The Town Crier

[Mikaelinho]

I've been a long time reader and lurker of the forums in general and this story in particular. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy it and that it actually got me into the game late last year in the first place. Keep up the good work and Go Penguins!

[PointGuard]

I've been a long time reader and lurker of the forums in general and this story in particular. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy it and that it actually got me into the game late last year in the first place. Keep up the good work and Go Penguins!

Wow! Very much appreciated.

Or as Elvis would have said:

Thank you, thank you, thank you very much.

[PointGuard]

The Long Season Continues
By Steve Porter

Coach KD Durst shook up the starting lineup for last night’s game at Cleveland State. Will O’Neil and Pat White were the only regular starters on the floor at the beginning of the game. Noel Manley was at SG, Lee Pauly at SF, and LeRoy Delea started at PF. His strategy failed as the Vikings ran off to a 19-4 lead. The Penguins fell behind by as much as 22 points before rallying late to narrow the gap slightly to 52-36 at the break. Cleveland State outshot YSU 59% to 39% and hit 9 of 15 three’s. The Vikings were led by PF Michael Schau’s 18 points. C Will O’Neil scored 13 for the Penguins.

Youngstown State cut the lead to 9 after 3 minutes of play in the 2nd half, but the Vikings quickly re-established a big lead. Even though the Penguins got within 7 points with 5 minutes to play, Cleveland State pulled away to deliver a resounding 97-80 beating of the struggling Penguins. Cleveland State hit 61% of their field goal attempts and sunk 12 of 23 from beyond the arc. The loss dropped the Penguins record to 13-6 for the season and 6-4 in the league.

C Will O’Neil scored 30 and had 11 rebounds. But SG/PF James Asbury, who fouled out of the game, was the only other Penguin to score in double figures. He scored 12. For Cleveland State, PG Michael Schau scored 23 points.

Coach KD Durst said, “We’re definitely struggling right now. Our defense has been atrocious.”

Ron Swanson, who heads YSU’s booster club, the Penguin Colony, expressed a concern heard from other members, “I don’t know what’s going on with our team this season. We thought this was going to be a banner year, but these guys just aren’t pulling things together. To lose as badly as we’ve done the past two games against the quality of teams we were up against reveals some serious problems. These just weren’t losses, they were embarrassing losses, particularly for a team with as much potential. I think it’s time for Coach Durst to give the entire bunch a collective boot in the ass.”

In separate league action, Valparaiso continued their season turn-around by upsetting league-leading Detroit 84-68 and inflicting the first league loss on the Titans. The Crusaders led from start to finish. PF/C Marty Jeppson scored 20 and hauled down 10 rebounds to lead Valparaiso.

[PointGuard]

Another Award For O’Neil
By Steve Porter

For the fourth straight week, C Will O’Neil was the Horizon League’s Player of the Week. Even though the Penguins lost both games this past week, O’Neil scored 41 points, pulled down 20 rebounds, and had 3 steals and a block. “It’s humbling to be given the award, but honestly I don’t feel like I deserved it this week when we all played so badly,” said O’Neil.

But Vic Morrissey, Youngstown State’s Athletic Director countered, “Will’s played so well all three seasons he’s been here that it would be easy to get accustomed to his brilliance. But for me, he just seems to be getting better and better. In the first game this past week they don’t let us get the ball into him and he still scores 11 points and hammers the boards, but then in the next game when our team fizzles, he sizzles and torches the nets for 30 points, and even though he’s just 6’8”, he again rebounds like a big solid 7-footer. The Top 30 for the Norton Award was just announced and it’s a crime that they aren’t even considering Will for that award. Well to hell with them, Will’s making me think maybe we need to create a Penguin’s Hall of Fame.”

And just how does O’Neil compare with other players in the Horizon League this season? He’s 1st in scoring (20.9 ppg), 1st in rebounding (7.7 rpg), tied for 2nd in steals (1.6 spg), and tied for 2nd in blocks (1.3 bpg).

