Monday, December 12, 2016

TCC Pulls Away From Northgate for Convincing Win

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 12/12/2016 at 10:59 pm

The Fightin' Reformers put on their best performance of the season against the previously undefeated Northgate Baptist squad and won in convincing fashion 55-39.  TCC called a press conference before the game to officially announce Randy Pifer's resignation as head coach and appointed Ryan LaPierre as the interim head coach for the remainder of the year.  LaPierre, drunk with power in his new role,  led the team in scoring with 15 points and Rome Lawson and Hugh Carson chipped in 12 apiece. The red hot outside shooting of Pifer, obviously relieved to no longer have the burden of coaching on his shoulders, was free to fire away with little to no care.  He hit 3 of his first 4 from long distance to help build their biggest lead of the season when TCC was up by 22 point midway through the second half.  "I don't like to really get down low as often as I probably should.  I prefer to shoot from distance to avoid any contact whatsoever" he said after the game.  Lawson took care of most of the dirty work down low including the highlight of the season when he blocked a layup attempt so hard off the backboard the ball had to be inspected to make sure it was not compromised.  "I don't mind the contact.  People remember contact with me and don't often want it again" he mused.

The win was not without its cost, however, as defensive dynamo Daniel Brown went down late in the second half with an ankle injury.  Coach LaPierre was optimistic it was not serious and listed him as day to day.  Sam Ali continued his strong 2016-17 campaign with key plays on both ends of the floor.  Ali has cemented his starting role on this team and it seems to have given him confidence when he is out on the court.  Jonathan Chasteen played a solid game defensively but LaPierre was encouraging him to take the open shots when they are available.  "We have been working, as a team, on taking not good, but great shots.  Sometime we settle for good shots, when there are great shots available.  We just need to keep the ball moving and not be afraid to take an open shot" he said during the post game press conference.

Pifer ends his coaching career with a 7-7 record at TCC and 6-17 record at CGBC.  He finishes with an overall career record of 13-24.  He will remain in his roles as GM, TCCNN reporter, head statistician, big event planer, program writer, and player.

TCC vs Northgate Boxscore and Updated Season Averages

TCC vs Northgate Boxscore


Updated Season Averages


Monday, December 5, 2016

TCC vs Taylors Full Game Video


TCC vs Taylor's First Boxscore and Updated Season Averages

TCC vs Taylor's First


Updated Season Averages



TCC Drops to 2-2 After Controversial Loss

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 12/5/2016 @ 10:45 PM

The Fightin' Reformers lost a tough game to Taylors First Baptist 51-42.  TCC was led by Hugh Carson's 16 points and Ryan LaPierre's 15, but cold shooting and turnovers doomed TCC yet again.  "We have struggled these last 2 games with our shot and you won't win many games shooting as poorly as we did" said Sam Ali.  Ali was 0-6 from the field on the night.  Randy Pifer's slump continued with another horrific shooting performance only connecting on 1 of his 10 shots.  "I felt like I had good looks, they just weren't falling for me tonight" he exclaimed.

Sharpshooter Dan Wheeler made his season debut but looked a little gun shy once he was inserted into the game and never attempted a three.  He ended 0-1 and 0 points.  "Our dream season is turning into a nightmare" said Daniel Brown.  "We need to get back to fundamentals and smart basketball" he continued.  TCC was extremely confident in their abilities in the preseason and there was even talk of a coveted perfect season.  That dream is long gone and if they do not address their issues and make the appropriate adjustments this season will not be able to be saved.

The loss was squarely on the shoulders of the players, but there was significant chatter in the press box about the questionable calls being called in favor of Taylors.  The first significant missed call was early when 2 points were taken away from TCC.  After the game the head of officials was asked to comment on what happened and he just shrugged his shoulders and gave a sly wink.  It was also quite noticeable that Taylors took 16 free throws and TCC took 0.  "It's hard to beat any team in this league 5 on 5.  Its almost impossible to beat them 7 on 5.  Those officials should be suspended for their abysmal performance tonight" said a clearly frustrated LaPierre.  LaPierre seemed to be the officials favorite target as one official targeted him and called foul after foul that were questionable at best.  League director Michael Cater did not return TCCNN's call by the time this article went to print.

