After watching Macalester finish off Bethel I hopped back into my car and headed back over to the Minneapolis side of town to Augsburg as they were hosting St. Kate's in one of the 3:00 P.M. matchups of the day. I got in there at halftime with St. Kate's holding a slim 32-29 lead in what appeared to be a very tight first half.
After sophomore Brittany Dyshaw's bucket at the 17:30 mark pulled the host Auggies to within one, it then seemed to become a three-point shooting contest. Wildcat freshman Kristen Lee drained one from the right corner at the 16:52 but Auggie sophomore newcomer Brittany Zins did the same from the left corner that once again narrowed the Wildcat lead to one at 35-34 at 16:11. Less than a minute later, Zins again struck from behind the perimeter that tied things at 37-all. St. Kate's was then able to forge ahead again thanks to seniors Laura Kalbfell and Sonja Ellingson but the Auggies refused to back down. Sophomore Tracee Schrank drained a "3" from the right wing at the 11:44 mark and after Ellingson responded with a shot inside for St. Kate's Schrank struck again for the Auggies behind the arc that cut the Wildcat lead to five.
Auggie junior Lexi Thompson tied things at 50-all when teammate Serenae Levine spotted Thompson cherry-picking around the half-court area on a fast break. St. Kate's resorted to going to a 2-3 zone after Zins' 3-point barrage from the outside. Moreover, Augsburg was getting very aggressive on defense with their trapping schemes that often caught the Wildcats flat-footed. After Levine got Augsburg in front with two foul shots at the 7:52 mark, the issue would be very close; very tight coming down the stretch. The big moment seemd to come with just :55 seconds remaining with the score tied at 61-all when Kalbfell, trying to make a strong move down low was called for the offensive foul; much to the chagrin of the St. Kate's side. Augsburg made key free throw shots when they counted that got them a 64-61 lead that would prove to be the final margin. St. Kate's would get one more crack to try and send it into overtime on their last possession as Lee narrowly missed making an NBA-range three with four seconds left.
Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Bethel vs Macalester 1-22-11
Started off this Saturday over at Macalester's Leonard Center to catch the clash between suddenly slumping Bethel and suddenly rising Macalester. This obviously looked to be a relatively even match-up but as this game progressed, the chinks in the Bethel armor became glaringly apparent.
Despite blowing a couple of scoring opportunities early on, Bethel did get off to a decent start. Sophomore post Scottie Moats scored inside at the 16:45 mark and cashed in on the free throw after being fouled. Shortly afterwards, junior Taylor Sheley knocked down a pair of freebies after being fouled and Bethel had a 7-2 lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, the good times didn't last. Junior Maggie Wood drove inside and finished at the 14:25 mark. Then, at the 13:10 mark, it was time for the Rene Sisters show as junior Shannon canned a "3" for a 9-all game. Moats would put Bethel back up briefly after she scored and was fouled but then steadily improving junior post Holly Schiedermayer put Mac back in front at 13-12 at the 10:34 mark.
After Mac had gone ahead 17-14, Sheley knocked down a "3" that once again tied things up. However, just when head coach John Herbrechtsmeyer may have thought he had things going again, Sheley went out with an ankle injury and although she returned in the second half she was clearly not the same. The game would bobble back and forth between the two teams for the next few minutes. Bethel held the lead at 28-27 when Shannon's twin sister Jessica canned a "3" from the left corner - and was fouled by Bethel senior Shana Grejtak in the process; a rare bad mistake by the senior. The resulting 4-point play put Mac in front 31-28 and although sophomore Kelly Swenson would cut the margin back to one point again before the half, the Scots clearly had momentum going their way.
The Royals would enjoy one last lead in the early going of the second half when Moats made two free throws at the 19:15 mark. But from thereout, Macalester would be in control. Bethel went into a 2-3 zone in the hope of choking off the middle but the Scots made easy work of it. The turning point seemed to have come at the 14:48 mark when Wood put down a pretty shot to give Macalester a 40-36 lead that she quickly followed up with another short shot that pushed the lead to 42-36. At the 12:01 mark, speedy sophomore Kyanna Jones out of Osseo High School manuevered on the baseline and finished for a 47-41 Scot lead. Schiedermayer finished down low a few moments later and then freshman Taylor Pike nailed a "3" from the left wing for a 52-41 Macalester lead at the 10:55 mark and Coach Herbie quickly called a timeout to try and get his team settled down.
Bethel would make one last run coming down the stretch when a dinged-up Sheley knocked down a "3" from the right corner that cut the Scots lead down to 6 points at the 1:35 mark. Swenson would also get a late "3" as well but Macalester was already in the process of icing this game away from the charity stripe which they did by a final count of 69-61. After a very good start to the new year by the Royals, they have suddenly fallen on tough times and injuries and other owwies have caught up with them. Besides Sheley's ankle, Swenson is also doing her best Jack Youngblood imitation by fighting through shin splints or a badly bruised leg bone. Grejtak was gracious enough to talk to me afterward and she admitted that this team needs to find a way to get its swagger back; that confidence back when they were in the midst of that 7-game winning streak that suddenly seems like a distant memory.
Despite blowing a couple of scoring opportunities early on, Bethel did get off to a decent start. Sophomore post Scottie Moats scored inside at the 16:45 mark and cashed in on the free throw after being fouled. Shortly afterwards, junior Taylor Sheley knocked down a pair of freebies after being fouled and Bethel had a 7-2 lead. Unfortunately for the Royals, the good times didn't last. Junior Maggie Wood drove inside and finished at the 14:25 mark. Then, at the 13:10 mark, it was time for the Rene Sisters show as junior Shannon canned a "3" for a 9-all game. Moats would put Bethel back up briefly after she scored and was fouled but then steadily improving junior post Holly Schiedermayer put Mac back in front at 13-12 at the 10:34 mark.
After Mac had gone ahead 17-14, Sheley knocked down a "3" that once again tied things up. However, just when head coach John Herbrechtsmeyer may have thought he had things going again, Sheley went out with an ankle injury and although she returned in the second half she was clearly not the same. The game would bobble back and forth between the two teams for the next few minutes. Bethel held the lead at 28-27 when Shannon's twin sister Jessica canned a "3" from the left corner - and was fouled by Bethel senior Shana Grejtak in the process; a rare bad mistake by the senior. The resulting 4-point play put Mac in front 31-28 and although sophomore Kelly Swenson would cut the margin back to one point again before the half, the Scots clearly had momentum going their way.
The Royals would enjoy one last lead in the early going of the second half when Moats made two free throws at the 19:15 mark. But from thereout, Macalester would be in control. Bethel went into a 2-3 zone in the hope of choking off the middle but the Scots made easy work of it. The turning point seemed to have come at the 14:48 mark when Wood put down a pretty shot to give Macalester a 40-36 lead that she quickly followed up with another short shot that pushed the lead to 42-36. At the 12:01 mark, speedy sophomore Kyanna Jones out of Osseo High School manuevered on the baseline and finished for a 47-41 Scot lead. Schiedermayer finished down low a few moments later and then freshman Taylor Pike nailed a "3" from the left wing for a 52-41 Macalester lead at the 10:55 mark and Coach Herbie quickly called a timeout to try and get his team settled down.
Bethel would make one last run coming down the stretch when a dinged-up Sheley knocked down a "3" from the right corner that cut the Scots lead down to 6 points at the 1:35 mark. Swenson would also get a late "3" as well but Macalester was already in the process of icing this game away from the charity stripe which they did by a final count of 69-61. After a very good start to the new year by the Royals, they have suddenly fallen on tough times and injuries and other owwies have caught up with them. Besides Sheley's ankle, Swenson is also doing her best Jack Youngblood imitation by fighting through shin splints or a badly bruised leg bone. Grejtak was gracious enough to talk to me afterward and she admitted that this team needs to find a way to get its swagger back; that confidence back when they were in the midst of that 7-game winning streak that suddenly seems like a distant memory.
GAC vs Bethel 1-19-11
Was at Bethel's Robertson Center on the eve of my birthday for the showdown between Gustavus and host Bethel. This would prove to be a pivotal game for the Royals who had their seven-game win streak snapped two nights before down at St. Olaf.
The Royals would start off well; getting to a 7-3 lead by the 16:13 mark thanks to junior Taylor Sheley's 3-pointer and sophomore Kelly Swenson's free throws. But GAC would soon battle back to take the lead. After sophomore Abby Rothenbuehler tied the game at 7-all with her drive and finish, junior Ava Perry would knock down a "3" from the top of the key at the 13:15 mark to put the Gusties in front 12-11. Soon after, reigning Miss North Dakota Basketball Eli Benz would get a steal and finish to make it 14-11 for the black and gold. Then Rothenbuehler again tallied another bucket after taking a beautiful pass for a 16-11 lead. Bethel would creep back into it at the 10:19 mark after senior Shana Grejtak scored off a drive to cut the Gustie lead to 18-16. But, more concerning for GAC was when freshman Julia Dysthie went down with an apparent knee injury and would not return.
Being under the gun again, the Gusties soon responded. It started when Perry knocked down consecutive 3-pointers from both the right and left wings that suddenly expanded the Gustie lead to 24-16. Junior PG Colleen Ruane sank a long 2-pointer at the 7:49 mark and then senior post Molly Mathiowetz got inside and finished to make it 28-16 GAC. Then, at the 6:26 mark Ruane nailed her own "3" from the left wing and, just like that, GAC was up by 15 points at 31-16. Now, Bethel had to respond and they did in the late stages of the first half. Sophomore post Scottie Moats was able to cut the GAC lead to single digits when she scored inside at the 2:31 mark and a bit lter Grejtak scored and was fouled in the process; giving her a chance to sink to freebies which she did to cut GAC's lead to 36-30. Grejtak would hit two more charity-stripe shots less than a minute later to cut the deficit down to a scant four points. Although GAC was able to get the margin back to seven points for a 41-34 lead going into the break at intermission, Bethel certainly had to feel somewhat better about itself than it did when they were down by 15.
