On a night when the Rollins College Tars played in front of a sparse crowd due to winter break and had to provide some energy by some highlight reel dunks the Tars knocked off Claiflin 65-56. First the Tars had to shake off some rust, after playing for the first time in 15 days at Warden Arena.
The Tars (6-4) were led by a balanced attack. Mitch Woods led the Tars with 14 points to go along with a season high nine assists. Scott Schuette had three big 3-pointers and tallied 11 points. Alex Blessig added 10 points and six assists. The Tars also got eight points each from Chris Uhle and Jeff Dirkin. Dirkin also grabbed eight rebounds. Uhle also added four blocked shots. The Tars shot 56 percent from the field on the game (24-43.) They also shot 55 percent (11-20) from the 3-point line in the contest. They shot just 60 percent (6-10) at the foul line. The Tars won the rebounding battle 34-29. The Tars had 18 assists and 11 turnovers. The win was the fifth straight for Rollins after a 1-4 start.
The Panthers only had one player score in double figures. Montel Williams drained seven 3-pointers en route to a 23 point effort. Marcelus Dunn added nine points and five rebounds. Brandon Curry added eight in the loss. Just like many teams have against the Tars this season, the Panthers struggled against the zone defense. Claiflin managed just 56 points on 35 percent shooting from the field. They were 9- of 21 from the 3-point line with Williams accounting for 7 of 14. The Panters shot 47 percent (7-15) at the foul line. They had 15 assists and seven turnovers.
Neither team could find the basket in the early going. The Panthers would finally score the game's first basket at the 16:53 mark. The Tars would then run off the next seven points. The Tars zone continued to stymie Claiflin and they would open up a 15 point lead (24-9) at the 6:46 mark of the opening half. The Tars would stretch that lead out to 16 on a pair of ocassions but the Panters would get to within 11 just before the halftime buzzer. After a pair of missed free throws by Trip McFall with three second in the opening half, Adam Allen would tip one in at the buzzer to give the Tars a 13 point lead (36-23) at the break.
The first 6:15 of the second half would see the Tars stretch that lead to 20 (49-29) which was the biggest of the contest on a Uhle 3-pointer. The Panthers would get to within eight (52-44) before a Schuette 3-pointer stretched the lead back to 11 at the 9:26 mark. The Panthers would get to within eight again on a Dunn 3-pointer, but Blessig would answer to give the Tars a 11 point lead (58-47) with 7:52 to go. The Tars would hang on down the stretch and secure the victory.
Rollins will take another long break as they will not play again until January 4th. The Tars will battle Tampa at the Bob Martinez Sports Center on that day. As always you can catch all the action on the Tars sports network and 91.5 FM WPRK Winter Park and round the world at RollinsSports.com
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tars Welcome Claiflin Thursday.
The Rollins Tars (5-4) will play for the first time in over two weeks Thursday when they welcome the Panthers of Claiflin (3-6) to Warden Arena. Both teams will be looking for a early win in the South region.
Rollins, winners of four straight will look to keep the momentum going after shaking off a 1-4 start. Adam Allen had a career- high 21 points as the Tars knocked off defending SSC champ Saint Leo in the conference opener on December 4th. Mitch Woods added 17, and Alex Blessig netted 13.
The Tars zone defense continues to stymie opponents. They lead the SSC and are fourth nationally allowing just 59.8 points a contest. USC Aiken is the only team to score 70 points on the Tars thus far this season. The Tars opponents are shooting 40 percent overall- and 34 percent from the 3-point line on the year.
Woods is leading the Tars box score, he averages 12.1 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The sharp-shooting Allen adds 12 a night. Allen is shooting 50 percent from the floor on the year. Blessig adds 9.8 points- and- 3.2 steals a game. The Tars are 19th in the nation in blocked shots with 47. The trio of Jeff Dirkin (13,) Chris Uhle (12,) and Lukas Winegarner (12) do a majority of the shot blocking.
Claiflin (3-6) will face Rollins for the first time in men's basketball. The Panthers have dropped four straight. They are coming off a 81-65 loss to Barry in Miami Shores on Tuesday. Marcelius Dunn led the Panthers with 18 points in the defeat. Kendall Jackson (14,) Adolph Caldwell (13,) and Anton Miller (10) scored in double figures. The Panthers did have a win over Nova Southeastern of the Sunshine State Conference. They have losses against Barry and Florida Tech.
Jarrod Denard leads the Panthers in scoring at 18 a game. Dunn nets 15 a night, while Montel Williams scores 10.3 a contest.
The line: Rollins by 12
Rollins, winners of four straight will look to keep the momentum going after shaking off a 1-4 start. Adam Allen had a career- high 21 points as the Tars knocked off defending SSC champ Saint Leo in the conference opener on December 4th. Mitch Woods added 17, and Alex Blessig netted 13.
