Is Denver the right answer?

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- On Tuesday we found out that Allen Iverson is finally heading out of Philadelphia and into the Mile High City. The Nuggets completed a deal with the 76ers that sends G Andre Miller, F Joe Smith, and 2 2007 first round draft picks to Philly for Iverson.

In case you didn't know, Denver already has the leading scorer in the NBA in Carmelo Anthony, so how will Iverson and Anthony coexist? If you look at Denver's current roster, they have the potential to be a very deadly team. Well, at least high scoring. The problem is both Anthony and Iverson want to have the ball in their hands, and they are both going to have to adjust to the new team. I think Carmelo and Iverson will be fine together, probably becoming good friends. The problem I have with it is that J.R. Smith is not going to get the shots he wants. Smith is an up and coming young player who is currently averaging 16.7 ppg. Having both Iverson and Anthony in the same starting lineup with him is going to greatly affect his development as a player, and as a person. How will he react?

Another thought to ponder deals with Kenyon Martin. Martin had season ending surgery back in November, but he will be back next season. With him in the lineup the Nuggets will have yet another scorer, but is that what they really need? Iverson, Martin, and even Anthony have been known to have attitude problems in the past. What happens if Denver starts losing? Will it become at T.O. situation where everything is just fine until you start losing then everything falls apart?

I think Denver will be fine in the short term, but this is not a team that can stay together for more than 2 years. If the Nuggets haven't won a championship after those two years then Iverson is going to want out and another problem will come about. What do you think? Was Denver the right answer for "the answer"?

Gordon goes down in Panther victory

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
Fishers, Ind.-The North Central Panthers beat the Hamilton Southeastern Royals on Saturday night 81-67, but there was a bigger story than that.
IU bound Eric Gordon was injured in the Panther victory. With 1:23 remaining in the 3rd quarter, Gordon dribbled the ball up court full speed and was tripped by HSE's Nick Deschepper. Eric fell hard on his knee and laid on the court for approximately 5 minutes before heading to the locker room where he spent the rest of the night. During the first 24:47 of the game, Gordon was held to just 16 points on 4-10 shooting.
HSE started the game hot, but North Central was stride for stride. The Royals hit 7 of their 9 first quarter field goals, but still trailed 21-20. The second quarter was much of the same, but the Panther press proved to be a problem for the Royals causing several turnovers. North Central led 41-31 at the break.
The Royals came out firing in the 3rd quarter. They went on an 8-0 run during the first 2 minutes to cut the lead to 2. However, the Panthers responded quickly with a 5-0 run of their own. The Panthers took a 61-49 lead into the final quarter.
Even without their best player, North Central played well in the 4th quarter, led by Evan Gordon. Evan may be in the shadow of his older brother, but he proved what he is capable of on Saturday night. Evan scored 22 points to lead all scorers, and led his team to an 81-67 victory. Adnad Hodzic scored 14 points on 6-9 shooting as well.
HSE was led by junior Chris Carlino with 17 points (7-11 FG) and 4 rebounds. Seniors Nick Deschepper and Billy Pappas each had 12 in the losing effort. Overall the Royals were 23/54 from the field and 13/20 from the foul line. HSE was also plagued by their 14 turnovers. Following the loss the Royals are 3-3 and will be in action again on December 27th against Carmel.

Steelers love their role

By Justin Albers

basketballss132002@yahoo.com

INDIANAPOLIS- For the second consecutive season the Pittsburgh Steelers an underdog. A year ago they won just 7 of their first 12 games, but completed the season by running off 8 victories in a row.

This year their situation is even tougher. They began the season 2-6, and after falling to 4-7 everybody in the nation said they were done. Don't believe it. Ben Roethlisberger is a fighter and regardless of who he has around him, he is going to give it is all until the last second of the last game. He has rallied his team to 4 wins in their last 5 games, making them very similar to last year's team. You want to be hot late, but the question is did the Steelers start too late?

In order to to have a playoff spot, Pittsburgh is going to not only have to win out, but also have some help. The current teams with wild card positions are Cincinnatti and Jacksonville. The Steelers will have another shot at the Bengals in Week 17, so they are going to have to hope that the Colts can pull it together this week. Others teams in contention are Kansas City (7-6), Denver (7-6), and the Jets (7-6). The Chiefs are @ San Diego this week, Denver plays the Cardinals, and the Jets play Minnesota. As for the Steelers, their last three games aren't exactly cake walks. They will play on the road against Carolina and Cincinnatti, and at home against AFC North leader Baltimore.

It's too early to forget about the defending champions. They snuck up from behind last year, and they would like nothing more than to do it again.

FINAL COLLEGE PICKEM SCOREBOARD

1. Rich- 132 points out of 191 possible (69.1%)

2. Terry Hutchens- 130 points out of 191 possible (68.1%)

3. Chris- 125 points out of 191 possible (65.4%)

3. Marcia- 125 points out of 191 possible (65.4%)

5. Justin- 123 points out of 191 possible (64.4%)

6. Don- 122 points out of 191 possible (63.9%)

7. Vicki- 120 points out of 191 possible (62.8%)