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Post by Kyle Feller on Apr 10, 2008 10:00:50 GMT -5
Sweet.....good for Joe.
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Post by cowboy on Apr 10, 2008 14:06:57 GMT -5
all of them are good kids--wish them nothing but the best, even against BC
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Post by cuphan on May 18, 2008 8:30:36 GMT -5
They could play at basically any team that Taylor puts on their pre-conference schedule. They could probably star on any team that Bethel puts on their preconference schedule - especially for those teams that play in the Gates Automotive Classic. |
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Cap'n Redbeard
New Member
In exchange for your kindness, I'll be sharing me buried treasure with ya...Once I find it, that be
Posts: 37
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Post by Cap'n Redbeard on May 22, 2008 12:08:48 GMT -5
I think it's been admirable watching the guys handle their decision, especially Joe. The guy doesn't have a bad thing to say to players or coaches alike. He's making a decision, seeking the Lord and a bit of playing time. I have incredible respect for him.
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Post by blue2blue on May 28, 2008 12:43:40 GMT -5
Bethelhoops.com shows the Pilots with 9 players on the roster. As expected they will be without Hooks, Smith and Victor in addition to the 2 seniors who are graduating.
Griffey, Everett, Ward, Gingerich and Lutz are coming in, which will leave the roster at 14. Lightfoot stated that Lutz will redshirt next year, leaving 13 players on the active roster for 08-09.
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Post by WesleyTheWildcat on May 28, 2008 13:36:56 GMT -5
Sounds like a good group for Lightfoot to have for next season. I like the mix of youth with the veterans that he will have back for 2008-2009. Next season is certainly there best chance at another title in the NAIA...
That being said, I still think they might be a little small to contend at the National Level. Don't get me wrong, I think the Pilots are the team to beat in the MCC next season hands down, however, I think there season really depends on the development of their interior guys. Ryne Lightfoot has proven to be an upper-tier player, obviously you have your "go-to" player in William Walker, along with the solid all-around game of Tyler Brown (Personally, my favorite MCC player not in an IWU uniform). Lettinga seems to know his role, same story with Lantz.
I think the season and how far they could potentially go rides heavily on the maturation of Caleb Laidig and Joe Welch. From an outsider's viewpoint (And I truly mean an outsider's view since I didn't see the Pilots in live action one time last year), I think Laidig suprised many while Welch probably dissapointed some, not all, but some. I think for the Pilots to have a shot at a title, they need a consistent body to put in the middle beyond Walker.
Laidig to me could also be a big factor. He proved last year as a freshman why half the conference was after him. He is big, versatile, and seemed to show a "clutch" factor not seen by many at such a young age on a team with plenty of other star-caliber players.
This is just my opinion, but I also believe the MCC will be down next year. Part of that is because last season seemed to have more than its fair share of solid teams. Beyond Bethel, I don't see any sure thing. IWU comes back with mostly the same with a potential big-addition in Adler but nobody knows which team will show up and if the 2008-2009 Wildcats will be more like 2006 or 2007. Huntington seems poised for a nice future but I'm unconvinced they have even a collection of players that can make up for Sheckler. USF will certainly be better (If they stay out of trouble) but they are a HUGE wildcard. Goshen is the same with the McCollum show and I think Grace takes a big drop. Taylor doesn't seem much improved, same with Spring Arbor, and Marian...
I don't wanna sound like a downer here because Bethel had a tremendous year last season and brings back nearly everyone plus a few quality additions, but something just tells me they are still a player, maybe two away from a Championship-Caliber team. The same could be said for the rest of the MCC too however and then some...
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Post by Kyle Feller on May 28, 2008 13:43:00 GMT -5
I agree with you for the most part Wesley.
Joe Welch is the X-Factor for this Bethel squad next season. That being said, after watching Jake Everett in person I believe he can be a solid contributor next year for the Pilots. He is a very versatile inside/out guy and I know our man Bobby Morton will do wonders with him in the gym.
