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Dec. 16, 2008

NEW YORK CITY – Madison Square Garden has played host to many great events over the years. The Maggie Dixon Classic is a relative newcomer to the ‘world’s most famous arena’ and is catching on as a premier event. The first classic was played on campus at West Point. It was held November of 2006, just months after the tragic passing of the former Army women’s coach. And it was a day of sadness and emotion to say the least.

The second one was held at the Garden last season and, with another classic that brought in nearly 10,000 on Sunday, it appears to have found a home.

The Maggie Dixon Classic featured Army against Rutgers followed by Penn State and UCONN. The thoughts of Maggie are still with us but the classic has now evolved into a celebration. The celebration of her life, love and passion of the game and the devotion to the women she coached at West Point.

In the opener Rutgers defeated Army 59-38. Army fell behind 14-2 early yet battled back. Army simply had a tough time handling Rutgers inside-outside combination. Senior center Kia Vaughn scored 12 points while grabbing 7 boards. Epiphanny Prince, scored a game high 25 points for Coach Vivian Stringer’s club. The junior guard shot 3 of 4 beyond the arc. Alex McGuire led the Cadets with 16 points. Despite the loss, army earned Rutgers respect for their hustle and resiliency. “Those
(Army) girls were strong out there today,” Vaughn said of her opposition on the blocks.

In the second game, UCONN received a strong challenge but had too much for Penn State. The Huskies triumphed 77-63 to run their records to 6-0. Tina Charles was a force inside for UCONN with 29 points 18 rebounds. Each time the Lady Lions made a serious run Charles or teammate Maya Moore (21 points) answered to stop the bleeding. Tyra Grant ,Penn State’s junior guard was very effective off the dribble and led her club with 26 points.

“There are a lot of good teams out there,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “Penn State came in 5-4 but they can play and showed it.”

CARE foundation, involved in heart disease prevention and awareness, ran an expo at the Garden the day of the classic. Free ECG screening and blood pressure tests were available.

Among those on hand for the20Classic were Maggie’s mother, sister and brother Jamie who made the trip in following his Pittsburgh Panthers’ win a day earlier. It was a special moment to see Jamie, in the white Maggie Dixon Classic shirt, help out in a post game clinic for young players, held right on the Garden floor. Sister Maggie had to be looking down and smiling with admiration.

The current senior members team and of course head coach Dave Magarity were on that 2006 Army team that captured the Patriot League title and went to the NCAA tournament. They all have great memories and their own recollections of Maggie Dixon.

The players Megan Evans, Courtney Wright and Alex McGuire spoke about the tournament being a testament to her legacy and a celebration of a special person who truly loved life. Magarity noted the mention of Maggie, “immediately brings a smile. I have nothing but great memories working with Maggie. Our seniors were freshmen during her year here and they and everyone are all better people for having known her. Mention Maggie’s name and you see them smile. Maggie was only in their lives six months and she had that kind of effect on them.”

Yes, Maggie Dixon was present six months in their day-to-day lives but her influence is for a lifetime.

ANOTHER NEW SEASON

Nov. 17, 2008

SOUTH ORANGE , NJ -- At long last the season is upon us. The ball has been tossed and we have games. Duke was first to qualify for the Coaches vs. Cancer semis and a trip to New York’s Madison Square Garden. Michigan and Southern Illinois advanced a day later. UCLA, is certain to join the trio for what should be two entertaining doubleheaders next week.

My initial game coverage will be Friday night at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights entertain Marist. New faces is the theme here. Fred Hill of Rutgers has a few additions of note. On the other side the Marist lineup is virtually revamped plus there is a new coach on the sidelines. Matt Brady is gone to James Madison and CAA country while on board is Chuck Martin who served on John Calipari’s Memphis staff.

On Wednesday, had a unique opportunity. Brian Stanchak, a Seton Hall women’s assistant called me to officiate an intrasquad scrimmage. So it was off to Walsh Gym on the=20Seton Hall campus. The Pirate squad was divided into two teams. We officiated two fifteen minute stop clock halves. It was an exciting time and it went very well. From the initial possessions, you can tell head coach Phyllis Mangina intends to push the pace and get out and run. Among those who stood out were sophomore guard Ebonie Williams and Noteisha Womack. A 6’3” senior, Womack is on the thin side but hits the boards hard and has a nice variety of post moves. Overall, the scrimmage was well played. The guard play was good. No defenders with hands all over the opposition. Credit that to Mangina and her staff. “How does it look,” I ask assistant Kim Tingley after a time out. “We’ll find out for sure on Friday (the opener against Rider),” she replies.

For all of us, the ‘opener’ can’t come soon enough.


Ray Floriani is a senior writer for collegeinsider.com. EMAIL RAY