Highlands going forward after injury to Nic Simpson

[Qryche11]

What are your thoughts on the remainder of the Birds' season now with Simpson out 4-6 weeks and McGraw still dealing with the nagging back injury? I am hearing reports that Simpson's injury probably will have him out every bit of 6 weeks and McGraw doesnt seem to be able to play on consecutive nights which may hurt them come tournament time.

 

Luke Stein reportedly is not going to end up joining the Birds as he recently had surgery on his wrist which leaves Michael Eaton and Zach Hurtt as the only Seniors left. Willie hasnt played any Juniors so it looks like its going to be the super sophomores. I know Kowolonek and Watson have started since day one and can hang but others like Grote, Grubbs, Lother, are all going to have to step up. Will the coach work Guidugli, Turner and Messer into the rotation? All Juniors and all kids who really havent seen the floor excpt for JV games.

 

Should be interesting when you take Simpson out and then worry about how much McGraw can go the remainder of the season. Outside of those two, its a lot of inexperience. I really thought this team had a shot at winnign the 9th but now I am not so sure.

[Jack of all Trades]

I do not know how many games you have attended this year, but this team did not live and die with Nic Simpson. Sure it will be a tremendous loss, but the "team" will be just fine. I believe the coach is being extra cautious with McGraw because these games do not count for much really. Kowolonek has established himself as a top notch player and Watson has performed well also. Eaton and Hurtt are good leaders and will not let this team slip into any sort of funk for very long. Messer saw significant minutes early in the season so he could definitely step in and help out. The Grote boy can play and Lother and Grubbs played well last week. So to answer the question, this team will be just fine as the season progresses.

[Qryche11]

I do not know how many games you have attended this year, but this team did not live and die with Nic Simpson. Sure it will be a tremendous loss, but the "team" will be just fine. I believe the coach is being extra cautious with McGraw because these games do not count for much really. Kowolonek has established himself as a top notch player and Watson has performed well also. Eaton and Hurtt are good leaders and will not let this team slip into any sort of funk for very long. Messer saw significant minutes early in the season so he could definitely step in and help out. The Grote boy can play and Lother and Grubbs played well last week. So to answer the question, this team will be just fine as the season progresses.

 

The reason for the post was to get some feedback like you provided, thank you. I am not saying the season is over. Its evident McGraw is playing through pain and with Simpson out that makes for a very tough stretch of games. Regardless of who is playing well at this time, you lose those two players and you immediately put yourself behind the 8 ball.

[DMZ76]

I look for more time for Grote-Lother. Turner MAY start to see a few minutes here and there...late. Messer/Guidugli didn't even get quality JV time in the 2 games I saw! Willie ought to take the time to season who he will count on next year (and late this year!). Being that he and Drew Simons aren't going to "kiss and make up"!

[extackler]

I look for more time for Grote-Lother. Turner MAY start to see a few minutes here and there...late. Messer/Guidugli didn't even get quality JV time in the 2 games I saw! Willie ought to take the time to season who he will count on next year (and late this year!). Being that he and Drew Simons aren't going to "kiss and make up"!

 

I'm not sure the Birds can rebound this quickly from what appears to be a serious injury to Simpson. Couple that along with the McGraw back issues, there's no telling how this group will move forward the rest of the season. I know they can rely on Hurtt to bring the toughness and leadership, but that won't always get you wins. This is, for the most part a young team faced with an uphill battle without their two "stars". Good Luck to them the rest of the way. DMZ76, what's the issue(s)?

[cch5432]

This very unfortunate for the Birds. It will take a lot of for Highlands to compete for the regional title with the likes of Holmes, CovCath, and Boone, as well as Holy Cross, without their best player (although some may say McGraw is). Either way, very tough loss to overcome, and the timing is mad as well.

 

But there is a reason that they play each game and Willie will have them ready. Their season isn't over yet!

[cshs81]

IF both Simpson and McGraw are out, the Birds cannot beat the top teams. That's too much talent lost.

[UnderPar]

What is wrong with Nic? What is the injury?

[pastmyprime]

What is the deal with Drew Simons? I figured he would be a big contributor this year.

[DMZ76]

Rumour has it that he and Willie clash. Drew spurned hoops as a soph, played as a junior, and did not go out as a senior. Too bad, they REALLY could use him...even if Nic was healthy! Can you ever have enough depth?

[Jack of all Trades]

Rumour has it that he and Willie clash. Drew spurned hoops as a soph, played as a junior, and did not go out as a senior. Too bad, they REALLY could use him...even if Nic was healthy! Can you ever have enough depth?

 

Looks to me that they did just fine this evening as I stated earlier that they would.

[Tiger1]

This very unfortunate for the Birds. It will take a lot of for Highlands to compete for the regional title with the likes of Holmes, CovCath, and Boone, as well as Holy Cross, without their best player (although some may say McGraw is). Either way, very tough loss to overcome, and the timing is mad as well.

 

But there is a reason that they play each game and Willie will have them ready. Their season isn't over yet!

 

Holy Cross is not even a contender for the district title, much less the regional.

[DMZ76]

Looks to me that they did just fine this evening as I stated earlier that they would.

 

They did GREAT! Beat a good Boone Cty team. But it's 1 game...and at tourney time, there's no substitute for SR. leadership! AGAIN, you can never have too much depth!

[Qryche11]

Rumour has it that he and Willie clash. Drew spurned hoops as a soph, played as a junior, and did not go out as a senior. Too bad, they REALLY could use him...even if Nic was healthy! Can you ever have enough depth?

 

Thats old news. I believe the real reason Drew didnt play was due to a shoulder injury from football that he is having checked out. No reason to risk re-injuring it in basketball when you are trying to land a scholarship in football. Trust me, no injury and Drew plays and he contributes. If he knew he wasnt going to play this season, why did he travel all across the US this past summer with his AAU team playing in Vegas, Orlando, Toledo, etc ?

[cch5432]

Holy Cross is not even a contender for the district title, much less the regional.

 

After those top 4, they are the next best team IMO. Definently far behind the 4, and probably won't win region, but if they play well they could take out a contender.