Things I Learned Tonight

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by fiasco

Forgive my ignorance, but what is 8th grade varsity?

A team that consists of average, and above average, usually older, middle school basketball players who play on one of a school's boys, or girls, basketball teams. The junior varsity team probably consists of average, or below average, usually younger, middle school basketball players who play on the other one of a school's boys, or girls, basketball teams.

If you don't believe me, then check out the American Heritage Dictionary: Varsity: The principal team representing a university, college, or school in sports, games, or other competitions.

We have a few Catholic schools around my little corner of Connecticut that have varsity A, varsity B, junior varsity A, junior varsity B, and junior varsity C teams. Any student that wants to play, plays, on a team at the appropriate skill, and age level.

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I was poking a bit at Billy with that.

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

We have a few Catholic schools around my little corner of Connecticut that have varsity A, varsity B, junior varsity A, junior varsity B, and junior varsity C teams. Any student that wants to play, plays, on a team at the appropriate skill, and age level.

Is this also one of those leagues that doesn't keep score and gives every kid a trophy at the end of the season?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by fiasco

Is this also one of those leagues that doesn't keep score and gives every kid a trophy at the end of the season?

Actually, this is a pretty serious basketball league, perhaps too serous. The only "kid friendly" component of the league is that, with the exception of the "varsity" teams, all the players must play in every game.

They keep score. Standings are kept. There's a seeded tournament at the end of the season for "varsity", and "junior varsity A" teams. League champions, and runnerups, move onto the state championship, and the state champion moves on to the New England championship.

And they like to have competent officials work their games, and are willing to pay for such officials. About $40.00 a game for seven minute period "varsity" games, and about $30.00 a game for six minute period "junior varsity" games.

We Catholics take our basketball very seriously, almost as seriously as bingo.

[Johnny Ringo]

I learned in my 8th grade boys basketball game that the defensive player is NOT allowed to strike the backboard when attempting to block a shot. And that it should be a technical foul.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ringo

I learned in my 8th grade boys basketball game that the defensive player is NOT allowed to strike the backboard when attempting to block a shot. And that it should be a technical foul.

Well, it could be worse. Most myths regarding this play interpret this as basket interference, or goaltending, which includes awarding the basket if the ball doesn't go in.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ringo

I learned in my 8th grade boys basketball game that the defensive player is NOT allowed to strike the backboard when attempting to block a shot. And that it should be a technical foul.

I learned that in a varsity game a few years ago.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

...my little corner of Connecticut ...

to save keystrokes (for seemingly every post), I think you should change your name to "BillyMac...In my little corner of Connecticut"

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Coaches

One or both?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bainsey

One or both?

It was a mix.

[bainsey]

Nice. I can't say that I've heard #4 before. What were the circumstances of #2?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Nice. I can't say that I've heard #4 before. What were the circumstances of #2?

Long strides, player caught the ball at the top of the key on the run.

[bainsey]

Got it. I had one a few years ago where the player thought she "only took two steps." She did, but she had a foot in the air when she caught the ball. That non-pivot foot came down (one), then the pivot foot went up and came down (two) before the ball was released.

[Adam]

He caught it just after alighting from his left, giving him quite a bit of legal distance. The other coach had questioned a non call earlier on a perfect jump stop setting up a last second three.

[Scratch85]

A Double Foul results in an AP throw in. Biggest problem was that I learned it from my partner.

Fotunately he was easily persuaded otherwise.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Scratch85

A Double Foul results in an AP throw in. Biggest problem was that I learned it from my partner.

I had that same situation four or so years ago.

Loose ball. A-1 secures the ball, then bumps off B-2. Easy player control for me, but my partner had the foul on B-2. No biggie, double foul, A's ball. My partner went as far as putting his hands on my shoulders and looking me square in the eyes that we go to the arrow. I held firm, and my partner checked the rule book after the game.

If I had to do it again, I would have explained to Coach B what just happened. We moved along a bit too erratically, which can cause those around you to lose faith easily.