'13/'14 Articles
Defending Home Court for Tournament Win
By: Cole McInerney
Every year Myer hosts our own junior boys’ basketball tournament. This year we had a great chance to win it. With sharp shooter Jake Andrews, as well as guard Tre Ford ready to make their debuts, our chances were greatly increased. Both of Myer's first two games were absolute routes, thanks to a beautifully executed full-court press defensive scheme, as well as great movement and execution on offense. The only real frustration was close shots at the rim that were missed.
When I talked to Coach Patterson about the possibility of making it to the finals after the first game, I said "If you mak-" then he cut me off saying, "There is no if, only when." That confidence was deserved considering the outcome of the first two games. The real exciting moment of the tournament was the finals, with our Marauders squaring-off against the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute Rams.
Once again, our team suffered from a short bench, with Michael O'Rourke, Tyrell Ford, Dustin Narduzzi, and Joe Murdaca not available to play. The game started, and since this group has not faced a formidable opponent yet this year, the beginning of the game appeared to be a shock. At the end of the first quarter our Marauders only had a 4-point lead, with a score of 12-8. Normally our offense is very strong, but the 2-3 zone implemented by both teams was hindering it majorly. When I asked guard Matt Burns about lacking an offensive rhythm, he commented, "Yeah our offense wasn't effective in the first half, but we switched to an overload style in the second half, and that is what gave us the lead." Although we figured out the Rams defense, on offense their point guard #24 was knocking down consistent shots, keeping the game close. I inquired about playing in front of a home crowd at Myer helping the team, and guard Jake Andrews said, "we were extra motivated to look good in front of the home fans."
As the game progressed it was back and forth with each team playing a very competitive game. Then, with under a minute left and a two point lead, team captain Burns goes to the free throw line 6 times. He said at that moment he was thinking, "I can't miss these." Also, " I realized how important they really were, and that I had to make them for the team.” Making 4 of 6, even with a back injury that has been hobbling him all season, it sealed the deal. Burns came up clutch at the end, and several players had great games throughout, especially Michael Matovic who shot threes brilliantly, going 4 for 9. After the final buzzer sounded, our Marauders won 44-38, to not only win our own Invitational Tournament in a hard-fought final, but also defend our home court against all challengers.
Including tournament games, this team is 7-0, which is a great start. When I asked Matovic how it felt to have such a tremendous start, he said, "It takes pressure off. Now it's not like we have to come back, and this team has great chemistry." This is a reassuring statement from one of the team leaders moving forward. Their next game is Tuesday, December 3 at Myer against rivals St. Paul. This is the team’s home opener, so come out at 5 pm to show your support.
By: Cole McInerney
Every year Myer hosts our own junior boys’ basketball tournament. This year we had a great chance to win it. With sharp shooter Jake Andrews, as well as guard Tre Ford ready to make their debuts, our chances were greatly increased. Both of Myer's first two games were absolute routes, thanks to a beautifully executed full-court press defensive scheme, as well as great movement and execution on offense. The only real frustration was close shots at the rim that were missed.
When I talked to Coach Patterson about the possibility of making it to the finals after the first game, I said "If you mak-" then he cut me off saying, "There is no if, only when." That confidence was deserved considering the outcome of the first two games. The real exciting moment of the tournament was the finals, with our Marauders squaring-off against the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute Rams.
Once again, our team suffered from a short bench, with Michael O'Rourke, Tyrell Ford, Dustin Narduzzi, and Joe Murdaca not available to play. The game started, and since this group has not faced a formidable opponent yet this year, the beginning of the game appeared to be a shock. At the end of the first quarter our Marauders only had a 4-point lead, with a score of 12-8. Normally our offense is very strong, but the 2-3 zone implemented by both teams was hindering it majorly. When I asked guard Matt Burns about lacking an offensive rhythm, he commented, "Yeah our offense wasn't effective in the first half, but we switched to an overload style in the second half, and that is what gave us the lead." Although we figured out the Rams defense, on offense their point guard #24 was knocking down consistent shots, keeping the game close. I inquired about playing in front of a home crowd at Myer helping the team, and guard Jake Andrews said, "we were extra motivated to look good in front of the home fans."