The Tars zone defense continues to stymie opponents. They lead the SSC and are fourth nationally allowing just 59.8 points a contest. USC Aiken is the only team to score 70 points on the Tars thus far this season. The Tars opponents are shooting 40 percent overall- and 34 percent from the 3-point line on the year.
Woods is leading the Tars box score, he averages 12.1 points, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The sharp-shooting Allen adds 12 a night. Allen is shooting 50 percent from the floor on the year. Blessig adds 9.8 points- and- 3.2 steals a game. The Tars are 19th in the nation in blocked shots with 47. The trio of Jeff Dirkin (13,) Chris Uhle (12,) and Lukas Winegarner (12) do a majority of the shot blocking.
Claiflin (3-6) will face Rollins for the first time in men's basketball. The Panthers have dropped four straight. They are coming off a 81-65 loss to Barry in Miami Shores on Tuesday. Marcelius Dunn led the Panthers with 18 points in the defeat. Kendall Jackson (14,) Adolph Caldwell (13,) and Anton Miller (10) scored in double figures. The Panthers did have a win over Nova Southeastern of the Sunshine State Conference. They have losses against Barry and Florida Tech.
Jarrod Denard leads the Panthers in scoring at 18 a game. Dunn nets 15 a night, while Montel Williams scores 10.3 a contest.
The line: Rollins by 12
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tars Knock Off Lions in Conference Opener.
The Rollins College Tars scored a 74-68 win over the Saint Leo Lions in a thrilling Sunshine State Conference opener for both teams at Warden Arena. The game featured eight- ties -and 16- lead changes before the Tars came out on top.
Rollins improved to 5-4 with their fourth straight win after a 1-4 start. Three Tars scored in double figures on the evening. Adam Allen had a career-high 21 points in 26 minutes. The grad student from Milton,Fla. was 8- of- 11- from the field (3- of- 5- from the 3-point line.) He also nailed his only two free throw attempts that "iced" the win for the Tars. Mitch Woods added 17 points, including eight in the final two minutes. Woods also had six rebounds- and- three- steals. Alex Blessig netted 13 points and also added four assists in 34 minutes.
The Tars shot 56 percent from the floor in this game, that included a 40- percent clip (8-20) from the 3-point line. The Tars struggled at the foul line where they shot 50 percent (8-of- 16.) The Tars had 16 assists- 10 turnovers- and- seven- steals.
Saint Leo fell for just the second time this season. The Lions record is now 8-2 and 0-1 in the SSC. They were led by Jerrel Harris who scored 24 points. The conference's leading scorer came in averaging 21.3 points a game, but was held to just eight in the second half Wednesday on 2- of- 9- shooting. Spencer Mitchell chipped in 11 for the Lions, while Chim Kadima netted 10 and grabbed six rebounds. The Lions shot 43 percent from the floor in this one. Leo shot 38 percent from the 3-point line. They shot 67 percent at the free throw line and out rebounded the Tars 32-27. The Lions had 16 assists-12 turnovers- and six steals.
The Tars got off to a quick start and led 14-6 five minutes in capped by a Lukas Winegarner free throw. The Lions would counter with a 15-1 run as a Mitchell lay- in would give the Lions a six point lead. The Tars would battle back and a Allen lay up would give them the lead back 25-24 with 6:21 in the half. The Lions would regain the lead and take the two point lead into the locker room.
The second half began much the same way as the first did as Uhle and Blessig would get the Tars the lead back after two possessions. The next 12 minutes would feature four ties and eight lead changes.
A Blessig lay up would regain the lead for the Tars (63-62.) That would be short-lived as Devin Crisoto would give the Lions the lead back on a conventional 3-point play.
Woods would then come up huge for the home team. He would tie it at 65 with a lay-up and then a old fashioned 3-point play with 1:45 left gave the Tars a 68-65 lead. Cadima missed a potential game tying 3-pointer and then a Woods free throw would stretch the Tars lead to four. After a Lions turnover, Woods would score again to stretch the lead to six with 33 seconds left. Harris would nail a 3-pointer to cut the lead in half at the 27 second mark. Allen would then "ice it" for the Tars with a pair of free throws.
Rollins will take a break for final exams and will resume when they take on Claiflin December 19th at 7 PM. You can catch everything Rollins on the Tars sports network 91.5 WPRK and worldwide at Rollins Sports.com
Rollins improved to 5-4 with their fourth straight win after a 1-4 start. Three Tars scored in double figures on the evening. Adam Allen had a career-high 21 points in 26 minutes. The grad student from Milton,Fla. was 8- of- 11- from the field (3- of- 5- from the 3-point line.) He also nailed his only two free throw attempts that "iced" the win for the Tars. Mitch Woods added 17 points, including eight in the final two minutes. Woods also had six rebounds- and- three- steals. Alex Blessig netted 13 points and also added four assists in 34 minutes.