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Post by cowboy on May 28, 2008 13:43:30 GMT -5
Sounds like a good group for Lightfoot to have for next season. I like the mix of youth with the veterans that he will have back for 2008-2009. Next season is certainly there best chance at another title in the NAIA... That being said, I still think they might be a little small to contend at the National Level. Don't get me wrong, I think the Pilots are the team to beat in the MCC next season hands down, however, I think there season really depends on the development of their interior guys. Ryne Lightfoot has proven to be an upper-tier player, obviously you have your "go-to" player in William Walker, along with the solid all-around game of Tyler Brown (Personally, my favorite MCC player not in an IWU uniform). Lettinga seems to know his role, same story with Lantz. I think the season and how far they could potentially go rides heavily on the maturation of Caleb Laidig and Joe Welch. From an outsider's viewpoint (And I truly mean an outsider's view since I didn't see the Pilots in live action one time last year), I think Laidig suprised many while Welch probably dissapointed some, not all, but some. I think for the Pilots to have a shot at a title, they need a consistent body to put in the middle beyond Walker. Laidig to me could also be a big factor. He proved last year as a freshman why half the conference was after him. He is big, versatile, and seemed to show a "clutch" factor not seen by many at such a young age on a team with plenty of other star-caliber players. This is just my opinion, but I also believe the MCC will be down next year. Part of that is because last season seemed to have more than its fair share of solid teams. Beyond Bethel, I don't see any sure thing. IWU comes back with mostly the same with a potential big-addition in Adler but nobody knows which team will show up and if the 2008-2009 Wildcats will be more like 2006 or 2007. Huntington seems poised for a nice future but I'm unconvinced they have even a collection of players that can make up for Sheckler. USF will certainly be better (If they stay out of trouble) but they are a HUGE wildcard. Goshen is the same with the McCollum show and I think Grace takes a big drop. Taylor doesn't seem much improved, same with Spring Arbor, and Marian... I don't wanna sound like a downer here because Bethel had a tremendous year last season and brings back nearly everyone plus a few quality additions, but something just tells me they are still a player, maybe two away from a Championship-Caliber team. The same could be said for the rest of the MCC too however and then some... Bethel can play with anyone in the paint--outside shooting and exterior quickness will determine how well they do next year--but I think they will be the class of a very good MCC. |
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Post by WesleyTheWildcat on May 28, 2008 13:53:23 GMT -5
I haven't read this whole thread but what happened to K.C. Victor?
Also, cowboy, what makes you think they can play with anyone in the paint? Outside of Walker they don't really have anyone that play very well consistently with their back-to-the-basket. Lettinga is a solid player but I wouldn't categorize him as a real post-threat. I forgot to mention Wes Laidig in my previous post. He was outstanding last season in a variety of roles but I don't seem him as a great post-threat either.
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Post by Formerbruin on May 28, 2008 14:05:57 GMT -5
Cowboy, what makes you think they [BC] can play with anyone in the paint? He's seen them play. |
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Post by WesleyTheWildcat on May 28, 2008 15:16:42 GMT -5
Thanks for that convincing argument
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Post by Kyle Feller on May 28, 2008 15:18:47 GMT -5
Thanks for that convincing argument ;D Wesley...i'm on your side buddy. |
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Post by WesleyTheWildcat on May 28, 2008 16:24:10 GMT -5
Thanks Fellar.... Just because we don't live in Indiana doesn't mean we don't have at least a little bit of knowledge about what's going on right?  Or at least we like to tell ourselves. |
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Post by rubalamp on May 28, 2008 16:26:17 GMT -5
Yes, what did happen to Victor?
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Post by Loucks on May 28, 2008 16:30:14 GMT -5
From the little bit I heard, I don't know if Bethel and KC Victor were a good fit for each other. KC decided to go somewhere else (which he hasn't decided last I heard) and continue his education.
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