A handful of Panthers have wrapped up another basketball season overseas.
Clay Tucker’s Real Madrid team actually has two regular season games remaining, with his squad 24-8 and in second place in the top-flight Spanish League.
Most recently, Real Madrid has been focused on Euroleague competition, which crowns the champion among all club teams in Europe. The team finished fourth in the season-long event after dropping games to Maccabi Tel Aviv and Montepaschi in the finals this past weekend.
In Spanish League play, Tucker is averaging 9.1 points per game, while in Euroleague play he averaged 9.0 points per contest. Overall, Tucker has played in more than 50 games for Real Madrid this season.
Tucker has also been writing a blog about Real Madrid this season.
Boo Davis’ Sunrise Scafati Basket team finished the regular season in Italy’s Lega2 at 19-11, claiming fourth place heading into the playoffs this weekend. Davis leads his team at 16.1 points per game while he has added 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals per contest. He has also made over 50 percent of his field goal attempts and almost 40 percent of his three-point tries.
Dylan Page has battled through injuries while playing for Chorale de Roanne Basket in France’s top league. His squad is 18-11 and in fifth place heading toward the end of the season this weekend. Page has played in 13 regular season games, averaging 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest while shooting better than 67 percent from the floor.
Ricky Franklin and Avery Smith also wound up back overseas toward the end of this past season. Franklin played in the final five games of the season for Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial of Portugal, averaging over 12 points per game. Smith played the last four games for Antranik Beirut in Lebanon’s top league, averaging nearly 21 points and over five assists per game. His late-season appearances included a 31-point, 8-assist outing against Byblos.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Men's Soccer Gives Back to the Community
The Milwaukee men's soccer team took time out this spring to give back to the local community, participating in several community service projects throughout the semester.
“We said upon our arrival to Milwaukee we wanted to improve this team in all areas and we feel we are going in the right direction - on and off the field and in and out of the classroom,” UWM head coach Chris Whalley said. “For UWM soccer players, it’s important to understand how privileged they are to wear the black and gold and realize they are role models to lots of young people in this community.”
The team has devoted many hours this spring by getting out to local youth and soccer organizations and putting on various free clinics in all parts of the city for differing levels and age groups, which was enjoyable for everyone involved. They also took the time to have players and staff members donate used soccer gear and other clothing to the Journey House Recreational Center this past month.
“It’s always pleasing and rewarding to get the team out and engaged with the local community and as a program, we want to continue to develop these partnerships in the fall,” assistant coach Ben Shepherd said. “Hopefully, many of the youngsters that we had the privilege to work with will become future Panther fans!!”
At the end of March, the team spent a day helping out the MPS Adaptive Athletics program, where players took the time to try and pass on their knowledge and skills of soccer to over 300 participants during the “Special Olympics” event.
“The MPS Adaptive Athletics program is extremely appreciative for the time and efforts of the UWM soccer players and coaches that came out to help with our soccer clinic,” assistant recreation supervisor Anne McGinnity said. “We had 375 MPS athletes with disabilities benefit from their energy, patience, and knowledge of the game!”
The team then finished off its service efforts the day before its second-straight ‘Wisconsin Cup’ championship win by devoting their Saturday to helping with Habitat for Humanity. The players that participated helped out in the process of building five new houses in the local area.
“Being from the area myself, it is always nice to give something back to the community, especially to those less fortunate,” assistant coach Kyle Zenoni said. “I am proud of all the effort that the players were willing to put in this spring.”
“We said upon our arrival to Milwaukee we wanted to improve this team in all areas and we feel we are going in the right direction - on and off the field and in and out of the classroom,” UWM head coach Chris Whalley said. “For UWM soccer players, it’s important to understand how privileged they are to wear the black and gold and realize they are role models to lots of young people in this community.”
The team has devoted many hours this spring by getting out to local youth and soccer organizations and putting on various free clinics in all parts of the city for differing levels and age groups, which was enjoyable for everyone involved. They also took the time to have players and staff members donate used soccer gear and other clothing to the Journey House Recreational Center this past month.“It’s always pleasing and rewarding to get the team out and engaged with the local community and as a program, we want to continue to develop these partnerships in the fall,” assistant coach Ben Shepherd said. “Hopefully, many of the youngsters that we had the privilege to work with will become future Panther fans!!”
