Wednesday, December 20, 2017
TCC Coach Ryan LaPierre's Media Day Interview
by TCCNN Contributor Ryan LaPierre
Updated on 12/20/17 at 8:43 PM
TCC Coach Media Day – 12/19/2017
TCCNN: Tell us how you are feeling after
the first four games of the season?
Coach: The team has developed nicely. We
have improved in several areas. We as
the coaching staff have to be aware of who is playing and ensure that the
correct five guys are on the court at all times. The team has, and will
continue to gel, as we continue to play games. As you can see from the
scoreboard, our winning margin continues to grow.
TCCNN: Do you have a weak link on the
team?
Coach: Next question
TCCNN: Coach, after four games your team
is shooting 18.3% higher than last year. Can you explain?
Coach: Our team definitely put some time
in the off season, but I think it is unanimous that the new league basketballs
are attributing to our shooting success.
TCCNN: But you, personally, are shooting
an abysmal 19% from the 3-point line compared to last year’s 38%.
Coach: It’s the new league basketballs.
Next question….
TCCNN: The team is shooting 15% lower
from the Free Throw line, what are your thoughts on that?
Coach: Disgusting. There really is only
one player that is bringing our percentage down. I won’t mention any names, but
he is shooting 14%. He is supposed to be our newly acquired professional from
overseas, but now we wonder where he actually came from. We have mandatory free
throw practice on the schedule.
TCCNN: Coach, we notice you don’t go with
the same starting five each game. What
is your reasoning behind that decision?
Coach: If your late you don’t start.
TCCNN: And, your thoughts on the “half”
game Monday night?
Coach: According to Rule 27(a), we should
have gotten the forfeit at the start of the game. What ensued was horrendous.
TCCNN: What are your thoughts on the continued
growth of the program?
Coach: DEFINITE improvement from last
year. We now have commentary/breakdown of our games. The team also feels a real
push for Fan Appreciation night. We are lucky to have the management that we have.
TCCNN: Describe home court advantage.
Coach: Our 8 fans really pull us through.
We could not do it without them!
TCCNN: How have the refs been?
Coach: I can’t speak to that, or I will
be fined. Next question…
TCCNN: Coach, last question, how are you
going to prepare for the next game, with Christmas break now upon us?
Coach: We are going to do what we always
do, just show up and play!
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
TCC Wins Bizarre Game Over Earle Street
by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 10:50 PM on 12/18/17
It was an unusual night for the TCC Fightin' Reformers. They had no trouble with Earle Street Baptist as they took home an easy 44-19 win, but that was the only thing that was normal about the night. Earle Street's team bus was caught in traffic and the entire team was stranded and could not get to the arena on time. The referees made the puzzling decision to start the clock, but not the game. By the time Earle Street fielded their entire team of five, the first half was over. The decision was made to only play one 18 minute half. This infuriated TCC because it seemed as though it was a punishment to them for showing up on time. The Reformers made it their mission to make sure Earle Street didn't take advantage of the decision that was clearly slanted in their direction by applying immediate pressure on them and did not let up till the final buzzer. One of the newest Reformer's Ben Davis had one of the best over all games in TCC history with an impressive ten points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. "Imagine if we had been allowed to play two halves tonight! He would have flirted with a triple double for sure" said Hugh Carson. Carson, along with Davis, led the team in scoring with ten. The balanced scoring continued with Ryan LaPierre adding nine points and Randy Pifer chipping in eight.
Patrick Gomer suffered a scary fall early in the game when he landed on his tail bone after attempting an acrobatic shot. He had to be helped to the bench area but made a stunning return a few minutes later to give his team that much needed emotional boost. "He is a warrior and we knew he was hurting, but him coming back out showed how much we, as a team, feel about this season” quipped Rome Lawson. "We are playing at a much higher level this year" said Jonathan Chasteen. "We have come together much quicker than we ever imagined" said Daniel Brown.
The red-hot shooting continued for the fourth consecutive game for Pifer as he connected on two of his three attempts from deep. He is now shooting an unbelievable 70% from deep this season. "It is mostly due to the new balls we are using this season" he explained. "I really feel like I have a lot of control on my shot" he added. "I hate those balls" said an angry LaPierre. It should be noted he is shooting 38% from the field and a disgusting 19% from deep this season and is looking for any excuse in the book to explain his shooting woes.
TCC enters the Christmas break at 3-1 on the season. With six games left on the schedule, the TCC Media Relations Officer Karla Simpson announced #makeninemine. This new initiative will be the rallying cry for TCC as they try to achieve the 9-1 season record. Fan Appreciation Night has been announced for January 29, 2018 at 8:30 PM at Taylors First Baptist Church. Make plans now to attend what will surly be talked about for minutes after the game in the parking lot and then forgotten for all eternity.
