Was at Northwestern's Ericksen Center last night as they hosted Macalester for yet another UMAC vs MIAC clash. This would be my first look at Macalester since I visisted one of their opening practices back in October and I was curious as to how they would come out of the gate after their Chicago trip where they came away with a split - beating Benedictine and losing to powerhouse Chicago.
The whole event this evening got off to a nice start when Northwestern's Mollie Sir and Chanel Madson did a sweet duet of the National Anthem. But the visiting Scots wasted no time to get things going after the tip-off. Senior guard Shannon Rene drained a "3" from the right corner at the 19:40 mark for a quick 3-0 lead and senior post Holly Schiedermayer added to the Macalester advantage when she scored inside and got fouled in the process for a 5-1 Macalester lead. Northwestern came right back, though, as senior Kristin Sczublewski nailed a "3" from the right corner at the 17:48 mark and then the Eagles grabbed their only lead of the night at the 17:01 mark when Sir connected with a "3" from the top for a 7-5 advantage. Undaunted, Macalester came right back as senior Maggie Wood made a tough reverse layup to knot things at 7-all and then junior PG Kyanna Jones snared a steal and got a layup the other way. Reserve sophomore post Rebekah Keller scored inside at the 15:09 mark for an 11-7 Scot lead.
Now it was Northwestern's turn to make a move. Sczublewski scored inside at the 14:16 mark and got two free throws a bit later to tie things again at 11-all. Then it was Macalester's turn to make a move. Schiedermayer got two inside buckets to fall and reserve sophomore Taylor Pike got a jumper off the glass to go in for a 17-11 Macalester lead. But right back came the home team. Freshman guard Ashley Arneson dropped two freebies from the charity stripe. Sophomore post Jessica Fife (who seems to get better with each outing) got a rebound and putback with 7:13 left and then Sir did her thing from the charity stripe to once again tie the issue at 17-all. Things would then stay tight for the next few minutes but the Scots were able to make one more push before the halftime break. Wood made yet another reverse layup with just under two minutes left and then sophomore reserve Kathryn Medinger got a rebound and putback. Jessica Rene was able to sink two free throws and then Jones made another steal and layup the other way with just :38 left on the clock for a 28-22 Scot advantage at the break.
Unfortunately for Northwestern, they would not be able to close the gap once the second half began. The Scots wasted no time getting things going as they were able to build a ten point advantage at 34-24 by the 16:52 mark when senior Shannon Rene drilled a "3" from the right wing. Medinger scored at the 15:44 and 14:55 marks and then Jessica Rene put a dagger in the heart of the Eagles when she drained a "3" from the top at the 13:31 mark for a 40-26 advantage.
Northwestern never gave up, though, Willowly sophomore guard Becca Kendrick (who had to leave the game at one point with a bloody nose) swished a "3" from the right wing at the 11:36 mark and Sir would connect behind the arc with 7:00 left and Sczublewski did likewise with 4:15 left that cut the Macalester lead to 53-42 but just when the Eagles seemed to be on the brink of a comeback Macalester simply had a better answer. Wood was able to get inside to grab a rebound and get a putback with 3:13 left and Schiedermayer did more damage inside coming down the stretch and, despite two more heroic "3's" from Northwestern's Sir, Macalester was able to finish off a 63-50 win.
According to Macalester Head Coach Ellen Thompson, this was obviously a good win but there's still some things they need to do better. Arguably, Northwestern's 2-3 zone they employed on this night made things difficult for the Scots in the first half and Thompson said that they still need to shoot better. Moreover, she's still trying to get her younger players up to "game speed" which is not always an easy thing to do. Still, I think Macalester has a nice blend of experience and youth and, if they stay healthy, they have a great shot at snaring that sixth playoff spot in the MIAC. As for the Eagles, Head Coach Aaron Kahl knows he has a young team and they have to strive to get better with each practice; with each game. As with last year when they had Katie DeWitt, it seems as if sometimes the rest of the team stands around and relies too heavily on Sczublewski at times. I do like how sophomore post Fife has made strides in her game but I think the next step is to try and get more production from Kendrick and Madson to complement not only Sczublewski but also the three-point prowess of Sir as well.
Los Angeles Rams
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
NIACC vs Anoka-Ramsey 11-21-11
Was up at Anoka-Ramsey last night as they were hosting North Iowa Area Community College in a non-conference clash. It was a little weird not seeing long-time coach John Oertel leading the NIACC team as he retired after last season. Kelli Terrell now leads the program and has already notched some big wins against Riverland, Illinois Central Community College, and RCTC (Rochester).
Both teams would come out of the gate sluggish. Sophomore Brittany Robinson got NIACC on the board first at the 17:02 mark and it took Anoka-Ramsey almost two more minutes before freshman Maria Loughlin finally got the Rams even at 2-all with her drive and finish. NIACC would take one more early lead at the 14:58 mark when sophomore Jenna Morris scored inside for a 4-2 lead. Sophomore Jenessa Tesch gave the Golden Rams the lead for good, though, at the 13:19 mark when she scored inside.
