Kyrie’s Career Night Rescues Cavs

Post-game Analysis

By Zach Zeltman

March 13, 2015

In what Charles Barkley described as “One of the best NBA games I’ve seen in person, ever”, Kyrie Irving had a night to remember. In 47 minutes, Kyrie put up a ridiculous and efficient 57 points, shooting 62.5% from the field (20-32), 100% from 3 (7-7), and 100% from the line (10-10). He also added 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 rebounds, and only 2 turnovers in the 128-125 Overtime win for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This impressive performance came on the road against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, who had a great defensive scheme to stop Kyrie and LeBron. Each shot Irving hit had a high degree of difficulty, most of which were either contested fadeaways or points in the paint finishing amongst the bigs. The 57 points is the most scored in the NBA this season and marks Kyrie’s second 55+ point game of the season. Doing so against the Spurs is a huge testament to how well Kyrie really played. The last time San Antonio gave up a 50+ point performance was all the way back in 1984 (Bernard King). Oh, and Kyrie is still just 22 years old. Spurs coach, Gregg Poppovich, said after the game, “Kyrie was unstoppable. He went to a new level tonight.”

The Spurs seemed to be in control the whole game, despite it being close throughout. Last year’s Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, looked like the best player on the floor early, playing stifling defense while also impacting the game with his scoring, assisting, and rebounding. Leonard finished the game with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Tim Duncan nearly had a quiet triple double with his 18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks. Tony Parker and Danny Green also had excellent games for the Spurs, finishing with 31 and 24, respectively.

Most nights the Spurs play that well, they are going to come away with a W. Tonight was not most nights, though.

The game came down to the Spurs tremendous brand of team basketball versus two of the best players on the planet doing what they do best. Fortunately for Cleveland, Kyrie and LeBron were clicking on all cylinders, and the Cavs were able to steal a game that they really had no business winning. To complement Irving’s career night, LeBron finished with 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.

A win like the Cavs got tonight over a reigning champion could continue to snowball the success that they have had lately. However, as much as this was a good team win, Cleveland settled for a high quantity of low quality shots. The good thing was that tonight the shots were going in. There will be plenty of nights, thought, that they are not as fortunate. If they Cavs and Spurs met in the Finals, Kyrie and LeBron would not be able to combine for 88 points every game.

If they have any hope in winning a championship, they are going to have to cut down the amount of 1-on-1 offense they have been getting by with and play more as a team offensively.

For tonight, the Cavs will take a win and a career night from Irving. Tim Duncan’s look after the final buzzer said it all. He stood near mid-court, motionless for a few seconds staring at Kyrie. Then he saluted to an incredible performance as he turned and walked back to the locker room.

Back into the Swing of Things

It has been quite a while since I have posted on here (before updating my newspaper articles from college). I want to start by saying thanks for reading again.. Mom. 

The last time I posted I was looking for my first job out of college. Despite being probably the last thing I ever thought I would do after obtaining a college degree, I became a car salesman. I worked at a Nissan dealership in Columbus for the last year and a half. I took the job because I was living on my own and needed to start making money. I had heard countless stories about car salesmen being the scum of the earth, so to say I was looking forward to doing this for a living would be a lie. 

I continued looking for other jobs for some time with no luck, which was frustrating to me. I know my generation often feels entitled to everything without putting in the work and earning things. I really did not think this way. But I also didn't feel like I should have such a hard time finding a job in my career field. I was as qualified as I could possibly have been leaving college. I finished school with a 3.7 GPA with a double major. I had internships every summer I was in school. I played and was captain on the basketball team. I was a leader on student government. I did work for the yearbook and the school newspaper. And I present well. So why I could not get a job in my field was beyond me. 

My first few months in the car business, I had some success and some disappointment. Then, a light bulb went on, and I started to figure out how to be successful. My increased dedication and work ethic combined with the fact that I started to learn more about the products and about sales in general led to a great year for me. I ended up selling 176 cars in 2014, which put me in second place in the dealership in sales despite having much less experience than many of the people I worked with and only a handful of cars behind the leader. I am very proud of the year I had and ended up really enjoying my time in the car business. I was consistent in both sales and customer satisfaction. 