TCC has one game left before the Christmas break.  "We need to get that win!  I guarantee we will play better and have a better outcome next week" said Jerome Lawson.  Lawson finished with 4 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.  Their midseason finale game is at 7:30 pm next Monday night at St Giles where they will take on Northgate Baptist.

Monday, November 28, 2016

TCC Loses First Game of Season

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
updated at 10:53 pm on 11/28/16

The Fightin' Reformers lost a tough game to Lutheran Church of Our Savior 54-46.  TCC, playing without second leading scorer Hugh Carson, was cold from the field all night and despite several runs to keep the game close, could never close the gap all the way.  "Poor shooting and turnovers cost us several points and maybe the outcome would have been different" said Ryan LaPierre who lead the team with 23 points.  Missing Carson's offense was significant but The Reformer's still had theirs chances.  Rome Lawson had his best game of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds but outside of he and LaPierre there wasn't much else.  Randy Pifer, who was 0-6 on the night and missed many makable shots, was held scoreless for the first time this season.

Daniel Brown contributed in many other areas, but his season long offensive slump continued with an abysmal 1-11 showing.  "I don't know how to explain it.  It is not for lack of effort I can tell you that" he said when pressed by reporters after the game. His backcourt mates, Jonathan Chasteen and Sam Ali only combined for 5 shot attempts, and vowed to be more aggressive next game.

TCC cut the lead to 3 with just under 2 minutes left, but back to back shots by LCOS stretched the lead back to 7.  TCC responded with a 3 by LaPierre and was able to cut it back to 2 with under a minute left, but LCOS hit 5 consecutive free throws to put the game on ice.  "We look forward to the next time we play this team, because we really played poorly and still had a chance to win" said Chasteen.  "I think we can beat them with our full team and if we can take care of the ball!  Our shots will eventually fall" he added.

TCC plays Taylors First Baptist next Monday night at 7:30 at Taylors.

TCC vs LCOS Boxscore

TCC v LCOS Boxscore


Updated Season Totals


Monday, November 21, 2016

TCC vs Fairview Baptist Box Score

TCC Boxscore

Fairview Boxscore

TCC Season Totals



TCC Starts Season 2-0 for First Time

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
updated at 10:34 pm on 11/21/2016

The Fightin' Reformers are off to their best start in franchise history.  TCC started the game quickly and built up a large lead over their arch rival Fairview Baptist and were able to hang on late to capture their second win of the season 45-38.  TCC was led in scoring by Hugh Carson's twelve points.  Ryan LaPierre added ten.  Starting center Jerome Lawson was huge in all facets of the game and finished with six points, ten rebounds and five assists.  "It was a total team effort" said Jonathan Chasteen who had a solid game with four points, two assists and two steals.  Perhaps the biggest surprise was the team record eight blocks recorded by Randy Pifer.  "This isn't just another game" he said.  "We prepare a little bit harder for this game and I was able to get my hand on some of their shots and make an impact" he added.

Fairview was led by center Tony Gilliard's ten points and nine rebounds and Perrin Stewart's thirteen points. Point guard John Miller contributed six points, eight boards and five assists in the losing effort.  "We got behind early and couldn't make enough shots to make this a game" Richard "Chard" Garrett, Fairview's coach, said after the game.  Fairview falls to 0-2 on the young season.  "We were missing one of our most potent weapons out there" said guard Lionel Jones, referring to the absent guard Stephen Donovan who is not shy from taking the shot every chance he gets.

Guard Daniel Brown had a strong game attacking the hoop and finished with five points, and four steals.  He, however, was held out of the starting lineup for a "violation of team rules".  It was not specified what rule he broke but sources close to the situation report it had "something to do with a Friendsgiving mishap" the night before.  "I am not at liberty to discuss it, but I deeply regret my actions and ask my teammates to forgive me and know that I will not let it happen again" said Brown.

"We are encouraged by how we have played so far, but know it is a long season and hope to continue to improve each week" said guard Sam Ali.  This was the first meeting of the season between these two cross-town rivals.  They will meet again on TCC's Fan Appreciation Night.  A night full of fun and hoopla that can not be compared to anything else in sport.  "It truly is a spectacle" said super fan Karla Kirby Simpson.  Fan appreciation night is schedule for January 23, 2017 at St. Giles Presbyterian Church at 7:30 PM.

