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!
Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, January 23, 2011
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!"
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