[PointGuard]

Penguins Like Coming Home
By Steve Porter

“I thought I could play last game, but they decided they wanted me 100% before coming back. Well I’m 100% now and ready to get back out there and do some damage!” declared Andre Lilly before last night’s home game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The team also announced that Morris Phelan was fully recovered, even though he’d played a little in the last two games. So now the team was whole except for Donnie Williams. His recovery is progressing well, and he should be able to rejoin the team in about 3 weeks.

Hot shooting by James Asbury, Colin Chambliss and Will O’Neil gave the Penguins a 15-6 lead in the first 4 minutes of play. Oakland then scored the next 8 points to make the game tight. YSU continued to shoot well with the team hitting 62% of their shots in the half as they steadily pulled away to take a 49-34 lead to the locker room. C Will O’Neil scored 12 and PG Pat White had 9 assists in the half. C Ivan Oates scored 9 for Oakland.

The Penguins gradually puller further away in the 2nd half to come away with an 84-65 stomping of the Golden Grizzlies. YSU held a 26-12 turnover advantage and outshot Oakland 50% to 46%. The win left the Penguins in 2nd place with a 7-4 record, but still 3 games behind Detroit.

Youngstown State was led by C Will O’Neil’s 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and a block. SG/SF James Asbury fired in 17 points. Colin Chambliss scored 11 and PG/SG Matt Stafford finished with 10 points while PG Pat White dished out 13 assists. C Ivan Oates finished with 25 points for Oakland.

“The guys were hitting their shots tonight, so that helped me get all those assists,” said PG Pat White. “It’s fun when we’re all clicking. Now we gotta get tough on the road.”

Following the game, it was reported that PF/C Morris Phelan suffered a minor hip injury. Due to soreness, the team will keep him out of practices the next few days and anticipate that his play in the Penguins’ next game may be limited.

[PointGuard]

After putting up with continually being beat up by me, my laptop decided it was time to spend 10 days with the computer doctor. It reluctantly returned to me today even though I've promised to be nicer to it. Anyway, I can now again get to the word document I was using to write and save these reports and DDSCB2019 to play the game...both of which only resided on that computer.

[PointGuard]

Player in the Spotlight: Lee Pauly
By Steve Porter

“Lee Pauly is just a stellar guy. Great personality, positive attitude, hard worker, team player. He’s willing to do whatever will help the team the most,” espoused 3rd assistant coach Shannon Winn.

Pauly is finishing his career with Youngstown State this season. The 6’7” senior is from Toledo where he went to Toledo high School. He came to the Penguins as a SF, but has played more time at PF, particularly the past two seasons. Pauly was a key to getting Blake Elleby, a teammate from Toledo High School, to join the team as a walk-on. Elleby said, “When a vacancy came open on the team, Lee encouraged me to talk with the coaches and put a good word in for me which I really appreciated. I know they were looking at other players, so I think Lee tipped the scales for me.”

Coach KD Durst said, “When Lee came to us as a freshman, while possessing some solid skills, it was obvious he needed some development to play Division I ball. To his credit, he worked his butt off in practice but got limited playing time as a freshman and sophomore. But then last year and this year, we’ve been able to work him more into the game, particularly at PF. Although he’s started some games the past two seasons, he has accepted a role as the first interior guy coming off the bench. Now he’s a strong player at both PF and SF. He jokes that the longer he’s let his beard grow, the better he’s become as a player. In addition, he’s a skilled practical joker so he keeps everyone on their toes.”

He has a good mid-range jump shot and can muscle up shots inside as well. He’s also an 84% free shooter. He boxes out well and gets his share of rebounds. His defense has improved every season. The coaches all agree that he is a consummate role player. So far this season he’s played in every game and started 4 times. He’s averaging just over 14 mpg, 4.9 ppg, and 4.0 rpg this season.

