PCA Takes Scrimmage; Contest Gets Heated
Ron Bailey, Publisher
November 21, 2006 - Yesterday evening Bishop O’Connell hosted Progressive Christian Academy (PCA) in a preseason scrimmage. Those contests are typically designed to allow coaches the opportunity of working on sets and plays, against external competition. That occurred in this 3-2 win for PCA, but the emotion of players, coaches, and fans, produced something similar to a regular season atmosphere.
The Knights of O’Connell won the first two sessions 25-13 and 22-15 respectively. That changed with the late arrivals of Gus Gilchrist and Josten Thomas – two of PCA’s standout players with size - during the third session. Session three finished a 10-6 PCA victory, while the fourth stanza saw them prevail 15-9. The Conqueror’s won the rubber match 25-24.
One PCA starter, Jasper Williams, had extra motivation to perform well, as he once attended O’Connell. Williams would score 17 points against his old mates, and noted afterward “It felt good (to play against his old team). The best thing was we came out with the ‘W’. I know Jason (Clark) is going to call me tonight”.
Jasper Williams (left) and Jason Clark (right), were once teammates at O'Connell. Williams now attends Progressive Christian. The two are both talented guards, who have maintained their friendship.
Clark, O’Connell’s returning All-Met player scored 24 points himself. Though nobody provided more offense, Clark was not pleased with himself afterward. “It was alright. I didn’t do my best” were Jason’s initial comments regarding his play. “I started out strong, but I don’t know what happened next”.
Nor was his coach, Joe Wootten pleased, as he opined “They are a very good ball club. I thought we played very well Saturday, not today”.
Vann Whitfield, PCA’s coach and the man responsible for starting the first year program, had a different reaction. “We feel very good” he said, when asked his team’s feelings immediately after the game. “Our goal is to compete. We came into the gym without our complete set of players, but ended up winning”.
The handful of fans in attendance made their presence known throughout: some even went too far before being asked to modify their actions by the referees. There were also a number of technical and double fouls assessed the players, though their actions were not boorish per se: The young guys just needed a little reminding from time to time.
Additionally, the fact both coaches were seen pleading their cases to the referees – which in at least one case resulted in a technical foul – is further proof emotions were running high.
The referee intervention should not be viewed as negative, as both squads played hard, in a game that actually meant nothing in terms of records, standings, or rankings.
If this scrimmage portends how this season will be, fans can expect one of the best in recent memory.