At the end of March, the team spent a day helping out the MPS Adaptive Athletics program, where players took the time to try and pass on their knowledge and skills of soccer to over 300 participants during the “Special Olympics” event. “The MPS Adaptive Athletics program is extremely appreciative for the time and efforts of the UWM soccer players and coaches that came out to help with our soccer clinic,” assistant recreation supervisor Anne McGinnity said. “We had 375 MPS athletes with disabilities benefit from their energy, patience, and knowledge of the game!”
The team then finished off its service efforts the day before its second-straight ‘Wisconsin Cup’ championship win by devoting their Saturday to helping with Habitat for Humanity. The players that participated helped out in the process of building five new houses in the local area.“Being from the area myself, it is always nice to give something back to the community, especially to those less fortunate,” assistant coach Kyle Zenoni said. “I am proud of all the effort that the players were willing to put in this spring.”
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Live Blog: Baseball at Iowa
Join Assistant SID Chris Zills for a live blog from the press box at Banks Field in Iowa City, Iowa, for Wednesday night's contest between Iowa and your Milwaukee Panthers. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.
Men's Soccer Finishes Spring With Wisconsin Cup Title
The Panthers wrapped up the spring season with a 6-0-3 record, claiming the Wisconsin Spring Cup this past weekend. Assistant coach Ben Shepherd again took some time to catch us up on the happenings from the final two games on the spring schedule.
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Sunday saw us make the short trip down to Valley Fields to compete in the Wisconsin Cup in two 70-minute matches, which was a fitting way to round out our first true spring season as a staff.
In the first game, we took on Marquette in the sixth annual Bob Summy Memorial Match and we have quickly learned that any time we play Marquette, there is a real rivalry and intensity to the game no matter the season.
The conditions were extremely difficult in the first half, as we played against a tornado-like wind which made it tough to get the ball down and play. And, in fairness, it was a scrappy half without too many incidents although Marquette was awarded a questionable penalty in the 28th minute which was put away well by Callum Mallace.
At half time, we were not too disheartened with our performance as we thought our guys had coped quite well with the conditions. We urged the boys to remain positive in the second half and have the belief, with the wind, to now get the ball down and play our way which we thought Marquette would really struggle to contain. We started the half well and really took the game to Marquette. Midway through the half, Ross Van Osdol delivered an excellent free kick from wide on the left, which Cody Banks rose well to head home; his seventh goal of the spring.
We continued to press forward and with four minutes remaining we were able to score the winner from the best move of the match, which involved some neat one-touch passing between Riley Weiner and Edison Crepso, which freed Van Osdol down the left wing. He delivered another excellent cross for Cody Banks to head home the winner as we saw out the remaining minutes to win the game 2-1.
Obviously it is always pleasing to beat a close rival and the way we played, especially in the second half in tough conditions, was the biggest positive to come out of the game. There were good performances from Van Osdol with two assists, Cody Banks with his two goals and John Shakon, who made two crucial saves while the game was tied at 1-1. Overall, it was a solid team performance, which helped us to get the result.
In the second game, we squared off against the University of Wisconsin, who beat Green Bay on penalties in their morning match. The relentless wind continued to make playing conditions tough, but credit must go to both sides who continued to try and still pass the ball and play attacking soccer. In the first half we again faced the wind, but dealt with it extremely well. We had most of the possession and play with Jamie Bladen and Cody Banks both going close to opening the scoring, but we went in at halftime tied 0-0.
In the second half, we continued to dominate the game and Riley Weiner was denied a goal by an excellent save from the Madison keeper and then moments later saw a header rebound off the post to safety. It seemed only a matter of time before we would break the deadlock, but, unfortunately the goal that our overall play deserved did not come and we headed to penalties for the second successive year to try and retain the Wisconsin Cup.
After missing our first penalty, John Shakon came up big for us, making two excellent saves, and we then scored our next four attempts which meant for the second-straight year, we earned the "Wisconsin Cup", which was a nice way to end the spring season.