Updated at 10:50 PM on 12/18/17
It was an unusual night for the TCC Fightin' Reformers. They had no trouble with Earle Street Baptist as they took home an easy 44-19 win, but that was the only thing that was normal about the night. Earle Street's team bus was caught in traffic and the entire team was stranded and could not get to the arena on time. The referees made the puzzling decision to start the clock, but not the game. By the time Earle Street fielded their entire team of five, the first half was over. The decision was made to only play one 18 minute half. This infuriated TCC because it seemed as though it was a punishment to them for showing up on time. The Reformers made it their mission to make sure Earle Street didn't take advantage of the decision that was clearly slanted in their direction by applying immediate pressure on them and did not let up till the final buzzer. One of the newest Reformer's Ben Davis had one of the best over all games in TCC history with an impressive ten points, five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. "Imagine if we had been allowed to play two halves tonight! He would have flirted with a triple double for sure" said Hugh Carson. Carson, along with Davis, led the team in scoring with ten. The balanced scoring continued with Ryan LaPierre adding nine points and Randy Pifer chipping in eight.
Patrick Gomer suffered a scary fall early in the game when he landed on his tail bone after attempting an acrobatic shot. He had to be helped to the bench area but made a stunning return a few minutes later to give his team that much needed emotional boost. "He is a warrior and we knew he was hurting, but him coming back out showed how much we, as a team, feel about this season” quipped Rome Lawson. "We are playing at a much higher level this year" said Jonathan Chasteen. "We have come together much quicker than we ever imagined" said Daniel Brown.
The red-hot shooting continued for the fourth consecutive game for Pifer as he connected on two of his three attempts from deep. He is now shooting an unbelievable 70% from deep this season. "It is mostly due to the new balls we are using this season" he explained. "I really feel like I have a lot of control on my shot" he added. "I hate those balls" said an angry LaPierre. It should be noted he is shooting 38% from the field and a disgusting 19% from deep this season and is looking for any excuse in the book to explain his shooting woes.
TCC enters the Christmas break at 3-1 on the season. With six games left on the schedule, the TCC Media Relations Officer Karla Simpson announced #makeninemine. This new initiative will be the rallying cry for TCC as they try to achieve the 9-1 season record. Fan Appreciation Night has been announced for January 29, 2018 at 8:30 PM at Taylors First Baptist Church. Make plans now to attend what will surly be talked about for minutes after the game in the parking lot and then forgotten for all eternity.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Team Retreat
by TCCNN Reporter Jordan Cobb
Updated on 12/12/17 at 12:37 PM
In what can only be described as a complete 180 from last
week, the TCC Fightin’ Reformers are on top of the world, they are ebullient.
Riding a two-game win streak and fresh off a complete destruction of REZ Faith,
the team scheduled a last-minute and poorly planned getaway to the North
Carolina mountains. The team was seen leaving FBC Taylors in a chartered van
that was engulfed in a throng of fans that numbered in the tens. Randy Pifer
was kind enough to put a TCCNN reporter through on speaker phone for an
interview with the team.
When asked for a post-game debrief, one player
remarked, “We feel good right now. Ben Davis’ mom said we could use her
step-cousin’s home in the mountains for the evening, so we’re looking forward
to a quick getaway together.” Another player shared his delusions
dreams, “We feel now that we have all-time greatness potential. There are quiet
whispers among the twelve or so people that show up to our games that we can be
one of the greatest church league teams to ever grace the gyms of the Upstate.”
When pressed with the fact that the team already has a loss on the season, one
player added, “We are filing an official appeal to the league office to have
that loss wiped from our record. The other team had a giant playing for it, and
that seemed unfair to us. This is basketball, not Lord of the Rings.” Sources
confirmed, however, that the player in question is no taller than 6’7” in
height, a height that is reportedly very common for people who play basketball.
During the
van ride, the team unanimously voted to give coach LaPierre a raise. He will no
longer have to pay for his post-game meals at Waffle House. “Considering where
we’re at right now as far as the quality of our team, and the talk of greatness
among our fans, we feel that it is well within reason to splurge a little on
dinner,” said Patrick Gomer, when asked about the team’s plans for the evening.
“We usually go to Waffle House, but we’re going to eat at Golden Corral
tonight,” he added. “I’ll pay for the entire team’s meal. I’ll put it on my
credit card,” said Jordan Cobb. Sources confirmed that Cobb later asked that
Dave Ramsey not be told about the credit card.
