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.