Determined not to have a letdown like they did two nights ago against Augsburg, the Gusties came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. Sophomore Kelsey Florian hit a "3" at the 18:30 mark and fellow sophomore Steph Comer did the same from the right top at the 14:04 mark and once again the GAC lead was back to double digits; a cushion they would not relinquish the rest of the way. The frustration for Bethel which was suddenly sputtering offensively, boiled over at the 9:56 mark when Moats, who was called for a foul, must have said something that caught the refs attention as she was also slapped up with a "T" that gave Moats her fifth foul and sent her to the bench. Molly Mathiowetz was stellar after that episode and the Gusties would come away with another huge road win 77-64.
I think this game was pivotal for both squads because Bethel, which had been riding high after that thrilling win four days ago against Concordia now found itself struggling suddenly while the Gusties looked like a team that had just as quickly found itself and quite possibly had righted the ship after a somewhat disastrous conference start.
The Royals would start off well; getting to a 7-3 lead by the 16:13 mark thanks to junior Taylor Sheley's 3-pointer and sophomore Kelly Swenson's free throws. But GAC would soon battle back to take the lead. After sophomore Abby Rothenbuehler tied the game at 7-all with her drive and finish, junior Ava Perry would knock down a "3" from the top of the key at the 13:15 mark to put the Gusties in front 12-11. Soon after, reigning Miss North Dakota Basketball Eli Benz would get a steal and finish to make it 14-11 for the black and gold. Then Rothenbuehler again tallied another bucket after taking a beautiful pass for a 16-11 lead. Bethel would creep back into it at the 10:19 mark after senior Shana Grejtak scored off a drive to cut the Gustie lead to 18-16. But, more concerning for GAC was when freshman Julia Dysthie went down with an apparent knee injury and would not return.
Being under the gun again, the Gusties soon responded. It started when Perry knocked down consecutive 3-pointers from both the right and left wings that suddenly expanded the Gustie lead to 24-16. Junior PG Colleen Ruane sank a long 2-pointer at the 7:49 mark and then senior post Molly Mathiowetz got inside and finished to make it 28-16 GAC. Then, at the 6:26 mark Ruane nailed her own "3" from the left wing and, just like that, GAC was up by 15 points at 31-16. Now, Bethel had to respond and they did in the late stages of the first half. Sophomore post Scottie Moats was able to cut the GAC lead to single digits when she scored inside at the 2:31 mark and a bit lter Grejtak scored and was fouled in the process; giving her a chance to sink to freebies which she did to cut GAC's lead to 36-30. Grejtak would hit two more charity-stripe shots less than a minute later to cut the deficit down to a scant four points. Although GAC was able to get the margin back to seven points for a 41-34 lead going into the break at intermission, Bethel certainly had to feel somewhat better about itself than it did when they were down by 15.
Determined not to have a letdown like they did two nights ago against Augsburg, the Gusties came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. Sophomore Kelsey Florian hit a "3" at the 18:30 mark and fellow sophomore Steph Comer did the same from the right top at the 14:04 mark and once again the GAC lead was back to double digits; a cushion they would not relinquish the rest of the way. The frustration for Bethel which was suddenly sputtering offensively, boiled over at the 9:56 mark when Moats, who was called for a foul, must have said something that caught the refs attention as she was also slapped up with a "T" that gave Moats her fifth foul and sent her to the bench. Molly Mathiowetz was stellar after that episode and the Gusties would come away with another huge road win 77-64.
I think this game was pivotal for both squads because Bethel, which had been riding high after that thrilling win four days ago against Concordia now found itself struggling suddenly while the Gusties looked like a team that had just as quickly found itself and quite possibly had righted the ship after a somewhat disastrous conference start.
Gustavus vs Augsburg 1-17-11
Was at Augsburg's Si Melby Hall on this Wednesday night for the clash between visiting Gustavus and host Augsburg. I got there early to watch the JV game; a contest in which the Gusties won handily. The main event looked to be a gimme for the Gusties as well but they've been burned before when they came in with that attitude. Even more special on this night for GAC was that former GAC standout Angie Peterson was in attendance to watch her alma mater.
Promising Auggie sophomore Brittany Dyshaw got things started off with a jumper from the left corner at the 19:08 mark and things would stay relatively close for the next 6-7 minutes. Fellow sophomore Brittany Zins; a star at Bloomington Kennedy who transferred from Northern State to Augsburg, cut the Gustie lead to 13-10 after she got inside to score but the Gusties got on the move after that. GAC junior Ava Perry scored on a layup and was promptly fouled by Augsburg's Lexi Thompson. After Perry converted on the free throw, Gustie freshmen Eli Benz and Julia Dysthie got in on the act with Benz stealing the ball and getting it to Dysthie who got the layup to make it 18-10. Both Benz and Dysthie would can 3-pointers that bloated the Gustie lead to 24-12 by the 11:51 mark. Junior Colleen Ruane's "3" from the left wing made it 29-14 GAC at the 9:00 minute mark. The Gustie blitzkrieg over the next seven minutes that was capped with Perry's "3" from the top of the key resulted in a 32-8 run and a bulging 45-18 lead by the 2:25 mark. Augsburg would be able to pick it up a bit coming down the stretch but the 47-24 lead GAC had at the half clearly had Augsburg in a hole the size of the Grand Canyon.
The one thing you have to guard against when you go into the locker room at the half with such a huge lead is to guard against a letdown coming out for the second half. GAC looked like it was satisfied with such a big lead at the start of the second half and a fired-up Augsburg team was able to battle back. Again, it was Dyshaw starting it off for the Auggies as she knocked in a short shot off the glass. But the real story of the spirited Augsburg second half rally may have been unheralded sophomore Courtney Barthel who simply went on a tear. Barthel knocked down three Auggie FG's in the span of a minute that cut the Gustie lead to 47-32 by the 17:52 mark. After a Molly Geske bucket for GAC, Barthel again scored at the 16:51 mark off the glass that again sliced the deficit to 15. GAC would get back into control over the next few minutes; getting the lead back up to around the 20-point margin. But Augsburg would catch a second wind shortly after the midway point of the second half. Dyshaw again would lead the charge. She scored on a drive inside at the 8:17 mark and then went coast to coast after a steal and finished on the home end that sliced GAC's lead to 71-55. Dyshaw, though, because of her aggressive play, also managed to pick up her fourth foul at the 7:37 mark. Still, the Auggies were able to put in another major scare into the visitors. Zins knocked down a "3" at the 6:29 mark and after junior Kandace Bostick knocked down a pair of free throws, Dyshaw would snare an offensive rebound and would finish with a putback that suddenly cut the big Gustie lead down to only 12 points at 79-67 by the 4:32 mark. By this time, GAC head coach Mickey Haller had seen enough and inserted her starters back in the line-up and the tide quickly turned as the Gusties had the lead back up to the 20-point mark going down the stretch and they would wind up winning this one 91-70.
A good win for the Gusties on the road as they faced an improving, young Augsburg bunch that is ever so slowly getting better. While AP's attendance in the stands had to be special for Haller, it was just as good to see GAC freshman phenom Abbie Arends get into the game late to show some of her stuff. She will something special to watch over the next three years.
Promising Auggie sophomore Brittany Dyshaw got things started off with a jumper from the left corner at the 19:08 mark and things would stay relatively close for the next 6-7 minutes. Fellow sophomore Brittany Zins; a star at Bloomington Kennedy who transferred from Northern State to Augsburg, cut the Gustie lead to 13-10 after she got inside to score but the Gusties got on the move after that. GAC junior Ava Perry scored on a layup and was promptly fouled by Augsburg's Lexi Thompson. After Perry converted on the free throw, Gustie freshmen Eli Benz and Julia Dysthie got in on the act with Benz stealing the ball and getting it to Dysthie who got the layup to make it 18-10. Both Benz and Dysthie would can 3-pointers that bloated the Gustie lead to 24-12 by the 11:51 mark. Junior Colleen Ruane's "3" from the left wing made it 29-14 GAC at the 9:00 minute mark. The Gustie blitzkrieg over the next seven minutes that was capped with Perry's "3" from the top of the key resulted in a 32-8 run and a bulging 45-18 lead by the 2:25 mark. Augsburg would be able to pick it up a bit coming down the stretch but the 47-24 lead GAC had at the half clearly had Augsburg in a hole the size of the Grand Canyon.
The one thing you have to guard against when you go into the locker room at the half with such a huge lead is to guard against a letdown coming out for the second half. GAC looked like it was satisfied with such a big lead at the start of the second half and a fired-up Augsburg team was able to battle back. Again, it was Dyshaw starting it off for the Auggies as she knocked in a short shot off the glass. But the real story of the spirited Augsburg second half rally may have been unheralded sophomore Courtney Barthel who simply went on a tear. Barthel knocked down three Auggie FG's in the span of a minute that cut the Gustie lead to 47-32 by the 17:52 mark. After a Molly Geske bucket for GAC, Barthel again scored at the 16:51 mark off the glass that again sliced the deficit to 15. GAC would get back into control over the next few minutes; getting the lead back up to around the 20-point margin. But Augsburg would catch a second wind shortly after the midway point of the second half. Dyshaw again would lead the charge. She scored on a drive inside at the 8:17 mark and then went coast to coast after a steal and finished on the home end that sliced GAC's lead to 71-55. Dyshaw, though, because of her aggressive play, also managed to pick up her fourth foul at the 7:37 mark. Still, the Auggies were able to put in another major scare into the visitors. Zins knocked down a "3" at the 6:29 mark and after junior Kandace Bostick knocked down a pair of free throws, Dyshaw would snare an offensive rebound and would finish with a putback that suddenly cut the big Gustie lead down to only 12 points at 79-67 by the 4:32 mark. By this time, GAC head coach Mickey Haller had seen enough and inserted her starters back in the line-up and the tide quickly turned as the Gusties had the lead back up to the 20-point mark going down the stretch and they would wind up winning this one 91-70.