The Tars shot 56 percent from the floor in this game, that included a 40- percent clip (8-20) from the 3-point line. The Tars struggled at the foul line where they shot 50 percent (8-of- 16.) The Tars had 16 assists- 10 turnovers- and- seven- steals.
Saint Leo fell for just the second time this season. The Lions record is now 8-2 and 0-1 in the SSC. They were led by Jerrel Harris who scored 24 points. The conference's leading scorer came in averaging 21.3 points a game, but was held to just eight in the second half Wednesday on 2- of- 9- shooting. Spencer Mitchell chipped in 11 for the Lions, while Chim Kadima netted 10 and grabbed six rebounds. The Lions shot 43 percent from the floor in this one. Leo shot 38 percent from the 3-point line. They shot 67 percent at the free throw line and out rebounded the Tars 32-27. The Lions had 16 assists-12 turnovers- and six steals.
The Tars got off to a quick start and led 14-6 five minutes in capped by a Lukas Winegarner free throw. The Lions would counter with a 15-1 run as a Mitchell lay- in would give the Lions a six point lead. The Tars would battle back and a Allen lay up would give them the lead back 25-24 with 6:21 in the half. The Lions would regain the lead and take the two point lead into the locker room.
The second half began much the same way as the first did as Uhle and Blessig would get the Tars the lead back after two possessions. The next 12 minutes would feature four ties and eight lead changes.
A Blessig lay up would regain the lead for the Tars (63-62.) That would be short-lived as Devin Crisoto would give the Lions the lead back on a conventional 3-point play.
Woods would then come up huge for the home team. He would tie it at 65 with a lay-up and then a old fashioned 3-point play with 1:45 left gave the Tars a 68-65 lead. Cadima missed a potential game tying 3-pointer and then a Woods free throw would stretch the Tars lead to four. After a Lions turnover, Woods would score again to stretch the lead to six with 33 seconds left. Harris would nail a 3-pointer to cut the lead in half at the 27 second mark. Allen would then "ice it" for the Tars with a pair of free throws.
Rollins will take a break for final exams and will resume when they take on Claiflin December 19th at 7 PM. You can catch everything Rollins on the Tars sports network 91.5 WPRK and worldwide at Rollins Sports.com
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Meet the 2013-14 Rollins College Tars!
Starters:
Alex Blessig (#3)
Guard (Berlin, Germany) (Florida Gulf Coast)
6 foot-2, 181 lbs.
sophomore
Played in 13 games with Florida Gulf Coast last season. Played 5.1 minutes a game. Was 4- of-12- from the field and 2- of- 5- from the 3-point line on the season. Scored a career high eight points vs Ave Maria.
On the adjustment from D1 to DII basketball:
"I am working on offense and defense everyday."
On the zone defense:
"Florida Gulf Coast played some zone so it was not an extremely hard transition to the zone the Tars play."
On Coming to Rollins:
" Rollins was not only a great basketball fit for me, but was also academically exactly what I was looking for."
On his natural position:
"Naturally a point guard but can slide to the off-guard."
On the expectations for the season:
" Try to do well in conference. Do well in NCAA's and get better every day."
On the chemistry of this team:
"We have great team chemistry- we have a great mix of veterans and new guys. Veterans do a great job of helping the new guys on and off the court.
Pete's take: Blessig is learning the offense and will continue to get better at learning it. He will be a big key to this team's success. Can not win if he does not perform well at the Point Guard position.
Mitch Woods (#22)
Guard (Naples,Fla.) (Community School of Naples)
6 foot-3, 210 lbs.
senior
Transfer from Appalachian State
2012-13: Played in every game for the Tars. Averaged 28 minutes a night. Averaged 8.8 points- and 4.3 rebounds a night. Was second on the team with 82 assists. Shot 47- percent- from the field and 42- percent from the 3-point line- and 76 percent- from the foul line. Scored in double digits 13 times- and led the team in scoring- three times.
2011-12: Played in 30 games for Appalachian State. Played 14 minutes a night, averaged 2.1 points- and- one- rebound a game. Started the first four games of the season.
2010-11: Played in 26 games, started 17 as a freshman. Averaged 20-minutes a game. Scored 1.9 points- and grabbed- three rebounds a night. Was second on the team with 63 assists. Season was cut short by injury.
Graduate Assistant Juan Bernal said this about Woods:
"Mitch is the team's best player on both ends of the floor. This team will go as far as Mitch carries them.
Pete's take: The heart and soul of this year's Tars.
Chris Uhle (#24)
Center
Ocala,Fla. (Trinity Cathlolic High School)
6- foot- 11, 245 lbs.
junior
Is a sharpshooting big man who had a breakout sophomore season last year. Gives the Tars experience and versatility.