Again, I know a lot of people have a negative connotation with car salesmen. The reason I was able to enjoy my time there so much was because Nissan North is not like most car dealerships. The people there are genuinely good. The managers are great and they do things the right way. I prided myself in my time there in being respectful of customers, being open and honest, and making sure I was doing what was in the customer's best interests. 

A little difficult to read, but I finished the year with 176 cars

This past August, I married my best friend. I met Micayla one day during college when I went to the post office to pick up a package. As soon as we met, I was very interested in her. Or I at least thought she was absolutely gorgeous and nice and intriguing. But I was still shy and didn't think I would ever have a shot. That shot came with a bit of luck and a lot of seemingly random events.

During the end of my junior year, someone asked me to apply for a student government position. I had no plans to do so previously and did not really think I would get it, but figured I might as well give it a try. I ended up getting the spot, only to find out later that this cute girl from the post office happened to be on student government as well. We talked a few times briefly that spring about campus events. I started to really like her despite the fact that I didn’t really know her. I tried to get her to play basketball with me one day right before summer, and she said yes. Then she blew me off. So during the summer I tried to forget about her so it wouldn’t be awkward when we worked together.

The student government group went on a retreat and had meetings planning events the week before school started up my senior year. We spent a good amount of time hanging out there and got to know each other a little better. At this point, I had no idea if we were just becoming friends or if she was at all interested in me. It turns out she was. A few months later, we were dating. The rest, as they say, is history. All I know is that I am the luckiest guy in the world to have Micayla as my wife. She is incredible in every way.

Our wedding was a fun day!

In January, Micayla and I moved to North Carolina, where she is attending Elon University’s Physician’s Assistant program. We are really enjoying living here, but being so far away from family and friends has been hard. Micayla has been working tirelessly on her studies and has been excelling. Meanwhile, I have been looking for a job again. And once again, I am having a very difficult time doing so, which is frustrating all over again. I have had numerous people I trust and respect help me to improve how I put myself out there. But I have not had any luck so far. I am keeping the faith that I will find something good very soon. It has not been easy, though. Recently, I have started to look into getting into coaching, as well. Although, I am uncertain if I would be able to do coaching and have time for a full time job to pay the bills while Micayla is in school. I have always loved basketball, and I miss being around the game and the teams. I loved when my dad was a coach, and I would go to practices with him and play against older guys. I am hoping I can at least get some experience on the side so that if I get into it full time, that I will have a little more experience. 

If anybody knows anybody in marketing/advertising/graphic design or in coaching in North Carolina, please let me know! Thanks.

 

We got to see Russell Westbrook during his ridiculous season at our first Hornets game!

College Newspaper Article 5

The other day, I was looking through some of my things from college when I came across a few articles I wrote during my sophomore year while I worked for the school newspaper, the Lakeholm Viewer. I had almost entirely forgotten about them, and it was fun reading back through them. I figured since this is my collection of things I have written, I would add them on here. Sorry if they aren’t amazing. I was only a sophomore!

Scrimmage results for men’s basketball

By Zach Zeltman

Staff Writer

November 12, 2010

Junior forward Danil Zakhlebnyy fights for position in the post against Tiffin

Scrimmage vs. Tiffin University (Oct. 27):

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s men’s basketball team came out strong against the Dragons of Tiffin University. In the first half, the Cougars handled Tiffin, outscoring them by 15 points.

Sophomore guard Ben Severns hit three consecutive three-pointers, two of which he was fouled on, as well. Junior forward Jordan Heatherly dominated the boards and scored  almost every time he touched the ball.

Tiffin came out stronger in the second half, jumping out to a 12-point lead.

However, MVNU responded with the help of freshman Daz Booker, who caught an impressive alley-oop dunk from senior Brandon Short.

Scrimmage vs. Kenyon College
(Nov. 1):

The Cougars took on Kenyon and came out slow against a team that was on top of their game.