A good win for the Gusties on the road as they faced an improving, young Augsburg bunch that is ever so slowly getting better. While AP's attendance in the stands had to be special for Haller, it was just as good to see GAC freshman phenom Abbie Arends get into the game late to show some of her stuff. She will something special to watch over the next three years.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
UST vs St. Kate's 1-15-11
After witnessing an incredible comeback by Bethel that saw them defeat Concordia in the last seconds while doing color commentary with Tony Geer, I made the trek to the other side of town to catch two neighbors who both wear the color purple go at it - UST and St. Kate's. Coming in, I pretty much expected the Tommies to be in control of this one so when I got there and got settled in around the 6:57 mark of the 1st half that saw the Tommies up 28-18 it was going as I had expected it to go.
UST would maintain that ten point cushion for the next few minutes as both Taylor Young and Rachel Booth were able to muscle the inside but the 'Cats slowly clawed back. At the 3:22 mark senior Laura Kalbfell worked inside against a bigger Tommie front line and finished. Shortly after freshman Kristen Lee sank a "3" from the right wing that cut the deficit to 32-27. Although Young quickly responded for the visiting Tommies, Kalbfell found herself open at the top of the key at the 2:05 mark and calmly drained a "3" that cut the margin to 34-30. Although the 'Cats weren't able to get any closer than four points for the rest of the half, going in to the locker room down 38-34 to an arguably superior team gave this team reason to have hope and fight.
Perhaps the Tommies had taken their neighbor lightly. In any event, Kalbfell started the second half with a 10 footer to cut UST's lead to 38-36 and you could just tell how badly the 'Cats wanted this one. Still, the Tommies were still the same tough Tommies and junior Ali Johnson showed why she may be the premier three point shooter in the conference as she drilled one from the top that momentarily gave the UST squad a shot of adrenaline. But again, the 'Cats struck back. Sophomore Adele Simerson-Wallfred hit a long two-pointer and then Kalbfell made a beautiful move along the baseline and finished at the 14:22 mark that once again cut the deficit to a scant two points.
UST would have another mini-run left in them just before the midway point of the second half. Freshman Kelly Brandenburg knocked down a long two- pointer at the 11:43 mark that got the Tommies back up to 49-45 and then a bit later fellow freshman Maggie Weiers finished in transition that got the UST lead back up to six points. Junior Haley Loesch's three-pointer from the right wing at the 10:21 mark had the Tommies up by nine at 54-45 and feeling good about themselves again. But it was at this point that the Tommies began to lose focus and the 'Cats were ready - once again - to pounce on an opportunity. Kalbfell sank a "3" at the 9:52 mark and then junior guard Megan Zillmer finished a drive inside on the next 'Cat possession. After sophomore Andrea Gould finished inside to cut UST's lead to 54-52, senior Sonja Ellingson tied the game at 54-all at the 8:16 mark and UST head coach Ruth Sinn quickly called a timeout to try and calm down her rattled team.
Over the course of the next few minutes the issue would stay very close; very tight. The Tommies enjoyed their last lead of the contest at the 6:01 mark when senior stud Rachel Booth made a strong move inside and finished to make the score 60-58. But the Cats simply wanted it more and Kalbfell made another brilliant move inside and finished and got fouled in the process. Her ensuing charity stripe shot gave St. Kate's the lead for good at 61-60. Zillmer made two more free throws shortly afterward and Simerson-Wallfred canned a long two-pointer for a 65-60 'Cat lead. UST would never get closer than three going into the home stretch and despite a last-ditch "3" from Johnson with :04 left, the Cats had pulled off the huge upset at home winning 73-68.
An understandably disappointed Ruth Sinn was gracious enough to talk to me afterward and admitted that her team simply didn't show that sense of urgency coming down the stretch which I would have to agree with. I think that UST must have taken the 'Cats lightly as well and must have thought that they could have coasted when they were up by 9-10 points earlier in the game. But, as the saying goes, you've got to play the whole 40 minutes. I still shudder when I think of all the matches I've lost when I was up a break or two in the second or third set with a seemingly comfortable lead only to watch my opponent come back and snatch momentum (and the match) from me. In any event, it was a costly "L" for the Tommies with the toughest part of their schedule coming up.
UST would maintain that ten point cushion for the next few minutes as both Taylor Young and Rachel Booth were able to muscle the inside but the 'Cats slowly clawed back. At the 3:22 mark senior Laura Kalbfell worked inside against a bigger Tommie front line and finished. Shortly after freshman Kristen Lee sank a "3" from the right wing that cut the deficit to 32-27. Although Young quickly responded for the visiting Tommies, Kalbfell found herself open at the top of the key at the 2:05 mark and calmly drained a "3" that cut the margin to 34-30. Although the 'Cats weren't able to get any closer than four points for the rest of the half, going in to the locker room down 38-34 to an arguably superior team gave this team reason to have hope and fight.
Perhaps the Tommies had taken their neighbor lightly. In any event, Kalbfell started the second half with a 10 footer to cut UST's lead to 38-36 and you could just tell how badly the 'Cats wanted this one. Still, the Tommies were still the same tough Tommies and junior Ali Johnson showed why she may be the premier three point shooter in the conference as she drilled one from the top that momentarily gave the UST squad a shot of adrenaline. But again, the 'Cats struck back. Sophomore Adele Simerson-Wallfred hit a long two-pointer and then Kalbfell made a beautiful move along the baseline and finished at the 14:22 mark that once again cut the deficit to a scant two points.
UST would have another mini-run left in them just before the midway point of the second half. Freshman Kelly Brandenburg knocked down a long two- pointer at the 11:43 mark that got the Tommies back up to 49-45 and then a bit later fellow freshman Maggie Weiers finished in transition that got the UST lead back up to six points. Junior Haley Loesch's three-pointer from the right wing at the 10:21 mark had the Tommies up by nine at 54-45 and feeling good about themselves again. But it was at this point that the Tommies began to lose focus and the 'Cats were ready - once again - to pounce on an opportunity. Kalbfell sank a "3" at the 9:52 mark and then junior guard Megan Zillmer finished a drive inside on the next 'Cat possession. After sophomore Andrea Gould finished inside to cut UST's lead to 54-52, senior Sonja Ellingson tied the game at 54-all at the 8:16 mark and UST head coach Ruth Sinn quickly called a timeout to try and calm down her rattled team.
Over the course of the next few minutes the issue would stay very close; very tight. The Tommies enjoyed their last lead of the contest at the 6:01 mark when senior stud Rachel Booth made a strong move inside and finished to make the score 60-58. But the Cats simply wanted it more and Kalbfell made another brilliant move inside and finished and got fouled in the process. Her ensuing charity stripe shot gave St. Kate's the lead for good at 61-60. Zillmer made two more free throws shortly afterward and Simerson-Wallfred canned a long two-pointer for a 65-60 'Cat lead. UST would never get closer than three going into the home stretch and despite a last-ditch "3" from Johnson with :04 left, the Cats had pulled off the huge upset at home winning 73-68.
An understandably disappointed Ruth Sinn was gracious enough to talk to me afterward and admitted that her team simply didn't show that sense of urgency coming down the stretch which I would have to agree with. I think that UST must have taken the 'Cats lightly as well and must have thought that they could have coasted when they were up by 9-10 points earlier in the game. But, as the saying goes, you've got to play the whole 40 minutes. I still shudder when I think of all the matches I've lost when I was up a break or two in the second or third set with a seemingly comfortable lead only to watch my opponent come back and snatch momentum (and the match) from me. In any event, it was a costly "L" for the Tommies with the toughest part of their schedule coming up.
Carleton vs Bethel 1-12-11
Was over at Bethel's Robertson Center to watch host Bethel take on visiting Carleton on this Wednesday night. Bethel was not only in the midst of a nice winning streak but they were starting to play very well. I also wanted to catch a glimpse of this young Carleton team now under the reigns of first-year head coach Cassie Kosiba who was a player on the Carleton squad nearly 10 years ago when they were just beginning to make a name for themselves.
Scottie Moats is developing into one of the better post players in the conference and she got things started off for the Royals when she finished inside off the glass for a quick 2-0 lead for the home team. Then, senior Shana Grejtak got it going as she made a nice move under the basket and finished with a reverse layup. Grejtak would do more damage inside and at the charity stripe and by the 17:07 mark Bethel was up 9-2. But the pesky Knights would soon cut into that lead. Freshman Emma Purfeerst sank one from the free throw line and fellow freshman Jenny Ramey finished a drive on the left side. Then, at the 15:23 mark sophomore Akemi Arzouman put in a layup and the Royals lead was now only 9-7. But the mini-run by Carleton would not prove to be daunting for the home team. Sophomore Alicia Montbriand sank a turnaround jumper at the 14:53 mark and just a bit later freshman reserve PG Michaela Petrich sank a "3" from the top which was then followed by a Montbriand "3" from the right corner at the 12:50 mark and the lead was now double digits for the Royals. While Grejtak continued to slash inside, sophomore Kelly Swenson took her cue at the 7:36 mark when she was fouled after a hard drive to the rack that allowed her to cash in with 2 shots from the charity stripe. The lead would then expand to 15 points when junior Taylor Sheley canned a "3" and a Grejtak drive inside a little over a minute later made it 30-13 Bethel. By this time, Kosiba had seen enough and had her Knights in a 2-3 zone to try and pack in the middle but even that didn't stop Grejtak from going inside or Sheley from slaying the visitors with her 3-point shooting.