“While he’s not been able to routinely break into the starting lineup, Lee never complains,” said Durst. “He comes off the bench ready and willing to do whatever we need of him.”

Beyond playing basketball, Pauly has hit the books and sports a lofty 3.9 GPA. Donnie Williams said, “Lee really worked closely with me when I got here this year on setting up a good study plan that’s helped me not get into trouble with my grades.” Pauly said he plans to apply for graduate study in physical therapy and athletic training after he graduates this May. Last summer he was married, and his wife Jaylin and he recently announced they are expecting a baby this June.

[PointGuard]

Penguins-Raiders Game Goes Down to Last Second
By Steve Porter

With the Penguins travelling to take on the Wright State Raiders, a question in the minds of many YSU fans’ minds was: What’s happened to the Penguins ability to win on the road? After winning their first 5 road games this season, the Penguins have lost 6 of their last 8 road games. 4 of those losses have been against Horizon League opponents. Those 4 losses are the reason Youngstown State was mired in 2nd place, well behind 1st place Detroit and just barely ahead of the two teams, Milwaukee and UIC, tied for 3rd. When questioned about the Penguins road woes, Coach KD Durst defended his team by saying, “While there’s no doubt we’ve been streaky playing away from home, at 7-6 we still have the best overall away record of any team in the league. Playing on someone else’s home court is a big challenge for any Division I team, but I’m confident in my team’s ability and toughness.”

For much of the first half Wright State held a very small lead, primarily due to Youngstown State’s sloppiness which included an uncharacteristic 13 turnovers in the half. Additionally, the Raiders got to the line twice as many times as the Penguins, and Wright State his 6 of 9 from 3-point distance. But YSU hit 53% of their field goal attempts compared to just 37% by the Raiders. A late rally put the Penguins in control 39-35 at the buzzer. Topping the scoring for Youngstown State were SF Colin Chambliss and PF LeRoy Delea with 6 points apiece. The Raiders’ SF Kent Evans scored 10. Coach Durst said, “I’ve never seen us get called for travelling so much. We need to play with better discipline in the 2nd half and also clamp down on Kent Evans.”

But Youngstown State’s 4-point halftime lead quickly disappeared, never to be seen again. With the Penguins shooting poorly and Wright State’s shooting catching fire, the Raiders ran away to a 57-44 lead at the midpoint of the 2nd half. YSU then mounted a comeback that put them on top 61-60 when Matt Angner drained a 3 with 5:24 to go. Wright State roared back to go ahead by 6 but the Penguins clawed their way back in to trail 74-72 with 1:44 remaining. With a minute to play the Raiders were up 76-73. Following a timeout, YSU executed a designed play that gave Colin Chambliss a 3-point shot from the right side which fell through the hoop to tie the game with 36 seconds to play. Wright State worked the ball around the perimeter, but Kent Evans had to force up a shot from the end line that missed badly. Will O’Neil hauled in the rebound with 18 ticks on the clock. After bringing the ball upcourt, Pat White shot a pass to Andre Lilly at the foul line. Lilly turned and put up a jumper over his defender. The ball sunk through the net putting the Penguins ahead 78-76 with 9 seconds remaining. Wright State immediately called a time out. Coach Durst put his strongest defensive players on the court. Wright State beat YSU’s press but with just enough time to cast up a last minute 3 that clanked off the back of the rim. The comeback win brought the Penguins within two games of first place Detroit, which lost to Oakland.

Scoring for the Penguins was fairly equally spread out amongst 10 players. Topping the scoring for YSU were SF Colin Chambliss and SG Noel Manley who both scored 11 and PF/C Andre Lilly who added 10. PG Pat White handed out 8 assists. Wright State’s SF Kent Evans led all scorers with 15 points.

