The Warriors, as two-time defending HBL Champions, have perhaps the most pressure on them this season. Once again, everyone is looking for them to finally not come through and give up the HBL throne. But, 'Dee' and 'Shooter' won't give up that easy. The Warriors, the only team with the same returning roster from last year, (they've been together every year) sport impressive offensive skills and solid team defense. But their most dangerous element has always been their teamwork. Chris has acknowledged in his 'Spotlight' article that he knows Jon extremely well on and off the court, and both say they know what the other is doing all the time when they play. When both get hot and they start reading each other well, the results are disastrous: just ask last year's Lightning after the record-setting 80-54 victory the Warriors claimed. However, at times they seem to have problems with Wally 'Batz' Hartley and other dominant inside players, and their confident, free-wheeling style of offensive play can hurt them if they aren't shooting well. Recently the team has said that they are seriously underrated, a possible result of their lackluster start last season, and their poor play in the preseason exhibitions this year. Dee says, 'People can say what they want, but when we're on, NO ONE can beat us. No one.' Chris echoes the statement, and has proved himself as the league's elite player two years in a row. Either way, they know they must still earn their respect: 'Nobody's going to give us or hand us anything...we know we have to take our respect, and that's fine. In fact that's how I like it. I wouldn't have it any other way', says Dee. All eyes are certainly on the best 1-2 combination in the HBL this year, to see if they can live up to their considerable talent level. The x-factor with these two is their consistency however, as you never know which team will show up, the talented, unstoppable Warriors or the underachieving Warriors who seemingly 'play down' to the level of their competitors. This is certainly a year where the two will have to step up.
Last year's HBL runner-up team, the Lightning are trying to again reach the HBL Finals this year, hopefully to a different result this time around. For the Lightning, it is a new year, and thanks to the blockbuster Pure Sugar-Jay trade, a new lineup as well. This increases greatly the teamwork of the Lightning, adding 1998 HBL Team Player Award winner Pure Sugar, who also finished second in assists last year. However, it also makes them the underdog literally and figuratively--they're easily the HBL's smallest and youngest team. Even Batz Hartley of the SabreCats agrees with the Lightning's talent, but that they must solve the size problem...'This team is one to be reckoned with, their height is their only downfall', he says. They are understandably not worried about the 'young' factor, as Pure Sugar composes himself very well on the court and Bryce easily plays past his years...however the size issue remains a problem. A problem Pure Sugar says they have worked out. 'Me and Bryce have dealt with the strategy we will use on each team and we don't plan on letting the cat out of the bag,' he says. 'You will see if it's effective opening day.' The Lightning surely hope so, as rebounding is a major problem. On the upside, however, both Pure Sugar and especially Bryce 'Brown Sugar' Caldwell have great shooting skills. Opponents have realized Pure Sugar's shooting prowess and now are very careful to limit the smaller player's shots, so him and Brown Sugar will have to work some picks or good ball movement to get Pure Sugar his shots. Bryce has also acknowledged that the Lightning need a good strategy, saying that since they aren't the biggest they will have to be 'smarter' than the other teams. Both are good defenders, but both are also more suited to perimeter defense, which means they'll match up better against, say, the Warriors than they will the SabreCats, an inside team. But no matter what you say about the Lightning, you can't count them out due to their attitude alone: 'We are just as good as the team that steps onto the court with us,' Pure Sugar says, 'and if we lose every game, we'll leave the court with pride still and come back next year.' Amen.
An instant contender for the HBL crown, the SabreCats aren't only the two strongest players in the league, but also two of the most offensively gifted. Between Batz, two-time leading HBL rebounder and probably the only player in the league with a real post game, and Jay, a dangerous driving player who is extremely difficult to guard, they present matchup problems with every team. When it was announced that Jay had been traded to the SabreCats, however, no one doubted their talent. The doubts concern their composure and compatibility as teammates. Jay has historically been known as more of a '1-on-1' type player who undervalues the pass; while Batz is a guy who is used to teamwork and getting the ball on a consistent basis. Although it remains to be seen if this will translate into the regular season, Jay has really changed his style of play in 1999 exhibition games and they've looked incredible. 'Jay and I have come to an understanding,' Batz says, 'I will give up the rock...and at the same time he must give up the ball when the defense collapses around him.' Composure is a concern with the two as well, but if they contain their fire it can be a huge asset. Batz says, 'The most important key will be our competitiveness, just the sheer will to win!' Another huge key for them is their size, as mentioned earlier...it remains to be seen if teams can physically compete with them inside and stop either Jay's driving and Batz' post dominance. With the makeup of a potential successful team, they are extremely confident. Batz sums it up, 'We have the best chance to win the Championship.'
The new guys on the block, The Titans consist of a highly-touted rookie and a returning veteran fresh off a one-year hiatus. Derek Hendrickson, now the tallest player in the league, is also the heir (air?) apparent to Chris Hartley in talent. He has played in one occasion with HBL players and proved his talent in dominating the games he took place in. Bill Carter has played recently and has greatly improved his skills since 1997. Although still not a marquee offensive player by any stretch of the imagination, he realizes he only needs to contribute to help the team win, not necessarily score a ton. 'I like to play team ball and give up the rock,' Carter says. Derek realizes he will have to basically carry the scoring load, and he is very comfortable with that: 'I like to shoot the ball, and when I'm on...not many people can stop me.' They also are looking to be a threat on the boards as the tallest team in the league. One of 'The Kid''s highlights of his rookie year in 1997 was that he averaged 16.0 boards per game. Derek should be a competent rebounder as well with his size and athletic ability, and both should be able to contest fairly well with big players like Jay or Batz Hartley. Derek also has the speed and quickness to deal with faster players like Bryce 'Brown Sugar' Caldwell, making him a real all-around defender. The two main question marks pertaining to this team is if Derek will be able to carry the scoring side, and how much Bill will contribute to both the scoring and the 'hustle' parts of the game which he specializes in. 'Hopefully Bill can score a little and pick up the boards and the loose balls,' Derek says. And although Bill is overlooked by some players in the league, his commitment is to win: 'The only thing I want to do is help my team win!', he says. If he and Derek can gain some compatibility on the court and play good defense, they can be a threat. But if Derek has to do it all on the offensive end, and they don't take advantage of their size, it could be a long season for these Titans.
You've heard the Insider's take on things. Now it's time for the players to have their say. Here are how the players predict the four teams will finish in the 1999 HBL Season...
Chris 'Shooter' Hartley Jon 'Dee' Hartley
1. Warriors 1. Warriors
2. SabreCats 2. SabreCats
3. Titans 3. Titans
4. Lightning 4. Lightning
Wally 'Batz' Hartley Jay Hartley
1. SabreCats 1. SabreCats
2. Warriors 2. Warriors
3. Lightning 3. Lightning
4. Titans 4. Titans
Derek Hendrickson Bill 'The Kid' Carter
1. Titans 1. Titans
2. SabreCats 2. SabreCats
3. Warriors 3. Lightning
4. Lightning 4. Warriors
Pure Sugar
1. Warriors
2. Lightning
3. SabreCats
4. Titans
Back To HBL Main Page
Back To HBL Insider
Back To HBL Articles