Holding a 40-21 halftime lead, the Royals didn't let up. Moats scored inside off the glass at the 18:56 mark and Grejtak again flashed her speed and athleticism when she was fouled on the next Royal possession that allowed her to sink two freebies. Though Moats did pick up her third foul at the 17:24 mark, the Royals continued to pour it on as Sheley canned a "3" from the right corner that bloated the Bethel lead to 49-26. Holding a 55-35 lead at the 10:14 mark, Sheley again went to work as she canned yet another "3" from the exact same spot and then stole the ball a few seconds later from an unsuspecting Knight and was quickly fouled. Sheley made good on the obligatory free throws and Bethel was now up 62-35. Perhaps the only downer on this night for the Royals was Moats fouling out at the 4:15 mark. As good a player as she is, I think sometimes she lets her emotions get away from her and commits not so smart fouls. But with Bethel already up 72-39 by this point, the resulting damage was barely noticeable. Reserve senior Danielle Ruberg was able to fill in nicely down the stretch and the Royals would wind up winning big by a final count of 75-43.
It will be interesting to watch both teams as this season progresses. Bethel is slowly becoming a factor in the conference race and, if they can keep everyone healthy they can be very scary come mid/late-February. Kosiba obviously has a huge task ahead of her in rebuilding this once-proud program that was seemingly a fixture in the MIAC Championship game from 2001 to 2006. This is a very young team with really only one bona fide very good player in senior PG Ally Weaver from Iowa City West High. Can Kosiba recruit like her predecessor Tammy Metcalf-Filzen did? Certainly she has paid her dues as an assistant (unlike some head coaches I know) and she seems like a good fit for this program. She was there as a player when Carleton made its first runs back in '01 and '02 so she knows what it takes to win and she'll have the support of the many great fellow alums who have played there over the last decade. Time will tell.
Scottie Moats is developing into one of the better post players in the conference and she got things started off for the Royals when she finished inside off the glass for a quick 2-0 lead for the home team. Then, senior Shana Grejtak got it going as she made a nice move under the basket and finished with a reverse layup. Grejtak would do more damage inside and at the charity stripe and by the 17:07 mark Bethel was up 9-2. But the pesky Knights would soon cut into that lead. Freshman Emma Purfeerst sank one from the free throw line and fellow freshman Jenny Ramey finished a drive on the left side. Then, at the 15:23 mark sophomore Akemi Arzouman put in a layup and the Royals lead was now only 9-7. But the mini-run by Carleton would not prove to be daunting for the home team. Sophomore Alicia Montbriand sank a turnaround jumper at the 14:53 mark and just a bit later freshman reserve PG Michaela Petrich sank a "3" from the top which was then followed by a Montbriand "3" from the right corner at the 12:50 mark and the lead was now double digits for the Royals. While Grejtak continued to slash inside, sophomore Kelly Swenson took her cue at the 7:36 mark when she was fouled after a hard drive to the rack that allowed her to cash in with 2 shots from the charity stripe. The lead would then expand to 15 points when junior Taylor Sheley canned a "3" and a Grejtak drive inside a little over a minute later made it 30-13 Bethel. By this time, Kosiba had seen enough and had her Knights in a 2-3 zone to try and pack in the middle but even that didn't stop Grejtak from going inside or Sheley from slaying the visitors with her 3-point shooting.
Holding a 40-21 halftime lead, the Royals didn't let up. Moats scored inside off the glass at the 18:56 mark and Grejtak again flashed her speed and athleticism when she was fouled on the next Royal possession that allowed her to sink two freebies. Though Moats did pick up her third foul at the 17:24 mark, the Royals continued to pour it on as Sheley canned a "3" from the right corner that bloated the Bethel lead to 49-26. Holding a 55-35 lead at the 10:14 mark, Sheley again went to work as she canned yet another "3" from the exact same spot and then stole the ball a few seconds later from an unsuspecting Knight and was quickly fouled. Sheley made good on the obligatory free throws and Bethel was now up 62-35. Perhaps the only downer on this night for the Royals was Moats fouling out at the 4:15 mark. As good a player as she is, I think sometimes she lets her emotions get away from her and commits not so smart fouls. But with Bethel already up 72-39 by this point, the resulting damage was barely noticeable. Reserve senior Danielle Ruberg was able to fill in nicely down the stretch and the Royals would wind up winning big by a final count of 75-43.
It will be interesting to watch both teams as this season progresses. Bethel is slowly becoming a factor in the conference race and, if they can keep everyone healthy they can be very scary come mid/late-February. Kosiba obviously has a huge task ahead of her in rebuilding this once-proud program that was seemingly a fixture in the MIAC Championship game from 2001 to 2006. This is a very young team with really only one bona fide very good player in senior PG Ally Weaver from Iowa City West High. Can Kosiba recruit like her predecessor Tammy Metcalf-Filzen did? Certainly she has paid her dues as an assistant (unlike some head coaches I know) and she seems like a good fit for this program. She was there as a player when Carleton made its first runs back in '01 and '02 so she knows what it takes to win and she'll have the support of the many great fellow alums who have played there over the last decade. Time will tell.
Western Technical College vs Anoka-Ramsey 1-10-11
Was at Anoka-Ramsey on this evening for the rematch between Western Technical College out of La Crosse, Wisconsin and host Anoka-Ramsey. ARCC took the first game in La Crosse comfortably enough so it would be interesting to see if the visitors from Wisconsin would be able to make the necessary adjustments to offset the athleticisim and talent of the ARCC squad.
Not surprisingly, ARCC was somewhat sluggish coming out of the gate. WTC's Brandi Patterman opened things up for the visitors when she put down an inside shot that gave the Cavaliers a 2-0 lead at the 17:50 mark. Although sophomore Stephanie Pilgrim drained a "3" at the 14:33 mark that gave host ARCC a 9-3 lead that was soon followed by freshman Tamarra Shorter's drive and finish inside; WTC was able to battle back somewhat as Melissa Hirsch scored inside at the 12:11 mark and then was sent to the line a bit later that cut ARCC's lead to 11-8. WTC went into a 2-3 zone that was causing some problems for the Golden Rams and, coupled with the early sluggishness, made things a bit uneasy for the home team; much to the displeasure of head coach David DeWitt.
Another Hirsch free throw at the 9:06 mark kept things relatively close but any hopes WTC may have had about being able to hang with the powerhouse ARCC team soon faded into the black reality of playing this team after being chewed out during a time out by their head coach. Pilgrim nailed at "3" at the 8:14 mark and then swished another one from the left wing at the 6:30 mark that would open the floodgates. WTC would manage to get a "3" from Jordon Reiser at the 3:12 mark but that would be all the Cavaliers would be able to muster for the rest of the half; much to the chagrin of WTC head coach Ron Latva who managed to pick up two quick "T's" with :09 left in the first half and was promptly escorted from the building. I'm not sure what he said but whatever it was had to have been bad to get yanked so quickly (even yours truly has not been assessed with code violations back to back like that - yet anyway!). Pilgrim sank the obligatory charity stripe shots and ARCC went into the locker room at the half with a 44-15 cushion.
While the outcome was never in doubt in this contest, what WAS surprising was the sudden emergence of sophomore Jenna Anderson who not only started but made a gigantic splash in front of the home crowed as she wowed everybody with an outstanding performance. Unfortuantely, I don't have access to the box score (????) but, according to her sister Marie who was in attendance as well, it was a nearly 30-point scoring night for her. She was on with everything; 3-pointers, inside the arc, and driving and finshing as well as converting from the charity stripe. The somewhat ironic thing is that this is the player she was in high school according to her sister Marie back at Washburn (WI) High School. Whatever the reason, she was simply magnificent and was instrumental in leading ARCC in this 98-43 rout. Perhaps just as important, she gives this team an added dimension; certainly from a scoring standpoint anyway which I think will be huge if ARCC can make it back to nationals again which they should. Against top-flight competition, it will be huge if a team has to focus on more than just Pilgrim's 3-point prowess or perhaps the 1-2 punch of Mallory Cramer and Marie Hanson. Jenna Anderson has arrived and the rest of the conference - and national tourney teams - had better be ready!
Not surprisingly, ARCC was somewhat sluggish coming out of the gate. WTC's Brandi Patterman opened things up for the visitors when she put down an inside shot that gave the Cavaliers a 2-0 lead at the 17:50 mark. Although sophomore Stephanie Pilgrim drained a "3" at the 14:33 mark that gave host ARCC a 9-3 lead that was soon followed by freshman Tamarra Shorter's drive and finish inside; WTC was able to battle back somewhat as Melissa Hirsch scored inside at the 12:11 mark and then was sent to the line a bit later that cut ARCC's lead to 11-8. WTC went into a 2-3 zone that was causing some problems for the Golden Rams and, coupled with the early sluggishness, made things a bit uneasy for the home team; much to the displeasure of head coach David DeWitt.
Another Hirsch free throw at the 9:06 mark kept things relatively close but any hopes WTC may have had about being able to hang with the powerhouse ARCC team soon faded into the black reality of playing this team after being chewed out during a time out by their head coach. Pilgrim nailed at "3" at the 8:14 mark and then swished another one from the left wing at the 6:30 mark that would open the floodgates. WTC would manage to get a "3" from Jordon Reiser at the 3:12 mark but that would be all the Cavaliers would be able to muster for the rest of the half; much to the chagrin of WTC head coach Ron Latva who managed to pick up two quick "T's" with :09 left in the first half and was promptly escorted from the building. I'm not sure what he said but whatever it was had to have been bad to get yanked so quickly (even yours truly has not been assessed with code violations back to back like that - yet anyway!). Pilgrim sank the obligatory charity stripe shots and ARCC went into the locker room at the half with a 44-15 cushion.
