: </b>They’ll be really good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thunder: </b>Russell Westbrook is basically thought of as a
superhero these days. Seriously, though. People expect him to average a
triple-double. He did for a stretch without Durant, but doing so for a whole
season is essentially impossible. However, I do think he’ll average close to
26, 8 assists and 7 boards, which isn’t too shabby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Durant gone, I think a lot of the scoring load will
have to go to Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. I think they’re capable, but I’m
not sure exactly how capable. The Thunder will be one of the NBA’s most
entertaining teams. I may be in the minority by putting them out of the
playoffs, but I think there are too many more reliable teams in the West that
will finish ahead of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Awards:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MVP: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LeBron James <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->James Harden<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l9 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kevin Durant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>
Rookie of the Year:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jamal Murray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ben Simmons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kris Dunn <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Joel Embiid <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Denzel Valentine<br />
<b style="text-indent: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-indent: 0px;">Defensive Player of the Year:</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kawhi Leonard<br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2) Draymond Green</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
3) Zaza Pachulia<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
4) Avery Bradley <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
5) Hassan Whiteside</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Most Improved Player:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kristaps Porzingis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Justise Winslow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Terry Rozier <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo10; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Julius Randle</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sixth Man: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Jamal Crawford <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Marcus Smart<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Andre Iguodala <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Al Jefferson <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo11; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Brandon Knight<br />
<b style="text-indent: 0px;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-indent: 0px;">Coach of the Year:</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Steve Kerr</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Gregg Popovich <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Brad Stevens <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Dwane Casey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo9; text-indent: -.25in;">
5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Quin Snyder</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>All-NBA teams:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1<sup>st</sup> team: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Steph Curry<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Russell Westbrook<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Kevin Durant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F LeBron James<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C Karl-Anthony Towns<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2<sup>nd</sup> team:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Chris Paul<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Kawhi Leonard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Paul George<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Draymond Green<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
C DaMarcus Cousins <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3<sup>rd</sup> team: </b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Damian Lillard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
G Klay Thompson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F Carmelo Anthony<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F LaMarcus Alrdridge<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
F/C Anthony Davis <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Scoring leaders:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->James Harden (29.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LeBron James (27.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kevin Durant (27.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry (26.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook (26.0)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Damian Lillard (25.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DaMarcus Cousins (24.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns (23.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Anthony Davis (22.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kawhi
Leonard (22.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Assist leaders: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Chris Paul (10.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rajon Rondo (10.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->John Wall (9.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Ricky Rubio (9.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Kyle Lowry (8.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Russell Westbrook (8.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Draymond Green (7.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Steph Curry (7.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Isaiah Thomas (7.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Deron
Williams (6.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rebound leaders:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Andre Drummond (13.8)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DeAndre Jordan (12.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->DeMarcus Cousins (12.7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Dwight Howard (11.6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Anthony Davis (11.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Karl-Anthony Towns (11.1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rudy Gobert (10.5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Nikola Vucevic (10.4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->LaMarcus Aldridge (10.2)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l8 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10) Tristan
Thompson (9.9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>
Most intriguing matchups:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Warriors<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Thunder vs. Warriors<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Spurs vs. Warriors<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Celtics<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5)<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cavs vs. Spurs <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Over/under:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of triple-doubles for Westbrook – 18 –
Under (16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of games Derrick Rose plays – 54 – under
(hope I’m wrong)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Points per game the Warriors average – 115 –
over <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of starting lineups the Nets use – 17 –
over <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Points per game Joel Embiid averages – 12 – over
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Number of games until people start asking
whether this Warriors team is the best team ever – 3 – under<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final thoughts:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you’re all as excited as I am. Chances are you’re
not, but that’s OK, too. Basketball is back, baby. Enjoy it, and remember to