Monday, November 14, 2016

TCC Opens 2016-17 Season With Big Win

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 11:20 pm on 11/14/16

The Fightin' Reformers, powered by newcomer Ryan LaPierre's 23 points and 5 steals, cruised to a 42-33 victory in their season opener against Earle Street Baptist.  "Going against an experienced Earle Street team that returned most of their roster from last year was a stiff test to open the season with" said Hugh Carson.  Carson, last years leading scorer, struggled with his shot and finished with just 4 points.  The Reformers opened the game strong and built up an early double digit lead.  The most lopsided stat was the offensive rebounding by TCC.  They were constantly on the boards and getting second chance points with new starting center Jerome Lawson (9 reb) and Randy Pifer (5 reb) doing most of the damage on the glass.

LaPierre hit numerous threes to stretch the defense to open up the inside for Lawson and Carson to get easier shots.  Sam Ali provided a huge boost off the bench with timely outside shooting and sealed the game late with two clutch free throws.  Jonathan Chasteen, who chose to forgo the optional team practices this summer, also looked sharp.

Perhaps the most surprising fact of the game was that TCC decided to not play a zone defense.  This stymied Earle Street.  "95% of the teams in this league play a zone, but we feel our athletic abilities far outweigh the other teams and we want to take advantage of that" said Pifer.  This was true early on as TCC constantly denied any kind of quality shots to Earle Street and they had to settle for tough contested shots or hope to be bailed out by the referees.

A special thanks to TCC's new Media Specialist Paula Karmin for videoing all of TCC's games this year.  Also, The Reformers extend a thank you to AJ Gillespie at Designs Unlimited for designing and preparing the team jerseys.

Next week, TCC travels to St. Giles Presbyterian to play heated rival Fairview Baptist Church in a prime time matchup at 7:30 PM.  The TCCNN recommends you arrive early if you want a seat!

Monday, November 7, 2016

TCC Fightin' Reformers Season Preview

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 11/7/2016 at 6:19 pm

The 2016-17 Wade Hampton Church Basketball League season is set to tip off in one week.  TCC is looking to improve on their 5-5 record from a year ago.  The Fightin' Reformers have improved their team by leaps and bounds and figure to challenge the top teams in the league.  "With Suber Road not playing this year, we figure to have the most experienced and well rounded team in the league" said Randy Pifer, team GM.  Their experience and depth will be the main reason that TCC will be hard for anyone to beat.

Frontcourt:
The front court figures to be the strength of the team.  Last years leading scorer, PF Hugh Carson returns and will be joined by newcomers C Jerome Lawson and SF Ryan LaPierre to form the most potent and dangerous front court in the league.  Pifer is also an experienced stretch 5 coming off the bench and should pick up where he left off last year with more shots than good decisions.

Backcourt:
Returning players include defensive dynamo Daniel Brown, sharpshooter Donny Mathis, steady leader Jonathan Chasteen and the crafty guard Sam Ali.  Newcomer Dan Wheeler should make his name known with his outside shooting prowess.

"We are a better team and I am excited to see if we can put it all together this season" said Carson.  The summer conditioning was not for the weak at heart as temperatures soared into the 100's inside the TCC Field House during practices.  "Everyone who came to the voluntary workouts will benefit from their intensity" said Ali.  "I feel bad for the guys who didn't show" he added with a look of derision on his face.

Fan Appreciation Night is scheduled for 1/23/17 vs TCC's chief rival Fairview Baptist!  Make plans now to attend the game for you chance to take home memorable collectables from your favorite TCC players!

Check out the schedule below and make plans to attend as many games as you can!

CHURCH at CHERRYDALE

SCHEDULE
Regular Season Schedule & Results
WeekDateTimeLocation Home  Away 
Week 1Mon 11/14/167:30 PMEARLE STREET BAPTIST CHURCHEARLE STREETCHURCH at CHERRYDALE
Week 2Mon 11/21/167:30 PMST. GILES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHFAIRVIEWCHURCH at CHERRYDALE
Week 3Mon 11/28/167:30 PMTAYLORS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (FLC) COURT #1LCOSCHURCH at CHERRYDALE
Week 4Mon 12/5/167:30 PMTAYLORS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (FLC) COURT #1TAYLORS "BULLS"CHURCH at CHERRYDALE
Week 5Mon 12/12/167:30 PMST. GILES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHCHURCH at CHERRYDALENORTHGATE
Week 6Mon 12/19/16NO GAMES THIS WEEK. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Week 7Mon 12/26/16NO GAMES THIS WEEK. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Week 8Mon 1/2/177:30 PMEDWARDS ROAD BAPTIST CHURCHCHURCH at CHERRYDALEEDWARDS ROAD "OMEGA"
Week 9Mon 1/9/177:30 PMST. GILES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHBEREACHURCH at CHERRYDALE
Week 10Mon 1/16/177:30 PMEARLE STREET BAPTIST CHURCHCHURCH at CHERRYDALEEARLE STREET
Week 11Mon 1/23/177:30 PMST. GILES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHCHURCH at CHERRYDALEFAIRVIEW
Week 12Mon 1/30/177:30 PMTAYLORS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (FLC) COURT # 2CHURCH at CHERRYDALELCOS

