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Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - November 11th Edition

By Hartley Miller

Pressure is a term, often overused in sports. Webster's New World Dictionary defines pressure as,
“a compelling influence (social pressure); urgent demands”. 

The UNBC Timberwolves Men's Basketball Team dealt with plenty of pressure prior to the season opener. In fact, the T-Wolves had been carrying the weight of a number one ranking in Canada, thanks to a 7-0 pre-season record against College opponents. 

With this top billing comes expectations, and knowing opponents will be ready to throw their "A" game against you.
The UNBC men started its regular season at home, against Capilano (#9 in Canada). And what a thrilling double-header, with the North Vancouver based team winning the opener 99-98, before the T-wolves rebounded for a 78-76 victory. 
In game two, UNBC didn’t have the lead until the final minute. 

Ah, that word pressure. When asked whether the pressure affected the team, Timberwolves coach Zane Robison said, "I believe so. I think it was tough on the guys. They are too young to handle it. They definitely had a good attitude towards it, knowing they hadn't proved anything yet. I could see it (the pressure buildup) in there eyes, but we persevered". 

Yes, the T-Wolves were an “eyelash” from starting 0-2, but now, at 1-1, and with two games they should win, this weekend against Okanagan, maybe the pressure is off. However, Robison admits "the guys are still feeling it". After all six of the 11 players, are rookies. 

While the men’s team is feeling the “heat” their counterparts, The UNBC women's Basketball team isn't quite in the same boat. Eight of the dozen players are freshmen and they began the season without a ranking. However, they won by five (62-57) and then lost by five (47-42) to #7 Capilano. 

So does that mean the Lady T-wolves should be in the top 10? Coach Dave Holmes says, "If you’re into rankings, we definitely should be noticed to some capacity, but rankings don't mean a lot (at this time of the season)". 

A decent start, yes, but what about that "P" word? According to Holmes "We don't mention the word "pressure". We mention the word confident, believing in your self and understanding the game". He adds, "our expectation is we are going to leave it on the floor".
Yes, Holmes wisely is trying to downplay the situation. However, success and W's on the floor still go hand in hand.
The early indication is that both UNBC teams will have a memorable season, but only if the “baby faces” believe that pressure is just another foreign word.


? The UNBC home basketball schedule is a farce, and has been since the Timberwolves entered the BCCAA. The team starts with four home games in nine days on back-to-back weekends and then PG fans will not see them again for two months. Furthermore, they have just one January date, and then in February they are home for double-headers on back to back weekends. Friday and Saturday home double dips are necessary, but why isn't the home schedule spread out? Would it really be too difficult to alternate two at home one weekend and then two on the road the next weekend? Oh yes, I temporarily forgot. It's Prince George we are talking about. That explains it.


From the quote rack:

? Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, on rookie Raymond Felton promising that the Charlotte Bobcats (18-64 last season) would make the NBA playoffs. "He stars in the upcoming sitcom, 'Everybody Laughs At Raymond.' " 

? Ian Hamilton of the Regina Leader-Post, after 95 pound Sonya Thomas, won the Johnsonville Brat-Eating World Championship, swallowing 35 bratwursts in 10 minutes. "She was an easy wiener." 

? Dan Daly of the Washington Times, after former Atlanta Braves pitcher Rick Camp drew jail time on charges of conspiring to steal funds from a mental health agency. "Fortunately, it won't affect Camp's career stats. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the $2 million will go down in the books as unearned."


And, how is your week?


--Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97FM. He also writes for the PG Free Press, and is author of You Don't Say (Andrews-McMeel, 2005).

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