laugh at me in May and June when these predictions are comically off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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</style>Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-69450053275278832002016-09-29T11:40:00.002-07:002016-09-29T14:59:35.656-07:00Mo Vaughn launches new clothing line called MVP Collections <div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 2em; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 21px;">By Trevor Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter </span><a href="mailto:sports@duxburyclipper.com" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sports@duxburyclipper.com</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> Twitter: @TrevorHass</span></div>
<div class="clearfix content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I sat down with former Red Sox slugger and American League MVP Mo Vaughn to find out what he's up to these days. We talked about his new clothing line, the 2016 Red Sox, David Ortiz's legacy and much more. </div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Duxbury Clipper: </strong>How did MVP Collections come to be?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Mo Vaughn: </strong>I started off with Diane Cutuli as my partner. She’s been in the business 20-plus years. I came to her with an idea about “Big & Tall Guy.” She took it back and did some reconnaissance for about three or four months and found that this was a need. Anything I’ve been able to get into, whether it be affordable housing, which I started in ’04, to transportation to now Collections, I’ve always thought of things that are needs. The biggest thing with this one is that I’m the exact customer. I can basically speck out what is needed and what’s not needed and which way we need to go with things.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.4px; font-style: inherit;">You know I’m not a big social media guy. I’m starting to get accustomed to it and getting there and understanding what it means, but our main thing now is that we’re servicing jeans from sizes 38 to 50, from 2X to 6X. That’s how we’re trying to drive this brand. We want to take our time. We’re not in a rush, so we’ll see where it goes. This basically came because I was a customer looking for stuff and couldn’t find it. I have the accessible income to go out and buy it, so we’re trying to service that guy. If you want some style, we want to be able to look like anybody else. Why can’t we have the same style? We can’t we have a nice sport coat? Why can’t we have a nice button-down? Why can’t we have all the things everybody else has? That’s what we’re trying to do here.</span></div>
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With Diane’s experience, we’ve been able to create a line. Because there’s not a lot of factual information about Big & Tall and there’s not a lot of DXL or stores like that, we need to collect data. We’re doing a lot of data analysis to find out what the product is about. The main thing is that it’s made in America, which we think is very, very important. It was one of the staples in what we wanted to do. We want to listen to the customer to find out what we want to do.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>What does MVP offer that other similar companies don’t?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>The thing about is that we have the style and we understand the style. We’re trying to bring style to our product and they don’t have me, who is the customer, who actually lives a life. I walk around with some guys on a daily basis, and there’s always a critique about how to get to the premier position. The fact that it’s just not there, we’re able to set the trend. We’re going to be the first in this market at all times. We’re going to go out and keep changing. I’m the model. I’m the everything. I’m the face of the brand. We’re going to be at the forefront, we’re going to be ahead of it and we’re going to get it done. They have me as the face.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Was this something you were always interested in back during your career, or is it something that came to be after the fact?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV:</strong> I’ve always been interested in it, even when I was playing. Even when you’re playing, it’s tough to find clothes. For me, I’ve always tried to wait to get the right people into effect. It took a little bit longer than I wanted, but I’ve got Diane and a great team, and here we are.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Do you have any ties to the South Shore?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>I started my career in Quincy. I have family in Brockton. I lived in Easton. I’m a South Shore guy. We go out to Cape Cod.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC:</strong> How often do you make it back to Boston and how often to you go to Sox games?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>Not as much as I would like to. I’m very, very proud of the Red Sox. That 2004 World Series lifted a lot of pressure off all of us ex-Red Sox. If you had any type of history with the Sox, it was a great day for us. I’m very, very proud of them and what they’ve accomplished winning three World Series championships. When I left, the Pedro Martinezes, the David Ortizes, the Dustin Pedroias of the world, they continued to set the example of what Red Sox baseball should be like.</div>
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David Ortiz, in my opinion, is in the top three or four athletes in the history of our beloved city. He’s got championships. He ranks with the Bradys, the Bobby Orrs, the Larry Birds. Ted Williams and Yaz, you’re gonna have those guys, but he has the hardware more than all of them. That’s what he’s all about. He’s really made his mark in this city of being one of the top three, four, five guys in the history of Boston sports.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>What’s it like playing in Boston compared to other cities? What does this city bring that others don’t?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>Intensity. The willingness to demand excellence of play. It may be easier when you’re coming from West Coast to East Coast than from East to West. On the first play of the game, I went out to Anaheim, do I look back and wonder what things could have been? Of course I do. The opportunity to have a baseball life and a great life after, it’s all about how you look at it. Things happen and you live with it. The overall playing experience that I had, 12 years and eight of them here, these were the best years.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Do you watch this year’s team much?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>Oh yeah. They’re slugging. My family and I, we always make the trip out. The greatest thing for me now is going to spring training with JetBlue. It would have been great to practice there for six weeks to get your swing ready before you even started. The ownership of this team now has made all of us ex-Red Sox feel at home. They take care of us.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Are there any players in today's game who you think model their games off you or who remind you of yourself? </div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>Oh, I don’t know. I don’t think I was that good. We’ve got some guys who are really talented. The Mike Trouts of the world, the kid in Washington (Bryce Harper), Manny Machado. They’ve got some good young guns. I’m glad I’m retired. I think when I was playing ball there was maybe one guy throwing 100 miles per hour and now there’s over like 16. I’m right where I need to be, sitting down.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Where were you when you heard about the Jose Fernandez news and what was your reaction? What’s it been like seeing the baseball world rally around him and support him so much?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>I was in Ohio. You never can understand the Cuban tradition of defection and what it takes to go out and put yourself in harm’s way to get to the United States and then to make it. His overall way of life, his attitude, he was charismatic, he had life. No one ever fully realizes what someone brings until they’re gone. It’s a tremendous loss.</div>
