During Action

This post is coming during the action rather than after.  The following excerpt may be a mixed bag of many thoughts rather than one cohesive point.  My apologies.  This game is up and down and filled with some thrilling plays (thank you Dawson!) and annoying frustrations (elbows above the shoulder, for example).

To start, having Harris out for the game has clearly thrown off our rhythm, the little rhythm we had begun to feel this season.  For a freshman player to already have such a deep impact on a team says a lot about this young player.

There's more: WHERE IS OUR DEFENSE?!? The Broncos have had FAR too many open looks.  I'm not just talking about our defense not putting a hand up, I'm talking about Bronco players being completely alone.  You would think our guys ate Thanksgiving dinner before the game!  Add to that their second-chance shots from offensive rebounding, and its no wonder that this is actually a "good game" rather than a blow out.  We have seen great defensive stops from Dawson and Appling, who are golden when it comes to anticipating the opposing offense.  They read, get their hands in, and go for the steal.  Thank you.

Free throws?  Let's make 'em.

Valentine.  I can't wait to see what the Izzone puts on posters for this guy with a last name like that.  But besides his last name, that boy's got talent.  Sure. Sure.  He could be more consistent.  But he's a freshman and similar to Harris, I'm excited to see what he brings as the season progresses.  He had some key plays down the stretch.

Payne.  I love it when you fire up and use your frame.  And when you bank a shot in from the free throw line.  It makes you more than a post player.

Dawson.  That one-handed swoop dunk best make the highlight reel on Sports Illustrated tonight.  That boy has flash like Jason Richardson.  Its been awhile.

I'm starting to calm down a bit.  Game is almost over.  Appling does what he does best: finish.