2012-13: He played in all 30 games- averaging 15 minutes a night. Posted 5.3 points- and 2.2- rebounds- a- game. Shot 41 percent from the field- 43 percent from the 3-point line- and made 90 percent of his free throws.
Adam Allen said this to say about his fellow front court mates:
" I would not be surprised if we saw three bigs on the floor at the same time. These guys have made significant strides since last year.
Fellow front court mate Jeff Dirkin had this to say about Uhle's game:
"Chris has been one of our more consistent players. He does a great job of staying on balance and with his high release he is really tough to stop."
Pete's take: Uhle will need to knock down open three's and will block several shots, as well as alter his share. One of the best strokes you will ever see from a man his size.
Jeff Dirkin (#5)
Forward
Oak Park,Ill. (Oak Park High School)
6- foot- 8, 210 lbs.
redshirt junior
Is in his fourth year with the program. He is a long and lanky big man. Is known for his long defensive ability and his hook shot. Has played in every Tars game the past two seasons.
2012-13: Started in all 30 games- averaged 24.7 minutes a game. Scored 4.3 points- and- grabbed 3.7 rebounds- a night. Was second on the team with 37 blocked shots- and third on the team with- 25 steals.
2011-12: Played in all 27 games. He made five starts. Averaged 3.5 points- and- 2.7 rebounds- a game. Was third on the team with 13- blocked shots.
2010-11: redshirted
Adam Allen said this about Dirkin's leadership:
" Dirkin isn't afraid to voice his opinion either and he brings great energy to practice.
Dirkin on his role on the offensive end:
" This year on the offensive end I am looking to hit the open 3-pointer, and score from the right block.
Pete's take: Dirkin will be one of the vocal leaders of this group. He has improved a great deal on offense since joining the program.
Adam Allen (#40)
forward
Milton,Fla. (Milton High School)
6- foot- 8, 222 lbs.
grad student
Transfer from University of Florida
On the expectations for the season:
" We were picked to finish fourth in the conference, but every person on this team feels we are better than that.
Allen said this about the Tars chances in conference:
" I expect us to finish better than last year and challenge Southern for the conference title."
Allen has been playing college basketball since the 2007-08 season at the University of Florida. He had two medical redshirts and still has knee problems. He will not be able to play a lot of second nights of back to back's.
About his knees Allen says:
" Knees have held up well so far. My focus will be to strengthen the muscles around my knee by doing yoga and rehab. Could only participate in 2-3 practices a week before the season started. Now that the season has begun the days i'm not practicing I will be conditioning in the pool and riding the stationary bike."
Allen added this comment.
" The biggest struggle for me this year will be staying in basketball playing shape without playing basketball on a daily basis."
Pete's take: You have to give Allen a ton of credit for sticking with hoops and fighting through all the knee problems. An emotional leader on this team and probably the team's best pure shooter.
Bench:
Lukas Winegarner (#35)
Forward
Sodertalje,Sweden (Radford)
6- foot- 9- 215 lbs.
senior
2012-13: Played in 26 games- averaged eight minutes- a night. Averaged 2.6 points- and 1.8- rebounds- a game.
2011-12: Played in 28 games for Radford. Averaged 10 minutes a night. Averaged 2.2 points- and 2.3 rebounds- a game.
2010-11: Played in 26 games as a Freshman Played 10 minutes a game. Averaged 2.8 points- and- 2,3 rebounds- a night. Shot 39- percent from the field- and 56 percent- from the 3-point line.
Talking about Winegarner on the offensive end. Dirkin said:
" It's going to be very important for Lukas and myself to be able to handle the ball for 2-3 dribbles in our offense and be effective."
Pete's take: Winegarner will need to rebound well for this team. He will also need to continue to improve his ball handling skills on the offensive end.
Scott Schuette (#33)
Guard
Lexington,Ky. (Lexington Catholic)
6- foot- 3 180 lbs.
junior
Is a three year letter winner and sharpshooter. Also is a veteran leader. Looking to be a scorer and key distributor.
2012-13: Played in 28 games- played 13 minutes a game. Averaged 3.5 points- and 1.6 rebounds- a game. Shot 34 percent from the field- and 32- percent- from the 3-point line. Was 14-18 at the foul line.
2011-12: Played in all 27 games. Averaged 5.1 points- and 1.7- rebounds a game. Had four double digit scoring games. Had 44 assists- one block- and- 18 steals on the season. Shot 33 percent from the 3-point line- and 75 percent- at the foul line.
Pete's take: Schuette will need to be a big key if this team is to have a good season. He must return to the sharpshooter he was his freshman year, after struggling with his shot a year ago.
Trip McFall (#10)
Guard
Indianapolis,Indiana (North Central High School)
6- foot- 3, 195 lbs.
redshirt junior
Is one of the team captain's and a team leader. Here are a couple of his teammates thoughts on Trip as a leader.