“Our guys never gave up. The way they came back from 13 points down in the middle of the 2nd half and then from 6 late in the game was impressive,” said Coach KD Durst. “Noel Manley again came off the bench to provide some instant offense. Colin (Chambliss) defense was a key to our win with his 4 steals and a block and how he limited Evans in the 2nd half.” When asked about the 3 point shot by Chambliss that tied the game in the final minute of the game, Durst replied, “Colin has the confidence and self-assurance to step up for those big moments. But that play almost didn’t happen. Wright State was all over Colin until Noel made a great screen that freed Colin just enough for him to get off the shot.”

[PointGuard]

Youngstown State Crushes Northern Kentucky
By Steve Porter

Northern Kentucky kept up with the Penguins early but as the first half proceeded, the Penguins pulled away by forcing 14 turnovers to just 3 turnovers by YSU. The half ended with Youngstown State holding a solid 50-39 advantage. C Will O’Neil scored 12 and had 4 steals. SF Colin Chambliss hit for 10 points. SG Will Flores dropped in 14 for the Norse.

Youngstown State ground down Northern Kentucky early in the 2nd half and opened a 61-41 lead with 14 minutes left. The Norse cut the lead to 11 late in the game, but the Penguins ended up winning with ease 83-64. The Penguins hit 51% of their shots compared to 40% by Northern Kentucky. YSU also had a 20-5 turnover advantage.

C Will O’Neil scored 17, SF Colin Chambliss dropped in 16 points while recording 10 rebounds, and PG Pat White finished with 11 points. Northern Kentucky’s SG Will Flores scored 17.

“Great control tonight…absolutely no steals by the Norse,” said Coach KD Durst.

The Penguins now have a 16-6 season record. They continue to hold onto 2nd place in the Horizon League with a 9-4 record.

[PointGuard]

Top Two Teams in Horizon Fight It Out
By Steve Porter

Youngstown State’s shooting was cold and they paid the price as the visiting Detroit Titans pulled away to a 22-12 lead midway through the first half. But the Penguins finally began hitting their shots and with 6 minutes left in the half they tied the Titans 27-27. But with Detroit hitting 54% of their shots, the Titans finished the half ahead 36-34. PF/C Morris Phelan, SG Matt Angner, and C Will O’Neil all had 7 points for the Penguins while C Walter Beerbohm poured in 13 for Detroit.

With 17-1/2 minutes remaining, YSU took it’s first lead of the game when PF Lee Pauly put back a rebound to make it 41-40. Turnovers by the Titans took their toll and YSU slowly stretched out their lead. With 9:30 to go, the Penguins were ahead 60-46. YSU then went ice cold for the next 4-1/2 minutes during which their lead shrunk to 60-54. With 58 seconds left and YSU leading by a score of 66-61, the Penguins missed yet another shot and Detroit rebounded and called a time out. The Titans worked the ball inside to Beerbohm but with Will O’Neil guarding him closely, Beerbohm missed a short jumper. O’Neil pulled down the rebound and tossed the ball out to Pat White who was fouled intentionally. White sunk both free throws putting the Penguins on top by 7 with 44 seconds remaining. Following a missed 3 by Detroit, Colin Chambliss was fouled with 18 ticks on the clock, and he also knocked down both foul shots. After a quick miss by Detroit, the Pat White threw up a 3 that went in to give Youngstown State a 73-61 victory. With the win, the Penguins Horizon League record improved to 10-4 as they drew within a game of league-leading Detroit. Even though YSU shot poorly, their 21-7 advantage in turnovers proved to be the difference.

Leading the scoring for Youngstown State was C Will O’Neil who finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds. PG Pat White had 12 and SG Matt Angner scored 10. C Walter Beerbohm and SG Dwayne Poge both scored 13 for Detroit.

“It took us a long time to get control of the game, but fortunately our defense was solid in the 2nd half,” said Coach KD Durst. “Another key to the game was that we were able to get and keep their top-scorer, SG Copley Scott in foul trouble so that he was on the bench for most of the game.”