Along the Lines

Reported on Sunday, November 9, 2014

Friday night (Oct. 7th) I headed across the border to take in my 1st college game of the season.  One of probably a hundred or so during a long graining marathon of a season.  I wanted to get a glimpse of a promising Notre Dame squad which was taking on a thirsty Lewis University group, a Division II program who came into the game with aspirations of an upset victory over the fighting Irish, the night before the top 10 ranked Division II team nearly beat DePaul, dropping a 4 point squeaker.  “The truth be told”, any sniff of an upset this night was put on life-support from the start!  Notre Dame actually cruised through the ball-game, mostly holding on to leads that pummeled to 15-20 margins.  The Irish preseason all-conference guard Jerian Grant netted thirty points, twenty coming in the first half.  The game likely could be viewed as a confidence booster for a Lewis squad with lofty expectations this season.  Two bright spots formulated from the lop-sided affair for Lewis U. (1) No one was injured (2) The sparkling play of freshman guard Max Strus (Stagg).  Next season’s arrival of all-purpose guard Jake Reinhart and returning front-line of Kyle Nelson 6-7, Brad Foster 6-8 and Jared Ellis 6-8 gives the program reasons to dream big for the future. 

I continued my journey of lingering through Hoosier land on Saturday (Oct. 8th).  Michigan City, Indiana was my destination – the Don Bosco Prep Classic held at Marquette High.  I caught an up-close glance at future University Illinois guard Jalen Coleman.  The six foot three shooter did not disappoint either.  The Indianapolis native suits-up for La Lumiere, all circuits processing, he could provide instant scoring next season in Champaign.  La Lumiere also has a collection of talent starting with 6-9 Canadian Nolan Narian who looks like a future stud, this daunting 2016 gem is a powerful athlete, finishes plays with authority and capable of being a devastating shot-blocker.  6-10 senior Alex Olesinski a New Mexico native looks like a finesse 4 man.  The lefty can shoot 3’s and attack the rim.  Olensinski could flourish in the right situation – Perhaps Mountain West Conference.