The unofficial online home for fans of the Kent State University Golden Flashes. Part of Collegiate Sports Nation (CSN).

(03-06-2010 10:57 AM)Kent 76 Wrote:  Flashfan, let's hope that Gaines isn't one of the couple of recruits who may not make it academically. I know Henniger isn't. I assume Kenny Knight is one, based upon what I've read in the past.

Good point, don't know about his academics. He's a team captain, so it shows someone trusts him with leadership. Gaines' stock has gone up during the season and when college is listed in an article we are always listed. Of course, that doesn't mean anything if he doesn't qualify.

76- I certainly remember Weatherspoon, he was tough as nails. I was a big Illinois fan as a kid and was at the game when he became the all-time UI leading scorer.

Since we need some good news, Eric Gaines was named Player of the Game in Hillcrests SemiFinal Sectional game with 14 points. They won and play again tomorrow. He's getting more press as his team is in the championship homestretch, still always identified as a KSU recruit.

More good news. Mark Henniger's team is playing for the Canton District championship Saturday against archrival, and fellow Federal League member, North Canton, whom they beat twice in winning the regular season crown (sound familiar?). Mark had 22 in the semi-final win.

Kent 76, any idea where it's at or what time? Suddenly my weekend looks pretty free.

It's at the Civic Center in downtown Canton (on Market, just south of 12th street north). It seast 4400. I'm pretty sure it's at 7:30 PM.

Thanks a lot, I might try to check it out.

From Friday nights's game in the Illinois 3A Sectional Final:

Hillcrest 63, Rich South 57
Eric Gaines led Hillcrest 18 points while teammates Herb Offord and Julius Brown chipped in with 13 points each.

(03-12-2010 09:00 AM)Kent 76 Wrote:  More good news. Mark Henniger's team is playing for the Canton District championship Saturday against archrival, and fellow Federal League member, North Canton, whom they beat twice in winning the regular season crown (sound familiar?). Mark had 22 in the semi-final win.

I saw Henniger play this past Wed night. I was not overly impressed. He played under control but was also very passive. He displayed skill (handling the ball & shooting) but also a low voltage motor. Not what I was hoping to see. Looked to me like he would beneift greatly from a redshirt year to get stronger & to understand the intensity level that he'll need to be successful in college.

As for Akron's recruit, Josh Egner...he was very athletic (quick, good hops) but very raw. He has a funky shot (side wrist action, no arc). He does play hard. If his body language is any indication, Dambrot will have his hands full with this one.

Yeah, he (Henniger) talked about his being calm and seemingly passive, trying to always be under control. Certainly a player like he is could benefit from a redshirt year, and from hitting the weight room hard. That will be a decision Ford will have to make, as no doubt he could help as a true freshman, given his intelligence and skill level, but like most big men not "major-major" recruits, he could also benefit from being redshirted. Perhaps playing all summer with the guys at Kent State will help a lot, too. Anyway, he ws just named POY for this part of Ohio:

http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/x1336914...f-the-year

BUT, he is coming in as a freshman...a puppy. This means that Kent's staff will have plenty of time to build on his strengths and improve his weaknesses. I am excited about Henninger.

Agree, fallsdog. Even if the first year of actual play for a true freshman isn't much, there are three years left (e.g. Greene). Often a JUCO struggles his first year, then there is only one solid year.

In Chicago area for work (unfortunately missing tonights game) but watching news last night and Gaines team won again and he had 26. They are now going to state. Couldnt tell from highlights which one he was but he must be a great get for us as announcer said it matter of factly like he was known commodity here.

I think Gaines needs to play next year. Loose Singletary, Evans and McKee out of the guard rotation, see what this kid can do.

(03-17-2010 10:45 AM)ksu315 Wrote:  In Chicago area for work (unfortunately missing tonights game) but watching news last night and Gaines team won again and he had 26. They are now going to state. Couldnt tell from highlights which one he was but he must be a great get for us as announcer said it matter of factly like he was known commodity here.

KSU 315...if you catch him again, Gaines' number is 24.

EG's stock has gone up this year...it will be interesting to see where he ends up in the final preps ratings. BTW, the Illinois High School Basketball Championship games are made available on line post game for free...I will post the link so you can see how EG performed with the state title on the line. His games are March 19 and, hopefully, 20.

Does anyone know if Gaines or any of the other guard recruits can play the point? It would be nice to have someone to backup Holt but, from what I've seen, we have only shooting guards in this recruiting class.

Eric Gaines

Don't know if EG can play point, but apparently he can dunk.

(03-17-2010 10:52 AM)fallsdog Wrote:  I think Gaines needs to play next year. Loose Singletary, Evans and McKee out of the guard rotation, see what this kid can do.

I agree. Even if some of the new guys arent grasping the system right away I say let them play early and often. If they can get it by the end of the year we will be talented enough to make a run like OU did this year.

without having alot of knowledge i am thinking the rotation will go something like this next year.

PG Holt, Porrini
SG Rod, Pickney, Gaines
SF Johnson, Gaines
PF Nealy, Henniger
C Greene, manns

Just from reading about the recruits it seems that Henniger and Gaines are the most talented and ready to play(other than Henniger possibly needing a redshirt to get stronger). Also i'm just guessing by his size that Gaines could play some at the three.

I think Pickney could be a huge wild card for us next year. If he works alot in the off season on ball handling and shooting he could be a big scoring surprise off the bench. He has a ton of raw ability. hopefully he can turn that into skill and be a threat on offense and defense.

flashgrad, don't forget about Guyton. I think Gaines has a chance to be really special and could contribute right away but I wouldn't be surprised if Guyton was ahead of him next year. Jucos are usually more ready for the college game than true freshman. You never know though.

delflash, I remember when they were recruited the report said Gaines and Guyton both could translate to anywhere from the 1 to the 3 at Kent. So I expect that either can help with the point. I do think that Porrini will get most of his minutes at point too. Between those 3, Rod, and Holt I think we'll be alright at the point.

The thing that concerns me more about next years team is 3 point shooting. We aren't great in that area this year and other than Clay it doesn't seem we have any big time 3 point threats coming in. Guyton has hit 35 3's and is shooting 36% this year which looks much better than his 8 3's and 21% from last year. Porrini has only hit 17 and is shooting 26% from deep which is about what he shot at Western Carolina. I don't know his numbers this year but last year Gaines only hit 5 threes.

Don't forget about clay at the 2 or 3. He was suppose to go to baylor and he is a pure shooter.