shenbasketball.com - Brady's Blog 2007-08

Guilderland is really good. The Dutchmen proved why they are undefeated in the Suburban Council and why they have three Division One athletes. I don’t think Drew Smith or Brett Marfurt missed a shot all night.

I’d like to erase the game from memory seeing as how it is the second-worst defeat of my career. Only a 75-46 drubbing at the hands of Colonie during my sophomore year was worse. I did score the first two points of that game though…And that was all. 27 more and the game would have gone to OT. Oh, what could have been?

One of the highlights of the night: Hondo drained his second three of the year. Congratulations Ry. Again, PhD in buckets.

Other important things at hand: The Fark-Arc will be featured on the High School Sports Show this Friday! (Channel 8, 11 p.m.) I saw Brent Martineau venture into the crowd and talk to them a little bit. Maybe we will get a Nick Mitchell sound byte? That would be great. Mitchell is one of the two founding fathers of the group; Sam Rosenzweig is the other. Great support, guys. You’ve earned this recognition. To Chelsea Spataro, official Fark-Arc cook: Excellent cookies the other night.

I also saw Brent talking to Coach D before the game…And quite dapper coach looked. Hopefully he said all nice things about me. Hopefully he didn’t say anything like “Farkas is way too skinny, but the kid can write.” And hopefully he didn’t use the Discovery Channel line once more. (See archives for reference).

Moving on, there was a girl in the crowd with a sign reading “Farkas is my hero” on Tuesday. I’m told it was the sister of Matt Pierson of our freshman team. I appreciate the support. It means a lot to me to have someone do that for me. Those are the type of moments you remember down the road. She actually came up to me and gave me the sign after the game, and it’s a keepsake for me.

I want to use this forum to apologize for not being as outgoing as I usually am during that exchange. I was just caught off-guard and I didn’t quite know what to say. So to Miss Pierson: If you ever want to talk after a game, I’ll be my gregarious self.

Hmm. Brady’s Blog: Apology central. It could be more, too. If anybody wants to ask a girl out on a date through this thing or something, I am charging $2.

January 25, 2008

How pathetic is it that it’s currently 6:03 am in a week where we have no school and I am writing this? I don’t get it either. I stayed up late watching Australian Open Tennis and simply cannot sleep. By the way, congrats to Maria Sharapova. Her match started at 3:30 in the morning (too bad I went to bed at midnight, because I always love seeing her if you know what I mean).
As interesting as tennis is, let’s move back to basketball. Averill Park on Friday was a tough pill to swallow. Hats off to Gerard O’Shea though. He did everything he could with DJ draped all over him. He hit some very tough shots and really took over the game. There just must be something about the name Shea: Gerard O’Shea, Barb Shea of the girl’s team had 23 the other night and of course, Shea Bromirski is the leading scorer in all of section II. Maybe I’ll look into a name change…

I do want to point out that Matt Miner had his first career varsity three-pointer the other day. He wanted the title of this blog to be: Miner hits first of many. Sorry Matt, you didn’t hit five of them like Matt Lee did. That was impressive. I think I once drained five threes in a rec game. It is my only career 50 point output to date.

The Fark Arc made the trip with us to Averill Park and of course their support was excellent. They were relentless in trying to distract O’Shea. But he simply was too good on that night.

It is now 6:15 and I still have not exhausted myself to go back to sleep. Aren’t you all impressed I could write four paragraphs in just a twelve-minute span? Maybe not, but humor me anyways.

All of you who tuned into the High School Sports Show noticed the blog wasn’t featured. I expected it to be this upcoming week anyways. So make sure to take a look this Friday after all the action is complete. Friday we are right back at it with a game at home against Shaker. No games on Tuesday due to Regents testing. No tests for me.

It’s funny. Coach Dzikas will probably receive this blog when he arrives at work. Sorry Coach, I don’t have school. It’s a shame you have to be there while I relax before practice.

Just an update on my mom: She will be home either today or tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone who has sent best wishes or offered to help.

Hmm. I am going to attempt to go back to sleep now. But, it may not work because now instead of being tired I am hungry.

January 17, 2008

Boy, it was nice to get back on the winning side of the scoreboard on Tuesday against Ballston Spa. The Scotties came out firing as Cody Robinson scored eight in a row to start the game. But we held together and picked up the victory.

Special shout-out to Justin Brignola and Ryan Henderson, both of whom registered three points to get into the stat book. Hondo drained a three. After all he does have a PhD in buckets. Or so he says …

Both of them outscored me (one point). Yikes, atrocious offensive game for me. But that’s another topic for another day. Where is Tim Sullivan when you need him? On the bright side, I did have an assist. Yep, I dish 'em out.

Game Friday at Averill Park. We defeated the Warriors last year 36-34 in OT. In OT. And what is it about the name Warriors? Very common in the Suburban Council. AP and Mohon share the name. And then Nisky is the Silver Warriors.