The Golden Rams finally got things going offensively (after a good chewing-out session by Head Coach David DeWitt) when sophomore PG Allison Ballstadt snared a steal and went the other way for an uncontested lay-up to push the Anoka-Ramsey lead to 12-6. Sophomores Sadie Pittman and Morris tried to stem the tide with some timely buckets but the Golden Rams were able to build a double-digit lead by the 7:20 mark on sophomore Capreice Ogris' two free throws and a jumper by Ogris from the left corner by the 3:05 mark extended the lead to 28-13. Anoka-Ramsey's tough, in-your-face pressure defense was also causing a lot of problems for the visitors as well that helped the Golden Rams get on their usual run to let them build an almost insurmountable 34-15 halftime lead.
Except for some uncharacteristic turnovers by Anoka-Ramsey in the second half (much to the chagrin of DeWitt), not much changed. Sophomore Tamarra Shorter, arguably the best athlete on the team and strong sophomore post Tracy McGregor helped extend the Anoka-Ramsey lead to 40-17 and a steal and lay-up by freshman reserve Jacquie Lommen pushed things to 42-18 in favor of the home team. A "3" by Ogris at the 7:48 mark and Tesch's score inside a bit later gave the Golden Rams a 52-22 lead. Freshman Maria Loughlin showed off her three-point shooting skills when she swished one in from the top at the 6:54 mark. NIACC would be able to force some sloppy play down the stretch on the Golden Rams and, although Anoka-Ramsey did come out on top easily enough 58-34, it was not a pretty after-game speech by DeWitt according to what Ballstadt told me afterward. Understandably, the turnovers and sloppy play coming down the stretch are not typical of a DeWitt-coached team and this group has a lot of work to do if they want to entertain thoughts about repeating last year's national championship.
Both teams would come out of the gate sluggish. Sophomore Brittany Robinson got NIACC on the board first at the 17:02 mark and it took Anoka-Ramsey almost two more minutes before freshman Maria Loughlin finally got the Rams even at 2-all with her drive and finish. NIACC would take one more early lead at the 14:58 mark when sophomore Jenna Morris scored inside for a 4-2 lead. Sophomore Jenessa Tesch gave the Golden Rams the lead for good, though, at the 13:19 mark when she scored inside.
The Golden Rams finally got things going offensively (after a good chewing-out session by Head Coach David DeWitt) when sophomore PG Allison Ballstadt snared a steal and went the other way for an uncontested lay-up to push the Anoka-Ramsey lead to 12-6. Sophomores Sadie Pittman and Morris tried to stem the tide with some timely buckets but the Golden Rams were able to build a double-digit lead by the 7:20 mark on sophomore Capreice Ogris' two free throws and a jumper by Ogris from the left corner by the 3:05 mark extended the lead to 28-13. Anoka-Ramsey's tough, in-your-face pressure defense was also causing a lot of problems for the visitors as well that helped the Golden Rams get on their usual run to let them build an almost insurmountable 34-15 halftime lead.
Except for some uncharacteristic turnovers by Anoka-Ramsey in the second half (much to the chagrin of DeWitt), not much changed. Sophomore Tamarra Shorter, arguably the best athlete on the team and strong sophomore post Tracy McGregor helped extend the Anoka-Ramsey lead to 40-17 and a steal and lay-up by freshman reserve Jacquie Lommen pushed things to 42-18 in favor of the home team. A "3" by Ogris at the 7:48 mark and Tesch's score inside a bit later gave the Golden Rams a 52-22 lead. Freshman Maria Loughlin showed off her three-point shooting skills when she swished one in from the top at the 6:54 mark. NIACC would be able to force some sloppy play down the stretch on the Golden Rams and, although Anoka-Ramsey did come out on top easily enough 58-34, it was not a pretty after-game speech by DeWitt according to what Ballstadt told me afterward. Understandably, the turnovers and sloppy play coming down the stretch are not typical of a DeWitt-coached team and this group has a lot of work to do if they want to entertain thoughts about repeating last year's national championship.
Monday, November 14, 2011
MIAC Predictions
I posted this up on D3 Hoops a bit ago but here are my predictions for the MIAC this season:
Running a little late this year but I guess it's time I dust off the cobwebs on this board (since I'm about the only one posting up here anymore) and offer up my prognostications for the 2011-12 MIAC race:
The Title Contenders
UST & GAC
The talent that UST has amassed over the last few years is nothing short of amazing and, because of that, they'll have the inside track to both the regular season and tournament titles. They have Maggie Weiers who can simply dominate down low, an incredible sophomore in Taylor Young, and senior three point shooting Queen Ali Johnson plus a pretty capable backcourt duo of Kellie Ring and Carolyn Dienhart; not to mention a bench that's LOADED. Still, as good as this team is, they are not infalliable and their loss in the MIAC Championship Game at home to Concordia proved that. The one team that will challenge them for the title this year has to be GAC. They have one of the top two or three PGs in Colleen Ruane, a do-it-all senior in Molly Geske, a much, much improved Abby Rothenbuehler at the post, and, like UST, a bench that is absolutely LOADED. The Gusties will get tested early, though, with a roadie over to WIAC powerhouse UW-River Falls tomorrow night and a trip out to the Motherland to take on SCIAC opponents Redlands and Occidental.
