Coach Arledge invited Matt up to speak to his girls basketball team today and Matt was kind enough to stay an extra hour and talk to our guys. For those of you who don't know Matt's story, he was diagnosed with a rare form of luekemia this past year and has been making great strides in his recovery process. Matt is a member of the Texas A&M Kingsville football team and a graduate of Bells High School. Matt has accomplished quite a bit on the football field drawing some interest from the NFL.
Matt told his story today to our boys, but what was awesome was how he challenged them to get their priorities in line. First thing he talked about was their grades. He said playing sports at the next level is a great thing, but you better make your grades and earn that education. He talked about being a great teammate and making the effort everyday in practice even when you don't want to. He said wake up every morning and thank God that you have the opportunity to do something positive with your life.
Thanks Matt for the great message and I know we'll see you put the pads on again.
"CHAIN REACTION"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Whitesboro Falls To Gainesville
In a tough battle of two very talented teams, Whitesboro came up a little short on their homecourt Tuesday night losing to Gainesville 68-56. The loss drops Whitesboro to 2-2 in district play. Whitesboro led after the 1st quarter 16-13 after a quick start by Matt Hobbs who scored 8 points in the quarter. Matt finished with 16 points on the night. The Bearcats led 28-26 at half. The third quarter provided a lot of fireworks as Gainesville outscored Whitesboro 25-20 taking a 51-48 led going into the 4th. Weston Walsh scored 8 of his 12 points in the third. Troy Willis nailed a huge 3 point basket to cut into the lead. Gainesville jumped out to a lead in the 4th and Whitesboro struggled offensively to score and the game slipped away. Cameron Clark fiished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 6 assists. Trey Eleazer finished with 7 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. Jordan Gill finished with 5 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.
Coach Reed: "I was proud of the way our kids played. We went cold in the 4th quarter and couldn't match their run. Gainesville went to the line 29 times to our 9. I was a little disappointed in the way the game was called because I felt like we were doing the things to get to the line. We've just got finish games and we've got to become a better free throw shooting club. We miss too many in crucial parts of the game. Our effort was there, but we've just got to convert on the offensive end."
Coach Reed: "I was proud of the way our kids played. We went cold in the 4th quarter and couldn't match their run. Gainesville went to the line 29 times to our 9. I was a little disappointed in the way the game was called because I felt like we were doing the things to get to the line. We've just got finish games and we've got to become a better free throw shooting club. We miss too many in crucial parts of the game. Our effort was there, but we've just got to convert on the offensive end."
Monday, January 24, 2011
ACTS OF KINDNESS
What a powerful day! I had the opportunity to go to my wife's school today and listen to Cody Hodges (Former QB for Texas Tech) speak on behalf of Rachel's Challenge. For those of you who don't know, Rachel was the first person who lost her life in the Columbine shootings. Her father is carrying on her dream of reaching out to the world by showing acts of kindness. It was a very moving message and really makes you stop and think about how you live your life.
Here is what is so strange: When I got back to work, I had a message on my machine from a man who lived in the town we played in Friday night. He was shocked that I called him back. He wanted to let me know how thankful he was for a young man in my basketball program. He told me he nearly lost his life in October in a car accident. He was just now getting around with the help of a cane. Our boys were leaving the gym to load the bus and Trey went back and got the doors for him. He said, "Coach I know you think this is probably silly, but that was one of the nicest things I have ever seen. In this negative society, I just wanted you to know how many positives you have in your program. For your player to do that after a tough loss meant the world to me." I caught a tear because all that was running through my mind was the events from this morning while listening to Rachel's Challenge. The power of her message was shining at that moment.
I sat my whole program down this afternoon and told this story. I told them that Trey's actions might have changed that man's outlook on life. I told them that you never know what kind of an impact that you may have on people and that you should alway be a positive influence. I thanked them for being young men of character and told them how proud I am to be their coach.
What a powerful day and to think it was just from hearing about a young man hold a door open for another man.
Here is what is so strange: When I got back to work, I had a message on my machine from a man who lived in the town we played in Friday night. He was shocked that I called him back. He wanted to let me know how thankful he was for a young man in my basketball program. He told me he nearly lost his life in October in a car accident. He was just now getting around with the help of a cane. Our boys were leaving the gym to load the bus and Trey went back and got the doors for him. He said, "Coach I know you think this is probably silly, but that was one of the nicest things I have ever seen. In this negative society, I just wanted you to know how many positives you have in your program. For your player to do that after a tough loss meant the world to me." I caught a tear because all that was running through my mind was the events from this morning while listening to Rachel's Challenge. The power of her message was shining at that moment.
