4A Game Talk - Dubuque, Hempstead (17-5) vs. Cedar Rapids, Kennedy (18-5)

[LukeFeddersen]

Post game chat here!

 

[LukeFeddersen]

Start of 2Q - Dubuque Hempstead 16, Cedar Rapids Kennedy 9

 

[Red87]

Hempstead rolling right now. Up 30-11. Coach Deutsch has done a phenomenal job there.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

I like Coach Curt, but after all the excitement of the Mustangs' 21 point lead (mostly due to Curtis Martin 2 going crazy), the best coach on the floor was the former Iowa prep all-star who coaches Kennedy. He calmly kept his players focused after Martin went off for his 19 points, and in the final 16 minutes the Cougars methodically and patiently (and very intelligently) whittled down the lead and took command with terrific defense to win by eight. It was pretty well known around Dubuque that Hempstead had the most over-all talented team in the city this year, but the other two coaches in the city beat Hempstead in the regular season 3 out of 4 times with less talent and more youth, but more discipline. Hempstead should be just as good next year with the incredible talent coming in from their feeder system (plus Intensity and the Dream program) and I hope they have the chance to redeem themselves.

 

[BushWhite]

DH really D's up. Looked very well coached.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Hempstead should be even better next year (as all the Dubuque teams will be), but I think Coach Deutsch needs to rein in his kids a bit more, keep improving the defense and focus on what's going on in these tight games. He is a joy to watch, but he is so/too excitable. They are a "live and die by the long shot" type of team that over-gambles and takes a lot of risks, and not many of those types of teams win championships. Hempstead is getting much of the best talent in the Dubuque area, and as their coach goes, so do they. Perhaps the best of the Duax brothers, Michael, will be coming in next year from Mazzuchelli Catholic. I do know that Curt is a fun coach to play for. I'm just repeating the banter I hear every day from people.

 

[Red87]

Hempstead should be even better next year (as all the Dubuque teams will be), but I think Coach Deutsch needs to rein in his kids a bit more, keep improving the defense and focus on what's going on in these tight games. He is a joy to watch, but he is so/too excitable. They are a "live and die by the long shot" type of team that over-gambles and takes a lot of risks, and not many of those types of teams win championships. Hempstead is getting much of the best talent in the Dubuque area, and as their coach goes, so do they. Perhaps the best of the Duax brothers, Michael, will be coming in next year from Mazzuchelli Catholic. I do know that Curt is a fun coach to play for. I'm just repeating the banter I hear every day from people.

I've watched Coach Deutsch coach numerous times and know him pretty well, and I would describe him as the opposite of your assessment, EastIowa. He's pretty placid and cool on the sidelines. I would hardly describe him as "excitable." He's passionate and fiery when need be, but he's a poised customer. His guys play extremely hard for him. This is the first year Hempstead has really experienced this level of success, and teams have to go through it once to improve and understand the fine details of toughness, etc. that go into finishing off these high-level games. These Hempstead kids have done that now, and they'll be back again next year, as will an excellent, excellent Senior team that is tough as nails. I think all the Dubuque County teams will be much improved and tough next year.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Fair assessment, Red87. Excitable at times, fiery, and certainly passionate. He loves his kids. As I said, Hempstead should be even better next year. Agree, Senior could make a serious run for the state championship; Wahlert will be improved. Western Dubuque gets their #1 man back and will be good, as will Beckman and Cascade. Great basketball in Dubuque County. Next year if the state doesn't put Hempstead and Senior in different substates, it'll be a major injustice.

 

[Red87]

Fair assessment, Red87. Excitable at times, fiery, and certainly passionate. He loves his kids. As I said, Hempstead should be even better next year. Agree, Senior could make a serious run for the state championship; Wahlert will be improved. Western Dubuque gets their #1 man back and will be good, as will Beckman and Cascade. Great basketball in Dubuque County. Next year if the state doesn't put Hempstead and Senior in different substates, it'll be a major injustice.

I think we could realistically, if separated properly, see all 3 Dubuque schools contending to be at state next year, and Beckman or Cascade again. WD will be interesteing as they get Lake back, plus had some young talent this year.