While the outcome was never in doubt in this contest, what WAS surprising was the sudden emergence of sophomore Jenna Anderson who not only started but made a gigantic splash in front of the home crowed as she wowed everybody with an outstanding performance. Unfortuantely, I don't have access to the box score (????) but, according to her sister Marie who was in attendance as well, it was a nearly 30-point scoring night for her. She was on with everything; 3-pointers, inside the arc, and driving and finshing as well as converting from the charity stripe. The somewhat ironic thing is that this is the player she was in high school according to her sister Marie back at Washburn (WI) High School. Whatever the reason, she was simply magnificent and was instrumental in leading ARCC in this 98-43 rout. Perhaps just as important, she gives this team an added dimension; certainly from a scoring standpoint anyway which I think will be huge if ARCC can make it back to nationals again which they should. Against top-flight competition, it will be huge if a team has to focus on more than just Pilgrim's 3-point prowess or perhaps the 1-2 punch of Mallory Cramer and Marie Hanson. Jenna Anderson has arrived and the rest of the conference - and national tourney teams - had better be ready!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
St. Olaf vs St. Kate's 1-8-11
After getting out of the nuthouse that was the Anderson Athletic Facility and the absolute abortion of a parking facility they have on the UST campus, I got back on the TREACHEROUS streets of St. Paul (how in the HELL does ANYONE drive in that town anyway???) and hurried over to nearby St. Kate's as they were hosting St. Olaf in the 3 P.M. game. I got myself settled in there around the 6:16 mark of the first half with the Oles holding a 26-21 lead. I had barely got my pen and notebook out and ready to go before St. Olaf PG Mackenzie Wolter went to work; scoring on a layup and then draining a "3" from the top and the Oles quickly found themselves up by ten at 31-21 by the 4 minute mark. Despite Laura Kalbfell's successive trips to the charity stripe that resulted in three Wildcat points, Ole sophomore Kirstee Rotty popped in with a jumper that put the Oles back up by double digits at 35-24 by the 3:26 mark. Though the 'Cats would able to trim the margin down to eight points at the intermission, the Oles were firmly in control.
Wolter showed the crowd why she is quickly becoming one of the premier players in the MIAC as she calmly drained a "3" at the 19:27 mark with the shot clock winding down that once again put the Oles up by double digits at 42-31. Freshman Brittany Webber got in on the act when she nailed a "3" of her own from the top and pushed the Ole lead to 45-31. Almost a minute later, Rottee would sink another "3" for the Oles that gave them a cozy 48-33 lead. But just when it looked like St. Olaf would run away with it, the 'Cats were able to climb back into it. Senior Sonja Ellingson scored at the 12:02 mark that got the 'Cats back to within single digits. At 10:03, fellow senior Laura Kalbfell took a pass inside and finished off the glass and thirty seconds later junior shooting guard Megan Zillmer knocked down a "3". At 7:32, Ellingson took an offensive rebound and finished off the glass and St. Kate's had narrowed the St. Olaf lead to 50-48.
But, just as quickly as the 'Cats came alive, they just as quickly ran out of gas and allowed the Oles to grab control coming down the stretch. Sophomoe Terin Euerle put a shot in off the glass at the 4:24 mark fellow sophomore Katie Lauer finished an Ole fast break for a 62-50 St. Olaf lead. The 'Cats had one more small run in them; Ellingson nailed a "3" at the 3:15 mark and Zillmer's bucket with :37 left narrowed the Ole lead to 62-59 but the Oles would be able to ice the game from the charity stripe for a 66-59 win.
Wolter showed the crowd why she is quickly becoming one of the premier players in the MIAC as she calmly drained a "3" at the 19:27 mark with the shot clock winding down that once again put the Oles up by double digits at 42-31. Freshman Brittany Webber got in on the act when she nailed a "3" of her own from the top and pushed the Ole lead to 45-31. Almost a minute later, Rottee would sink another "3" for the Oles that gave them a cozy 48-33 lead. But just when it looked like St. Olaf would run away with it, the 'Cats were able to climb back into it. Senior Sonja Ellingson scored at the 12:02 mark that got the 'Cats back to within single digits. At 10:03, fellow senior Laura Kalbfell took a pass inside and finished off the glass and thirty seconds later junior shooting guard Megan Zillmer knocked down a "3". At 7:32, Ellingson took an offensive rebound and finished off the glass and St. Kate's had narrowed the St. Olaf lead to 50-48.
But, just as quickly as the 'Cats came alive, they just as quickly ran out of gas and allowed the Oles to grab control coming down the stretch. Sophomoe Terin Euerle put a shot in off the glass at the 4:24 mark fellow sophomore Katie Lauer finished an Ole fast break for a 62-50 St. Olaf lead. The 'Cats had one more small run in them; Ellingson nailed a "3" at the 3:15 mark and Zillmer's bucket with :37 left narrowed the Ole lead to 62-59 but the Oles would be able to ice the game from the charity stripe for a 66-59 win.
GAC vs UST 1-8-11
Was at the spanking new Anderson Athletic Facility and the "new" Schoenecker Arena for the tilt between Gustavus and host St. Thomas. While struggling GAC was coming off a home victory against St. Kate's the Tommies were cruising along and this figured to be Tommie romp; at least in my mind anyway.
Things started out pretty tight as GAC's Kelsey Florian finished a Gustie fast break and put the visitors up 2-0. Unfortunately for the Gusties, they seem to have this nasty little habit of not playing defense; particularly on the perimeter and willowy junior forward Ali Johnson, perhaps the MIAC's premier 3-point shooter, made the Gusties pay twice in the early going. But GAC's Molly Geske let the host team know that she had definitely showed up as she drained a "3" at the 17:26 mark and knocked down another jumper a few seconds later. A little less than a minute later GAC sophomore post Abby Rothenbuler drove to the hole and finished and suddenly GAC was in front 11-6.
But the Tommies would quickly regain the momentum as both Rachel Booth and freshman Maggie Weiers enabled UST to forge ahead 14-11 by the 11:22 mark. Things would stay tight over the next several minutes but at the 3:22 mark the Tommies made another major push when Tommie PG Carolyn Dienhart drained a "3" from the right corner that put UST up 24-19. Then, junior Sarah Smith nailed a "3" from the same spot with :29.3 left and the Tommies went into the locker room at the half with a 30-21 lead. UST was able to take advantage of several GAC miscues coming down the stretch that also helped.
The Gusties came out with fire and determination in their eyes as the second half got underway. Geske started it off with a turnaround jumper at the 19:12 mark and Rothenbuler then swished a "3" from the top a bit later. On the next possession, Rothenbuler was fouled driving the lane and calmly sank the charity stripe shots and GAC once again found itself down by a scant two points. After two free throws by Booth, Geske knocked down another "3" to pull GAC to within one. Booth again answered; this time with a lay-up but Gustie PG Colleen Ruane drilled a "3" of her own to knot things up at 34-all. UST's Jazmin Townsend; whose "3" in the MIAC playoffs against the Gusties last year late in the game all but extinguished GAC's great season, dropped another "3" to put the Tommies back up but Ruane again countered with her second "3" pointer shortly afterward that knotted things up again at 37-all. The sky seemed to be raining with "3's" as Ali Johnson knocked down two more over the next couple of minutes but the Gusties would not wilt. Julia Dysthie, the freshman sharp-shooter from White Bear Lake, knocked down a "3" at the 11:57 mark that put GAC back out in front 44-43. The Gusties would lead by as many as five points but UST knew it had Ali Johnson primed and ready to go and she responded by draining an NBA-range "3" that brought the Tommies to within one.
Things would again stay tight coming down the stretch. At the 3:54 mark, Dienhart would drive and score and get fouled in the process. Although she missed the freebie, Johnson was not boxed out and she scored on a lay-up that put the Tommies back up by one. UST would consolidate on its lead when Townsend scored inside to put the Tommies up by three at 60-57. But the Gusties were far from finished. With just :45.7 left; Ruane took an offensive rebound and drove inside and scored and was fouled. Her ensuing free throw pulled the Gusties to within one; trailing 62-61. With scant seconds left, the Gusties were forced to fould Taylor Young and she did knock down both free throws. Still, the Gusties had one last chance to try and send the game into overtime. With just five seconds left, the ball went out on top to Rothenbuler who was left open but, unfortunately for GAC, her three-point attempt was woefully short and the Tommies were able to knock down two more freebies to seal the deal for a 66-61 win.
While it was definitely an inspired effort by the Gusties, they still need to shore up some of their defensive woes (read getting out on the perimeter to defend the "3"). While this is still a young team by and large, there's still more than enough experience there where someone has to step up and be a leader on this team and I have yet to see that happen.
Things started out pretty tight as GAC's Kelsey Florian finished a Gustie fast break and put the visitors up 2-0. Unfortunately for the Gusties, they seem to have this nasty little habit of not playing defense; particularly on the perimeter and willowy junior forward Ali Johnson, perhaps the MIAC's premier 3-point shooter, made the Gusties pay twice in the early going. But GAC's Molly Geske let the host team know that she had definitely showed up as she drained a "3" at the 17:26 mark and knocked down another jumper a few seconds later. A little less than a minute later GAC sophomore post Abby Rothenbuler drove to the hole and finished and suddenly GAC was in front 11-6.
But the Tommies would quickly regain the momentum as both Rachel Booth and freshman Maggie Weiers enabled UST to forge ahead 14-11 by the 11:22 mark. Things would stay tight over the next several minutes but at the 3:22 mark the Tommies made another major push when Tommie PG Carolyn Dienhart drained a "3" from the right corner that put UST up 24-19. Then, junior Sarah Smith nailed a "3" from the same spot with :29.3 left and the Tommies went into the locker room at the half with a 30-21 lead. UST was able to take advantage of several GAC miscues coming down the stretch that also helped.