I sat my whole program down this afternoon and told this story. I told them that Trey's actions might have changed that man's outlook on life. I told them that you never know what kind of an impact that you may have on people and that you should alway be a positive influence. I thanked them for being young men of character and told them how proud I am to be their coach.
What a powerful day and to think it was just from hearing about a young man hold a door open for another man.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Bearcats go to 2-0 in District 9-3A with win over Aubrey
Whitesboro coasted to a 66-24 win over Aubrey on Tuesday. The win puts Whitesboro at 2-0 in District 9-3A. The Bearcats opened the game with a 17 point first quarter and held Aubrey to just 2 points. Whitesboro led 29-8 at half and never looked back. Matt Hobbs and Troy Willis led the Bearcats in scoring with 12 points. Troy Willis knocked down 4 three pointers. Cameron Clark finished with 9 points and 4 assists. Collin Kilcrease finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Collin was also 100% from the free throw line. Weston Walsh finished with 7 points and 6 rebounds. Trey Eleazer finished with 6 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Grayson Ezzell finished with 3 points and 4 rebounds. Mike Antoine (3 points), John Wood (2 points), Jordan Gill (2 points), Mitch Krueger (1 point), and Ryan Harbin (1 point) rounded out the scoring for the Bearcats. Gill also collected 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.
Coach Reed: "Was pleased with the way we started the game and put them in a hole early. I was disappointed in our execution offensively at times, but we found other ways to score. A lot of the supporting cast contributed offensively and that was good. You don't want to have any let downs during this time of the year."
Coach Reed: "Was pleased with the way we started the game and put them in a hole early. I was disappointed in our execution offensively at times, but we found other ways to score. A lot of the supporting cast contributed offensively and that was good. You don't want to have any let downs during this time of the year."
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Whitesboro opens District 9-3A with a win at Sanger
January 14, 2011
Whitesboro dug themselves a hole early by not taking care of the basketball, but found a way to weather the storm and battled back to a convincing 66-58 win on the road at Sanger Friday night. The Bearcats trailed 18-5 in the first quarter. Cameron Clark, Matt Hobbs, and John Wood finally got an offensive spark late in the quarter to close the gap. Whitesboro trailed 20-13 after the 1st. The Bearcats put up a strong defensive front in the second quarter limiting Sanger to only to only 12 points which were mainly from the free throw line. Trey Eleazer provided a spark for the Cats scoring 9 of his 18 points in that quarter. Whitesboro trailed 32-28 at the half. The Bearcats came to life in the 3rd quarter outscoring Sanger 18-10. Matt Hobbs finally broke free from the pressure defense and knocked down 2 of his 4 3 point field goals in the 3rd quarter. Hobbs finished the game with 15 points. Whitesboro never looked back outscoring Sanger 19-16 in the 4th to secure the win. Ryan Harbin was a difference maker off the bench scoring 7 of this 11 points in the final period. Trey Eleazer finished the game with a double-double (18 points/13 rebounds). Cameron Clark scored 13 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. John Wood added 3 points and Jordan Gill scored 2 points and collected 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Collin Kilcrease finished with 2 points and 2 rebounds. Mitch Krueger finished with 2 points.
Coach Reed: "This was a great game played in a playoff style atmosphere. Early I thought Sanger had the momentum to run us out of the gym, but our guys kept their cool and chipped away at their lead. We stressed focusing on the game plan and playing hard for four quarters and I think we did that. We played with great enthusiasm and toughness as well. This was a great way to start our run in this very competitive district. The key is preparing daily and taking it one game at a time."
