Rivalry Means Fun for Fans

Basketball is about the game, about the team, about the players, and, in a local rivalry, basketball is about the fans.  I'm not sure how long it takes fans in the student sections to prepare for the game, but the fans at the Siegel - Oakland game were on their game.  Fans from Oakland came in sporting handheld fans with the face of one of Siegel's players, chanting his name as they fanned.  Fans from Siegel, the notorious Siegel Nation, came in their Oakland gameday t-shirts, with the front row fans shirtless, chests painted to spell out

S I E G E L  N A T I O N. 

 The kids look forward to the game.  The adults look forward to the game, too, seeing how the house was pretty packed before the beginning of the girls' game.  It's a big night, an emotion-filled night, and really, it's all about who will come out the winner.

It was not a disappointing game, in the sense that our team won.  It's always frustrating when the calls by the refs don't seem to be consistent, unless they are consistently wrong.  There are no better players, coaches, or refs in the building than those in the stands.  As I move around the room taking pictures, I hear comments from fans of both teams.  The players should do this, the coaches should do that, and the refs should get glasses.  That's how it's been for years, isn't it?  I have yet to hear of a coach who says, "So, give me some ideas on what you'd do differently" to the fans.  Perhaps a town-hall style meeting is on the horizon.

Now, for the game.  Nerve-wracking might be a good description.  I guess that's what makes fans leave saying "Wow, great game!" But I'm happy to have a big lead early on and not lose it.  This game went into overtime, and this fan is glad it ended as it did.

We have some really good talent on the Siegel team.  We also have some guys who need to learn that they must play more as a team, always aware of the teammate who is in a better position to take the ball or the shot.  Siegel is full of talent.  The players must decide that they want to win badly enough that they are willing to put some thought into how they can be a better team member, not just a better ball handler.  Basketball is a thinking game, a game of strategy, often.  Lastly, foul shots make or break a game almost always.  The other team usually knows who to foul.  I hope that the other teams will be afraid to foul anyone, knowing that everyone will be making those charity line shots.

I do love watching the Siegel men play ball.  It was great to see Stephen Hurt back in play.  His improvement from last season to this season is evident.  Coach Dotson has obviously put some time into helping Hurt mature as a player.  By the end of the season, I think we'll see even more improvement.  Cedrick is a fan favorite.  He's great to watch when he decides to dunk, and amazing when he blocks a shot.  Janeal, Taj, and Treyton are drivers, not afraid to plow right into the thick of those guarding the net. Kyle shoots three-pointers like they are effortless.  Connor wasn't in much last night, but he's a good shooter, too. Labrock always hustles when he gets in the game, and I like to see him play.  Damien Clark may only be a sophomore, but he makes an impact when he enters the game.  Well, I could run through the whole roster.  How many times can I say it...Siegel has talent.  Stats are linked from our web page, so you can see for yourself the impact many of these guys had on the game last night.  Sometimes, it's the players whose names you don't see who are making just as much an impact.  Pay attention.

Tuesday night will find us at Riverdale, taking on another local rival, The Warriors.  I'm counting on our fellas bringing their best game to the building.  Sometimes, just being in a different setting brings focus that you lose oftentimes at home.  Either way, Coach D has a great group, and they are providing lots of excitement this season.    Maybe Coach Dotson will author one of the blog posts.  That would provide yet another perspective to you, the reader, the fan.