As a staff we are happy with how things went and really feel that this group of players have developed and improved from the fall. Credit must go to all the players who have worked extremely hard, which has helped to make it a successful spring season where we remained unbeaten with a record of 6-0-3. Your support is, as always greatly appreciated, and now the hard work begins for the fall as we look to improve on last season and continue to take this program forward.
Thanks, have a great summer and we'll see you in August!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday saw us make the short trip down to Valley Fields to compete in the Wisconsin Cup in two 70-minute matches, which was a fitting way to round out our first true spring season as a staff. In the first game, we took on Marquette in the sixth annual Bob Summy Memorial Match and we have quickly learned that any time we play Marquette, there is a real rivalry and intensity to the game no matter the season.
The conditions were extremely difficult in the first half, as we played against a tornado-like wind which made it tough to get the ball down and play. And, in fairness, it was a scrappy half without too many incidents although Marquette was awarded a questionable penalty in the 28th minute which was put away well by Callum Mallace.
At half time, we were not too disheartened with our performance as we thought our guys had coped quite well with the conditions. We urged the boys to remain positive in the second half and have the belief, with the wind, to now get the ball down and play our way which we thought Marquette would really struggle to contain. We started the half well and really took the game to Marquette. Midway through the half, Ross Van Osdol delivered an excellent free kick from wide on the left, which Cody Banks rose well to head home; his seventh goal of the spring.
We continued to press forward and with four minutes remaining we were able to score the winner from the best move of the match, which involved some neat one-touch passing between Riley Weiner and Edison Crepso, which freed Van Osdol down the left wing. He delivered another excellent cross for Cody Banks to head home the winner as we saw out the remaining minutes to win the game 2-1.
Obviously it is always pleasing to beat a close rival and the way we played, especially in the second half in tough conditions, was the biggest positive to come out of the game. There were good performances from Van Osdol with two assists, Cody Banks with his two goals and John Shakon, who made two crucial saves while the game was tied at 1-1. Overall, it was a solid team performance, which helped us to get the result.
In the second game, we squared off against the University of Wisconsin, who beat Green Bay on penalties in their morning match. The relentless wind continued to make playing conditions tough, but credit must go to both sides who continued to try and still pass the ball and play attacking soccer. In the first half we again faced the wind, but dealt with it extremely well. We had most of the possession and play with Jamie Bladen and Cody Banks both going close to opening the scoring, but we went in at halftime tied 0-0.
In the second half, we continued to dominate the game and Riley Weiner was denied a goal by an excellent save from the Madison keeper and then moments later saw a header rebound off the post to safety. It seemed only a matter of time before we would break the deadlock, but, unfortunately the goal that our overall play deserved did not come and we headed to penalties for the second successive year to try and retain the Wisconsin Cup.
After missing our first penalty, John Shakon came up big for us, making two excellent saves, and we then scored our next four attempts which meant for the second-straight year, we earned the "Wisconsin Cup", which was a nice way to end the spring season.
As a staff we are happy with how things went and really feel that this group of players have developed and improved from the fall. Credit must go to all the players who have worked extremely hard, which has helped to make it a successful spring season where we remained unbeaten with a record of 6-0-3. Your support is, as always greatly appreciated, and now the hard work begins for the fall as we look to improve on last season and continue to take this program forward.
Thanks, have a great summer and we'll see you in August!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Join the Panthers at Miller Park Friday
Just a reminder to fans that the Panthers will be taking on Youngstown State in a doubleheader at Miller Park this Friday, April 29, starting at 3 p.m.
Unlike in the past, the Brewers are out of town, so the 3 p.m. start time will not be an approximate time. So, no waiting for the Brewers and Pirates to play 14 innings before the Panthers hit the field like last season!
Parking lots and gates open at 2 p.m. and admission for the games and parking are both free. Concession stands will be available until midway through the second game as well.
The Panthers will also be honoring the members of the 20th Anniversary Team that day, on the field in between games. Come out to recognize the finest players to put on a UWM uniform over the past 20 years as an NCAA Division I program. Kevin Conway of the Sports Information Office has designed an impressive poster that honors the team and will be given out that day (see image above).