Friday, July 29, 2016

Checking In On The Reformer's Summer

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated 7/29/16 at 12:43 AM

On a typical Monday evening during the summer you will find your TCC Fightin' Reformers hard at work in the TCC Field House.  You won't find any frills or creature comforts that other teams in the league enjoy.  There are no locker rooms, no ice tubs or trainer tables.  There are no breakaway rims or glass backboards, and there is no air conditioning.  What you will find is a hungry team wanting to parlay last years inspiring 5-5 finish into the first winning season in TCC history.  "We will be the most conditioned team in the league" exclaimed Hugh Carson, team captain and top returning scorer. Each and every Monday night the majority of the team has attended voluntary workouts and the temperatures inside the gym have soared well above 100 degrees.  "I think this shows the commitment from the core of this team" said Malcolm Burgess.  "Last year we didn't know what to expect and really didn't take it as seriously as we should have and that cost us early in the year.  We dropped a few games we should have won" said center Randy Pifer.  "We are planning on taking the league by storm this year" he added.

The Reformers expect to return the majority of their team from last year as well as two key additions.  New TCC members Dan Wheeler and Ryan LaPierre are joining the team and have been at the Monday workouts getting to know their new teammates and learning the plays so they will be ahead of the curve once training camp opens in a few weeks.  LaPierre is no stranger to the league as he is coming over from TCC's chief rival, Fairview Baptist.  Fairview beat TCC last year in their only match up and LaPierre has guaranteed a victory over his old squad. Wheeler and LaPierre will give the Reformers the consistent outside shooting they lacked last year that will allow Carson and Pifer more room to work down low.

Defensive stalwart Daniel Brown is in the best shape of his life, but an offseason shoulder injury has affected his shot.  Team doctors are hoping a new experimental treatment of "doing nothing to try to fix the problem" will have him ready by the time the season starts.  Donny Mathis is also recovering from a leg injury he sustained in last years season finale.  He has yet to be cleared by the team to resume practicing.

Guard Johnathan Chasteen, excited about this years team, said "we have all the pieces, now we just have to execute!"  Sam Ali, having just graduated during the offseason, said "now that I don't have that nonsense weighing me down I can finally focus on whats really important!  Over 30 Church league basketball!  Lets roll!"  That sentiment was echoed by the entire team.

The TCC Under 30 team that hopes to join the ranks of the big leagues is as strong as ever with talented up and comers Josh Payne, Jason Stuckey and Aaron Markham.  They have helped get the senior team ready for the season by scrimmaging them on Mondays.  The future of Reformers basketball is bright indeed!

There is a different feel to this years team and although no one inside TCC headquarters would say it out loud, there is that feeling this could be a historic 10-0 team.  Only time will tell what kind of assault this team will put on the record books during the 2016-17 season.

Monday, February 8, 2016

TCC Wins On Fan Appreciation Night! Completes #StriveForFive Objective!

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 2/8/16 at 10:35 pm

It was a banner day for TCC sports!  The fans came out in droves and packed the Taylor's First Baptist gym as The Fightin' Reformers completed the improbable #StriveForFive to finish the year with a 5-5 record!  Tyler and Jennifer Moody, taking in their first Reformer game, remarked on how well TCC looked during warm ups.  "They look unstoppable" Tyler said as Jennifer nodded in approval.  Super fans Stephen and Christina Rutland, season ticket holders, quickly corrected the Moody's assumptions by saying "they always look this good during warmups, its the games that they struggle with!"

