I've been hearing for several weeks that a top player within the IVC is transferring to Hiland. I ignored it at first because it just didn't seem plausible since the player in question has a parent that coaches in the other district. I'm still thinking this may be something some kids came up with to see what kind of reaction they could get. On the other hand, there does seem to be some indication that it might actually happen.

If it does, it would be a bombshell because two premier area and conference players would be on the same team and because it would stir up a lot of really bad blood between the kids, fans, districts, etc.

Can anyone confirm, especially someone who's mascot might resemble a Tiger?

School starts on the 23rd. If the kid is enrolled at Hiland, then it will be interesting to see the ruckus it causes. If he's not enrolled, then I guess it was just a prank. Until someone gives me credible confirmation, I'm leaning toward it being a really well executed prank.

confirmed..................not going over real well in Strasburg from what I have been hearing.......

Yeah, I talked to Lucky and Will and they confirmed it as well.

I guess it's getting nasty on Facebook with the kids toward Seger.

We went through this with the girls the last few years. When really good players transfer, the emotions get really high with the school that was left.

Lucky mentioned that we should play the cards we are dealt. Agreed, but these kids these days all know each other. My Punkin has really good friends at virtually every school around, especially the IVC. Almost every kid has a cell phone and a car. They see each other throughout the year and call/text daily. But I think the biggest factor is AAU - Dylan and Seger have played with each other since 6th grade and have a close friendship. That's why this happens.

I've felt that Strasburg's program has been on the right track the past few years. This is a major blow and I know it's a tough pill to swallow.

I have heard this also. How is he going to be eligible to play for Hiland, or is his family moving into that district? If not, won't he have to sit out 1 year from the time of his transfer?

believe a move is in the works..........

I have heard this was in the makings for a couple years...that is if it is the player that I am thinking of. I work with several Hiland fans.

It's definitely been confirmed that Seger Bonifant will be a Hawk this winter. When you add him to what Hiland had coming back, it's just ridiculous for a team to have that kind of talent - at least in this area.

After watching the whole Noelle Yoder transfer thing play out from beginning to end, there's a couple of things I can say:

1) There has to have been issues between Seger and/or his parents vs. people in the program, and those issues have to be significant enough to make the family decide it is worth the fallout. Kids don't transfer when they love their coach and team mates.

2) This will be very, very ugly. Strasburg-Hiland games, which were already hotly contested affairs, just got some gasoline on the fire. The Bonifants will have things said about/to them that will be very harsh. I can't see how Dad will be able to coach there unless he's become deaf and has leather for skin.

3) Everyone will hate Hiland. They just became Duke, the New York Yankees, and (do I dare say) the Miami Heat.

(figured a post on this would show up soon...)
Tough situation for Seger to be in; I feel for him, parents, and family. This was initiated by him and mom to the best of my knowledge, i.e.--unsure how much dad is in on this, if at all. (to reiterate...initiated solely by them, not by hiland coaches or anyone else involved with the school). Seger is obviously a very talented ball player. As was mentioned, has been playing AAU with Dylan for years, and they are good friends. many of the hiland players know Seger well as he hangs out with Dylan frequently. For several reasons (none of which need to be speculated on or gone into here)this was something they felt needed to be done. Obviously, on paper anyways, it gives a good hiland program an additional boost, tho time will tell how things mesh down the road. if everyone can keep their egos out of the way and play unselfish team ball, the sky's the limit as to what can be achieved, but it will be a coaching challenge I'm sure. this was something he/they thought was in his best interest to do. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision by any means, as he/they have to know the repercussions that come with it, especially from the Strasburg end of it. As mentioned, very similar to the situation with Noelle a couple years back; we know how that went and unfortunately wouldn't be surprised to see much of the same here. i certainly hope it's not to that extreme, but people around here are passionate about their basketball, needless to say, so wouldn't surprise me. We'(hiland team/school/fans) will do our best to welcome him and family.
I would ask anyone and everone involved in the situation in any way---please remember this is/was the decision of he and his family, and a very tough one at that. He's a teenager--probably 16 years old. there's enoughstress that every 16 yo goes through. He/they don't need people yelling at him, berating him, etc etc. Please treat him and his family with the respect they--and everyone--deserves.

Right! Im sure everyone will understand and treat him with respect!

I can not imagine this going over very well in Strasburg. They are very proud people, and very passionate about their school/community.

I agree totally Ricola - especially that this is a very young person. I expect other kids will be hard on him, but I hope if adults are upset that they focus their unhappiness toward adults. Fact is, this can't happen without the parents deciding to do it - at least one of them.

I see you stressed that this was initiated by the player/family. I've talked to a bunch of Burg friends. No one is pulling out the "recruiting" accusation. They seem to recognize how and why this came about.

I agree that this transfer is a coaching challenge for Mark, but probably one that he welcomes.