The Gusties came out with fire and determination in their eyes as the second half got underway. Geske started it off with a turnaround jumper at the 19:12 mark and Rothenbuler then swished a "3" from the top a bit later. On the next possession, Rothenbuler was fouled driving the lane and calmly sank the charity stripe shots and GAC once again found itself down by a scant two points. After two free throws by Booth, Geske knocked down another "3" to pull GAC to within one. Booth again answered; this time with a lay-up but Gustie PG Colleen Ruane drilled a "3" of her own to knot things up at 34-all. UST's Jazmin Townsend; whose "3" in the MIAC playoffs against the Gusties last year late in the game all but extinguished GAC's great season, dropped another "3" to put the Tommies back up but Ruane again countered with her second "3" pointer shortly afterward that knotted things up again at 37-all. The sky seemed to be raining with "3's" as Ali Johnson knocked down two more over the next couple of minutes but the Gusties would not wilt. Julia Dysthie, the freshman sharp-shooter from White Bear Lake, knocked down a "3" at the 11:57 mark that put GAC back out in front 44-43. The Gusties would lead by as many as five points but UST knew it had Ali Johnson primed and ready to go and she responded by draining an NBA-range "3" that brought the Tommies to within one.
Things would again stay tight coming down the stretch. At the 3:54 mark, Dienhart would drive and score and get fouled in the process. Although she missed the freebie, Johnson was not boxed out and she scored on a lay-up that put the Tommies back up by one. UST would consolidate on its lead when Townsend scored inside to put the Tommies up by three at 60-57. But the Gusties were far from finished. With just :45.7 left; Ruane took an offensive rebound and drove inside and scored and was fouled. Her ensuing free throw pulled the Gusties to within one; trailing 62-61. With scant seconds left, the Gusties were forced to fould Taylor Young and she did knock down both free throws. Still, the Gusties had one last chance to try and send the game into overtime. With just five seconds left, the ball went out on top to Rothenbuler who was left open but, unfortunately for GAC, her three-point attempt was woefully short and the Tommies were able to knock down two more freebies to seal the deal for a 66-61 win.
While it was definitely an inspired effort by the Gusties, they still need to shore up some of their defensive woes (read getting out on the perimeter to defend the "3"). While this is still a young team by and large, there's still more than enough experience there where someone has to step up and be a leader on this team and I have yet to see that happen.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Centennial vs Champlin Park 1-7-11
Got to this Northwest Suburban Conference tilt a bit late; right around the 4:19 mark with Centennial holding what appeared to be a comfortable 29-17 lead. But the Cougars would seemingly self-destruct coming down the home stretch that allowed the host Rebels to not only come back but to grab a 4 point 36-32 halftime lead. Much of the Champlin Park comeback in the first half was the result of freshman phenom Alexis Alexander and her slashing drives plus key "3" point shots from both juniors Sarah Serie and Hannah Marthaler.
The second half saw Centennial make a charge out of the gate. Junior Brooke Schutta canned two freebies from the charity stripe and a bit later senior PG Kahla Becken (daughter of Head Coach Jill Becken) did the same. At the 15:46 mark senior Maggie Haug canned a long two-pointer from the top that cut the Rebel lead down to 38-36. But Champlin Park would get it going again as they were eventually able to build their lead back up to as many as nine points. Centennial found itself struggling again; having no luck trying to get inside and relying on 3-pointers; an almost surfire recipe for disaster. Somehow, though, the Cougars would find a second wind of their own and would claw back into the contest. At the 9:42 mark, Becken missed a 3-point attempt but fellow senior Kayla Bilderback got the rebound, was fouled and made one free throw attempt. A bit later Bilderback was able to finish inside and the Rebel lead was cut down to 54-51. The Cougars were eventually able to take the lead and get it up to as many as five points, thanks to junior Danika Gieske and sophomore Paige Waytashek (yet ANOTHER Waytashek sister coming up!) heroics. Centennial's lead would gradually get whittled down to the 2-3 point margin in the last two minutes. With the Cougars clinging to a tenuous two-point lead with just :16.9 left, Champlin Park had to foul someone and chose to foul sophomore Waytashek. But the youngest of the Waytashek trio playing basketball was unable to hit either charity stripe attempt and the Rebels got the rebound and got the ball into the hands of Alexander who made a daring drive down the middle with seven seconds left and finished to knot the game at 70-all. But Centennial knew what it had to do and had just enough time left to do it. After a timeout, Centennial got the ball down the court quickly and eventually into the hands of Gieske who drove hard on the right side of the lane and put the ball up off the glass where it kissed off and into the net as time expired for a gripping 72-70 Centennial win.
Despite the disappointing showing at the Pat Patterson Memorial Thanksgiving tournament, the Cougars have begun to right the ship and I would have to think that a lot of the credit goes to the leadership of senior PG Kahla Becken. I suppose being the coaches daughter doesn't hurt either. Coach Becken told me afterward that this is a team that is slowly coming together after a disastrous start. They haven't peaked yet but that may be a good thing - she wants them playing their best basketball when February rolls around.
The second half saw Centennial make a charge out of the gate. Junior Brooke Schutta canned two freebies from the charity stripe and a bit later senior PG Kahla Becken (daughter of Head Coach Jill Becken) did the same. At the 15:46 mark senior Maggie Haug canned a long two-pointer from the top that cut the Rebel lead down to 38-36. But Champlin Park would get it going again as they were eventually able to build their lead back up to as many as nine points. Centennial found itself struggling again; having no luck trying to get inside and relying on 3-pointers; an almost surfire recipe for disaster. Somehow, though, the Cougars would find a second wind of their own and would claw back into the contest. At the 9:42 mark, Becken missed a 3-point attempt but fellow senior Kayla Bilderback got the rebound, was fouled and made one free throw attempt. A bit later Bilderback was able to finish inside and the Rebel lead was cut down to 54-51. The Cougars were eventually able to take the lead and get it up to as many as five points, thanks to junior Danika Gieske and sophomore Paige Waytashek (yet ANOTHER Waytashek sister coming up!) heroics. Centennial's lead would gradually get whittled down to the 2-3 point margin in the last two minutes. With the Cougars clinging to a tenuous two-point lead with just :16.9 left, Champlin Park had to foul someone and chose to foul sophomore Waytashek. But the youngest of the Waytashek trio playing basketball was unable to hit either charity stripe attempt and the Rebels got the rebound and got the ball into the hands of Alexander who made a daring drive down the middle with seven seconds left and finished to knot the game at 70-all. But Centennial knew what it had to do and had just enough time left to do it. After a timeout, Centennial got the ball down the court quickly and eventually into the hands of Gieske who drove hard on the right side of the lane and put the ball up off the glass where it kissed off and into the net as time expired for a gripping 72-70 Centennial win.
Despite the disappointing showing at the Pat Patterson Memorial Thanksgiving tournament, the Cougars have begun to right the ship and I would have to think that a lot of the credit goes to the leadership of senior PG Kahla Becken. I suppose being the coaches daughter doesn't hurt either. Coach Becken told me afterward that this is a team that is slowly coming together after a disastrous start. They haven't peaked yet but that may be a good thing - she wants them playing their best basketball when February rolls around.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Hamline vs Bethel 1-5-11
After Concordia's rout over host Augsburg I got back on the road and headed up to Arden Hills to catch what I could get of the Hamline vs Bethel game at Bethel's Robertson Center. I actually made pretty good time as I got there at the 4:47 mark of the first half and the host Royals holding a 25-19 lead.
Coming down the stretch before halftime, Bethel's willowy athletic sophomore Kelly Swenson threatened to steal the spotlight as she put on a pretty move at the 3:32 mark and finished and was fouled but couldn't knock down the charity stripe shot that held the Bethel lead to 28-21. Then, almost two minutes later Swenson countered a Hamline run that included a Kara Poirer jumper and a Nikki Klinck free throw with her own sweet turnaround jumper for a 30-24 Royal lead. Then Swenson herself would go to the charity stripe to knock down two freebies that effectively answered another Poirer/Klinck combo for Hamline and gave Bethel a 34-31 advantage going into the locker room.
It didn't take long after the intermission for Hamline to get their mojo back as senior post Mary Wilkowski put in a lay-up at 19:43 to trim the Bethel lead to a scant point. Then, at 17:47 junior guard Stephanie Robinson took a nice pass down low from Wilkowski and scored that put the Pipers in front 35-34. Despite Klinck picking up her 3rd foul at the 17:08 mark, the Pipers were neck and neck with the host team and Wilkowski would add to her totals at the 14:58 mark when she took a pass from Klinck and scored that put the tally in favor of the visitors 37-36.
Both teams would be in something of a drought the next four minutes until Bethel junior Taylor Sheley was finally able to take the lid off the Bethel basket with her lay-up that put the home team back up 38-37 but the lead didn't last long as Wilkowski again worked her magic off an inbounds pass and scored to put the Pipers back up 39-38. Although Swenson would go down briefly with what appeared to be a slight ankle tweak, she wasn't out long and both she and Wilkowski would put on a show over the next few possessions as the issue stayed tight. With Bethel holding a slim 47-45 lead, Robinson showed her prowess for a guard as she took an offensive rebound and followed with a putback that tied the game at 47 at the 3:20 mark.
But the beginning of the end for Hamline came just under the 2:00 mark when Klinck, trying to thwart a Bethel fast break, fouled Sheley in the process and picked up number 5 doing so which sent her to the pine. Though Wilkowski was able to score at the 1:36 mark that narrowed the Bethel lead to 52-51, Sheley on the following Bethel possession drove hard on the right side and scored that upped the Royal lead to 54-51. With a bit under a minute remaining, freshman Brianna Blackhawk was unable to finish a drive and fouled Swenson as she rebounded and was able to knock down two free throws. Sheley would get one free throw of her own that upped the Bethel lead to 57-53 and shortly after senior Shana Grejtak would get a steal and get fouled and put down two more freebies that would give Bethel a 59-53 lead. Still, Hamline refused to go away quietly as freshman Je'Naya Brown nailed a three from the top after she had made a lay-up that narrowed the Bethel lead to 60-58. But only precious few seconds remained and Hamline's only hope was to foul. They did and Sheley was able to knock down two more free throws that enabled Bethel to come out on top by a score on 62-58.