During pregame warm ups, the team ran through a special banner that was made by the TCC children.  Amber Mathis was insistent the team run through it, even making them do it again during halftime.  This drew quite a spectacle as you can imagine as even the league director and players on the opposing team pulled out their phones to capture the magical moment.  Amber was tasked with the duty of broadcasting the game live to all of TCC's faithful fans who couldn't make it.  This cause an abnormal amount of hits from Russia!  "Thanks again to our Russian fans, they are some of or most loyal blog readers" said GM Randy Pifer.

The Fightin' Reformers fame has spread beyond just the walls of the church.  There were other fans in attendance as well.  Caleb and Cheryl Bixby, AJ and Rebecca Gillespie, and Stephen Donovan all made their first games!  Caleb and Cheryl brought noise makers, posters, and stickers for everyone in the crowd!  AJ and Rebecca brought t-shirts depicting their favorite player, Pifer, and distributed them to other fans.  It was defiantly a family affair as there were numerous player wives and children in attendance as well.

Tim Smerdon played his final game in a TCC jersey tonight.  After the game, Tim snuck out the back door to avoid any reporters questions doing the classy move and giving the spotlight to his teammates.  Tim's veteran leadership will be missed both on and off the court.

TCC, fueled by the Rutlands pregame remarks, jumped all over Berea First in the first half behind Hugh Carson's magical 11 point first half which was punctuated by a half court three pointer at the buzzer.  Donny Mathis played aggressively as well and had a strong 6 points in the first period.  TCC led 17-9 at the break.  Karla Simpson was quick to point out that they played well, but still were missing on opportunities.  "Randy sure did miss a lot of layups that first half, didn't he?" she asked the crowd.  A collective groan could be heard in response.

The second half didn't go as well, as TCC gave up their 8 point lead almost as quickly as they got it.  With the scored tied at 19, Pifer hit a three from the corner and TCC never trailed again.  Jonathan Chasteen played well in the second half to close out his strong second half of the season.  Daniel Brown hit a key free throw down the stretch and numerous big defensive plays to put the icing on the cake and TCC won by a final score of 32-24.

Ashley Williams remarked on the cohesiveness of the team, "they look they they have played together approximately ten times".  Tom Kline answered her statement by saying "it's like they have played together EXACTLY ten times!"  Before the game Hollie Carson told her Husband Hugh, "you have to win this game!"  Hugh replied "we will win, or we will die on that court!"  Joe and Perrin Hall were inspired by this rhetoric and took it upon themselves to make sure the crowd stayed as engaged as possible.  Aaron and Casey Markam led a second half wave cheer.  Aaron and Joe are sitting in the wings waiting to turn 30 years old so they can join the prestigious 30 and over TCC Fightin' Reformers.  Toby Dix laughed at that thought saying no one on the current team will still be able to play by the time Markham and Hall are old enough to join.

TCC's season is now over.  They finished the season with a 5-5 record on the season and become the first team in TCC history to finish .500 or better!

Congratulations on a great year from all of us here at the TCCNN!

Special thanks to Zach Halleck for help with the Game Day Program, and Caleb Bixby for his help with the #StriveForFive stickers!

Monday, February 1, 2016

TCC Continues Hot Streak; One Win Away From #StriveForFive Goal

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 2/1/16 at 10:31 PM

The Fightin' Reformers tried everything in their power to lose a second heartbreaking loss to Earle Street Baptist but were able to make just enough plays down the stretch and dodge a bullet at the buzzer to escape with a 33-31 victory.  "This was a complete team effort" said leading scorer Hugh Carson.  Carson was being doubled teamed all night as Earle Street was insistent on not letting TCC's "Bearded Wonder" beat them.  He was harassed on every shot, but still managed to lead the team with 10 points.  Defensive dynamo Daniel Brown once again made a huge defensive play when he stripped the ball and went coast to coast for an easy two with TCC clinging to a one point lead.  Brown finished with 7 points.  Donny Mathis chipped in 7 points as well and was instrumental in the ball movement that helped TCC take control of the game in the second half.