Senior Adam Grimm, junior Scott Hilbert and sophomore Bryce Barnes for the Cougars all missed the game due to injury.

Grimm is still recovering from an ankle injury, Hilbert is recovering from a shoulder injury and Barnes is recovering from a concussion.

This game served as a wakeup call for the Cougars, who have high expectations for the season.

Even though the Cougars did not play as well as they would have liked, the game was close and they did well scoring in the paint.

College Newspaper Article 4

The other day, I was looking through some of my things from college when I came across a few articles I wrote during my sophomore year while I worked for the school newspaper, the Lakeholm Viewer. I had almost entirely forgotten about them, and it was fun reading back through them. I figured since this is my collection of things I have written, I would add them on here. Sorry if they aren’t amazing. I was only a sophomore!

Short plans to enjoy time left on court with friends

By Zach Zeltman

Staff Writer

November 12, 2010

Senior Brandon Short brings the ball up the floor during a scrimmage

Orrville, Ohio, is significant for three reasons.

The most important is that Brandon Short is from Orrville.

The second is that the Smucker’s jelly company has its headquarters there.

The third is that Bobby Knight, Basketball Hall of Fame coach and player, grew up in Orrville.

Short, a senior basketball standout for the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Cougars, is leading this year’s team this season.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Branson this year,” Short said, referring to the NAIA national tournament in Branson, Mo.

“I made it my freshman and sophomore year, but last year we had a tough season and did not make it.

“But I think we have a great group of guys that can get the job done this year,” Short said.

Short is a sports management major with a minor in marketing.

After college, he would like to try playing professionally overseas for a few years and then pursue a job in sports marketing.

In his spare time he enjoys watching movies, napping, hanging with friends and watching “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

“My favorite part about playing at MVNU,” Short said, “was getting the chance my freshman year to come in and play early and contribute.

“Not many people get that opportunity, so I am thankful I had the chance to do so,” Short said.

As this season is getting underway, Short and the rest of the Cougars plan to improve their record and put MVNU back on the map.

“I think the team chemistry will play a big part in our success this year,” Short said.

“We have a very close group of guys who all love the game and like to be around each other.”

Short will be wearing a different number this year from his usual 23.

“I’ve worn 23 since middle school, and I figured it was time for a change,” Short said.

“I’ve always liked number three, so I decided to go with that.”

Short’s parents are his biggest inspiration.

“They have always encouraged me to do my best,” Short said. “And when I don’t, they are there to pick me up and help me bounce back.

“We have had some really good practices and preparation for this season,” Short said, “so it all comes down to execution and making plays.”

College Newspaper Article 3

The other day, I was looking through some of my things from college when I came across a few articles I wrote during my sophomore year while I worked for the school newspaper, the Lakeholm Viewer. I had almost entirely forgotten about them, and it was fun reading back through them. I figured since this is my collection of things I have written, I would add them on here. Sorry if they aren’t amazing. I was only a sophomore!

Heisman race: Big Ten quarterbacks lead Heisman race

By Zach Zeltman

Staff Writer

October 29, 2010

Former Ohio State Quarterback holding his Heisman Trophy

College football fans are witnessing yet another exciting Heisman race this year.

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson are two of the leading candidates for this year’s esteemed trophy.

Pryor was having a great season leading the Buckeyes to a number one national ranking until they were run over by the Wisconsin Badgers.

Much to the dismay of many in Ohio, the quarterback from the Michigan Wolverines has passed Pryor in the current Heisman running, according to many college football experts.

Robinson, who has led Michigan to a stellar start to the 2010 season, has emerged as a phenomenal playmaker for the Wolverines.

Pryor “could lead the Buckeyes to a national title,” said Dari Nowkhah, an analyst for ESPN.

“But he falls short of Robinson when it comes to being the game’s ‘most outstanding player.’ That’s not a knock on Pryor—he has playmakers all around him. He doesn’t have to make every play. Robinson does.”

The only way that Robinson wouldn’t win the Heisman, according to Nowkhah, is if he gets hurt, which may happen since he does so much of the ball carrying for the Wolverines.