Whitesboro dug themselves a hole early by not taking care of the basketball, but found a way to weather the storm and battled back to a convincing 66-58 win on the road at Sanger Friday night. The Bearcats trailed 18-5 in the first quarter. Cameron Clark, Matt Hobbs, and John Wood finally got an offensive spark late in the quarter to close the gap. Whitesboro trailed 20-13 after the 1st. The Bearcats put up a strong defensive front in the second quarter limiting Sanger to only to only 12 points which were mainly from the free throw line. Trey Eleazer provided a spark for the Cats scoring 9 of his 18 points in that quarter. Whitesboro trailed 32-28 at the half. The Bearcats came to life in the 3rd quarter outscoring Sanger 18-10. Matt Hobbs finally broke free from the pressure defense and knocked down 2 of his 4 3 point field goals in the 3rd quarter. Hobbs finished the game with 15 points. Whitesboro never looked back outscoring Sanger 19-16 in the 4th to secure the win. Ryan Harbin was a difference maker off the bench scoring 7 of this 11 points in the final period. Trey Eleazer finished the game with a double-double (18 points/13 rebounds). Cameron Clark scored 13 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. John Wood added 3 points and Jordan Gill scored 2 points and collected 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Collin Kilcrease finished with 2 points and 2 rebounds. Mitch Krueger finished with 2 points.
Coach Reed: "This was a great game played in a playoff style atmosphere. Early I thought Sanger had the momentum to run us out of the gym, but our guys kept their cool and chipped away at their lead. We stressed focusing on the game plan and playing hard for four quarters and I think we did that. We played with great enthusiasm and toughness as well. This was a great way to start our run in this very competitive district. The key is preparing daily and taking it one game at a time."
Whitesboro Struggles Offensively in Loss to Van Alstyne
January 7, 2011
In a defensive battle, Van Alstyne came out on top 40-32. Whitesboro could never get going offensively and had a really hard time getting to the charity stripe. The Bearcats only shot 5 free throws on the night. Whitesboro led 18-14 at half behind a good effort from Troy Willis and Mitch Krueger who got the Cats going late in the first quarter. Willis finished the game with 8 points leading the Bearcats in scoring. Krueger finished with 5 points. Cameron Clark had 6 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Bearcats. Trey Eleazer added 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jordan Gill grabbed 7 rebounds in the loss.
In a defensive battle, Van Alstyne came out on top 40-32. Whitesboro could never get going offensively and had a really hard time getting to the charity stripe. The Bearcats only shot 5 free throws on the night. Whitesboro led 18-14 at half behind a good effort from Troy Willis and Mitch Krueger who got the Cats going late in the first quarter. Willis finished the game with 8 points leading the Bearcats in scoring. Krueger finished with 5 points. Cameron Clark had 6 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Bearcats. Trey Eleazer added 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Jordan Gill grabbed 7 rebounds in the loss.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Whitesboro beats Bonham on SFC Night
After selling a few pancakes and raising money for a worthy cause, the Whitesboro Bearcats stepped on the floor and took care of the Bonham Warriors. Whitesboro exploded in the first quarter outscoring Bonham 29-11. The second quarter proved to be much of the same as Whitesboro went in at half up 44-19. Bonham remained a scrappy squad in the second half though and tried to make several runs. Whitesboro answered each run and won 75-50. Matt Hobbs continued his sharp shooting scoring 22 points. He was 57% from the floor and an amazing 71% from beyond the arc. He also went 100% from the free throw line and also grabbed three boards. Trey Eleazer scored 10 points and had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Mitch Krueger scored 8 points and started the 1st quarter run by knocking down two 3 pointers. Troy Willis and Ryan Harbin each scored 7 points and played very well coming off the bench. Ryan also grabbed 5 rebounds. Weston Walsh provide a little inside power scoring 5 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. John Wood, Cameron Clark, Jordan Gill, and Collin Kilcrease each scored 4 points for the Bearcats.
This was are 5th annual Shoot For The Cure Night. This Shoot For the Cure was a little different this year because we weren't only raising money for the Cystinosis Research Network. We also were raising money for a benefit account for Matt Romig. Matt was a former player of Head Girls Basketball Coach Chris Arledge. Matt was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer know as blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. There are 200 known cases in the world. Matt is improving, but there is still a long road ahead. I am proud of the Whitesboro and Bonham communities for stepping up and helping out this young man and his family.
Mason Reed is the nephew of Head Boys Coach Shad Reed. Mason was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Cystinosis. This disease attacks certain organs in your body and can be controlled by taking very strong medications. There is currently no cure for this disease. Mason is now in third grade and doing quite well. He has begun a new study in Atlanta that will allow him to take medications every 12 hours instead of every 6. This study is made possibly by all the fundraising efforts for the Cystinosis Research Network.
