Momentum...It's a Big Thing

Apr 21, 2017
4 min read

It was a busy week for Carterville Lions senior athletes as a pair announced their college intentions.

Megan Adams, Lady Lions cross country runner announced on Thursday that she has selected Arkansas State University to study and run at the the collegiate level.

I spoke with Megan about her college selection.

At the same press conference, Carterville basketballs' 6'6 Senior Taylor Heil announced that he will be heading off to Terre Haute, IN to study and play ball for the Fightin' Engineers of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

I had a chance to talk with the very tall Taylor Heil at his presser.

Congrats to both Megan and Taylor on their selections and just remember you are #AlwaysALion.

Carterville Lions Softball/Baseball

Coach Will Capie and the lady Lions suffered their first conference loss of the season this week at the hands of the Nashville Hornettes.

Lions baseball earned a come from behind victory over the Murphysboro Red Devils on Thursday 6-5.

The Lions have a pair of games coming up this week as they hit the road to Pinckneyville and West Frankfort.

The Lady Lions will be on the road at Pinckneyville and at Zeigler-Royalton.

Blues/Blackhawks

This is my favorite time of the year as a sports fan (except for Carterville Lions sports of course), as the Stanley Cup Playoffs are under way.

By far the hardest championship trophy to win. 16 wins...the possibility of playing up to 28 games. It's insane how hard it is to win "the cup".

I will stand in front of the tv for every one of my St. Louis Blues game. I don't believe I should sit on the couch and watch. That's not doing my part. I will yell...scream....dance...pace....twirl...cuss...pray and that's all before the puck is dropped to start the game.

Last night the Chicago Blackhawks were knocked out of the dance by the Nashville Predators. They weren't just beaten....they were spanked...in all four games.

There is something that the Hawks and the Blues can learn from the Predators.

As for the Hawks, you can think you have all of the talent in the world, but momentum is everything. On paper, the Blackhawks should have swept the Preds right out of the door. Two games at home to start the series, win em both and the series is probably done.

But that's not what happened.

Nashville went in to Chicago with nothing to lose and get a 1-0 win in game one. In game two, I think the Hawks thought they would win just because they are the Blackhawks.

But that's not what happened.

Nashville had gained a touch of momentum after game one and that just carried over and GREW as the Predators shut them down again...in Chicago.

In game 3, the Predators had ALL of the momentum and Chicago couldn't get the win and they find themselves down 3-0.

This is where the St. Louis Blues need to pay attention.

My Blues are up 3-1 in the series and had the chance to close out the series this past Wednesday. They had all of the what? That's right..they had all of the momentum.

I didn't really like what I heard from coach Mike Yeo leading into game 4. He said that the team fully understood what was going on, but that they needed to just play their game. He said that if they did that, things would take care of themselves. That's the PC thing to say. Don't give em billboard material. The Wild were the #2 highest scoring team in the leagues. Yes they struggled down the stretch, but you can'tt let them think they are back in the series.

But that's not what happened.

The Blues played careful...they played not to lose and the Minnesota Wild came out and put their hands on that thing called momentum and said "we want to take that back from you boys".

Nashville did not gave Chicago to get back in the series yet alone the game on Thursday night. They took it to the Hawks and physically and mentally took that game away from Chicago. Sometimes you just have to choke out your opponent when you have the chance. And it's OK for them to know that's what you are planning to do.

We can't risk giving you that momentum. You saw what happens when that happens.

And...oh by the way....I do bleed blue!

Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Awards

Found out yesterday that Scott Hudson and I have been chosen as finalist for the Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award for best sports play-by-play category. It's pretty cool to be a finalist. The winners will be announced on June 8th.

The Links at Rent One Park

Don't forget to come out to Rent One park this week and hit the links at the Links at Rent One Park. Bring your family or friends out and just enjoy taking part in one of the most unique opportunities in Southern Illinois. You don't have to be a good golfer to play. Anyone is welcome. Visit SIMiner.com for more information.

I will be playing this Sunday afternoon. Come on out and join me.

Speaking of the Southern Illinois Miners, the players will start making their way to Marion this week. Training camp opens later this week. the first exhibition game is slated for May 2nd and the regular season will open on May 13th at Rent One Park.

There are so many new things happening at Rent One Park and with the Miners this year. Make plans to attend several games this season.

Guess I will wrap things up by saying "LETS GO BLUES"!