It was the last home game of the season and what a great way to end a winning season than to have the Delaware State Hornets play against another MEAC rival the University of Maryland Eastern-Shore.
This was more than just a game in the Hornets Nest, it was all who had the most school pride to help guide their team to victory.
I arrived at the lady hornets game first and I saw a long line of Hawks fans trying to get tickets to the game and I'm like when will the Hornet fans will show up?
I kept forgetting the DSU students had classes, rehearsals, jobs, and homework.
None the less I was enjoying the ladies game for a while until UMES fans starting to make a lot of noise and the UMES cheerleaders and dancers got into the act as well throughout most of the ladies game.
I wasn't going to sit there and let UMES take over the Hornets house so I begin standing up and give UMES an earful to get their attention. Quickly the battle had started.
During the first eight minutes of the second half the Lady Hornets had a double digit lead before UMES called timeout. I yelled at UMES fans yelling, "Why yall so quiet?!!!"
After the UMES time out, the lady Hawks chipped away the lady hornets lead and bringing the Hawks crowd back into game for the final 12 minutes of the second half.
As time went down on the Lady Hornets senior night, Hornet fans were slowly coming in filling in the seats to see if the lady hornets rally one more time. All of a sudden I became horsed so I decided to relax for the rest of the second half with the DSU Die Hards.
When the men's game started the atmosphere was loud, rockin', crunk, and down right crazy as fans from both schools duke it out for supremacy.
When UMES did a little chant "We're going make some noise," me and other Hornet fans repeat the same chant they did everytime the Hornets had the basketball. Hawk fans didn't like it one bit so they bring their flyswatters waving them in the air. Luckly for us Hornets fans we took one their flyswatters and threw it in the garbage.
There was more were that came as the war of words escalates in a heated battle.
During one the media time outs of the men's game the UMES Cheerleaders came on to mid-court to do a cheer but Hornets fans was booing so loud you can barley hear what the Hawks cheerleaders was saying.
Hawks fans up the ante by remixing the DSU I thought you knew what chant with UMES but DSU fans countered it very quick with our own DSU chant.
Don't get me wrong but almost most of the fans didn't pay attention to the game or the scoreboard for that matter.
All night long Hornets fans were all over UMES when we chanted "You Suck!!!"
When the second half started, the crowd intensify but soon the Hornet fans took over for the remainder of the game. I was trying to figure out what joke or chant the other Hornet fans were saying to the UMES male Cheerleader. Whatever the joke was the crowd got a big laugh and pointed him out like he got embarrassed on Showtime at the Appollo.
The Hornets fans were greeted to a treat when DSU's Roy from The Approaching Storm Marching Band took his pep band uniform off and show his cheerleading outfit and did conservative jump spits that got the crowd jumpin and loud.
As always we wrap up the night with the Get Up Crackhead song by the band that had the whole gym rockin as the Hornet crowd party the rest of the game and after the game as well as UMES fans sat quietly with nothing else to say.
This was the most fun game since the DSU/Morgan State game back on February 17 and the DSU/University of Delaware game back on December 1.
I'm glad over 1,400 fans had a great time battling against Hawks fans and hopefully next year DSU will bring more fun to the basketball games at a whole different level.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Hornets Defense Held UMES In Check
Thursday night was momentum time for the Delaware State Hornets men's basketball team, and a great way to build momentum is during Senior Night at Memorial Hall versus the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
During the Hornets 57-37 victory, the Hornets offense were making shots left and right shooting 52% from the field. At the same time, the Hornets defense made sure the Hawks can only get to the free throw line one time and forcing them to committed 11 first half turnovers. The Hornets defense made six steals in the first half to make UMES night problematic.
In the second half, the Hornets took their defense to a whole new level by blocking shots, stealing the ball nine times, and forcing the UMES to committed 11 more turnovers, shoot 40% from the field with one assist and poor free throw shooting.
This was the fewest points the Hornets had ever let their opponent score this season.
Plus defense lead to good offense as the Hornets dominated points off of turnovers with 22 points of the teams 57 points.
Even though the Hawks had the crowd hype up most the game, UMES couldn't help themselves as the Hornets outscored UMES 15-1 in the final 3:11 to win the game thanks to some key free throws down the stretch.