To learn more about these two diseases visit www.cystinosis.org and www.mattromig.com
Coach Reed: "I want to thank everyone who helped make this event a success. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that sacrifice their time and it is greatly appreciated. There were numerous business who donated to the cause as well. We can't thank you enough. This is a great community that cares for kids and I am proud to be a part of that."
This was are 5th annual Shoot For The Cure Night. This Shoot For the Cure was a little different this year because we weren't only raising money for the Cystinosis Research Network. We also were raising money for a benefit account for Matt Romig. Matt was a former player of Head Girls Basketball Coach Chris Arledge. Matt was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer know as blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. There are 200 known cases in the world. Matt is improving, but there is still a long road ahead. I am proud of the Whitesboro and Bonham communities for stepping up and helping out this young man and his family.
Mason Reed is the nephew of Head Boys Coach Shad Reed. Mason was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Cystinosis. This disease attacks certain organs in your body and can be controlled by taking very strong medications. There is currently no cure for this disease. Mason is now in third grade and doing quite well. He has begun a new study in Atlanta that will allow him to take medications every 12 hours instead of every 6. This study is made possibly by all the fundraising efforts for the Cystinosis Research Network.
To learn more about these two diseases visit www.cystinosis.org and www.mattromig.com
Coach Reed: "I want to thank everyone who helped make this event a success. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that sacrifice their time and it is greatly appreciated. There were numerous business who donated to the cause as well. We can't thank you enough. This is a great community that cares for kids and I am proud to be a part of that."
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
SFC 2011 PHIL 4:13
SFC 2011 was a huge success. There are so many people to thank that help make this event so successful. First of all, my lovely wife somehow watches two kids and works all evening making sure everything goes well so I can focus on my game. Can't say how much I appreciate Curtis Clark, Russ Wilson, and Mike Gillum. These three guys have been my pancake and bacon gurus for 4 years. I know there are many more parents who help out as well and I really appreciate you guys too. My two assistants Toby Sluder and Micah Ledbetter are overworked and underpaid. Thanks guys for helping make this program a success and being positive role models for our kids. Also, a huge thanks to all businesses who donated to this worthy cause.
It was an emotional night for me personally because this was the first year that my nephew could not attend. Mason has been flying to Atlanta the past few months quite frequently participating in a study funded by Cystinosis Research Network. He has missed so much school that he was unable to attend. CRN has reached a new level though by finding ways to make his life easier by allowing him to reduce medication times and sleep normal. It is great to know that because of the generous donations of our community and others that these advances are being made with this disease.
I have never met Matt Romig, but after the conversations that I had with Coach Arledge I was proud to be a part of his story as well. He is battling right now and having such a positive outlook on life. I told my boys tonight to be thankful each and every day that they have the opportunities such as competing on an athletic stage. I hope they understand what an impact they have on a daily basis.
Last, I would like to thank the community of Bonham and Whitesboro for their support. When I moved to North Texas four years ago, I was amazed at how well the community of Bonham supported their kids. It's obvious that Whitesboro does the same. It showed again tonight.
It was an emotional night for me personally because this was the first year that my nephew could not attend. Mason has been flying to Atlanta the past few months quite frequently participating in a study funded by Cystinosis Research Network. He has missed so much school that he was unable to attend. CRN has reached a new level though by finding ways to make his life easier by allowing him to reduce medication times and sleep normal. It is great to know that because of the generous donations of our community and others that these advances are being made with this disease.
I have never met Matt Romig, but after the conversations that I had with Coach Arledge I was proud to be a part of his story as well. He is battling right now and having such a positive outlook on life. I told my boys tonight to be thankful each and every day that they have the opportunities such as competing on an athletic stage. I hope they understand what an impact they have on a daily basis.
Last, I would like to thank the community of Bonham and Whitesboro for their support. When I moved to North Texas four years ago, I was amazed at how well the community of Bonham supported their kids. It's obvious that Whitesboro does the same. It showed again tonight.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Sherman Holiday Tournament Results
The Whitesboro Bearcats competed in the Sherman Holiday Tournament this past week and finished the tournament with a 2-2 record. The Bearcats opened tournament play against Pottsboro winning 76-33. It was a dominating performance with Matt Hobbs leading the way with 19 points. Trey Eleazer had 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block while Cameron Clark finished with 10 points and 3 assists. Mitch Krueger finished with 7 points and 6 rebounds. John Wood (6 RB), Ryan Harbin (5 RB), Jordan Gill and Grayson Ezzell (4 RB) were effective on the boards.