Another special shout-out to the “Fark Arc”: Last Friday night vs. Colonie, the gang was shown in the highlight of the “High School Sports Show.” Furthermore, they took home “Fans of the Week” honors for the second time this season.

The gang will be profiled again soon on the show, as will this blog. I spoke with host Brent Martineau last week about writing this blog and how the “Fark Arc” got its name. Be looking for that either this Friday or next.

Brent also said the Fox Web site would feature a link to this site. Does that mean I’ve gone big time? I could be writing for the masses as opposed to the Shen community. That means I can’t misspell things for sure. I could garner a following. Just a thought. Or maybe a hope.

Be sure to tune in.

Next, most of you know about the situation regarding my mom. I want to extend a thank-you out to all the families who have helped, offered to help, or sent well wishes. We truly appreciate everyone’s kindness and are lucky to have friends like all of you.

But on a more pleasant note…basketball. The holiday tournament at Proctor was a success. The New Hartford game was a solid first-half performance. The second-half: eh, not so much. It was however the closest Coach Dzikas has come to breaking a clipboard this season. Guilderland, sophomore year for me, was his prime performance in that department. Three clipboard casualties on that night.

Coach Hunter on the other hand could be a gold-medalist in that event.

The next night we came out against Proctor and played well. Matty Miner played excellent and showed great poise for a sophomore. How about DeAndre Preaster for the Raiders? He was huge. Could have been a member of the Oakland Raiders with that size. He actually is playing football at Syracuse as a wide-receiver. Hey Tom Kukuk, how would you have liked to have Preaster as your compliment receiver this season?

We won against Columbia after the break by playing solid defense. 41-25. Good football score. DJ Evans rushed for three touchdowns. By the way, congratulations to DJ for being named “Running Back of the Year” by The Saratogian.

Burnt Hills handed us our first loss of the league season this past Tuesday. Paul Layton hit four threes and seemed to deflate us early. We will make sure to not let that happen again. Although every team seeks to win every game, it is very difficult to remain perfect (bar the New England Patriots from conversation). An old proverb says something to the effect of “Honor does not lie in never failing, but in responding after failure.” Now that is just me paraphrasing or perhaps being too lazy to look up the real quote. Take it as you wish. We also will make sure to respond positively and get back on a roll.

We can start tonight against rival Colonie. Colonie has smacked us the previous two seasons and we need to come out and set the tone early. Colonie has a plethora of talent and it should be a great game. Furthermore, it’s Elementary Night. So all of my fellow Skanonians (or is it Skanoninians?) need to be in attendance to support their lone senior representative on the team.

High school crowd also needs to be in full-force. Let’s get “Fans of the Week” again.

And note to Coach D--will a win prompt a trip to the barber for a mohawk?

January 9, 2008
First off: My deepest apologies for the tardiness of this issue. I hope everyone had an excellent holiday season.

The question is: Is Coach Dzikas going to be sporting a mohawk hairstyle reminiscent of Josh Koopman’s tonight vs. Saratoga? After the Shaker game, and after everyone ragged on Koop’s hair, he told Coach that if we were 4-0 going into Saratoga, he should get one. Will Coach D trade in his usual style?
And alas, 4-0 is where we stand – even though Mohonasen on Friday night was not pretty. However, Kaelin Loose’s dunk was. First time it’s ever been done by my team in my four years of high school. Closest time prior to that was one of many Salih Banks highlights. However, it has been done against us: Brad Sheehan, Jordan Stevens and Deandre Preaster are those winners.

The game on Friday was sloppy. Looked like a lopsided baseball score at the end of the first quarter (10-3) and a decent football score at halftime (17-16). It ended at 39-34 with us making a record three jumpers on the night.

After Friday we stand atop the Blue Division with Colonie right behind us. Saratoga and Shaker are also looking good.

And the game against Saratoga on tonight is a big one. They defeated us three times last year and we need a little payback. Actually, a lot of payback.

FANS: Keep coming out in full support. Everyone who comes to the game will receive a free T-shirt and a chance to participate in many contests. The Fark-Arc fans who traveled to Mohon on Friday night were fantastic. Coach Dzikas was very impressed at the loudness of you guys and looks for more of it as the season progresses. Congratulations also on being Fox23 “Fans of the Week.” That’s three times in two years! Fark-Arc in full force.

Make sure you wish Joe Yund a happy 18^th birthday at the game. Maybe he’ll knock down a shot or two for anyone who does.

Last year, we started out 4-0 in league play. I sure would like to get back there again. We are halfway there, and I feel pretty good right now. Not satisfied, just good. 5-0 would be even better.

Shaker was a great game on Friday. The 10 fans we brought with us were intense; so intense, in fact, that Coach Dzikas provided them with shirts for future games. Nick Mitchell said earlier in the week that the goal of the student section was to defeat the Shaker “6^th Man” at their own game. I am a partisan judge, but I think they did it. Chelsea Spataro also called herself my own personal cheerleader. That’s nice to hear. Don’t all of you out there wish you had someone to support you like that?