Blessig said:
" Trip is one of the reasons this team has such great team chemistry. They have a good mix of veterans and new guys. The veterans (such as Trip) do a great job of helping the new guys on and off the court."
Allen agreed:
" These guys have great team chemistry mostly led by Trip, Mitch and myself. They have made a point to organize team events and include the younger guys in the social scenes."
Bernal weighed in on McFall as a leader:
"Team captain. Emotional leader. Will play spot minutes off the bench. Shooting is his best asset."
Alen reflected back on McFall's season as a redshirt:
" Trip redshirted and he furthered his knowledge of the offense and learned how to help the guys understand there roles."
McFall played in 17 games last year averaging 7.9 minutes a game. Scored 13 points on the season. Has nine assists- and- six- steals- on the year.
2011-12: redshirt
2010-11: Played in 27 games. Logged 6.1 minutes a contest. Averaged 1.5 points- 0.3 rebounds- and- 0.3 assists a game. Shot 43- percent- from the floor- and- 50- percent- from the 3-point line.
Pete's take: Will need McFall to regain his shooting form of his freshman year as well, along with Schuette.
James Ferrell (#11)
Guard
Winter Park,Fla (Winter Park High School)
6 foot, 125 lbs.
redshirt sopomore
2011-12: Redshirt
2012-13: Played in 12 games. Averaged three minutes a game. Averaged 1.5 points- and- 0.5- rebounds- a night. Made 12- of- 13- free- throws on the season.
Pete's take: Will play hard and give team quality minutes when on the floor. Will need to spell Blessig every once in a while. Very good passer. Won two state championships while at Winter Park High.
Shariff Almula (#0)
guard/forward
Orlando,Fla. (Timber Creek High School)
6 foot 3, 175 lbs.
sophomore
Transfer from Shenandoah University
Bernal on Almula:
" Versatile guard who can also play the wing. Four year varsity player at Timber Creek. Can shoot it decently and his length will be useful in some of the Tars various zone schemes."
Pete's take: One of the new players that could be a key for the Tars by mid- season.
Joey Galvis (#32)
Guard
Tampa,Fla. (Tampa Jesuit High School)
6- foot- 1- 165 lbs.
freshman
Is a shifty guard who gives the team perimeter depth. Won a high school state championship last season.
Blessig on Galvis:
" He is a great character guy who works hard each day. He shoots the ball very well and makes the extra pass when needed.
Bernal on Galvis:
"A walk- on guard that is an above average shooter. Tars looking to bring him along."
Allen on Galvis:
" Joey is a knockdown shooter. Joey has a good feel for the game, but with the depth to compete with guys like Schuette and MCFall minutes will be hard to come by.
Pete's take: A decent shooter who will have to "pay his dues" before he sees any floor time. Is stuck behind some of the more experienced shooters like Schuette and McFall.
Bridger Dawson (#55)
Center/Forward
Aspen,Co. (Aspen High School)
6- foot- 8, 220 lbs.
redshirt sophomore
2012-13- Played in 13 games. Had eight points- and- nine- rebounds for the season.
2011-12: Redshirted
Pete's take: Will benefit from practicing against the likes of Winegarner. Dirkin, Allen, and Uhle every day.
Kyle Schneider (#14)
Winter Park,Fla. (Winter Park High School)
5- foot- 10, 180 lbs.
senior
Played in eight games in the 2010-11 season. Had 31 minutes played. Has battled injuries since. Was a medical redshirt in both the 2011-12, and 2012-13 seasons.
Pete's take: Has had knee problems his entire career. If he can physically play will not see much floor time.
Redshirt:
Sam Phillipott (#31)
Guard/Forward
Noblesville,Indiana (Noblesville High School)
6- foot- 7- 200 lbs.
freshman
Blessig on Phillipott:
"He and Joey are characters that work hard each day." Their game is very good coming out of good high school competition. Both shoot the ball very well and make the extra pass when needed."
Allen on Phillipott:
" Sam is a knock down shooter. Sam has no conscious and a quick release that allows him to get his shot off before the defense gets out to him. If Sam can understand the offense he will find some playing time."
Pete's take: You can always find playing time for shooters. Obviously Phillipott needs to learn the offense a little better, and he will learn it this year from the bench as a redshirt.
Alex Blessig (#3)
Guard (Berlin, Germany) (Florida Gulf Coast)
6 foot-2, 181 lbs.
sophomore
Played in 13 games with Florida Gulf Coast last season. Played 5.1 minutes a game. Was 4- of-12- from the field and 2- of- 5- from the 3-point line on the season. Scored a career high eight points vs Ave Maria.
On the adjustment from D1 to DII basketball:
"I am working on offense and defense everyday."