The unsung hero of the game was Jonathan Chasteen who hit a massive three pointer late in the second half and led the team in rebounding with 10.  "He was an integral part of what we were trying to do tonight" said Malcolm Burgess.  Randy Pifer scored 4 points, but no points were bigger than the two free throws he hit with under a minute to play to give TCC a three point lead.  Pifer also recorded 3 blocked shots, a TCC record.  He did, however, almost throw the game away on the last play of the game.  With 5 seconds left, TCC was inbounding under Earle Streets basket.  Pifer threw it long to Brown who was running down the middle of the court.  The pass was intercepted by Earle Street and they were able to get off a desperation heave that bounced off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

"We play really well in the middle of halves, but its the first few minutes and last few minutes of each half that we seem to struggle" said Sam Ali.  TCC was without F/C Tim Smerdon who had to take his wife Tina out for her birthday!  The TCCNN wants to wish Tina a happy birthday!  "This victory was our present to her" said GM Pifer after the game.

TCC has shown marked improvement since the first few games of the season and are currently on a two game winning streak which is the longest in franchise history.  If The Reformers can pull out a victory next week they will accomplish something no team in TCC or CGBC history has been able to accomplish by finishing .500 or better.  A grassroots social media campaign has sprung up entitled #StriveForFive.  This signifies the teams goal to win their final game to give them a 5-5 record on the season.

Next Monday night, February 8, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Taylor's First Baptist Church is TCC Presents: Fan Appreciation Night.  The entire team encourages all the fans of TCC to make the trip out to Taylors for the game.  There will be a collectable program, and Amber Mathis, wife of Donny has promised to lead some organized cheers.  Fans are encouraged to bring posters, noise makers, #StriveForFive paraphernalia and fill the stands in support of The Reformers.  Any fan who attends will get a shout out on this blog!  Make your plans now to join in on the fun!

Monday, January 25, 2016

TCC Wins Third Game in Convincing Fashion

By TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 11:23 PM on 1/25/16

The Fightin' Reformers won big over Edwards Road Baptist Church 48-36 to run their record to 3-5 on the year.  Edwards Road was outmatched from the jump and TCC's superior talent won the day.  Edwards Road tried to bully TCC but the referees kept the game under control and The Reformers spent the entire second half at the line after getting into the double bonus early on.  Hugh Carson led the team in scoring once again with 21 points and Donny Mathis had 13.  "We played a great game tonight and we were able to keep our cool under some tremendous pressure from the opposing team.  They were getting kinda chippy and I am proud of our team for keeping their cool" said Jonathan Chasteen.

With the score tied at 17 at halftime, TCC was able to pull away by hitting 22 of their 30 free throw attempts, both are TCC team records.  The defining play of the game happened with just under one minute left in the game.  Edwards Road inbounded the ball, and the heady Randy Pifer disrupted the pass and there was a scramble for the ball.  Pifer dove for the ball and the Edwards Road player landed on top of him.  "He's riding him like a Shetland pony, ref!" was yelled from the bench, but no foul was called.  TCC was able to get a time out and the game was basically over at that point. The game was put on ice by the dead eye free throw shooting of Mathis.

The crowd was raucous from the onset as the team record for attendance was tied with 3 loyal fans in the stands.  Amber and Trace Mathis and Kim Chasteen showed their support for their Reformers by displaying team pride with an incredible awe-inspiring wave that had the entire arena rocking.  Trace Mathis was heard from the stands questioning why his father, Donny was spending so much time in time out!  No one informed him it was not timeout, but rather free throws.  "Adorable" said Tim Smerdon!  Kim Chasteen, attending her first Reformer game, said "they are lucky to get out of here with their health!  That other team was rough!"

The TCCNN media juggernaut released the #striveforfive goal for the last two games of the year.  GM Pifer hinted at incredible incentives for anyone who attends Fan Appreciation Night in two weeks!  "You won't want to miss this opportunity" he said.  The last two games of the year are against two teams that TCC can beat.  Earle Street beat TCC in their first matchup on a controversial call at the buzzer and The Reformers will have revenge on their minds next week when they roll into the hostile Earle Street gym.  The last game of the year is against Berea First Baptist.  On Fan Appreciation Night, TCC will be playing an opponent that they have already defeated and will be looking for the season sweep!  TCCNN encourages all the fans to get #striveforfive trending and make sure to plan now to attend Fan Appreciation Night on February 8 at 6:30 PM at Taylor's First Baptist Church.