As the game progressed it was back and forth with each team playing a very competitive game. Then, with under a minute left and a two point lead, team captain Burns goes to the free throw line 6 times. He said at that moment he was thinking, "I can't miss these." Also, " I realized how important they really were, and that I had to make them for the team.” Making 4 of 6, even with a back injury that has been hobbling him all season, it sealed the deal. Burns came up clutch at the end, and several players had great games throughout, especially Michael Matovic who shot threes brilliantly, going 4 for 9. After the final buzzer sounded, our Marauders won 44-38, to not only win our own Invitational Tournament in a hard-fought final, but also defend our home court against all challengers.
Including tournament games, this team is 7-0, which is a great start. When I asked Matovic how it felt to have such a tremendous start, he said, "It takes pressure off. Now it's not like we have to come back, and this team has great chemistry." This is a reassuring statement from one of the team leaders moving forward. Their next game is Tuesday, December 3 at Myer against rivals St. Paul. This is the team’s home opener, so come out at 5 pm to show your support.
Game 1: Went Into the Swamp and the Gators Didn't Get Us
By: Cole McInerney
Coming off of a big win in their first tournament, our Junior Boys Basketball team travelled to Port Colborne to take on the Lakeshore Catholic Gators on Tuesday, November 26th. The team has very high expectations (see "SOSSA or Bust") so this first game was a must-win. The momentum that carried over from winning the Fort Erie tournament most likely helped the group. Although considering they won each of the three games by such a large margin, sometimes a team will go into the game with the assumption they will win, but end up under-performing. Luckily, that wasn't the case with our Marauders. They came out of the gate with the same tenacity and heart that they did in tournament games.
While still missing football players Jake Andrews, Joe Murdaca, Dustin Narduzzi, and brothers Tre and Tyrell Ford, Myer was somewhat short-handed. Grade 9 Aleks Simeunovic was the star of the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds. All together the team played great, with Nikola Hrnjez also having a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Second in scoring was guard Michael O'Rourke who knocked down his threes and finished with 15 points. Matt Burns was the assist leader with 6, and he also added 8 more points. The only competition was from Lakeshore's guard, #2 who started off playing incredibly, but was eventually shut down by a collective that included Burns, Michael Matovic (who in addition had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) as well as Brendan Karegis. The final score was a dominating 74-29. The next game is at Myer, Tuesday December 3rd against rivals St. Paul, at 5pm. Come out to support and show the Patriots what Myer Nation is all about.
By: Cole McInerney
Coming off of a big win in their first tournament, our Junior Boys Basketball team travelled to Port Colborne to take on the Lakeshore Catholic Gators on Tuesday, November 26th. The team has very high expectations (see "SOSSA or Bust") so this first game was a must-win. The momentum that carried over from winning the Fort Erie tournament most likely helped the group. Although considering they won each of the three games by such a large margin, sometimes a team will go into the game with the assumption they will win, but end up under-performing. Luckily, that wasn't the case with our Marauders. They came out of the gate with the same tenacity and heart that they did in tournament games.
While still missing football players Jake Andrews, Joe Murdaca, Dustin Narduzzi, and brothers Tre and Tyrell Ford, Myer was somewhat short-handed. Grade 9 Aleks Simeunovic was the star of the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds. All together the team played great, with Nikola Hrnjez also having a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Second in scoring was guard Michael O'Rourke who knocked down his threes and finished with 15 points. Matt Burns was the assist leader with 6, and he also added 8 more points. The only competition was from Lakeshore's guard, #2 who started off playing incredibly, but was eventually shut down by a collective that included Burns, Michael Matovic (who in addition had 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) as well as Brendan Karegis. The final score was a dominating 74-29. The next game is at Myer, Tuesday December 3rd against rivals St. Paul, at 5pm. Come out to support and show the Patriots what Myer Nation is all about.
"SOSSA Champs or Bust"
By: Cole McInerney
Quite a grand statement. Although a very ambitious statement by guard Michael O'Rourke, one that appears to be the mentality of all players on the Junior Boys Basketball Team. After losing a heartbreaker in last year's SOSSA finals, this team is extra hungry this year to not only get back to that spot, but win it. When I asked O'Rourke, who is referred to as "The 3 King" by Head Coach Patterson (fitting considering he wears #3) whether there is extra motivation he said, " Every practice when you feel tired and want to quit, we think back to last years loss in the final, and push harder so history won't repeat itself."