On the zone defense:
"Florida Gulf Coast played some zone so it was not an extremely hard transition to the zone the Tars play."
On Coming to Rollins:
" Rollins was not only a great basketball fit for me, but was also academically exactly what I was looking for."
On his natural position:
"Naturally a point guard but can slide to the off-guard."
On the expectations for the season:
" Try to do well in conference. Do well in NCAA's and get better every day."
On the chemistry of this team:
"We have great team chemistry- we have a great mix of veterans and new guys. Veterans do a great job of helping the new guys on and off the court.
Pete's take: Blessig is learning the offense and will continue to get better at learning it. He will be a big key to this team's success. Can not win if he does not perform well at the Point Guard position.
Mitch Woods (#22)
Guard (Naples,Fla.) (Community School of Naples)
6 foot-3, 210 lbs.
senior
Transfer from Appalachian State
2012-13: Played in every game for the Tars. Averaged 28 minutes a night. Averaged 8.8 points- and 4.3 rebounds a night. Was second on the team with 82 assists. Shot 47- percent- from the field and 42- percent from the 3-point line- and 76 percent- from the foul line. Scored in double digits 13 times- and led the team in scoring- three times.
2011-12: Played in 30 games for Appalachian State. Played 14 minutes a night, averaged 2.1 points- and- one- rebound a game. Started the first four games of the season.
2010-11: Played in 26 games, started 17 as a freshman. Averaged 20-minutes a game. Scored 1.9 points- and grabbed- three rebounds a night. Was second on the team with 63 assists. Season was cut short by injury.
Graduate Assistant Juan Bernal said this about Woods:
"Mitch is the team's best player on both ends of the floor. This team will go as far as Mitch carries them.
Pete's take: The heart and soul of this year's Tars.
Chris Uhle (#24)
Center
Ocala,Fla. (Trinity Cathlolic High School)
6- foot- 11, 245 lbs.
junior
Is a sharpshooting big man who had a breakout sophomore season last year. Gives the Tars experience and versatility.
2012-13: He played in all 30 games- averaging 15 minutes a night. Posted 5.3 points- and 2.2- rebounds- a- game. Shot 41 percent from the field- 43 percent from the 3-point line- and made 90 percent of his free throws.
Adam Allen said this to say about his fellow front court mates:
" I would not be surprised if we saw three bigs on the floor at the same time. These guys have made significant strides since last year.
Fellow front court mate Jeff Dirkin had this to say about Uhle's game:
"Chris has been one of our more consistent players. He does a great job of staying on balance and with his high release he is really tough to stop."
Pete's take: Uhle will need to knock down open three's and will block several shots, as well as alter his share. One of the best strokes you will ever see from a man his size.
Jeff Dirkin (#5)
Forward
Oak Park,Ill. (Oak Park High School)
6- foot- 8, 210 lbs.
redshirt junior
Is in his fourth year with the program. He is a long and lanky big man. Is known for his long defensive ability and his hook shot. Has played in every Tars game the past two seasons.
2012-13: Started in all 30 games- averaged 24.7 minutes a game. Scored 4.3 points- and- grabbed 3.7 rebounds- a night. Was second on the team with 37 blocked shots- and third on the team with- 25 steals.
2011-12: Played in all 27 games. He made five starts. Averaged 3.5 points- and- 2.7 rebounds- a game. Was third on the team with 13- blocked shots.
2010-11: redshirted
Adam Allen said this about Dirkin's leadership:
" Dirkin isn't afraid to voice his opinion either and he brings great energy to practice.
Dirkin on his role on the offensive end:
" This year on the offensive end I am looking to hit the open 3-pointer, and score from the right block.
Pete's take: Dirkin will be one of the vocal leaders of this group. He has improved a great deal on offense since joining the program.
Adam Allen (#40)
forward
Milton,Fla. (Milton High School)
6- foot- 8, 222 lbs.
grad student
Transfer from University of Florida
On the expectations for the season:
" We were picked to finish fourth in the conference, but every person on this team feels we are better than that.
Allen said this about the Tars chances in conference:
" I expect us to finish better than last year and challenge Southern for the conference title."
Allen has been playing college basketball since the 2007-08 season at the University of Florida. He had two medical redshirts and still has knee problems. He will not be able to play a lot of second nights of back to back's.
About his knees Allen says:
" Knees have held up well so far. My focus will be to strengthen the muscles around my knee by doing yoga and rehab. Could only participate in 2-3 practices a week before the season started. Now that the season has begun the days i'm not practicing I will be conditioning in the pool and riding the stationary bike."
Allen added this comment.
" The biggest struggle for me this year will be staying in basketball playing shape without playing basketball on a daily basis."
Pete's take: You have to give Allen a ton of credit for sticking with hoops and fighting through all the knee problems. An emotional leader on this team and probably the team's best pure shooter.