Playoff Contenders
St. Olaf, CSB, Concordia, & Bethel
To me, St. Olaf is the team that makes the big jump this year into the elite group. They have the best PG in the conference, IMHO, in Mackenzie Wolter and a big front line that includes Erin Haglund and Elise Raney at the post position. On the downside, they are not deep and if their roster starts getting red crosses like my fantasy football team does, everything could go awry for them. Last year's senior-laden team CSB and defending MIAC Champ Concordia are both incredibly young this year although the Corn still has lanky 6'4" post Alexandra Lippert. I give Bethel the best chance to snare the 6th spot this season despite losing Scottie Moats who had to end her basketball career prematurely. They still have Taylor Sheley and a great defender in Kelly Swenson.
The Lurkers
Hamline, Macalester, & SMU
I have not seen Hamline's roster yet but they should be dangerous as always if not consistent. Macalester still has the Rene Sisters who can terrorize opponents from behind the arc and if anyone can squeeze the most out of a lemon, it's Macalester Head Coach Ellen Thompson. I have to say that including SMU in this group is somewhat generous given the fact that the coaching staff there doesn't even have ten years experience amongst them and also includes an assistant who is a media hack (cough cough....Willy Wonka) with an agenda. Still, SMU does have a very capable senior in Emily DeWitt plus an up-and-coming post in Courtney Euerle so they will have their moments.
The Cellar-Dwellers
Carleton, St. Kate's & Augsburg
I don't expect much from either one of these teams this year although St. Kate's will be a team to keep your eye on with all the newcomers they have; particularly Jule Muegge. New Augsburg coach Bill McKee has a tough task ahead of him but if anyone can make Augsburg competitive again it's him.
Running a little late this year but I guess it's time I dust off the cobwebs on this board (since I'm about the only one posting up here anymore) and offer up my prognostications for the 2011-12 MIAC race:
The Title Contenders
UST & GAC
The talent that UST has amassed over the last few years is nothing short of amazing and, because of that, they'll have the inside track to both the regular season and tournament titles. They have Maggie Weiers who can simply dominate down low, an incredible sophomore in Taylor Young, and senior three point shooting Queen Ali Johnson plus a pretty capable backcourt duo of Kellie Ring and Carolyn Dienhart; not to mention a bench that's LOADED. Still, as good as this team is, they are not infalliable and their loss in the MIAC Championship Game at home to Concordia proved that. The one team that will challenge them for the title this year has to be GAC. They have one of the top two or three PGs in Colleen Ruane, a do-it-all senior in Molly Geske, a much, much improved Abby Rothenbuehler at the post, and, like UST, a bench that is absolutely LOADED. The Gusties will get tested early, though, with a roadie over to WIAC powerhouse UW-River Falls tomorrow night and a trip out to the Motherland to take on SCIAC opponents Redlands and Occidental.
Playoff Contenders
St. Olaf, CSB, Concordia, & Bethel
To me, St. Olaf is the team that makes the big jump this year into the elite group. They have the best PG in the conference, IMHO, in Mackenzie Wolter and a big front line that includes Erin Haglund and Elise Raney at the post position. On the downside, they are not deep and if their roster starts getting red crosses like my fantasy football team does, everything could go awry for them. Last year's senior-laden team CSB and defending MIAC Champ Concordia are both incredibly young this year although the Corn still has lanky 6'4" post Alexandra Lippert. I give Bethel the best chance to snare the 6th spot this season despite losing Scottie Moats who had to end her basketball career prematurely. They still have Taylor Sheley and a great defender in Kelly Swenson.
The Lurkers
Hamline, Macalester, & SMU
I have not seen Hamline's roster yet but they should be dangerous as always if not consistent. Macalester still has the Rene Sisters who can terrorize opponents from behind the arc and if anyone can squeeze the most out of a lemon, it's Macalester Head Coach Ellen Thompson. I have to say that including SMU in this group is somewhat generous given the fact that the coaching staff there doesn't even have ten years experience amongst them and also includes an assistant who is a media hack (cough cough....Willy Wonka) with an agenda. Still, SMU does have a very capable senior in Emily DeWitt plus an up-and-coming post in Courtney Euerle so they will have their moments.
The Cellar-Dwellers
Carleton, St. Kate's & Augsburg
I don't expect much from either one of these teams this year although St. Kate's will be a team to keep your eye on with all the newcomers they have; particularly Jule Muegge. New Augsburg coach Bill McKee has a tough task ahead of him but if anyone can make Augsburg competitive again it's him.
Wartburg vs Gustavus Scrimmage 11-12-11
Was in St. Peter Saturday afternoon to take in the scrimmage between Wartburg from the IIAC and the host Gustavus Adolphus Gusties of the MIAC. First, you'll have to excuse me for not being able to identify the Wartburg players. I did have a roster from their website - unfortunately, it had no numbers associated with the names. I have to admit that I think this is the first time I've been able to get a roster from a school website that didn't contain the numbers. Thanks a lot, Wartburg.
