2008 Woodie Awards
Basketball season gets off to an electric start
Ian Hopkins '10
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 2 next >
|
The night began with a cancer research fundraiser, "Walk with the Hawks". Afterwards, the doors opened for the much-anticipated Midnight Madness for Saint Joseph's University. The evening was filled with different types of games and giveaways, concluding with the Crimson-Gray scrimmage.
Midnight Madness definitely opened with a bang, with a raucous crowd filling the building to see the players introduced for the first time this year. Following that, Martelli sent chills down student backs, saying, "We have a lot of tough games at the Fieldhouse this year, but if you show up like tonight, we will be undefeated in this building. This is the last year we are playing in the Fieldhouse; let's make something special happen."
With a team filled with potential and a student body like this one, those are not false promises. On Friday night, everyone got to see first-hand why Coach Martelli uttered such words. The men's and women's basketball team put a show on, from sharp shooting to throwing it down, even including a trick shot from a future Hawk in the stands. Midnight Madness 2007 didn't disappoint.
The scrimmage held at the end of the night was a small preview of what is to come this season. As fans, we got to see all players, new and old, and what they bring to the table for the Hawks this season.
All played well but several of them showed why this year could result in a return to postseason play for St. Joe's.
The three sophomore guards did more then grow in the off-season; Darrin Govens, '10, Garrett Williamson, '10, and D. J. Rivera, '10, put some serious time into their games. Govens looked good on the floor in all the events, showing a pinpoint shot and sleek passing abilities. Although Govens is thought to be the favorite to nab one of the starting guard spots, Williamson and Rivera were extremely impressive. On top of their already lock down defense, both showed their improvements on the offensive end and how they can contribute more this season.
The bulked up Williamson added more then just weight over the summer. He gained confidence in his shooting stroke and found a way for his presence to be felt on the court more effectively. Rivera, who is sitting out the first semester of the season to focus on academics, was lights out from the floor. He now has a solid jumper to go along with his phenomenal defensive and athletic abilities.
Be the first to comment on this story