Also, don't forget, fans have a chance to enjoy the games from the AirTran Landing Zone that day as well. That information is available below.
From 5 to 7 p.m., the Airtran Landing Zone will be open to Panther fans.
- For just $20, you get access to a great buffet including brat/hot dog, potato salad, beans, chips, cookies, unlimited soda and two beers.
- Pay in advance by cash, check, credit card. Online at http://www4.uwm.edu/give_to_uwm/makegift/online_giving.cfm
(then select UWM Baseball @ Miller Park in the dropdown).
- Space is limited, so sign up quickly.
-Questions and RSVP's can be addressed to Chris Ciancimino @ 229-3904 or ciancim2@uwm.edu
Monday, April 25, 2011
UWM Men Extend Unbeaten Spring Slate
The Panthers are now 5-0-2 after seven games, with assistant coach Ben Shepherd again taking the time to catch us up on the happenings from late last week.
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Thursday night saw us return under the lights at Engelmann Field, where where we played two 70-minute matches against Whitewater and the Bavarian Majors - a team which consisted of a lot of former alumni - many of whom had gone on to play professionally at some level. So, both games represented a good test for the boys.
In the first game against Whitewater, our play was much improved from the previous weekend against Lewis. And, although we went in at halftime scoreless, we had created a lot of good chances which we really should have capitalized on in all honesty. However, in the second half, the players continued to play good soccer and we eventually ran out comfortable winners gaining a 2-0 result, thanks to goals from Cody Banks (his sixth so far this spring) and freshman Kevin Ferron after a well-worked move.
In the second game against the Bavarians, the boys really played well in the first half and we went in at halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead, thanks to two goals from Robbie Refai - taking him to six goals this spring - as well as a penalty from Ross Van Osdol and an excellent strike from Kevin Ferron from outside the box.
Although the first goal was a mix-up at the back which gifted Robbie his first goal, at times our play was incisive and at a good tempo, as we passed the ball well and created some good chances - keeping things very simple which was pleasing to see.
In the second half, we were able to get everyone some good minutes and although we were not as dynamic as the first half. We ran out 6-2 winners with further goals from Robbie Boyd, who scored an excellent individual effort, and Edison Crespo after some good work down the right hand side, again from Robbie Boyd.
The Bavarian goals were netted by Neal Dombrowski, which was an excellent chip from just inside the box and a header from Adam Schultz.
Although our play was a little sloppy towards the end of the game, there were a lot of positives to come from the game overall and it was another good exercise for the team. It was pleasing to score eight goals on the night, with three freshman notching as well.
Next Sunday, May 1st, will see us finish out the spring as we play down at Valley Fields in the Wisconsin Cup with our first game slated for a 10 a.m. kickoff against Marquette. We look forward to seeing you all at the game.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday night saw us return under the lights at Engelmann Field, where where we played two 70-minute matches against Whitewater and the Bavarian Majors - a team which consisted of a lot of former alumni - many of whom had gone on to play professionally at some level. So, both games represented a good test for the boys.In the first game against Whitewater, our play was much improved from the previous weekend against Lewis. And, although we went in at halftime scoreless, we had created a lot of good chances which we really should have capitalized on in all honesty. However, in the second half, the players continued to play good soccer and we eventually ran out comfortable winners gaining a 2-0 result, thanks to goals from Cody Banks (his sixth so far this spring) and freshman Kevin Ferron after a well-worked move.
In the second game against the Bavarians, the boys really played well in the first half and we went in at halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead, thanks to two goals from Robbie Refai - taking him to six goals this spring - as well as a penalty from Ross Van Osdol and an excellent strike from Kevin Ferron from outside the box.
Although the first goal was a mix-up at the back which gifted Robbie his first goal, at times our play was incisive and at a good tempo, as we passed the ball well and created some good chances - keeping things very simple which was pleasing to see.
In the second half, we were able to get everyone some good minutes and although we were not as dynamic as the first half. We ran out 6-2 winners with further goals from Robbie Boyd, who scored an excellent individual effort, and Edison Crespo after some good work down the right hand side, again from Robbie Boyd.
