Rainmen's new coach rings the changes

What a game again! The difference between a nice guy and a bball coach is obvious. I am trying to get my fingers going here. Had a couple few and it was a good time. Section 22-24 were representing all night. Les Berry = More wins is a common chant. Les went with the players who we thought would be contributors in his system. Bailey, Jimmy, Bennett, Cordell, Silverhorn, Zach and EC performed at the expected levels. I have some issues with the scoring and not just for the Bailey bias. I know he had a couple blocks during that game and even though they went to other teams, they should be his. I remember at least 2.

We all have a feeling that it will take a couple weeks. I thought that Hammack and EC looked lost but that after a few practises they will be up to speed as the rest of the team will. Overall the defensive intensity was amazing even though we got outrebounded. The ability of all our players to get loose in the paint led to free points for all players. I am sure that EC had more than 2 points as I remember a dunk and a three point play, can't wait to see the boxscore tomorrow.

Big losers in the new system seem to be Dandridge and Strick. I think that both players will get more minutes overall but are being encouraged with defensive intensity and playing smart. I think they have the capability and need to show it. I did miss Ec's crazy dunks, but that will start to come along with the free baskets that this offense will bring.

Great work les and team, we look forward to an even better game next week.

Rainmen win Home Opener

The Rainmen continued their hot start to the season with a 124-112 win over Quebec. Overall this was a very solid game for the Rainmen. We saw what Sanders brings to the squad including 10/10 shooting (most in the paint), defence and tenacity. I think he was the only player to hit the floor today (saving #9 on QC, the flop king). He made some sweet inside passes and set up Eric for some great finishes. Rob also seems to be the only one who isn't afraid to foul to stop a break by the other team. Jimmy Twyman gave us a great boost from the bench and his slashing to the hoop opened up a couple great 3 point looks as well.

I really liked the team today when we had Sanders, Crookshank, Twyman, Brown and Dandridge out there. Realistically, I think tonight the best players we could have runout together were Sanders, Crookshank, Twyman, Bailey and Silverhorn. The QC team didn't have a lot of speed and were focusing on threes and quick penetration. Dandridge and Brian were ok tonight but not great. Silverhorn is going to need to get going at the rim with more intensity. I find he hits seams well and can penetrate off the dribble but shies away from contact. We know he has the shooting game, but that finishing threat would really help round out the game. Bailey was playing well around the hoop and hustling. With him and Rob in the squad, we shouldn't get out hustled by any team.

Sir Val is obviously explosive and can score but shoots at will. I think this is a team philosophy, maybe like Dantoni's 7 seconds before a shot goes up. There were too many spot up shots without an attempt to pass at all. if you look at the total assists stats (11), that is terrible. The team looked like we were shoot first and run a play second. The high pick with Sanders and any guard was working well and creating opportunities, while any isolation play produced results with Rob and Eric especially. There were too many first look shots with no rebounder even in the key. This needs to be corrected.

So the negatives- too many needless turnovers at the top of the 3 point line, allowing about 20 reverses with no help in the game, ridiculous 3 pointers, no second option on a play/ movement.

Positive- help defence got better after a flat start, some good passing movement, intensity, coaching (getting the players who were performing out for the end of the game to close), great shooting and free throw shooting, ENTERTAINING!

The Halifax crowd was dead for the LONG opening sequence. Halifax has a rep for being a tough place to play and even the QC coach mentioned this after the game. Teams don't look forward to coming to a big, loud barn. So Halifax, it is time to cheer, yell, shout, taunt and have some fun. This is going to be an exciting year.

For other great pieces on this check out Section 23 by Chris Parsons and the Lucas Blog (linked above) on the Herald page.