A similar sentiment was repeated by forwards Nikola H. as well as Nikola G., who agreed that with coaches Patterson and Clarke, a SOSSA Championship is "definitely possible." While there were no guarantees from Coach Patterson, who said winning the championship "won't be easy", he did outline a few goals for this team. Those goals are; "beat St. Paul, beat Notre Dame, win Zone, and win SOSSA." Although it is great to be confident, these could be lofty goals.
The main reason is due to a loss of three vital players, being Tyler Thomson, Donovan Vanegas, and Michael Casciano. All three are grade 10's playing senior that would've been sure-fire starters on this team. It is extra tough considering the loss of size from the latter two. When I asked guard Matt Burns, who is regarded as an elite defender and star, about this issue he said, "losing 3 players will be a huge loss for this team." Burns, who was named team captain at the practice before the first game of their opening tournament, who said "it feels good", was also asked about taking a bigger leadership role on the team, and would he be comfortable with that. He gave a very matter of fact, "yeah, for sure."
While having three elite players leave your team is tough, at the practice I witnessed a team that moves the ball with great fluidity and precision. As expected, there was some rustiness to shake-off, but even when mistakes were made and called out, the team atmosphere appeared calm and supportive. Another major asset this team can take advantage of is the fact that most of their big men hit a mid to long range jumper with good consistency. This is a weapon most teams will not have, nor will they know how to defend. Lastly, team morale seems to be extremely high, which is a positive sign considering the regular season starts so soon.
Another interesting story line to watch is the differences between the two coaches. Coach Patterson, who led this team last year to a very successful season, yet an ending that left all players with the sting of defeat very present. Patterson has coached basketball for 15+ years, and he knows the team really well. This is all contrasted by Clarke, who is new this year, which could be great for this team, to have someone with a fresh perspective and look on the group. It appears this team will be in very good hands considering the balance that will be struck between these two great coaches.
The team has already started the season off extremely well. In their opening tournament they won the first game by a blow-out score of 72-23, and the second game 57-25, which easily pushed them through to the next day of the tournament. Even more impressive is these were won without the help of grade 10's Joe Murdaca, Tre, or Tyrell Ford. The team then moved on to the finals where they pulled out the win 73-37. An incredible showing by the group already. They've proven they can win, now it just needs to carry over into the regular season.
Although expectations are high, and could be harder to achieve with the loss of some key pieces, it appears with a year of High School basketball under most of their belts, and the chemistry this team already possesses, the dream of SOSSA Champs becomes an ever-greater possibility. Myer Nation, we could be in for a great season.
By: Cole McInerney
Quite a grand statement. Although a very ambitious statement by guard Michael O'Rourke, one that appears to be the mentality of all players on the Junior Boys Basketball Team. After losing a heartbreaker in last year's SOSSA finals, this team is extra hungry this year to not only get back to that spot, but win it. When I asked O'Rourke, who is referred to as "The 3 King" by Head Coach Patterson (fitting considering he wears #3) whether there is extra motivation he said, " Every practice when you feel tired and want to quit, we think back to last years loss in the final, and push harder so history won't repeat itself."
A similar sentiment was repeated by forwards Nikola H. as well as Nikola G., who agreed that with coaches Patterson and Clarke, a SOSSA Championship is "definitely possible." While there were no guarantees from Coach Patterson, who said winning the championship "won't be easy", he did outline a few goals for this team. Those goals are; "beat St. Paul, beat Notre Dame, win Zone, and win SOSSA." Although it is great to be confident, these could be lofty goals.
The main reason is due to a loss of three vital players, being Tyler Thomson, Donovan Vanegas, and Michael Casciano. All three are grade 10's playing senior that would've been sure-fire starters on this team. It is extra tough considering the loss of size from the latter two. When I asked guard Matt Burns, who is regarded as an elite defender and star, about this issue he said, "losing 3 players will be a huge loss for this team." Burns, who was named team captain at the practice before the first game of their opening tournament, who said "it feels good", was also asked about taking a bigger leadership role on the team, and would he be comfortable with that. He gave a very matter of fact, "yeah, for sure."