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He’s 24. I could be that kid’s father. I’ve got my own two young kids, so that’s how I take it. Man. How do you lose a young child like that? It’s a tremendous loss to Miami.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>Do you think athletes should consistently speak out on racial issues or should they stay quiet?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>I think it’s everybody’s decision what they’re going to do. There’s no right and wrong. The main thing is to correct an issue. That’s what we’re all trying to get to. We work together in the clubhouse. Hispanic, black, white, we all seem to play on the same team. I have relationships with people from different continents, different backgrounds, farmers, we seem to be able to get along. Why can’t we do that in the street? That’s what dismays me, but that gives me hope that we can correct it. When we go to a ballgame, black, white, different colors, we all root for the same team. How come we can’t get that going elsewhere? That’s what we have to do.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">DC: </strong>When’s the last time you were at Fenway?</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">MV: </strong>Last year. I come at least once a year. I’ve been lucky enough to say I’ve been very busy. I’m in the affordable housing business and I own property up here, so I’m up here. I get the chance to stop in all the time. They’ve got that Bleacher Report app and my favorite team’s the Red Sox, so I know what’s going on.</div>
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Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-43313764169171321212016-09-26T12:10:00.000-07:002016-09-26T12:10:55.960-07:00This is how I'll remember Kevin Garnett
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By <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Trevor
Hass, Sports Editor/Reporter</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">sports@duxburyclipper.com</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twitter:
@TrevorHass</span></div>
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My favorite Kevin Garnett moment – a moment that
encapsulated his greatness, grit and gregariousness all in one play – came in
Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Lakers. </div>
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It was late in the first half and the Celtics were up 18 and
on the verge of capturing their first championship in 22 years. Garnett
screened for Paul Pierce and slipped to the basket. He caught a bounce pass
from Pierce, hoisted the ball high above his head and rose into the air.</div>
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He nestled the ball in his mighty right paw, like a mother
bear caressing her child, holding on to it like it was the most important
possession in the world. Garnett double-clutched before flinging a one-handed
slingshot that ricocheted off the backboard and fell through the net. He
plummeted to the floor, screamed and pumped his fist as his teammates mobbed
him. </div>
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That was the moment you sensed the dream was complete. You
knew he wasn’t going to let the Celtics lose. You knew Garnett was going to get
his championship and the Celtics were going to get theirs. </div>
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Garnett, who retired last week and is a future first-ballot
Hall of Famer, was the ultimate competitor, sweater, trash talker, swearer,
instigator and teammate. He was the guy you hated when he was on the other team
but loved when he was on your team. He had a knack for being annoying and it
worked, and he was loyal like no other.</div>
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He was part of the Big Three in Boston with Pierce and Ray
Allen and now he’s a member of another tremendous trio that has etched its spot
in history. Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Garnett all retired this year, and they
now make up arguably the best Hall of Fame class of all time.</div>
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All three did it in different ways. Duncan was the silent
assassin – the unassuming leader who took you under his wing. Bryant was the
not-so-silent assassin – the alpha dog who thrived in the clutch. Garnett was a
mix of the two. He had Duncan-like tendencies when it came to leadership and
banking in mid-range jumpers. He had some Kobe in him when it came to the snarl
he gave opponents and the swagger he played with, letting them know right away he
was better than they were and he was going to win.</div>
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When Garnett came to Boston and teamed up with Pierce and
Allen, all three players had several individual accolades but had yet to win a
title. That Celtics team epitomizes how basketball truly is a team sport. All
three players took on a lesser role for the greater good and Garnett became the
fire and fuel behind it all. </div>
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I doubt he ever needed to spend time in a sauna, because he
removed gallons of sweat from his body every game. I doubt he ever ran out of
swears, because his arsenal of profanity was seemingly endless. And I doubt he
ever had a fully healthy chest, because he pounded it so many times while
imploring the crowd to match his energy. </div>
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He coined the phrase “Anything is possible!” He had plenty
of enemies, but his friends became family. He embraced Boston, made it his own
and made it better.</div>
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Kevin Garnett may be retired, but his place in Boston lore will
remain forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-65261521474389309602015-08-20T18:08:00.002-07:002015-08-24T13:41:57.708-07:00Senior Softball: Where 14-year-olds play alongside 88-year-olds <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Trevor Hass <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">ALAMEDA – An
85-year old man sits at a picnic table at Tillman Park munching on some baseball peanuts on a gorgeous Monday
morning in the middle of August. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s wearing the
same outfit he does every week – a worn-out sweatshirt and sweatpants, a pair
of snazzy shades, New Balance shoes and an Oakland A’s hat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’s been coming
here, playing Senior Softball, since 1991 – before I was born. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sam Wales, the
umpire, pauses before he shares who’s older than he is here. He can’t quite
remember at first.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Jack’s got me
beat,” he says. “He’s 86 now. I’m 85. Forgot about Jack.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meet Jack Moore.
He’s the man. He was recently honored on the big screen at the A’s game on his
86<sup>th</sup> birthday for being a long-time season ticket holder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I haven’t found
official rankings anywhere, but Jack just might be the best slow-pitch softball
southpaw in the state of the California. He’s come here nearly every Monday for
10 years, and he pitches essentially every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh, I don’t
miss days,” Jack says, looking me right in the eye. “Every Monday. Maybe I was
sick once.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jack’s been
known to wear a Bras & Mattos hat, but on this particular day he’s sporting
an emerald green Explore Idaho shirt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He points out
all of his protégés. There’s Barry, who asked Jack how to improve his stance.
Jack molded Warren into a consistent line-drive hitter. Then there’s “Big Ed,”
as Jack calls him, who Jack is determined to turn into a first baseman. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you need help
on the softball field, Jack’s your guy. He’s been doing this for decades and he
knows a thing or two about hitting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s a few
minutes before first pitch and everyone’s mingling and laughing, as usual.
Yeawa Asabi, a 17-year-old from San Leandro, chats with her grandma,
64-year-old Yvonne “Maxie” Wayne, an Oakland resident who has been coming here
for three years. Walter McQuesten, a charismatic, well-traveled, vivacious man
who graciously lent me his 1983 Mercedes-Benz earlier in the summer, converses
with Charlie Wanczyk about a mutual friend they have from decades ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s just like
any other Monday. The beauty of California is that the weather almost never
gets in the way. This has been going on for decades, in the same place, with many of the same people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It doesn’t
matter how old you are. Dick Bellefeuille, a spunky outfielder with some pop at
the plate, once brought his middle-school aged grandson Jared. I’ve brought my
friends Oliver and Jake, and one of my best friends Joe will play next week.