From looking at the stats, it appeared as if Bethel had to pick their poison, so to speak, when it came down to trying to stop one element of the Hamline offense. Although Wilkowski had another huge night from a scoring standpoint with 24 points, Jackie Kelly, who single-handedly torched that "mighty" Gustie "D" two nights before was strangely silent this night; finishing with only five points. This was my first look at Bethel this year and I'm not entirely sure what to think. No doubt Kelly Swenson, who may be one of the top two or three pure athletes in the MIAC, has taken her game to the next level. Still, this is a team that has a small margin for error and it's a little early yet, I think, to get an accurate read on them.
Coming down the stretch before halftime, Bethel's willowy athletic sophomore Kelly Swenson threatened to steal the spotlight as she put on a pretty move at the 3:32 mark and finished and was fouled but couldn't knock down the charity stripe shot that held the Bethel lead to 28-21. Then, almost two minutes later Swenson countered a Hamline run that included a Kara Poirer jumper and a Nikki Klinck free throw with her own sweet turnaround jumper for a 30-24 Royal lead. Then Swenson herself would go to the charity stripe to knock down two freebies that effectively answered another Poirer/Klinck combo for Hamline and gave Bethel a 34-31 advantage going into the locker room.
It didn't take long after the intermission for Hamline to get their mojo back as senior post Mary Wilkowski put in a lay-up at 19:43 to trim the Bethel lead to a scant point. Then, at 17:47 junior guard Stephanie Robinson took a nice pass down low from Wilkowski and scored that put the Pipers in front 35-34. Despite Klinck picking up her 3rd foul at the 17:08 mark, the Pipers were neck and neck with the host team and Wilkowski would add to her totals at the 14:58 mark when she took a pass from Klinck and scored that put the tally in favor of the visitors 37-36.
Both teams would be in something of a drought the next four minutes until Bethel junior Taylor Sheley was finally able to take the lid off the Bethel basket with her lay-up that put the home team back up 38-37 but the lead didn't last long as Wilkowski again worked her magic off an inbounds pass and scored to put the Pipers back up 39-38. Although Swenson would go down briefly with what appeared to be a slight ankle tweak, she wasn't out long and both she and Wilkowski would put on a show over the next few possessions as the issue stayed tight. With Bethel holding a slim 47-45 lead, Robinson showed her prowess for a guard as she took an offensive rebound and followed with a putback that tied the game at 47 at the 3:20 mark.
But the beginning of the end for Hamline came just under the 2:00 mark when Klinck, trying to thwart a Bethel fast break, fouled Sheley in the process and picked up number 5 doing so which sent her to the pine. Though Wilkowski was able to score at the 1:36 mark that narrowed the Bethel lead to 52-51, Sheley on the following Bethel possession drove hard on the right side and scored that upped the Royal lead to 54-51. With a bit under a minute remaining, freshman Brianna Blackhawk was unable to finish a drive and fouled Swenson as she rebounded and was able to knock down two free throws. Sheley would get one free throw of her own that upped the Bethel lead to 57-53 and shortly after senior Shana Grejtak would get a steal and get fouled and put down two more freebies that would give Bethel a 59-53 lead. Still, Hamline refused to go away quietly as freshman Je'Naya Brown nailed a three from the top after she had made a lay-up that narrowed the Bethel lead to 60-58. But only precious few seconds remained and Hamline's only hope was to foul. They did and Sheley was able to knock down two more free throws that enabled Bethel to come out on top by a score on 62-58.
From looking at the stats, it appeared as if Bethel had to pick their poison, so to speak, when it came down to trying to stop one element of the Hamline offense. Although Wilkowski had another huge night from a scoring standpoint with 24 points, Jackie Kelly, who single-handedly torched that "mighty" Gustie "D" two nights before was strangely silent this night; finishing with only five points. This was my first look at Bethel this year and I'm not entirely sure what to think. No doubt Kelly Swenson, who may be one of the top two or three pure athletes in the MIAC, has taken her game to the next level. Still, this is a team that has a small margin for error and it's a little early yet, I think, to get an accurate read on them.
Concordia vs Augsburg 1-5-11
OK, first off, I apologize for the delay in getting this next group of games on my blog. Just an incredibly bad week that was punctuated by an abscessed tooth (which I got treated promptly, thank God) and getting a big speech ready this next week for my Toastmasters group. And trying to squeeze in an indoor practice during the period didn't make things any easier.
Anyway, on Wednesday night (1-5) I headed over to Si Melby Hall on the Augsburg campus as they prepared to host MIAC co-leader Concordia for an early 5:45 matchup. While there was little doubt about how this game would end up, even I would be in awe of how incredibly good and sharp Concordia looked early on as they raced to an early 15-0 lead before the Auggies knew what hit them. It took Augsburg nearly seven minutes before they finally got on the board thanks to sophomore Tracee Schrank's bucket. But that would prove to be only sticking a needle in a crumbling dam as the Cobbers simply poured it on. What made it even more impressive is just how they did it - with balanced scoring and everybody getting in on the act. But perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the success Concordia has enjoyed so far this season is Jessica Rahman's prize recruit - 6'4" freshman Alexandra Lippert from Willmar. Lippert was not only dominant in the rebounding phase of the game but can simply be unstoppable once she gets posted up down low.
The Concordia juggernaut was in full force when senior PG Erica Nord drained a "3" from the top to give the Corn an insurmountable 33-6 lead and senior Maggie Bauernfeind followed suit a few minutes later with a "3" of her own that put the surging Cobbers up 36-8. The lone Auggie shining moment in the first half came when sophomore Brittany Dyshaw put on pretty move at the 1:59 mark and finished that helped to temporarily stop the deluge but by that time Concordia was still up 36-12. In fact, the only real negatives for Concordia in the 1st half were junior Andrea Benjamin's injury (still not sure what happened there but it appeared to be a knee problem) and Lippert picking up two quick fouls just before the end of the first half that saw Concordia way up 36-13.
The theme didn't change much by the time the second half got underway. Despite Lippert picking up a quick third foul at the 19:36 mark when Auggie sophomore guard Katie Ahlstrom put a pretty move on her, head coach Jessica Rahman opted to keep her star pupil in. Despite Dyshaw's nice move and finish down low at the 18:02 mark that shrank the Cobbers big lead to 38-20, Lippert made her presence felt again with foul trouble and all as she swatted away an Auggie shot attempt - a big-time blocked shot. A couple of minutes later, senior Lindsey Schultz stole the ball from an Auggie and took it the other way and finished; effectively extinguishing any wisps of hope Augsburg may have had for an epic comeback. Concordia would win this one going away 71-45.
What impressed me most with this Concordia team is how truly team-oriented they are. They truly love each other and they put the team first; they are unselfish. Another thing you have to like about this group is that they are truly a senior-laden experienced team with Schultz, Nord, Bauernfeind, and Brittany Jossart who all start. Throw in a crop of young posts that include Lippert and a supporting cast that includes sophomores Tricia Sorenson and Emily Thesing and junior Mary-Michael Vance who spent her first two years at St. Kate's and you've got one very, very good team that's going to be awfully tough to beat. Both Schultz and Nord admitted afterward that the one thing that has made such a difference for them is the experience they have had playing together the last three years. And they're both excited to have some tall posts down low as well.
Anyway, on Wednesday night (1-5) I headed over to Si Melby Hall on the Augsburg campus as they prepared to host MIAC co-leader Concordia for an early 5:45 matchup. While there was little doubt about how this game would end up, even I would be in awe of how incredibly good and sharp Concordia looked early on as they raced to an early 15-0 lead before the Auggies knew what hit them. It took Augsburg nearly seven minutes before they finally got on the board thanks to sophomore Tracee Schrank's bucket. But that would prove to be only sticking a needle in a crumbling dam as the Cobbers simply poured it on. What made it even more impressive is just how they did it - with balanced scoring and everybody getting in on the act. But perhaps one of the biggest reasons for the success Concordia has enjoyed so far this season is Jessica Rahman's prize recruit - 6'4" freshman Alexandra Lippert from Willmar. Lippert was not only dominant in the rebounding phase of the game but can simply be unstoppable once she gets posted up down low.
The Concordia juggernaut was in full force when senior PG Erica Nord drained a "3" from the top to give the Corn an insurmountable 33-6 lead and senior Maggie Bauernfeind followed suit a few minutes later with a "3" of her own that put the surging Cobbers up 36-8. The lone Auggie shining moment in the first half came when sophomore Brittany Dyshaw put on pretty move at the 1:59 mark and finished that helped to temporarily stop the deluge but by that time Concordia was still up 36-12. In fact, the only real negatives for Concordia in the 1st half were junior Andrea Benjamin's injury (still not sure what happened there but it appeared to be a knee problem) and Lippert picking up two quick fouls just before the end of the first half that saw Concordia way up 36-13.
The theme didn't change much by the time the second half got underway. Despite Lippert picking up a quick third foul at the 19:36 mark when Auggie sophomore guard Katie Ahlstrom put a pretty move on her, head coach Jessica Rahman opted to keep her star pupil in. Despite Dyshaw's nice move and finish down low at the 18:02 mark that shrank the Cobbers big lead to 38-20, Lippert made her presence felt again with foul trouble and all as she swatted away an Auggie shot attempt - a big-time blocked shot. A couple of minutes later, senior Lindsey Schultz stole the ball from an Auggie and took it the other way and finished; effectively extinguishing any wisps of hope Augsburg may have had for an epic comeback. Concordia would win this one going away 71-45.