Now that the Hornets secured the number two seed, lets see if the Hornet men can do a better job in this year's MEAC Tournament compared to last year.
During the Hornets 57-37 victory, the Hornets offense were making shots left and right shooting 52% from the field. At the same time, the Hornets defense made sure the Hawks can only get to the free throw line one time and forcing them to committed 11 first half turnovers. The Hornets defense made six steals in the first half to make UMES night problematic.
In the second half, the Hornets took their defense to a whole new level by blocking shots, stealing the ball nine times, and forcing the UMES to committed 11 more turnovers, shoot 40% from the field with one assist and poor free throw shooting.
This was the fewest points the Hornets had ever let their opponent score this season.
Plus defense lead to good offense as the Hornets dominated points off of turnovers with 22 points of the teams 57 points.
Even though the Hawks had the crowd hype up most the game, UMES couldn't help themselves as the Hornets outscored UMES 15-1 in the final 3:11 to win the game thanks to some key free throws down the stretch.
Now that the Hornets secured the number two seed, lets see if the Hornet men can do a better job in this year's MEAC Tournament compared to last year.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Lady Hornets Kicking Off the Season 4-0
During the first four games of the 2010 softball season, the Delaware State Lady Hornets Softball team is off to great start with a record of 4-0.
During the first four games of the season the Lady Hornets has scored nine or more runs this season.
No wonder this team is batting .423 with 18 stolen bases, 60 hits, 58 runs scored, 43 RBI's, and a slugging percentage .549.
Plus there are nine lady hornets who are batting .300 or better.
The lady hornets are following the Hornets baseball team formula of scoring more runs than home runs.
Now that March is here, the lady hornets, who predicted to finished third in the MEAC Conference, has a tall order ahead of them with University of Delaware and three classic tournament games to play.
Lets see if the Lady Hornets can continue their winning ways come April and May when the MEAC tournament starts.
Good Start for Hornets Baseball So Far
Batter up!!! Hornets baseball season has started and already Delaware State is off to good start to kick off the 2010 season.
Through March 2 (six games), the Hornets, who were predicted to finished fourth in the MEAC Conference, are playing .500 baseball and putting up good numbers in the MEAC Conference as they continue to strive for a winning season.
The Hornets are second in batting average (.262), fourth in slugging percentage (.387), number one in on base percentage (.429), number one in runs score (61), third in hits (62), number one in RBI's (49), second in doubles (11), fourth in total bases (82), first in walks (40), first in hit by pitches (13), first in sac-bunts (8), first in the batting average with the bases loaded (.400), and first with two-out RBI's (16).
Wow!!! That's a lot stats but hey the Hornets showed the MEAC conference that do a lot a hitting and scoring besides home runs.
Even though their pitching is not too great through six games (5.68 ERA), I'm sure they get that in order as the season continues in to the month of March with massive home games versus Temple, Fairfield, St. Peters, Georgetown, and Savannah State.
Also with key road for Hornets baseball, Delaware State vs University of Delaware March 16 in Newark, Delaware.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Disappointing Saturday for Hornets Basketball
On Saturday February 27, I was keeping track on the final road game of the season between the Delaware State Hornets and the Hampton Pirates. During both games there were miss opportunities, miss free throws, turnovers, and not enough rebounds.
Lets begin on the ladies side. The lady hornets once again had a bad shooting game but the good news is that the defense kept the Pirates under 50 points in a 47-41 loss.
In the first half, the lady hornets shot a dismantle 27% from the field but yet trailed by seven at halftime.
Early in the second half, the lady hornets fell in a deep hole trailing by 14 before the Lady Hornet started a furious rally scoring 14 of their 16 points before running out of gas.
The lady hornets miss key buckets and couldn't finished the rally. This lost must have frustrated the lady hornets after the game. On the flip side the lady hornets show no signs of quitting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the men's side, the Hornets play with no energy at all during an embarrassing 64-45 loss.
When I heard the game on the radio, the Hornets offense keep missing shots, free throws, and making a lot turnovers. Also the defense was went out of sync giving up a lot of shots so much it made head coach Greg Jackson Sr. a headache.