The Bavarian goals were netted by Neal Dombrowski, which was an excellent chip from just inside the box and a header from Adam Schultz.
Although our play was a little sloppy towards the end of the game, there were a lot of positives to come from the game overall and it was another good exercise for the team. It was pleasing to score eight goals on the night, with three freshman notching as well.
Next Sunday, May 1st, will see us finish out the spring as we play down at Valley Fields in the Wisconsin Cup with our first game slated for a 10 a.m. kickoff against Marquette. We look forward to seeing you all at the game.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Men's Soccer - Another Update
The Panthers are now 3-0-2 after five games, with assistant coach Ben Shepherd again taking the time to catch us up on the happenings from over the weekend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday saw us play against NCAA Division II opponent, Lewis University. Although originally it was due to be played at Lewis, because of the severe weather the game had to be switched to Engelmann Field due to their pitch not being fit to play on.
It was a wet, cold and dreary day and unfortunately our play mirrored the conditions that we had to play in, as we played to a frustrating 1-1 tie. As a whole, it was a disappointing performance and result, although credit must go to Lewis as they showed why they are one of the best teams in Division II soccer - having reached the NCAA Final Four a year ago by really working hard to try and stop us playing.
In the first half our passing was not at its best and we conceded possession far too easily. Although we still created some good chances which should have been taken, we trialed at half-time, 1-0, to their only real attack on our goal, as they scored with a header after a good cross from the right hand side.
In the second half our play was slightly improved and we deservedly equalized through Robbie Refai after an excellent tackle from Richard Johnson released Robbie Boyd down the right to put in a great cross, that Robbie tucked away with ease.
After the goal, our speed and tempo of play was far better and we certainly finished the game the stronger, but were unable to get the goal that our second half probably deserved and the game finished in a draw.
Positives from the game were that Jamie Ashcroft looked commanding at the back and as a freshman is showing good leadership qualities. Robbie Refai scored another goal which took him to four goals in the last three games and with many players missing due to injuries, we were able to give a lot of time to the younger players in the squad to gain some valuable experience - we started the game with six freshman on the field.
The game also highlighted areas that we as a squad need to work on, and as overall, we were disappointed with our general play. But fortunately, we get to play again at Engelmann this coming Thursday as we take on Whitewater at 6 p.m. and then play the Bavarian Majors, which will consist of a lot of our Alumni at 9 p.m.
So, we hope to see as many of you as possible at the game ... and hopefully the weather improves!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday saw us play against NCAA Division II opponent, Lewis University. Although originally it was due to be played at Lewis, because of the severe weather the game had to be switched to Engelmann Field due to their pitch not being fit to play on.It was a wet, cold and dreary day and unfortunately our play mirrored the conditions that we had to play in, as we played to a frustrating 1-1 tie. As a whole, it was a disappointing performance and result, although credit must go to Lewis as they showed why they are one of the best teams in Division II soccer - having reached the NCAA Final Four a year ago by really working hard to try and stop us playing.
In the first half our passing was not at its best and we conceded possession far too easily. Although we still created some good chances which should have been taken, we trialed at half-time, 1-0, to their only real attack on our goal, as they scored with a header after a good cross from the right hand side.
In the second half our play was slightly improved and we deservedly equalized through Robbie Refai after an excellent tackle from Richard Johnson released Robbie Boyd down the right to put in a great cross, that Robbie tucked away with ease.
After the goal, our speed and tempo of play was far better and we certainly finished the game the stronger, but were unable to get the goal that our second half probably deserved and the game finished in a draw.
Positives from the game were that Jamie Ashcroft looked commanding at the back and as a freshman is showing good leadership qualities. Robbie Refai scored another goal which took him to four goals in the last three games and with many players missing due to injuries, we were able to give a lot of time to the younger players in the squad to gain some valuable experience - we started the game with six freshman on the field.
The game also highlighted areas that we as a squad need to work on, and as overall, we were disappointed with our general play. But fortunately, we get to play again at Engelmann this coming Thursday as we take on Whitewater at 6 p.m. and then play the Bavarian Majors, which will consist of a lot of our Alumni at 9 p.m.
So, we hope to see as many of you as possible at the game ... and hopefully the weather improves!!
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