Monday, January 18, 2016

TCC Fightin' Reformer's Season Point Averages


Last Name First Name PPG
Carson Hugh 13.6
Mathis Donny 6.3
Brown Daniel 5.3
Pifer Randy 5.1
Chasteen Jonathan 2.8
Smerdon Tim 2.4
Burgess Malcolm 1.6
Joseph Johnroy 0.4

TCC Loses Hard Fought Game

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 10:33 PM on 1/18/16

The TCC Fightin' Reformers fought hard for 32 minutes but dropped a tough game to Suber Road Baptist Church 57-38.  TCC tried different defenses in order to slow down Suber Road's shooters, but Suber continued to hit tough shots to keep a modest lead throughout the first half.  TCC started in a zone defense but Suber Road exploited their zone with timely three point shooting and forced TCC into a man to man defense.    The Reformers were able to keep within striking distance during the second half but fell short.  Suber Road is thought to be the best, most talented team in the league so a 19 point loss for TCC is not as bad as it may seem.  Leading scorer Hugh Carson was proud of the effort and said "we played well, and have shown improvement week to week.  We lost to this team a few weeks ago by 30 so this is a definite improvement!"

Randy Pifer paced the Reformers with a season high 13 points, Carson chipped in 10 and Daniel Brown had 9.  It was a balanced attack and TCC was having success by getting inside and attacking the soft interior defense of Suber Road.  "There were no shot blockers protecting the rim and we tried to take advantage of that by working the ball inside" said Tim Smerdon.  TCC played well enough to beat any other team in the league, but just fell victim to a better team.

TCC was without sharpshooter Donny Mathis who is out with a paper cut.  "We could have used his shooting out there.  We only hit one from downtown tonight" said guard Malcolm Burgess.  TCC improved from the free throw line and hit 4 of 7 of their attempts which is a huge leap for a team that has struggled all year from the charity stripe.

TCC's record drops to 2 and 5 on the year. With only three games left, point guard Jonathan Chasteen made it clear what TCC's goal is.  "We will finish the season .500" he declared!  After the game, Smerdon announced his retirement at the end of the season.  The last three games will be a farewell tour for Smerdon.  Come out and say goodbye to one of the greatest TCC legends of all time!  TCC's next game is against Edwards Road Baptist Church on Monday 1/25 at 8:30 pm at Taylors First Baptist Church.  The Reformer faithful is reminded that Fan Appreciation Night is February 8 at 6:30 PM at Taylors First Baptist Church.  Plan now to attend to get your copy of the collectable program and cheer on your Fightin' Reformers!


Monday, January 4, 2016

TCC Wins Second Game of the Season

by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated 11:15 pm on 1/4/16

The Church at Cherrydale's Fightin' Reformers started the second half of the season on a high note.  Hugh Carson and Donny Mathis' hot shooting led the way as TCC won a tight, hotly contested game 34-32 over Berea First Baptist at Taylor's First Baptist Church gym.  TCC trailed most of the first half, but turned up the defensive pressure in the second half and shut Berea down to secure the win.  Defensive stalwart Daniel Brown was playing at a different speed than everyone else and led the second half charge.  TCC had a slim lead but struggled with free throw shooting that allowed Berea to stay in the game.  The Reformers missed six consecutive free throws at the end of the game.

Carson led the team in scoring with 16 points and Mathis had 8.  "Hugh was getting nice looks inside and we kept making a point to get him the ball" said point guard Jonathan Chasteen.  That strategy almost cost them at the end when TCC was trying to force the ball into him and turning the ball over at a high rate.  Luckily for The Reformers their defense was able to finish the job and secure the win.

TCC's bye week is next week.  It couldn't come at a better time as they were missing a few key players.  Sam Ali was out nursing an injured ankle and "Captain Clutch" Malcolm Burgess missed the game due to an unspecified illness.  The team expects them back in 2 weeks when they take on the best team in the league Suber Road Baptist Church.  They will need to be at full strength as they have already dropped a 25 point decision to them earlier in the season.

The Fightin' Reformers run their season record to 2-4 and have won 2 of their last 3 games.  With just 4 games left in the inaugural TCC basketball season, The Reformers hope to end the season on a high note and have set the goal for the remainder of the season to finish their record at .500 or better.  "We set out to have a strong season, and after a rough start we have begun to gel" said forward Tim Smerdon.  Johnroy Joseph echoed that sentiment by saying "it is a different vibe in the locker room now then at the start of the season."

Come check out The Fightin' Reformers on January 18 at 8:30 PM at Taylor's First Baptist Church, and don't forget to put on the calendar now and plan to attend The Fan Appreciation Night on Feb 8, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Taylors' First Baptist Church.