They don’t care who plays, as long as the newcomer respects the game. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They just want
to play softball and have a good time. Nothing is more complicated than it has
to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">John Busby, an
easygoing, approachable man who often smokes a cigarette and plays some mean
defense, makes the teams, which change every week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I try to stack
the teams as subtly as I can without having anyone notice,” John says with a
hint of a smile. “Usually it works out.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The game gets
started a few minutes after 9:30. I was planning on taking a step back and just
watching and writing, not playing. But when I told John, he seemed
disappointed, and everyone else chimed in encouraging me to still play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's been pretty neat to
be an integral part of something my amazing aunt Abbe Kalos (who has
unbelievably kindly let me stay with her for the summer) had told me about. I knew it would be fun, but I had no idea just how fun it would be. So I decided to play this time around, like I have most weeks since late May, and I was in the
field to start the game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jack deals Ron
Kimmel what seems like a juicy changeup to start, but Ron takes a mighty hack
and swings and misses. Then Ron crushes one, starting a string of seven
consecutive hits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kevin Dundon
smacks a ball to right-center and motors all the way around for an
inside-the-park home run (they’re pretty common here). He holds his hat in
place. Usually it falls off while he’s flying around the bases and he has to go
retrieve it from short after the play’s over, but this time it stays put. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Red team
scores five runs (the max you can get per inning is five until the seventh and final
frame). Jack paces off the field, ball in glove. “We got ‘em right
where we want ‘em,” he says, drawing a laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Believe it or
not, Jack isn’t the oldest player here. In fact, he’s not even the oldest
pitcher. Don Young, a gentle and patient man who turns 89 on Oct. 18, has been
playing Senior Softball since 1992 when he retired at
the age of 65. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I pitch because
I can’t do anything else,” Don says. “I can’t see the ball as good as I used
to. I’m getting too old.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don throws a
ball, and Maxie, who’s playing first, compliments him on the pitch. Tom Nolan –
a soft-spoken, warm man from Indiana with whom I played tennis a few weeks ago
– shouts to Maxie: “I’m surprised you thought that was nice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maxie turns and
responds, “It’s the first inning. Don’t start, Tom.” It’s all in good fun.
Always is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clare Kruse, a
conversational, baseball-crazed man with a tremendous dose of well-timed
sarcasm, creeps up to the plate. The area to the left of the dish is covered in
sand – more than usual – and Clare takes notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I thought I was
too old to play in a sandbox,” he says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The game moves
forward, and the Red team holds a 7-2 lead in the third. At one point, Jack
turns to Ed and says, “I’m tired, Ed. All I want to do is lay down.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’d say you’re
doing OK, Jack," Ed, a tall man who wears a mask when he’s in the field for
protection, replies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hit a sharp
grounder to short and legged out an infield single despite a nice play from
Kevin. “Anyone else, I would have had him,” Kevin, who has even better speed
than I do, yells to me from across the diamond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I shrug, smile
and give him a point, and two batters later Clare and I come around to score
when Abbe – who’s usually an opposite-field hitter, but picks her spots – hits
a beautiful ball down the third-base line to cut the deficit to 7-5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The two teams
trade runs. At one point, Kevin hits another inside-the-park homer and his hat
falls off this time. “Why don’t you nail it to your head?” Jack inquires, mostly
kidding, but perhaps a tiny bit serious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jack pitched for
years in multiple leagues around the Bay Area. Once he found out about this
league, he never stopped coming. He only remembers two legitimate quarrels in
10 years. For the most part, everyone else gets along despite minor spats here
and there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s so much
fun. Everybody’s bitchin’ elsewhere,” Jack says matter-of-factly. “I decided I
was going to start coming here every Monday. Its worked out really well. They
let me do whatever I want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For Maxie, her
favorite part about coming every Monday and some Thursdays is the camaraderie.