TCC Wins in Blowout Fashion Over REZ
by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated at 12:43 AM on 12/12/17
The Fightin' Reformers put on a show for the crowd and posted their best win in franchise history with a 60-26 win over REZ. TCC was paced by the ultra-hot shooting Randy Pifer in the first half as they cruised to a 35-10 lead. Pifer hit his first three three point attempts and finished the night shooting 4-6 from the field. His shooting percentage now stands at 75% for the season. Ryan LaPierre lead the team in scoring with a bounce back performance. He had been struggling with his shot through the first month, but finished the game hitting 5 of his 8 attempts and finished with 12 points. The whole team chipped in and for the first time all season, everyone on the team scored. Daniel Brown played the finest game of his career with a virtuoso performance. He finished with nine points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Patrick Gomer didn't look to score in this game, but led the team in rebounding by pulling down seven boards. He also added four assists. "We played about as well as we have ever played tonight" Jonathan Chasteen said. "But we still made some mistakes out there, and we can play better" he added. Rome Lawson played his usual steady inside game with eight points and four rebounds. Hugh Carson was aggressive and attacking the basket all night, but struggled with his shot. "Hugh did not get kind treatment from the referees tonight, and I think that got into his head a little bit" said Jordan Cobb. Cobb played a dazzling game with three highlight worthy finishes. He added a team high three steals as well.
TCC has had a good, not great, start to the season. "Blowing the lead we had against Taylors in the first game has stuck with us" said Pifer. "We are using that as motivation to get better each and every week" said LaPierre. "I think tonight showed what we can do as a team if we continue to pass the ball and get good looks at the rim" said Ben Davis. "Davis has been a revelation at the point guard spot. His passing and vision are what had been lacking from this team the last few years. As this team continues to play together and get to know each other, I expect them to continue to improve and become the best team in the Wade Hampton Church Basketball League" said color commentator Spencer Champlin. Play by play announcer, Paula Karmin, added "I think he should wear the orange shorts every week".
TCC returns to the court next Monday night at 7:30 against Earle Street Baptist at Lee Road Baptist gym.
Updated at 12:43 AM on 12/12/17
The Fightin' Reformers put on a show for the crowd and posted their best win in franchise history with a 60-26 win over REZ. TCC was paced by the ultra-hot shooting Randy Pifer in the first half as they cruised to a 35-10 lead. Pifer hit his first three three point attempts and finished the night shooting 4-6 from the field. His shooting percentage now stands at 75% for the season. Ryan LaPierre lead the team in scoring with a bounce back performance. He had been struggling with his shot through the first month, but finished the game hitting 5 of his 8 attempts and finished with 12 points. The whole team chipped in and for the first time all season, everyone on the team scored. Daniel Brown played the finest game of his career with a virtuoso performance. He finished with nine points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Patrick Gomer didn't look to score in this game, but led the team in rebounding by pulling down seven boards. He also added four assists. "We played about as well as we have ever played tonight" Jonathan Chasteen said. "But we still made some mistakes out there, and we can play better" he added. Rome Lawson played his usual steady inside game with eight points and four rebounds. Hugh Carson was aggressive and attacking the basket all night, but struggled with his shot. "Hugh did not get kind treatment from the referees tonight, and I think that got into his head a little bit" said Jordan Cobb. Cobb played a dazzling game with three highlight worthy finishes. He added a team high three steals as well.
TCC has had a good, not great, start to the season. "Blowing the lead we had against Taylors in the first game has stuck with us" said Pifer. "We are using that as motivation to get better each and every week" said LaPierre. "I think tonight showed what we can do as a team if we continue to pass the ball and get good looks at the rim" said Ben Davis. "Davis has been a revelation at the point guard spot. His passing and vision are what had been lacking from this team the last few years. As this team continues to play together and get to know each other, I expect them to continue to improve and become the best team in the Wade Hampton Church Basketball League" said color commentator Spencer Champlin. Play by play announcer, Paula Karmin, added "I think he should wear the orange shorts every week".
TCC returns to the court next Monday night at 7:30 against Earle Street Baptist at Lee Road Baptist gym.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Players Only Meeting
by TCCNN Reporter Jordan Cobb
Updated on 12/6/17 at 3:30 PM
In a shocking and somewhat confusing announcement this
morning, team spokesperson Amber Mathis announced that the Fightin’
Reformers held a players only meeting on Monday night immediately following their win over Fairview. The confusion surrounds
the timing of the meeting. The Reformers are only two games into their grueling
10-game season, with a record of 1-1. This would appear to be a decent start to
the season, but sources say the team is irate. Due to the sensitive nature of
the meeting, all players asked to remain anonymous in their quotes.
