DeSales planning for long haul up to Bowling Green
Monday, March 16,
2009
By SETH SHANER
Taking the court in a Division II regional
tournament semifinal Thursday, March 19, won't
be anything new for some members of the DeSales
boys basketball team.
But the fact its opponent, Elida, has already played at Bowling Green State University twice, in its district draw, isn't something coach Blair Albright is too pleased about.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they let that happen," the coach said. "(Elida) has already played two games in that venue. They allow you to practice there, but that's not enough.
"What's a team from Columbus going to do? We're going to drive two-and-a-half hours to go practice? That doesn't make any sense. It's clearly an advantage (for Elida)."
The Bulldogs (16-8) picked up a 50-47 district final win over defending state champion Toledo Libbey Saturday, March 14, at BGSU.
Albright was planning to take his team to watch the Elida-Libbey contest.
"(That) at least allows them to get used to the atmosphere," he said. "It's something you don't have control over, and at this point in the year, you don't worry about things you can't control.
"I don't think it's right, but it's not something we're going to stew about."
The winner of a Dayton district in Division I has often had to travel to Columbus for a regional. This year's entrant is Cincinnati St. Xavier, which will be among a field that includes Dublin Scioto, Grove City and Northland.
All three of the aforementioned Central Ohio teams played two district games at the Ohio Expo Center Coliseum, long known for its strange sight lines, making it tough to get acclimated.
One thing that could help the Stallions is the fact they've played in so many different types of arenas, including a trip to Florida, and games at Ohio State, Capital, Otterbein and the Coliseum, all this season.
"Our guys are used to playing in a lot of different atmospheres," Albright explained. "We try to do that from a scheduling standpoint. I think our guys realize the game's the same, no matter where you play."
DeSales junior point guard Nick Kellogg started on the team that advanced to the state final four in 2006-07, and seniors Zak Gaborcik and Nick Goff were also on that squad.
"I think that plays as an advantage for us," said Kellogg, who scored 30 points in the Stallions' 72-46 district final win over Eastmoor Academy. "We have three guys who are all starters now, and we've been there before.
"We know what it takes to get back there, so we're just going to try to haul these guys along and get back there again."
Last year's DeSales squad advanced to a district final.
The Stallions are to tip against Elida at 8 p.m. March 19. The winner plays the victor of the earlier game between Galion and Vermilion Saturday, March 21, at Bowling Green (3 p.m.).
But the fact its opponent, Elida, has already played at Bowling Green State University twice, in its district draw, isn't something coach Blair Albright is too pleased about.
"I think it's absolutely ridiculous that they let that happen," the coach said. "(Elida) has already played two games in that venue. They allow you to practice there, but that's not enough.
"What's a team from Columbus going to do? We're going to drive two-and-a-half hours to go practice? That doesn't make any sense. It's clearly an advantage (for Elida)."
The Bulldogs (16-8) picked up a 50-47 district final win over defending state champion Toledo Libbey Saturday, March 14, at BGSU.
Albright was planning to take his team to watch the Elida-Libbey contest.
"(That) at least allows them to get used to the atmosphere," he said. "It's something you don't have control over, and at this point in the year, you don't worry about things you can't control.
"I don't think it's right, but it's not something we're going to stew about."
The winner of a Dayton district in Division I has often had to travel to Columbus for a regional. This year's entrant is Cincinnati St. Xavier, which will be among a field that includes Dublin Scioto, Grove City and Northland.
All three of the aforementioned Central Ohio teams played two district games at the Ohio Expo Center Coliseum, long known for its strange sight lines, making it tough to get acclimated.
One thing that could help the Stallions is the fact they've played in so many different types of arenas, including a trip to Florida, and games at Ohio State, Capital, Otterbein and the Coliseum, all this season.
"Our guys are used to playing in a lot of different atmospheres," Albright explained. "We try to do that from a scheduling standpoint. I think our guys realize the game's the same, no matter where you play."
DeSales junior point guard Nick Kellogg started on the team that advanced to the state final four in 2006-07, and seniors Zak Gaborcik and Nick Goff were also on that squad.
"I think that plays as an advantage for us," said Kellogg, who scored 30 points in the Stallions' 72-46 district final win over Eastmoor Academy. "We have three guys who are all starters now, and we've been there before.
"We know what it takes to get back there, so we're just going to try to haul these guys along and get back there again."
Last year's DeSales squad advanced to a district final.
The Stallions are to tip against Elida at 8 p.m. March 19. The winner plays the victor of the earlier game between Galion and Vermilion Saturday, March 21, at Bowling Green (3 p.m.).