Breaking the Ice (Danville vs. TriWest)

One down, the rest of the season to go.

Last night the Danville Warriors hosted the TriWest Bruins in their season opener. Despite a season with high expectations, all bets go out the window with a season opening, conference game with an intense rival that has a natural playmaker like Tri-West Senior, Randall Lowe (Huntington University). Last night proved to the be the roller coaster ride the Warrior fans had feared it might be.

The Warriors jumped out to a quick start. Tyler Hall (13 pointsts, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals) initiated a spark with the first rebound, first steal and first bucket all in the opening minutes. With rounded out scoring (almost the entire starting five had scored within 3-4 minutes) from Senior Travis Carroll (16 points, 14 rebounds), Senior Jordan Weidner (16 points, 6 rebounds) and Senior Michael Humphrey (6 points, 3 steals, 3 assists), and a much improved, intense defense, the Warriors jumped out to a 22 point lead.

In a textbook, and in my opinion the correct, move, Coach Brian Barber (204-89 overall, 166-65 in 1tth year at Danville) opted to go deep in his bench early and rest his starters and expose the talented, yet inexperienced Junior class to some much needed varsity time.

However, unable to foresee a few questionable calls, an uncanny and rare shooting slump by his players and the scoring rampage forthcoming by Lowe (25 pts), the Warriors found themselves in danger of losing control late (The Warriors led the entire game).

After cutting the lead to within 3, the Bruins momentum was interrupted when Lowe went down with a leg cramp. The Warriors took advantage and started to pull away...until a very hard, and dangerous, leg cutting foul by TriWest, against Danvilles Jordan Weidner (Indiana Wesleyen) not only went essentially unpunished but Weidner was also called for a technical foul for, rightfully so, being upset with the undercut. Nevermind, well, nevermind period. At least we're not Carmel football fans this morning. They really have a reason to be upset with IHSAA sanctioned referees.

Here are a few more thoughts on the game:

First of all, kudos to TriWest. In a season that will begin with uncertainty because of a loss of personnel and a first year coach at the helm, they played hard. They showed no signs of fear or worry about they hype. Despite Lowe carrying the scoring load (which they will most certainly have to get away from to an extent) they seemed to play hard and work together. Hopefully a sign that new coach Adam Bontreger (previously of 1A Southern Wells) has injected some much needed passion and energy.

Next, dare I say it? Free throws...ouch. I would imagine that will be addressed in practice Monday. Enough said.

Also, it was only the first game, I understand, but the offense looked a little sluggish and occasionally confused at times. Very uncharacteristic for this talented group, and very un-Barberish overall. But it's very early and with many new faces, it is only natural that they still have to find their new offensive identity. No doubt that will come.

Carroll (Purdue) needs a few more touches. Now, with this group, where anyone can put up double figures on any given night, that can be an argueable point. However, in a philosophy much like in football where the run game sets up the passing game, so goes basketballs "inside/out" strategy. With a high profile, 6'10", dominating player like Carroll who demands so much attention it only makes sense to start there. Make no mistake, that is also something that I'm sure will also be addressed Monday.

Another offensive point that I've noticed is that this team picks very well. However, just about like every other high school player I've ever seen, they don't receive them well. A good pick must be set well but more importantly the man receiving needs to get close and set his man up to be rubbed off. I think that small dynamic may certainly help this team progress throughout the year.

With that said, Senior Michael Humprey had an off shooting night. That's going to happen. He is an invaluable offensive assett and could have very easily been in double figures and more. No worries there. It'll come.

Jordan Weidener looked aggressive and strong as we knew he would. He drove to the hoop strong and drew several fouls. Fearless.

Tyler Hall sliced through TriWest's man to man defense with a burst of speed and ease that will undoubtedly come in to play throughout the year.

Finally, Senior Kyle Mackey's (4 pts) stoic demeanor came into play down the stretch when he hit several key freethrows.

Defensively, I'm sure Barber may object after letting Lowe go on a scoring rampage in the 3rd, but I think, personally, that last night was a glimpse into just how much better defensively this group has gotten in the off season. Lowe is slippery and good at not only creating his own shot but initiating contact to draw fouls. He is going to get his points. However, overall I thought it was an encouraging effort.

Overall, I'm going to give this performance, with all things considered, a B. First game, conference game, questionable officiating, etc. They did fairly well, but have some room for improvement. However, we must remember that there are a lot of new faces and there are a lot of offensive threats here. It will take some time for these boys, and Barber, to figure out what their dominant role will be this year and settle in.

Next game: Friday December 4th @ Avon H.S.

Danville 61, Tri-West 56
Travis Carroll and Jordan Weidner each scored 16 points, heading a balanced attack for the Class 3A No. 3 Warriors in their home-court victory over the Bruins. The Sagamore Conference game was the season opener for both teams.
Tyler Hall chipped in 13 points for the Warriors, who built a 20-point lead in the second quarter. Tri-West's Randall Lowe was the game's high scorer with 25 points and teammate Joe Pierle added 15.


Tri-West 6 10 12 28 -- 56
Danville 14 16 11 20 -- 61


Tri-West -- Lowe 25, Joe Pierle 15, Waite 7, Keck 6, McVicker 3, Chastian 0, Moore 0, Moxley 0, Josh Pierle 0. Totals: 19 14-24 56. 3-pointers: Joe Pierle 3, McVicker.
Danville -- Carroll 16, Weidner 16, Hall 13, Humphrey 6, Chalfant 4, Mackey 4, Schaffer 2, Leonard 0. Totals: 19 22-33 61. 3-pointers: Weidner.