Brianna's Kid...Taylor Hitzfield

Trilby · 03-17-2008, 05:27 PM

LEXINGTON -- "Vertically-challenged" is not a term 6-foot-5 Grant Weaver can identify with. He couldn't as a player for Lexington and he can't now as the South coach in the 30th News Journal All-Star Classic.

Eight of his 12 players stand 6-3 or taller, including the two representatives from his district champion Lex squad: 6-5 Michael Grist and 6-4 Tyler Munro.

"When I played in the all-star game (in 1987), we had about seven guys who could dunk," said Weaver, who scored 13 points for the South in its 119-114 victory over the North 21 years ago. "That's what we're looking for in a game like this ... the best dunking team. We want to look the best in warm-ups."

Fredericktown's 6-4 Taylor Hitzfield hopes he can live up to Weaver's high standards.
"It seems like I can dunk when it doesn't matter ... it's not a sure thing with me," Hitzfield said. "I tried one against Danville. I thought I was high enough, but I grabbed the rim. I counted it as a dunk. It just wasn't as forceful as I wanted."

Hopefully, Hitzfield gets a chance at a breakaway slam on game night. He deserves at least that much given what he is sacrificing to participate.

Fredericktown's senior class trip to Washington, D.C., is taking place simultaneously. Hitzfield chose to play in the game. Teammates Merrit Zollars and Ryan Hathaway, who like Hitzfield starred on Fredericktown's regional finalist football team, opted for the trip.

"It was hard; both opportunities are one-time things," said Hitzfield, who has also been invited to play in the Mount Vernon News and Central District all-star games. "There won't be a class trip again and there won't be an all-star showcase again. But the chance to go to Washington will always be there. I'll only get a chance to play in a high school basketball game a couple more times."

Hitzfield, whose college future is in football, has been chosen to play tight end in the Ohio All-Star Game next summer. Freddies coach Luke Beal will be an assistant on the South squad.

When he's not working on his strength and conditioning for next fall, Hitzfield takes advantage of open-gym opportunities to keep his hoops skills honed.

"Unless you win a state title, you're always going to end your career with a loss," Hitzfield said. "This (all-star) game gives me another chance to win my last game."

Hitzfield and Grist have some history together. They played AAU ball for the North Central Stars in eighth grade at the Friendly House, along with North all-stars Taylor Housewright (Ashland) and T.J. Lindsay (Mansfield Senior).

"He can pass for a big guy," Grist said of Hitzfield. "I loved playing with him because he had good vision in the paint."

Grist and Hitzfield will give the South an imposing front line, along with the likes of 6-6 Jake Mochoskay of Ontario; 6-3 Tyler Clark of Lucas, an All-Ohio football player; and Mansfield Senior's Di'Nero Ramseur, who plays much bigger than 6-2.

"We've got big guys who can handle the ball like guards," Weaver said. "Mochoskay can go outside (he had more than 50 3-pointers this season) and Grist has that potential as well.

"In a game like this, you're just looking for athletes who can get out and go. We've got that. So does the North with guys like (Shelby's Matt) Sommer and (Taylor) Housewright and (Ashland teammate Gregg) Berkshire. It would be nice to have them, too."

Grist hasn't dunked or made a 3-pointer this season. One of each would be nice in the Classic. Right now the bar is set at eight points. That's how many his brother Stephen scored for the South two years ago.

"I'd like to beat him and get at least nine," Grist said, smiling. "I just want to represent Lexington and Coach Weaver and have fun."

jspencer@nncogannett.com 419-521-7239

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when will north team be announced

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:46 pm

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Originally published March 3, 2008

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NEWS JOURNAL PHOTO

South team members are, left to right, front row, Lexington's Tyler Munro, Ontario's Jake Mochoskay, Lexington's Michael Grist; middle row, Mansfield Senior's Di'Nero Ramseur, Wynford's John Shifley, St. Peter's Ryan Chenevey, Crestview's Anthony Easterling; back row, Mount Gilead's Trent Bostic, Lucas' Tyler Clark, Fredericktown's Taylor Hitzfield, Willard's Kevin Deidrick, Colonel Crawford's Dan Sherer.

IF YOU GO
30TH NEWS JOURNAL ALL-STAR CLASSIC

When: Thursday, March 20.

Where: Lexington High School.

Tip-off: 7:30 p.m.

Who: Lexington's Grant Weaver and Shelby's Troy Schwemley will coach two teams of area seniors.

Beneficiary: The Rehab Center.