“Honestly, I’m a little upset it took this long to hold a players only meeting. I mean, after our effort during that first game I was ready to retire,” said one player who declined to give his age. When asked about the atmosphere of the meeting, one player reported, “It was very intense. One guy lost an arm, and another lost his religion. It was ugly. I haven’t seen anger like that since my Aunt Belinda had her casserole dish stolen a number of years ago.” Another player mentioned, “One guy took a potshot at coach and called him ‘LaPetite,’ which caused coach to throw one of Randy Pifer’s shoes at the guy, and that actually injured him, so we’ll be without him next game. It doesn’t matter, though, really, because his shooting percentage is terrible.” It was not immediately clear if the injury was due to contact with the shoe or simply from the smell of it.
Another player reported that an issue that came up repeatedly in the meeting was whether or not the team should implement a strict steroid regime for the team. The team was reportedly split about the issue. After obtaining a scratch piece of paper from the room where the meeting was held, we can definitively report that Mathis and Carson were not in favor of the use of steroids. Their decision was, presumably, influenced by their pastoral obligations.
At press time, sources confirmed that multiple players would boycott the remainder of the season if the team didn’t quickly turn around their lukewarm 1-1 start to the season. One player said, “We’re used to being all-stars around here. We have fans. We have our own jerseys. This lose-a-game, win-a-game nonsense has to go. Do you think the 90's Bulls or 80's Lakers would have put up with this? No. And we won’t either.” TCC's public media liaison Karla Simpson declined to further comment on the chaos surrounding TCC's Athletic Department.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
TCC Gets Win Over Rival Fairview
by TCCNN Reporter Randy Pifer
Updated on 12/5/17 at 10:29 PM
The Fightin' Reformers won their first game of the year with a 45-38 victory over Fairview. TCC used a balanced attack to wear down Fairview. Hugh Carson and Patrick Gomer paced the team with nine points each. Ryan LaPierre chipped in eight, but struggled shooting the ball, as he was only able to convert two of his team high fourteen attempts. "Getting the win was our only goal tonight. We weren't interested in any beauty contests" said Daniel Brown. Brown played his usual pesky defense and constantly stymied Fairview's backcourt.
Fairview was led by Perrin Stewart who single handedly kept his team in the game with a dazzling array of offensive moves. Stephen Donovan struggled to find his shot. He attempted to attack TCC in the lane, but was denied by the cruel front rim, time after time. "We wanted to keep their shooters off the three point line. Stewart was able to hit some tough shots, but Donovan and David Sandquist were held in check" said Jonathan Chasteen.
Rome Lawson was big on the inside again. His presence alone kept Fairview from coming inside. When they did try to venture into "The Rome Zone" he denied them with his team high two blocks. "He's the main key to our success" said LaPierre, "his size and skill-set are a rare combination and everything we want to do involves him being on the court". Lawson's front court mate, Randy Pifer, continued his scorching start converting both of his three point attempts. Pifer is leading the team in shooting percentage by shooting an other-worldly 83.33% from the floor. "His shot is so pure right now. We need to look for him more often" said point guard Ben Davis.
TCC Returns to the court at 9:30 pm next Monday night at Taylor's First Baptist against REZ.
Updated on 12/5/17 at 10:29 PM
The Fightin' Reformers won their first game of the year with a 45-38 victory over Fairview. TCC used a balanced attack to wear down Fairview. Hugh Carson and Patrick Gomer paced the team with nine points each. Ryan LaPierre chipped in eight, but struggled shooting the ball, as he was only able to convert two of his team high fourteen attempts. "Getting the win was our only goal tonight. We weren't interested in any beauty contests" said Daniel Brown. Brown played his usual pesky defense and constantly stymied Fairview's backcourt.
Fairview was led by Perrin Stewart who single handedly kept his team in the game with a dazzling array of offensive moves. Stephen Donovan struggled to find his shot. He attempted to attack TCC in the lane, but was denied by the cruel front rim, time after time. "We wanted to keep their shooters off the three point line. Stewart was able to hit some tough shots, but Donovan and David Sandquist were held in check" said Jonathan Chasteen.
Rome Lawson was big on the inside again. His presence alone kept Fairview from coming inside. When they did try to venture into "The Rome Zone" he denied them with his team high two blocks. "He's the main key to our success" said LaPierre, "his size and skill-set are a rare combination and everything we want to do involves him being on the court". Lawson's front court mate, Randy Pifer, continued his scorching start converting both of his three point attempts. Pifer is leading the team in shooting percentage by shooting an other-worldly 83.33% from the floor. "His shot is so pure right now. We need to look for him more often" said point guard Ben Davis.
TCC Returns to the court at 9:30 pm next Monday night at Taylor's First Baptist against REZ.
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