Just something about the atmosphere and the people makes her always come back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s the same
cast of usual suspects nearly every Monday, and around us there are people who
often occupy the park at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Seeing people
doing Tai Chi, the children, the old gentleman playing soccer. Eighty-something
years old,” Maxie said. “It’s great to see who can continue to come back and
deliver and make the play. Any given week you don’t know who’s going to do
what.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On this
particular day the Red team beat the Black team, 24-17. We made it close with a
monster 10-run seventh inning, but ultimately the deficit was too sizable to
surmount. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m a very
competitive person and I love to win, but that’s not really what it’s about
here. It’s about the people, all sorts of different folks who come from
entirely different backgrounds and range from 14 to 88.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moving to a new
city can be overwhelming, but it’s a lot less so when you have something as
steady and sensational as Senior Softball to look forward to every week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m sad to be
leaving Oakland in a few weeks. Everyone here has treated me extremely well,
living-wise, socially and at my internship covering the Oakland A’s for
MLB.com. I had high expectations for the summer, and it’s exceeded them by a
long shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In 65 years
– when I’m still younger than Don Young is now – and my grandkids ask me about
my summer in Oakland, I’ll be sure to tell them all about Senior Softball.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And who knows,
maybe it will still be going on in 2080 and I’ll come back, sit on that
same bench and chew some peanuts while a reporter asks me about the good ol’
days at Senior Softball back in the '10s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-35783227442274915272015-04-14T11:11:00.002-07:002015-04-14T11:12:53.283-07:00Personal information My name is Trevor Hass, and I am a senior Newspaper and Online Journalism major in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.<br />
<br />
Below are some of my clips with <i>The Boston Globe</i>, <i>The Baltimore Sun </i>and the <i>Daily Orange</i>, arranged in that order.<br />
<br />
This summer I am interning with MLB.com, covering the Oakland A's as an associate reporter.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading.<br />
TrevorTrevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-78702587889740413482015-04-13T12:11:00.001-07:002015-04-13T12:11:28.670-07:00MIAA football playoff system still irks some ADsWhen the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association implemented its new high school football playoff system in 2013, many people around Eastern Massachusetts had a strong opinion about the changes.<br />
<br />
Traditionalists complained that the Thanksgiving games would never carry the same luster or significance. Powerhouse schools rejoiced at the thought of capturing one of six “true” state championships instead of one of 19. Coaches squirmed at the potential of playing the same opponent three times in one season.<br />
<br />
Two years later, athletic directors around Eastern Mass. largely have the same outlook they did then. Some ADs praise the system for giving more teams a chance to compete. Others bash it for including sub-.500 teams and meaningless nonplayoff games where almost no one is in attendance.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, the MIAA Football Committee will meet for the first time since the end of the season. One of the agenda items will be a review of a survey taken in the past month to determine feelings about the playoff system. That feedback is one element that will help determine whether the system lives beyond next year, the final season of the trial period, or reverts to some version of the old format.<br />
<br />
“I think it has positives and it has negatives,” Braintree AD Michael Denise said. “I think it depends on which end of the spectrum you’re on.”<br />
<br />
Initially the system was supposed to be a two-year trial run. ADs were under the impression that after this past season they would have a chance to reconvene, confer, and, if necessary, tweak the system. However, the MIAA did not provide that opportunity.<br />
<br />
Some ADs are so infuriated that they have discussed withdrawing from the MIAA system and forming a separate football-governing entity. And the latest news, announced at the MIAA Board of Directors meeting last week, is that last year’s football tournament revenue was down $70,000 from the previous year.<br />
<br />
The breakaway option<br />
<br />
Dracut AD Tim Woods is heavily involved with the potential withdrawal. He has participated in two discussions with ADs from the Dual County League, Cape Ann League, Northeast Conference, and Merrimack Valley Conference.<br />
<br />
Woods anticipates a third discussion in February. At that meeting, Woods expects the group will decide whether withdrawing is viable.<br />
<br />
“A lot of ADs are talking about retaliation, in terms of breaking up the very fabric of the MIAA,” Woods said. “People are talking about forming their own tournaments and Super Bowls. In my opinion, [the system] has been a disaster.”<br />
<br />
Woods said the format effectively ends the season for many teams after Week 7. Thanksgiving games are “a shadow of what they used to be,” and continuing like this isn’t feasible financially.<br />
<br />
Dracut is a relatively small school, and Woods estimated the athletic department lost $6,000-$7,000 each of the past two years. For larger schools such as Billerica and Chelmsford, Woods said, that number is in the tens of thousands.<br />
<br />
“Financially, most of us just can’t take it any longer,” Woods said. “The MIAA’s getting more money, but we’re losing thousands of dollars.”<br />
<br />
If schools in those leagues were to withdraw, they would do so by simply not registering with the MIAA as a football-playing school. They would devise their own schedule and consider starting the season one week earlier. At the end of the year, there would be a Thanksgiving game and a small tournament to crown a champion.<br />