1st Scrimmage
In the first scrimmage, the Gusties line-up was as follows:
Colleen Ruane
Ava Perry
Molly Geske
Eli Benz
Abby Rothenbuehler
In this one, the Gusties got off to a very good start and showed a lot of intensity on both ends of the floor. Rothenbuehler got the Gusties on the board first with a jumper at the 18:18 mark and Ruane got a steal and lay-up the other way for a quick 4-0 lead by the 17:21 mark. A bit later, Geske connected from behind the arc for a 7-0 Gustie lead. The Gusties were able to bulge the lead to 12-2 when Rothenbuehler scored inside again at the 13:56 mark. Finally, the Knights were able to get untracked and make a run of their own. Wartburg's #1 connected with a "3" at the 11:35 mark and again at the 10:57 mark to cut the Gustie lead to 14-8. Then Wartburg's #34 muscled her way inside and finished at the 9:27 mark to trim the GAC lead to 14-10. Wartburg's #1 then got a lay-up at the 8:37 mark to make it a 14-12 game. Then it was time for a Gustie response. Perry scored off the glass at the 8:02 mark and then Geske connected with a medium-range jumper at the 7:09 mark. With 6:02 left, Rothenbuehler made a quick drive inside and finished to build it up to a 20-12 lead by the 6:02 mark.
Then the Knights came right back. After two Knight free throws, Wartburg's #33 made her presence known with "3's" at the 4:17 and 3:33 mark that suddenly tied this one at 20-all. Just when you thought that maybe the Gusties could have been had in this one, Rothenbuehler came to the rescue of her team quickly. She scored inside at the 3:15 mark and then free throws (one by Kelsey Florian and two more by Geske) would give the Gusties the cushion they needed to take the first scrimmage by a score of 25-22.
2nd Scrimmage
The second scrimmage would be a much tighter affair from start to finish. The Knights got on the board first when their big #34 muscled her way inside at the 19:15 mark for a 2-0 lead but GAC quickly countered with a "3" from Geske from the left corner. After a "3" by Wartburg's #1 at the 17:34 mark, Florian tied it at 6-all with her score at the 17:17 mark. The Gusties would build a slight lead at 12-8 after Geske scored inside at the 15:20 mark but the Knights came right back and regained the lead at 14-12 when their sharp-shooting #33 buried a "3" at exactly the 13:00 mark.
But then the Gusties came right back and decided that they could show off their three-point shooting skills as well. Perry knocked one down at the 12:30 mark and then Steph Comer followed suit at the 11:39 mark. Up-and-coming sophomore Britta Rinke then scored inside at the 10:19 mark and then Benz scored in transition with 8:44 left and the Gusties had their largest lead in this one at 22-14. But again, the Knights came right back. Wartburg's #33 AGAIN torched the Gustie defense with a "3" at the 8:33 mark and then Wartburg's #31 scored a lay-up which was then followed by a jumper by Wartburg's #30 to trim the GAC lead to 22-21. But the Gusties would never let the Knights get over the top down the stretch. Another move inside by Rothenbuehler at the 2:24 mark and with :36 left plus some key free throws enabled the Gusties to hang on once again; this time by a score of 29-26.
3rd Scrimmage
Like the first two scrimmages, this one was 20 minutes as well but it featured running time to help speed things along. And, unlike the first two, both teams had their young ones in for pretty much the whole time to see what they could do. Also, the Gusties dominated from start to finish. With the score tied at 2-all, Shelly Blashko nailed a "3" at the 16:37 mark to propel the Gusties on a 18-4 run and a 20-5 lead by the 4:25 mark. The small but spunky Blashko flourished in this one as did GAC's #32 (still don't know her name). GAC's Liz Shay and Whitney Novak were able to notch scores as the Gusties rolled in the final stanza of the day by a final count of 25-7.
1st Scrimmage
In the first scrimmage, the Gusties line-up was as follows:
Colleen Ruane
Ava Perry
Molly Geske
Eli Benz
Abby Rothenbuehler
In this one, the Gusties got off to a very good start and showed a lot of intensity on both ends of the floor. Rothenbuehler got the Gusties on the board first with a jumper at the 18:18 mark and Ruane got a steal and lay-up the other way for a quick 4-0 lead by the 17:21 mark. A bit later, Geske connected from behind the arc for a 7-0 Gustie lead. The Gusties were able to bulge the lead to 12-2 when Rothenbuehler scored inside again at the 13:56 mark. Finally, the Knights were able to get untracked and make a run of their own. Wartburg's #1 connected with a "3" at the 11:35 mark and again at the 10:57 mark to cut the Gustie lead to 14-8. Then Wartburg's #34 muscled her way inside and finished at the 9:27 mark to trim the GAC lead to 14-10. Wartburg's #1 then got a lay-up at the 8:37 mark to make it a 14-12 game. Then it was time for a Gustie response. Perry scored off the glass at the 8:02 mark and then Geske connected with a medium-range jumper at the 7:09 mark. With 6:02 left, Rothenbuehler made a quick drive inside and finished to build it up to a 20-12 lead by the 6:02 mark.