Day 2 had Whitesboro facing the Melissa Cardinals who are ranked #1 in 2A. Melissa won the contest 51-38, but the Bearcats gave them all they could handle. Matt Hobbs scored a game high 22 points. Cameron Clark and Mitch Krueger scored 4 points and Trey Eleazer had 3 points. Trey also had 6 rebounds in the contest. In the late game, Whitesboro faced Pittsburg. Whitesboro got off to a slow start and trailed 23-18 at half. The Bearcats started the 3rd quarter with a 10-0 run and then another 10-0 run after a Pittsburg layup and ended up taking a double digit lead. Whitesboro won the contest 54-47. Matt Hobbs led the way again scoring 23 points and was 5-7 from the 3 point line. He was also 100% from the Free Throw line. Collin Kilcrease finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Trey Eleazer finished with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Jordan Gill added 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Whitesboro shot 43% from beyond the arc.
Day 3 put Whitesboro in the Semifinals facing the 2A state ranked Whitewright Tigers. The Bearcats fell to Whitewright a week earlier 47-37. Whitesboro got off to a fast start behind some sharp shooting from Cameron Clark. Whitewright settled in and took a 32-27 lead at half. Whitesboro started the second half with a 9-0 run and took a 36-32 lead before the Tigers were able to answer. Both teams battled in the second half and Whitesboro had a 48-44 lead with 2 minutes to go in the game but could only manage 2 points in the final 2 minutes. Missed opportunities at the free throw proved to be costly and allowed Whitewright to pull away 55-50. Cameron Clark finished with a game high 22 points and went 4-8 from the 3 point line. Matt Hobbs finished with 11 points. Jordan Gill finished with 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Trey Eleazer finished with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Coach Reed: "Overall this was a very productive tournament for us. We learned a lot about the toughness of this team this past week. We have got to eliminate all of our empty possessions on the offensive end and answer the runs. You can't go cold against good teams and dig yourself out of the hole. We are playing well on the defensive end right now. We still have some weak areas but these young men are working their tails off right now. I'm excited about the upcoming weeks and district play."
Day 2 had Whitesboro facing the Melissa Cardinals who are ranked #1 in 2A. Melissa won the contest 51-38, but the Bearcats gave them all they could handle. Matt Hobbs scored a game high 22 points. Cameron Clark and Mitch Krueger scored 4 points and Trey Eleazer had 3 points. Trey also had 6 rebounds in the contest. In the late game, Whitesboro faced Pittsburg. Whitesboro got off to a slow start and trailed 23-18 at half. The Bearcats started the 3rd quarter with a 10-0 run and then another 10-0 run after a Pittsburg layup and ended up taking a double digit lead. Whitesboro won the contest 54-47. Matt Hobbs led the way again scoring 23 points and was 5-7 from the 3 point line. He was also 100% from the Free Throw line. Collin Kilcrease finished with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Trey Eleazer finished with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Jordan Gill added 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Whitesboro shot 43% from beyond the arc.
Day 3 put Whitesboro in the Semifinals facing the 2A state ranked Whitewright Tigers. The Bearcats fell to Whitewright a week earlier 47-37. Whitesboro got off to a fast start behind some sharp shooting from Cameron Clark. Whitewright settled in and took a 32-27 lead at half. Whitesboro started the second half with a 9-0 run and took a 36-32 lead before the Tigers were able to answer. Both teams battled in the second half and Whitesboro had a 48-44 lead with 2 minutes to go in the game but could only manage 2 points in the final 2 minutes. Missed opportunities at the free throw proved to be costly and allowed Whitewright to pull away 55-50. Cameron Clark finished with a game high 22 points and went 4-8 from the 3 point line. Matt Hobbs finished with 11 points. Jordan Gill finished with 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Trey Eleazer finished with 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
Coach Reed: "Overall this was a very productive tournament for us. We learned a lot about the toughness of this team this past week. We have got to eliminate all of our empty possessions on the offensive end and answer the runs. You can't go cold against good teams and dig yourself out of the hole. We are playing well on the defensive end right now. We still have some weak areas but these young men are working their tails off right now. I'm excited about the upcoming weeks and district play."
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