Hampton Roads--Home to the Best High School Basketball Talent in Virginia?

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District Tournaments Full of Excitement

High school boys basketball in Tidewater is awesome. Not only because we always have great players who continue their careers at a higher level, but the intensity of basketball throughout the area is unreal. Take this year for example. Bethel is the only team that has consistently held its ground all year, losing to Warwick early in the Peninsula District season. A week ago, I would have considered Nansemond River a fair match for Bethel. Not now. A relatively new program at Kings Fork waxed Nansemond River by 20 points in the district championship. What happened to Booker T. Washington? They are in the AAA Eastern Region tournament, but they failed to win their district tournament, although the Eastern District is very unpredictable. Teams like Green Run are what really make sports exciting. The Stallions entered the Beach District tournament as the eighth and last seed. They ended up beating seventh seeded Landstown 59-52 for the tournament championship.

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I'm definitely no basketball expert on basketball in Hampton Roads, but I am willing to say the state champion this year will be a team that survives the AAA Eastern Region tournament. When combining the best from the Peninsula, Southeastern, Eastern, and Beach districts, the rest of the state of Virginia should worry about what they will facing in the state tournament. I am in no position to seriously predict who will win the Eastern Region tournament and state tournament; however, based off what I've seen, Bethel looks very good with their inside and outside game. Guards Jontel Evans, Paul Meredith, and Tre Lee hold down can handle the ball well and shoot effectively. Down low, Bill Weaver and Mbai Goto Olivier have the ability to score and impact opponents. In the Ronald Curry Christmas Classic, I watched Bethel beat Deep Creek pretty easily, although the Hornets showed signs of a good ball club with their big men.

Click here for Deep Creek vs. Bethel Video Highlights

All I have to say about for the AA Region I tournament is this: Tabb's Head Coach Doug Baggett has a record of effective coaching. He gets his players ready to play and they execute. Poquoson is similar--they rely on team ball, leadership, and good shooting. Lafayette has talent, talent, and more talent. The athletes on the court can beat most others with one-on-one matchups.

Click here for video highlights of Poquoson

The private schools are quite varied, but the TCIS is a conference with good ball players, teams, and coaches. I applaud many of the athletes of the TCIS and Metro Conference because they play multiple sports for their school, while still keeping up with a tougher learning environment than most.

The playoffs are an exciting time. If you get a chance, head out to Churchland High in Portsmouth for the semi-finals and final of the AAA Eastern Region tournament. The games will always be great, and I believe it is your chance to watch not only the best high school boys basketball in the state of Virginia, but also some potential high-profile college and professional players as well.

For more information about area basketball, use the search box located on the right

Send your comments, questions, and suggestions to editor@tidewatersportsreport.com

If you liked this article, subscribe to future Tidewater Sports Report updates in a reader or get Tidewater Sports Report updates delivered to your email.

On Deck Training Complex in Yorktown Committed to Making Better Athletes

Tidewater Sports Report Profiles Russell Ingram's Baseball Facility

Unlike any other baseball training facility in Tidewater, On Deck Training Complex in Yorktown offers baseball players a very unique experience which can help them gain an edge on the field. In one building, you can find a regular batting cage as well as several token machine batting cages. On Deck also houses a full-fledged weight room and offers private baseball lessons, which Manager Russell Ingram believes separates his service from others. "When you combine the strength factor and then the skill portion, you have someone who is ready to compete," Ingram said.

Chick-fil-A in Yorktown, Virginia

Located on 106 North Constitution Drive off Route 17, On Deck is available to the public and open seven days a week. Although only less than two years into business, Ingram has found the various membership packages he offers to be popular, especially for teams on the Peninsula. "A lot of AAU teams come here, but we are also open to the public," Ingram said. It's not just the regular high school athlete coming through On Deck. During our visit, former Denbigh High and William & Mary pitching star Forest Cory was getting in some workouts in preparation for spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ingram believes Peninsula high school pitching stars Will Lamb and Ethan Carter, who can be often be found at On Deck working out, are future "draft picks."

Ingram says he conducts "15 to 25 private sessions a week." He possesses an outstanding baseball background, ensuring that the training and instruction at On Deck is top-notch. In his years coaching high school baseball, Ingram has accumulated 10 district championships, 12 regional appearances, and three state appearances, including a state championship in 1989 with York High. Since 1992 Ingram has also served as a Virginia Commonwealth Games coach, where he coached Major League stars David Wright and Michael Cuddyer at early stages in their careers.Before coaching, Ingram played baseball at what is known today as Chowan University and also Barton College.

On Deck Training Complex is establishing itself in its own elite category among baseball training centers in Hampton Roads. Whether you need a fitness boost, hands-on hitting instruction, or want to bring your team in for practice on a rainy day, On Deck can accommodate your baseball needs. Ingram believes On Deck Training Complex has been living up to its mission: "We're trying to make better athletes," he said.