What impressed me most with this Concordia team is how truly team-oriented they are. They truly love each other and they put the team first; they are unselfish. Another thing you have to like about this group is that they are truly a senior-laden experienced team with Schultz, Nord, Bauernfeind, and Brittany Jossart who all start. Throw in a crop of young posts that include Lippert and a supporting cast that includes sophomores Tricia Sorenson and Emily Thesing and junior Mary-Michael Vance who spent her first two years at St. Kate's and you've got one very, very good team that's going to be awfully tough to beat. Both Schultz and Nord admitted afterward that the one thing that has made such a difference for them is the experience they have had playing together the last three years. And they're both excited to have some tall posts down low as well.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
GAC vs Hamline 1-3-10
Happy New Year! Good to be back in action again. Actually, I would have done some reporting on the Dick's Sporting Goods Holiday Tournament over at Hopkins High School (won by Hopkins - surprise, surprise) but throw in some bowl games and my L.A. Rams actually playing for the N.F.C. West title this last Sunday night and things can get left out.
In any event, I was at Hutton Arena last night for the Gustavus - Hamline game. Going in, I really felt that this SHOULD be a comfortable win for the Gusties knowing full well how, for the most part anyway, Hamline has struggled so far this season. Perhaps the Gusties shared the same false sense of security that I did last night and little did I suspect that Hamline was ready to pounce.
The Pipers actually got off to a pretty decent start as flashy senior PG Nikki Klinck - perhaps the fastest player in the MIAC - nailed a "3" from the left wing. Not to be left out of the show, senior three-point specialist Jackie Kelly made the net sing from the top of the key. A couple minutes later, senior post Mary Wilkowski finished a Piper fast break and at the 15:59 mark in the first half Hamline found themselves up 10-4 before GAC finally began to wake up a little bit. Thanks to some tough work by junior Molly Geske and freshman Eli Benz the Gusties whittled the Hamline lead down to 14-10 at the 13:20 mark.
Despite the fact that the Gusties were able to get back into things, it was becoming more and more clear how the speed that Hamline has at the guard position; particularly from Klinck, junior Stephanie Robinson and freshman Je'Naya Brown would wear down the vaunted Gustie "D". Nevertheless, things stayed close for the next several minutes. Benz would get a finish down low at the 7:46 mark and lanky sophomore Abby Rothenbuler (who I STRONGLY believe should get MUCH more playing time) would show her scoring versatility at the 6:39 mark by nailing a "3" from the top of the key that would give GAC its first lead at 26-25. Despite Kelly's "3" from the left corner that put Hamline back on top at 30-29 at the 4:16 mark, the Gusties would be able to consolidate their momentum over the next two minutes that saw them up by their largest margin, 36-30. But just when you thought that MAYBE GAC had suddenly found themselves and righted the ship the Pipers were able to get a late second wind that was mainly fueled by yet another Kelly 3-pointer at the 1:43 mark and a coast-to-coast finish by Klinck at :35 that enabled the Pipers to close the gap at halftime to 40-39.
Sensing how vulnerable the Gusties were, the Pipers came out in the second half smelling blood. Wilkowski started off the second stanza with one of her patented turnaround spin moves down low for a finish that left Gustie defenders completely befuddled. After a rare Klinck "3" that put Hammy back up 44-43 at the 17:58 mark, Wilkowski again would torch the GAC "D" by driving the baseline and finishing off the glass at the 15:02 mark to put the Pipers back up 48-47. Shortly thereafter, Kelly would sneak around a GAC defender for an offensive rebound and putback. A couple minutes later, Wilkowski wowed the home crowd again with a pretty move under the basket and an equally pretty finish and Hamline was on its way to victory.
Things would only get worse from that point on for GAC and, perhaps just as alarming, the Gustie defense was exposed BIG TIME by the Pipers. Kelly would continue the 3-point barrage for Hamline; scoring at the 8:58 and 6:27 mark that would give Hamline a 69-58 lead. Klinck would add insult to injury as she easily drove around senior Molly Mathiowetz to finish giving the Pipers a 73-58 advantage. The Gusties would make another one of those typical "too little, too late" runs that would make the final margin read 83-76 in favor of Hamline.
I try to be somewhat diplomatic over on the D3 Hoops message board and, although my humor and sarcasm may bite from time to time, rarely will I call someone or a team out unless they absolutely deserve it. Well, here, I'm not bound by such barriers. The Gustie "D" last night was an ABSOLUTE JOKE. I'm almost glad that former Gusties like Kelly Etzel, Angie Peterson, Kate Sandvig, Kelly Van Norman, Lacy Skoog, Jess Vadnais, Bri Monahan, et al, weren't in attendance last night as they would have been HORRIFIED at what they would have seen. It was an absolute embarrassment. Hell, I can put a team together made up of my beer-drinking buddies and play better defense last night than what the Gusties put on for display. I see NO sense of urgency from this team that now finds itself below .500 overall and a paltry, mediocre 3-3 in conference play. This does NOT look like a team that is playoff worthy and, if they continue to play like they did last night, they'll be damn lucky to finish 8th in the conference. This is a team that looks utterly confused, clueless, and that likes to play "nice". Well GAC, it's time to STOP being nice and kick it into gear and get back to playing GAC basketball again - dominating, in-your-face defense and SMART, aggresive offense that gets everybody involved and ALSO includes taking the bloody ball to the rack now and then. As the NFL Gameday crew on ESPN would say, "C'mon, man!"
In any event, I was at Hutton Arena last night for the Gustavus - Hamline game. Going in, I really felt that this SHOULD be a comfortable win for the Gusties knowing full well how, for the most part anyway, Hamline has struggled so far this season. Perhaps the Gusties shared the same false sense of security that I did last night and little did I suspect that Hamline was ready to pounce.
The Pipers actually got off to a pretty decent start as flashy senior PG Nikki Klinck - perhaps the fastest player in the MIAC - nailed a "3" from the left wing. Not to be left out of the show, senior three-point specialist Jackie Kelly made the net sing from the top of the key. A couple minutes later, senior post Mary Wilkowski finished a Piper fast break and at the 15:59 mark in the first half Hamline found themselves up 10-4 before GAC finally began to wake up a little bit. Thanks to some tough work by junior Molly Geske and freshman Eli Benz the Gusties whittled the Hamline lead down to 14-10 at the 13:20 mark.
Despite the fact that the Gusties were able to get back into things, it was becoming more and more clear how the speed that Hamline has at the guard position; particularly from Klinck, junior Stephanie Robinson and freshman Je'Naya Brown would wear down the vaunted Gustie "D". Nevertheless, things stayed close for the next several minutes. Benz would get a finish down low at the 7:46 mark and lanky sophomore Abby Rothenbuler (who I STRONGLY believe should get MUCH more playing time) would show her scoring versatility at the 6:39 mark by nailing a "3" from the top of the key that would give GAC its first lead at 26-25. Despite Kelly's "3" from the left corner that put Hamline back on top at 30-29 at the 4:16 mark, the Gusties would be able to consolidate their momentum over the next two minutes that saw them up by their largest margin, 36-30. But just when you thought that MAYBE GAC had suddenly found themselves and righted the ship the Pipers were able to get a late second wind that was mainly fueled by yet another Kelly 3-pointer at the 1:43 mark and a coast-to-coast finish by Klinck at :35 that enabled the Pipers to close the gap at halftime to 40-39.
Sensing how vulnerable the Gusties were, the Pipers came out in the second half smelling blood. Wilkowski started off the second stanza with one of her patented turnaround spin moves down low for a finish that left Gustie defenders completely befuddled. After a rare Klinck "3" that put Hammy back up 44-43 at the 17:58 mark, Wilkowski again would torch the GAC "D" by driving the baseline and finishing off the glass at the 15:02 mark to put the Pipers back up 48-47. Shortly thereafter, Kelly would sneak around a GAC defender for an offensive rebound and putback. A couple minutes later, Wilkowski wowed the home crowd again with a pretty move under the basket and an equally pretty finish and Hamline was on its way to victory.
Things would only get worse from that point on for GAC and, perhaps just as alarming, the Gustie defense was exposed BIG TIME by the Pipers. Kelly would continue the 3-point barrage for Hamline; scoring at the 8:58 and 6:27 mark that would give Hamline a 69-58 lead. Klinck would add insult to injury as she easily drove around senior Molly Mathiowetz to finish giving the Pipers a 73-58 advantage. The Gusties would make another one of those typical "too little, too late" runs that would make the final margin read 83-76 in favor of Hamline.
I try to be somewhat diplomatic over on the D3 Hoops message board and, although my humor and sarcasm may bite from time to time, rarely will I call someone or a team out unless they absolutely deserve it. Well, here, I'm not bound by such barriers. The Gustie "D" last night was an ABSOLUTE JOKE. I'm almost glad that former Gusties like Kelly Etzel, Angie Peterson, Kate Sandvig, Kelly Van Norman, Lacy Skoog, Jess Vadnais, Bri Monahan, et al, weren't in attendance last night as they would have been HORRIFIED at what they would have seen. It was an absolute embarrassment. Hell, I can put a team together made up of my beer-drinking buddies and play better defense last night than what the Gusties put on for display. I see NO sense of urgency from this team that now finds itself below .500 overall and a paltry, mediocre 3-3 in conference play. This does NOT look like a team that is playoff worthy and, if they continue to play like they did last night, they'll be damn lucky to finish 8th in the conference. This is a team that looks utterly confused, clueless, and that likes to play "nice". Well GAC, it's time to STOP being nice and kick it into gear and get back to playing GAC basketball again - dominating, in-your-face defense and SMART, aggresive offense that gets everybody involved and ALSO includes taking the bloody ball to the rack now and then. As the NFL Gameday crew on ESPN would say, "C'mon, man!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)