Martinsburg - Musselman

Martinsburg dominated the game tonight but it seems they need to work on being more of a 5 person unit instead of 5 individuals. Robinson pretty much scored whenever she felt like it, Jackie had an off night as she just couldn't seem to fine the basket. Martinsburg could have easily scored over 100 tonight but they started making subs half way through the 1st quarter. Musselman was outplayed and outcoached as Coach marsh had no answer for Martinsburg even though he left his starters in for most of the game with Stephenson never coming out. He needs to focus on winning and teaching the game instead of glorifying individuals by padding stats. Musselman's biggest problem is reliance on 1 or 2 players. You don't take a player out of the game because she came off of the bench and is outplaying your "chosen ones". For those who think Martinsburg doesn't have sportmanship/class all you needed to do was watch this game as it was very one sided and they could have build up stats in every category if they wanted to but they chose to win without embarrassing the girls. As much as people hate to admit it this year Martinsburg is the top team in the EP.

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Ok I am sorry for making

Submitted by Hvillefan on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 13:13.

Ok I am sorry for making light of the seeding. The point I was trying to make is that you may as well quit whining because whats is done is done. That is why I said its not much different than a coin flip because at this point I'm sure that Musselman is feeling the same had they lost out on a coin flip. Period.

I guess it all comes down to tomorrow night for them huh? Now Hedgesville has one of its starters out with an injury and at least one I know of is playing sick. They just won against Tuscarora last night, but the game tomorrow night should be the exciting one.

MUCH TIGHTER THAN EXPECTED

Submitted by Big Apple on Tue, 02/17/2009 - 01:07.

Great game tonite for our girls. A few calls here and there and a few made shots when we had good looks and it was our game. Nikke played outstanding,taking the ball off the dribble. Our freshman played big minutes in the clutch. When Brittany went out we lost that rebounding we needed and Martinsburg got a second shot late on a nice rebound. I still cannot get over that 4 seed in our section.

The teams that voted us 4th showed a total lack of class. Just because you are our rivals,you should still vote fairly. We did well at times in our press,but gave up too many wing shots to Brewer.

The last 2 weeks is an indication that this area is more wide open than most thought,even for the top seed.

Oh for goodness sake, get

Submitted by Hvillefan on Tue, 02/17/2009 - 13:08.

Oh for goodness sake, get over the seeding. Its not much different than the coin flip. And does it REALLY matter who was 3rd and who was 4th?? Musselman should beat Hampshire and Hedgesville should beat Washington. Both teams ALMOST beat Martinsburg, both teams beat Jefferson once.

Maybe the teams that voted you 4th saw your girls play badly and Hedgesville play spectacularly, you just never know. Musselman is no better than Hedgesville so get over it this kind of stuff happens. Hopefully every team will be at full strength, no sickness or injuries, so that there will be no reason for excuses. Well cross your fingers on the officiating also.

seeding is important

Submitted by tapout on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 11:03.

Anyone who believes seeding in any sport doesn't matter, obviously has never played competitive sports at a high level. Teams/individuals work hard all regular season to hopefully be rewarded with a high seed and give them a better chance of advancing in the post season, thus making the regular season worth something. If seeding didn't matter why not just throw all teams in a hat and draw and skip the regular season and go right into playoffs. Seeding is also design to make it more likely the the best two teams meet in the finals and not in the semi-finals or quarters.

Now for the case of Musselman girl's bball being completely wronged in the seeding process. Correct me if I am wrong but both Hedgesville and Musselman have 3 sectional losses and Musselman beat Hedgesville head to head and has a better overall record. So how could Hedgesville possibly be seeded higher than Musselman?? If we were still using the old seeding criteria (1. sectional record 2. head to head 3. common opponent 4. coin flip) there would be no question who would be the #2 seed-MUSSELMAN. Not mention the voting process was completed before all the sectional match-ups were played. There is a VERY good chance that Musselman will sweep the season series when they defeat Hedgesville this week and thus having a better sectional record and owning the head to head advantage. With the current seeding already finished it renders this weeks matchup virtually meaningless except for bragging rights.

I have heard that the current seeding process was brought about to help make the regular season more important but as it appears in this case, it has done the exact opposite. It also has not helped ensure the best two teams playing in the finals, most people think the best two teams in this section will be playing in the semifinals. This would not have been such a big deal last year with only one team advancing on to the regional considering you would have had to beat that team sooner or later to advance, but with the new system of taking two teams, it leaves one of those two teams (Musselman or Martinsburg) out of advancing to the regional and most likely the state tournament! I would argue that seeding is of ultimate importance now more than ever!! Its easy to say it doesnt matter or to stop whining when your team was not the one on the unfavorable end of a raw deal!

GREAT POST

Submitted by Big Apple on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 11:17.

Great Post Tapout!