<br />
Woods said he was shocked with the MIAA’s decision to proceed to a third year without their consent. He wanted a chance to tweak what he considers a far-from-perfect setup.<br />
<br />
“It was a pilot program,” Woods said. “It wasn’t supposed to be permanent.”<br />
<br />
Devaluing Thanksgiving<br />
<br />
Tom Gallagher, AD at Ipswich High School, vividly remembers his school’s 2006 Thanksgiving morning matchup against Hamilton-Wenham.<br />
<br />
Ipswich blanked the Generals, 7-0. The Tigers advanced in the playoffs and eventually claimed the Super Bowl title.<br />
<br />
“To think that that atmosphere isn’t there in the current system is kind of tough,” Gallagher said.<br />
<br />
Many ADs around Eastern Mass. feel the new playoff system takes away from the tradition of Thanksgiving football. Beverly AD James Coffey dubbed it a “nonfactor game.” His players and coaches still want to beat Salem, but the game doesn’t have the same pizzazz.<br />
<br />
Coffey said Beverly collected $30,000 less in football sales in 2013 than in 2012. The school usually takes in nearly $30,000 on Thanksgiving, but this year that number dipped close to $10,000. Coffey typically uses the extra Thanksgiving money to buy necessities for other sports such as field hockey uniforms, but now that has become more difficult.<br />
<br />
“It’s really taken Thanksgiving out of the picture for everyone,” Coffey said.<br />
<br />
Les Murray, commissioner of the Cape Ann League who used to serve on the MIAA’s Board of Directors, said it’s “a travesty” that some teams could play each other three times in a season, including on Thanksgiving. For instance, Winchester lost to Woburn by 15-plus points three times this past season. Wakefield lost to Melrose three times.<br />
<br />
Lynn English AD Gary Molea calls himself a traditionalist. To him, nothing in high school football is as sweet as waking up on Thanksgiving Day and watching or coaching a meaningful football game.<br />
<br />
Now he doesn’t feel the same way.<br />
<br />
“It took all the zip out of that,” Molea said.<br />
<br />
Finding their way in<br />
<br />
Cohasset was the best team in Division 6 this season. That became clear when the Skippers outscored their playoff opponents, 118-44, en route to a Super Bowl title.<br />
<br />
But the sixth-seeded Skippers’ playoff run never would have happened without the new playoff system. Under the old format, Cohasset’s 5-2 regular-season record wouldn’t have been good enough to qualify for the playoffs.<br />
<br />
“It’s been an awesome experience for us,” Cohasset AD Ron Ford said. “It’s made football really exciting around here in October and November.”<br />
<br />
Lexington would not have made the playoffs in either of the past two seasons without the current setup. This year, the 4-3 Minutemen earned the No. 5 seed in Division 1 North and lost a close game to Peabody.<br />
<br />
Naomi Martin, AD at Lexington, concedes that the system could be improved, but said it has helped Lexington play in more meaningful games.<br />
<br />
BC High wouldn’t have made the playoffs and wouldn’t have upset Brockton and Newton North as a No. 6 seed. Braintree wouldn’t have participated in a playoff game for the first time in 16 years. King Philip beat the Wamps, 34-6, but Denise, Braintree’s AD, was still thrilled that his student-athletes got the opportunity to play in the playoffs.<br />
<br />
“Obviously being the 8 seed, having to go up against the No. 1 seed, was a Herculean task, given the success that King Philip has had,” Denise said. “It was a difficult battle, but I think our kids did Braintree High School proud.”<br />
<br />
BC High AD and football coach Jon Bartlett was surprised when he heard that 21 teams in Eastern Mass. made the playoffs despite having a losing record.<br />
<br />
“Wow,” said Bartlett. “That’s high.”<br />
<br />
BC High was one of those teams. The Eagles, who played one of the toughest schedules in the state, finished the regular season 3-4 but ultimately made the state semifinals.<br />
<br />
For other teams that got into the playoffs, the opportunity wasn’t quite as worthwhile. Whitman-Hanson, for example, lost to Somerset-Berkley, 51-15.<br />
<br />
There was only one first-round upset in all of Division 3.<br />
<br />
Some ADs across all divisions, including Braintree’s Denise, favor a four-team playoff instead of eight, allowing for more competitive first-round games.<br />
<br />
“I certainly think that our regular season is too short,” Denise said. “I think we should at least have an eight-game season, if not more, to determine who goes to the playoffs.”<br />
<br />
Losing proposition<br />
<br />
Gallagher has been Ipswich’s athletic director for 11 years. Only twice in that span has the school lost money during a football game — both consolation-bracket matchups in the past two seasons.<br />
<br />
Murray calls them “cricket games” because there are virtually no fans in attendance to make any noise. Lynn Classical once had a total of seven fans at a game.<br />
<br />
The attendance is low because the games don’t matter, and it’s not worth paying for business managers, buses, referees, and other expenses. Schools end up losing hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars on those games.<br />
<br />
“What tournament do you continue to play after you lose?” Murray said. “There isn’t one. We’re in a culture that really values winning. When you’re not in the playoffs, those games take on an absolutely meaningless structure.”<br />
<br />
ADs are split when it comes to opinions on the system, but the ones in opposition appear much more passionate. Beverly’s Coffey believes the format favors perennially contenders such as Everett, Brockton, and St. John’s Prep.<br />
<br />
Four of the six Super Bowls were lopsided this year, as Western Mass. teams struggled to contend with Eastern Mass. teams, and that, too, irked some ADs.<br />
<br />
ADs such as Denise simply want the MIAA to take another look at the current format.<br />
<br />
“If it’s worked out for you, you’re going to like it,” Molea says. “If not, you’re probably going to be on the other end.”<br />
<br />