If things go well, he'll win as many state championships as the last big transfer Hiland had.

now 300...don't be spiteful!


and jfk...I realize this doesn't go over well on a lot of levels to a lot ofpeople. and unhappiness and disappointment is to be expected. Just hoping people at least stay civil about it, and don't go making things unbearable. nobody deserves that when they are in good faith trying to do what is right for them.

Mr. 300;453934 wrote:If things go well, he'll win as many state championships as the last big transfer Hiland had.

They were there and had two championships right in their hands, but couldn't get them. The transfer sure helped a lot in getting them there. So, no complaints.

I think getting to the final four is the achievement. Winning the whole thing is the cherry on top.

so what are the reasons behing this move pariah????????? as you have stated you have talked to "a bunch" of burg friends that know how and why this came about????? In no way am I calling the recruiting excuse, just want to know what the reason that is being given................

I'm sure they will have no problems finding someplace to live. I believe that the "apartment" that the last transfer, opps i mean move in, lived in is now open due the graduation.

I'm sure they will have no problems finding someplace to live. I believe that the "apartment" that the last transfer, opps i mean move in, lived in is now open due the graduation.

At least there is housing in the Berlin area. Here in Wooster there apparently isn't any.

I'm not sure anyone outside of the Bonifants can say what the exact reasons are. I would offer the following:

1) Seger plays AAU with Dylan and they are best friends. They enjoy playing with each other. That, in and of iteself isn't enough, but it is a necessary component. These guys start dreaming of playing together and winning championships.

2) Seger becomes unhappy with Tiger program. What exactly that is, I don't know. I've heard that he wasn't happy with effort/commitment in the program. I've heard that he didn't want to play at Huggins but showed up anyway but kinda went through the motions. I've heard there were attitude problems. Take that for what it's worth, which may not be much.

3) Seger has potential to play at the next level, so his basketball experience in HS is very important to him and his parents. Because he is unhappy, and that could affect his future, one or both of his parents allow him to make a move that he/they think will make him happy and help him to achieve his basketball goals.

That's all I know, and I'm not sure I know what I know.

Today at work was all about which "apartment" they will be living in....lol

The Sugarcreek people are angrier than the Strasburg people....love rivalries.

I'm sure all he would have to do is "consult" with certain people about that address of the "apartment".

With this move and Shawn Ball transferring from Connoton Valley to Malvern it looks like the IVC will be a race between 3 teams. Hiland, Garaway, and Malvern. Ridgewood does have some nice players but I don't think they will hang.

I have mixed feelings on this. I don't like the small school spirit and loyalty to community getting tainted. But in the end if the kid is not happy where he is at (for whatever reason) and feels he would be happier playing with a close friend of his on another team, then so be it. All rules were followed so the kids happiness not us adult's is what really matters.

Well said Spark. There's the way we wish things were and then there's how they are.

Wes, Getting a very talented player is really exciting, but it pales in comparison to getting some Pirate bloomers in a bunch! Thanks for sharing. Tell them they need to step up their recruiting if they want to keep up.

Pariah;454006 wrote:They were there and had two championships right in their hands, but couldn't get them. The transfer sure helped a lot in getting them there. So, no complaints.

I think getting to the final four is the achievement. Winning the whole thing is the cherry on top.

on a side note/tangent here a bit, and not making excuses for Hiland or anyone else, but this does hold some weight. If you've been watching sports long enough, it's apparent that the "best team" does not always bring home the trophy--in all sports and at all levels. Happens less frequently in baseball that in other sports IMO, because there youre playing a best of seven. Buy in any one game, all kinds of factors, some at least of which are completely out of thecontrol of the team(s) playing,fafctor in to who wins the game. Granted, the "favored/best" team will win the majority of the time, but not always. i'd guess most coaches would agree it iften takes a little luck to win it all. As a hiland fan , I'd love to make it to the final four at the Schott, at elast to get the feeling. Sure, if/when there you'd also love to bring home the biggest trophy they give out....
I'm certainly not counting on that tho. I think potentially, and on paper, this move maybe gives us a better shot to make it, but there will be many very competetive games in theIVC this year, as well as in the post season. truthfully I'mway more psyched and excited about the upcoming soccer season. We'll re-address this in November.

I don't like this situation at all, but lets face it....private schools have been doing this for years. To me, pure small school bball is thing of the past. I was a new knoxville fan a couple years back because they reminded me of the old days.

No matter what, I will always cheer on the local teams since my school is defunct....especially the IVC

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Wes, that New Knox team was really something.

I disagree that this transfer compares to what private schools do. Private schools recruit student athletes. They have to. It's the nature of being a private. Accepting a transfer is a whole different thing from pursuing or facilitating one.

But it does feel good to see a program have success with homegrown kids. I definitely agree with that.

Having Seger makes Hiland more talented. That's not arguable. It will remain to be seen if it makes them better. It will depend on how they play as a team.

Ricola, no offence, but I tried to watch the world cup this summer. I watched the USA/Ghana match, fell asleep, woke up 2 hours later and found I hadn't missed anything. I agree that it is hard to think about hoops right now. I have my focus on the Buckeyes. That's the only football I get!