Then the Knights came right back. After two Knight free throws, Wartburg's #33 made her presence known with "3's" at the 4:17 and 3:33 mark that suddenly tied this one at 20-all. Just when you thought that maybe the Gusties could have been had in this one, Rothenbuehler came to the rescue of her team quickly. She scored inside at the 3:15 mark and then free throws (one by Kelsey Florian and two more by Geske) would give the Gusties the cushion they needed to take the first scrimmage by a score of 25-22.
2nd Scrimmage
The second scrimmage would be a much tighter affair from start to finish. The Knights got on the board first when their big #34 muscled her way inside at the 19:15 mark for a 2-0 lead but GAC quickly countered with a "3" from Geske from the left corner. After a "3" by Wartburg's #1 at the 17:34 mark, Florian tied it at 6-all with her score at the 17:17 mark. The Gusties would build a slight lead at 12-8 after Geske scored inside at the 15:20 mark but the Knights came right back and regained the lead at 14-12 when their sharp-shooting #33 buried a "3" at exactly the 13:00 mark.
But then the Gusties came right back and decided that they could show off their three-point shooting skills as well. Perry knocked one down at the 12:30 mark and then Steph Comer followed suit at the 11:39 mark. Up-and-coming sophomore Britta Rinke then scored inside at the 10:19 mark and then Benz scored in transition with 8:44 left and the Gusties had their largest lead in this one at 22-14. But again, the Knights came right back. Wartburg's #33 AGAIN torched the Gustie defense with a "3" at the 8:33 mark and then Wartburg's #31 scored a lay-up which was then followed by a jumper by Wartburg's #30 to trim the GAC lead to 22-21. But the Gusties would never let the Knights get over the top down the stretch. Another move inside by Rothenbuehler at the 2:24 mark and with :36 left plus some key free throws enabled the Gusties to hang on once again; this time by a score of 29-26.
3rd Scrimmage
Like the first two scrimmages, this one was 20 minutes as well but it featured running time to help speed things along. And, unlike the first two, both teams had their young ones in for pretty much the whole time to see what they could do. Also, the Gusties dominated from start to finish. With the score tied at 2-all, Shelly Blashko nailed a "3" at the 16:37 mark to propel the Gusties on a 18-4 run and a 20-5 lead by the 4:25 mark. The small but spunky Blashko flourished in this one as did GAC's #32 (still don't know her name). GAC's Liz Shay and Whitney Novak were able to notch scores as the Gusties rolled in the final stanza of the day by a final count of 25-7.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Concordia Tip-Off Classic Concordia St. Paul vs Regis 11-11-11
The feature show of this double-header at Gangelhoff Center was host Concordia St. Paul taking on Regis University out of Denver, Colorado. This one would stay close for the first five minutes or so. Regis' Tae'lor Purdy gave the Rangers a short-lived 5-2 lead at the 18:37 mark and senior forward Kari Ameline tied the game at 12-all at the 15:44 mark. But from then on, it was pretty much all Concordia St. Paul. as they went on a 20-6 run enroute to a 32-18 lead by the 5:02 mark as the big Golden Bear front line began wearing down a smaller Regis line-up. Regis junior Sarah Feeney scored off the glass with 3:31 left to try and stem the tide for the Rangers but the Golden Bears then made another push before the half behind athletic sophomores Carissa Wolyniec and Rachel Hanson that helped give the Golden Bears a commanding 45-20 halftime lead.
Both teams were sluggish offensively early on in the second half and Concordia committed some sloppy turnovers as well; much to the chagrin of sometimes volatile head coach Paul Fessler. But it didn't take long for the Golden Bears to get untracked. Freshman post Anika Whiting connected with a short jumper at the 17:56 mark and another super soph, Jodi Batzel, scored in transition at the 17:24 mark and the home team was well on their way. Ameling and Feeney would never let their Ranger teammates quit, however as Ameling scored back-to-back buckets at the 15:30 and 15:03 mark but the Golden Bear speed and size would prove too much as Concordia St. Paul built a 30-point lead by the 6:38 mark that would pretty much hold up down the stretch as the Golden Bears cruised to a 72-46 victory.
Both teams were sluggish offensively early on in the second half and Concordia committed some sloppy turnovers as well; much to the chagrin of sometimes volatile head coach Paul Fessler. But it didn't take long for the Golden Bears to get untracked. Freshman post Anika Whiting connected with a short jumper at the 17:56 mark and another super soph, Jodi Batzel, scored in transition at the 17:24 mark and the home team was well on their way. Ameling and Feeney would never let their Ranger teammates quit, however as Ameling scored back-to-back buckets at the 15:30 and 15:03 mark but the Golden Bear speed and size would prove too much as Concordia St. Paul built a 30-point lead by the 6:38 mark that would pretty much hold up down the stretch as the Golden Bears cruised to a 72-46 victory.
Concordia Tip-Off Classic - UC-Colorado Springs vs Winona State 11-11-11
Got over to Gangelhoff Center at Concordia St. Paul with about 5:13 left with UC-Colorado Springs leading and they were able to maintain that lead en route to a 24-21 haltime margin. Winona State looked out of synch offensively and their perimeter shooting was not clicking.