The Hornets offense in the first half was okay when they shot 44% but the defense gave Hampton 48%. In the second half that when things fell apart for Delaware State.
DSU made only six field goals (missing 11), five free throws (missing nine), 10 defensive rebounds, and committed 12 turnovers.
With stats like that, the Hornets were playing like a team predicting to finish ninth place in the MEAC Conference.
Still The Hornets secured for the second seed for the MEAC tournament, but they need this win to build extra momentum for the MEAC Tournament. Now the Hornets really need to beat UMES on Thursday in order to be prepared to whoever the Hornets' opponent is in the quarterfinals.
I'm sure coach Greg Jackson and the Hornets squad will be ready for Thursday and next week's MEAC Tournament.
Lets begin on the ladies side. The lady hornets once again had a bad shooting game but the good news is that the defense kept the Pirates under 50 points in a 47-41 loss.
In the first half, the lady hornets shot a dismantle 27% from the field but yet trailed by seven at halftime.
Early in the second half, the lady hornets fell in a deep hole trailing by 14 before the Lady Hornet started a furious rally scoring 14 of their 16 points before running out of gas.
The lady hornets miss key buckets and couldn't finished the rally. This lost must have frustrated the lady hornets after the game. On the flip side the lady hornets show no signs of quitting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the men's side, the Hornets play with no energy at all during an embarrassing 64-45 loss.
When I heard the game on the radio, the Hornets offense keep missing shots, free throws, and making a lot turnovers. Also the defense was went out of sync giving up a lot of shots so much it made head coach Greg Jackson Sr. a headache.
The Hornets offense in the first half was okay when they shot 44% but the defense gave Hampton 48%. In the second half that when things fell apart for Delaware State.
DSU made only six field goals (missing 11), five free throws (missing nine), 10 defensive rebounds, and committed 12 turnovers.
With stats like that, the Hornets were playing like a team predicting to finish ninth place in the MEAC Conference.
Still The Hornets secured for the second seed for the MEAC tournament, but they need this win to build extra momentum for the MEAC Tournament. Now the Hornets really need to beat UMES on Thursday in order to be prepared to whoever the Hornets' opponent is in the quarterfinals.
I'm sure coach Greg Jackson and the Hornets squad will be ready for Thursday and next week's MEAC Tournament.
Friday, February 26, 2010
A Look Back at the 2K10 Hornet Seniors
March 4 was Senior Night in the Hornets Nest and the Hornet men were being honored as the four seniors were playing their last home game of the season vs the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
These four Hornet seniors played with great expectations no matter what the stats says or the record states.
So without further or do here are the Four Hornet Seniors:
Kris Douse:
During the first two seasons, I haven't seen Douse played as much basketball due to injury but from 2008-2010, his game improve to a whole new level doing the little things rebounds, jumps shots, and playing defense. Even though Douse didn't play enough minutes he has a bright future ahead and with the help of his family and friends, Kris will tell walk into a great career and telling doubters that "Douse is in the House."
Greg Smith:
Here is a another forward that also does the little things rebounds, making shots, hustle skills and many other things that help the Hornets win games and produce his presence on and off the court.
Now its time for the veterans:
Frisco Sandidge:
During the first two years of the season I didn't know much about Frisco at all. It was about Jasha Bluntt, Darrin Shine and others that won the MEAC regular season championship. Now Frisco got a taste of regular season championship experience and became the main man on the Hornets roster by making baskets in the paint and using the famous duck & spin move to put score points in the paint without even traveling. Plus he is a good mid-range jumper.
On defense he was a monster block shots, creating turnover, and his speciality drawing charges, and reaching out for the ball to knock away from opponents. This season he put his game to another level by racking up some double-doubles this season.
Marcus Neal:
Here is one of the best shooting guard on the Hornets squad and he's only 6' 5." Neal is one of the best three-point shooters behind Jasha Bluntt and Roy Bright and is a great co-captain on his team this year along with Frisco Sandidge. Marcus can also drive to the hoop and make some smooth lay ups. Sure as of late he was in a shooting slump but I will tell you this Neal is a skill shooter and his defense help the Hornets keep their opponents at bay. Rest assure Neal has a bright future and who knows Marcus might teach other future Hornet basketball players to fundamentals of the game.