I hope they’ll be able to make some of the far journeys this week. Seriously, Bethlehem and Mohonasen are quite the treks. I may have to bring some of my heavy reading with me. Oh wait, I don’t read.

I never have even played at Bethlehem. When I was a sophomore, we had to play at Sage College, and the bus driver ran over a sign in a hospital parking lot. Oh, I will never forget Cameron Crichlow’s reaction to that one.

Speaking of firsts… Friday night’s-three pointer gave me my first career points on the court at Shaker High School. Welcome to the record books, Brady Farkas. I did miss one game there due to injury as a freshman.

Still, my exploits are nothing compared to those of Josh Koopman. Koop was buckets in the second half at Shaker as the JV team rallied. I’m glad to see the Mohawk is gone, though.

In other news… Colonie beat Saratoga in double overtime. The Garnet Raiders are also 2-0 in the Blue Division. We will see them twice this year.

Note to fans: December 18, we are home vs. Saratoga. Students who come receive T-shirts courtesy of Mr. Culnan. Let’s build that Shen Zone.

Varsity gold cards are done. Ahh…no more peddling door-to-door for me. Thanks to those who bought from me. Now, here’s what I promised. Your 15 minutes (seconds?) of fame.

So, Mary Rose Guiry, come on down. You were the first to buy a Gold Card. (And no, Murph, her husband does not teach karate, just jujitsu on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.)

Next came my family. Thanks, Nana and Aunt Teet. They live in California, but anything to help the cause. (My aunt and I have the same birthday, so she was obliged.) My mom also bought one. So the family resources were used up early.

Then I hit up the school crowd. Janet Simson, Sam Rosenzweig’s mom, snapped up one. She should have. After all, Sam is among the founding members of the Fark-Arc. I always can rely on those best friends for money.

Rachel Hodgkins was next and then Chelsea Spataro. Chelsea is a repeat buyer. Glad to know I can persuade people year after year. She’s also a member of the Fark-Arc, and we will look forward to seeing her at all games this year.

Mrs. Carey, the English teacher, was next and required season tickets behind the bench so she could heckle me at any moment. Hopefully no heckling will be heard.

The guy with the coolest name, Chris Scotto Di Carlo, also bought one. We simply call him Scotto. He was an easy sale since he loves his Clifton Park eateries. Then came Mr. K from the cafeteria. Good ol’ Mr. K. Next, I hit up Connie. Dear sweet Connie. She is a saint for the basketball program. Sue Pack bought one since she’s always looking to help me. And I appreciate it. Carolyn Cafarelli, was my last victim. (Note to Matt Knezovic: You’re probably getting something from Dick’s for Christmas since your mom has the card!)

And a special thanks to Ryan Murphy. He is the reason I only had to sell 13. So, atta boy BVQ. Inside joke on the nickname.

Gold cards are done. Now, it’s on to basketball. Hope to see everyone on Friday at 8 against East High. The Fark-Arc will be there.

We have worked very hard to put a good product on the floor. Bring some enthusiasm.

Like a Harry Potter novel, I have left people clamoring for more, it appears. My grandmother has e-mailed, asking me to blog. People have walked up to me in gyms asking for the next installment. Some woman stopped me at a chorus concert. You all want more.

I’m back, and rest assured, loyal faithful, I have been formulating these words for months. I mean days. I mean hours. Maybe I mean minutes.

First things first. The season starts today. Rather the tryouts start today. Or maybe we can just call them the Olympic qualifiers because that’s how hard they will be. Not trying to scare anyone though. They are doable.

It’s hard to believe it jumped on us all that fast, isn’t it? Seems like yesterday I was pitching, then lamenting the first day of school, then celebrating my 18^th birthday. (Yes, thanks to those who wished me well.) And then finally it was Halloween. And that’s when it hit me. Halloween signifies less than a week until basketball.

Next thing: I issued a challenge last year that I would mention anyone on this screen who attended our away game versus Shaker. That was a great success. All I got was Kaashif and Dessingue, the latter in a goofy hat.

However, I give you another chance, a challenge to those of you who told me it was your goal to get mentioned in the blog this year. Anyone who purchases a Varsity Gold Card from me between Nov. 10 and 17 ($15, cash or checks made out to Shen Basketball Booster Club, please) shall be immortalized in this publication. Immortalized. That phrase almost makes this blog sound important. At least one family already committed, saying see the name in the blog – not to mention the great discounts cardholders get – was well worth the price. Thanks Mrs. G. I’ll catch you at Troy’s game this weekend. Your full identity will be revealed once we’ve completed the Gold Card transaction.

One of the highlights of the night: Hondo drained his second three of the year. Congratulations Ry. Again, PhD in buckets.

Hmm. Brady’s Blog: Apology central. It could be more, too. If anybody wants to ask a girl out on a date through this thing or something, I am charging $2.