Pete Flutak wrote an article for Scout.com at the end of last season where he rated this year’s top 20 Heisman candidates.

He didn’t even include Robinson, who is having a breakout season, on the list. He threw for 200 yards and rushed for 200 yards for the second time in his career against Indiana earlier this year.

He was only the second player in college football history to do so, accomplishing this feat in just his fifth game as a starter.

Mark Ingram, who won the Heisman last year, is having another great season so far.

He missed the first two games with an injury but has continued his impressive numbers since his return.

If Robinson continues to put up monumental numbers, Ingram has a slim chance to regain the momentum needed to win back-to-back Heisman awards.

According to the ESPN’s Expert Poll released after week five, Denard Robinson had nearly twice as many points as the second highest candidate, LaMichael James.

Pryor was then fourth on this list, but close behind the second and third-place contenders.

However, one game can make or break a college football season.

In week six, when Michigan hosted Michigan State, Robinson faced the best defense he had seen all year.

He had an unimpressive game, to say the least.

He finished the game with one touchdown pass, one rushing touchdown and three interceptions.

To his credit, he had quite a few well-thrown passes, which his receivers dropped, but if he plans on winning the Heisman, he is going to have to find a way to get the job done.

Then a week later, against Iowa, Robinson managed a measly 201 yards of total offense for the game with just one touchdown.

The problem Robinson will continue to face the rest of the season is the defense focusing on him since the rest of the offense is not as remarkable.

He has the ability to make plays with his arm and with his feet, but he needs to start getting more help from his teammates so defenses won’t be able to contain him so much.

Terrelle Pryor had much more success in week six, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns.

However, his subpar performance at Wisconsin will likely destroy his chances of winning the Heisman this year.

Oregon’s running back, LaMichael James, is starting to gain much more attention. He has led the Ducks to a first place ranking in the Associated Press poll.

James is an explosive player who continues to put up consistently impressive numbers against better competition than Robinson has seen this year.

If Oregon continues to win games with James leading the way, he could end up hoisting the Heisman at the end of the year.

Whether or not the Wolverine quarterback can win the Heisman this year is yet to be seen.

The good news for Michigan fans is that Robinson is only a sophomore. This means if he gets some better players around him in the following two years, he may have a much better chance at college football immortality.

*Update: The end of the 2010 season got a tad crazy. When I say a tad, I mean extremely. Cam Newton, from Auburn, won the Heisman, and it was not even close. Michigan (not surprisingly) fell apart down the stretch, and Denard Robinson dropped all the way to sixth in the final voting. LaMichael James finished third. Terrelle Pryor and Mark Ingram did not even finish in the top 10. Current Colts QB, Andrew Luck finished second in just his sophomore season. Two other current NFL QBs, Colin Kaepernick and Andy Dalton, finished eighth and ninth respectively. 

Cam Newton giving his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech

College Newspaper Article 2

The other day, I was looking through some of my things from college when I came across a few articles I wrote during my sophomore year while I worked for the school newspaper, the Lakeholm Viewer. I had almost entirely forgotten about them, and it was fun reading back through them. I figured since this is my collection of things I have written, I would add them on here. Sorry if they aren’t amazing. I was only a sophomore!

Men’s basketball preview: Cougars prep for important season

By Zach Zeltman

Staff Writer

October 29, 2010

Senior Adam Grimm slams the ball before practice. Photo by Zach Zeltman

 The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men’s basketball team is expecting to have a much-improved season from last year. The Cougars, who had a 13-17 record last year, lost five seniors to graduation but are reloaded with talent and ready to get back in the game.

Five new varsity players and 11 new reserve team players will be taking the court this season. Each of these players brings improvements to the team, including that the majority of them are taller and more versatile than last year’s team.

“I am definitely looking forward to the games,” said freshman forward and education major Austin Semple.

“I’m excited to see how we will match up to other teams this year. The best part of being on this team is that we all get along well. We all have each other’s backs. It has been a really good experience so far.”