However, as the second half began, the Warriors would begin to cut into that narrow three-point deficit even more. Sophomore Darcy Rice made a lay-up at the 19:10 mark to trim the deficit to one and junior post Lizzie Naumann tied the issue at 27-all by the 13:45 mark. Winona State took the lead at the 12:02 mark when junior Abby Busch (younger sister of former St. Kate's standout Ashley Busch) connected with a short jumper and then redshirt junior Becca Friestleben swished a "3" at the 11:33 mark to give Winona State a 32-28 lead and it looked like the Warriors might take control of the game at that point.
But back came UC-Colorado Springs as they were able to quickly tie the issue at 32-all behind Sammi Gentile and Jessica Brown at the 10:33 mark. UC-Colorado Springs would build a 40-36 lead by the 6:55 mark but Winona State would be able to make one more push to briefly regain the lead by the 5:34 mark as senior Michelle McDonald connected with a jumper from the right baseline and sophomore Kelsey Andrist's "3". But sloppy ball-handling and turnovers would doom the NSIC favorites down the stretch. Jessica Brown gave UC-Colorado Springs the lead again at 42-41 and would eventually hang on with free throws for a final margin of 50-45 in something of an upset over Winona State.
However, as the second half began, the Warriors would begin to cut into that narrow three-point deficit even more. Sophomore Darcy Rice made a lay-up at the 19:10 mark to trim the deficit to one and junior post Lizzie Naumann tied the issue at 27-all by the 13:45 mark. Winona State took the lead at the 12:02 mark when junior Abby Busch (younger sister of former St. Kate's standout Ashley Busch) connected with a short jumper and then redshirt junior Becca Friestleben swished a "3" at the 11:33 mark to give Winona State a 32-28 lead and it looked like the Warriors might take control of the game at that point.
But back came UC-Colorado Springs as they were able to quickly tie the issue at 32-all behind Sammi Gentile and Jessica Brown at the 10:33 mark. UC-Colorado Springs would build a 40-36 lead by the 6:55 mark but Winona State would be able to make one more push to briefly regain the lead by the 5:34 mark as senior Michelle McDonald connected with a jumper from the right baseline and sophomore Kelsey Andrist's "3". But sloppy ball-handling and turnovers would doom the NSIC favorites down the stretch. Jessica Brown gave UC-Colorado Springs the lead again at 42-41 and would eventually hang on with free throws for a final margin of 50-45 in something of an upset over Winona State.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Northwestern vs St. Olaf Scrimmage 11-9-11
Was down in Northfield last night to catch the scrimmage between Northwestern and up-and-coming St. Olaf that proved to be very entertaining to watch. The Oles still have some injury issues they're dealing with - Elise Raney dislocated her knee (again) and likely won't return until sometime next month and Maddie Ehrich is still going through rehab following the ACL injury she suffered this last summer. Northwestern is going through the growing pains any young team would at the early stages of the season.
In the first scrimmage, both teams were quite even from a scoring standpoint as St. Olaf took a while to get untracked offensively. Erin Haglund got the Oles on the board first with a shot off the glass at the 18:38 mark but Northwestern's Mollie Sir came right back on the ensuing possession to tie things up at 2-all. Things would would stay very tight until the 15"43 mark when the Eagles were able to make a bit of a move. Senior Kristin Sczublewski put the Eagles up by one with a free throw and a 10-9 lead. Sir then connected with a jumper at the 14:23 mark. Freshman Chanel Madson hit a jumper at the 13:45 mark for a 14-11 lead then then hit one free throw a bit later to up the lead by one. The Eagles then banged home a "3" at the 12:32 mark for an 18-11 lead before the Oles finally woke up. Haglund hit a short jumper at the 12:19 mark and then junior PG Mackenzie Wolter then drove in for a lay-up and got fouled in the process and her obligatory free throw shot cut Northwestern's lead to 18-16. Junior Ashley Menzel tied the issue at 18 with her jumper along the left baseline at the 11:14 mark and then fellow junior Eileen O'Donoghue got a rebound and putback at the 10:44 mark for a 20-18 lead that the Oles would never relinquish. St. Olaf would have their way down low against an inexperienced Northwestern front line that enabled the Oles to go on a 23-9 run the rest of the way for the final margin of 43-29.
The second scrimmage was simply all St. Olaf as they continued their domination in the paint against a young Northwestern front line. Haglund and Menzel quickly got the Oles to a 4-0 lead in this one and O'Donoghue nailed a "3" at the 16:12 mark to help set the tone. The Oles were up 10-0 before Sczublewski finally connected for the Eagles at the 15:11 mark. Wolter than craftily split the Northwestern 2-3 zone defense with a drive and finish and got the freebie as well. Sophomore Addy Bates and junior Kirstee Rotty each connected with "3's" to balloon the lead to 19-4. But the person who stood out to me in this one was St. Olaf freshman Sheridan Blanford out of Aurora, Colorado. She showed what a monster she can be on the boards and she used her 5'11" frame to eat a ton of glass in this one. Sczublewski would never let her Eagle teammates quit but the Oles cruised to a 44-22 victory in this second 20-minute stanza.
