Martinsville wins Piedmont District regular season title!

[dmspartan 10]

A lay-up by DeAndrew Jackson with 4 seconds on the clock gave Martinsville a 50-48 lead and the 'Dogs another PD title. More importantly, it also gave the 'Dogs an automatic first-place seed in the state regionals.

[pdfan 101]

Congrats to the Dogs on a hard fought win.When MV was up 48-44 with less than a minute with the ball I liked their chances but you just can't ever count out the Dogs.Will Strickland and Hairston have to sit out 2 games for the incident in the 3rd quarter? That's what we were told after the game.Thank goodness the AD's and the Sheriff's Dept. got things under control fast and cooler heads prevailed or things could have gotten very ugly fast!! Shame that they weren't allowed to shake hands after the game but you get the feeling that these 2 teams have a general dislike for one another. Also what I stated about the refs after the first game these 2 played this year came true tonite. First half there were about 20 fouls called,in the 2nd half

with about a minute to go in the game MV 1 foul Mavahi 2 fouls. Same teams,same intensity, not the same whistles. I think that had alot to do with the near riot on the court in the 3rd, they had allowed it to get way to physical. Oh well, it should be an interesting tourney.

[tullyblanchard 10]

what exactly happened in the 3rd? tracy or snook hairston?

[dmspartan 10]

The last I heard, both Strickland and T. Hairston will miss two games - Tracy will miss the district tourney. I also understand that the game tape will be reviewed, and it is possible that 1)another MV player may be suspended as well and 2) Hairston's suspension may be only for one game. What gave me cause to wonder is that NO TECHNICALS were called - yet both players were ejected.

I believe "general dislike" is putting it mildly. This rivalry seems to have taken the place of the Laurel Park/Martinsville rivalry which is only natural due to the consolidation of MV and Laurel Park - except the intensity seems to have tripled. Please note that neither team shook hands tonight. Coach Wells - normally noted for his sportmanship in that area - took the 'Dogs to the dressing room immediately after the horn. Deputies from the Sheriff's office were outside the locker room as the 'Dogs dressed and escorted the team to their bus. There will be more security at the tournament - one hopes.

And I agree with you about the officials letting this one almost get away. Not enough whistles - too much "woofing".

 

At least there were NO streakers at this game.

[dmspartan 10]

T. Hairston and Strickland got tangled up going for a loose ball. Another MV player "dove" into the fray and the next thing you knew, they were rolling across the floor. Punches were thrown - Tracy's nose was bloodied - both players were ejected and suspended for two games. The second MV player was ignored. A copy of the game tape was requested by the AD's of both Bassett and Martinsville from Magna Vista - it will be reviewed tomorrow morning and, if warranted, an appeal on behalf of Tracy Hairston will be filed.

[pdfan 101]

Was at a bball game and a hockey game broke out.J. Williams and T. Hairston were battling for a loose ball and things got a little rough(as they do on loose ball situations sometimes). Push became shove then the 3rd man in(to use a hockey term)Strickland came in throwing punches and T. Hairston retaliated and all heck started to happen.Police and administrators and coaches got things under control rather quickly with only Strickland and T. Hairston(who was also bleeding from the nose or mouth after the altercation)the only ones ejected.Hate to see stuff like this happen but even being a MV fan I would say Deshawn's ejection was the right thing to do.After the 3 battles these teams have had,something like this was bound to happen.These have been 3 of the most physical games I can recall over my years of watching Piedmont Bball(and that has been about 40 years)!!

[tullyblanchard 10]

I hate to hear that, Tracy is a good kid.

[mhsalum 31]

[ QUOTE ]

I hate to hear that, Tracy is a good kid.

 

[/ QUOTE ]

 

my sentiments exactly...i'm sure he will rebound nicely and continue to play hard in the postseason.

[pdfan 101]

On the other side of the coin is Deshawn Strickland,also a very good kid. I have had the oppurtunity to have this young man in my home on many occasions and he is a very respectful,yes sir-no sir kind of person. To me this was very out of character for both of these young men,and one instance I hope that people will let them soon forget about. Hope the Dogs and Warriors can move on from this and make some noise in the regionals(if the Warriors can get there!!).As Coach Wells said so well this morning in the paper,in the heat of the game sometimes "boys will be boys". Things happen sometimes,learn from it and move on. Good luck to both teams next week in the always unpredictable Piedmont Tourney!!!

[dmspartan 10]

I, too, hope that everyone will let both of these fine young men put this incident behind them quickly so they can concentrate on getting their respective teams to the next level of play in the state tournament. I just hope that this is the last of the any ejections and suspensions for the year.