Ins and outs of the system<br />
<br />
One of the goals of the new playoff system was to make football like other MIAA sports, in that all teams with a minimum winning percentage of .500 would be allowed entry into the postseason. But as the lists below show, the new format allowed 21 Eastern Mass. teams with losing records into the playoffs and kept 10 teams with winning records out of the playoffs.<br />
<br />
Teams below .500 that made playoffs:<br />
<br />
Attleboro, Division 1 South (3-4)<br />
<br />
BC High, Division 1 South (3-4)<br />
<br />
Beverly, Division 2 Northeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Bishop Feehan, Division 3 Southwest (3-4)<br />
<br />
Burlington, Division 3 Northwest (2-5)<br />
<br />
Danvers, Division 3 Northeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Hopkinton, Division 3 Southwest (3-4)<br />
<br />
Lynn Classical, Division 2 North (3-4)<br />
<br />
Nauset, Division 3 Southeast (2-5)<br />
<br />
Oliver Ames, Division 3 Southwest (3-4)<br />
<br />
Plymouth North, Division 3 Southeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Revere, Division 3 Northeast (2-5)<br />
<br />
Sandwich, Division 3 Southeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Scituate, Division 4 South (3-4)<br />
<br />
Somerville, Division 3 Northeast (2-5)<br />
<br />
Swampscott, Division 4 North (3-4)<br />
<br />
Waltham, Division 2 North (3-4)<br />
<br />
Westford Academy, Division 2 North (2-5)<br />
<br />
Whitman-Hanson, Division 3 Southeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Wilmington, Division 3 Northeast (3-4)<br />
<br />
Winchester, Division 3 Northwest (2-5)<br />
<br />
Teams above .500 out of playoffs:<br />
<br />
Arlington Catholic, Division 4 North (4-3)<br />
<br />
Bishop Stang, Division 4 South (4-3)<br />
<br />
Bristol-Plymouth, Division 6 South (4-3)<br />
<br />
Durfee, Division 2 South (4-3)<br />
<br />
Lowell, Division 1 North (4-3)<br />
<br />
Lawrence, Division 1 North (4-3)<br />
<br />
Marian, Division 6 North (4-3)<br />
<br />
Old Colony, Division 6 South (4-3)<br />
<br />
Old Rochester, Division 5 South (4-3)<br />
<br />
Seekonk, Division 5 South (4-3)Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-911971988745566692015-04-13T12:08:00.001-07:002015-04-13T12:08:03.507-07:00Central Catholic motivated by former teammate’s deathWill Wheeler walked up to his younger brother, Shawn, and gave him a heartfelt hug. Central Catholic had captured the 2013 Division 1 state championship earlier that day and Will wanted nothing more than to cherish the moment with family and friends.<br />
<br />
“I love you, Shawn,” he said. “Congratulations, buddy. I’ll see you at home.”<br />
<br />
Then the Wheelers and a bunch of Will’s friends watched the replay of the game on TV. They celebrated after each touchdown, reliving the scene.<br />
<br />
It was a perfect moment — a player everyone seemed to like, capping off one of the best days of his life.<br />
<br />
That was the last competitive football game Will Wheeler ever played. Wheeler, 17, died in his sleep on Aug. 17 of natural causes. Now, every time the Raiders step on the field they have Will on their minds. No. 2 Central Catholic (2-0) will continue their quest for a repeat when they face scrappy No. 4 St. John’s Prep (2-0) on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
“We want the other ring, but he wanted it more than us,” said Shawn Wheeler, 15. “We’re trying to put that in front of us and get him that other ring.”<br />
<br />
Central Catholic coach Chuck Adamopoulos thought there was a mistake when he first heard the news. Will died as preseason practices began. The whole week was mentally torturous, and football was the main outlet for Will’s friends.<br />
<br />
‘They owe it to themselves to play as hard as they can all the time, like he would.’<br />
<br />
Adamopoulos said Wednesday it still hasn’t hit him that one of the team’s most charismatic, popular players has died.<br />
<br />
“If he were a country he’d be Switzerland,” Adamopoulos said. “Everyone liked him. No one would ever say a bad word about him.”<br />
<br />
Adamopoulos said he never uses Will as a topic for a motivational speech. Someone dying is much bigger than a football game. Using him as motivation wouldn’t be fair to Will or his family.<br />
<br />
But although Will isn’t explicitly mentioned much, he’s in the team’s thoughts daily.<br />
<br />
“We did talk to the guys about how they’re out here, and obviously Will would love to be here,” Adamopoulos said. “They owe it to themselves to play as hard as they can all the time, like he would.”<br />
<br />
When Central Catholic’s captains lined up at midfield before the team’s home opener, they had an honorary captain by their side. Shawn Wheeler.<br />
<br />
Captains Michael Balsamo and George Elias miss goofing around with Will every day. From sprinting around the building during winter track to manning the safety position in practice, their memories remain vivid. Shawn misses driving with his brother to New York, just the two of them, joking around and talking football.<br />
<br />
Before every practice and every home game, the players pass by a photograph of Will in the locker room. During games they sport a W.W. on their helmets. They don’t have to say anything, but they’re all thinking the same thing. Let’s win this one for Will.<br />
<br />
Saturday will be their toughest test yet. Prep’s first-year coach Brian St. Pierre is ensuring his team is ready for Central Catholic.<br />
<br />
“We’ve been an underdog in every game we’ve played and that’ll continue onto this week,” St. Pierre said. “We relish the role.”<br />
<br />
While St. Pierre’s Eagles are motivated to stage the upset, the Raiders have something — and someone — more to play for, as they look to enact revenge on a team that beat them last season.<br />
<br />
“Everyone rallies around him,” Shawn Wheeler said. “They use him as an inspiration.”<br />
<br />
. . .<br />
<br />
No. 6 Natick visits Acton-Boxboro on Friday as Nick Olson looks to continue his strong start . . . Defensive-minded No. 12 Tewksbury will try to slow down No. 5 Everett and contain running back Nick Orekoya on Friday . . . It’s opening weekend for most NEPSAC schools. Belmont Hill faces BB&N in Cambridge and Milton Academy takes on St. Sebastian’s in Needham, two of eight games that highlight the first weekend of Independent School League football. In the Evergreen League, Pingree hosts Portsmouth Abbey and Dexter travels to Connecticut to face Hyde.<br />