The third scrimmage, also 20 minutes, differed from the first two as this featured running time to help speed things along. And, unlike the second scrimmage, this one would be a nail-biter. St. Olaf would build a 10-5 lead by the 14:49 mark but Northwestern sophomore Becca Kendrick showed what a slayer she can be behind the arc as she nailed a "3" with 13:42 left that cut the Oles lead to 10-8. The Oles would be able to build the lead back up to 17-10 when Menzel connected with a hook shot at the 8:41 mark but the Eagles then made their run fueled by a "3" from freshman Ashley Arneson at the 3:46 mark. With St. Olaf clinging to a 20-17 lead late, Arneson then drilled a "3" from the left wing with just 1:06 left to tie things up at 20-all. With just :09 left on the clock, the Oles, on their last possession got a layup for the final margin of 22-20.
In the first scrimmage, both teams were quite even from a scoring standpoint as St. Olaf took a while to get untracked offensively. Erin Haglund got the Oles on the board first with a shot off the glass at the 18:38 mark but Northwestern's Mollie Sir came right back on the ensuing possession to tie things up at 2-all. Things would would stay very tight until the 15"43 mark when the Eagles were able to make a bit of a move. Senior Kristin Sczublewski put the Eagles up by one with a free throw and a 10-9 lead. Sir then connected with a jumper at the 14:23 mark. Freshman Chanel Madson hit a jumper at the 13:45 mark for a 14-11 lead then then hit one free throw a bit later to up the lead by one. The Eagles then banged home a "3" at the 12:32 mark for an 18-11 lead before the Oles finally woke up. Haglund hit a short jumper at the 12:19 mark and then junior PG Mackenzie Wolter then drove in for a lay-up and got fouled in the process and her obligatory free throw shot cut Northwestern's lead to 18-16. Junior Ashley Menzel tied the issue at 18 with her jumper along the left baseline at the 11:14 mark and then fellow junior Eileen O'Donoghue got a rebound and putback at the 10:44 mark for a 20-18 lead that the Oles would never relinquish. St. Olaf would have their way down low against an inexperienced Northwestern front line that enabled the Oles to go on a 23-9 run the rest of the way for the final margin of 43-29.
The second scrimmage was simply all St. Olaf as they continued their domination in the paint against a young Northwestern front line. Haglund and Menzel quickly got the Oles to a 4-0 lead in this one and O'Donoghue nailed a "3" at the 16:12 mark to help set the tone. The Oles were up 10-0 before Sczublewski finally connected for the Eagles at the 15:11 mark. Wolter than craftily split the Northwestern 2-3 zone defense with a drive and finish and got the freebie as well. Sophomore Addy Bates and junior Kirstee Rotty each connected with "3's" to balloon the lead to 19-4. But the person who stood out to me in this one was St. Olaf freshman Sheridan Blanford out of Aurora, Colorado. She showed what a monster she can be on the boards and she used her 5'11" frame to eat a ton of glass in this one. Sczublewski would never let her Eagle teammates quit but the Oles cruised to a 44-22 victory in this second 20-minute stanza.
The third scrimmage, also 20 minutes, differed from the first two as this featured running time to help speed things along. And, unlike the second scrimmage, this one would be a nail-biter. St. Olaf would build a 10-5 lead by the 14:49 mark but Northwestern sophomore Becca Kendrick showed what a slayer she can be behind the arc as she nailed a "3" with 13:42 left that cut the Oles lead to 10-8. The Oles would be able to build the lead back up to 17-10 when Menzel connected with a hook shot at the 8:41 mark but the Eagles then made their run fueled by a "3" from freshman Ashley Arneson at the 3:46 mark. With St. Olaf clinging to a 20-17 lead late, Arneson then drilled a "3" from the left wing with just 1:06 left to tie things up at 20-all. With just :09 left on the clock, the Oles, on their last possession got a layup for the final margin of 22-20.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Anoka-Ramsey vs ARCC Alumni 11-5-11 11:00 A.M.
Made the trek up to Coon Rapids to take in the yearly alumni game between the current Anoka-Ramsey team and the alumni players from years past. When you think about some of the great teams this program has been able to produce over the years you wonder sometimes "what if" certain teams from certain years could somehow square off against one another in a sort of "dream team" match-up. It's always fun to speculate how such a match-up(s) might go and, in reality, this is probably as close as you could get.
