In case you missed it, the Star-Ledger is reporting that powerhouse Shabazz is facing possible disqualification from the NJSIAA tournament for playing too many regular-season games. Shabazz's fate will be decided at a special committee meeting in Robbinsville on Monday, according to the article.
This is HUGE NEWS.
First, my reaction is that this is a ridiculous situation. It's not like Shabazz over-scheduled to reach .500 and qualify for states. It is one of best programs in the country, has a premier talent in Georgia Tech-bound Iasia Hemmingway and is just trying to get the exposure deserved. A good thing for girls basketball. But it would be just like the NJSIAA to penalize them and hurt their own tournament. If Shabazz is DQed, whoever wins the Tournament of Champions deserves an asterisk by their title. I think the school/coach/AD needs to be punished somehow, but do not take the tournament away from the hard-working players or the fans who love to watch this team play.
Second, this changes the entire state picture. Several other teams -- none local -- become serious Tournament of Champions title contenders. On a local level, it must feel like Christmas for Voorhees and South Plainfield. The second and fourth seeds, respectively, in Shabazz-dominated North Jersey, Section 2, Group III will become favorites to win a sectional title. Both have had great seasons, but neither is capable of upsetting Shabazz. A Voorhees-South Plainfield sectional final would be a treat for all to see. They met in the state tournament last year, with South Plainfield winning a tight one. Both teams have only two losses this season.
Also, here are links to the Courier News state preview package. It includes a section-by-section breakdown, eight seniors to watch and a main story on the senior class' last chance to bring its first sectional title to the area. I was really thrilled with how the main story came out. The best stories are the ones where the quotes do the talking, and these girls did not disappoint.
Section by section
Senior resumes
Main story
Finally, I'm still loving the ongoing player and coach of the year debates. Voorhees' Carmen Cook seems to be the people's choice for coach of the year. As for my picks...I'm not telling yet. We need to sell All-Area sections.
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12 comments:
About Shabazz, you are right - any tournament without them is a huge asterisk. However, if you look at the rules, they are crystal clear. There is no "may be excluded" or "could be eliminated." The rule says that the violating team will not be eligible. Period.
So, NJSIAA is in a bind. Either it follows its own rules, or it looks like it is bending the rules for Shabazz since they are Shabazz. A very sticky situation. My prediction - the guys in Robbinsville look at the rules, say they have absolutely no leeway, and Shabazz will be out.
If Shabazz can't follow the rules, they shouldn't be allowed into the states. Period.
Shame on them for thinking they are better than the rest of us and that the NJSIAA will bend the rules just for them. Ridiculous.
It's official: Shabazz is out.
I'm going to take a shot at this and prepare for the arrows to come my way.
You are right about the asterisk, Ryan, but I would go further and say the tournament is now officially tainted.
Unlike the Immaculate Heart situation, Shabazz gained no advantage by breaking this particular rule.
Rules are rules, yes (how people love to trot out that line when it benefits them) but the bottom line here is the punishment does not fit the crime.
I'm not disagreeing with the ruling per se -- the NJSIAA had no choice -- but the rule itself is lousy and it just cost everyone a legitimate state tournament.
How would I change the rule? Off the top of my head, I would declare the extra game(s) to be a forfeit. Or perhaps Shabazz forfeits all of its in-season tournament games, and its seed is adjusted accordingly.
Oh well. At least the boys' tourney will be decided on the court.
In response to Jerry's "idea"....so when would you suggest they change the rule? Now? to let Shabazz in. And what happens next year when another team (good or bad) breaks a rule where the punishment seems overly harsh??? Jerry, a rule is a rule, and it's not out of convenience, only a tiny minority is happy MXS is out, w/out rules who runs the show??? You're totally off--base here..the lousiness in this is the fact that adults (who are paid to do a job) can't do their job.
Without knowing everything that's gone on here -- sure seems like a shame that the kids are being punished for some faulty scheduling.
J Hilge for coach of the year. What's up county champ!
ANYBODY BUT HILGENBERG FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
hey dunleavy what are u doin? we like reading ur blog and what u have to say, but c'mon. . . . does not seem like u have much passsion for this girls hoops stuff, nothing from u on this blog since sunday?? we dont get it.
If I had to guess, I'd say he's out covering the tournaments and writing for the paper and doesn't have time to blog. But hey, that's just me being logical and all.
Rules are the rules. There's no gray area here. I agree it's a harsh penalty...but it isn't like something like this hasn't happened before.
Westfield's swimming team was awarded a forfeit against Cherry Hill East several years back because the opposing team's coach made a mistake regarding who was swimming in what lanes. The mess up had NO bearing on the result, but the rule was inforced (and from what I recall, the Westfield coach told the NJSIAA not to adhere to the rule).
And then there was Asbury Park's football team that saw its state-bound playoff team stripped of the postseason due to an ineligible player who didn't even play a major role on the squad. The administration was to blame...but the kids were punished.
The rules must be followed. You can alter them in the offseason but not at the present moment.
After Latta's last 2 huge wins over exceptionally coached teams, Jen Hilgenberg is hands down coach of the year. She has orchestrated come backs in both games and has her team playing the best ball in her tenure. With all the team issues she dealt with on and off the court this year she deserves the award for a second time in a row. Her girls not only don't want this season to end but they want to win for their coach. Not every coach gets a team like this one but Jen and her girls deserve everyhthing they get. They are all very hard working and great kids. Go Latta
Go Latta!!!
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