Bench:
Lukas Winegarner (#35)
Forward
Sodertalje,Sweden (Radford)
6- foot- 9- 215 lbs.
senior
2012-13: Played in 26 games- averaged eight minutes- a night. Averaged 2.6 points- and 1.8- rebounds- a game.
2011-12: Played in 28 games for Radford. Averaged 10 minutes a night. Averaged 2.2 points- and 2.3 rebounds- a game.
2010-11: Played in 26 games as a Freshman Played 10 minutes a game. Averaged 2.8 points- and- 2,3 rebounds- a night. Shot 39- percent from the field- and 56 percent- from the 3-point line.
Talking about Winegarner on the offensive end. Dirkin said:
" It's going to be very important for Lukas and myself to be able to handle the ball for 2-3 dribbles in our offense and be effective."
Pete's take: Winegarner will need to rebound well for this team. He will also need to continue to improve his ball handling skills on the offensive end.
Scott Schuette (#33)
Guard
Lexington,Ky. (Lexington Catholic)
6- foot- 3 180 lbs.
junior
Is a three year letter winner and sharpshooter. Also is a veteran leader. Looking to be a scorer and key distributor.
2012-13: Played in 28 games- played 13 minutes a game. Averaged 3.5 points- and 1.6 rebounds- a game. Shot 34 percent from the field- and 32- percent- from the 3-point line. Was 14-18 at the foul line.
2011-12: Played in all 27 games. Averaged 5.1 points- and 1.7- rebounds a game. Had four double digit scoring games. Had 44 assists- one block- and- 18 steals on the season. Shot 33 percent from the 3-point line- and 75 percent- at the foul line.
Pete's take: Schuette will need to be a big key if this team is to have a good season. He must return to the sharpshooter he was his freshman year, after struggling with his shot a year ago.
Trip McFall (#10)
Guard
Indianapolis,Indiana (North Central High School)
6- foot- 3, 195 lbs.
redshirt junior
Is one of the team captain's and a team leader. Here are a couple of his teammates thoughts on Trip as a leader.
Blessig said:
" Trip is one of the reasons this team has such great team chemistry. They have a good mix of veterans and new guys. The veterans (such as Trip) do a great job of helping the new guys on and off the court."
Allen agreed:
" These guys have great team chemistry mostly led by Trip, Mitch and myself. They have made a point to organize team events and include the younger guys in the social scenes."
Bernal weighed in on McFall as a leader:
"Team captain. Emotional leader. Will play spot minutes off the bench. Shooting is his best asset."
Alen reflected back on McFall's season as a redshirt:
" Trip redshirted and he furthered his knowledge of the offense and learned how to help the guys understand there roles."
McFall played in 17 games last year averaging 7.9 minutes a game. Scored 13 points on the season. Has nine assists- and- six- steals- on the year.
2011-12: redshirt
2010-11: Played in 27 games. Logged 6.1 minutes a contest. Averaged 1.5 points- 0.3 rebounds- and- 0.3 assists a game. Shot 43- percent- from the floor- and- 50- percent- from the 3-point line.
Pete's take: Will need McFall to regain his shooting form of his freshman year as well, along with Schuette.
James Ferrell (#11)
Guard
Winter Park,Fla (Winter Park High School)
6 foot, 125 lbs.
redshirt sopomore
2011-12: Redshirt
2012-13: Played in 12 games. Averaged three minutes a game. Averaged 1.5 points- and- 0.5- rebounds- a night. Made 12- of- 13- free- throws on the season.
Pete's take: Will play hard and give team quality minutes when on the floor. Will need to spell Blessig every once in a while. Very good passer. Won two state championships while at Winter Park High.
Shariff Almula (#0)
guard/forward
Orlando,Fla. (Timber Creek High School)
6 foot 3, 175 lbs.
sophomore
Transfer from Shenandoah University
Bernal on Almula:
" Versatile guard who can also play the wing. Four year varsity player at Timber Creek. Can shoot it decently and his length will be useful in some of the Tars various zone schemes."
Pete's take: One of the new players that could be a key for the Tars by mid- season.
Joey Galvis (#32)
Guard
Tampa,Fla. (Tampa Jesuit High School)
6- foot- 1- 165 lbs.
freshman
Is a shifty guard who gives the team perimeter depth. Won a high school state championship last season.
Blessig on Galvis:
" He is a great character guy who works hard each day. He shoots the ball very well and makes the extra pass when needed.
Bernal on Galvis:
"A walk- on guard that is an above average shooter. Tars looking to bring him along."
Allen on Galvis:
" Joey is a knockdown shooter. Joey has a good feel for the game, but with the depth to compete with guys like Schuette and MCFall minutes will be hard to come by.
Pete's take: A decent shooter who will have to "pay his dues" before he sees any floor time. Is stuck behind some of the more experienced shooters like Schuette and McFall.