Interestingly enough, it was the Alumni team that had the edge for a good portion of the first half. Despite the fact that Anoka-Ramsey drew first blood at the 17:58 mark, the Alumni got the lead at the 17:14 mark when former All-American and St. Kate's standout Sonja Ellingson drained a "3" from the top of the key. Both teams then struggled offensively over the next couple of minutes. Amanda Reh then upped the Alumni's lead to 4-2 with a shot from the charity strip at the 14:29 mark but then Anoka-Ramsey's Allison Ballstadt buried a "3" from the left wing at the 14:11 mark for a 5-4 Anoka-Ramsey lead. The Alumni's Marie Hanson, one of the starters from last year's Anoka-Ramsey National Championship team, put in a short jumper at the 12:06 mark as the Alumni regained the lead at 6-5. Then, at the 8:23 mark, Hanson swished one of her patented three-pointers from the right corner for an 11-8 Alumni lead. With the game still close, Hanson again showed why she should be playing basketball somewhere as she buried another "3" from the right corner at the 5:15 mark and a 16-13 lead. But Anoka-Ramsey came right back with a "3" of their own at the 4:25 mark to tie things up at 16-all. The Alumni's Carrie Roline had a chance to give the Alumni the lead again at the 4:07 mark but missed two freebies at the charity stripe. Then, at the 3:21 mark, Anoka-Ramsey would take the lead for good on a short jumper and allowed only one other Alumni field goal down the rest of the first half stretch as Anoka-Ramsey held a 25-19 lead.
Anoka-Ramsey stretched the lead to 27-19 early on in the second half on a transition basket but the Alumni made something of a charge behind Roline two baskets at the 19:02 and 18:23 mark to whittle Anoka-Ramsey's lead down to 27-23. But just when you thought that maybe the Alumni team had a run in them, Anoka-Ramsey proceeded to go on a 14-5 run that enabled the young ones to hold a 43-28 cushion by the 10:28 mark. While they never quit, the Alumni was never able to cut the Anoka-Ramsey lead down to single digits though both Ellingson and Reh had some good moments in the second half. Anoka-Ramsey would come out in front in this fun battle by a very respectable score of 60-44.
After watching one practice and one "game", you have to think that this current version of Anoka-Ramsey has the goods to be a conference title contender certainly. Even Head Coach David DeWitt admitted that this is the best team he's ever had - at least from a purely athletic standpoint. And he's got some new players on the team that can just wow you with their athleticism. Still, on some fronts, I think it's something of a work in progress for this group; i.e., getting everybody on the same page chemistry-wise and getting the new freshmen to buy into DeWitt's tough defensive philosophy. From a pure shooting standpoint, they don't have someone like Stephanie Pilgrim (now with Hamline) or Hanson that can really be a consistent threat from behind the arc. They'll have their share of easy victories against lesser opponents but I will be curious to see how they fare against a team with some true height down low.
Interestingly enough, it was the Alumni team that had the edge for a good portion of the first half. Despite the fact that Anoka-Ramsey drew first blood at the 17:58 mark, the Alumni got the lead at the 17:14 mark when former All-American and St. Kate's standout Sonja Ellingson drained a "3" from the top of the key. Both teams then struggled offensively over the next couple of minutes. Amanda Reh then upped the Alumni's lead to 4-2 with a shot from the charity strip at the 14:29 mark but then Anoka-Ramsey's Allison Ballstadt buried a "3" from the left wing at the 14:11 mark for a 5-4 Anoka-Ramsey lead. The Alumni's Marie Hanson, one of the starters from last year's Anoka-Ramsey National Championship team, put in a short jumper at the 12:06 mark as the Alumni regained the lead at 6-5. Then, at the 8:23 mark, Hanson swished one of her patented three-pointers from the right corner for an 11-8 Alumni lead. With the game still close, Hanson again showed why she should be playing basketball somewhere as she buried another "3" from the right corner at the 5:15 mark and a 16-13 lead. But Anoka-Ramsey came right back with a "3" of their own at the 4:25 mark to tie things up at 16-all. The Alumni's Carrie Roline had a chance to give the Alumni the lead again at the 4:07 mark but missed two freebies at the charity stripe. Then, at the 3:21 mark, Anoka-Ramsey would take the lead for good on a short jumper and allowed only one other Alumni field goal down the rest of the first half stretch as Anoka-Ramsey held a 25-19 lead.
Anoka-Ramsey stretched the lead to 27-19 early on in the second half on a transition basket but the Alumni made something of a charge behind Roline two baskets at the 19:02 and 18:23 mark to whittle Anoka-Ramsey's lead down to 27-23. But just when you thought that maybe the Alumni team had a run in them, Anoka-Ramsey proceeded to go on a 14-5 run that enabled the young ones to hold a 43-28 cushion by the 10:28 mark. While they never quit, the Alumni was never able to cut the Anoka-Ramsey lead down to single digits though both Ellingson and Reh had some good moments in the second half. Anoka-Ramsey would come out in front in this fun battle by a very respectable score of 60-44.
After watching one practice and one "game", you have to think that this current version of Anoka-Ramsey has the goods to be a conference title contender certainly. Even Head Coach David DeWitt admitted that this is the best team he's ever had - at least from a purely athletic standpoint. And he's got some new players on the team that can just wow you with their athleticism. Still, on some fronts, I think it's something of a work in progress for this group; i.e., getting everybody on the same page chemistry-wise and getting the new freshmen to buy into DeWitt's tough defensive philosophy. From a pure shooting standpoint, they don't have someone like Stephanie Pilgrim (now with Hamline) or Hanson that can really be a consistent threat from behind the arc. They'll have their share of easy victories against lesser opponents but I will be curious to see how they fare against a team with some true height down low.
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