It is unfair that Martinsburg and Musselman meet in the semi's. After the sectional tournament is over ,you will be able to see who voted for who and how the seeding got like it is. I heard Martinsburg voted us #1 (you cannot vote for yourself). If thats the case,that means other coaches in our section voted us way low,for it to add up points wise to give us a 4 seed. We know Jefferson does not like us.Perhaps they voted us 6th,unfairly,thus our 4 seed.It is really unfair that some coaches obviously did not vote on record or performance,but like and dislike.One would argue that right now,Musselman is playing the best ball of anyone.Martinsburg has won some close,close games lately,but they have proven to be #1 because of their record and the fact they have not lost to an area team. Plus,they have the 2nd toughest schedule in the state according to the Metro Index.I have no problem with their seeding.

But,in the end,had Hampshire been forced by the WVSSAC to play everyone in the section,it would be a moot point.The only reason for the vote in the first place is only becasuse they could not go head to head due to the fact only Hampshire did not play Martinsburg and another team.

Sectional Voting

Submitted by Fortherecord on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 19:07.

Most posts on the seeding of our section have failed to consider that all five teams from the other section (Lewis County, Buckhannon Upshire, R C Byrd, Elkins and Bridgeport) got equal votes for the seeding of our sectional. Our EP teams voted for their seeding as well. Not a good way to do it since none of the teams between the sections played each other, and very few common teams exist on any of the teams schedules.

Round 2 tonite at Martinsburg

Submitted by Big Apple on Mon, 02/16/2009 - 15:15.

Will our ladies come out mad at their #4 seeding and prove a point?

I know the sdtaff was really mad about being a 4 seed,especially behind Hedgesville.

It all remains to be seen

Submitted by Hvillefan on Mon, 02/16/2009 - 18:10.

It all remains to be seen now. If you just take a look at all the games played between the local teams, you can tell that there is never ONE game that proves anything anymore. All the teams have had monster games, and have also lost games they shouldn't have and also won and lost games by a margins that were just freaky.

There have been injuries, sicknesses, you name it, it all takes a toll and makes a difference. As you know sectionals are the second season and none of what has happened makes a difference to this point. The last seed can take it all and the first seed can get knocked out. It just all depends on the circumstances on any given night.

This SHOULD be an exciting tournament, can't wait. And by the way being seeded behind Hedgesville isn't that bad now. We do have some good players thank you.

I agree Hvillefan

Submitted by The ville on Tue, 02/17/2009 - 01:31.

Seems like all the teams have superstars,but we are a TEAM.We deserve our seeding period!

—

GO EAGLES!!!

haha

Submitted by taylormade30 on Fri, 01/30/2009 - 16:39.

I have a sister from a triple A school in the charleston area but I live close to martinsburg so I ride to some of the games... this game was the first this season I have actually made it to but in my opinion you all have it all wrong! being a huge basketball fan and a player on a college level watching this game after the first 3 mins. it was obvious martinsburg would win as long as they didn't tire.. one of martinsburgs biggest hold ups I'v saw is only 1 girl on the team is strong at defense and that was the point guard #1 witht hat bein g said she is the best defenseive player I have saw in the last 4 years watching teams from the eastern panhandle, the morgantown area and charleston area! I didn't see much offense but I feel like she could be a great offenseive player its obvious she can handle the ball and shoot although I'm not sure she needed to score in this game! what else martinsburg has is 5 starters who all can be scorers an d all could score double digits on any night! maybe my analysis is wrong but thats what I saw in that one game

My thoughts from this game

Submitted by Big Apple on Mon, 01/26/2009 - 23:58.

First of all,Martinsburg came out of the gate fast and looked like they would win by 50. It was like 21-8 with 3 min left in 1st qtr. Then all of a sudden it looked like Martinsburg lost interest and Musselman kinda climbed back in the game a tad,down 10 at the half. Part of Martinsburgs woes in the second qtr was I thought their subs did not mesh well with the starters. And at one point Martinsburg had 3 subs on the floor and they did not look near as crisp,especially on defense with that unit.

I thought Martinsburg got too comfortable and maybe disinterested after the big lead. Good job by their staff by coming out in a press and some energy in the second half. I have not seen but 2 of their games now,but it seems like they come out with energy after halftime like they did at Berk Springs and vs Hedgesville. Seems like Martinsburg scores over 40 points every second half.

Unlike our coach,who never adjusts anything. And if Martinsburg would have beat Musselman by 100 he deserved it after how he pressed them up by 30 in the 4th last year. Martinsburgs coach showed some class,Martinsburg could have named the score. I think Martinsburg is a top 5-6 team. They will always be in games no matter who they play when they score 75-80 points,its just a matter of do they get worn down with their very little depth and can they play solid defense in the waning minutes when needed if those legs are not fresh.

Brewer was cold and Robinson can create her own shot and dominated.Shooters like Brewer will have off nights,but she did pull up on some nice jumpers and hit her free throws. Hill played really good and Wright surprised me with her shot.Pinkett was active around the boards but needs to be/get stronger.

My assessment.They are definetly the best around here.As far as state wise,I dont know. They always have a chance with Brewer and Robinson and scoring in the 70's 80's,but they will have to have the fresh legs to stop someone. Morgantown scored 32 in the 4th the other night,although I hear alot of that was free throws.Fouls occur when you get out of defensive position or lose your legs. I would not want to play them ,simply because you never know when Brewer may score 35 or Robinson may score 35 or both.