Tickets: For sale at the News Journal and The Rehab Center.

History: The game has raised more than $300,000 for The Rehab Center and physically challenged children.

News Journal staff report

Related articles:

30th News Journal All-Star Classic: Meet the South team

Clodfobble · 03-17-2008, 05:37 PM

Go Taylor!

[Insert appropriate basketball encouragement metaphor here--something about being "in the paint," perhaps]

Trilby · 03-17-2008, 05:43 PM

thanks, clobfobble! I 've no idea what "in the paint" means! ha ha!

I didn't know until my son was a junior that he was a tight end! Oh, I'm a non sports mom, for sure!

I've always encouraged him to read!!! lol

lookout123 · 03-17-2008, 06:58 PM

Freaking awesome!

Griff · 03-17-2008, 07:00 PM

Way cool!

lookout123 · 03-17-2008, 07:02 PM

So let's see if we can make one big cellar kids video for Youtube. Lil Lookout can kick a soccer ball which can be cut in half by a saber which can then be knocked to the ground by a well passed basketball. What else?

monster · 03-17-2008, 07:42 PM

basketball can hit start buzzer for swim race

(great going, Taylor!)

jinx · 03-17-2008, 07:49 PM

How cool is that!?

DucksNuts · 03-17-2008, 09:32 PM

Ohhhh, I like tight ends

lumberjim · 03-17-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinx

How cool is that!?

it's very cool....

or .... v.cool

even .....dare I say.......Rad?

Let us know what college he plays football for, maybe we can see him on tv!

Shawnee123 · 03-18-2008, 07:55 AM

Well, it's just the cooliest coolness! Go Taylor!

glatt · 03-18-2008, 08:02 AM

Hey Brianna, that's awesome!

LabRat · 03-18-2008, 08:47 AM

Way to bring 'em up, Bri! Sweet!

Sundae · 03-18-2008, 09:54 AM

Good for him, Bri
And good for you - nice to know you spawn healthy stock

PS I didn't understand much of the article, but it all sounds very good

03-17-2008, 05:27 PM	#1
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	Brianna's Kid...Taylor Hitzfield LEXINGTON -- "Vertically-challenged" is not a term 6-foot-5 Grant Weaver can identify with. He couldn't as a player for Lexington and he can't now as the South coach in the 30th News Journal All-Star Classic. Eight of his 12 players stand 6-3 or taller, including the two representatives from his district champion Lex squad: 6-5 Michael Grist and 6-4 Tyler Munro. "When I played in the all-star game (in 1987), we had about seven guys who could dunk," said Weaver, who scored 13 points for the South in its 119-114 victory over the North 21 years ago. "That's what we're looking for in a game like this ... the best dunking team. We want to look the best in warm-ups." Fredericktown's 6-4 Taylor Hitzfield hopes he can live up to Weaver's high standards. "It seems like I can dunk when it doesn't matter ... it's not a sure thing with me," Hitzfield said. "I tried one against Danville. I thought I was high enough, but I grabbed the rim. I counted it as a dunk. It just wasn't as forceful as I wanted." Hopefully, Hitzfield gets a chance at a breakaway slam on game night. He deserves at least that much given what he is sacrificing to participate. Fredericktown's senior class trip to Washington, D.C., is taking place simultaneously. Hitzfield chose to play in the game. Teammates Merrit Zollars and Ryan Hathaway, who like Hitzfield starred on Fredericktown's regional finalist football team, opted for the trip. "It was hard; both opportunities are one-time things," said Hitzfield, who has also been invited to play in the Mount Vernon News and Central District all-star games. "There won't be a class trip again and there won't be an all-star showcase again. But the chance to go to Washington will always be there. I'll only get a chance to play in a high school basketball game a couple more times." Hitzfield, whose college future is in football, has been chosen to play tight end in the Ohio All-Star Game next summer. Freddies coach Luke Beal will be an assistant on the South squad. When he's not working on his strength and conditioning for next fall, Hitzfield takes advantage of open-gym opportunities to keep his hoops skills honed. "Unless you win a state title, you're always going to end your career with a loss," Hitzfield said. "This (all-star) game gives me another chance to win my last game." Hitzfield and Grist have some history together. They played AAU ball for the North Central Stars in eighth grade at the Friendly House, along with North all-stars Taylor Housewright (Ashland) and T.J. Lindsay (Mansfield Senior). "He can pass for a big guy," Grist said of Hitzfield. "I loved playing with him because he had good vision in the paint." Grist and Hitzfield will give the South an imposing front line, along with the likes of 6-6 Jake Mochoskay of Ontario; 6-3 Tyler Clark of Lucas, an All-Ohio football player; and Mansfield Senior's Di'Nero Ramseur, who plays much bigger than 6-2. "We've got big guys who can handle the ball like guards," Weaver said. "Mochoskay can go outside (he had more than 50 3-pointers this season) and Grist has that potential as well. "In a game like this, you're just looking for athletes who can get out and go. We've got that. So does the North with guys like (Shelby's Matt) Sommer and (Taylor) Housewright and (Ashland teammate Gregg) Berkshire. It would be nice to have them, too." Grist hasn't dunked or made a 3-pointer this season. One of each would be nice in the Classic. Right now the bar is set at eight points. That's how many his brother Stephen scored for the South two years ago. "I'd like to beat him and get at least nine," Grist said, smiling. "I just want to represent Lexington and Coach Weaver and have fun." jspencer@nncogannett.com 419-521-7239 Post a Comment View All Comments -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- when will north team be announced Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:46 pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post a Comment View All Comments Originally published March 3, 2008 Print this article E-mail this to a friend Subscribe Now Buy this photo Zoom Photo NEWS JOURNAL PHOTO South team members are, left to right, front row, Lexington's Tyler Munro, Ontario's Jake Mochoskay, Lexington's Michael Grist; middle row, Mansfield Senior's Di'Nero Ramseur, Wynford's John Shifley, St. Peter's Ryan Chenevey, Crestview's Anthony Easterling; back row, Mount Gilead's Trent Bostic, Lucas' Tyler Clark, Fredericktown's Taylor Hitzfield, Willard's Kevin Deidrick, Colonel Crawford's Dan Sherer. IF YOU GO 30TH NEWS JOURNAL ALL-STAR CLASSIC When: Thursday, March 20. Where: Lexington High School. Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. Who: Lexington's Grant Weaver and Shelby's Troy Schwemley will coach two teams of area seniors. Beneficiary: The Rehab Center. Tickets: For sale at the News Journal and The Rehab Center. History: The game has raised more than $300,000 for The Rehab Center and physically challenged children. News Journal staff report Related articles: 30th News Journal All-Star Classic: Meet the South team __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