For more information about On Deck Training Complex, visit their website at http://www.ondecktraining.net/

On Deck Training Complex
106 North Constitution Drive
Yorktown, VA 23692
757-968-5221

Ingram says this pitching machine is set for approximately 84MPH just 40 feet away from the batter's box. You do the math.




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Smithfield Swimmer "Fuels" Self with Healthy Diet

Smithfield High School Swim Team
Freshman Daniel Petrinko

Head Coach Cathy Riddick sees this young swimmer as a future star for the Packers. I got a chance to catch up with him, and here's what he has to say.

1. What is your favorite event and what event are you best at?
"I like the 50 freestyle, and I am also the best at that event."

2. What events do you normally swim in the meets?

"The 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 200 IM."

3. What do you consider to be the hardest stroke and why?

"Butterfly. It takes a lot of energy to propell yourself."

4. Do you have any pre-meet rituals? What are they?

"I eat nutritional bars to fuel myself before I take off. I also stretch to get in a rhythm. I think through how I will dive, so I can transfer all the drils into my stroke."

5. What do you like best about swimming in general?

"It's not a contact sport and cannot hurt you. It's generally one of the best sports. I like it a lot."

6. What motivates you to get through a two hour swimming practice, swimming from one end to the other continuously?

"Friends. The hope that I will get better and the hope that I will go to states."

Tidewater Sports Report Forges A New Path in Local Sports Reports Coverage

From the Editor's Desk, Phillip Hines

I have found myself in an interesting predicament lately. Assessing the different types of news reporting, I am constantly trying to figure out in what way Tidewater Sports Report serves our area the best. The Virginian Pilot and Daily Press are good sources for up-to-date scores, statistics, and standings. The lower-scale newspapers keep their communities happy with their sports coverage, although it's normally on a weekly basis. There is simply a tremendous amount of coverage for sports in our area--and rightfully so, because we have one of the top areas in the nation for athletics. I enjoy Tony "The Blastman" Mercurio on ESPN Radio 1310, and the local television stations provide the necessary coverage for their medium. Each form of sports reporting has its own place, especially in the Tidewater, where we have such a diverse community with a strong passion for sports.

Although I love grinding out stories, photos, and videos, I often wonder if I am only publishing more of the same old typical news. In the last ten years, America has undergone great changes because of the Internet. In a matter of seconds, with the click of a computer mouse, a sports fan can get the score of any high school game in the area. Fans can voice their opinions instantly 24/7. Unfortunately, there are a few too many websites with commenting and message boards that fill the web, with Tidewater Sports Report just being yet another one that could get lost in cyberspace. Who knows, commenting may soon may wear off and lose its popularity in the next few years? There aren't many people who even five years ago envisioned that the Internet would be where it is now. What does the Tidewater need?

TSR has done its best to promote uniqueness in everything that we do. We always try to be ahead of the game, combining multiple mediums into one ultimate source. But, we want to make you, the Tidewater sports fan, happy. It appears that feature stories, photos, video, and audio will forever be popular in the news world. Are we just another news medium? Do we provide the basic, typical news coverage that you can get anywhere else?

Tidewater Sports Report has taken on many different looks during its short existence; however, the one thing that has always remained consistent is our mission to provide a unique look at sports in the Hampton Roads, something that we hope distinguishes us from everyone else. Faithful readers, I hope you continue to read our content regularly, as we strive to forge a new path of sports reporting in the Tidewater.

Related Links

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Get Tidewater Sports Report updates for free

Become a Better Pitcher with Steven Ellis

For some colleges, the baseball season has finally come. Other colleges will be starting shortly, and high schools will be in full swing in mid-March. I decided to share a terrific pitching blog that I believe is relevant to this time of year. Stevenellis.com is all about pitching, and is simply a branch off the main site. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent doing your best to protect your child's arm or just wanting to become a better pitcher, The Complete Pitcher provides top-notch information about pitching. Want to know what the best workout for a pitcher is? Curious if the weighted ball program actually works? If you are looking for pitching mechanics, mental preparation, or just want to know how to grip the ball, I urge you to spend some time reading Steven Ellis's blog.

Along with his excellent advice, you will also find many other great baseball websites. The one's that caught my attention were Chris McCoy 'Pitching A to Z' and Richard Todd's 'WebBall'. Visit these sites and increase (or refresh) your pitching knowledge. Who knows, you may leave the site and find you have a 90 MPH fastball.

Tidewater Sports Report Readership Survey

As the readers, you are the most valuable source for feedback. In efforts to continue providing unique stories, we would like to get your thoughts. Please send all responses to editor@tidewatersportsreport.com

1. How do you rate Tidewater Sports Report?
-Poor
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2. What feature do you enjoy most about Tidewater Sports Report?

3. What area of interest would like to see covered more?

4. What do you think we should improve?

5. How did you learn of Tidewater Sports Report?

If you have any additional comments, questions, or feedback, feel free to include that as well.