The first game for the junior varsity team was Oct. 26 against Cedarville University, and the first game for the varsity is Nov. 6 at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

“I am excited for the chance to see the maturation of our returning players along with the additions of my first recruiting class,” said second-year head coach Matt Moore. “I have had a vision of what I want my teams to look like, and it has been a joy this fall watching this year’s team become ‘my’ first team. We have a great deal of opportunity ahead of us!”

Even though the new players may be stealing some of the attention right now, the Cougars still have a talented veteran group. Seniors Brandon Short, Adam Grimm and Brady Swanson bring leadership and athleticism to the court.

“I think the leaders and returning players are hungry this season,” said senior captain Swanson, a Spanish education and a health and physical education double major.

“We believe we have the talent to have a great season, so we are trying to push everyone to do their best,” he said.

Although the preseason can become drawn out for players who want to start games, the team has been able to have some fun in the meantime. During conditioning, the team went through the Columbus SWAT team’s obstacle course, which proved to be entertaining. Also, the team went on a retreat, where they went paintballing and spent a day at a lake in Michigan.

“The highlight of the team retreat was definitely the campfire night,” said sophomore Ben Severns, a middle childhood education major.

“It was an unreal experience to see everyone gathered around some of the guys praying and crying. God was definitely there in that moment and will continue to be there throughout the season. It was an un­real team experience.”

The Cougars are anticipating the beginning of the game schedule.

“Being a part of a team is more than just the five players on the court or the teammates on the bench,” Moore added. “Our sixth man is truly our Cougar Crazies. You make the games fun for us. Please come and be a part of this year’s team!”

College Newspaper Article 1

The other day, I was looking through some of my things from college when I came across a few articles I wrote during my sophomore year while I worked for the school newspaper, the Lakeholm Viewer. I had almost entirely forgotten about them, and it was fun reading back through them. I figured since this is my collection of things I have written, I would add them on here. Sorry if they aren’t amazing. I was only a sophomore!

Pros and cons of marriage while in college weighed by students

By Zach Zeltman

Staff Writer

September 24, 2010

The majority of students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University seem to want to get married . . . soon! Many people joke about getting a ring by spring, but quite a few students have already taken the plunge.

According to research assistant Carla Parsons, MVNU has more than 80 traditional students who are married. So despite what many people think, only about four percent of students at MVNU are married.

Out of 34 students polled, nearly 40 percent said they either plan to get married while in college or at least meet their future spouse during that time.

Broken down by gender, the numbers are closer than one might have thought. Forty-one percent of females compared to 33 percent of males thought they would get married or find their future spouse while in college.

Multiple students responded by saying that finding a spouse was not on the top of their priority list of things to accomplish while at MVNU, but they were still open to the prospect of finding a potential husband or wife.

This summer, junior business management major Scott Hilbert married his high school sweetheart, Haley Dunham, a junior nursing major. He says getting married was an easy decision for him. Scott and Haley Hilbert had been dating for almost five years before tying the knot. Both of their parents were married at a young age so they were fully supportive in Scott’s and Haley’s wanting to get married while they were still in college.

Haley Hilbert says being a married student at MVNU is “super convenient.” She can always be with her best friend and can escape from campus life when needed. She adds that she gets homesick much less now because she feels that she is now in her own home.

“I love being married in college. It was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said.

One can imagine that being married in college can be challenging for many reasons. The most obvious reason is the time commitment of being a student, participating in extracurricular activities and just wanting to spend time with friends on campus.

There are benefits to being married while in college as well. The state and federal governments help married students quite a bit, and the MVNU family discount is nice too.

Scott and Haley Hilbert both talked about how they enjoy the married housing provided by MVNU because it is close enough that they are still around their friends and can be at events if they want, but they aren’t stuck on campus all the time.

“I think that students can find their spouse here because of the Christian atmosphere,” student body president Jameson Seymour said.

“Most of the students want to have a healthy, Christ-following relationship, and since MVNU is a Christian campus, it is easier to find a life-long companion.”

Seymour also says that he thinks sometimes students think they need to find a relationship at the University, but this should not be the norm for college-age students.