03-17-2008, 05:43 PM	#3
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	thanks, clobfobble! I 've no idea what "in the paint" means! ha ha! I didn't know until my son was a junior that he was a tight end! Oh, I'm a non sports mom, for sure! I've always encouraged him to read!!! lol __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

03-17-2008, 06:58 PM	#4
lookout123 changed his status to single Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Right behind you. No, the other side. Posts: 10,308	Freaking awesome! __________________ Getting knocked down is no sin, it's not getting back up that's the sin

03-17-2008, 07:00 PM	#5
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	Way cool! __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

03-17-2008, 07:02 PM	#6
lookout123 changed his status to single Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Right behind you. No, the other side. Posts: 10,308	So let's see if we can make one big cellar kids video for Youtube. Lil Lookout can kick a soccer ball which can be cut in half by a saber which can then be knocked to the ground by a well passed basketball. What else? __________________ Getting knocked down is no sin, it's not getting back up that's the sin

03-17-2008, 05:37 PM	#2
Clodfobble UNDER CONDITIONAL MITIGATION Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 20,012	Go Taylor! [Insert appropriate basketball encouragement metaphor here--something about being "in the paint," perhaps]

03-17-2008, 07:42 PM	#7
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	basketball can hit start buzzer for swim race (great going, Taylor!) __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

03-17-2008, 07:49 PM	#8
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	How cool is that!? __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

03-17-2008, 09:32 PM	#9
DucksNuts Bitchy Little Brat Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 5,067	Ohhhh, I like tight ends

03-18-2008, 07:55 AM	#11
Shawnee123 Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21,206	Well, it's just the cooliest coolness! Go Taylor! __________________ A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby

03-18-2008, 08:02 AM	#12
glatt ™ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 27,717	Hey Brianna, that's awesome!

03-18-2008, 08:47 AM	#13
LabRat twatfaced two legged bumhole Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,143	Way to bring 'em up, Bri! Sweet! __________________ Strength does not come from how much weight you can lift, or how many miles you can run. It comes from knowing that you set a goal, and rose to the challenge. Strength comes from within.

03-18-2008, 09:54 AM	#14
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	Good for him, Bri And good for you - nice to know you spawn healthy stock PS I didn't understand much of the article, but it all sounds very good

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