So there you have it the 2K10 Hornet Seniors for men's basketball. Congratulations and good luck on your road to the future. HORNETS!!!
These four Hornet seniors played with great expectations no matter what the stats says or the record states.
So without further or do here are the Four Hornet Seniors:
Kris Douse:
During the first two seasons, I haven't seen Douse played as much basketball due to injury but from 2008-2010, his game improve to a whole new level doing the little things rebounds, jumps shots, and playing defense. Even though Douse didn't play enough minutes he has a bright future ahead and with the help of his family and friends, Kris will tell walk into a great career and telling doubters that "Douse is in the House."
Greg Smith:
Here is a another forward that also does the little things rebounds, making shots, hustle skills and many other things that help the Hornets win games and produce his presence on and off the court.
Now its time for the veterans:
Frisco Sandidge:
During the first two years of the season I didn't know much about Frisco at all. It was about Jasha Bluntt, Darrin Shine and others that won the MEAC regular season championship. Now Frisco got a taste of regular season championship experience and became the main man on the Hornets roster by making baskets in the paint and using the famous duck & spin move to put score points in the paint without even traveling. Plus he is a good mid-range jumper.
On defense he was a monster block shots, creating turnover, and his speciality drawing charges, and reaching out for the ball to knock away from opponents. This season he put his game to another level by racking up some double-doubles this season.
Marcus Neal:
Here is one of the best shooting guard on the Hornets squad and he's only 6' 5." Neal is one of the best three-point shooters behind Jasha Bluntt and Roy Bright and is a great co-captain on his team this year along with Frisco Sandidge. Marcus can also drive to the hoop and make some smooth lay ups. Sure as of late he was in a shooting slump but I will tell you this Neal is a skill shooter and his defense help the Hornets keep their opponents at bay. Rest assure Neal has a bright future and who knows Marcus might teach other future Hornet basketball players to fundamentals of the game.
So there you have it the 2K10 Hornet Seniors for men's basketball. Congratulations and good luck on your road to the future. HORNETS!!!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Marcus Oliver Saves the Hornets Sluggish Night
If it wasn't for Hornets freshman Marcus Oliver, Delaware State will have a very hard time scoring against a last place team like Coppin State.
Don't get me wrong the Hornets defense did it's job in Monday's 59-43 victory, but their offensive game was so slow even time almost stood still.
Marcus Neal's shots were not falling again for the second straight game and DSU missed 10 of their first 11 shots from the field including missing their 11 three point attempts.
Talk about a tough way to rebound from a lost to Morgan State last Wednesday.
However, in the final five minutes of the first half the Hornets went on a 18-5 run to secure a halftime lead. Marcus Oliver had 10 points in the first half to lead all Hornet scores.
When the second half started, it was all about Marcus Oliver.
The MEAC Rookie of the Week dominated the second half by scoring most of his points in the paint. Whether it was a down low post, getting under the basket against two Coppin State defenders, putting back shots, and making the most ridiculous acrobatic layup on two flat feet to woo the crowd, Marcus Oliver was everywhere on Monday night.
Oliver was everywhere on defense as well blocking five shots, forcing turnovers, and rebounding the basketball.
Marcus Oliver save the Hornets offense Monday night by scoring a career high of 23 points. Entering Monday's game, Oliver was only averaging 4.5 points per game.
Hornets Head Coach Greg Jackson, Sr. told reporters that during the first 15 minutes of the game the Hornets were sluggish on offense and they can't afford to do that during the final two games of the regular season before going to the MEAC Tournament in March.
Jackson also praise Oliver for his performance by not only Monday night's game but also the entire season. The only problem is Oliver didn't get enough minutes to play. Monday night he play for 31 minutes and hopefully he will continue to play more minutes as the Hornets play Hampton on Saturday and UMES on March 4 before getting ready for the MEAC Tournament March 8.
Marcus Oliver proved Monday night that he is one of the best versatile weapons on Hornets team.
Even though he is a 18 year-old freshman, Oliver will continue to grow more on his role heading into next season as the strongest players in the MEAC Conference.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)