Thank you,

TSR Staff

Hitting Highlights Part Two

We just figured we'd toss in some extra humor for the site. Here is the full collection of our correspondent's highlights--if you want to call it that.

TSR Correspondent vs. Batting Cage--You Decide Who Wins

A former Denbigh Baptist Christian baseball player, one of our very own correspondents took up the daunting task of entering the batting cage, while having not played for over 10 years. The footage takes place at On Deck Training Complex in Yorktown.

WARNING: Players, once you stop practicing daily, remember the following video could be you in 10 years...

Smithfield High Swim Team Has Strongest Year Ever

The 2007-2008 Smithfield High swim team is experiencing its "strongest" year in program history, says head coach Cathy Riddick. With 43 swimmers--22 girls and 21 guys--the Packers are on a roll, having already met their goals for the season. "We have exceeded our expectations for the season," Riddick said. "This is the girls’ best year in program history." The girls are led by sophomore Meaghan Rowley, senior Katie Cook, and junior Linda Cadega, all of whom have helped make Smithfield a solid competitor in the Bay Rivers. In last year's state meet, Rowley finished sixth in the 100 yard freestyle event. Coach Riddick believes the girls 200 freestyle relay team is "one of the top 10 in the state," with Rowley and Cook leading the way.

The boys’ team produced its best-ever season last year, but this season has been promising. Breaststroker Josh Rice is the boys’ best swimmer according to Riddick. She thinks he has the talent and potential to compete at the NCAA Division I level. The future should be bright, as freshman swimmers Daniel Petranko and Noah Dunningham have put together strong performances this year for the Packers.




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Old Dominion Monarchs

http://odusports.cstv.com/

108 Alfred B. Rollins Jr. Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529-0050

PHONE: 757-683-3685

Thomas Nelson Gators

http://tncc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1906&Itemid=572

99 Thomas Nelson Drive
P.O. Box 9407
Hampton VA 23670

PHONE: 757-825-2700

Tidewater Storm

http://www.tcc.edu/students/activities/sports.htm

William & Mary Tribe

http://tribeathletics.com/

P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795

PHONE: 757-221-4223
FAX: 757-221-1242

Apprentice Builders

http://www.gobuilders.com/landing/index

4101 Washington Avenue
Newport News, Virginia 23607

PHONE: 757-380-3809

Virginia Wesleyan Marlins

http://www.vwc.edu/athletics/

1584 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

PHONE: 757-455-3200

Norfolk State Spartans

http://www.nsuspartans.com/

700 Park Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23504

PHONE: 757-823-8600

Christopher Newport Captains

http://www.cnusports.com/

1 University Place
Newport News, Virginia 23606

PHONE: 757-594-7000

Hampton Pirates

http://hamptonpirates.com/

On Deck Training Complex Article Preview

TSR visited On Deck Training Complex in Yorktown on Wednesday, spending some time with Rusty Ingram, the man who runs the show at On Deck.

Here's a quick preview of our feature article, which will be coming in the next few days.

In the clip below, one of our correspondents takes a few hacks in one of the many indoor batting cages.




RELATED LINK
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Virginia Beach Native Plaxico Burress Catches Game-Winning Touchdown in 17-14 Super Bowl XLII Victory

Plaxico Burress caught the game winning touchdown to put New York ahead, as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 to win Super Bowl XLII in one of the greatest sports upsets ever. The Tidewater native only had two catches all night for 27 yards, but the deciding catch came when Giants quarterback Eli Manning connected with Burress on a floater to the end zone with 35 seconds remaining in regulation. Burress was overwhelmed with joy when asked his thoughts on the night. "It's one of the greatest feeling in professional sports," (Yahoo!Sports).

The Green Run graduate has been a key part to New York's offense, most recently with his superstar performance two weeks ago against the Green Bay Packers.

For the second year in a row, the Hampton Roads has carried back two Super Bowl rings. Last year, Denbigh High graduate Antoine Bethea was part of the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl victory.

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Former Denbigh High and William & Mary Grad Has Pittsburgh Steelers in First Place

Andre Nichols--Local Baseball Prospect

Andre Nichols, Surry Knights--Greenbrier Christian graduate 2006 The Knights open the spring season February 6 against Pfeiffer University

Contact

Phillip Hines, Editor
E-mail: editor@tidewatersportsreport.com

Curtis Clontz, Contributing Writer
E-mail: clontz@tidewatersportsreport.com

About

Tidewater Sports Report (TSR) provides a fresh and unique look at the sports scene in southeastern Virginia. Known as the Tidewater region, the area is one of the top sources for athletic talent in the nation, having produced Allen Iverson, David Wright, and Plaxico Burress, among many others.

Tidewater Sports Report highlights the athletes, coaches, teams, and sports businesses in the area, from the well-known to the ones you don't know until we spotlight them. Whether it's stories, photos, audio, or video, Tidewater Sports Report is committed to excellence in its coverage.