While having three elite players leave your team is tough, at the practice I witnessed a team that moves the ball with great fluidity and precision. As expected, there was some rustiness to shake-off, but even when mistakes were made and called out, the team atmosphere appeared calm and supportive. Another major asset this team can take advantage of is the fact that most of their big men hit a mid to long range jumper with good consistency. This is a weapon most teams will not have, nor will they know how to defend. Lastly, team morale seems to be extremely high, which is a positive sign considering the regular season starts so soon.
Another interesting story line to watch is the differences between the two coaches. Coach Patterson, who led this team last year to a very successful season, yet an ending that left all players with the sting of defeat very present. Patterson has coached basketball for 15+ years, and he knows the team really well. This is all contrasted by Clarke, who is new this year, which could be great for this team, to have someone with a fresh perspective and look on the group. It appears this team will be in very good hands considering the balance that will be struck between these two great coaches.
The team has already started the season off extremely well. In their opening tournament they won the first game by a blow-out score of 72-23, and the second game 57-25, which easily pushed them through to the next day of the tournament. Even more impressive is these were won without the help of grade 10's Joe Murdaca, Tre, or Tyrell Ford. The team then moved on to the finals where they pulled out the win 73-37. An incredible showing by the group already. They've proven they can win, now it just needs to carry over into the regular season.
Although expectations are high, and could be harder to achieve with the loss of some key pieces, it appears with a year of High School basketball under most of their belts, and the chemistry this team already possesses, the dream of SOSSA Champs becomes an ever-greater possibility. Myer Nation, we could be in for a great season.
Principal Provost Projects Positivity
By: Cole McInerney
With a new school year comes many new changes to a high school. Even more drastic changes come with new administration. When Mrs. Sacco left and Mrs. Provost came, many students wondered, who is this new principal, and what does having a new principal mean for our school? All of those questions, and more, are answered in this interview with Mrs. Provost. Read on to learn about the new leader of our school.
Myer Messenger: How have the first two months been at Myer?
Principal Provost: It's been a great adjustment. So far I love the school. All of the students are very nice.
MM: What was your favorite subject growing up?
PP: English. For sure.
MM: What did you teach before becoming a principal?
PP: Many different things. First I taught French immersion, then History, then English. Next, I started a com-tech program, and then moved on to become the head of an English department. Finally, a vice principal before becoming a principal.
MM: Is Myer much different from the school you are coming from?
PP: In many ways it is different. It was a very small school, only about 350 kids. They were mostly all farmers, which creates a different atmosphere in the school, considering how large Myer is, and it is very urban. There are similarities such as the fact that the kids are so great. I was there for 6 years and both schools are very spirited and love football.
MM: Last year we had a lot of buyouts, which is good for school spirit, but takes away class time. How do you plan to balance those two things?
PP: I am being mindful about the number (of buyouts), but it is very important to support our sports teams. The students on those teams work really hard, and it is great to see them supported by their peers.
MM: Are there any improvements to the school that you plan on making or are already in the works?
PP: Yes, we have a few projects underway. First, turning the front entrance near the office into a learning common, where students can sit and study on cafe-style tables. This way the space will be better utilized. That will most likely be ready by January. Also, we are going to paint and add new furniture to the resource room to make it a more welcoming place. Lastly, I want there to be technology in every class room. Many teachers have said they prefer whiteboards compared to chalk boards, so there are improvements in the works.
MM: What was the thought process regarding the new sign at the front of the school?
PP: That was all Ms. Sacco. That was her project. All of the credit belongs to her.
MM: What are your thoughts of msip?
PP: I love msip. I came from a school that had it, and as long as you treat it as an instructional-type of period, it works very well and is effective. It is a great opportunity to work with teachers, get organized, and collaborate with other students.
MM: Anything you would like to say to Myer Nation?
PP: Yes, just that I'm happy to be here, I love the students, and the community. Also, if any students have something they think and want to be voiced, my door is always open.