Bridger Dawson (#55)
Center/Forward
Aspen,Co. (Aspen High School)
6- foot- 8, 220 lbs.
redshirt sophomore
2012-13- Played in 13 games. Had eight points- and- nine- rebounds for the season.
2011-12: Redshirted
Pete's take: Will benefit from practicing against the likes of Winegarner. Dirkin, Allen, and Uhle every day.
Kyle Schneider (#14)
Winter Park,Fla. (Winter Park High School)
5- foot- 10, 180 lbs.
senior
Played in eight games in the 2010-11 season. Had 31 minutes played. Has battled injuries since. Was a medical redshirt in both the 2011-12, and 2012-13 seasons.
Pete's take: Has had knee problems his entire career. If he can physically play will not see much floor time.
Redshirt:
Sam Phillipott (#31)
Guard/Forward
Noblesville,Indiana (Noblesville High School)
6- foot- 7- 200 lbs.
freshman
Blessig on Phillipott:
"He and Joey are characters that work hard each day." Their game is very good coming out of good high school competition. Both shoot the ball very well and make the extra pass when needed."
Allen on Phillipott:
" Sam is a knock down shooter. Sam has no conscious and a quick release that allows him to get his shot off before the defense gets out to him. If Sam can understand the offense he will find some playing time."
Pete's take: You can always find playing time for shooters. Obviously Phillipott needs to learn the offense a little better, and he will learn it this year from the bench as a redshirt.
Tars Tangle With Lions Wednesday.
The 2013-14 conference season in the Sunshine State will get under way Wednesday evening at Warden Arena when the Saint Leo Lions (8-1) battle the Rollins College Tars (4-4) at 7 PM.
Rollins comes into the contest on a three game win streak. The Tars, are led by a zone defense that is first in the SSC and sixth nationally allowing just 58.8 points a game. The Tars are seventh in D-II with 42 blocks and eighth with 45 steals. The Tars are putting up 68.2 points a game on offense, while shooting 42 percent from the field.
Mitch Woods leads the Tars box score averaging 11.5 points a game. Adam Allen is second on the team averaging 10.7 points a game. Alex Blessig averages 9.4 points- and- 3.1 assists- a game. Chris Uhle puts up 9.1 a game, and Jeff Dirkin averages 7.8 points a contest. Dirkin and Uhle each average 1.5 blocks a game, which is good for fifth in the conference.
The Tars are coming off a sweep of the Puerto Rico schools. They also had a win against Virginia Union, who handed Saint Leo a loss in the Saint Leo Classic. The Tars who picked to finish fourth in the preseason conference poll.
The Lions have won eight of nine, with the lone loss coming to Virginia Union November 22nd. The Lions are fifth in the conference scoring 77.6 points a game. They are third on the defensive end, giving up 63.2 points a game. The Lions are one of the top rebounding teams. They are +14.3 rebounds a game thus far this season. They are the top offensive rebounding team in the conference.
Jerrel Harris leads the Lions box score as he pours in 21.3 points a game, good for third in the conference. Chim Kadima is second on the team scoring 10.8 points a night.
As always you can catch all the action on WPRK 91.5 FM WPRK Winter Park and world wide at RollinsSports.com
The line: Saint Leo by 2
Rollins comes into the contest on a three game win streak. The Tars, are led by a zone defense that is first in the SSC and sixth nationally allowing just 58.8 points a game. The Tars are seventh in D-II with 42 blocks and eighth with 45 steals. The Tars are putting up 68.2 points a game on offense, while shooting 42 percent from the field.
Mitch Woods leads the Tars box score averaging 11.5 points a game. Adam Allen is second on the team averaging 10.7 points a game. Alex Blessig averages 9.4 points- and- 3.1 assists- a game. Chris Uhle puts up 9.1 a game, and Jeff Dirkin averages 7.8 points a contest. Dirkin and Uhle each average 1.5 blocks a game, which is good for fifth in the conference.
The Tars are coming off a sweep of the Puerto Rico schools. They also had a win against Virginia Union, who handed Saint Leo a loss in the Saint Leo Classic. The Tars who picked to finish fourth in the preseason conference poll.
The Lions have won eight of nine, with the lone loss coming to Virginia Union November 22nd. The Lions are fifth in the conference scoring 77.6 points a game. They are third on the defensive end, giving up 63.2 points a game. The Lions are one of the top rebounding teams. They are +14.3 rebounds a game thus far this season. They are the top offensive rebounding team in the conference.
Jerrel Harris leads the Lions box score as he pours in 21.3 points a game, good for third in the conference. Chim Kadima is second on the team scoring 10.8 points a night.
As always you can catch all the action on WPRK 91.5 FM WPRK Winter Park and world wide at RollinsSports.com
The line: Saint Leo by 2
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