<br />
Trevor Hass can be reached at trevor.hass@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TrevorHass.Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2115206995643900005.post-54648957223408173372015-04-13T12:06:00.001-07:002015-04-13T12:06:02.414-07:00Super Bowl-bound teams weigh injury potential vs. playing rivalsThe appeal of an undefeated season was too juicy. The prospect of finishing the year No. 1 too attainable. The history behind the 82-year rivalry with Foxboro too meaningful.<br />
<br />
The Thanksgiving game was simply too irresistible for the Mansfield seniors in 2013. When coach Mike Redding asked them if they wanted to play in the game — instead of rest for the Super Bowl against St. John’s (Shrewsbury) — the response was an overwhelming and unanimous yes.<br />
<br />
“It’s such a good game to win for bragging rights,” Redding said. “It’s so hard to say to the kids, ‘We’re not going to play you.’ ”<br />
<br />
They played, and the result, a 14-7 win for the Hornets, was overshadowed by a slew of injuries. Star wide receiver Brendan Hill tore his ACL on a bang-bang collision. Running back Miguel Perez separated his shoulder while blocking a defensive back. Two-way player Kyle Hurley tore cartilage in his knee.<br />
<br />
Mansfield ended up winning the Division 2 Super Bowl — Perez and Hurley returned, and the injuries didn’t prove insurmountable — but the situation gave coaches in similar spots something to ponder.<br />
<br />
This year, as teams prepare for Super Bowls at Gillette Stadium Dec. 6, nearly all have to play a Thanksgiving game first. Coaches have to decide whether to play their starters, and respect the tradition, or to rest them.<br />
<br />
With the new playoff system, teams played state semifinal games Nov. 22. Just five days later, they wake up for a morning Thanksgiving game. Then nine days after that, it’s off to Gillette.<br />
<br />
Three games in two weeks is a grueling stretch for any high school athlete. If Redding could do it over again, he’d give more consideration to resting certain starters.<br />
<br />
Leading up to the Foxboro game, Mansfield had played all 11 of its games on turf. Frigid temperatures, little rest, and poor footing on grass were a bad combination. In hindsight, Redding might have rested some skill players.<br />
<br />
Then again, getting to Gillette is much more difficult than it used to be. It’s a tough balancing act, Redding says. The key is to do what’s best for your specific program.<br />
<br />
Despite the risks, Marshfield coach Lou Silva is set on playing his starters against Duxbury on Thanksgiving. The undefeated Rams, who will face Longmeadow in the Division 2 Super Bowl, have prepared for the Dragons like they would any other opponent.<br />
<br />
Silva said his players go to the beach with Duxbury players during the summer. There’s a sense of familiarity, and the rivalry means something.<br />
<br />
Duxbury leads the all-time Thanksgiving series, 14-13-2, but Marshfield’s senior class hasn’t won a game at Duxbury.<br />
<br />
Silva doesn’t want to deprive his seniors of that chance.<br />
<br />
While the inevitable buzz of the Super Bowl looms, Silva said the team’s only focus this week is Duxbury. He likes certain aspects of the new playoff system, but believes the quick turnaround between games makes winning on Thanksgiving even tougher.<br />
<br />
Three days of preparation isn’t much, but Silva can’t control that at this point.<br />
<br />
“It’s a total disadvantage, but hey, what the heck,” Silva said, “we’ll pay the price to go to Gillette.”<br />
<br />
For Dartmouth coach Rick White — whose team is fresh off a miraculous 20-16 come-from-behind win over Walpole — the situation is a little bit trickier.<br />
<br />
The Indians are one win away from their first championship since White’s heyday at the school in 1984. He doesn’t want to jeopardize their chances by playing his starters the entire game against Fairhaven.<br />
<br />
He expects Fairhaven, which leads the all-time Thanksgiving series 42-36-4, to play with passion. It’s Fairhaven’s Super Bowl. White believes it would be disrespectful to rest his starters the entire game.<br />
<br />
White’s grandfather played against Fairhaven on one of Dartmouth’s first teams in the 1920s. For years, the home team has hospitably hosted the visitors’ faculty, seniors and cheerleaders for a meal the week of Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
Despite the holiday’s perks, White acknowledges the game itself can be treacherous injury-wise.<br />
<br />
He says some players may get limited reps this year. He doesn’t want them to miss out on the chance to play at Gillette.<br />
<br />
“It’s kind of a double-edged sword,” White said. “It’s not the greatest situation.”<br />
<br />
This year, White is making sure his players remember they have a lot be thankful for. Dartmouth senior Will Kuphal lost his father, a prominent doctor in the town, last week.<br />
<br />
White, with many of his players, attended “the biggest wake he’s ever been to,” which spanned from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. So many people were there that it became “standing room only.”<br />
<br />
The wake was Friday, and Dartmouth’s remarkable win came Saturday night.<br />
<br />
“It was a lot for these kids,” White said. “It’s life. You’ve got to embrace it, but there’s a lot of adversity you have to overcome. It’s a great lesson for our kids to appreciate what they have.”<br />
<br />
. . .<br />
<br />
For all but the 12 teams playing in the Super Bowl games, Thanksgiving is all about tradition, rivalries, and games that are dated in decades, even centuries. Boston Latin and Boston English will meet for the 128th time in a game played at Harvard Stadium. Last year English beat Latin for the first time since 1997. Medford heads to Malden to play in their 127th game. And in Needham, the Rockets host Wellesley in their 127th matchup.Trevor Hasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16981921804621565624noreply@blogger.com0